A WOMAN LIKE YOU

~ A WOMAN LIKE YOU ~
#2 in The Woman I Love series
by G. S. Binkley

Disclaimer:
Sexual Content: F/F partners
Code:
L: Love between two people with kisses, embraces and tender moments.
LS: Love scenes described in more detail, involving scenes of lovemaking.
ES: Explicit love scenes.
· This story is rated: LS Though at times it flirts perilously close to ES
· Fiction (Alternative)

This is copyrighted material, ă 2001 Binkley…all rights reserved. It may be reproduced, duplicated or printed for personal use only. For all other uses, please contact xxgsb@hotmail.com

A WOMAN LIKE YOU

The Woman I Love Series
Story #2

written by

G. S. Binkley
XXGSB@hotmail.com

ă 2001 Binkley

Chapter One

Lacy Levine felt the rising steam from the hot water encase her, drowning her long naked frame in a bath of pure pleasure. Soapy hands glided over her body, lingering, tantalizing, every inch as Lacy fell blissfully into the familiar touch. When two determined hands twisted the young woman around, green met blue in a flash of recognition that shot straight through the heart and into the soul. "You want me?"

Hungry lips crushed willing ones. "Mmmmmmm. Yes."

"You love me?" Lacy husked.

Smothering the tall woman with kisses, Gage Ballant smiled seductively. "You are the quintessential actor, an international celebrity….."

In between heated kisses stealing the breath from her, Lacy barely countered. "I don't like that word."

Silencing the woman in her arms, Gage continued. "… a world class woman and, you are beautiful, sexy, wonderful….." Gage brushed an eager tongue against Lacy's lower lip. "…a great mother, kind, generous and, well, perfect in every way. Who wouldn't love a woman like you?"

"The question is….. who better?" Lacy flashed her piercing blue eyes commanding her lover to, well, love her.

And Gage did just that embarking on a journey she hoped to take a million times over. The blonde haired woman wrapped her arms around Lacy, pulling her closer. Their two bodies met in an exotic dance as they glided against each other exploring, claiming, conquering, capturing every sensation in their rapturous lovemaking.

Gage left a trail of light kisses down the star's long neck, paused momentarily at her collarbone as she sucked lightly then proceeded lower. As the blonde opened hungry lips to capture the perfect breast before her, Lacy whispered seductively. "I want to play Jordan."

Stymied momentarily by that statement, Gage felt Lacy press against her closing the short distance between them as the older woman willingly accepted the proffered nipple. Trying desperately to decipher Lacy's statement, Gage continued to suckle the delectable mound. "What do you mean 'play Jordan'? Is this some kind of se….." Even the writer in Gage couldn't spit out the word so she skipped straight ahead to the next one. "….. game? Do we have to dress the part?"

A delicious laugh escaped Lacy, vibrating her body against her lover. "No, I mean in your screenplay 'Here Comes Jordan'." Busy hands kept Lacy slightly off balanced as she struggled to stand. Since Gage was the one causing these dizzying sensations, Lacy figured her lover should be the one to correct it so she wrapped her long legs around Gage's waist. When she did, Gage pinned her up against the shower wall.

"Mmmm. I don't know about that. I'm sure there are lots of good actresses who will want to play the part."

"What can I do to prove to you…..it belongs to me?" Lacy lifted the blonde head that had been happily anchored at its port, sucking away. Disappointment in green eyes melted immediately when Gage recognized that familiar seductive look Lacy harbored only for her. "That you belong to me." Lacy finished.

Caught in the sensual trance, Gage wiggled her eyebrows. "Have you ever heard of a screen test?"

"I think you mean the casting couch?"

"Now, that you brought it up." Gage smiled enthusiastically.

Lacy looked down both their bodies then met Gage's waiting green eyes again. "I don't think I could get anymore naked than I am now."

"Darn, and not a couch in sight." Gage laughed against smooth, silky water beaded skin.

"Then whatever will we do?" Lacy teased.

"Anything." Gage dropped her voice to a whisper. "Everything."

Several hours later, satiated, they had begun the journey of doing everything with and to each other that would last a lifetime and beyond.

************************
In the silence of the night, Lacy felt Gage sigh deeply as she lay against her chest. But, it was her lover's heartbeat thumping faster than usual that concerned her. The raven-haired woman looked up gazing on the soft features of her lover highlighted by a stream of moonlight peeping its way through the window. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Gage smiled back at her partner then gently stroked Lacy's face. "Nothing. Not really."

"I know we haven't known each other for that long….what's bothering you?" Lacy returned her head to rest on the chest below her. Feeling Gage suck in a deep breath, Lacy beseeched her. "Please tell me."

"I was just thinking….." Another deep breath. "About us."

Lacy quickly shifted up to lay beside Gage so she could look into her lover's eyes. Facing each other as they laid on their sides, Lacy hesitantly asked. "Everything's okay with us, right? I mean…."

Gage silenced the beautiful woman beside her with a sweet kiss. "I was thinking that… how it's just been us and the kids for the last few weeks and…well, now we have to let the outside world in."

"I know." Lacy agreed somberly.

"I hadn't thought about it much, but we're from two different worlds really. I…..I….." Gage stumbled with her words.

"Go on. Tell me."

"I…. I don't do fancy well." Gage admitted, dropping her eyelids down in an attempt to shield her discomfort.

"What do you mean 'fancy'?" Lacy was very intrigued now.

"Lacy, what I said earlier is true." Shyly meeting concerned blue eyes. "You are a woman of the world….world class. You're the kind of woman that could stroll gracefully through any walk of life as if you owned it. And you would." Gage finally allowed a small smile to accentuate the truth of her words. "I… I'm not sure how I'll fit in…. in your world."

"Sweetheart, you are my world." Lacy lifted the down turned chin of her partner and sealed her affirmation with a gentle kiss. "Well, you and the kids."

Gage smiled warmly. Yes, who could forget the astoundingly precocious
Dani and the delectable munchkin Derek. "I guess I'm worried about meeting your family and…."

Lacy quickly interrupted. "I should have asked before I told my mother that I'd bring you with us."

"It's okay, really. It's just…." Gage took a moment to formulate her next words. "….what are they going to think? About you and David breaking up and to top it off….having someone new in your life already. Not even being divorced yet."

Lacy sighed. "Mom figured out a long time ago that David and I were having problems especially since I chose to quit the show." Her producer husband had grand plans to continue the highly successful cop show, CRACKDOWN, for at least two more years when Lacy stunned everyone by announcing that at the end of the sixth season she would be quitting to concentrate on her family. This wasn't the only rip in the seam of their shaky marriage, but it was the one that destroyed the very fabric of their lives.

"Do they like David?"

"Yes, somewhat…. I guess. But over the years they realized how success driven he was and how it affected our family. So, they'll take it okay. It won't be near like the time I divorced my first husband. Now, that created an uproar."

Gage shifted up, propping herself on her elbow. "They liked him that much, huh?"

Lacy eased over lying more on her back now. "Jason was and is my older brother's best friend."

"Denny?" Gage quizzed.

"No, Hank. The one that played the trick on me in that cave." Lacy said allowing a dark memory to rise.

Astutely, Gage recognized where Lacy's mind had traveled. Just recently her daughter, Dani, shared the same experience of being lost in the very same cave Lacy had when she was a teenager. Gage pulled her lover close, wrapping her arms around her then the blonde jacked her leg over Lacy securely.

"Anyway, everyone thought we were a match made in heaven and being a Catholic family…… you get the picture." Lacy let out a disturbed breath. "Lisa, my sister, was really irate. But, I think that was because she had a crush on Jason. For a long time, I think some of them wished that'd we'd get back together eventually."

Gage frowned. "And when I show up?"

Lacy looked deeply into desperate green eyes. "They will love you just like I do. Anyway, it only matters what the kids and I think since we're the ones that are going to have to put up with you."

"Put up with me?" Gage let out a mock exasperated sigh. "The second day you arrived here I was the one who had to put you and the kids up after the break in at your cabin." Gage allowed a wide grin. "And it was my pleasure."

Lacy shifted closer. "It became both our pleasures."

Remembering the handsome deputy sheriff taking way too much interest in the television star as he interviewed her after the break in, Gage sarcastically spewed out. "After the way that deputy sheriff was fawning all over you. 'Can I take you to a hotel, Mrs. Levine? Can I leer at your legs, touch your sexy body'. You'd have thought that he was devouring you right there on the spot."

"Jealous?" Lacy caught a mischievous look cross Gage's face. "I know, I know, you don't have green eyes for nothing." A small chuckle escaped before turning serious then Lacy continued. "Now, tell me what you mean when you say 'fancy'?"

"Back to that, huh?" Gage shifted slightly while still stroking Lacy's firm stomach. "You know, all those fancy type parties you go to. World premieres….. award shows. The whole movie star gamut."

"Is that all? I thought you were worried about how my family will take us… two females together." Lacy slung the erroneous social stigma out into the open fresh from the closet.

"Yeah, then there's that, too." Gage confirmed. "Lacy, I am who I am. I don't ever want to shame you or embarrass you in front of your family or in your world." Gage pulled her lover onto her side gazing deeply into the bluest eyes she'd every seen. "I would die for you. More than that I would live for you. But most of all, I would change for you, Lacy. Just….it may take some time though."

"Sweetheart, listen to me, I love you just the way you are." Lacy gently kissed her partner in an attempt to quell Gage's valid concerns about their future even though the younger woman silently admitted that the challenges they were facing would test their love.

Hungry to believe Lacy's reassuring words, Gage slipped on top of her partner coming to rest between the star's legs. "Let me love you… please. I need…. I need to feel so much….."

Before another word was spoken, Lacy snared her lover's mouth, devouring it in a battle that erupted the smoldering flames raging just below the surface in both women. Before dawn greeted them, Lacy and Gage traversed the heavens in a dance of lovemaking unequalled thus far in their relationship soothing their troubled minds.

***********************
The early morning sun brought along with it an early riser. Dani poked and prodded her three-year-old brother, Derek, out of his peaceful sleep. "Come on, Derek. This is our last day here and we got lots to do. Then we're going to grandma and grandpas for my birthday. Don't you want to see them?" She pursed her lips when her brother wouldn't move. "Fine, we'll do it the hard way."

Dragging her sleepy brother behind her, Dani found her mother and Gage in their bedroom packing some bags as they prepared for their departure. Derek perked up when he saw his hero. "Jage." Derek ran to her, jumping into his very own safety net. Gage dropped the bag in her hand just in time to catch the little daredevil.

"I've gotcha." Falling on the bed, secure in Gage's arms, Derek laughed.

"Got you." Derek countered then preceded to tickle her.

"Hey." Gage protested.

Dani jumped on the bed. "Here we go again. Come on, mom."

Tossing their clothes aside, Lacy joined her family on the huge bed. In the midst of their tickle fest, once again, Lacy found herself at the bottom of the pile being mercilessly assaulted. She let out a loud squeal leaving Derek smiling at his mother's predicament while Dani scooted away when her mother retaliated. But, Gage swiftly put a stop to the counter attack capturing Lacy's lips in a sweet and gentle kiss.

"Jeez, do you two always have to do that?" Dani inquired while Derek giggled. Then an interesting thought popped into the eight-year-old's head. "Do you think Daddy will be there for my birthday?"

Breaking the kiss hastily and staring into each other's eyes, both Lacy and Gage silently shared the same thought. Great, I didn't even think about that.

Chapter Two

The morning before Lacy, Gage and kids left the cabin on the lake en route to Lacy's parents house Dani insisted on one last boat ride around the lake. She also carefully packed away her rock collection. Derek just enjoyed being with the people he loved most in life.

The six-hour trip to Lacy's childhood home was uneventful. When they finally arrived early that evening, they were met by Lynn and Daniel Lewis.

Dani jumped into her grandfather's arms. "Grandpa, did you get a birthday present for me yet?" Barely containing her excitement.

Lacy hugged her mother. "Hi, mom."

Eyeing her oldest daughter carefully, Lynn observed. "Honey, you look great. I'm glad."

"You too, mom." Lacy then greeted her father. "Dad. I've missed you."

Before Daniel wrapped his arms around his daughter, he let Dani slip to the ground then the young girl quickly circled her grandmother's waist. Daniel squeezed Lacy tightly. "It's been a long time, young lady."

"I know." Lacy admitted.

"You're here now and that's all that matters." Easing up on his hold, he looked straight into her blue eyes that matched his own. "I love you. And, we'll always be here for you." He whispered before turning his attention to the blonde woman holding his grandson.

"Oh, mom, dad, this is Gage Ballant." Lacy stood next to her partner as Gage shook both their hands.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you." Gage greeted them anxiously. After a brief exchange, Lynn noticed Derek clinging to the blonde as he ducked his head away yet shifted his eyes to the older couple shyly.

"Oh, my, he has grown." Lynn raved. When she reached for him, Derek squirmed closer to Gage. The grandmother's face could not veil her disappointment. "Okay then, why don't we sit down and….. have you eaten yet?"

Lacy grabbed her mother's arm then whispered to her as they walked into the living room. "Give him a little time, he'll open up." Then she leaned down planting a quick kiss on her mother's cheek.

Lynn and Dan sat in the two easy chairs directly across from their company as Lacy, Gage and the kids settled on the couch. Before another word was spoken, an excited Nathan Lewis bounded in the room. "Hey, whose car's outside?" Upon spotting his sister, Nathan immediately extended his arms. "Lacy, come here." Which she did.

"Nate. I didn't expect to see you here tonight." Lacy stated, looking up at her slightly taller brother.

Still holding her closely, he whispered. "I've moved back in. Didn't mom tell you?"

"No, she didn't." Lacy suspiciously eyed her mother.

"After college I was going to get an apartment but…. well, mom's always got food. You know how good she cooks." He laughed, letting go of Lacy. "And, who do we have here?" Nate turned his attention to the rest of the group patiently waiting on the couch. "How's my favorite fishing partner?"

Dani crossed her arms stubbornly refusing to move from her seat. "Did you get me a birthday present?" She hurriedly threw a glance toward her grandfather. "He… wouldn't say."

Nate cocked his hands on his hips. "Yes, I did. But, if I don't get a hug pretty darn quick here, I guess it will have to stay hidden."

Never one to miss an opportunity, Dani flew off the couch. "Then I'm doing fine. Where is it?" Dani latched on to her favorite uncle.

As Gage watched the scene unfold, she rose up with Derek still in her arms, sucking in a deep breath to steel her nerves upon meeting more of Lacy's family. Having no family of her own before finding Lacy and the kids, Gage felt uneasy in this kind of domestic situation.

"No, I'm not going to tell you." Nate tapped her nose. "You're welcome to search the place."

"Okay, I will. And, I'll take Derek with me, too. So, I'm sure to find it before Friday." Everyone in the family knew if something were to be found, Derek would be the one to do it. He had a natural instinct for recovering hidden articles. They were all well versed with the story of Derek finding the 'battery holder'.

"Nate, I'd like you to meet Gage." Lacy said then turned to her partner. "This is my brother."

Gage shook Nate's extended hand. "Hi." The young man's perplexed look solicited the all-important unasked question. "I'm a writer." Gage offered, not sure what to say at this point. Lacy and Gage shared the identical thought. I can't believe we didn't discuss this.

"Oh, you work together." Nate surmised. "It's great to meet you. I'd love to read something you wrote." The young handsome man stood there oblivious to what everyone else in the room knew about Lacy and Gage's relationship.

Lacy shot a quick look to her mother for confirmation and when Lynn shrugged, she knew that the rest of the family was unaware of the situation.

Sensing the uneasiness in the air, Gage shifted Derek around to meet his uncle. "Derek?" Even before she finished speaking his name, Derek vaulted into his uncle's arms.

"Come here, you little scallywag." Nate tossed the young boy up in the air a couple of times causing him to giggle before wrapping strong arms around his nephew.

Surprised by Derek's outgoing reception toward his uncle, Gage glanced at Lacy. Leaning in closer, she whispered. "We haven't seen my parents in a year, but Nate came out to see us a couple of months ago. He'd visit quite a lot when he could."

"So, how long you gonna be here?" Nate asked.

Their mother jumped into the conversation. "At least through the weekend. Friday's Dani's birthday and I planned a family barbeque on Saturday." Lynn looked at her daughter hopefully.

"If you'll have us, we're planning to stay till next Tuesday." Lacy pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Then I got a movie starting in few weeks and need to get back to LA."

"A week it is then." Lynn's words held just a tinge of disappointment about the short stay bringing with it an awkward cool front permeate the room carrying a heavy weight of discomfort with no one knowing what to say next.

After few long moments passed, Gage spoke up. "Why don't I get the bags?"

Nate handed Derek to his mother. Smiling brightly, he turned to the blonde. "I'll help."

As they walked away, Gage and Nate heard Daniel tease his granddaughter while scratching the back of his head. "Now, where did I leave that present of yours?"

Dani grabbed his big hand and pulled him from the room. "I bet it's in the workshop. Come on." The eight year old then grabbed for her brother's tiny hand. "You're coming with us." Derek happily toddled along behind his sister.

Leaving mother and daughter alone, Lynn explained. "I… only told your father. I didn't know what you wanted me to say… you know, about…. it."

"It's okay, mom. Quite frankly…." Lacy expelled a heavy sigh, nervously playing with the gold mariner necklace strung around her neck. It was the necklace Gage gave her at the lake in a declaration of love. "We have a couple of days before the whole family shows up. I'll talk with Gage about it later."

"You love her, don't you?" Lacy nodded. "It shows. We…. your father and I worry about you."

"I know." Lacy hugged her mother ferociously. She needed to feel her childhood pillar of strength that always safely harbored her when she was younger. Noticing the latest book by Ballantine on the end table, Lacy picked it up.

"Go ahead take it. I've read it already. I know it's your favorite author." Lynn offered.

Lacy smiled. I have a new favorite author now.

************************
Gage followed Nate up the stairs both carrying bags in each hand. "In here." He motioned to one of the three bedroom doors in the hallway. "This is Lacy and Lisa's old room." Then he pointed further down the hallway. "I'm in there."

Gage caught the playful smile Nate offered her that held a smidgen of interest. If she didn't know better, Gage would have deduced that the young man standing before her allowed a brief, but lascivious thought run through his head. The observant writer eyed the young man carefully. Taller than Lacy by at least two inches, he was quite handsome in a charming way with sparklingly sky blue eyes and short ash blonde hair. "How old are you anyway?"

"Twenty-three. But, I'm very mature for my age. Ask Lacy." Nate crunched his eyebrows together. "On second thought, don't. To her, I'm still her baby brother."

After they deposited the bags on the bed, the two bellhops were on their way for the rest of the luggage. Nate offered to take the remaining bags upstairs so Gage wandered back in the living room just in time to hear Dani proclaim to the world excitedly. "I found one of them." Holding the present high in the air away from Derek who, true to his nature, was the one to discovery it under the workbench in their grandfather's garage that doubled for a workshop.

"But, you can't….." Her grandfather started.

And Dani continued. "Open it till Friday…." Dropping her voice, she finished her sentence. "Unless I find a way to convince you." The mischievous smirk on her face told everyone in the room that the little girl's mind was scheming profusely.

The long drive and late evening brought a loud yawn from the littlest member of the group as he wobbled toward his hero, yanking at her jeans. "Jage."

Dropping down to retrieve him, Gage lifted him up in her arms then brushed back a bit of his short dark hair. His eyelids desperately tried to stay open struggling against sleep, yet losing ground with each passing moment.

"It's getting late. Maybe we should…" Lacy let her words plummet in quite understanding.

"Of course, you've been on the road all day." Lynn was about to continue after taking another breath, but stopped abruptly when a thought dawned on her like a bolt of lighting then said absent-mindedly. "Where are you all going to sleep?"

Lacy suggested. "I was thinking my old room unless Nate….."

"No, no. Nate's in the boy's old room upstairs." The fifty-five year old mother pondered desperately at the tentative predicament. "We do have Denny's old room in the basement."

"Honey, that's slowly over the years filled with junk I could never get you to throw away." Dan countered.

Lynn shot her husband an annoyed look. "Maybe we could…"

"Mom, we'll be fine in my old bedroom." Lacy assured her though she didn't miss the questioning and slightly uncomfortable look her mother and father shared and neither did Gage.

"It might be better if I got a hotel room." Gage offered although it was the last thing on her mind. With that statement, she received a shocked look from her partner. Back peddling fast, Gage tried to make up for her mistake. "I'm sure the room in the basement would be fine."

As a dark cloud loomed surrounding the sleeping arrangements, Dani piped up offering a simple sunny solution to a problem that didn't exist for her. "What's the big deal? We'll stay in mom's old room. We sleep together all the time." She didn't understand the perplexing looks pasted on the rest of their faces.

Dani's statement left Lacy's parents a bit stunned so much so that they didn't hear the telephone ring. So, in another weak attempt Gage once again stated. "The basement room will be fine really."

Before either Lynn or Dan could reply, Lacy boldly stated. "No." Pulling Gage closer, she capped the discussion. "We're staying in my room. All of us."

That finalized, Nate reappeared. "Mom, Lisa's on the phone." He walked further in the room as his mother passed him.

"Lacy, Gage, I'll see you in the morning then." Lynn smiled reassuringly to her oldest girl in quiet acceptance of her daughter's decision then she nodded to her husband with a silent command to follow.

Dan leaned in, kissing his daughter then grandchildren before he obediently followed his wife out the door. "Goodnight."

"What was that all about?" Nate asked suspiciously.

Lacy ignored him. "Lisa's on the phone, huh? Is she still having trouble with her boyfriend?"

"Same old same old." Nate knew Gage was uninformed about his sister's troubles so he attempted to fill her in. "He's a loser if you ask me. A real jerk. Of course, nobody's good enough for my sisters." Nate missed that he was now treading dangerously in shark-infested waters since he didn't see the exasperated look on Lacy's face.

Lacy knew Nate was actually referring to her soon to be ex-husband, David, but Gage could easily misinterpret his words to mean her so the older sibling cut her brother's forth-coming dissertation short. "Gage, could you take the kids up to bed for me? I'd like to talk with my brother."

"Sure." Gage gathered the children and off they went to bed.

Immensely concerned about his sister's sudden sullen demeanor and thinking he'd said too much regarding their family, Nate offered an apology. "Sorry, I didn't know you didn't want Gage to know about family stuff. I figured you two were good friends and…."

Lacy assured her brother. "We are. Very good friends. Nate, Gage is my best friend." The older sibling wrapped her hand around his arm leading him out the door and up the stairs. "We're very close, you see."

Clasping his hand over hers as they reached to top of the stairs, he smiled and cocked his head slightly. "I'm glad because she's kinda cute and I do like blondes."

Shocked, Lacy stared open-mouthed at her brother.

"Hey, you know I've always liked older women." Nate waggled his eyebrows.

Nate ventured deeper down the hallway to his sister's door when Lacy swung her brother back around. "Nate." The older sibling's voice brooked no misunderstanding. "She's mine."

Astonished, Nate swallowed hard at his sister's very possessive news. Pursed lips slowly broke into a smile that spread across his face, which eased his sister's mind. "Well, at least, we get to keep her in the family." Retracting his bid for the blonde, Nate pulled his sister further down the hall. "So, David's out of the picture. Bout time."

Chapter Three

When Dani woke the next morning, the first thing she observed was her mother staring intently at the oldest and youngest occupants. "Do you think they're ever gonna be early risers like us mom?"

Shaking her head lovingly at Gage and Derek as they slept peacefully, Lacy said. "No."

"Good. Then we can have some alone time." Dani advocated. Concerned about her daughter's statement, Lacy reached over stroking Dani's smooth cheek as her daughter further explained. "Yeah, I thought we could talk about some girl stuff. Like letting me get my ears pierced."

"Dani!" It was a subject mother and daughter volleyed back and forth for a year now ever since the young girl's father said off-handedly that it was up to Dani to decide what she wanted to do.

"Mooooom." The young girl whined. "Please."

"I don't even have my ears pierced." Lacy argued. She wasn't completely opposed to the idea. Lacy wanted her daughter to wait a few more years before deciding on the matter like her mother allowed her when she turned thirteen.

"I know." She cocked her head to the side. "And, don't you think that's weird?" Dani ended the quest upon seeing the irritated look her mother was giving her. "Okay, we'll talk about other girl stuff." Nodding at the sleeping dual, Dani continued. "They don't like it when we do."

A small chuckle escaped before Lacy affirmed her daughter's statement. "No, they certainly don't pay attention, do they?" Then an idea popped in her head bringing with it a playful smirk.

Obviously on the same wavelength as her mother, Dani suggested. "Tickle fight?"

A smile of approval sprung up on her mother's face. But, before Dani initiated the fray, Lacy stopped her. "Dani, this time you're on my side…. we girls have to stick together." Lacy offered her hand in a high five, which Dani slapped in return before she pounced on Gage.

In no time at all, Gage was under attack by the three predators, tickling her mercilessly. Even Derek who generally sided with his hero laughed happily as his tiny little fingers found refuge in a particularly sensitive spot behind Gage's ear. "Derek, you're supposed to be on my side." Gage's counterfeit protest only caused the young boy to giggle harder.

"You can't get up." Dani taunted.

For the first time ever in the many tickle fights they shared, Gage was on the bottom and she was having none of it. "Oh, yes, I can." Garnering her last bit of energy, Gage pushed up.

"Mom!" Dani yelled.

Gage's ascent was promptly deflated when Lacy straddled her partner, securing her in place.

Dani couldn't resist the predicament Gage was in. "Thought you could get up."

Her face flushed and feeling exhausted upon being assaulted by the trio, Gage pushed her hands through the multiple limbs coming to rest on Lacy's thighs. Gage ran her hands teasingly up Lacy's bare legs to her hips echoing in her partner a shiver that erupted in a loud scream.

It was that same shrieking scream that stopped Lynn stone cold in the hallway as she passed her daughter's door, which was slightly ajar. Rushing in Lacy's bedroom, the scene that played out before Lynn's eyes locked on her daughter saddled on top of Gage with her grandchildren situated on either side of the blonde.

Shocked and relieved at the same time, Lynn's face ran the gamut of emotions, letting out a loud gasp of her own. Gage's head popped up at the same time Lacy and the kids turned toward the door. With one hand over her mouth, Lynn apologized. "Sorry, I thought…." Stumbling desperately to string together a simple explanation, she continued. "I… I don't know what I thought. Never mind."

Lacy caught up with her mom before she rushed out the door. "Mom?" The younger woman walked her mother out into the hallway. "We were just playing."

"Honey, you don't have to explain… really." Lynn took a deep breath to regain her composure. "I heard a scream and….."

Lacy sucked in a deep breath herself in attempt to steady her balance. All of a sudden, she felt weak and sick to her stomach.

Lynn watched as her daughter's face paled. "Come on." Leading her daughter to the bathroom. They made it just in time for Lacy to relieve her empty stomach then drop to the edge of the bathtub. Her mother promptly wet a washcloth applying it to Lacy's face. "You okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Fingering the gold necklace around her neck, Lacy closed her eyes taking several calming breaths. "Really. I got dizzy there for a moment." Her mother's arched eyebrow insisted on more information. "Guess I didn't eat as much as I should have yesterday."

"Mmmmm hmmm." Lynn was unconvinced.

"You know, I don't eat when I travel." Lacy's vain endeavor didn't persuade either one of them. "Mom, we need to talk."

************************
When Lacy returned to her room, Gage was helping Derek get dressed while Dani was ready to go. Crossing the room to her partner, the dark haired woman gave Gage a quick kiss then Lacy draped her arm across the other woman's shoulder pulling her in for a hug. "Sweetheart, will you get the kids breakfast? I'd like to talk with my mom…. about us."

"I'm in trouble?" Gage patted Derek's bottom nudging him forward toward his sister who intently studied the wrapped present her grandfather gave her. Gage turned fully around searching the warm blue eyes that greeted her. "Are you okay? You look a little pale."

Dropping her head on the blonde's shoulder, Lacy nodded. "No, you're not in trouble. I think my mom's concerned about us sleeping together….…"

"Should I leave?"

"No!" Lacy declared adamantly, letting a sigh escape. "When Dani said we all slept together all the time…. I think she got the wrong impression."

"Oh." Then it dawned on Gage. "Ooooh!" Checking to see if the bedroom door was closed first, Gage leaned in for a real good morning kiss before getting up. "Take your time… the kids and I will find something to do." She spotted Dani shaking her gift in frustration. "Come on, guys. Who wants breakfast?"

************************
"I'm sorry, honey. Your father and I didn't know what to think when Dani said….." Lynn patted her oldest daughter's hand.

"I know. I should have explained last night. After the break in at the cabin, Gage let us stay with her… with the storm that night and then Gage telling the kids a bedtime story we….. ended up in the same bed for a few nights." Lacy knew her mother wasn't the type to demand an explanation, but respected the fact that they were staying under her parent's roof. "I thought maybe you were upset about Gage and me."

"You worry too much. I do know a few things about love and what happens between two people. That wasn't it at all though I must admit I hadn't given a thought to the sleeping arrangements. And, I don't want you to get hurt." Lynn rattled off rapidly.

Lacy asked the uneasy question. "Who are you worried about hurting me… Gage or other people?"

"Both." Lynn spoke directly. "I must admit."

"Don't worry about Gage then. She loves me more than I….." Lacy let her words falter then concluded. "As far as others are concerned, I'm a big girl. My only concern in this matter is how it will affect the kids….with Gage and I being together."

"I wouldn't worry about Dani. She'll hold her own." Both mother and daughter smiled perceptively. "And with the three of you protecting Derek, I'm sure everything will work out fine."

"It has to. I am not going to lose her." Lacy vowed.

Lynn pursed her lips. "Now, tell me about this other thing."

Lacy's sculptured eyebrow shot up before being saved by the whistle, literally, as Dani announced their presence in the living room. Carrying her present with her, Dani asked. "Where's grandpa?"

Gage offered a silent apology at the intrusion with a look that said. You try stopping her from barging in where she's determined to go. Message received, Lacy understood perfectly.

"He had a doctor's appointment this morning." Lynn supplied.

"Is he okay? It's not his lungs." A slight tremor split through Lacy's voice.

Understanding her daughter's concern, Lynn hurriedly offered. "No, the doctor's checking his knee. It may require surgery eventually….. you remember when he fell and tore that ligament?"

Relieved, Lacy nodded. She thanked God her father finally gave up smoking ten years ago after his doctor gave him the long face not just suggesting, but giving him an ultimatum if he didn't. "Yes, I do. It's bothering him a lot?"

"Mostly when the weather turns bad. It's just a routine check-up today."

"I'm surprised he went alone. I know how he hates going." Lacy said.

"Lisa went with him." Shifting a hasty look at her daughter. "You know, he can't say no to either of you. And, I wanted to be here with you." Returning her gaze to her daughter's new partner holding her grandson, Lynn asked. "Did you sleep well?" The older woman's asked then suddenly added as it was her nature to ask another question before the first was answered. "Oh, did you have breakfast? I should get it."

Lacy caught her mother in mid-jump, tugging her back down on the couch. "Gage fed them already."

"We had some cereal." Trepid green eyes swung toward her partner. "Lacy needs to eat though."

When Lynn got up swiftly to fulfill that suggestion, Gage handed Derek to his grandmother. "Derek." His hero nodded reassuringly to him. "Go to your grandma while I fix your mom something to eat."

Shyly Derek followed Gage's lead falling into welcomed arms. Head tilted down, he covertly raised his gray eyes to the older woman holding him and let a small smile slip past his bashful demeanor to happy hazel eyes.

************************
The rest of the day passed by uneventful for the most part. Lacy's father arrived back home after his visit to the doctor jokingly announcing that he would live while Dani pestered him about opening up her gift early. "I just don't want to forget to thank you tomorrow when I get all those other presents." But, her grandfather held firm much to her dismay.

She temporarily gave her grandfather a reprieve when her grandmother called her to the telephone. "It's your dad." Lynn said causing Lacy and Gage to briefly share a tenuous glance.

When a dejected Dani hung up the telephone announcing that her father wouldn't be showing up for her birthday, Daniel Lewis caved. "Dani, you're right. Here." He handed her his gift. "Open it."

So excited now, she ripped through the paper not even minding when Derek decided to lend a hand. Unveiled before everyone's eyes was a case filled with markers, sparkle glue and a variety of temporary tattoos. She beamed, giving her grandfather a huge hug. It was just the thing to take her mind off another broken promise by her dad.

Chapter Four

The birthday party was in full swing when Hank Lewis arrived bringing with him their youngest sister, Lisa. Lacy welcomed them both as Dani held court in the living room regaling the rest of the family with the story about her cave expedition that had turned dangerously deadly. Of course, to hear Dani tell it she wasn't lost at all. She knew exactly where she was the whole time as she investigated and, ultimately, discovered the perpetrators who had broken into their cabin on the lake.

"Hank. Come here." Lacy pulled her favorite brother in for a tight hug.

Lisa looked past them watching her animated goddaughter. "I see some things never change." Then she hugged her older sister now that Hank had vacated his position. "Where's David?"

A solemn look washed over Lacy's face not really wanting to address the inevitable. "He's not here. Dani's a bit upset about it but, actually, I'm glad he's not." Reluctant, she continued. "Mom told you I know."

"She said you two separated…" Lisa grew concerned as she spoke her next words. "You really are getting a divorce?"

Straight to the point, Lacy confirmed. "Yes."

Hank wrapped a strong arm around Lacy, pulling her closer and adding a supportive wink.

Lisa backhanded her older brother. "Hank, did you know about this? Is that why Jason broke up with his girlfriend? How could you not tell me?" Lisa ranted to the confused duo.

"What in the world are you talking about Lisa?" Lacy asked.

"You and Jason. You're getting back together, aren't you?" It was a searing question fraught with mixed emotions that neither Lacy nor Hank could read.

Hank steadied her. "Lisa, no one's getting back together." Then he did a quick double take toward the woman next to him. "Are you?" His best friend, Jason, had been acting a bit strange and aloof lately when around the Lewis family.

"No." Exasperated, Lacy drew in a deep breath. "You two do have an active imagination, don't you? Contrary to what some of you may have wanted, we are not getting back together."

Hank leaned in giving her a brotherly kiss easing the tension between them. "I only want your happiness, Lacy, with whomever you choose…. or don't."

"Good. Come on, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Lacy led her brother and sister to the next room presenting them to Gage.

After the brief introduction, Dani demanded and got the room's full attention as an unnerving shrill sound of a whistle cut threw the air. When all eyes pinned Dani, she pointed to her brother sitting quietly on the floor in front of her, whistle dangling from his lips.

Nate gathered up the youngster shielding him from any retribution for his deed, which he knew was prompted by Dani who now stood center stage ready to take responsibility. "I kinda had him blow it. Sorry." It was the rare apology from the sometimes-willful Dani that coaxed smiles all around.

Happy to latch on to the change in atmosphere amongst the group, Dani's blue eyes sparkled with glee. "Is it time to open the presents?"

Dani tore into the multiple presents surrounding her. In an attempt to make up with her brother for almost getting him in trouble, she let Derek help her. She received a new tackle box filled with an assortment of rubber worms from Nate. Her grandmother gave her a new pair of tap dancing shoes and promised to take her shopping in a few days for a new outfit for which Dani thanked her.

After she opened the gift from her brother, Derek ordered. "Wead…now."

Placing several books to the side, Dani assured her brother. "Later, tonight when we go to bed." Leaning in, she sealed the pledge with a kiss. And Dani always kept her promises.

When she opened the next gift, the dark haired birthday girl found a book filled with blank pages. Questioning eyes fell on Gage. "Did you forget something?"

"It's a journal." Gage stated then attempted to explain. "They say any life worth living is worth…." The last word fell from her lips. …"documenting." Thinking she'd made a big mistake, Gage hastily offered another gift.

But, before Dani opened it, she asked cautiously. "I can write anything in here and nobody's gonna read it?"

Gage nodded first then Lacy joined in.

"Good." Under the discriminating smile Dani projected, Gage swallowed hard.

Whispering to her partner, Gage sighed. "Somehow, I think I'm gonna be the number one subject in that book."

Lacy only offered a smile with her words. "At least, until she discovers boys."

Dani showed much more excitement when she ripped open the other gift from the writer. "Rocks! Cool. This one looks like a tip of an arrow." The huge smile on her face offered an unspoken thank you to Gage. She proudly displayed the encased rock collection to the group before her mother handed her a couple more gifts.

"More gifts for me?" Dani wallowed in the attention she was getting. She opened several gifts from her mother that held clothes, which she loved. Then slashing through the wrapping paper of another gift, the nine year old withdrew a portable CD player with headphones. "Wow." With Hank and Lisa adding to her mother's gift giving her two new CDs. "Who's Gary Allan?"

"Honey, you have got to be kidding." Lisa exclaimed. "He's great and cute, too. We'll play it later."

But, it was the silver charm bracelet given to her by her mother that Dani loved the most. She held it up delicately, admiring it, then handing it to her mother, Dani held out her arm. Lacy placed it around her daughter's wrist, securing it. Dangling from her arm, Dani studied the two charms already attached. One was a pair of dancing shoes while the other was a small silver whistle. "I love it, mom." Dani hurriedly hugged her mother as her overjoyed blue eyes filled with unshed tears. "I love you." She added quietly.

"I love you, too."

Just then, Denny Lewis walked in. "Is it too late for another present?"

"Nope." Dani hopped over her brother making a beeline for the last present of the day. Thanking her uncle first, she tore it open unveiling the latest Barbi doll. "Where's Jonathan? And Aunt Crystal?"

"They'll be here tomorrow. I wanted to stop by to deliver your gift and…." He searched for his mother. "What time do you want us here?"

"Anytime, we'll eat around two, I'd say." Lynn said as she helped Dani gather up all her gifts while Lacy and Gage picked up the discarded wrapping paper.

Nate plopped an arm around the oldest sibling. "That means three."

From his easy chair, Dan Lewis soaked in the family gathering much to his delight then suggested. "Dani, how bout puttin' on those dancin' shoes and give us a little jig?"

Quick to seize every occasion to be the star of the show, she dropped to the floor slipping the new shoes on. "Somebody put on the music." Dani was going to put her three years of dancing classes to good use.

Denny's eyes fell on the strange blonde next to his sister. "Who's that?"

"Keep your eyes in your head, you're married and…." Nate sprouted an impish grin. "She's taken."

"You?" Denny asked. When his youngest brother glided his eyes to their sister, Denny followed the gaze landing on Lacy only to see his sister cozy up to the blonde as they settled near the back of the room for Dani's impromptu dance recital. Watching his sister gently slide her hand down the blonde's arm, Denny felt an invisible cold hand slap him square in the face.

"Gage?" Nate called across the room. "Meet Denny."

Gage waved and Lacy did the same. Seeing the landscape of emotional extremes traverse her brother's face, Lacy suddenly stopped rubbing Gage's arm.

"I…. I gotta get back… home." Denny's words stumbled out. "Nice to meet you."

Nate guided his older brother out the front door. God, I love it when something rattles that uptight veneer of his. "See ya tomorrow bro." The silence that met his farewell was expected.

When Nate returned to the festive group, Dani was in full swing tap dancing away. Derek sat awe-struck at his sister's feet riveted on toes tapping across the floor. Nate took a seat next to his sister, Lisa, on the couch with his mother on the other end.

In the back, Lacy adjusted herself to sit between Gage's legs as they lounged next to the small-unlit fireplace taking in the floorshow. With everyone's attention engrossed on Dani's dancing feet, Lacy turned halfway around stealing a quick kiss. "Mmmm. I love you."

Gage's nimble fingers found their way up under her partner's shirt coming to rest near the edge of Lacy's bra, peeping up under it brushing against the swell of her breast. "I love you."

Lacy moaned slightly at the contact falling back against her partner. The soft stroking sensations lulled Lacy's into a seductive haze, turning she captured willing lips bidding her a warm welcome. As the music faded away, Lacy lost herself in the vortex of feelings her lover was stirring in her. Even after only one day of missing their nightly lovemaking ritual, Lacy was more than primed. In an unconscious disregard for the rest of the people in the room, Lacy let out a languid strident moan as Gage kissed her soundly.

The short break in Dani's dance routine provided more than enough muted space for Lacy's moan to fill the room drawing the undivided attention of the group gathered. When everyone, with the exception of Dani and Derek, twisted around to view the engaged couple, the scene that played out for them stirred various reactions. Lisa smiled, Nate snickered, Lynn nodded in understanding and Dan sat shocked not ever wanting to see one of his children necking. It was something he was well aware of, having five children of his own, but not something he wished to witness. TMI, TMI he repeated over and over again.

Gage felt a niggling of interest directed their way while still kissing the beautiful woman she loved. When one green eye popped open, she met four pairs of eyes locked on them. Gage's retreating lips were relentlessly pursued by her lover's mouth, not ready to break the kiss. "Lacy." The name barely escaped the captured lips.

Oblivious to the staring eyes and Gage's imploring call, the only thing that broke the magical moment was the shrill sound of a loud whistle slice through the air. The younger woman woke from the spell, saw everyone staring at them, blushed and prayed the whistle would blare once again. Unknowingly, Derek happily complied.

All eyes now fastened on Dani, standing with her hands cocked on her hips, lips twisted patiently waiting for their attention to return to her. The scene involving her mother and Gage didn't faze her and neither was her brother bothered who all the while had kept his eyes glued to his sister. The young star addressed her audience. "Don't worry about them. They do that all the time. Now, for my next number."

*************************
When the doorbell rang, Dani's performance came to an abrupt halt as a strange sensation shrouded her essence. "I'll get it." Running to the door, Nate followed close behind. The young girl had a funny feeling and was eager to discover its cause.

The source of her premonition was divulged as the door opened wide revealing her father standing before her bearing an enormous smile. "Happy birthday, honey." Collecting his excited daughter, David Levine hugged her tightly. "I surprised you, didn't I?"

"David. Hi." Nate greeted the older man.

"You sure did, daddy." Grabbing his hand, pulling him in, Dani said. "Come on."

"Nate. Is Lacy here?" David asked.

The young man shrugged, pointing to the living room.

A deafening hush permeated the room when Dani walked in followed by her father. With a smug grin, David accosted them. "Hello everyone." Quickly searching the room, David's cold gray eyes came to rest on his soon to be ex-wife and the blonde sitting next to her. "Lacy."

Pulling her father from the intense stare directed at her mom, Dani attempted to get his attention. "Daddy?"

"You were going to ask about this?" David whipped a small package from his pocket.

Blue eyes widen at the perfectly wrapped gift bounded together by a delicate gold lace. The beauty of it gave pause for her from opening it immediately. "For me?"

David smiled then glanced deviously to Lacy. "I hope you like it." He said with absolute assurance.

Small fingers carefully unwrapped the present to find a burgundy velvet box. Dani gently opened it. Her eyes nearly skyrocketed out of her head when she saw the pristine diamond studded earrings. "Wow! They are absolutely the most… the best gift ever."

"Go ahead take them out and see." David prompted his daughter.

As she did, it was revealed that the diamond earrings were meant for pierced ears which propelled Lacy from her comfortable seat next to Gage. "David!" Lacy's naturally velvet voice turned steely.

"Mom. Look! Can I get my ears pierced tomorrow?" Her words came rushing out unmindful of the inevitable confrontation between mother and father because her orbs were glued to her very special gift.

Lacy forced in a deep calming breath lowering her voice to a quiet whisper. "I thought we talked about this?"

"We did?" Playing ignorant, David continued directing his attention to his daughter. "Honey, did you save me some cake?"

Nodding, Dani rushed off into the kitchen with her godmother in tow.

A long nearly unbearable moment passed before David spoke up. "Dan, Lynn, it's nice to see you again. Hank, you too." David noticed Gage was now holding his son.

Lynn offered a brief awkward hug. "Hello, David. You made Dani's day."

Through pursed lips, Lacy hissed. "What you've made is a rather difficult situation for us…. putting our daughter right in the middle. I hope that makes you happy."

Ricocheting a jealous glance to Gage then back to his wife, David asked. "And, what makes you happy, Lacy?"

"Don't even start David. Or, do you want me to bring up your very pregnant girlfriend?" Lacy countered quietly so only he could hear. Her producer husband and Lacy's co-star in her recently defunct television series had been having an affair for the last year and were now expecting a baby. It was a point of contention between them bringing about the end of their already eroding marriage.

David spat right back at Lacy. "Do you want me to bring up yours?"

When Dani returned with a plate full of cake, her father nibbled at it sparingly as his daughter sat next to him. "Thank you for the earrings, Daddy." She reached up and kissed him on the cheek then said sincerely. "But, mostly for not missing my birthday."

"Now would I ever do that?" Dani chose to ignore that comment from her father knowing it wasn't true. Instead, she focused on the fact that he was there with her.

David knew his presence was the source of the uneasy ambiance amongst the group and played it for what it was worth. "Lynn, I just got in and didn't have time to get a hotel room, you'll put me up, won't you?" A sugary sweet smile dripped with sarcasm.

Dan Lewis was about to speak up and send his soon to be ex-son-in-law packing to a hotel when his wife gave him a slight nudge preventing him from speaking his mind. Concerned about her granddaughter, Lynn suggested. "We do have the basement room or… the couch."

Straightening his back, David stretched. "Not a good idea about the couch. And, I'm allergic to basement mildew."

Balling a fist tightly, Dan took one step forward. Lynn stepped in front of him knowing her husband's hair trigger when it came to rude behavior directed at his family.

Lacy lifted David up from his seat shoving him toward her brother. "You can sleep with Nate."

David dropped his voice allowing a smirk to plaster on his face. "And, who will you be sleeping with?"

Relieved Dani did not hear her father's comment because Gage drew her away fawning over the prized gift, Lacy murmured in a sultry seductive voice only allowing David and Nate to hear her. "Oh, rest assured, I won't be sleeping." She flashed her fire blue eyes at him. "My night will be filled with unadulterated barely controlled passion…." Breathing heavily, Lacy wetted her lips then continued. "…wild, mind-blowing, steamy, hot sex making me scream out in orgasm after orgasm."

Stunned into silence sweat beaded on David's forehead. Yanking the overheated man away, Nate said. "Come on. I've got something that will cool you down." As he passed his sister, Nate whispered in her ear. "You almost had me going there for a minute. Good job."

"Dani, say goodnight to your dad." Lacy called to her daughter who waved and watched her father wobble away just like her three-year-old brother did sometimes.

After they left the room, Dan was livid. "That son of a bit….."

"Dan! We'll talk about it later." Nodding at their granddaughter. Lynn learned along time ago how to soothe her husband's savage temper. It was something best suited for the bedroom.

"Mom, dad." Hank hugged them both. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you bringing Jen with you?" His mother asked.

"Yep." Confirming the presence of his girlfriend to the family barbeque then turned to Lisa. "You need a ride?"

After giving her parents a hug and bidding farewell to Lacy, Gage and the kids, Lisa followed her older brother out the door. "Oh, and….." Hesitant, knowing what the family thought of her boyfriend, Lisa reminded them. "Chris is coming too."

Chapter Five

It was a beautiful afternoon and perfect for a barbeque. Lynn placed a hand on her youngest son, lighting the grill. "The weather cooperated." Now, if only all the guests do.

"Too bad it's not the fourth of July. Somehow, I think that would be an appropriate theme for this little gathering." Nate chuckled then opened an unexpected can of worms. "You know, Jason's going to be here?"

"And, the hits just keep coming." Lacy interrupted mother and son. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"Hank was going to tell you last night, but he…." Nate started.

"Chickened out." Hank supplied. "Is that what you were going to say, Nate?"

Lynn kissed her son then turned to his girlfriend. "Hello, Jen. You remember Lacy." Suddenly recalling something, Lynn startled them. "Oh, you kids just… do whatever you're going to do I need to get something out of the freezer."

"I'll go with you." Jen Farris offered.

"And, behave." Lynn ordered her children.

The trio looked at each other innocently when Hank interpreted his mother's warning. "She must be talking about Denny and Lisa."

"What'd I tell you Chris, you can't turn your back on this motley crew before they're throwing you to the slaughter." Lisa piped up offering an ersatz scowl at her siblings. "Chris, you know Hank and Nate and this is my sister Lacy."

Reaching for her hand, Chris James lifted it bringing it to his lips. "Of course, the courageous Samantha Gordon." He referenced Lacy by the character she played on her cop series.

The brothers rolled their eyes at Lisa's boyfriends display while Lacy clamped her lips preventing a snort from escaping. "It's nice to meet you." Lacy finally forced out.

"The pleasure is all mine." The Prince Charming smile he offered Lacy turned slightly villainous when he shifted his cool blue eyes to Lisa commanding her attention. "Hon, I could use a drink." The dismissive tone grated against the trio as they watched Lisa yield to his authority.

Returning his undivided attention to the bona fide star. "I'd love to talk with you about acting. You know, I'm with the Little Theatre here in town."

Hank mumbled in a veiled attempt to smother his comment. "Yeah, big fish in a little pond."

Ignoring Lisa's brother, Chris gazed into Lacy's blue eyes while still clasping her hand. "Seriously, perhaps we can get together later and discuss….. acting techniques."

A possessive voice injected the interlude. "Mister! She is way out of your league." Gage finished her words with a light-hearted laugh. Removing Lacy's hand from the leech attached to it, Gage stepped between the Romeo and her woman. The blonde extended her hand to Chris. "Gage Ballant." When he was slow to take it, Gage offered sarcastically. "You can kiss it if you want."

Seeing the stunned and confused young man gawk in surprise, Lacy whispered from behind to her partner. "Be nice."

Gage tossed a reply over her shoulder. "I thought I was."

"Here you go, Chris." Lisa handed him the drink unaware of the previous events. She then greeted Gage who keenly noted the long sleeve shirt Lisa was wearing on the warm summer day.

"Where's the kids?" Lacy asked.

"Your dad took them to the store." David supplied as he joined the group. "David Levine." Introducing himself, he grabbed Chris' hand, shaking it. "And, now, all we need is Denny and his family to make it a full house." Shooting a sneering glance toward Gage, David sneered. "We've even got our very own wild card."

Slapping a hand on David's back, Denny announced his presence. "Did someone mention me? How are you… you old….."

"Ah, ah, ah….you're older than me." David countered.

"One year…. one lousy year." Denny then greeted the rest of the group, brown eyes sparing Gage a petulant look. "When do we eat?"

Flames jumped from the grill, sizzling smoke. "Stand back. I think she's about to blow." Nate was actually referring to the group's demeanor instead of the grill.

"Denny, where's Crystal?" He nodded toward the house. "Come on, Gage, I want you to meet my sister-in-law." When Lacy whipped around, she came face to face with her ex-husband.

"Lacy." The tall cool drink of water, Jason McIntyre, greeted her.

"Jason. Hi." Startled, a small smile developed quite unconsciously.

"It's nice to see you. You're as beautiful as ever." Sincere warm brown eyes scanned the star's perfect body.

Feeling a bit unbalanced, Lacy swung her arm around her back desperately searching for the anchor she knew would be there. Gage secured Lacy's hand reassuring her partner. "I…I…."

Gage moved to Lacy's side greeting the very handsome man. "Gage…."

"I know. Hank gave me a head's up. Jason." Lacy's ex-husband clasped her hand, greeting her with a genuine smile. "Nice meeting you."

"We were just heading inside." Gage said.

Nodding, Jason looked fondly at Lacy once more. "Later."

After Lacy and Gage walked well out of earshot of the group, the blonde sighed in frustration. "Does all your exes have to be so damn good looking?"

"You don't have to worry, you're the only one I'm looking at." Then Lacy bid her a brief kiss.

"Mmmmm hmmm." In that moment, a sliver of doubt entered her mind.

*************************
After dinner, David and Denny huddled together covertly sharing their concerns. "What do you make of it?"

Crunching his eyebrows together, Denny shook his head confused. "I don't get it. What could she possibly offer Lacy? I mean she's not a man. You know… not the right equipment." Denny threw a look at his friend clearly indicating his meaning.

Over the last ten years that David was married to Lacy, he had become closest with her older brother. They shared the same work ethics and moral values where the man was the head of the household. It was a bond that held steadfast even in the face of David's affair. Denny consciously choose to overlook this small fact since he strayed himself once.

"And then there's the age difference." David tossed on the table for debate.

"Yes. That would be what…. twelve years?" Dan Lewis joined the duo. David smiled thinking he was welcoming a comrade in Lacy's father until the next words were spoken. "That would be the same age difference between you and…. the woman you're having an affair with, wouldn't it?"

Touché. David gave Dan his due quelling any further nasty comments about Lacy and her partner.

The trio stood silent for the longest time. Both Denny and David waiting patiently for the older man to speak. Dan purposely held them at bay with his strong silent pose.

Off in the distance from where the three manly statues stood, Hank, Nate, Jason and Lacy observed Lisa and her boyfriend engaging in some friendly banter that soon turned sour. When Chris grabbed Lisa's arm, Hank started to get up and intervene, but Jason stopped him. "Excuse me."

Voices rose as Jason approached the arguing couple. "Lisa, everything okay?"

"Do you mind?" Chris spouted. "This is a private discussion."

"I don't want to flex my muscles here." But, Jason did just that as those same muscles outlined his skintight tee shirt. "Working construction helps me to keep fit."

"And that's supposed to mean what?" Chris taunted him.

"That I am gonna kick your ass if you don't behave yourself." Venom dripped with each word.

"Jason, please!" Lisa pleaded. "It's nothing really."

When Chris moved forward on the verge of shoving up against the taller man, Gage calmly intervened. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Snorting loudly, Chris asked. "And, what are you gonna do about it?"

"I'm gonna let him kick your ass." Gage confirmed then leaned in conspiratorially whispering. "You don't even want to know what will happen to you when they find out about those bruises Lisa is sporting. Oh, the long sleeve shirt does a pretty good cover up job, but you can't get pass this expert on spotting abuse. You have two choices. Leave or leave with an escort."

Grinding a hard stare into the woman threatening him with exposure, Chris spared an evil look at Jason standing guard. "Lisa…." The slight yet resolute nod from Gage silenced the rest of his words. Chris did an about face and left. Jason tailed the man through the house, out the door and to his car watching the obnoxious Chris drive away.

Lacy was at her sister's side in a flash. Shook up, Lisa shivered on the verge of tears. Lynn joined her two daughters escorting them down a walkway into the garden for what she felt was going to be a long discussion.

When Jason returned, he approached Gage. "That was pretty courageous of you."

A small laugh erupted. "It's easy to be brave with a good six foot and what….three inch solid wall of muscles right behind you."

Draping his arm over what he thought at one time might be a potential rival Jason smiled broadly. "I knew I liked you for some reason."

"What was that all about?" Hank asked his best friend.

Nate piped up. "Chris finally had the smarts to leave. More than I ever gave him credit for."

*************************
Lisa broke down crying in her mother's arms. "I…. It…only happened a couple of times. He gets carried away……mad at the things I do wrong."

"Stop that right now Lisa." Lacy sharply directed. "There is no reason in the world for anyone at anytime to….." She had a hard time saying the word that struck her sister. "….hit someone else. It's not acceptable."

Sniffling, her voice cracked. "You're ashamed of me?"

"Honey, we love you. Why didn't you say something?" Lynn cursed herself for not realizing it before. "I should have known it all along… the signs were there."

Violently shaking her head against her mother's shoulder, Lisa countered. "No. I made sure…. and if it was too bad, I stayed away until…." She didn't need to say anymore. Both, Lynn and Lacy knew exactly what Lisa meant. Until the bruises faded.

"You are staying here." Raising her daughter to face her, Lynn insisted. "I'll have the boys go get your things. I will not have you in that situation for another minute."

"Please don't tell daddy." Lisa begged. She didn't want her father to think poorly of her.

"I most certainly will." Lynn stated adamantly.

Lacy softened her mother's words. "Lisa, the only way through this is if everyone understands what's going on. That way they can help you. We all love you and you have everyone's support."

Stifling the tears, Lisa recounted what happened. "Even Jason. He……stood up for me."

Lynn kissed her daughter on the cheek, wiping away a few tears. Her daughter's word regarding Jason served up a seemingly unprovoked thought. "You know, this garden that your dad invests so much time in…… he always dreamed of having one of you… when you got married… having the ceremony right here."

"It is beautiful." Lacy scouted the serene, peaceful and colorful garden housing a gazebo. "Where did that thought come from?"

"Oh, I don't know." She wasn't sure what sprouted her husband's long time wish to mind. Maybe it was the fact that Lisa had recently talked about getting married or that Lacy was now on the verge of divorce. She just didn't know. "The mind takes a detour everyone once in a while." Her loving eyes fell back on her distraught daughter and Lynn assured her. "One thing, for sure, that obstinate young man is going to take a permanent detour out of your life."

**************************
True to her word, Lynn had her boys including Jason retrieve Lisa's things from the apartment she shared with Chris James. And, when Lynn asked if they had any trouble or if there were any mishaps, the foursome innocently shook their heads. Although, in a small apartment across town there was one sore young man that would have vehemently disagreed.

**************************
Jason stood before Lacy ready to leave. "I'm glad you came. It was nice seeing you again." Lacy said.

Nodding over her shoulder, he motioned to Lisa. "Will she be okay?"

"Yes, I think so." Smiling at Jason. "You know, she really needed the knight in shining armor you provided for her today."

Returning his attention back to his ex-wife, Jason winked. "I did have help. I like her, Lacy. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Being a part of this family when we were together meant a great deal to me."
Lacy stood on her tiptoes giving Jason a sweet and tender kiss on the lips. "You're still part of this family and always will be."

After Jason walked out the door, Denny and Crystal approached her. "Crystal, sorry we didn't really get time to talk. We'll be here till Tuesday, maybe you can bring Jonathan with you tomorrow or Monday. I know Dani wants to see him."

Denny cleared his throat spewing a few words before passing her out the door. "Doubt if he'll be feeling any better by then. Goodbye, Lacy." He said stiffly.

Crystal gave her sister-in-law a hug not knowing what to say even if she could explain her husband's rude attitude toward his sister. All she could do was offer Lacy a weak smile. One that told Lacy all she needed to know. Denny didn't approve of her relationship with Gage and their son was probably not sick at all.

She watched the older couple walk all the way to their car then turned dropping her shoulders in dismay. Eyeing David hurriedly passing by, Lacy called after him. "David, we have to talk." She was about to set off a few fireworks of her own.

Chapter Six

Settled in temporarily at Gage's home, Lacy and the kids were preparing for their return to Hollywood the next week for the start of the star's movie. And, it didn't take long for the couple to rev back up full force devouring each other in their nightly lovemaking.

After an intense session of lovemaking, Lacy and Gage held each other basking in the radiance of their love. It gave pause for each allowing lingering thoughts to seep into their consciousness, taking root to recent revelations.

Recalling Lacy's announcement that she was pregnant filled Gage's mind. When Lacy turned to her lover, Gage easily recognized distressed blue eyes capture her completely. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing I hope." Lacy unintentionally walked seductively to the bed, lifting her knee up on the side next to Gage, sitting down.

Gage splayed her hand over Lacy's soft thigh, rubbing it tenderly, allowing her lover all the time she needed.

"I'm not really missing anything." Lacy sighed. "I'm pregnant."

Not missing a beat, opening her arms wide, Gage beckoned. "Come here."
Finding comfort in Gage's arms, a shudder followed the tears Lacy shed.

"I thought you wanted more kids." Gage reminded the younger woman.

Moving back, Lacy intently stared into green searching for any hint of displeasure with the news. "I did. I do. But… what…. how do you feel about it?"

Shrugging, Gage let a slip of jealousy shine through. "I didn't like it one bit, but he was…is, at least for a few more months, your husband. I figured you… you know, the night he arrived at the cabin."

"I mean about the baby." Lacy corrected her.

As if drawn like a compass needle to the North Pole Gage's hand made its way to Lacy's firm, flat stomach, resting there. "I love you and Dani and Derek and I already love… your baby."

The challenge that faced Gage at this point in her life was welcomed and totally unexpected. As she held her woman, Gage thanked God for the blessing of this family that dropped in her lap on one sunny afternoon near her cabin on the lake altering her future drastically. I never thought I would ever have this let alone deserve it. Gage's fingers brushed up and down Lacy's back, gently stroking her providing the comfort the dark haired woman required.

Lacy eased up next to the woman she loved smiling against her lover's smooth skin. Her mind drifted to the upcoming chore of telling David that he was about to be a father again. Last week when she had visited her mother, Lynn guessed Lacy's condition so the news wouldn't be totally unexpected when she called home. It's David that I'm worried about. Concerned David would bring up the custody issue again in their divorce, Lacy pulled Gage even closer.

"Hey, what is it?" Gage asked.

"I was just thinking about the baby and how I'm going to tell David." Lacy reluctantly offered. "And…." Lacy flashed her eyes. "…that this is where I want to spend the rest of my life….. in your arms."

"That's easily taken care of." Gage shifted the dark haired woman on her side, facing each other wrapped tightly together. "I love you." Warm lips found purchase against eager ones silently declaring their love. In between heated kisses, Gage asked. "Why don't you tell me what happened between you and David before we left your parents?"

"Mmmmmm." Enjoying the sweet and tender kisses too much to talk. Though when Gage broke away, Lacy relented. "Dani piercing her ears."

"And?" Gage left a hot trail of kisses along a perfect cheek to settle just below Lacy's ear. "Is it because you don't have your ears pierced?" Slightly sucking one of the ears in question.

Lacy fell into the seductive sensation Gage was stirring in her. "No." A verbose moan escaped. "She…. when she's…. I wanted her to….." Totally distracted from an insistent tongue causing havoc in her body raising the smoldering fire that still raged from their recent lovemaking, Lacy summoned enough resolve to finally say. "I thought she should be older before making that decision." She spit out before capturing the wandering mouth of her lover.

Gage maneuvered her body over her lover taking up resident between her legs. In between fevered kisses, the writer declared just above a whisper. "Baby, I love you so much." Gage's hungry lips traversed the smooth, silky skin over the jaw line down Lacy's neck pausing momentarily to suck lightly at her collarbone. A tactic Lacy found absolutely irresistible.

"God, I love it when you do that." Lacy said breathlessly, arching her back to meet her lover's mouth.

"Well, if you love that then your gonna really enjoy this."

Sensations flared at her lover's seductive words. And, when Gage latched on to her breast sucking hard, Lacy felt a pool of hot liquid form between her legs already overheated from her lover's sensual onslaught. The fire only propelled hotter when Gage's hand came to rest between her lover's legs. A quick uptake of breath assured Gage her overture was welcomed.

The sizzling vibrations traveling through Lacy's body took her higher and higher as Gage grinded her hips in to her lover matching her beat for beat. Wave after wave crashed against the super-sensitive shore in Lacy's taut body primed and ready to explode.

"Sweetheart." Lacy husked. "Now, please. Oh, God…. now!"

In one final thrust, Gage carried her lover past the stars rocketing through the heavens where time stood still and pure bliss encapsulated their love.

Shallow breaths gave way to deeper ones as Lacy fell to earth tucked safely in the arms of her woman. It was a journey she hoped to take a million times over with Gage leading the way. "Oh, sweetheart, God what you do to me."

"Mmmmm. I'm enjoying you completely, Lacy." Gage planted a tender kiss on oh so sweet lips. "I don't think I'll ever get enough of you." And, Gage tried. She really did…. all night long.

************************
Early the next morning Dani skipped into her mother's bedroom. "Is everybody up?" She clamored up on the bed settling next to her mother as Gage slept peacefully.

Kissing her daughter, Lacy said. "Derek still asleep?"

"Yeah, thought I'd give him a break." Dani smiled impishly. "Can we have some alone time?"

With a quiet glance to her lover, Lacy nodded. "Absolutely. What's on your mind? And, if it's about piercing your ears, I've already decided."

Surfacing to consciousness slowly, Gage heard the exchange between mother and daughter. Stretching, she yawned. "Why don't I wake up Derek while you two…" She emphasized the next word. "…girls…. talk." After a luxurious, but innocent good morning kiss, Gage bounded out the door to drag the other sleepy head out of bed.

Steadying herself for the already made decision, Dani determined to accept whatever her mother decided since there was something else weighing heavily on her mind. "Okay, what is it?"

Surprised, Lacy said suspiciously. "You don't seem too concerned about what I'll say."

"Whatever it is will be fine with me." Dani reasoned that no matter what eventually she'd get her way.

Originally, Lacy was going to have her daughter wait, but with this new and improved attitude Dani presently displayed she relinquished her resolve and caved. "When we get back to LA, I'll go with you and we'll get them pierced."

A huge hug followed as Dani reacted to the news. "When do we leave?" The young girl fired another question before her mother could answer. "And, where are we going to stay?"

Lacy's eyes popped wide open at the last inquiry searching for an answer to a question she hadn't broached. As if on cue, Gage walked back into the room with Derek tucked under her arm wiggling fiercely. "Jage… Jage. Let me go."

The blonde lifted him up in the air. "Oh, you want me to let you go, huh?"

He gave her a sheepish smile, nodding his head. "Pwease."

Dropping him down in order to give him a brief kiss, Gage then lowered him to the floor. But, soon had to give him a boost up on the bed after a short waddle across the floor.

When green met blue, Gage winked at her partner. "I was thinking… actually, I called Mark and he's got a house out there." The blonde said, referring to her producing partner, Mark Calico.

"Is it a mansion?" Dani asked excitedly.

Gage pursed her lips in anticipation. "More like a guest house at his estate." Catching those same blue eyes she loved so much, Gage hurriedly continued in an attempt to sell the idea. "It has two bedrooms… kinda small really, but…." She turned to Dani. "Mark's got a tennis court, oceanfront view and an Olympic size pool." She added knowing Dani's love for water.

"Cool." Dani approved.

Looking back at Lacy, Gage moved closer in one final effort to close the deal. "There's a Jacuzzi right next to the guest house."

"Cuzzi!" Derek clapped his hands.

An arched eyebrow to Lacy proffered the unspoken question.

"We used to have a dog called of all things Racuzzi." Lacy explained. "Nate got him for the kids on one of his visits. Derek called him Cuzzi."

Bouncing happily, Derek repeated. "Cuzzi."

"No, honey, Cuzzi's gone." Lacy's face saddened at that particular memory.

"Oh." Gage brushed her lips against the star's cheek then nuzzled her forehead against her lover. "What do you think…about the guest house? At least till we decide what we're going to do after your movie."

Lacy wrapped her arms around her partner. "Are you going to be there?"

"Only if you are." Gage countered.

"Jeez, mom. Did you hear it's got a pool? And, besides, that's where Derek and I are staying." Dani crossed her arms only to be mimicked by her brother.

Angling her head slightly while still leaning against the blonde, Lacy saw her children's determination. "It's settled then."

Gage took the opportunity to seal the deal kissing Lacy again. "I love you."

"I know. Make sure you don't forget it." Lacy kissed her back.

"And, let's not forget that we're going to get my ears pierced first thing when we get back."

Another questioning look found its way to Lacy. Gage knew her partner was going to wait till December and let it be a Christmas gift. The look Lacy gave her clearly stated, don't ask.

"Lacy, when we get back I was thinking… wondering really." Drawing in a deep breath not knowing whether it was her place or not, Gage continued. "Derek…" She nodded at the young boy in question. "You think we could check out a speech therapist for him?"

Taken aback momentarily, Lacy grew concerned. "Do you think I've been remiss about…" Her words dropped off the ledge landing with a thud at the implication.

"Oh, no, no…NO..it's just…." Great, I've overstepped my bounds here. "When I was young, it helped me having someone…. I use to…to stutter and….."

Dani watched the interplay between the adults curiously. I hope Gage doesn't make mom mad. I've got an important question to ask her. Dani frowned at the scene being played out before her. Guess she needs bailing out. "I think that's a great idea. What's the big deal?" The nine year old wished she could yank back her comment when Lacy shot her an aggravated glare. Glancing at Gage, Dani backed off. You're on your own.

The rising aggravation in Lacy dissipated instantly when Derek crawled up the blonde settling in Gage's lap. "Love Jage." Leaning against her, Derek wrapped his short arms around his hero who held him tightly.

"I didn't mean anything, Lacy." Looking down at her charge, Gage brushed her lips against his short dark head. "It would be a… soothing salve to my soul… helping him like someone helped me years ago. That's all."

Ducking in to capture her partner's lips, Lacy asked absolution from her accusation then whispered against an open mouth. "I love you… for caring." A smile bloomed from her lips. "I just love you."

Covertly, Dani jerked her arm in victory. Yes! Good save. Now, that she thought her mother was in a more receptive mood, Dani dove in. "Mom?" Asking and receiving her mother's full attention. "Since you're going to be working and…. can I get a tutor like before so I can be on the set with you…. me and Derek?"

Lacy wondered when this subject was going to be broached. "The movie's scheduled for eight weeks, honey. After that, I'm taking off for a while with the ba…." Uh oh, haven't mentioned that yet, have I? No time like the present. The soft reassuring strokes at the small of her back by her partner gave Lacy the needed courage to make her announcement. "Honey, how'd you like to have a new baby brother or sister?"

"Can I pick?"

"No." Shaking her head at how simple children took things at times.

"I'd still get to be the big sister right?" The implication meant she'd be the boss.

"Always."

"Okay. As long as that's understood." Dani agreed. "Now, about that tutor?"

Scooting her daughter closer, Lacy explained her rationale regarding her decision on this subject. "Before when we had a tutor along with your nanny, I was working all the time and I really want you to have a normal childhood. At least as normal as I can make it. That's the main reason I quit the show. I wanted to spend more time with you and Derek." Turning her daughter fully around to face her, Lacy continued. "Wouldn't you like to make friends at school?"

"I knew a lot of people from your show. They were my friends."

"Kids your own age, I mean. Dani, remember when you spent some time at that….." Lacy started, but was quickly cut off.

"Boarding school." Dani finished. "Yuck."

Both eyebrows zipped up suddenly when the blonde heard this, stunned at the news. The idea of being shipped off to some desolate boarding school grated against Gage. She'd experienced far too many bon voyages of her own when she was growing up sailing from one foster home to another.

"It was a private school… not a boarding school." Lacy countered soothing Gage's obvious apprehension. "She only went there for a semester….. some kids did stay there though." Remembering the unpleasant discussion on the subject before she finally gave in to David's suggestion. Lacy calmed herself redirecting the conversation. "Anyway, I really think you'll like going to a more regular school."

Gage treaded the stormy waters carefully when she added. "School can be great. You get to do all kinds of exciting things."

Dani arched an eyebrow waiting patiently to hear about all the exciting things to do in school.

"Dancing!" Lacy hurriedly added. "In school, they have little plays you can be in. And, you know how wonderful you dance."

Dani couldn't argue with that.

"And sing." Her mother continued. "You have a beautiful singing voice."

Another point Dani couldn't dispute.

On the verge of seeing her daughter swayed, Lacy concluded. "I bet you'd be the star of the show."

"That's only going to happen if she goes to school though." Gage followed her partner's lead.

"What do you mean by a MORE regular school?" The astute nine year old caught the operative word her mother covertly inserted.

Sighing heavily, Lacy said. "It is a private school…." Lacy threw up her hand to roadblock both her partner and daughter. "You go during the day….then come home like a regular school. No one stays there in residence like the other one. Honey, I have to be concerned about your safety."

"In case somebody wants to kidnap me." Dani stated matter-of-factly.

The one hard cold aspect of living such a high profile lifestyle meant potentially putting her children in harms way. There were no threats or real issues to her family, but one never knew and Lacy was unwilling to take any chances. The school she wanted her daughter to attend specialized in these types of family situations.

"No one's going to do that." She assured her daughter hugging her tightly. "Though I am not willing to take that chance."

"After school can I come visit you on the set?"

"You better." Lacy tapped her daughter's nose.

"Okay….. I guess. Who's going to pick me up then?" Questioning blue eyes ricocheted between her mother and Gage.

Before Lacy could formulate an answer, Gage intervened. "I will." It wasn't something they had discussed and they probably would first chance they got, but Gage already made a decision regarding her family and just how much she was going to play a part in it.

Seeing the steadfast look on her partner's face, Lacy simply agreed. "It's settled then."

Chapter Seven

Lacy, Gage and the kids arrived at Mark Calico's estate via the limousine he acquired for them. Instead of dropping them off at the front of the mansion, Gage tapped the driver indicating he should swing around the side to the much smaller living quarters which offered an excellent view of the ocean.

After depositing their bags inside the guesthouse, the foursome debarked on a quick tour of the grounds. Dani ran ahead searching for the swimming pool while Derek insisted on walking along side the couple because it was closer to the multi-colored flowers that lined the walkway. Plucking a flower from its stem, the shy three year old looked up spying an old man intently watching him. Derek hurriedly found shelter behind one of Gage's legs.

The small boy returned the intense stare as the old man plucked a flower of his own, spinning it under his nose, inhaling deeply. Derek found this interesting and did the same with his flower. When the old man dropped his flower down then jerked it back up to his face, Derek giggled and followed suit.

"Chance!" Gage hollered dragging Lacy behind her while Derek did his best to keep up. "Lacy, this is Chance Mallicoat."

Chance nodded his head in respect. "Ma'am."

Extending her hand, she requested. "Please call me Lacy."

Again, he nodded then turned to the small boy. "Who are you?"

Scooping Derek up in her arms, Gage made the introductions. "Chance, this is Derek. And, Dani's around here somewhere…." Swinging her head around scouting the grounds for the little adventurer.

Chance slid his own flower toward Derek so he could experience the sweet scent of a different flower from the garden he lovingly tendered. The young child sniffed cautiously before inhaling deeply drawing the pedals to his nose then smiled because it tickled.

"Hey, where's Mark? I want him to meet my family." Realization dawned, offering a sense of peace and contentment embracing the writer at her chosen words. My family.

Before Chance opened his mouth in response, he noticed his boss' car enter the main gate. "He's here." With these words Chance faded into the background where he felt the most comfortable.

Grabbing her partner's hand, Gage dashed off. "Come on."

Mark Calico opened wide arms welcoming his friend and business partner. "Gage, you look great." He kissed her on the lips then stepped back, blue eyes coming to rest on the young boy in her arms. "And, who's this?"

"Derek and….." Pulling Lacy closer while entwining their hands together, Gage smiled at her friend. "This is Lacy Levine… my partner."

Mark didn't miss the gold necklace Lacy nervously fiddled with when he embraced his blonde friend. "Finally…." Mark wrapped strong arms around her offering a very sincere greeting. Over Lacy's shoulder Mark noted a young girl with pursed lips and hands cocked on her hips pinning him with a possessive glare. Releasing the star, Mark ran his hand threw his short neatly cut dark hair, graying at the temples. "And, you must be Danielle." A few short steps later, Mark held out his hand.

Dani gave him the once over then yielded. "Hello." She said sweetly. He must own the pool. "You can call me Dani."

"Done." Mark accepted the offer. "Well, then, you get settled? Sorry, I wasn't here to meet you…. some business." Turning to Lacy, Mark continued. "As a matter of fact, an old friend of yours… Ron Griffen."

Lacy knew the head of Griffen Studios well. "How is he?"

"Doing fine. Gage, Ron's interested in distributing our first picture."

"About that, Mark, we need to talk." Gage stated.

A slight concern crossed his face briefly. "All right. Not till after I make sure you have everything you need. You check the place out yet?" Like the natural born leader he was, Mark led the way back to the guesthouse. "I had my staff stock the place with food and things… though if there's anything you need just call Chance or the housekeeper."

As they entered the small cottage, Lacy thanked him. "I'm sure everything is fine." Taking Derek from Gage's arms, she leaned in. "We'll take care of things here. I know you want to talk with Mark. Go ahead."

Gage smiled at her partner's generosity. "I love you."

"Go on." Lacy pushed her lover away while sucking in a sliver of doubt regarding the relationship Gage shared with her friend. She didn't know whether to be jealous, glad or indifferent so she busied herself unpacking till Gage returned.

Mark hooked his arm around his friend as they walked away from the guesthouse. "So, it's serious?"

"You don't know how much."

"I think I do." Mark nudged her. "Every since I've known you, I've never seen you without that necklace and now…" Nodding back over his shoulder. "She wears it."

Blushing, Gage admitted. "Yeah, she does."

"And I know how much it means to you." Mark added then dropped the subject just as quickly. "What's on your mind?"

Reluctant to address the issue at hand, Gage started the journey in a round about way. "Where are you at with the movie?"

Accepting Gage's detour around the subject, Mark answered. "It's set to shoot in February next year. Eight weeks, but I've allowed ten. As I said earlier, my old college friend, Griffen, wants in on the action. Since we're new at this that could be of great help. Hired the director, Hugh Hayes, and most of the casting is done. Thought you wanted to be in on that?"

Running an anxious hand through her short blonde hair, Gage broached the subject. "I… I had better things to do." The writer and producer wanna be decided to be direct. "Mark, listen…." She stopped both of them in their tracks. "Things have changed."

"Lacy?"

"Lacy, the kids… me." Briefly allowing a reflective moment to wash over her, Gage sighed. "God, Mark, I knew the moment I saw her I was in love. The moment I heard her voice I'd fallen completely and the moment she touched me, deeply in love and I knew when she kissed me that I was totally, absolutely in love with her and there was no going back. She's my past, my present, my future."

"So, tell me how you really feel." The hearty laugh that accompanied Mark's remark teased his friend mercilessly, but Gage took if for what it was. A friend who cared for her and always would.

Elbowing him in the side, Gage let a small laugh escape of her own at her overwhelming admission. "Wait till you fall."

The sad smile and thoughtful glance he gave Gage told her exactly what he was feeling. "I did that once and it was enough for a lifetime." Fond loving memories of his departed wife, Sharon, along with his parents stilled his broken heart in that one brief moment. If nothing else, he would always have the memories.

"Sorry, Mark." Gage apologized. "And, I'm sorry about letting you down with the movie and…. here it is the one I wrote."

"I would have done it anyway, Gage. You're still going to let me have first shot at your screenplays?"

"They're all yours to produce if you want. By the way, how'd you like HERE COMES JORDAN?"

"It's going to be my next picture after this one, right?" Gage nodded so Mark continued. "You need time with this new family of yours, but we're still partners to the end. I won't have it any other way."

"Mark, I won't be able to help much…"

"You write… and whatever else you have time for is good enough for me. Gage, you've got great instincts. Besides, we've already talked about this project before you left for my cabin. I know what you see in that noggin of yours. It will be a great little TV movie." Suddenly, Mark turned her around facing the cottage. "Go on. I see someone is waiting patiently for your return."

Gage twisted back around falling into her ever-loyal friend's arms. "Thanks." Then gave him a kiss.

*************************
The next day Lacy set up a meeting with the director of her movie, Ryan White. He was David's producing partner and, fortunately for Lacy, a good friend. "Ryan, I'm going to have a baby."

The tall man just sat down when Lacy blurted out the newsflash. "Don't beat around the bush, do you?" A quirked eyebrow caught him dead center upon misunderstanding his comment. "I didn't mean anything by it. Lacy…" Ryan covered her hand on the table. "You know, I love you. Does David know yet?"

"No. You need to know for the movie. Seven weeks."

"It's set for eight." He countered.

"Seven weeks pregnant. So, you may want to shoot around it. I won't be showing much."

"It's a romantic comedy, Lacy. No stunts or anything that would be dangerous….a couple of love scenes and I was hoping to show a little flesh." Ryan's liquid brown eyes twinkled at the suggestion then hinted further. "A little eye candy."

"I bet you do." Revealing a little skin wasn't new to Lacy, she had posed in a couple of men's magazine though not the raunchy ones. Nothing blatant, but racy enough to send a sexual shiver through any red blooded man bringing him to the brink of boiling. "Nothing to exposed, okay?"

"You should know then that Griffen…." I didn't want to be the one to tell her but….. "…renegotiated your contract in reference to that little detail."

"He couldn't…. I've not seen anything." Lacy's contract regarding skin exposure kept her well shielded though she'd allow certain aspects of it in filming if it suited the material tastefully. "David." The cold crack of dawn snapped enlightening Lacy as to who was behind this renegotiation.

"You let him have too much control, Lacy."

"I know." Despair set in knowing that Ron Griffen would hold her to it.

"As long as I'm directing and producing it, I'll keep it tasteful. Nothing more than you already have. I promise." Ryan was the director sharing producing responsibilities with his partner in White Horse Productions, David Levine, while Ron Griffen backed the film. "David is going to be on the sidelines as much as possible for this picture." He assured her. "Listen, I've got to go."

Lacy smiled hopefully.

Touching her face after he stood, Ryan pledged. "Trust me."

And, she did. It was the man behind Ryan that she didn't trust. "David. Sit down." After a brief exchange between producing partners, Lacy watched Ryan leave the restaurant. "How did you know I was here? Never mind, I don't want to know."

Well, it worked on Ryan so here goes. "David, I'm going to have a baby."

Focused on the plate before him, David scarfed down an uneaten half of turkey sandwich. "I know. I'm going to have a baby. Old news, Lacy. Everyone knows Hayston is pregnant."

Lacy let out a short snort. "You take the cake, David. You really do. It's always about you. Let me rephrase this." Getting his full attention. "Hayston is pregnant. I am pregnant and you're the father."

David gulped. "I'm the father?"

"David, don't even go there."

"No, I mean. Lacy, this changes everything. First thing, I'll stop the divorce."

"You can't do that."

"Yes, I can. I'll call the lawyers right now." Flipping out his cellular telephone, David punched in a few numbers.

Yanking it away, Lacy reiterated. "You can't do that because I am not going to let you. End of discussion on that topic."

"Lacy, I have to keep my family together…."

"And, what family is that?" Lacy sarcastically threw at him before tempering her anger. "Never mind! We can do this the easy way or the hard way and, David, please for the sake of the kids let's stop fighting each other. Our children need to know both their parents. Let's do what's best for them."

"But….I'm the father."

"Drop it and I won't bring up… this 'little behind my back' renegotiation of my contract with Griffen. You had no right and you know it, David." Lacy sighed heavily. "I'm calling my agent later and get this straightened out. You don't have a free hand when it comes to me any longer, David. Understood?"

It wasn't what he wanted, but he would have to quell his desires for the time being. Too much was riding on his plans for the future. Stirring up a hornet's nest with his soon to be ex-wife didn't suit his purposes. There's plenty of time between now and when the divorce is final. And, I am the father. "Understood." David confirmed offering a pleasant and, at the same time, devious smile.

Lacy bounced that same smile back to him not having spent ten years with the man sitting in front of her without learning something along the way. Like a snake before he strikes.

************************
With their mother away for a business meeting, Dani and Derek took advantage of the luxuries offered by their host, Mark Calico. Splashing in the huge pool, Dani savored the sun-warmed day while Derek played with his plastic water pistol.

"Are you coming in Gage?" Dani yelled.

"No…. Ohhh." Gage jumped from her chair, face dripping with water. "Why should I? Your brother is getting me wet enough."

Derek hurried away to refill his toy gun once again. This time when he approached Gage, the blonde redirected him to the older man lounging on a patio chair dressed in slacks and a white business shirt.

Gage helped Derek sneak up on the unsuspecting victim then stood back as the young boy did as he was directed firing streams of water at Chance. Unscathed, the old man didn't move a muscle till one gray eye popped open zeroing in on the attacker then to the blonde instigator. In a calm steady voice, the sixty-year-old man said. "That was refreshing. Thank you." Chance then got up winked at Derek and walked away as if nothing had happened.

From a distance, Lacy watched her son's antics under her partner's guidance when a hand touched her shoulder. "You love her."

Lacy turned meeting warm blue eyes. "With all my heart."

"I do, too." Mark smiled. "Does that bother you?"

A perfectly sculptured eyebrow rose.

"I saw you watching us from the window yesterday with…. interest." Mark carefully chose the last word.

"More like with a bit of jealousy." Lacy admitted.

Mark offered an arm. "Walk with me." After a few long moments, the tall man continued. "The bond Gage and I have comes from tragedies in our lives. Mine from losing my wife and parents in an airplane accident twenty years ago." A momentary pause. "We were going to have a baby."

Lacy gently squeezed his arm offering comfort.

"All I have left is my grandfather in England and…. Chance, my ever-loyal assistant. But, that's a story for another time. And, Gage. We hit it off from the very beginning. When I read her screenplay, A QUESTION OF MURDER, that's the one we're shooting next year." Lacy nodded knowingly. "I felt some kind of connection in the words she wrote. I love the way she writes. Then when we met, well, who wouldn't love her?"

"I know. I do. And, so do my children."

Mark stopped short, staring deeply into Lacy's now worried eyes. "Lacy, Gage has been hurt in ways…. she doesn't feel she deserves a family or anyone for that matter. It truly makes me happy to see her with you and the kids. She needs this. Very much." Mark considered for a brief moment her partner's recent decision before letting Lacy in on it. "Gage told me she's not going to be involved as much with filming our movie."

"No, she can't. It means a great deal to her." Lacy protested.

"And you mean the world to her. Let her, Lacy. This is something that she needs….. it will heal her soul."

Pensively, Lacy nodded fully understanding as she remembered Gage's words regarding getting a speech therapist for Derek. It would be a… soothing salve to my soul helping him like someone helped me years ago.

"Friends?"

"Friends." Lacy confirmed.

"Now, may I ask you a favor?" Lacy nodded. "I have many businesses throughout the world and have naturally become aware of the plight of people in it…. mostly the children. Money can only do so much." Glancing at Lacy briefly, he asked. "We could use your…..well, face to get the awareness we need in helping the children of the world. I know it's a lot to ask…."

"I'll do it. Whatever you want." Taking in a quick view at her children happily playing in the pool, Lacy added. "Having children of my own…" Lacy's hand unconsciously drifted to her stomach rubbing it.

"I know." He winked. "Gage told me."

"I want to help Mark and….." Sucking in a short breath. "…not be so jealous of your relationship with Gage."

"Don't be." Pointing to the necklace she wore. "Do you know where Gage got that?" Shaking her head. "About twenty years ago, Gage made an attempt to find her mother. That led her to the social worker that helped Gage's mom during that time."

A questioning eyebrow rose.

"No, she wouldn't or couldn't tell Gage anything about her mother. But, that necklace, Gage got it from the social worker. She doesn't know for sure but Gage thinks that it may have belonged to her mother."

Speechless, Lacy's eyes filled with unshed tears. "Mark, maybe you can do a favor for me."

Mark understood the silent request being asked. He draped a steadying arm around his friend's lover in comfort. Maybe, Lacy, maybe in time she'll be ready.

Chapter Eight

The first week in the guesthouse flew by as Lacy and Gage readied their family for the upcoming movie and school year. Dani was enrolled in school and ready to start the following week. Gage made a few inquiries regarding getting a speech therapist for Derek. And, took the suggestion by Mark to call Dr. Charles. All the while Lacy prepared for her upcoming role in her movie.

The first day on the movie set was hectic. Lacy was escorted from place to place getting fitted for costumes, meeting the cast and crew and the last agenda item on the day included a script reading. Ryan White prepared meticulously for the short shoot. With only eight weeks allotted, he had things lined up ready to fall into place like a well-oiled machine.

"Lacy, over here." Ryan called to his star then looked around the set running his hand through his gray hair. Instead of making him look older than his forty years, the full head of gray gave way to a dapper distinguished look that he wore well. Not spotting his other star of the movie, he did see his assistant. "Griff?" Ryan waved her to him.

Lacy and Kathy Griffen arrived at the same time. "What's up, boss?" Griff asked then noticed Lacy curiously staring at her which Ryan took note of also.

"Lacy, you remember Kathy Griffen, Ron's daughter." Ryan said off-handedly still searching for his wayward star.

"Call me Griff. Everybody does." Griff offered.

"I knew you looked familiar. It must be the hair." Lacy said. "What's it been three years since I last seen you?"

Running a hand threw her short red hair Griff confirmed the observation. "Yeah, I like it better this way. Free and easy." The slightly shorter woman not only spoke about her hair it also reflected her attitude. "Though it was more like four years ago. After that I took off and worked on a couple of my dad's movies that took me around the world."

"You sure have grown up." Lacy stated.

"I'm twenty-eight now." Griff admitted.

"You're kidding. I thought you'd went to college when you left."

"Nope. Wanted to find myself and I did." Griff's green eyes sparkled as her youthful demeanor spilled over.

Patiently waiting for the two women to reacquaint themselves, Ryan finally interrupted. "Griff, where's Koda?" Then with a dismissive wave. "Just go find him. Okay? We need to get the ball rolling here."

"You mean the cameras, don't you?" Teasing the director. "Didn't go to film school for nothing." Looking at Lacy. "Nice to see again."

Lacy watched the younger woman leave. "I like her. I remember her around the set the first year of the show. She was always interested in how everything worked. I'm glad to see she's doing well."

"Yeah, she's a good kid. A bit obnoxious at times. She doesn't throw being the big boss' daughter around much, but…." Ryan spied the errant actor. "There you are."

Turning, Lacy recognized Koda Kannon, international film star named the sexist man alive at least twice. "Ahhh. If it isn't the divine Levine." These words floated off his silver-lined tongue. Ignoring the director completely, Koda grasped Lacy's hand in his, bowed at the waist placing a velvety soft kiss upon the back of her hand. Standing erect now, he refused to let go of the soft hand he held captive. "May I be so bold as to tell you that my life only started the moment I gazed into your beautiful blue eyes." Offering her a smile that dazzled so brightly it washed out the high intensity set lights.

Retrieving her hand, Lacy countered. "You mean I could be the life……and death of you?" Koda was about to return her volley when Lacy said. "Excuse me. Ryan, I need to speak with my agent a moment."

"That's okay. It's only the first day… not much to do." Ryan exhaled a mock sigh at the delays. Feeling a tapping on his shoulder, Ryan whizzed back around to his prima donna male star. Ryan noted the wolfish once over Koda lavished on Lacy while watching her walk away. He could read the thought propelling around the actors head just as if he'd said it out loud.

I've got to get me some of that. Koda smiled in self-assurance of winning the bet he'd just made with himself. "This should be a lot of fun."

Slapping the star on the shoulder, the director burst Koda's lascivious bubble. "She's outta your league. You won't even get on the ball field."

Koda's only reply, a smirk that clearly read we'll see.

************************
Arthur Graham stood silently listening to Lacy expound on her concerns about the contract renegotiation David had made without her knowledge. Irate that her agent would allow the renegotiation confused the star that had remained loyal to her one and only agent. After the rise of her success with the cop series many more prominent agencies cajoled, begged and pleaded to sign Lacy. This was one point she adamantly refused to consider going against David's stern recommendations.

"Calm down, Lacy." Arthur stilled the heated star's fury. "Here." He handed her the contract, flipped a few pages then pointed at one particular item.

Lacy read the small print carefully letting this new information dissolve her anger into a mellow ease. "Thank you, Art. I should never have questioned you about this."

"Lacy, first rule of business….never…. ever… let the other person you're in bed with, metaphorically speaking, know the closet door has a secret escape passage." Arthur winked at his favorite and most important client. "I knew David was up to no good. When I saw that I could handle it without taking you away from your much-needed vacation, I did. So, the balls in your court."

Once again, her agent came through in flying colors. Arthur never let her down and signing with him was the best business decision she'd ever made. In effect, Arthur gave her a wild card to play trumping the rest of the players if needed. "Thank you. I think you deserve a raise for this." She kissed him on the cheek.

"And, I thought you were talking about money." He shot her a teasing wink.

"You would." Lacy confirmed.

"Are we interrupting?" Gage asked with both kids in tow.

Spinning around at the sound of her favorite voice in the world to hear, Lacy beamed. "Never." Then eyeing her children. "Hello, you two."

"Mom, Gage took me by my new school. It's pretty cool. They have a swimming pool inside. Did you know that?" Dani loved water. A fact Lacy carefully calculated when selecting that school for her daughter.

"Yes."

"Mama?" Derek stretched, arms wide.

"Hello, honey." She collected her son in her arms. "What did you do this morning?"

"Pway horsie with Jage." Derek galloped in her arms.

"And, watched his favorite cartoon." Gage added.

Bringing Arthur Graham closer, Lacy introduced him to her partner. "Art, this is Gage."

Instead of formally announcing to the world their relationship, the couple elected to let people come to their own conclusions, but they were not going to hide it either. Their main concern was how it would affect the children. With Lacy's divorce still pending though they agreed to temporarily quell displays of affection in public.

"Art. Hi." Gage greeted the man who was the same age as herself.

Lacy's agent knew the score between the couple in front of him after receiving the anonymous tip that turned out to be from David… Like I should have realized that… regarding the supposed affair his client was involved in while at her cabin on the lake. "Nice to meet you. Lacy, I'm off then." Seeing the questioning look on her face, Art ended by saying. "Don't particularly want to talk with Casanova over there heading this way as we speak."

As Art left, Koda arrived with a wink and charming snake-like smile. "Lacy, Ryan wants us to 'get some'….." The way he said the last two words did not marry up with the next ones. "..rehearsing done."

Dismissing the vaguely veiled subtext, Lacy introduced her family. "Koda, I want you to meet Gage. She's a writer. And, these two are Dani and Derek, my children."

Glancing superficially toward the trio, his heavenly hazel eyes landed back on the woman he was going to add another notch to his bedpost with. "Hi. Shall we?" He asked, staring deeply into cool blue eyes.

"Yes, we shall." Gage grabbed Dani's hand and scooted Lacy, who was holding Derek, along. "We'd like to watch."

Knocked for a loop at the unexpected proposition, Koda temporarily retreated finding refuge behind the new arrival. "Griff? How's your old man?"

Griff quickly looked over the visitors to the movie set before answering him. "Fine. As a matter of fact, he just arrived. Talking with Ryan, I think."

"Well, then……" Koda straightened his shirt, stretched his neck and combed his unruly light colored hair with his fingers before heading off in search of their main benefactor. "Later."

"Gage, this is Griff." Lacy made the introductions.

"Hey, it's good to meet you." Griff grabbed the proffered hand. "Why haven't I seen you before?"

"First time on a movie set."

Lacy added proudly. "She's a…. an exceptionally great writer."

"Wow. Listen, why don't I show you around?" Looking at Lacy before whisking the blonde off.

Lacy shrugged turning to her partner knowing full well Gage would enjoy a tour of the place. "Go ahead."

"What about the kids?"

"I've got them with me. Go on."

"Are you sure you won't be needed for…. rehearsing?" Gage emphasized the last word having zeroed in on Koda's true meaning.

"No, no rehearsing for me. Well, except…." Lacy intentionally let the words she knew Gage would pick up on die on her lips.

"In that case, I won't be long." Turning to her new escort. "Lead on."

***********************
When Gage returned with Griff, they found Lacy, Koda and Ryan meeting with a large man who stood a couple inches over six foot. His presence spoke power, commanding and reassuring at the same time. Gage easily deduced the man's identity when Griff rushed to him losing herself in the gigantic hug he offered.

After a long embrace, Ron Griffen eased his daughter back. "Thought you were going to stop by last night?" Locking a sharp knowing brown eye on his only child, Ron silently summarized the reason. Since returning to Hollywood, the pretty woman before him worked by day and partied by night. A little too much, he thought. The movie mogul clearly remembered his daughter's shy innocent ways until she'd left to see the world. When his feisty daughter shrugged an apology, Ron declared. "You will tonight." Turning to the group, Ron emphatically extended the no refusal invitation. "I'm having a little 'get to know you' party this evening. I expect to see you all." He glanced around the room coming full circle back to the redhead. "Kathy, that means you, too."

Koda perked up at the invitation knowing full well that a bevy of beauties would be present while Ryan sighed knowing it would be formal. Lacy sent a questioning glance to Gage searching for any hint of uneasiness since she was well aware of her partner's reluctance to do 'fancy'. Gage smiled reassuringly to the dark haired woman thinking the invitation didn't include her until.

"Gage?" Griff called across the room to where the blonde had meandered finding sanctuary with the kids playing in the background. "You're coming right?"

"Huh?" The writer's head popped up. "Ahhh…." Seeing Lacy tilt her head in acceptance. "…sure."

"Great." Grabbing her father's arm, Griff directed him to the door then said covertly. "Father? I've got something I need you to do ASAP."

************************
Before mid-afternoon, Ron Griffen had supplied his daughter's request. "Didn't take much really. Asked an old friend." Ron handed Griff the file. "Anything I should know about?"

Reading it, Griff smiled. "No, no. Not yet. Guess I need to head to the bookstore." She started to leave.

"Aren't you required back on the set?" The business minded man asked.

She kissed her father on the cheek. "They're only going over the script and blocking….Ryan can handle it."

"Sweetie, you're just the assistant…. not the director." Ron advised his daughter. He loved her and would do anything for her, but, after all, he had money invested in this film. His only child came first, however, money was a real close second.

"I was teasing you, father."

As he watched her literally skip out of his luxurious office, Ron sat there perplexed. "I never know what's on that girl's mind."

*************************
Ryan and the cast muddled through a script reading of the movie, which frustrated him to no end. Griff never returned to the set after leaving with her father. Koda was making overtures to Lacy with every word he spoke. The rest of the cast members especially the women played tag trying to get Koda's attention that was firmly riveted on the dark haired beauty.

Lacy was the only bona fide professional, besides himself, present for which he was eternally grateful. Several times she redirected the group steering them back on track. Noticing her friend's aggravation, Lacy suggested. "Why don't we call it quits for the day? With the party and everything."

His savor's words were welcomed having lost control over this motley group. "Good idea." Oh well, tomorrow's another day to get this well oiled machine up and working.

The room couldn't have cleared out faster than if someone had called in a bomb scare. "Off day?"

"For the life of me, Lacy, I should have taken the day off." Ryan had a history of bad first days on a new project. Deep down, he took it in stride as he likened it to the old saying 'bad rehearsal, good show'. The worse the first day of filming was the better the film turned out to be. "Can I give you a ride home?"

"No, thank you. Gage and the kids should be waiting in my trailer." Lacy hugged her old friend.

"See you tonight then." Ryan waved.

"Tonight." She called off after him.

************************
"Tonight!" Gage flipped through her clothes. "Why tonight? Does he know it's not even the weekend?"

Lacy let her partner rant and rave. "You're the one who said we'd attend."

Dragging a pile of clothes from the closet with her, Gage recounted the incident. "Me? I looked at you. You cocked your head like….like…."

"Like what?"

"Like… this." Gage tilted her head exactly as her partner had done earlier when Griff asked if she was attending the party.

"I did not. I did this." Lacy cocked her head to the other side.

"Exactly. That's the same thing I did." Gage countered.

"No, it isn't. You did this." Lacy moved her head the other way. "I did this."

To Gage, the second maneuver mirrored the first. But, she no longer cared. It was something in the graceful way Lacy's long dark hair flung around as her partner attempted to discriminate between the two actions that diverted her attention. Gage closed the distance. "Do that again."

Lacy complied.

"I know exactly what that little move means."

"Really?"

"Mmmmmm." Gage tenderly took possession of the sensual lips before her begging to be kissed. So, she did again and again. Falling to the bed on the pile of clothes, Gage began undressing her partner.

"We're going to be late." Lacy said between smothering kisses she welcomed.

"I'm only helping you get undressed." Gage assured the pinned woman.

"Mmmm Hmmmm. I really believe that one." Dragging the tip of her tongue over her partner's mouth.

"Then believe this….. I love you." Allowing one final all consuming kiss to play out before withdrawing. Definitely overheated from the exchange, Gage desperately returned to inspecting her clothes before the fire grew too hot to handle leaving only one thing that would douse it.

Feeling like she was left in dry dock even before sailing, Lacy panted heavily. "I'm going to get you for that one, sweetheart."

"Tonight?"

"If you're lucky?" Lacy pushed herself off the bed then slipped into the five hundred dollar dress she'd bought. "What do you think?"

The appreciative smile on Gage's face shouted to the world her approval. "You make it look like it's worth a million bucks."

Giving her partner a thank you kiss, Lacy cocked her head again. "Now, what about you?"

Gage selected her chosen outfit. "I only have one philosophy about fashion…." Looking at Lacy directly. "You, who wrote the book on style…."

"I did not. But, I do enjoy dressing up." Lacy admitted.

"Comfortable." An arched eyebrow shot her way in question. "If I'm comfortable…… I'm styling."

A squinted eye and pursed lips surveyed the chosen outfit Gage had in her hand. "Then, sweetheart, you'll be the master of style tonight." Lacy walked out the door without another word.

Confused, Gage was left standing alone. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Chapter Nine

Lacy and Gage arrived with Mark Calico for the movie executive's 'get to know you' party. Gage surveyed the huge room filled with glamorous people dressed to the nines. At least they look the part. "Are all of these things so…. formal?"

"Unfortunately with Griffen they are." Her friend Mark replied. "Ron's big on fancy."

Fancy? You got that right. Gage swallowed hard feeling very out of place at that moment. Having being caught in accepting Griff's personal invitation, Gage figured she'd give it a go for her partner's sake. Now she was wishing she'd found a way out of it. Sucking in a deep breath, the ill at ease writer summoned her resolve to make the best of it. "Then let's get this thing over with." She knew when her words slipped past her lips it was a mistake. Her insensitive comment reflected on Lacy's face. Moving as close as she could to her partner, Gage asked forgiveness. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way."

Lacy produced a small smile. "That's all right. You told me how you felt about these types of gatherings. Maybe we can go before……"

Too late. "Mark Calico…. you old son of a gun." Ron Griffen gave his old college roommate a bear hug.

"Ron." Turning to his companions, Mark introduced them. "You know Lacy, of course, and this is my good friend and business partner, Gage Ballant."

The movie mogul scrutinized the blonde curiously as he greeted her. "Gage, nice to meet you. And….." Hugging Lacy. "How's my favorite money maker?"

"Glad to see I mean so much to you, Ron." Lacy returned the hug then moved back close to her partner. "But, it seems I've been toppled by someone else in that department."

Ron raised both bushy eyebrows in question.

Nodding, Lacy continued. "Your new favorite."

Everyone turned to look as Koda Kannon approached them. Whispering Ron confirmed her deduction. "Yes, though, that's because you've semi-retired. Or am I being presumptuous on that point?"

"No, you're exactly right."

Ron continued referring to his new male star. "He doesn't have as big a draw as you. Never will."

"Then why is he making more than I am on this picture?"

"Ah, ah, ah…" Holding a finger up. "Before you say another word, if you were a man you'd make twice as much as he does easily. But, you're a woman." Letting approving brown eyes scan the length of her body, Ron continued. "And, I wouldn't want it any other way."

What Ron initiated to be a private conversation between himself and his star soon turned loud enough for all ears to hear including Koda's who picked up on the last comment by the head of Griffen Studios. "I couldn't agree with you more boss." Koda allowed his hazel eyes to drape over the beautiful woman standing directing in front of him. "Lacy, there's someone I want you to meet." Grasping her hand, Lacy hesitated. "Please."

Glancing at Gage quickly, she received a reassuring smile. She spoke to the group, but her eyes were definitely glued on her partner. "I'll be right back."

As Koda walked off with her woman on his arm, Gage turned deaf to the conversation between her friend and Ron Griffen. She picked up a few key words such as 'distribution', 'rights', 'options' and 'tons of money'. None of it interested her. What piqued her interest was the way Koda practically wrapped himself around… MY WOMAN…. as he casually introduced Lacy to another man.

************************
"Tony, over here." Koda eagerly greeted the up and coming entertainment media reporter. "Lacy, meet Tony Kussler."

Tony Kussler reframed from extending his hand to the well-known female star. Instead, posted a smirk on his face squinting his dark eyes slightly. "We've….." Inserting a dramatic pause then emphasized the next word. "….almost… met once."

Clearly, Lacy didn't remember. "I know who you are and I've seen you around before….."

A sickly evil grin spread across the reporter's face. "When I was starting my career five years ago…." Lacy arched an inquisitive eye since the young man barely looked twenty-one. "Just eighteen then… your publicist set up an interview for me with you, alas…. it fell through." No use playing all my cards. No, not yet. Time for that later.

"I'm sorry. I really am. I don't remember it." The star was sincere knowing how hard it was getting your foot in the door on any career you desired especially in Hollywood.

Tony flipped a dismissive wave. "Forget it. I've done pretty well for myself."

"That you have, partner." Koda spread a smooth swipe of butter across his sometimes-drinking buddy's ego. "Tony hosts that new show, SHOWTOWN."

"Yeah, well, there is another host…. a woman." It was clear to the female star that Tony exhibited a degrading attitude toward women. Turning toward his actor friend to say his farewell. "Koda." Appraising the room full of gorgeous women, Tony excused himself. "So many women, so little time."

Koda nudged Lacy as his eyes traveled to Tony's next stop on his excursion around the room…..working it for all he was worth. "You should keep on his good side." Winking at Lacy. "Problem is…. he doesn't have one. Somebody burned him years ago…. cost him his first real job."

"Doesn't matter…. I'm stepping out of the limelight." Lacy commented off-handedly.

Grabbing both her arms, Koda twirled the woman around to face him. "I intend to change that. Lacy, we are made for each other…. cinematically speaking…." He eased her concerned look. "Together on screen we're fantastic…." And, off screen we'd be even greater together. He waggled his eyebrows seductively. Words such as 'hot' and 'sweaty' popped in both star's minds, but for entirely different reasons. "Just like Rock Hudson and Doris Day only you've got the dark hair and mine's light."

Instead of responding to her overzealous suitor, Lacy spotted David and Hayston Rawlings arrive who immediately stopped a waiter, grazed the offered food plate then found a comfortable chair. Unlike her boyfriend, rocketing directly toward her and Koda.

"Koda…." Garnishing his full attention on Lacy, David quizzed. "Lacy, how are you? Really?"

Lacy thought she actually heard of tinge of sincerity in his voice. "I'm fine."

Still focused completely on Lacy, David directed his next question to Koda. "Would you mind? I have some personal business to conduct with my…. wife."

Not for long. Koda smiled. "Of course. I have plenty of time to wine and dine this beauty as we'll be working together…. closely on the set." The suave star interjected himself between David and Lacy. Pulling her closer, Koda planted a sweet gentle kiss on her totally surprised lips. Whispering, he said. "Later." Koda started to pull back then changed his mind abruptly moving even closer than before. "I will have you." He left the dark haired woman with a stunned look plastered on her face. Koda was the kind of playboy that liked to let his prey know he was in hot pursuit.

Shaking her head, Lacy regained her senses. "I don't know why that surprised me. I've heard all the stories…. never experienced it though." It was true. Lacy had scores of men and women fans vying for her attention throughout her career, flaunting themselves at her while on publicity tours though David and the entourage he arranged for her held them at bay. But, no one showed even the remotest signs of relentless pursing her. With Koda, the tide had changed. Tapping her chin with an index finger, Lacy's blue eyes found their way to trusting green. There's only one person I want relentlessly pursuing me. She smiled. Tonight.

"Lacy, Lacy…. Are you with me here?" David finally pulled her out of her sexual musings.

"What?" Returning her attention to the dark haired producer that she still happened to be married to until February the next year when the divorce was final.

"We need to talk."

"Maybe we should have done more of that over the last couple of years, David, instead of now."

Twisting his lips in frustration. "We still have a few business ties to take care of."

"I know. You never did tell me why you renegotiated my contract."

"You want to know? You really want to know?" She nodded. "Fine. For your own sake." His raised hand froze the words on her lips. "Yes, for your sake. And, mine too." He reluctantly admitted. "MegaCom wanted some assurances that I'd provide them a hit. What better way then to show a little…"

She cut him off, correcting him. "A lot."

"….of skin." He finished. "But, that deal fell through. Thanks to you and….never mind."

His deal with MegaCom to start a new series starring his pregnant girlfriend after the end of the cop show, CRACKDOWN, was to be sweetened when he delivered the movie Lacy was presently shooting to them. MegaCom executives were very interested in Lacy Levine so David used her as leverage to keep his career in high gear. When Lacy, Ron Griffen and his producing partner, Ryan White, discovered his plan, they united bringing his scheme to a screeching halt.

"By the way, I'm not going to do anymore publicity except for this film when it's released next year. No more openings, shows or public events."

"You can't do that! You fade out of the public minds for even a second and they suddenly get Alzheimer's disease." David vehemently countered.

Giving him a stern look, Lacy continued. "David, do you even know what comes out of your mouth? Never mind. That's the way it's going to be. Period."

"Fine! Although, Miss 'slip off the face of the earth and never to be seen again' Lacy, you do have a couple of things scheduled. It was before you left for the cabin. You've already made a commitment to them." David smirked under the proffered smile.

"That's it then. Nothing more." Lacy effectively ended the discussion. There were several reasons for her decision. Her pregnancy, her desire to be with her children and, of course, Gage. Ever present on Lacy's mind was how hard it seemed that her partner was concerned, afraid even, to enter the star's very public world for fear that Gage would shame her. That could never happen in Lacy's mind, but it was real for her partner and that's what mattered the most to her. "David?" Lacy signaled toward her ex-co-star and David's present girlfriend. "She doesn't look well. Maybe you should check on her."

Seeing Ryan approach, David agreed. "Fine." Reluctant to face his partner since their heated exchange over the devious errant plan he'd hatched, David slipped off quietly.

"They do turn tail and run rather quickly, don't they, Lacy?" Ryan slipped his arm around his friend then offered her a brief kiss on the cheek.

Lost momentarily in thought, Lacy spoke. "He's got his priorities mixed up for sure." Coming back fully to the present, Lacy inquired. "Ryan, I forgot to ask David, but do you know a Tony Kussler?"

"Yeah. Gang buster kinda journalist…. gotta new show. Why?" Ryan didn't particularly like the guy who Ron Griffen invited along with several other entertainment media to the party so he could drum up any and all free publicity available.

"Something about him…. I don't know. He gives me the creeps." Lacy confirmed her earlier perceptions.

"Look at her." Ryan nodded toward Hayston. "She's dead tired. David has her booked on every show he can get her on….. attending every premiere. It's ridiculous."

Carefully studying the twenty-three year old, Lacy recognized the tale tale signs. "She's further along than I was when I lost…" Her words faltered upon remembering when she'd lost her first child during her third month of pregnancy.

Lacy's pregnancy was unexpected and her schedule was already taxing her physically. At first, Lacy ignored signs that she might have been pregnant being her first experience with it and not really wanting it to be true. When she lost the baby, Lacy shouldered all of the responsibility carrying the guilt for years. It was only after having Dani and loving words from her mother about what can happened during pregnancy that was no one's fault that she forgave herself.

"Maybe I should talk to her?" Lacy offered thoughtfully.

*************************
Meanwhile back at the party feeling rather uncomfortable until Mark offered his friend some wine, Gage perused the crowd trying to guess what made each of them tick. It was something the writer in her did on occasion. During her observations, she'd noticed a good-looking guy with a very nice smile staring at her several different times. The last time she noticed it, she observed Griff approach him. Some friendly words were exchanged when their verbal bantering raised its ugly head. It didn't concern her too much until both sharply turned on their heels heading directly for her like twin heat sinking missiles zeroed in on their target.

"Gage. This is Michael Jessop. You met him briefly on the set today." Griff explained.

"That's right. You looked familiar."

Michael clasped her hand, holding on to it tenderly until Griff tore it away from the writer. "Knock it off, will ya?"

"So, go ahead… ask." Michael encouraged his co-worker then blushed at the writer much to his dismay.

Shooting him an evil look dripping with poisonous venom. "What this jerk is wanting to know…."

"We both do." Michael corrected her.

Drawing in a breath, sure she would be the victor, Griff asked. "Gage, we… want to know your….. your…… are you gay?"

"I say straight." Michael quickly added.

The two would be suitors waited with baited breath for her answer. Stunned, Gage savored a few long moments to respond. It wasn't because she had any doubts about the way she felt about her sexuality. What shocked her was their interest in her that way. "You want to know my sexuality?" Dual heads nodded furiously.

With absolute assuredness, she proudly proclaimed. "I'm not heterosexual….." Michael's world flipped upside down while Griff buoyed a huge smile then licked her lips. "I'm not bi-sexual…." The last hopeful avenue for the young man was cut off now. Griff's green eyes flared devouring the writer. "I'm not homosexual….." The look on both stunned faces asked. What else is there? "I'm just…." Gage's green eyes flared, dropping her sultry voice to its lowest register. "Sexual."

Michael and Griff both shared a sexual shiver zigzagging through their overheated bodies as Gage lilt out the last word. While the young man came to attention just below the beltline, the redhead creamed her pants.

Thankful that Lacy arrived to save her from dealing with the aftermath of her proclamation, Gage offered to get the group some drinks. "What are you having?"

Still off-balance from the exchange, Griff covertly watched Gage rush off to retrieve some refreshments with Michael who offered to help. She surmised he couldn't wait to douse the fire burning inside him. Coward. Can't stand the heat.

"Griff? You okay?" Lacy shook the shorter woman's shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, fine." Her equilibrium back, Griff decided to test the waters referencing the attractive blonde she'd set her eye on. "You're friends right?"

"Yes, very good friends…. best friends." Lacy added a bit more possessively then she'd intended.

"She interests me to tell the truth." Griff carefully studied Lacy's reaction to her words wondering if there was more than friendship blooming between Lacy and the blonde.

"Gage is a wonderful person. I already told you she's a writer." Now vague and careful not to reveal too much of her feelings.

"Yes, you did. You read her?"

"Only her screenplays." Lacy admitted not having found Gage's stories at the bookstore. Lacy was reluctant to ask her partner about the books she wrote since Gage was more than just a little bit sensitive when it came to the star reading what the writer wrote.

She remembered Gage's words. I don't know, Lacy, if you don't like them then…. you'd feel like you had to say something nice anyway. To which Lacy countered. I loved your screenplays. I love the way you write. She pleaded, but to no avail. It was then Lacy schemed to get her partner's novels at the bookstore and it was then that she discovered there were no books listed under Gage's name.

"Not her books?" Griff asked confused at this disclosure.

"No, not her books." Lacy confirmed.

Acting upon a suspicion, Griff informed the star. "I like the writer Ballantine myself. Great stuff."

"Oh, me too." Lacy joined in.

Confirmed and added to her mental list, Griff smiled at the revelation that she would use to her advantage…. later.

When Gage and Michael returned, the uneasiness between the four prevailed casting a shadow over what should have been a delightful evening.

************************
"All tucked in and sleeping." Was all Chance offered the couple when they arrived home from the party.

Before Gage shut the door, she called out a thank you to the reticent man. When she turned around, Lacy was nowhere to be seen. Following a hunch, Gage headed to the kid's bedroom where she found their mother tenderly stroking first Derek's cheek giving him a kiss then did the same to her daughter. Lacy got up slowly, watching in wonder at her sleeping children.

"Come on." Gage offered a hand to her partner, leading her down the hallway to their bedroom.

Standing before the woman she loved, Gage ran her fingers up Lacy's long smooth arm coming to rest near her shoulder. The writer snagged the thin strap; gently pushing it over Lacy's shoulder then repeated the same maneuver with the other strap. Twisting her lover around, Gage unveiled the beautiful back as she pulled the zipper down allowing the dress to slip to the floor. Wearing nothing but shoes now, Lacy stood quietly allowing her lover full access.

Gage softly kissed the exposed shoulder, lowering her voice to a melodious gentle caress. "I love you."

Lacy turned into her lover's arms. "I love you. Now, take me to bed and make love to me."

"Your pleasure is my pleasure." Quick to follow her lover's command, Gage undressed and pinned her lover to the bed. Feeling her woman under her moving against her released a very satisfied moan. "God, I love it when you do that. I love the feel of your skin." Inhaling deeply the scent of her woman.

"You know, sweetheart….." Fighting the sweet welcomed sexual assault only long enough to voice her concern, Lacy offered off-handedly. "Griff likes you."

Jolting her head up, Gage scrunched her eyebrows. "Really? You think? I thought it was just a bet between the two of them."

Not fully understanding, Lacy asked. "What bet?"

"Oh, Griff and Michael wanted to know if I was gay or straight."

"And…. what did you tell them?" Very curious at her partner's answer.

Gage gave her a lascivious smile highlighted by a sexy wink before she kissed her lover soundly. "I said I was….." Dropping her sultry voice to the lowest register again to repeat her announcement. "Sexual." Claiming the sensual lips before her once more, Gage savored the sweet taste as she begged entry with her tongue, gaining permission to enter.

Lacy finally broke the kiss struggling to refill her deflated lungs. "Sweetheart, you take my breath away."

"God, baby, I love you so much." Gage husked. Then quite out of the blue a thought occurred to her. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"What?" Studying the regretful green eyes she intently stared into. "What is it?"

"I know you don't like that…. word." Gage shied away from the blue eyes pinning her.

"Sweetheart, I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about."

"Babe, baby…. you know." Gage barely spit out.

"Oh…." A past morning of remembrance dawned on her. "Sweetheart…." Lacy swung her lover's head back around to face her. "When David called me 'babe', I didn't like it. Not at all. It was as if I was USDA grade A stamped and certified, like a prized piece of meat." She kissed Gage. "However, when you call me 'baby' the sensual way you say it, I feel embraced in love. So very special." Placing her hand over Gage's heart, Lacy concluded. "I know it comes from here."

"Is that why he changed your 'nudity' clause? Because he wanted to show you off?" Gage asked reluctantly.

I wondered when this was going to come up. "I suppose. That… and the fact that it's a sure fire way to draw more people to the picture." Lacy explained. "Does it bother you? My showing….."

Gage simply nodded.

The star allowed a deep sigh to escape. "You want to talk about it?"

Gage shrugged.

"What do you want to know?" When Gage shrugged again, Lacy insisted. "Sweetheart, tell me how you feel."

"I don't care for the rest of the world to see you like…." Looking at her lover's naked body. "Like this."

"I've never been totally naked, Gage." A bit annoyed now.

"And, David probably thought it was great. Here, his wife exposed to the world her sexy body and I bet he gloated, stroked his ego, I'm sure." Gage's voice held a definite tone of disgust.

Lacy pursed her lips and shifted slightly from under her lover. "I agreed to it, you know. It wasn't all David's doing."

"Yeah. And, I've got the pictures to prove it." Gage confirmed unwittingly.

"Pictures?"

Great! Gage exhaled deeply, shoulders slumped then she rolled off Lacy. "From the men's magazines you posed for."

"I see. It's okay for you to….. to ogle me, but no one else can." Lacy spat out.

What could she say? It was true. When it came down to it, Gage didn't share well with others. And she certainly didn't want to share what the two of them had with each other in any way, shape or form. There was one fact, though, that Gage couldn't dispute. All of this, the pictures and even the renegotiation was well before she'd met Lacy. I have no right to….. Carefully snuggling back up to her lover, Gage whispered sincerely. "I love you."

Those words taking the wind out of the raging sails Lacy threw up only a few moments ago at Gage's insinuations, she said. "I know that and I love you. And, remember when we were at the cabin…. you said you would trust my decisions."

"I did. I do." Gage recalled her pledge to trust the woman she'd loved even though she didn't agree with some of those decisions. Reflecting back a few moments regarding Lacy's initial statement, Gage continued. "You said earlier that Griff liked me. That is so hard to comprehend. Why me?" Gage laughed. "You're the one that half the people in the world either lust after or fancy themselves in love with."

"And that bothers you." Lacy stated the obvious. "I do have lots of fans and on the set people cater to me like I really was some kind of star. Sweetheart, you remember when you saw me wash dishes for the first time?" Gage nodded. "Even you had a certain bias about me when we first met. I'm just a person like everyone else and a mother and a woman….. who loves you very much."

"Are you mad at me?"

"No…. though I was getting there." Lacy closed the distance between them lounging her body fully against her naked lover. Lips connected with other lips then Lacy continued. "When you said 'I love you'." Another kiss. "I felt… the…. it dissolved completely with those words. I don't think I could ever stay mad at you with the way you say that to me."

"I love you." Returning the heated kisses. "I love you so…. so very much…" Gage's voice dropped again for the third time that night to its lowest register. "Baby."

No more words were spoken till early morning light. What transpired through the night let loose a raging river of emotions as the couple rode wave after wave of desirous crests coming together to a shore that beckoned them where they would lay safe on the sands of time for eternity.

Chapter Ten

The first week shooting her movie passed quickly for Lacy. She took time off Monday of the second week in order to take Dani to school her first day. Gage accompanied her along with Derek. By mid-week, the new family settled into a fairly regular routine. Lacy was up at five a.m. and out within the half hour while Gage and the kids slept in until it was time to get Dani up and ready for school.

This morning Gage was particularly anxious. After she dropped Dani off at school and asked Chance to watch Derek, Gage left for the studio. This was the big day for the love scene Lacy was filming with the ever-flirting Koda Kannon.

When Gage arrived on the movie set, Griff pounced on her noting this was the first time the writer showed up without one or both of the kids. "Hey, glad you're here."

"Hi Griff." Gage said casually, her mind definitely focused on another woman.

"Today's the big day. Everybody's gonna be there." Griff rubbed it in.

The writer shrugged moving away from her toward Lacy's trailer, hoping to find her there. The night before Lacy suggested Gage come alone to the set before the upcoming love scene. Her intention was to reassure her partner of her love before and after shooting the scene.

"Are you gonna be there?" Griff followed the blonde.

"No."

Grabbing her shoulder, Griff twisted Gage around. "I've got something I'd like you to see later. Mind if I drop by Lacy's trailer?"

"Sure." Gage mumbled off-handedly. She couldn't care less about what the redhead was saying. Leaving Griff behind, Gage hesitated then opened her partner's door. I trust her. I trust her. She loves me.

Dressed in a robe, Lacy turned when the door opened. "Gage, come in…. come here." The star welcomed her partner with a slow, sizzling kiss meant to reassure her lover. "I love you."

Pulling Lacy to her, Gage slipped her hands under the untied robe easily gaining access to the luscious body it only slightly covered. "I love you, too." Things overheated quickly between the two as they exchanged passionate kisses. Reluctantly dragging herself away, Gage said. "Chance is watching Derek and I dropped Dani off at school."

Noticing a distant cool breeze emanate from her partner, Lacy asked. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"I love you, Lacy." Gage smiled, kissing her again. "Just don't want to get you too worked up before……."

Lacy sat on a nearby stool then pulled her lover between her legs. "Please don't equate what we have to the love scenes you see in the movies. It's all choreographed before hand and there are a gazillion people milling around…not to mention the bright, hot lights beating down on you. It may look romantic even sexy, but it is far from it."

"I know." Brushing Lacy's bangs away from her face. "I trust you. I really do." Gage confirmed her words with a kiss. "But, I don't trust octopus hands."

A small giggle escaped Lacy's lips. "Neither do I. I can take care of myself, sweetheart. Really I can." Lacy wrapped her hands on her lover's hips pulling her closer between her own legs. She leaned in planting tiny kisses along her lover's collarbone up to the very sensitive spot just behind Gage's ear.

Gage sucked in a deep breath. "Okay, if you don't stop we'll be doing our own love scene right here….right now."

Nuzzling her neck, Lacy said. "And your point is?"

Capturing her lover's lips, Gage melted into a deep, soul-searching kiss fanning the flames of love higher and higher. "Wow." The blonde broke away first. Attempting to still her escalating heart, Gage drew in several hasty breaths. "When you get back, we'll continue this. You do have the rest of day off…..after your scene, right?"

"Almost. Ryan wanted a costume change for another scene we're shooting next week so he asked if I would stay and get fitted." Lightly kissing her lover again, Lacy wrapped her long legs around her Gage. "I'll be home earlier than usual." Changing the subject. "You sure you want to wait here for me."

Gage nodded. "Thinking about it with my imagination is more than enough for me. No use having the actual vivid images ingrained in my mind." Placing her forehead against her lover's temple. "I love you….. so very, very much."

There was a knock at the door before Lacy could return the endearment. "I'll be right there." She called then said to Gage. "I love you more than I could ever find the words to say." With that, she kissed her lover once again soundly, reassuringly willing all the love she held for her partner in that kiss to traverse past any doubts straight to Gage's soul. The one she shared with her lover.

Lacy left her partner stunned, somewhat frazzled and completely bathed in the profound love they shared. Gage was still reeling from the sensual high Lacy lathered in her in when another knock at the door sounded. "Come in."

"Hey, it's me." Griff bounded in excited about something.

"Thought you'd be on the set."

"No. They got it under control. I wanted to show you this…actually, wanted you to sign it for me." Griff handed the writer a copy of Gage's first book.

Taking it, Gage said. "Wow. You actually found one. This is my first book….did okay I guess. They really didn't publish that many. It was a start at least." Gage sat on the couch searching for a pen on the coffee table.

Griff eased down beside Gage then scooted even closer. "Here." Handing the pen to the writer, Griff let that same hand drop to Gage's thigh massaging it.

Gage bolted back away from the aggressive redhead. "I think you've got the wrong idea here Griff."

Moving closer, the overheated twenty-eight year old puckered lips together preparing to kiss the blonde.

"Hold on. Griff!" Gage twisted around, laying the book on the coffee table freeing her hands just in case. "You're not my type."

Moving in for the kill, Griff husked. "I know… you're just…. sexual." Repeating Gage's self-assessment regarding her sexuality with smoldering green eyes transfixed on the blonde.

When Gage bolted up from the couch, Griff clamped firm hands on the writer's hips yanking her back down. It was a struggle. Surprisingly, Gage found the young redhead quite strong. Griff finally maneuvered the blonde below her leaning slightly on the open side of the couch, firmly planting Gage against the back of it.

"Griff, damn it, get up!" Gage insisted.

"No…. I want you and I always get what I want." The young woman's personality metamorphosed drastically from the sheltered life her father bathed her in while she still lived at home. However, five years of being on her own woke up the wild sexual beast that lay dormant all those years. It was loose now and preyed relentless after years of hibernating.

Still struggling, Gage finally twisted from under the redhead planting one foot on the floor, but slipped when Griff yanked her back down landing squarely on top of the young woman below her.

"Now I've got you where I want you." Griff let out a barely audible declaration.

Gage bolted her hands on Griff's lower arms then lifted once more against the demanding woman's squirming as the redhead attempted to tangle the blonde's legs. Both women were breathing heavily, scurrying around on the couch as each woman tried to gain the upper hand. Neither heard the door open and the loud gasp escape their visitor.

Griff was the first to see the stunned Lacy standing in the doorway. Blue eyes widened in total disbelief at the scene before her. "My God, what is going on here?" Lacy finally found purchase to the wild jealous thoughts running rampant in her mind.

Shocked, Gage swung her head around seeing her lover barely able to balance herself as Lacy wobbled back against the side of the door. "Ah…Lacy?"

The aggressor took the opportunity that presented itself and declared herself the victim. "It wasn't me." Griff slipped from under the blonde. Standing now, she straightened her blouse then casually picked up her book. "I just came in here wanting an autograph." The lying redhead shoved a copy of Gage's book to Lacy's chest.

Lacy spared a quick moment to look at it spying the name of her favorite author G. S. Ballantine marqueed near the top in bold letters. Realization dawned on the dark haired woman, thumping loudly like a book falling to the floor.

With a cavalier attitude, Griff tossed the book back at Gage then mustering a full head of self-righteousness, she walked out the door. Damage done.

"Lacy…." Gage pleaded then remembered she hadn't moved. Jumping up, the blonde hurried to her partner. "Lacy, I know what it may look like and…."

Returning her eyes to the book on the table, Lacy temporarily dismissed the two tangled bodies ingrained in her mind. Something deep inside her tempered the jealous rage she felt upon seeing her lover on top of someone else. It was another jealousy that reared its ugly head. "You're…… Ballantine?"

Sighing, Gage confirmed. "Yes."

Shaking her head violently, Lacy remembered the day she admitted to Gage that Ballantine was her favorite author. Shocked, Lacy asked. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Confused that her partner would target this item instead of the fact that she had just found her planted on top of the redhead, Gage sucked in a calming breath. "It… I don't know. It never really came up."

"At the cabin it did." Lacy countered forcefully, sure of her memory on the subject.

Thinking quickly, Gage replayed several past events in her mind. "Yeah, you're right. You mentioned something about it when….. we were on the boat dock and the sheriff just walked up." Adding quickly. "After that, Dani got lost in the cave….Derek was stung and…." Shoulders dropped allowing a deep sigh to escape. "Lacy, it just didn't occur to me later."

Lacy coolly picked up the book, opening the front cover. Seeing nothing written there, she closed it. "You might want to think of something….." Her usual sensual voice cut sharply. "Special…to write." Handing it to the blonde. "Here…..I've got a love scene to do." With that, Lacy exited the trailer as quietly as she had entered. The only difference was the seething storm brewing inside her.

Gage plopped down on the coffee table tossing the book aside. Bewildered at the unexpected turn of events.

Lacy calmly walked back on the set forgetting about why she'd originally returned to her trailer, tossing off her robe revealing a nearly naked woman. "Let's get this show on the road." She announced.

Koda bolted up fleeing from his robe just as easily as his co-star did only quicker. Seeing a willing woman before him primed and determined, Koda jumped on the bed opening inviting arms to Lacy who fell into them effortlessly.

The director didn't waste any time calling 'action'. The smug male actor engaged fervently in his role with traveling hands roaming the seemingly free-range body of the beautiful woman in his arms. Even as Koda spoke his lines, he took liberties well outside the boundaries of what they had originally choreographed while preparing for the scene.

Ryan was pleased with the raw sexuality emitting from his two stars. This will look great on film. Having been concerned about Lacy's disinclination prior to the scene being filmed, Ryan listened patiently when the female star asked for a few moments then headed back to her trailer. When she returned, Ryan astutely noticed a complete personality change from timid and reserved to bold and capricious.

As Gage silently approached the set where Lacy was thoroughly engaged in a very hot and torrid love scene with Koda, the jealous flames of fire soared encasing her being in a covetous rampage. From the shadows, Gage simmered as she watched Lacy let the light haired Romeo have free rein. She silently watched Koda run his hands the length of Lacy's body traveling precariously close to sensitive areas. When Koda kissed her, Lacy returned the kiss with abundance, tongues entwining, fighting for dominance. Then when Lacy arched into the man rubbing the length of her body along his, the overpowering green-eyed sensations conquered her common sense erupting in a loud shout. "CUT!"

Everyone including the actors froze then slowly directed their attention to the shadows where Gage stood, hands balled. When Ryan redirected the crew's attention, the furious blonde strode determinedly toward the bed where Lacy laid up against Koda. Gage watched her partner yank the sheet over her effectively covering her from staring eyes.

At first, Koda anchored himself next to his co-star resolved to hold his position. Though when green eyes flared, he jumped off the bed as quickly as he jumped on it intending to avoid the stampede of one.

Through gritted teeth, Gage spit out. "So, this is what a love scene entails. You are either one hell of an actor or…. there's more here than you're letting on. Either way…."

Ryan dropped a steadying hand on the powered keg blonde ready to explode. "Gage, it's really all acting. Trust me." Yet, even Ryan knew Lacy was allowing Koda more liberties than she ever had for the love scenes during all the six years he'd directed her on the set of her cop show. "Come on, Gage."

Never leaving her partner's blue eyes the whole time, Gage finally relented as a tiny bit of logic seeped through her seething veneer. Barely containing the unshed tears that welled in her misting green eyes, Gage allowed a dark cloud of emotions overtake her. Well, I've finally done it. My worst nightmare. Embarrassed her…..shamed her. All for what? Shifting her eyes briefly to Koda then catching a glimpse of Griff standing half-way behind a stationary camera, Gage forced her now pained eyes to return to the woman she loved and vowed never to lose control of the precarious emotions dangling from a thread inside her. Gage sucked in a deep shuttering breath then she simply turned and walked away thinking that Lacy would never want to see her again.

Devastated by Gage's action, Lacy recoiled, fretting against boiling rage she felt inside threatening to overspill. But, Lacy was a true professional in every sense of the word. David had trained her to harness her emotions well. Many times in her life and career she would simply display a cool façade in the face of unsettling situations. But none held the magnitude this one did, so far-reaching in her life threatening to collapse the newly built walls of their relationship.

When Ryan called for them to set up again, Lacy, still stunned, could only react with numbness as Koda engaged in his character's role. The amorous young man hoped the previous events would play to his favor. And, he was making headway until Lacy clenched her stomach and threw up.

"That sure kills it for me." The limp lusted Casanova retreated from the bed en route to his trailer.

"Lacy? Are you all right?" Ryan asked.

"Help me to …. my trailer." Lacy begged.

With Ryan's personal assistant nowhere in sight, Michael Jessop called an early break for cast and crew. As a passing crewmember drifted by, Michael asked. "You seen Griff?" A negative nod left the young man wondering what to do next so eventually he made his way to Lacy's trailer where the director had escorted the star. There he waited.

*************************
Ryan dropped Lacy off at Mark Calico's estate. Having listened to Lacy recount the events in her trailer between Gage and Griff, Ryan shook his head. "I can only say this. If Griff's involved….Lacy, trust me, she's not that innocent."

"You think she did it on purpose?"

"What do you think? That's what's important." Pulling his friend into a much-needed hug, Ryan finished. "What is your heart telling you? Your instincts."

"That I can believe her." Lacy drew in a shallow breath. "Though it doesn't explain her not telling me about the book."

"Does it really matter, Lacy?"

"What got me the most about it was…. that Griff knew… she practically threw it in my face and I… I should have known first?" Recalling her conversation with Griff at the party last week, Lacy said more to herself. "She knew then." Lacy unlocked the door then Ryan stopped her.

"Lacy, you should know Griff's the boss' daughter…. I can't fire her."

Hatching a very devious scheme, Lacy agreed. "Oh, believe me, that's the last thing I want you to do." A brief kiss on the director's cheek and Lacy was practically running down the walkway to the guesthouse praying that Gage was inside.

The director sighed heavily. "I think I've got trouble brewing on the horizon." Ryan mumbled as he sped away.

************************
The evening slipped quietly by with both adults offering only laconic answers to mundane questions. Dani suspected something was brewing between her mother and Gage. Shrewdly recognizing humor would not foil the strained façade held by the couple, Dani did the next best thing. "Derek and I are going to bed early." Screwing her face as if she was being put out, she concluded. "He wants me to read to him."

Happy with his sister's announcement, the young boy parachuted down from Gage's lap, grabbed his sister's hand and led her to their bedroom. "Night…night."

"Hey, come back here. Don't I get a kiss?" The mother hiked her eyebrows with a mock pout.

Derek and Dani swirled around, kissing their mother first then Gage before bouncing down the hallway. "Huwwy… wead to me. Now."

With the disappearance of the two children, the distant couple let silence fill the room. Each at one time or another covertly shied a rushed look at the other. Finally, Gage stood. "Well, I guess…. I should get my things."

"What?" Lacy asked in total disbelief.

Her back to Lacy, Gage explained. "I thought it would be easier for me to either sleep on the couch or Mark's got plenty of room……" Gage summoned her courage to face Lacy. "Unless…. you'd rather….. leave."

"You want me to leave? I mean that little to you?" The unshed tears that filled her eyes threatened to spill out. When Gage didn't speak, Lacy couldn't keep the dam from bursting, her head falling into her hands.

In a flash, Gage was on the ground kneeling before Lacy. She pulled the weeping woman into her arms as she felt Lacy's whole body shudder. For Lacy, there was no holding back the tremors violently vibrating through her body, shaking her to the core. Nothing, no one, had ever caused this much devastation of emotions in the young woman. "God, baby, I am so sorry. Griff set us up." Gage wasn't trying to justify her behavior, just offering her assessment of the situation. "And, I should have told you about my pseudonym, but, honestly, it was never my intent to keep it from you."

Lacy's body continued to quake in her lover's arms.

"And, I know what I did on the set was…." Her eyelids cascaded shut as she sucked in a deep breath dreading to say the next words. "It was unforgivable." God, I've lost her. "Please, stop crying." The blonde begged even as tears filled her own eyes. Gage brushed back a lock of hair from Lacy's tear stained face. Drowning in the misery from the harm she had inflicted on the woman she loved, Gage offered a heartfelt apologize. "Hurting you… breaks my heart for I never ever wanted to hurt you." An indefensible sigh escaped before she sincerely offered. "If times heals all wounds then I wish for a thousand years before tomorrow brings a new day."

Something in those words penetrated through the hurt, the anger, and the rage arrowing straight through her heart to her soul. There those soothing, earnest words calmed Lacy, reassuring her and allowed peace and love to dissolve any remnants from the blistering feelings that held court before, reigning supreme. Gage's words catapulted this new feeling, overthrowing the old one encasing her heart and soul as it crowned itself victor.

Tilting Lacy's face up with both hands, Gage sincerely proclaimed. "I love you." And, for whatever time God gave them together she would restate that simple truth over and over again. "Please, will you forgive me…" Gage lowered her head slightly, begging. "Will you, please?"

Lacy determined to allow nothing on heaven or earth to stand in her way of being with her partner, her lover, her best friend. Recalling the time when Lacy begged Gage's forgiveness over her careless words regarding their relationship and her lover did just that so easily, she also remembered some other words she spoke. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. "In your arms."

As Lacy's collapsed into her lover's arms again, the blonde didn't understand the comment, but relished the fact that she had another chance. And this time I will not screw it up.

************************
Lying in bed together, Gage turned on her side pulling Lacy up against her. "Why did you come back to the trailer anyway?"

"Right before the…. scene." Lacy skipped over the misunderstood word. "Michael told me there were sounds coming from my trailer like someone was crying. I knew you were there…. I didn't really think it was you. Then Ryan called 'action' and, I don't know, I had to see for myself… just in case."

"Why would he say that?" Perplexed about what his motivation would be. Gage reasoned that he liked her, but dutifully kept a professional distance after the party.

"I'm guessing it was Griff…. like you did." Her gut feeling told her it was Griff. "Anyway, that should easily be cleared up when I talk with Michael."

Kissing Lacy, the blonde said. "You're too good for me you know that, don't you?"

"I think we're just right for each other." Smothering Gage's lips before they could counter her statement.

Dizzy from her lover's kiss, Gage protested. "I wasn't going to disagree. Lacy?" She captured concerned blue eyes. "I've never been that jealous. I didn't even know I had that kind of… rage inside. It felt like my whole world ceased in that moment when I saw you…."

"Same here when I saw you….." Lacy brushed warm lips against Gage's cheek letting her tongue glide over to the blonde's mouth cloaking it with her own. "You were kinda cute though."

"What do you mean?" This certainly caught Gage's attention having felt like a total imbecile for her actions.

"I can't say I…. appreciate the way you handled it. But, sweetheart, it was sorta endearing to see someone…."

"Make a fool of themselves?" Lacy turned away stifling a smile. Realizing that her lover was only kidding her, Gage asked in mock rage. "You making fun of me? Well, I outta…."

"What leave me?" Lacy taunted her lover with her teasing words. The reaction she received from the blonde shook her.

Gage's face turned stone cold. "I would.. never… leave you. Don't even joke about it."

"Earlier you suggested that I would want to leave you."

"I thought you wouldn't want me around anymore after….." Gage admitted.

"Never."

Gage leaned in brushing her lips against Lacy's cheek. "You're the only woman I love." A lascivious smile rose on the blonde's face as she rolled onto Lacy saddling herself between her lover's legs. Pressing her naked body against Lacy, a thought grew in her mind same as the baby grew in Lacy's stomach. "Oh, is this okay?"

"Yes. You're not going to hurt the baby. I like it when you're on top."

A quirked eyebrow preceded the blonde's next maneuver, flipping over carrying Lacy with her. "I like it when you're on top."

"Then I'm going to take advantage of my position." And she did. Lacy cuffed her lips to Gage brushing against them, sucking, lightly nipping and in total control as her willing victim allowed the woman she loved full access.

Roaming hands found their way to Lacy's hips then crossing the exposed backside of her lover, pulling her closer between her legs. Lacy shifted her leg up placing it exactly where Gage needed it the most. The blonde returned the favor causing a low sexual moan to flee from the raven-haired woman. Both women grinded against each other falling into a complimentary rhythm that escalated the lust-filled fire clamoring to the surface.

Gage ran her hands up and down her lover's smooth toned back sending shivers through Lacy. It only distracted her for a moment before Lacy placed a trail of hot kisses down her lover's neck coming to rest just above an exposed and firm nipple. Lacy sucked the breast, wetting it then exhaled. That little action stoked the fire even hotter in the blonde as noticed by the obvious shiver pulsating though Gage.

Suddenly, Lacy latched onto the breast suckling feverishly. Her right hand slid to the other breast, caressing it as her finger twirled around the nipple ascending it to its peak.

A very audible appreciative moan surfaced from the woman benefiting from all the attention her lover gifted her with. She wanted to return the good deed so Gage slipped her hand between Lacy's warm legs until she reached the intended soaked target.

The star broke away from her feeding ground only long enough to announce her approval. "God, sweetheart, oh, God, yes." Lacy smothered the waiting breast once again as she continued to grind into her lover harder and harder. Bringing her lover so close to the edge, Lacy temporarily suspended her actions.

"Baby, please….don't do this to me." Gage wiggled against her lover, thrusting her hips, trying to re-ignite the simmering flames.

Knowing she held the key to Gage's complete and utter satisfaction and that she was the only one who ever would, the younger woman stoked the fire flaring feverishly, pushing her lover over the orgasmic precipice then Lacy joined her in sweet, heavenly bliss.

Long moments later, Lacy still lay on top of her lover cooling from their lovemaking. The lathered moisture beaded on both of them sensed the cool air caress their bodies as they fell to earth. "Gage?"

"Mmmmmm."

"I want you to know I'm sorry, too. After the trailer incident…." Lacy wanted to come clean. "The scene with Koda, I… intentionally let it go too far."

"I know." Brushing back clinging wet bangs from her lover's temple. "You were hurting…. and I was the source of your pain."

"No. You're the source of my happiness…. my reason for living. You and…"

"I know… the kids." Gage laughed then kissed her spent lover. "And, I wouldn't have it any other way."
With that said, Lacy returned her head to Gage's chest listening for the reassuring pounding of the heart she loved. "Me neither."

Chapter Eleven

Dani and Derek sat quietly at the table watching the older couple fix breakfast. Neither woman strayed far from the other as they remained in constant contact, touching and kissing while smiles bloomed like flowers in springtime. "Jeez, somebody's happier this morning than they were last night."

As Lacy stood at the stove, Gage wrapped her arms around her partner laying her head on the younger woman's shoulder. "I love you."

Dani conspiratorially leaned toward her brother. "I bet Gage said she was sorry first."

"Jage?"

"Yessss?" Gage winked at him.

"Mom? How come you're not gone yet?" Dani asked. Her mother was usually up and out the door by five-thirty each morning.

"I have a late call today. And, besides, this is Derek first visit to Dr. Charles. After we drop you off at school." Lacy tapped her daughter's nose then sat a plate full of food before her.

"Where's my usual Captain Crunch?" Dani asked.

A well-sculptured arched eyebrow tossed the silent question to which Gage fumbled the response. "It's been… hectic… in the mornings…..we don't always have cereal." Gage shot the little tattle tail a mock smirk. "Thanks a lot, Dani."

"Hectic?" Lacy asked.

"You know, mom, some people just can't get up in the morning." Dani supplied the missing key.

"Oh." Studying her daughter, she then asked. "How's your ears doing?"

"Fine." Dani spat out quickly, knowing her mother was concerned with the slight infection she had after getting her ears pierced. "Did you know I was the last of my friends to get my ears pierced? How embarrassing." Her last words only housed a small trace of seriousness to them.

"Saved the best for last, huh?" Gage offered off-handedly.

"Gage, how come you always turn things around?" Dani asked seriously.

"Huh?" Gage did a double take upon being asked that question. "Oh, I don't know." In a rare moment, Gage pensively revealed a well-concealed nugget of truth about her childhood years. "There was so many things that….happened. I just tried to get away and.. change it in my mind." Shaking herself from that dark memory, Gage collected her emotions. "I made a game of it. If someone insisted it was dark out, I pretended it was light."

"You do live in your own world, don't you?" Dani astutely recalled Gage's wild imagination when it came to storytelling.

Lacy stood when she heard the telephone ring. "Dani? Finish up."

Gage cleared the table then grabbed the small boy while Lacy talked on the telephone. When she sat Derek on the couch, Gage noted the disappointed expression Lacy wore. "What is it?"

"Ryan. They've changed the schedule. He wants me in as soon as possible." Lacy watched her daughter walk back in from her bedroom with books in hand. "Come on, honey."

Gage stopped Lacy at the door. "It's okay." Pulling her lover in for a reassuring hug. "Derek and I can go it alone this time. It's only a consultation."

"I know." She said sadly. "This is exactly why I wanted to take some time off. I'm tired of missing out on my children's lives." Glad to be able to share her burden, Lacy finally accepted the change of plans. "Maybe I'll get out early today."

"Come on, mom. I get to try out for the swim team today." Hurrying Derek along the path to the car, he sidestepped his sister, dropping down to his knees. Safely eluding Dani's barricaded legs, Derek ran toward his mother. "Momma."

Whisking her son up in the air, Lacy pulled him in for a huge hug. "I love you."

Safely tucked in her arms, away from his demanding sister. Derek smiled shyly. "Love you, too, momma."

Opening the door to the jeep, Gage beckoned. "Everybody in."

*************************
Just outside the studio door, Lacy leaned across the seat and kissed a very surprised blonde. "See you tonight. No, you're coming back here after your visit with Dr. Charles, right?"

Flabbergasted, Gage like a mime sat there unmoving.

Tenderly brushing her fingers against Gage's cheek, Lacy said. "Sweetheart, after yesterday, I think everyone knows."

"But, I thought….."

"It wasn't going to work anyway. I don't think I would have been able to keep my hands off you much longer." Lacy resigned herself to the inevitable fact.

"It hasn't even been two weeks." Astonished, but feeling the same way.

"Are you protesting?" Artificial disappointment spilled out in Lacy's voice.

"No!" Then Gage asked weakly. "What about waiting till the divorce is final?"

"Sweetheart, I don't give a …." Quickly shifting her eyes to her son strapped in his car seat, Lacy amended her original thought. "Besides, this way everyone will know who you belong to and…. vultures like Griff won't think they have free rein."

"Your career?"

"My…. career will….. que sera sera." She kissed her partner soundly once more. "Whatever will be, will be, but there will always be us…. no matter what."

Happy to indulge in the luscious lips presented her and reaffirming words, Gage gently reminded her lover. "We were going to refrain from public displays of affection not for us so much or actually even for your career, it was in case of custody problems…. you know."

Shoulders slumped with a deep sigh before Lacy responded. "David's David and he'd only fight it if it would serve him in the long run."

"That's what I mean. Can we take that chance?"

"Sweetheart, do you really think that either you or I would ever let anyone take….." Again, she fondly looked at her innocent son. "Them away from us?"

Cupping her hand behind Lacy's neck, Gage pulled her lover in for a deep kiss. Breaking away slightly, lips still touching, her partner vowed. "No. Never." Gage winked at Lacy. "Now, get on out and go make some money. Somebody's got to keep us in the lap of luxury to which we've become accustomed."

Somehow living in a two bedroom guesthouse with no housekeeper to speak of and driving an eight-year old SUV did seem like the very lavish lap of luxury to which Lacy had never experienced before. Even the mansion she shared with David, though, opulent and it reeked of high society was nothing compared to the lap she now sat in. Blonde, beautiful and bold. God, I love that woman, Lacy thought as she watched her son disappear into the distance in the secure and safe care of her partner.

"Lacy?"

The dark haired star twisted around. "Oh! Hi Phillip." She walked past him.

"Lacy! Why haven't you returned my calls? David said…." Phillip Winnigear ran to keep up the tall woman's long strides. "He said you'd cooperate."

"He doesn't run me."

Mumbling through hurried breaths. "When did that change?"

Turning on a dime, Lacy came to an abrupt halt. "Since I realized what a snake your nephew really is." Phillip was clearly shocked by her words. "David is a cad… plain and simple. However, he is the father of my children so…..what did he tell you?" Lacy resumed her journey to her trailer.

"I had several events set up for you to attend. You've missed two of them already." Her publicist stated adamantly.

"Phillip, I am not going to be herded around town ever again." Pooling a quiet calm against the irritating man before her, Lacy continued. "Give me a list of what you have scheduled for me…..but, no more." Arching a menacing eyebrow at the much shorter man. "You got that."

Phillip shoved the prepared agenda at her then departed swiftly commanding his feet on a direct course to his nephew.

Lacy scanned the paper quickly before opening her trailer door. Good only two events.

*************************
"Okay, Derek. Can you say 'rain'?" Dr. Charles assessed the extremely shy boy who refused to leave the blonde's lap.

Derek buried his head deeper into Gage's chest. "He's a little shy."

"Little?" Dr. Charles exhaled a thoughtful breath. The doctor perused the chart. "He's three?"

"He'll be four in November." Gage supplied.

The thirty-five year old doctor glanced inquisitively at the blonde. "Has he always been like this?"

"Since I've known him, yes." The doctor's arched brow demanded further explanation. "Nine weeks."

"You're not his mother?"

"Oh, no. She had to work. I'm……" Gage thought furiously then said proudly. "His hero."

"Jage…Genty." Derek nodded his head against the blonde's chest.

A satisfied smile waged war with the doctor's deep scowl. "I see." The doctor finally relented. "In order for me to treat him, I need to get him to talk so we can pinpoint the problem areas."

"We can do that. What words do you want him to say? He'll repeat them to me if we make a game of it." Gage straightened up in her chair. You may have a Ph.D. but I can get him to talk. With that the doctor offered Gage a list of words that she enunciated and Derek repeated albeit unevenly.

**************************
Lacy and Koda sailed through the early morning scenes with ease, progressing smoothly. Even the ever-handsie Adonis kept them in check. He was on his best behavior. Then after the lunch break, it was obvious Koda's mind had left the building. When he failed to pick up his line, Ryan yelled. "Cut. Everybody… take five. Michael?" The director walked over to the distant actor. "Koda, what's the problem?"

"You wanted me?" Michael Jessop asked.

Jerking his head to a far corner of the set, Ryan asked. "What's he doing here?"

Seeing Tony Kussler leaning up against a wall jamming a donut in his mouth, Michael answered. "Said Griff let him in." Both of Ryan's eyebrows shot up. "I know…. find Griff and…. get rid of him."

It's not that the director wanted to make enemies of anyone in the entertainment press, it was just that the likes of Tony Kussler was by virtue of Tony being Tony a piranha without a cause. He didn't need a motive to devour a celebrity, but God help the one that gave him a reason. And, Ryan White accurately deduced that Lacy Levine had done just that at one point.

Glad of the reprieve, Koda slipped off the set silently. When the director returned his attention, the actor was nowhere in sight. "Hell! Lacy?"

She shrugged.

"This is just great…..just….. great."

"You wanted me, boss?" The redhead squared herself directly opposite the dark haired star putting Ryan in between them.

"Kussler?"

It was the one word she didn't want to hear then replied. "David."

That was the one word Ryan didn't want to hear, but it didn't surprise Lacy. "All right. We've got another…. love scene tomorrow morning. And, it's a closed set." Griff was about to protest. "Your father knows and it's my call. I do not want him on the set tomorrow. Got that?" His stern eyes pinned the redhead then moved to her assistant, Michael, as he walked up.

Like rapid fire both heads nodded up and down.

Then Michael cleared his throat cautiously. "Uh, Mr. White? Koda's left the studio."

With that Lacy hugged him. "Ryan, looks like I get out early." She didn't mean to tease her old friend. As a matter of fact, he looked like a lost puppy dog with his sad brown eyes, but it did mean she'd be able to call Gage, be in time to pick up Dani and maybe, just maybe, they would do something special. "Call me later."

After she'd left heading to her trailer for a quick change, Michael said softly. "Hayston Rawlings is in the hospital."

***********************
Ryan White was a man on a mission. He barely caught up with Lacy informing her of the news before she left, re-routing her tentative plans. Several phones calls later to Ron Griffen, the hospital and numerous attempts to reach David, the director called an impromptu meeting for the rest of the cast and crew. Now, he was undergoing necessary rescheduling for Ryan knew a secret that was festering to be uncovered.

**************************
Deep from her drug induced state Hayston Rawlings heard a small knock at the door. "What is it?" The weak response emitted softly barely penetrating the wooden door.

Lacy pushed the door open slowly, peeked in then stood fully erect. It's time. "Hayston?" Lacy approached her old co-star. "How are you doing?"

The younger woman lethargically swung her head around meeting concerned blue eyes. "Surprise, surprise. You're the last person I expected to see here. Come to gloat?"

The older woman scooted a chair up next to the bed. "No."

"Then what did you come for? David?"

"Because I care." Lacy simply stated.

The startled expression on Hayston's face mixed a pinch of doubt with the shade of understanding in the truth of Lacy's words. "Well, well….. you're a better person than I am." She declared with a tinge of biting sarcasm. The fact that Hayston was doped up from her recent ordeal broke down her usual staunch wall of protectiveness. Studying her old friend carefully, she continued. "You're sure you aren't here to rub it in?"

"No." Lacy lightly rubbed the hospitalized woman's arm. "I'm sorry…. about the baby."

Hayston shrugged. "David didn't want it anyway."

This was all too familiar territory for Lacy remembering when she offered the happy news to her husband that they were expecting a baby only to receive a very dour, glum look of disapproval.

"He hasn't even came by yet." Hayston stared out the blind-covered window then mumbled. "Can't believe Koda did."

Barely able to pick up the young woman's last words, Lacy asked. "What?"

Dismissing Lacy, the sun-streaked blonde rerouted the conversation. "You want to know why?" Relieved in a way for this long-awaited confrontation with her co-star over David, Hayston broached the subject she'd so carefully hidden for more than a year.

Lacy thought she'd heard Hayston mention Koda Kannon's name but wasn't for sure. Why would he visit her? Recognizing the change in subject, Lacy prepared herself. "Only if you want to talk about it. Hayston, I can't say I wasn't angry….. at a complete lost, actually, when David showed up at the cabin with the divorce papers, but….. the signs were all there."

"And, you were too naďve to recognize them." Trying to be sarcastic but failing miserably. She never could wage a battle against her ever-optimistic and loyal friend. "You're too damn nice Lacy. I hate that in you."

"I think what you hate is that no matter what you do…. you're a nice person….. deep down." Lacy realized during the six years of filming the cop show with her co-star that no matter how hard Hayston tried to put on this front of being a real bitch, the blonde would eventually allow a very small crack to open revealing her true vulnerable feelings to surface.

"You really believe that crap? After all I've… done."

"Hayston, you try too hard to give off this impression of being….. mean."

"A bitch, you mean." Hayston corrected her.

"Okay, I'll go so far as say… nasty." Lacy smiled causing both women to share a rare laugh together.

"I could never stay mad at you, Lacy." Hayston admitted then decided to come clean. "And, believe me, I tried. You know, I hated you because you had this perfect life….husband, kids, career."

Lacy's sad eyes cast a reflective thought. "It wasn't that perfect."

"To me, it was. You had everything I wanted. I was barely eighteen when I first met you and I thought… now this is the kinda of life I want. You had it all." Hayston scooted up in bed, straining against the pain. "It all seemed so easy for you. You know, I asked…. no, demanded that David kill your character off. When you said you were quitting, I knew David wanted to do a spin-off of CRACKDOWN so I insisted that Samantha Gordon die just in case you ever decided to come back on the new show and…. take over."

"That was never my plan. You have to believe me."

"Oh, I know that now. But, I couldn't take the chance. David and I were together….." Hayston spared the dark haired woman a glance.

Touching Hayson's arm, Lacy said. "It's okay. Everything worked out for best." Smiling at the thought of a certain green-eyed blonde with whom she was absolutely, totally, deeply in love with. I never felt that for David… not even Jason.

"I refused to sign for the spin off until he divorced you. Did you know that?" Studying her ex-co-star carefully.

"Leverage, huh?"

"In a nutshell. Of course, my real leverage was the baby. David can be a real bastard. If you know what I mean."

Nodding, Lacy reminded her. "But, he's your bastard now."

"Thanks. Just what I wanted." Hayston said casually about her self-fulfilling dream of capturing the very good-looking and successful producer.

"Is he? Is he really what you want, Hayston? Because if he is then you're going to have to stay in there and fight for him. David gets easily pre-occupied with his career and what others think of him." Lacy offered a succinct and accurate profile of her husband.

"I may be a lot of things, Lacy, but one thing for sure is that I'm a realist. David wouldn't have budged from his marriage with you unless I hadn't demanded…. threatened him with….." She let the rest of the words die on her lips.

"Maybe." Lacy said thoughtfully. "You have to decide what you want now. You're a very good actor… you don't have to try every trick in the book to get ahead."

"In this town? Do it on acting ability alone? Come on, Lacy, you are not that naďve." Glancing at her naďve friend. "Then again maybe you are?"

"Not anymore. But, getting ahead in this town is not worth it if you have to sell your soul." Knowing that would never could never happen to her now since her soul belonged to someone else.

"Would you think poorly of me if I said I never really wanted to have this baby?"

"No. It's a shame though. They're the best things in my world except…" Instead of presenting her feelings, Lacy simply smiled causing Hayston to thoughtfully reflect on the other actor's unsaid words.

"I wish I loved someone that much."

The warm loving smile that illuminated the star's face remained unchanged. "Can we put this little… feud to bed now?"

"Why not?" Hayston let out a wicked laugh. "That's where it started."

************************* When Lacy left Hayston's hospital room, she ran into David who was slowly meandering down the hallway. "David? You're going in to see her finally?"

David pretended to be shocked. "I just heard about it."
Not believing him, she continued. "She needs you. And, if you really do care….. be gentle, but most of all be sincere." Lacy patted his chest. "You both need it." Lacy left her soon-to-be-ex-husband standing in the hallway outside Hayston's door in a state of quandary.

**************************
Wrapped in her lover's arms as they sat on the couch, Lacy recounted her conversation with Hayston and David while Dani was glued to the television set and Derek hovered at Gage's feet.

"Everything's settled then?" Gage asked.

"Ever thing settle then." Derek mimicked.

Lacy glanced at her son first then answered Gage. "We're on speaking terms. No hard feelings."

"Good." Gage said.

"Good." Derek repeated.

"I hope things work out for them." Lacy said to her partner, but watched her young son.

"Me too." The blonde agreed.

"Me too." Derek imitated.

"Honey, why do you keep repeating everything Gage says?" Lacy asked.

Derek gave a lop-sided grin to his mother.

"Ever since the doctor's visit, he's been doing that." Rushed words spilled out of Gage's mouth then she quickly stared at Derek defying him to repeat it.

The bright soon-to-be four year old recognized the game they'd been playing all afternoon so he hurriedly covered his face with his tiny hands and mumbled. "Doctor visit been doing that." And giggled.

"Okay. That's enough." Gage announced. "Dani?"

"Okay… enough. Dani." He repeated.

"Come get……" Gage started.

"Come get…." Derek copied.

Then Lacy took over seeing it was going to be a stalemate between the oldest and the youngest. "Dani, come get your brother? Derek…" Lacy helped him up from the floor and nudged him toward his sibling. "Go on… watch TV with your sister."

Finally, he did, leaving the two alone on the couch. "How'd it go?"

Referring to Derek's visit with Dr. Charles, Gage explained. "He'd only repeat the list of words the doctor had in order to assess the problem if I said it first….. and, that's when it started."

"I wish I could have been there." Lacy laughed.

"Hey! Mom, you're on TV." Dani pointed to the screen.

From her seat on the couch, Lacy watched the TV as she saw herself enter the hospital entrance then disappear while Tony Kussler provided the commentary. "Lacy Levine visited her one-time co-star Hayston Rawlings who was hospitalized today. The young star…." A picture of Hayston popped up on the screen. "….lost her baby fathered by Lacy's husband, producer David Levine. One has to wonder the motivation behind the visit. It's been rumored that David Levine has had a long-standing affair with Miss Rawlings and this was only recently revealed to his wife. While the divorce between Mr. and Mrs. Levine is still pending it seems to be amicable on the surface since they both attended party at the home of Ron Griffen, President of Griffen Studios, who is incidentally producing Lacy's latest film co-starring, Koda Kannon." A short film clip of Lacy and Koda in bed together during their love scene appeared on screen. "I guess Lacy Levine is not one to take things lying down….. at least not alone." Kussler smirked to his female co-star on the show.

Temporarily shell-shocked, Gage finally switched the set off. Gage stared at Lacy then she looked intently at the kids. When Dani finally twisted around, she asked. "Mom, what was that man doing in bed with you?" Her innocent blue eyes searched for an answer from her mother, but soon turned to the woman sitting next to Lacy.

Lacy laid her hand on Gage's chest. "Sweetheart, would you mind giving me a moment alone to talk with Dani about this?"

The blonde allowed a small sigh to escape before taking Lacy's hand in hers, kissing it softly then said. "Lacy….." Gage leaned in closer, whispering. "Is this a 'girl' thing between you and Dani I'm not supposed to know about or…is it a family thing?"

Astutely understanding the subtle distinction her partner was making, Lacy titled her head, kissing Gage. "Family….definitely a family thing." Then turned to Dani. "Come here." It didn't take long for Lacy to explain to her daughter that the clip was from the movie she was making and was similar to scenes she had done for her TV show. However, Lacy was livid that the scene was released to Tony Kussler for airing and planned to talk with Ryan White and Ron Griffen about this incident.

Chapter Twelve

Lacy and Koda lounged on the bed while waiting for some last minute adjustments by the lighting crew. Just as Ryan called 'action', Tony Kussler slipped quietly on set behind the tall man allowing him access.

After a couple of takes, the director yelled. "Cut. Great job." Ryan searched the set for Michael Jessop. "Let's set-up for the next scene." He called to no one in particular. When he couldn't find Jessop, the director spoke to Griff. "Are we set for this afternoon over on stage 38? Where's Michael anyway?"

"My father sent him on an errand. And, yes, 38 is ready to go." Griff diligently avoided Lacy as she walked past Ryan heading toward her trailer.

"Lacy, five minutes…..that's all." Ryan said to the back of a retreating nodding head. "Where's Ron?"

"Right here." Ron Griffen's pronounced his presence loudly.

Swinging around, the director faced the big man. "Good. Griff, could you see if Koda needs anything? Thanks." Both men scrutinized the redhead's interaction with the male star but for entirely different reasons. Finally, the director turned back around to his boss. "You sent Michael somewhere?"

Ron nodded not knowing what to do with his hand, which usually sported a cigar so he hooked his thumb in his vest pocket. That was one reason he rarely visited the 'no smoking' set. "Sent him to root out a rat. I saw Kussler sliming around this morning."

"Why do you allow him on the lot?" Irritated, Ryan asked.

"Free publicity." Ron spat out his no-nonsense answer. "Why pay for it when you can get it free?"

"Not that kind." The director disputed Ron's argument.

Clasping a firm hand on the slightly shorter man's shoulder. "Any kind is good. Don't worry about it. I have Michael…. oh, here he is."

The young assistant approached them out of breath. "He's here somewhere. I lost him……" The shadow casting against the wall across the set gave away Kussler's hiding place. "Found him." Michael pointed.

************************
"Derek, now sit still and……" Gage quickly held up a finger when Derek opened his mouth.

The young boy then mimicked her sealing a tiny finger to his own lips. "Shhhh." He hushed giggling all the while with gray eyes sparkling at the game he loved to play with his hero.

Shaking her blonde head at Derek's display, Gage continued. "Shhhh….okay, now…. where was I? Yeah, here's the deal…I was thinking about that new screenplay. You know, the one about Africa……the white elephant." Gage jacked her arm up pretending it was a large trunk then let out a screeching elephant call.

Derek smiled but remained quiet.

"However…." Gage moved around the coffee table and sat in front of the young boy. "I got this idea to do a story…. well, several stories about the woman I……." Her last word was cut off at the sound of the door opening.

Lacy stepped in. "Busy?"

The blonde jumped up embracing her lover. "Not for you. Everything go okay?" Gage kept her mind off her partner's love scene with Koda Kannon by going over several writing projects with her young charge.

Lacy wiped any vagrant jealous thoughts from her lover's mind with a deep, soulful kiss. As usual, Gage's nimble hands found there way past the loosely tied robe. "Mmmmm….God, I love you."

"Me, too, momma. I want kiss, too." Derek pouted.

Reluctantly, Gage let go then Lacy plopped down on the couch next to her son. He quickly pounced on her. "I love you, too, momma." He kissed her lips then squirmed in closer for a hug.

The young mother held him tightly brushing her mouth against the side of his head. "And, I love you."

Gage sat back down on the coffee table, leaning forward; she placed both her hands on the star's bare legs. "Is that the last one?"

"Yes." Understanding the question referred to the love scenes. "God, it's been a long week."

"I know. We've hardly seen you at all. But, it's Friday and no filming on the weekend, right?"

Lacy couldn't miss the lascivious smile Gage sprouted. "Right."

Gage nodded. "That gives us tonight and all day Saturday and Sunday. Just you and me….."

"And the kids." Lacy finished, smiling. She covered Gage's roaming hand. "We'll find some time. I promise." Twisting her son around and sitting him on her lap, Lacy kissed him again. "Now, what have you been up to, huh?"

"Stories….lots of stories. Jage….." Derek started.

"Gage." The blonde corrected him.

Derek frowned and twisted his lips thoughtfully. "Jage." He repeated stubbornly.

"I don't get it. He can say cage….." Derek frowned again. "Oh, yes, you can. I've heard you. It was on the list. And, he can say get. Get…ge…cage….Ge….age." The writer tried again and again to no avail. "But, he refuses to say my name right."

Lacy fussed his short dark hair as he buried his head against her. "He probably thinks it's a game, Gage."

The self-appointed speech instructor sighed then jacked her fist under her chin. "At least you say it right."

A knock at the door offered a prelude to. "Five minutes, Miss Levine."

Lacy leaned forward, kissed her partner then her son. Placing Derek on the blonde's lap, she stood erect. "I need to get changed." Lacy hurried across the trailer as she dropped her robe to the floor.

Gage's green eyes magnetically followed her nearly naked lover soaking in every succulent move as Lacy dressed. The writer was careful to shield Derek from what Gage considered a very provocative exhibition. Of course, I think every move she makes is….sexy, sensual. Lacy ran her hand up her propped up leg, covertly glancing at her lover. Did I say…sexy? God, is it hot in here or what?

Finished, Lacy stopped at the door. Turning to Gage, she asked. "Should I button it or leave it?" Lacy flipped back her collar revealing a nice view of her cleavage.

Gage swallowed then licked her lips lost in a seductive haze.

"Leave it I guess." Lacy laughed then walked out the door.

Yelling, Gage flew off the table with Derek in her arms. "Button it….I think you should button it." When the blonde opened the trailer door, Lacy was well out of view. Closing it, she sighed. "You know, your mother does that just to get to me."

"Momma?"

"And she did too." Gage carefully sat Derek back down on the couch. She paced around the room attempting to clear her thoughts of the beautiful woman still dancing in her head from the earlier display. "Okay, let's get back to that story….there's lots of animals."

"Elephant." Derek offered.

"Yeah, lots of elephants." But, Gage couldn't shake those vivid images Lacy so seductively etched in her mind. Returning to an earlier thought, Gage said out loud. "No, I'm going to write a series…. a tribute…. sorta. Yes." The writer finalized her plans.

************************
Livid. "And, just who the hell said you could be here?" Ryan screamed.

Tony Kussler slyly glanced toward two figures a few feet away revealing his accomplice. However, both David and Griff jumped into action before the trespasser could say another word.

"Michael!" David and Griff roared. David drove a hard look into the woman next to him. Still looking at Griff yet speaking to Michael, David commanded. "Escort Mr. Kussler off the set." The producer pulled his gray eyes away from the irritating young woman to rest on Tony. "It's a closed set. Perhaps, you'd like to visit some other movie were shooting. That's okay with you, isn't Ron?"

"Absolutely. As a matter of fact…. just across the way. We've got this nice little film that is sure to be a……" Ron's words trailed off as he led Kussler and the young assistant away from a fuming director.

"David, can I have a word with you?" Ryan said through gritted teeth. Everyone within hearing distance disbursed.

Acting completely innocent, David asked. "Sure. What is it?"

"Are you deliberately trying to….." Censoring himself. "Screw up this film or…..just your own life? Because either way, I am not going down with you."

Well aware that even though cast and crew were out of hearing distance, they could still see the two producers talking. "Whatever do you mean?" David made a show of gesturing off-handedly attaching a beaming smile to it for everyone to see. "Would you calm down, Ryan?"

"You gave that jerk access and don't deny it." Before David could protest, Ryan continued. "Maybe it was actually Griff that did your bidding but you were still behind it. What is it with you and Griff? You know she tried to come between Lacy and Gage?"

"And that would be a problem because….." The viperous smile sprayed, striking the last nerve of the usually calm director.

"You son-of-a-bitch….."

"Leave my mother out of this."

"You're right. You rotten bast…. nasty, evil little man." Ryan finally concluded without having to refer to David's mother. Ryan White actually liked David's mother. She's the only decent one in that family.

"Ouch. That hurt." David clutched his chest. "Come on, Ryan, you can do better than that."

"Okay, I will. You're on your own. White Horse Productions is yours. I want none of it."

Shocked momentarily. "You actually mean that, don't you?"

Ryan nodded. "Every word."

Michael Jessop arrived back from his escort duties. "Everything's taken care of….. and we're ready on the set." He added reluctantly now sensing the open hostility between the two about to be defunct producing partners.

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

Lacy and Koda were in position quietly going over their lines while they waited for the director to start the next scene. But, when Koda drifted off, Lacy asked. "Koda? You heard about Hayston, right?"

The usually buoyant actor was very subdued this morning and continued to remain elusive in his thoughts. "Who hasn't?"

"I talked with her yesterday and I thought I heard her say you'd stopped by." Lacy tossed out a fishing line in hopes of catching a clue.

"Yeah, so? You think I have such a cold heart?" Koda quickly became annoyed with the turn in the conversation. "What about you?"

"Me and Hayston?"

"No. You're little blonde bomb." Koda spat out sarcastically.

"What do you mean by that?" Anger sparked in Lacy's usually cool blue eyes.

Koda snickered. "After the other day when she went off… come on. Everybody knows."

Lacy sighed.

"I can't believe you're like that…. a woman like you? You're beautiful…." Lacy felt his predatory gaze crawl over her body. "Sexy….easily the best looking woman around…and talented. I don't get it."

"And that's the problem…. you don't get it." Lacy cut through the subtext.

Fully comprehending her meaning, Koda reluctantly agreed. "Yeah."

"You and Hayston…. I don't get that….. did you?" Lacy asked the thinly veiled question to her co-star.

Koda foreigned indifference. "We do know each other. I did do a couple of guest shots on your show."

"I remember." I almost forgot about that. His last appearance was when she had to be away from the set for a publicity event and Hayston carried the show that week with Koda playing her love interest. A clue revealed itself.

"You ready?" Ryan called to the actors.

Before Lacy could respond to the director's question, Koda stopped her. "Wait." His curiosity got the best of him. "Why would you want to kiss another woman?"

Lacy turned to him seriously. "She's not just a woman…. she's the woman I love."

To her surprise, Koda accepted the explanation resonating within the dashing male star to a place where he held that same feeling for the only and unattainable woman he truly loved. Shaking loose the lovingly held memory, Koda nodded to the director.

Seeing both actors were now ready, the director shouted. "Action."

From a distance, Griffen and daughter watched the scene literally play out in front of them. "Kathy?"

"Mmmm." His daughter studied the nearby man. "What?" She erupted when her father nudged her.

"He's not for you." Nodding toward David.

"You got that right." Griff agreed. Not my type at all.

"And neither is he." Ron guided his daughter's green eyes with a shake of the head, pointing at Koda currently engaged in a dramatic scene with Lacy. "Oh, he'd be a good catch someday when he finally….. finishes sowing his wild oats." The older Griffen remembered his early days as a young bull amongst the Hollywood beauties on his way to the top. I had my share of women….till I met you, Katie. The fifty-one year old man smiled warmly remembering his wife of fifteen years. Fondly gazing at his red haired daughter, Ron continued his stroll down memory lane. She looks just like you, love. Same hair and everything.

"I am partial to blondes." Griff's thoughts drifted to another blonde instead of the one she was staring at. Green eyes, sexy. Nice, very nice body.

"Jessop. Now, he's an up and coming young man." Her father nudged her again pulling her from her lustful musings.

"Father. Let me take care of my love life. Okay?"

"Oh, all right. One favor though?" Getting his daughter's full attention, he continued. "Grandchildren. Just a thought."

Griff smiled. And that's all it will be…. a thought.

Chapter Thirteen

Gage had everything prepared when Lacy finally arrived. Kissing Lacy, the blonde guided her to the table. Leaning over the dark haired woman's shoulder after she sat, Gage whispered. "I love you."

The young boy sitting next to his mother added his sentiments. "Me, too, momma. I love you."

Tapping a finger on his nose, Lacy smiled. "I love you, too." Then she kissed him.

"Jeez!" Dani sighed garnishing everyone's attention, which suddenly seemed overpowering to the girl who was usually at ease being the center of attention. "What?"

"Go on, Dani. What is it?" Lacy asked. "And by the way, I love you, too."

The third grader rolled blue eyes at her mother. "What is what?"

"The big news you can't wait to tell us." The confident mother replied.

"Oh, yeah. The school's having a show in December…. it's kinda a big deal." Dani acted nonchalant. "They want me to try out for it."

"Do you get to dance?" Gage asked.

"And sing…. a little." Dani added.

"Honey, you'll be great in it. When is it?"

"Christmas." Dani hesitated. "Will we still be here then?"

Concerned, Lacy stopped eating. "Of course, why would you ask that?"

Dani pursued her lips thoughtfully. "Well….. I heard Gage talking about her movie and going away…."

Apprehension filled the blonde's face when Lacy's eyebrow popped up in shock. Quick to discount the innocent insinuation, Gage said. "Mark is not me." Sparing a glance to the suddenly distraught young girl. "It's okay, Dani." Facing her lover again. "Mark asked me if I wanted to make a quick trip to New Orleans….check out some locations. That's all." Gage covered Lacy's hand. "I said no."

Remaining slightly aloof, Lacy offered. "Are you sure? I don't want to stop you from….anything."

Squeezing her hand again, Gage smiled. "I'm sure."

"When does it start?" For some reason, Lacy still maintained a noticeable distance between them.

"He starts filming in February….." Sensing the remoteness. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just tired." Lacy admitted. It had been an extremely long week. Every minute of her day was filled with last minute changes, re-shoots and meetings as the film came to a close.

Not wanting to pursue the subject further, Gage turned to Dani. "So…… you're keeping busy with this show thing and swimming."

Even Dani observed her mother's sudden withdrawal. "Yeah, I really like the school, mom. Like you said I would."

"That's good honey." The usually attentive mother said absent-mindedly.

The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence. Gage cleared the table and did the dishes while Lacy retreated into the living room where she helped Dani with some homework and Derek happily added his assistance. Gage leaned against the kitchen doorway pondering the remote demeanor in her partner. Maybe it's because she's pregnant.

As the evening progressed, Lacy's mood didn't improve at least not towards Gage. The young mother tucked her kids in before returning to the living room. "I'm going to bed." Lacy walked past Gage without another word.

Green eyes trailed the tall woman across the room. It's definitely because she's pregnant. I didn't do anything. Did I? The reluctant blonde finally followed her partner into their bedroom. Lacy had changed and was in bed. Hesitating, Gage approached the bed.

"How did it go with Dr. Charles today?" Lacy asked not looking at her partner. Due to filming, she missed another appointment her son had with his speech therapist. It grated against her tremendously.

"Good. Real good." Gage slid down on the bed next to Lacy. "Derek's able to pronounce all the words on the list. Actually, the doctor's a bit confused as to why he keeps mispronouncing words when he can repeat them perfectly fine." When Lacy refused to respond, Gage moved closer. "I've missed you." Placing a soft kiss on stilled lips. The older woman sighed deeply. "I'm sorry. I was wrong and I should never have done it."

"Just what are you admitting to?" Lacy's sharp tone cut deeply.

Great. I'm in deep trouble here. "Whatever it is that has you upset." Gage reluctantly admitted and knowing she was ignorant of what she had done would further irritate the younger woman. "I did it. And, I'll never do it again …. whatever it was."

"Really?" An arched eyebrow seared a questioning look at her lover. "I'm upset that we haven't been together all week among other things and NOW you're saying you'll never do it again."

Gage swiftly scooted closer. "I misspoke…. obviously. I always want to do that… with you." The beaming smile crossing her lips gave away Gage's lascivious thought. "You want to do it now?"

"Mmmmm. I do…." A weary sigh escaped. "But, I am so tired."

"Okay." The blonde wanted to be understanding. "We can… cuddle. I know you like that."

Lacy ignored the offer. "Sweetheart, when did you talk with Mark?"

Gage shifted back on the bed uneasily. "Not too long before you got home. Why?"

Playing with the silky sheets, Lacy reluctantly asked. "Are we…. am I getting in your way…… of doing what you really want to do?"

Gage pulled Lacy's in her arms. "No way. I love you." The blonde gently kissed her lover. "And I love the kids. Lacy, I'm enjoying all this. Well, except, for the sex scenes you do. But, they're over. Right?"

"Right." Lightly running her hand along Gage's thigh, Lacy continued with her concerns. "You never have time to write."

"Not true. Just today, I was running a few story lines past….." Gage had to smile. "Derek. And, he was a big help, too. Finally got him to stop repeating everything I say."

"Mmmm Hmmm." Not convinced. "While I've been working on this movie you've been more like a…… babysitter."

"Am I complaining? No. I'm loving it." Brushing the back of her hand along the star's perfect features, Gage continued. "Really. I wouldn't trade a moment of it."

"Maybe we should get a nanny or something."

"Why?" Gage lifted her lover's chin gazing deeply into worried blue eyes. "You're almost finished with the movie…. then we'll have plenty of time together."

"And what about you making movies… your career?" Lacy's concern about her partner's future was evident.

Nodding knowingly. "Is all this insecurity because you're pregnant?"

Lacy hiked up an angry arched eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Uh oh! "What I mean is… you're pregnant." Gage stated succinctly.

Another arched eyebrow shot up.

"What I really mean is that you're….. because you're pregnant things are a little……" The desperate writer searched for the perfect words. "You're a little more moody." Lacy tilted her head in disbelief. "Hyper. No, no. Not that. Ahhh." Scrunching her face, Gage asked. "Dicey?" The writer continued to dig her own grave with the inept words. "More sensitive. That's it. More sensitive." She concluded triumphantly.

"Is that your final answer?" The annoyed smile on the start's face remained in place.

Dropping her shoulders in despair, Gage laid it out on the battlefield. "Lacy, both Mark and Nate said I should expect these kinds of moods now that you're……" Seeing the growing irritated look on her lover's face sprout, astutely Gage shut up before she threw the last bit of dirt on her grave, burying her six feet under forever.

"You're getting advice from Mark and Nate…. of all people ….about how a pregnant woman acts?" Lacy's tone of voice carried with it a looming dark cloud threatening to produce a torrential deluge right over the beaten blonde.

I'll just keep quiet. Maybe it will all pass in a few moments.

"And just what did your friend and my dear brother say?" Lacy demanded.

Plan A didn't work. And, here I am without a plan B. So the writer quickly made one up. But after all was said and done, Gage wished she'd stuck to plan A. "Nate said you'd feel a little insecure about getting bigger and feeling ugly…."

"Ugly?" Lacy crossed her arms.

"No…no, not ugly. You are not ugly… no way. You're beautiful. He said you may feel that way being fat…." Gage tripped on her own tongue with that last word.

"Fat?" Lacy pushed away from her partner. "I'm only three months pregnant."

"Now, Lacy. I didn't mean it that way. I meant….later when you get huge…" Gage stumbled.

Gage didn't catch the devious glint that flittered across Lacy's blue eyes. I know that's not what you meant, sweetheart. But, I am enjoying you squirm. "Just what did you mean?" Lacy's voice cast a sharper tone than she intended.

"God, I don't know what the …… what I mean." Totally frustrated, Gage surrendered in complete defeat. "I am such an idiot."

Sensing her partner's deep hurt, Lacy titled Gage's defeated head up. "Yes, but you're my idiot."

"I am?" Gage asked hopefully. "Lacy, I…."

Lacy pressed a single finger to Gage's lips. "Shhhhh… I know. You don't have to say another word."

For the first time in the last few torturous moments, Gage finally smiled. "I love you."

Gage's words caused Lacy to smile. "Except those words. You have to say those all the time." Pulling her lover closer, Lacy kissed the blonde conveying her love and understanding of what her partner was trying to do. Breathlessly breaking from the kiss, Lacy husked. "Sweetheart, I want you naked…. now."

On fire, Gage reluctantly replied. "The door's not locked and the kids… you know how they…"

Cutting her lover's protest off, Lacy crushed determined lips against more than willing ones. "I….. don't….. care."

Gage ripped the clothes from her body as an appreciative Lacy looked on then the blonde hiked a leg up on the bed to step over her lover. In doing so, she slipped on the silky sheets falling across Lacy's legs. Gage scrambled back up quickly so as not to hurt her lover but in doing so lost her balance and fell off the bed. Lacy laughed so hard at Gage's antics she slipped off the bed into the waiting arms of her lover. Lying on top of the blonde, limbs tangled together fitting perfectly like an interlocking puzzle, Lacy teased. "I don't know if I can get up."

Smiling Gage winked. "I don't know if I want you too." Gage stole a kiss from her lover. "But, it might be more comfortable on the bed."

*************************
"Mmmmmm. God, you smell so…." Gage inhaled deeply again. "Delectable."

Lacy lay in the blonde's arms wearing nothing but a satisfied smile, nipping at her lover's neck. "And, you taste good enough to eat."

"Oh, no, not again." Gage smiled in mock protestation.

Lacy slapped her partner's firm thigh. "You are so bad."

"Really. Well, if I'm so bad then why did you beg for more and more and more……" This time Lacy ran her hand up over Gage's skin coming to rest between them, wiggling her fingers, which caused the still overexcited blonde to jump at the contact. "Hey."

"Hey what?" Lacy purred.

"Hey…." Smiling, Gage requested. "Do that again."

And Lacy did. "So, tell me just what kind of advice did my brother give you."

The squirming woman below Lacy was having a hard time thinking of anything but what her lover was doing to her. "That you would….. might…. may get in a bad mood from time to time for no reason at all."

"Moody?"

"Yes, moody. But, you haven't been not really. Well, tonight and that doesn't count."

"Why is that?"

Gage kissed her lover. "That's because tonight you wanted some and you don't have to be pregnant for that." The blonde ran her hand over Lacy's firm backside sending shivers up the star's spine. "He suggested a few things like… if you said you were fat, then I would say no pleasingly plump."

Lacy shook her head.

"More for me to love?"

Again, Lacy shook her head.

"How bout I love you."

Those were the magic words as Lacy finally nodded approval. "And what if I said I felt ugly?"

"Oh… then I would say…even on you're worst day the closest you'd ever come to ugly was pretty……." Gage smiled then whispered. "Beautiful."

"Nice save. Sweetheart, I love both Mark and Nate but neither one of them have kids. What would they know about it?"

Gage shrugged. "About as much as I would, I guess."

Lacy framed a perfect winning smile. "My point exactly."

Gage pouted after trying so hard to understand and be there for her pregnant lover.

"You're mad because I'm not in a bad mood?"

"No." The pout remained in tact.

"Well, I'll try to be a little more moody." Lacy teased.

"I would appreciate it." A slow smile triumphantly broke through the determined pout. "I just wanted to do my part. You know, be sensitive and I was all prepared. I even shopped like crazy at the store getting everything I could think of just in case…."

"In case what?"

"You get one of those cravings. And don't tell me that's never happened to you. My God, Lacy, you're not even acting like a normal pregnant woman. Except for morning sickness." Gage clothed her face with a pout again. "If you did then you'd see how wonderful I can be and…" The blonde wanted her partner to feel the same way she did about Lacy. "I know how lucky I am having you. I just wanted…."

Running a finger along her lover's lips, Lacy asked. "What did you get me?"

"Lots of things." Gage tried to ignore Lacy's tender touch. "Ice cream… all kinds, peanut butter…..creamy and with peanuts, pickles, pig's knuckles…. basically anything weird or combination thereof."

"So you wouldn't have to get up in the middle of the night and go get it for me?"

"No!" Gage was adamant. "Because when you did….crave something, I wouldn't have to be away from you for long. Just go to the kitchen and be right back here in bed with you… holding you… loving you…." Gage inhaled deeply again. "Smelling you and, of course, listening to your sexy voice." The blonde waggled her eyebrows. "God, I love you, Lacy, so very, very much."

Lacy kissed her lover gently. "I love you and…. I'm the lucky one." Stroking her lover's stomach, the dark haired woman whispered. "There is something I crave."

"What?" Gage pushed up off the mattress ready to retrieve it.

Yanking her partner back down on the bed, Lacy crawled on top of her lover. "You."

"Mmmmm. Now, that I can deliver." They shared a soul-scorching kiss that led them home.

Chapter Fourteen

After picking up Dani from school, Gage took the kids to visit Lacy on the set of her movie. This was the final week and since Lacy was home only long enough to eat something and drop into bed totally exhausted each night, an idea emerged.

Gage talked with Ryan who agreed to the blonde's plan about having a picnic in Lacy's trailer. The director would shoot around his star for a couple of hours so Lacy could be with her family.

"This is great, isn't it?"

"It sure is." Dani grabbed the last Suzy-Q. Seeing her protesting brother, she gave him the other half.

"Thank you." He said perfectly.

Lacy kissed her son's dark head. "That was perfect, Derek." Proud of her son's speech improvement, the dark haired woman turned to her partner. "Thank you."

Gage winked. "I'm glad you're enjoying this. And, we'll have plenty more of these."

"Yeah, but next time in a park. Jeez, don't you know picnics are supposed to be outside?" Dani casually tossed out to anyone that would listen.

"Jeez, outside in a park. Yeah!" Derek now mimicked his older sister, placing a prominent frown on his face.

"All right all ready…." Shaking her blonde head. "Can't please anyone, can I?"

Lacy placed her hand on her partner's thigh. "You please me."

Dani rolled her eyes. "Jeez."

"Jeez." Derek copied.

"Okay, you two. Scat." Lacy commanded her children. "There's some ice cream in the fridge…..Dani get some for you and your brother."

Her obedient children happily complied leaving Lacy and Gage alone on the couch. "Alone at last."

"And tired." Lacy slumped down leaning against her lover. "And, I've got that movie premiere tonight."

"Are you going to the party after?"

"Mmmm… I suppose I should. I don't really want to." Lacy lifted her head up to her lover. "What about you?"

"I'll watch the kids." Gage offered thinking this would give Lacy the incentive to make it a short night.

"Oh?" I guess you don't want to go with me. "I don't really want to go alone." Lacy said weakly.

"Mark will take you. He's going, too." Gage hurriedly offered providing Lacy with a safe harbor at a party full of sharks. Koda will be there and that way, I'll know you'll be safe. Gage caressed her lover's smooth cheek lovingly.

"If that's what you want." Deflated with her partner's response, Lacy resigned herself to going with Mark.

It's not what I want. I want you home with me but…. I am not going to embarrass you again.. not even take the chance. "Lacy, I want you to be happy."

Sad blue eyes drifted down as Lacy snuggled closer to her partner. I am right here in your arms. "All right, I'll ask Mark."

"I already did."

*************************
Julie Grant, head of Primrose Studios, greeted her guests after the successful premiere of her company's latest venture. "Mark!" Julie embraced her old friend warmly. "What's it been… five years?"

"Give or take a couple days." Mark Calico winked. "Julie, I'd like you to meet Lacy Levine."

The movie executive grasped the proffered hand. "You don't have to tell me who she is…. I tried to steal her away from Ron several years ago." Directing her next words to the star. "I have some projects that would be right down your alley. We'll talk." Giving Lacy a conspiratorial wink before turning back to her friend. "By the way, how's that old bastard anyway?"

"Ron? I expected him here already." Mark replied. "I think he was going to show up just in case your movie was a flop."

"I hope he does then….. I'm going to rub my box office hit right in his face." The two old friends fell easily into the light banter they had shared on many occasions. "What's this I hear about you getting into the business? You know, I don't need anymore competition especially from my friends."

Wanting to give them time to get reacquainted Lacy excused herself. "It was nice to meet you, Julie. Mark, pardon me a moment." With that, Lacy headed for David whose jealous gray eyes riveted on his girlfriend as she talked with Koda Kannon.

Dismissing the annoying man next to him, David waved off-handedly. "Tony, I don't have time now, okay?"

Tony Kussler yanked David by the arm. "We have a deal. Don't forget it."

Brushing the angry little man away, David retaliated. "Get your hand off me." Immediately, Tony let go. "I said I'll call you. Now, why don't you go find some bush to hide behind."

"This isn't over, David. I will get my…." Seeing Lacy approached, Tony cut short his vow. "Later."

"Nice company you're keeping these days, David." Lacy said.

"Oh, leave me alone." David returned his angry gray eyes to Hayston openly flirting with Koda.

"I'm surprised to see her out so soon after….." Lacy said.

Turning to his soon to be ex-wife, David quipped. "I could say the same about you…..surprised to see you come out…."

With pursed lips, Lacy ignored him. "We're going to my parents for Thanksgiving. With the kids there….Mom said you're welcome to come."

"How decent." When Hayston leaned in brushing her lips against Koda's ear as she whispered something, David seethed. "I'll let you know."

Lacy watched David's usually cool façade, which he always kept in check, melt under the fuming angry steam emitting from the handsome producer. "Now, that's interesting." I don't think he was ever jealous when it came to me.

************************
"Julie, you know my daughter, Kathy." Ron Griffen proudly introduced his offspring. "She's been working on my latest movie…."

"Hi." Griff said.

"Nice to meet you." Julie replied. "Following in your father's footsteps, I see."

"Yes. I am." Griff said as she glanced quickly around the room looking for a certain absent blonde.

"Don't try to snatch her up from me like you try to do with everyone else." Ron interjected. "Besides, she's set to work on Mark's movie in New Orleans." When Griff saw Lacy approached, she quickly made herself scarce. "Excuse me. I see Michael over there."

The sarcastic smile rooted on Lacy's face as the young redhead tucked her tail and ran was only noticed by Mark Calico. "I hope she didn't leave because of me."

"Oh, no. I think she's quite taken with that young man Jessop." Ron winked. "He's got quite a future ahead of him."

"Mmmmm." Julie mused while looking at Michael Jessop who was joined by Ron's daughter.

"Don't get any ideas, Julie. I've got him locked into an iron clad contract." Ron stated. Memo to myself…tomorrow have my lawyers draw up a contract for that young man.

"Excuse me, ma'am." Stella Smith interrupted.

"What is it, Stella? The kids…. they're all right?" A very concerned mother questioned.

"Yes, ma'am. Jessie finally went to sleep and her fever broke." Stella informed her boss.

"Thank God." Noticing her old friend's worried face, Julie explained. "She's been sick and her brother's been coughing all day. I was close to canceling the party except for Stella here." Wrapping a thankful arm around the nanny, Julie continued. "She's a godsend. Mark, you remember Stella Smith, don't you?"

Mark nodded.

"And this is Ron Griffen another old friend and Lacy Levine." Julie finished the introductions.

"Nice to meet you." Ron offered then excused himself. "I'm going to see what my daughter's up to."

"Hello." Lacy greeted the older woman absently staring at her familiar eyes. There's a warmth in them and very caring. "Oh, excuse me… you look…. something about your eyes…. I've….never mind. I'm sorry."

"Grandmother's eyes….. that's what the kids say anyway." Stella explained.

"Mark, Lacy, if you'll pardon me. I think I'll check on my kids." Julie hugged her old friend again before she left with the nanny.

"You ready to go?" Mark asked Lacy.

"If you want to stay, I can…."

"No way…. I don't want to get on Gage's bad side. If I let you go home alone… she'd…. well, it wouldn't be pretty." Mark teased.

"She has a bad side?"

"Only when it comes to protecting the ones she loves. Come on." Mark touched Lacy's back guiding her toward the door.

She only mildly protested. "I thought you might want to stay and get reacquainted with your 'friend'?"

The astute older man didn't miss the insinuation. "Julie was married to an old college buddy of mine and Ron's. That's how I know her." Recalling the day his friend Joseph talked with him about having children, Mark continued. "They were married for ten years before they had kids. Both obsessed with their careers. They have two of them…. Joe, Jr. he's…. sixteen and Jessie. She's fourteen now."

"He's not here tonight?"
A hesitate pause stilled the moment. "No, he's dead. Julie and Joseph… when they had kids…" Mark shook his head. "Things changed. Julie's career stalled wanting to be an… involved mother didn't compliment her career."

Pondering that statement, Lacy concurred. "I know all about that."

"As happy as they were with their children, Julie, actually both of them felt they'd given up something. Not that they'd traded the children for their careers but they lost something in their relationship to each other…. finally, they divorced. Two years later Joseph died. That's when Stella Smith came into their lives. When Julie says she was a godsend, she doesn't say that lightly. Stella put all the broken pieces back together again."

"Head of her own studio… I'd say she's doing rather well." Lacy stated.

"Yes, and women always pay the price for having a career and family that men never do." The very insightful man said.

"Mark." Lacy stopped the tall man. "That's what I'm afraid will happen with Gage. My life, my career, my…. children. She's giving up everything she's every dreamed up…. for me."

"Lacy, she's not giving up anything. Gage is finally getting what she always felt she never deserved. Talk to her… she's very honest in her feelings. Trust me." When Mark pulled the young woman in his arms, the sneaky Tony Kussler flashed his camera.

************************
The next morning after Lacy left for the studio and the writer dropped Dani off at school, Gage searched for Mark finding him near the seawall as he gazed out at the ocean. "Thinking of her?"

Still looking out to sea, Mark smiled. "Yes. And you… you're thinking of Lacy, right?"

Gage nudged her friend. "We're both pathetic, aren't we?" Carefully eyeing her producing partner, the writer cautiously said. "I know Sharon's on your mind, but… what about Julie?"

Pulling the CEO from his musings about his dead wife, Mark turned to Gage. "I will always love Sharon…. always. And, no, I've never really given it a thought about Julie or any other woman for that matter. It still hurts."

"Twenty years is a long time, Mark."

Mark Calico chuckled. "Between you and Lacy's advice last night, it looks like I might have to give some consideration to another… woman in my life."

"Say…. Julie?" Gage poked her friend.

"Maybe." Mark capped the discussion with a change of subject. "Where's Derek?"

"I'd say right about now… he's completely soaked your ever loyal assistant."

"The pool?"

"Mmmm hmmm. The pool." Gage looked back over her shoulder.

Mark hooked his friend's arm. "Let's go see."

"By the way, I received a letter from your grandfather." Gage stated.

"I did, too. I gave him a computer but as he says 'the old fashion way…" Mark started.

"…is the best way." Gage finished.

"I plan to visit before I start shooting the film in February. Then I told him I'd spend all next summer with him. He refuses to come here."

"He invited me and Lacy. You told him about us?"

"He'd love it if you'd come. He's quite anxious to meet his 'grandchildren'. His words." Mark laughed. "You know, he thinks of you as his own flesh and blood, and with you and Lacy together that means Dani and Derek are his, too. He doesn't care who the father is…. but he definitely now thinks he's the grandfather."

"He would. I'll talk with Lacy about it." Gage assured him.

"May I give an old friend some advice?" Mark suddenly asked.

"Sure." Gage hesitated.

"You need to talk with Lacy and be honest."

"I am." Gage said adamantly then asked with the same determination. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's time to come clean, Gage. She deserves to know about your past…. all of it."

A deep sighed enveloped from the blonde. "I'd rather not go there."

Twisting the writer around squarely facing him, Mark insisted. "You have to resolve your feelings about the past in order to have a future with her. She has to know where you're coming from… and why. Doubt is the seed that has destroyed many wonderful things."

"She has doubts about us?"

"More like……" Mark walked arm in arm with his friend providing her with sound advice unlike the counsel he offered her regarding the feelings of a pregnant woman.

Chapter Fifteen

"Derek, come back here." Gage yelled after the little speeding daredevil.

"No." He shouted, running through the kitchen around the table and back to the living room finding refuge behind his sister. "Save me."

"Derek! I'm watching my favorite episode of mom's show." Her brother paid no attention to her warning, snuggling closer and finally wiggling onto her lap. "Mom, there you are. Look, Gage." Pointing to the television set. "Red hair."

Gage cocked her head at the screen. "Spiked, too."

"See. I told you." Dani stated firmly.

"Come here, sit down." Lacy requested of Gage.

Shaking her head. "I broke a glass in the kitchen. Chasing…" Derek peeked his dark head around his sister. "Him." When Gage walked back into the kitchen, Lacy followed.

"What happened?"

"Careful." Gage picked up the big shards of broken glass charily while Lacy grabbed the broom. As the blonde stood, Lacy absently handed the broom to her partner smacking Gage in the forehead. "Thanks."

"Oh, sweetheart. Come here." Lacy kissed the sore spot.

Gage swept up the remaining glass depositing it in the trash can then proceeded to mop the same area on the floor as Lacy watched. Handing the mop to the younger woman, Gage said. "Wait here. Don't let either one of them back in here." When Gage returned, she vacuumed the same spot over and over again.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing?"
"What? You know how Derek runs around with no shoes on and those little bitty tiny feet of his… he's liable to step on a piece I've missed." After Gage turned off the vacuum cleaner, she dropped down to the floor running her hand along it checking for any errant slivers of glass.

Amazed, Lacy watched her lover. God, I love that woman.

*************************
After putting the kids to sleep, Gage jumped into bed getting into position first fluffing the pillows and getting the covers exactly the way she liked them. "Okay, now I'm settled."

"Like every other night." Lacy crawled up against her lover.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing." Lacy lay on her side form fitting the length of her body next to Gage. Lacy knew without even looking that her partner was pouting. "Sweetheart, it's nothing really."

"Ummmm hmmmm." Not convinced.

"Okay." Lacy shifted up to see Gage's face. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing." She mirrored Lacy's words.

"Right." Not convinced. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Gage looked away.

"Gage…..I'm tired. But, if something is on you're mind then let's talk, okay?"

"Wouldn't want to keep you up?" Even Gage knew her tone dripped with caustic acid.

Lacy cocked up on her arm. "Do you mind telling me what is on your mind?"

"I said nothing."

"You can be so frustrating sometimes."

"When?" Gage scooted away claiming some distance between the two. "Are you talking about the other day on the movie set? I told you I was sorry. Are you going to hold that against me forever?" What started out to be a wisp of smoke soon blazed into a full head of steam.

"Where did that come from?" Lacy asked.

Gage crossed her arms determined not to look at her now seething partner.

"This has nothing to do with that. That's… forgotten." Lacy attempted to assure her lover. "Though something is on your mind and I want to know what it is." When Gage refused to respond, Lacy added. "Sometime tonight would be good."

As Lacy shifted her position moving near the edge of the bed, a frightened writer hurriedly tried to stop her. "Don't go." Gage pleaded. "I'm sorry." Gage bowed her head in shame then quietly whispered. "I love you."

The spiraling fury raging inside Lacy dissipated with those softly spoken words. "Come on… get settled again so I can lay down."

Gage quickly did as commanded then offered her opened arms. After Lacy slid down next to her lover, the blonde addressed her fear. "I thought you were going to leave me."

"No, sweetheart. Never. Why would you think that?"

"At the cabin, we never argued and now since we've been here…. well…." Gage trailed off along a path she wanted to avoid.

"It's called getting to know each other and it was just an argument. I really don't want to have them with you but it's not going to break us apart. I don't even know what we were arguing about." Lacy said.

Summoning up the courage Mark instilled in her from his counsel, Gage gently traversed the path down memory lane leading to her past. "Any other time there was fighting…. someone always left. I always left."

Lacy adjusted herself closer to Gage wrapping reassuring arms around her lover. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really." Sucking in a deep breath. "I guess I should though."

Lacy leaned in planting a soft kiss on her lover's lips. "I'm here now or whenever you're ready."

Staring into trusting blue eyes, Gage said. "I really want to believe that. I really need to believe that."

"Trust me, sweetheart. I will always be here for you. Always."

Swallowing the fear that had festered for years, Gage let it surface as she laid securely wrapped in the comforting arms of her lover. "I've always felt…. rejected. First by my parents especially my mom. I don't know why but I blame her." Gage spared a quick glance to her partner. "I don't really think about my dad. It was my mom that carried me and…. left me. Ever since I can remember, I've been passed around like some second…. hand me down, worthless….. that nobody wanted. Nobody loved."

"I love you." Lacy wiped away the unshed tears brimming in the beautiful green eyes she'd come to love. So warm and caring.

"Lacy, I don't want to fight… ever. It triggers something in me, reminds me of what I went through. Can you understand that?" Overwhelming emotions welled up inside the very vulnerable woman lying completely exposed for the first time in over twenty years.

"I think I do. What were we fighting about anyway?"

"I talked to Mark and…. I told him about… Lacy, are you ashamed of me?"

Stunned, Lacy sat up. "No! What is going on inside that mind of yours?" Lacy tapped the blonde's head.

Gage turned away afraid to face her partner. "You didn't even ask if I wanted to go to that premiere with you the other night." A heavy sigh. "There I said."

Hooking a finger under her lover's chin, Lacy brought the writer's face around to meet her. "I didn't think you wanted to go with me. It being fancy and all."

"I guess I wanted you to ask." Gage admitted.

"And I guess I wanted you to offer." Lacy countered then smiled. "We are something, aren't we? Both concerned about what was best for other one and in doing so….. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable by dragging you with me…"

"I am never uncomfortable with you." Gage retorted.

Lacy continued without entertaining Gage's last comment. "And you didn't want to do anything to embarrass me…." Then quickly added. "Which you never would."

"Next time we talk, huh?"

"Next time we talk. But, right now I want you to make love to me."

It was a command to which Gage dutifully fulfilled many times over much to Lacy's complete and utter satisfaction. The reticent writer didn't reveal all of her past but it was a start. One she could journey into with Lacy by her side. Forever.

Chapter Sixteen

"Mark, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be working on your movie. New Orleans, right?" Griff gushed.

Mark nodded impatiently waiting to be rescued. Where's Gage when you need her.

"You sure Gage isn't going to be on location too? Even for a little bit?" Griff hunted for any information about the sexy blonde's future agenda.

"No. Not even that." Mark replied wishing to avoid any further conversation with the over bubbling daughter of his friend.

"She's a great talent. I really wished she'd be there." The redhead hoped beyond hope. It was the only reason she had taken the job. After all, it was only a small production nothing major like the film they had just finished shooting.

"Well, she's not!" Lacy staunchly put an end to Griff's nosy questions about her woman. "She'll be with me. And you are right about one thing, Griff. She is verrry talented."

With a counterfeit grin pasted on her face, Griff said. "Excuse me."

Ron Griffen walked up as he daughter was leaving. "Where are you going, honey?"

"I need some air." I only need a little bit of time with a certain blonde and she'd soon forget about Miss tall, dark and smug.

Her father called after her. "Kathy, don't be too long." He wanted to introduce his carefree daughter to a couple of eligible men he specifically invited to the movie's wrap party. "Kids! Who knows what they're thinking."

"She is twenty-eight, Ron. Not quite a kid anymore. A woman with a mind of her own." Lacy said. With her mind squarely targeted at my woman.

"Nonsense." Dismissing his daughter for a moment, he directed his next statement to Lacy. "Speaking of a woman with a mind of her own. Lacy, I know all about this…… affair you're having. And…." Flipping an unapproving hand up in the air, Ron said. "I don't approve. But, it's your business. However… " Ron sucked on his cigar. "When your business interferes with mine and the release of this movie next summer is my business….let me get straight to the point, we can't have this….." Twirling a firm finger in the air. "Matter buzzing around the country keeping the audience away. Some people won't take this lightly and your career is….."

"My career is my business." Lacy interjected.

"Fair enough. Though some people won't be as understanding as….." Ron was cut off.

"As you are?" Mark asked smartly. "Come on, Ron, even you should know that your….."

"Mark!" Lacy silenced Mark from revealing his friend's daughter's persuasion regarding women. "Ron, I have no intention of parading my little affair as you call it around town or anywhere else. But, I will not hide the love I have for Gage. Savvy?"

"You're contracted to promote this film in the spring, Lacy. I don't want anything standing in the way of my movie's success."

"You mean profit." Lacy corrected him.

"That too." The big man hooked his thumb in his vest pocket. "There are some unsavory….. elements in society and I'm willing to overlook certain aspects of it. Don't let it be at my expense though or you may feel a squeezing tight hand around your pretty neck."

"Fuck you." Lacy spat.

"My, my… your parents must be proud of you." Ron snickered.

"You're an old friend, Ron. But don't go any further or you may discover some unsavory things about your family." Mark determinedly vowed.

"Okay, I'll back off. You have some very loyal friends, Lacy." Looking at his old college roommate. "I quelled Kussler for the time being about what happened on the set." Rubbing his thumb and fingers together indicating the cash payoff. "So keep it on the QT…just some friendly advice….. you might want to consider. Now, if you'll excuse me."

"There's no excuse for you." Lacy mumbled loud enough for the disappearing man to hear her. "To think, I used to like him. Oh, he's a dinosaur for sure but…."

"Sometimes it's hard to break away from something that's been ingrained in you from birth. He's so grounded in the physical aspects of life with all its boundaries and limitations that he can't see love for what it is…. limitless." Mark explained.

"You're around the same age. You don't."

"My parents….. raised me to believe that love is love no matter what package it arrives in." Smiling, Mark recalled when he announced to his prominent and well to do parents that he was going to marry Sharon Grayson, the daughter of poor immigrants. Instead of offering any signs of disapproval, they welcomed her with open arms. That reminds me, I need to check on her dead brother's son.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Gage asked.

Lacy pulled her partner closer. "Never. Just in time as a matter of fact. Where were you?"

"That Kussler guy is here. Michael and I were trying to find out what he's up to." Gage said before leaning closer and inhaling deeply. "God, I love the way you smell."

"What about me?" Mark asked with a wink.

"You too. Oh, I saw Julie out on the balcony. She looked like she needed rescuing." Gage hinted.

"I'm on it." Mark handed Gage his drink. "Take this."

Gage studied the wine glass for a few moments before sitting it down on a nearby table.

"You want something to drink?" Lacy asked.

"No. You?"

"I noticed you haven't drank anything…. alcoholic since the first party we were at."

"Neither have you." Gage countered.

"I'm pregnant."

Smiling. "I know and as long as you are…. neither one of us drinks. Okay?"

"I love you. You know that, don't you?" Lacy surrendered to her partner's benevolent wishes.

"Well, just keep remembering that. Here comes Mr. Adonis himself." Gage watched Koda Kannon strut toward them.

Grabbing Lacy's hand, Koda brought it to his vampire lips intent on seducing the reluctant woman. "Lacy, Lacy… the divine Levine. Here it is the movie's finished and we're left with…. unfinished business." Koda completely ignored the blonde standing next to the beautiful woman now in his sights.

Retrieving her hand, Lacy anchored it in the waiting port at the end of Gage's arm. Smiling at Koda, Lacy said. "There's no business like show business and that's the only business we'll ever engage in. Come on, Gage."

As Lacy passed the over confident, oversexed and quite drunk star he patted her behind. "How's that for a little show business?" Koda beamed from his overture.

Coming to an abrupt halt, Lacy's cool blue eyes flared at the unwelcome act. Preventing Gage from retaliating against the rude man, Lacy spun around taking one-step forward and grabbed Koda's crouch. Squeezing slowly with a vise like grip, Lacy caused Koda to ascend on his tippy toes, grimacing from her torturous gesture. "Well, it's showtime. Shall I continue?"

"No…no." Koda screeched several octaves higher than normal.

Watching from a few feet behind Lacy, Gage wore a satisfied smile. God, I love that woman.

Chapter Seventeen

A few days before Thanksgiving at Lacy's parents house, they celebrated Derek's fourth birthday with his father nowhere in sight. Having spent hours with his mother as they watched his favorite cartoon Derek was unconcerned. Yet, Dani's usually exuberant personality was held in check favoring a more subdued attitude until Thanksgiving Day when her cousin came to visit with his new chemistry set. Both Dani and Derek stared intently as Jonathan dashed a pinch of yellow powder in the mixture causing it to foam over.

"I'm thirsty." Derek complained.

Ignoring her brother. "Hold on a minute, will ya, Derek? Jonathan…." She said excitedly. "Can I do that?"

Reluctant, he finally handed his younger cousin the powder. "Be very careful."

************************
"You must love her." Lisa said as she cleared the table after the Lewis Thanksgiving feast.

Lacy walked around her sister as she placed several dishes in the dishwasher. "I do."

The shorter sister leaned against the counter. "And she must really love you… and the kids."

The older sibling twisted around, cocked her hands on her hips and asked. "Okay. What's going on? Why do you say that like it's…. something amazing?"

Lisa pulled back a chair and sat at the clean table. "I noticed when we started to eat that you asked Gage if she wanted you to fix her a plate…."

"Lisa, she does things for me, too." Lacy felt the early signs of an up and coming battle about to ensue.

"No..no. It's not that. It's…." Lisa fondly remembered the incident. "She said she'd get it herself then helped Derek eat his dinner all the while watching his favorite cartoon. Like it was the most important thing in the world for her to do at that moment."

Lacy covered her sister's hand lying on the table. "That's Gage for you."

"Lacy, this thing with Gage and you… it's really going to last, isn't it?"

"Is that a needle about my first two marriages?" Lacy teased her sister then said seriously. "Yes… forever."

The shorter woman placed her hand over Lacy's and squeezed. "Good." Then Lisa carefully treaded down a path she'd been meaning to approach with her sister. "Though both Jason and David were absolutely gorgeous."

"They were.. are." Lacy confirmed. "Gage though… she takes my breath away. When I think of her, look at her… when she touches me." Lacy inhaled a very deep and satisfying breath as she thought of her lover in the next room having to fend for herself with the rest of the Lewis family as they watched football.

Seeing her sister practically salivate at the thought of the blonde, Lisa said. "All right, Lacy. I get the point."

Lacy laughed.

"So, you and Jason…and David." Lisa quickly added. "It's over… there's no going back."

"No, Lisa. No way."

"Even if Gage and you….."

"That's not going to happen." Lacy stated firmly. "Why all the questions?"

"Just wondering." Lisa turned away not wanting to reveal her true intentions regarding this subject. Lacy could read her too well if she allowed her sister to studied her hazel eyes. "You deserve the best….and it looks like you have it with Gage."

"I do. And, so do you, Lisa." Concerned now. "Is this about Chris James?"

"No. I haven't even heard from him since…. that day."

"Lisa, there is someone out there for you." Lacy assured her only sister.

"Mmmmm. But, he's out of my league. He still loves someone else. I'd only end up as second best." Lisa would not meet her sister's worried blue eyes.

"That is absolutely ri..dic…u… lous." Lacy enunciated the word with fervent belief to dispel her sister's low self-esteem.

"Ri…dic…u…lous." Dani repeated from the doorway. "You're the best." Dani scooted close to her aunt. "You're my godmother and that alone makes you number one."

Lisa hugged her niece. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from you."

When her aunt winked, Dani returned it. "Mom, Derek wants something to drink."

Lacy pulled a small carton of juice from the refrigerator then handed it to her daughter. "Here. Are you guys down in the basement?"

"Yep. Jonathan's got some new chemistry set. He's showing off." Dani turned to leave but spun around before she did. "Aunt Lisa, maybe you should get someone like mom did." Without another word, Dani hurried out of the kitchen returning to the basement where her eleven-year-old cousin promised to show her several other experiments.

Both sisters laughed at Dani's remark. "She's that good, huh?" Lisa asked.

"Mmmmm."

"I didn't know you were into women." Lisa quizzed.

"Not really. But, I do love her." Lacy leaned in conspiratorially toward her sister. "If I could only make love to her once… just once or have sex on demand with all the great lovers of the world…." A broad lascivious smile beckoned with her next words. "I would take that night with her and……"

"As your father says TMI." Lynn stood behind her two conspiratorial daughters. "Sex talk at the kitchen table. I guess things never change. Come on, Crystal. You might as well get in on this, too." Lynn sat next to Lacy as her daughter-in-law took a seat along side Lisa.

A very timid shorthaired woman asked. "Is it really that good…. with her?"
"Crystal, it's the very best. It's about love not sex…." Lacy started.

"No sex!" Crystal exclaimed. "I don't know about you, Lacy, but… I've got to have it." Those adamant words spilled unchecked from her mouth. Stunned by this admission, the thirty-five-year old woman cautiously looked at her mother-in-law.

A few long decidedly awkward moments passed as each woman soaked in Crystal's revelation. Blue eyes shifted back and forth from hazel ones to meet her mother's hazel eyes then back to her sister-in-law's brown eyes. "So do I." Lacy finally said igniting an eruption of laughter from everyone seated around the table.

*************************
"Look at that. They had the ball….what are they doing?" Hank pulled his hair.

"I believe that would be called a…. fumble." Nate rubbed it in again now that his team had possession of the football. "Wouldn't you say so, Gage?"

"I should stay out of this. I don't know that much about football." Gage admitted.

Mumbling. "It figures." Denny sat off in the distance avoiding his sister's 'date'.

As the four Lewis men and Gage watched a football player take a hard hit during the next play, Dan grabbed his own knee. "Ooooo… I know how that feels."

"Is it hurting now?" Gage awkwardly left the older man's name out not knowing how exactly to refer to Lacy's father.

"Nah. When the weather's bad… a little." Dan added off-handedly.

"You should get that surgery like mom said." Nate offered with his eyes still glued on the game.

Hank jabbed his brother in the side. "Wanna bet she gets him to have it before…. say, next summer?"

Nate slapped his older brother's hand. "You're on. That's another fifty dollars I'll win from you…. easily."

"The game's not over yet." Hank hurled the youngest brother a grudging look. "Gage, you want to get in on the action?"

"No. Leave me out of this."

Mumbling again only louder, Denny tossed his two cents in. "If only we could."

At that remark, Dan flung his oldest son a silencing glare.

*************************
"Anyway, as I was saying. It's about love… making love. She takes me to places I've never been. A place where only true love can take you. It's not about technique. Oh, she's good." Lacy smiled then sucked in a deep shuddering breath with that thought. "Very good. And it's different than with men…."

The now unrestrained woman asked. "That's the part I want to know about. How?" The rest of the women at the table were no longer shocked as Crystal unleashed a barrage of questions. "I mean…. how do you do it not having the same…." Crystal rolled her eyes as if to say 'you know'.

"It's about the way she makes love to me. With love, reverence… as if I am the most precious thing in the world to her. It's the way she makes me feel…" Lacy's blue eyes flared. "She sets my body ablaze."

Thoughtfully, Lynn agreed. "I know what you mean."

"Mother!" Lisa exclaimed.

"Well, I do know what Lacy means. Honey…" Lynn reached across the table capturing her youngest daughter's hand. "You have got to go for it." Then Lynn supplied a knowing wink to Lisa.

Lacy recognized something transpire between mother and daughter and held her suspicions in check for the moment. "Gage made an interesting point the other day. She said that hate has no boundaries. You can hate anyone. But, with love…. we, as a society, put up boundaries.. limits in search of that ideal relationship. Look at David and me. Except for religious differences… we were seemingly perfect together. All the ingredients for a happy couple according to society. It was the same with Jason and yet neither one of them made me feel whole… made me feel loved." A tender soft look crossed her beautiful features. "No, only Gage does that for me. And, she loves me enough to change for me and not because I demand it or even ask it of her. Just because she loves me. Love is love no matter how it shows up in your life."

All heads nodded in understanding of Lacy's profound words including her daughter standing at the doorway waiting patiently to deliver the bad news. "Mom….ahhh…" Dani hesitated, scrunching her face. "Jonathan is crying in the living room."

"Why?"

"I… hit him?" Dani stated in a questioning way. Dani reluctantly followed the herd of woman from the kitchen mumbling. "Guess I've got some explaining to do."

************************
With his crying son in his arms, Denny's face grew redder. "Is this the way your daughter acts now that….. that you're with her?" His angry brown eyes shifted from Lacy to Gage.

Inhaling deeply, Lacy pulled her daughter in front of her. Seeing that Derek was safe in the arms of her partner, she calmly asked. "Dani, what happened? Why did you hit your cousin?"

The frown on the young girl's face was unmistakable. "Because."

Lacy squatted in front of her daughter. Lifting Dani's chin, she prompted her again. "Because why?"

"Because of what he said. It wasn't nice." Then Dani declared. "And, it's not true."

Twisting around to her nephew, Lacy asked gently. "Just what did you say, Jonathan?"

Proudly, Jonathan recounted his words. "I said that she…." Pointing to Gage. "Was a freak and what goes on between the two of you is unnatural."

Crystal hauled her son from his father's protecting arms. "Why would you ever say that?" A revelation popped in her head. "Jonathan, where did you come up with that?"

Looking from his mother to his dad, their only child responded. "Dad said it."

Slowly standing, Crystal seethed glaring at her suddenly shrinking husband having never seen such a look of disgust on his usually placating wife's face. "Denny. I know how you feel and you can keep it to yourself." Looking back at her son. "Jonathan, go get your coat… but first I want you to apologize."

With the spotlight burning brightly on the young boy, he covertly looked to his father for a cue as what to do. Denny remained silent under his wife's hard stare. "Okay, I'm sorry. But, I don't know why."

Then Dani prompted by her mother spoke. "Me, too. I'm sorry for hitting you."

"Go on now, son. When we get home, we'll talk." Crystal pushed her son toward the door. She caught her husband with another angry glare. "We will not teach our son to be a…. bigot." Leaning in very close to her husband, she continued. "I am putting my foot down this time, Denny. Mark my words. Do not cross me on this one."

Astonished, Hank and Nate, never having seen their oldest brother cower before anyone except their parents, looked on in awe holding a newfound respect for their sister-in-law. The football game forgotten now that they had witnessed history in the making.

Chapter Eighteen

"I want that." Derek stubbornly pointed.

"What's it called?" Gage asked.

"Truck."

"What kind of truck?"

"A tonka truck." The now four-year-old said perfectly. Grabbing it, he ran to his sister who was plopped down on the floor trying to put on some skates.

"See. I told you." Gage shook her blonde head. "He says every word perfectly now except my name."

Squeezing her partner, Lacy said. "You know why that is, don't you?"

"No. Enlighten me."

"Oh, I'll do more than that. Later." Lacy whispered then added. "Devlin, on his favorite cartoon, sometimes speaks funny especially when talking to his hero Gentry. The other day I was watching hours of it with him." A bright smile bloomed on her face as she remembered spending this sacred leisure time with her son on his fourth birthday a few days before Thanksgiving. "It dawned on me that Derek picked it up from watching the cartoon."

"But why does he still call me Jage?"

"Oh, he does that to annoy you." Lacy walked ahead leaving a frustrated blonde behind.

"Just like his mother."

"Gage?" A voice from behind called.

Spinning around, Gage greeted the doctor. "Dr. Charles. How are you?"

"Fine." Spying Derek over the blonde's shoulder, the doctor asked. "How's his speech coming along?"
"Perfect actually." Gage stared at her family for a long moment before turning back around to the doctor. "The sessions with you really helped."

"I only got him started on the program. It was you that made the difference." Dr. Charles smiled sweetly at the blonde.

When a possessive hand clamped down on Gage's shoulder, she heard. "I couldn't agree more." Lacy stepped beside her partner. "And, who may I ask are you?"

Uh oh. "Lacy, this is Dr. Charles." Gage introduced her lover to Derek's speech therapist.

Surprised, Lacy choose not to hide it. "I didn't know you were a woman." Then slowly twisted her head to her partner who melted under the intense heat.

"All my life." Dr. Charles said smartly knowing she was the source of uneasiness between the two women.

"Anyway, I'm Derek's mother. It's nice to meet you."

Refusing to extend her hand, the good doctor said. "Yes, it's nice to finally meet you."

Dani scrambled around her mother and Gage followed by a shorter version of his dad. "Oh, hi Dr. Charles. Are you here to get Derek a Christmas present? He really likes that truck."

"Dani!" Lacy said more firmly than she intended.

When Derek peeked around Gage to see the doctor, he stood erect and began the word list citing it in perfect order. "Please, laces, limos, ready, wrap, roses, get, good, cage, shell, sugar….." Adding one of his own he'd learned from Gage. "Shut-up….."

Placing a quick hand over his mouth, Gage said. "Good boy. But, that's enough." Then shrugged to Lacy and the doctor. "See… perfect."

"Yes… perfect." Dr. Charles eyed the tall dark headed woman. "I should be going now. Merry Christmas."

Wiggling her fingers in the air, Lacy wished the attractive doctor a fond and 'glad you're leaving' farewell. "You too."

Not waiting for Lacy to confront her, Gage suggested. "Why don't we buy these things and then do some more shopping say…… for rings?"

That certainly got Lacy's attention. "Good save."

***********************
"Mr. Levine, you have the most perfect daughter." Cindy Traven, the dance instructor, said. "She certainly makes the perfect little star for our Christmas show tonight."

Placing two hands on his daughter's shoulders, David Levine agreed. "That she does." Dani beamed upon hearing her father's words. "If you'll excuse us, I'd like to talk with my daughter a moment before she goes on."

"Of course. We go on in ten minutes." Mrs. Traven exited leaving father and daughter alone.

"Daddy, thank you for coming." Dani gazed up at her tall father. "See, I wore the earrings you gave me for my birthday."

"Uhh… yes. They really make you look beautiful… like a little angel."

Dani rolled her sparkling blue eyes appreciatively as she soaked in her father's compliment. "I love you, daddy."

David stooped down. "I hope you do."

Dani couldn't miss the sad look on her father's handsome face. "Of course, I love you. I love very much." She hugged her father.

"We don't get to see each other much anymore." David shrugged as if it wasn't his fault.

"Mom said you can see us anytime." Dani assured him.

"That's what she says." David grumbled knowing full well his daughter would pick up on the insinuation.

"What do you mean?" In a small voice, Dani asked with confusion.

"Nothing really. Your mother wants full custody of you." Her father shrugged. "You can choose though, Dani."

Carefully, Dani restated her father's suggestion. "Choose between you and mom." Dani backed up a step away from her father. "Mom said I never have to choose…. that I can love you both. She said no one would ever make me do it." She backed up even further sitting on a nearby chair, very glum now. "So I won't."

Hurriedly, David tried to make amends. "I didn't mean you had to choose between loving me or your mother but you can decide if who you want to live with." Dani pursed her lips giving her father a hard look. "It has to be…. weird…" David used one of his daughter's favorite words to describe his wife's present relationship. "With your mom being with another woman. Come on, Dani, it's not right."

The young girl's head rose slowly carrying with it a very serious look. "Ri…dic…u…lous."

"Now, listen here, Missy." David spat scornfully.

"No, daddy. You should listen to me." The brave nine-year old plotted her next words carefully. "I love you and mom and Derek and…. Gage. Love is love no matter how it shows up in you're life. Mom loves her and Gage loves mom right back. Gage loves us, too."

"Why would she love kids that are not her own?"

"Because she chooses to and…. because Derek and I are quite…. loveable." Dani added with a smile. "In the beginning, I didn't want to like her either but…."

"Oh, she can choose?"

"Who she loves…yes. But, she didn't ask me to choose between loving you and mom or even between loving you and her." Dani drove her point home hitting the bull's eye.

"That's not what I meant?" David retorted.

"Yes, you did, daddy." Dani jumped off the chair, hugging her father again. "I still love you. Now……" The young star straightened her dress. "The show must go on."

************************
After the successful dance show, Dani joined her anxious family waiting for the young star as she filtered through all the people in attendance that complimented her on her performance. Dani graciously thanked each and every one.

When Mrs. Traven approached Dani's parents, she noticed a blonde holding Dani's brother. "Mr. and Mrs. Levine…." Cindy Traven gushed trying to score points with the powerful Hollywood couple. "She was amazing… a real star. But, of course, no wonder look who her parents are."

Proudly, David nodded then draped a long arm over Lacy's shoulder pulling her closer. "We think so. You know, my wife's pregnant again. And, this is our son, Derek."

"Congratulations. How far along are you?"

Lacy jerked back away from David positioning herself next to her partner. "Five months and thank you."

"Mom? How'd you like the show?" Dani sought approval from her mother.

Caressing her daughter's cheek, Lacy smiled. "You were wonderful…. but, you already know that." Lacy winked then tapped her daughter's nose.

"Absolutely, Dani. I couldn't have done it better." Gage added.

"Jeez, like I didn't know that." Dani teased then unexpectedly hugged Gage.

"Oh, it's so nice when the kids get along with their nanny." Mrs. Traven stated innocently about the blonde standing next to Lacy.

"She's not the nanny." Lacy said. "She's my….."

"Friend." David interjected quickly. Nudging Lacy, David glared at her.

You're right, David. There's no sense making a scene…. not here not right now. And you would, too. But, one day…. Turning to her lover. I hope you understand, sweetheart.

And Gage did, reading her partner's mind perfectly. "Why don't we go get something to eat?"

"Yes." Derek cocked his arm in the air. "Ice cream."

"Sounds good to me." Dani agreed then marched off leading the way. Adorning fans are one thing, but ice cream…. that takes the cake.

*************************
Two overexcited kids were swallowed up in all the shiny pretty papers as they ripped open gift after gift. Derek collected several trucks, cars, clothes and building blocks while Dani received CDs, clothes, earrings (the pierced kind), skates and an assortment of glitter glue, pens and markers.

"Thank you, mom…Gage." Dani hugged her mom first then Gage.

Derek waited his turn patiently. "I love you, momma." He kissed his mother's cheek leaving a very wet spot then climbed over onto Gage's lap. He shyly shifted his gray eyes back to his mother who nodded then said. "I love you, too…..Gage."

At the sound of her name being spoken perfectly, a deep shutter vibrated through the blonde's body welling up tears in her green eyes. Gage closed her eyes briefly soaking in the love Derek unconditionally gave her. "I love you, Derek, with all my heart." The unshed tears in her eyes glittered red, blue and green reflecting the Christmas lights on the tree as she looked lovingly at her partner. Gage mouthed a silent 'thank you'. She now knew the secret behind Lacy's diligent work with her son regarding his speech lessons. And, they had paid off, worth more than all the gold and diamonds in the world.

A wet kiss brought her attention back to the little boy on her lap. "Merry Christmas everyone." Derek giggled. Looking around the room to his mother, sister, Mark and Chance, he continued. "And Happy New Year." Suddenly, Derek jumped down off Gage's lap when he saw his sister reaching for his new truck.

"What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" Mark asked.

Gage spared a quick look at her lover. "Staying home with my family. You?"

"Oh, I thought I'd take Lacy's advice and ask Julie out. Griffen's having a big party." A bit embarrassed, Mark continued anyway. "Things are going pretty good with us."

"What did she get you for your birthday?" Gage asked.

"None of your business. I thought having my birthday on Christmas everyone would forget but…" Giving Lacy a knowing look. "That didn't happen."

"Oh, Mark, Julie already knew it. We did, however, come up with a few interesting things she could give you." Lacy smirked.

Looking at his friend, Chance, happily playing with the kids on the floor. "Chance would be happy to watch the kids if you wanted to double date that night."

Lacy ran a smooth hand along her lover's arm. "Thanks but we have plans."

Mark crunched his brows together in question.

"A tickle fight." Gage revealed their plans. "And, since she's going to have a baby, I'm sure I'll get the brunt of it."

Lacy kissed her lover. "And you wouldn't have it any other way."

Happy to see his friend happy, Mark said. "I think it's bedtime….. for me."

Waggling her eyebrows, Gage's green eyes gleamed. "Good idea."

After Mark and Chance left for the evening, Lacy herded her kids into their own perspective beds wishing them a goodnight. She unplugged the Christmas lights and strolled down the short hallway to her bedroom.

Gage was in bed already after having rearranged the pillows and covers exactly the way she liked them.

"Why do we even straighten the bed in the morning?" She stood in the doorway admiring her lover.

"Beats me. You just mess it up again every night." Gage opened her arms. "Come here."

Once Lacy molded herself around her lover, she kissed Gage soundly. "Thank you."

"Mmmmmmm." Gage returned the kiss. "I didn't expect the leather bound editions of my books. Thank you."

"I have one more thing for you." Lacy reached over Gage, pulling out the top drawer of the nightstand. She retrieved a small burgundy box. Handing it to Gage, she said. "Here. I love you."

Taking it, a playful smile rose on her face then Gage pulled a small box of her own from under the pillow giving it to Lacy. "And here's something for you."

Gage started to open the box when Lacy stopped her. "You remember our first night together… afterwards?"

"I do."

"Yeah, keep those words in mind, will ya?" Lacy scooted closer, peering into adorning green eyes. "What I said to you?"

"You said not quite asking… you are going to marry me." Gage gently brushed her lips to Lacy's. "And I said?"

"Anytime, anywhere, anyway." A hopeful look passed across the star's face. "You still mean it, don't you?"

"I do." Gage reassured her lover. "Lacy, I love you. Forever. Always. I want to be with you… only you."

"Open it then." As Gage revealed what was in her box so did Lacy. A beautiful gold ring circled with diamonds that matched the sparkles in Lacy's eyes. "Here. Put it on me."

Gage carefully placed the ring on her lover's finger. It was a beautiful ring, the blonde thought but it didn't compare to the beautiful woman now wearing it. "You do me. Here."

I'm going to do you all right. "Later." Lacy took the ring she'd bought for the partner and placed it on Gage's finger. It matched her ring perfectly, which surprised Lacy but not Gage. When they were shopping for rings, both shoppers hinted about which ones they liked but decided to make their individual selections on their own.

Lying back in each other's arms, they admired the rings. "I am the luckiest person in the world, Lacy. Everything is perfect. You..me…the kids and this one." Gage rubbed her partner's swollen stomach. "Do you think it'd be okay if we…"

Lacy flashed her fire blue eyes smoldering now from anticipation. "Come here." They shifted on their sides molding their heated bodies together. The dark haired woman's ran her hand the length of her lover's back sending shivers through Gage which only caused her to move even closer. "We can't seem to get close enough. I want you inside me." Lacy purred as limbs tangled in pursuit of that very wish.

Gage locked onto willing lips brushing her tongue against them asking and gaining entry. Tongues fought for domination in a battle of heated desire enflaming their already overexcited bodies. Sucking in a quick deep breath after she broke away from the kiss, Gage declared. "I love you." Then drove in for another soul-searching exchange. Deep, probing, exploring and very stimulating as she felt a pool of moisture well between her legs. She jumped when Lacy's hand found purchase there.

"Let me return the favor." Gage slipped her hand between her lover's legs finding a warm and wet nest for her to play. Carefully the blonde maneuvered her lover slightly back so she could slide her thigh between Lacy's legs adding pressure to the already busy hand happily rooted there.

Moaning, Lacy exhaled a satisfied shutter. "Mmmmmm. I love that." The younger woman temporarily left her playground to stroke Gage's firm backside, which drew the expected grateful response.

"God, Lacy, you know that distracts me." Gage smiled approvingly.

"That's why I did it." Again, she squeezed her partner's very sensitive backside causing an even more appreciative groan from her lover.

Leaving a trail of hot kisses down Lacy's neck, Gage paused long enough to suck lightly near the star's collarbone several times. Being one of Lacy's favorite tactics, Gage felt the deep moan escape her lover's throat before she said. "Paybacks."

Lacy husked. "I do love paybacks." Returning her hand to her favorite playground, the star did her magic on her lover and only paused once when Gage suckled feverishly at her breast. "God, sweetheart, don't stop."

Neither woman did as they spent the rest of the night trying to out do each other. When all was said and done, the lovers were left satiated completely both waking with a satisfied smile.

Chapter Nineteen - February

The tall dark-haired star walked back out on the patio to a waiting blonde near the Jacuzzi. "Has everyone left?"

Turning around Gage did a double take gazing at the sexily posed woman standing in the doorway wearing only a robe. I hope. "Mmmmm. Just the two of us."

As Lacy walked forward she untied the cloth belt allowing the robe to split open slightly, she watched her lover stain to get a better view. "See something you like?"

"Mmmmm hmmmm. Hopefully more…soon." Wigging her eyebrows seductively, Gage continued. "Why don't you come here?"

Now standing in front of the blonde, Lacy removed the robe letting it drop to the ground to reveal her red bra and matching thong. "Not quite what you expected, was it?"

Wrapping her arms around her lover's waist, Gage kissed the swollen stomach. "It's everything I could have hoped for and more." With her blonde head leaning against Lacy, Gage felt the baby kick. "Wow… he's going at it today." Looking up. "Are you tired?"

"Hmmm." Lacy sat down in the lounger then leaned back. "This is nice."

"Can I get you anything?" Lacy shook her head and reached for the bottle of cocoa butter. Taking it from her, Gage squished some in her hand. "Here, that's my job." Gently rubbing the lotion over her partner's belly. "Mark called while you were changing. He wanted to know how the shoot went."

Lacy had just finished filming a public service announcement at Mark Calico's request to aid underprivileged children of the world. "Everything going okay with the movie?"

"Hmmmm. The director's giving a bit of a hard time I gathered."

"Hugh Hayes. That doesn't surprise me. He directed a few episodes of my show."

"Mark wanted to thank you for doing this PSA today." Gage ran her smooth hands over Lacy's exposed stomach relishing in the pure bliss reflected on her lover's face. "You're beautiful." Leaning in, Gage kissed her. "And, I love you."

Lacy touched her partner's cheek. "You sure you don't want to go to New Orleans….sounds like Mark could use your help?"

Kissing her lover again, Gage replied. "No. I'm where I want to be. Besides, if he needs me I'll be there."

Admiring the ring on her finger as Gage continued with the welcomed sensual assault on her body, Lacy asked. "How long are we going to live here?"

The blonde jerked up quickly looking at Lacy. "You don't like it here?"

"No, that's not it. But, after the school year…. we haven't really talked about it… yet. Or when we're getting married." Lacy turned her head away after that last sentence.

Smiling, Gage hooked a finger under her lover's chin pulling it back around to her. "Now that you're divorce is final we could do it anytime really. I was thinking after the baby was born… this summer. Mark said we could have it here."

"Sweetheart, would you mind if we…." Lacy hesitated.

"Go on. What is it?" Allowing a small bit of fear to raise its ugly head.

"My dad…. always wanted one of us to be married in his garden behind the house. It would make him so happy. Besides, with Denny getting them a computer and throwing it in my face. He hasn't even hooked it up yet. My brother would never be able to out do this… and….."

"That would be perfect."

"When Jason and I married, I was pregnant. It was a rushed civil service. With David more like a production than a wedding." Lacy spilled out not paying attention to her partner.

"It's perfect." Gage repeated.

"I've always wanted something simple yet….Sweetheart, you did say anywhere, anyway." Lacy pinned her lover against the vow Gage made to her.

"Lacy, I said it would be perfect." Gage kissed her. "As long as you're there anywhere is fine with me. But, I'm not wearing a dress." Lacy cocked a perfectly sculptured eyebrow. "Uh, uh, uh…" The blonde cautioned her lover on this point of contention. "Now, relax, will you? You've tensed up."

Long moments passed with both lovers relishing the connection between them as the blonde stroked her caring hands over the unborn baby's temporary home. "Seven months. Wow." Gage stared in wonder as she continued rubbing the cocoa butter on Lacy's smooth stomach.

"You look so fascinated by it." Referring to her swollen belly.

"It's what's in there, Lacy. It's hard to believe….that a baby is growing inside. I don't know it so…so sexy." Gage continued her loving exploration across Lacy's skin dragging her fingers ever so lightly against it as the dark haired woman basked in her lover's touch.

"You're driving me insane here woman." A small laugh expelled. "Surely, sweetheart, you've seen other pregnant women?"

"Hmmm…. but not one that belonged to me and definitely not this close-up." Gage winked at her lover. "I love him already."

"Sure it's going to be a boy, huh?" Gage nodded her head remembering her partner's insistence at not knowing the sex of the baby claiming she wanted to be surprised. "As long as he's healthy."

"Oh, he will be. You are and… his father's… as much as I hate to admit it, he's a…." Rolling her slightly envious green eyes. "Pretty healthy specimen." Then when Gage leaned down brushing her lips against Lacy's belly, kissing it, off in the distance, she heard several very faint clicking sounds. Popping her head back up searching the open grounds, she asked. "Did you hear that?"

Amazed by her partner's tender display of love for her unborn baby, Lacy pulled Gage down. "Come here you."

Lost in the powerful feelings erupting from the passionate kiss she exchanged with her lover, Gage never noticed someone escape in the distance wearing a very satisfied smile.

Chapter Twenty - March

"Happy birthday, Lacy." Gage kissed the birthday girl.

"Mom, did you like my present?" Dani asked.

"Yes, it was wonderful." Her daughter presented Lacy with a very special dance performance Dani worked up on her own. Tapping her daughter on the nose, she forecast the future. "You're an excellent choreographer, too."

"Momma, what about me?" Derek scaled his mother planting himself squarely on her lap. "You like mine?" He blew the whistle he'd inherited from his sister and now presented to his mother.

"Honey, I love it."

"Derek, what about this?" Gage handed him a large piece of paper.

"Give me." Derek offered the drawing to Lacy.

A beaming smile rose on the mother's face. "It's beautiful."

"You, too, momma." Derek pointed to the facsimile of his mother on the drawing he'd spent over an hour working on with the help of his hero. "There's me….and Dani." Then he pointed purposely to the last figure on the paper. "Gage." Smiling triumphantly, Derek shook his head proud of himself.

Kissing her son, Lacy spared the drawing another glance. "We'll have to hang this someplace special."

"Mom, we should get a frame for it." Dani scooted between the two adults. "Maybe next week when my school's on break. I've been thinking about what we should do." When the telephone rang, Gage answered it as Dani continued with her thought. "Swimming is definitely on my list…." Dani eyed her mother's huge belly. "Maybe not for you. That won't stop Derek and I though."

"Being eight months pregnant does not stop a woman from going swimming."

"I'm going to swim, too, momma." Derek definitely would not be left out of any family activities. "Right now?"

"No, honey. Later." Lacy carefully watched Gage's demeanor change as she talked on the telephone. "Dani, why don't you and Derek change… swimming might be a good idea about now." Both children bolted at the suggestion. "In the Jacuzzi though." Lacy yelled after them. When her partner flopped down beside her, Lacy asked. "Gage, sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"That was Mark."

"Problems?"

Rubbing her temple, Gage nodded. "Sorta… Mark's dead brother-in-law…well, apparently he's alive. Mark needs to return to New York and find out what's going on."

"Oh. Is there anything we can do?" Lacy asked.

Reluctantly. "I really should go there… to New Orleans."

"I see." Lacy confirmed. "When are you leaving?"

"Lacy, I don't know how long this will take. Maybe you and the kids can
fly down next week…." Touching her partner's stomach. "If you feel up to it."

"I thought there might be problems with the director, Hugh." Lacy held a sinking feeling in check.

"Yeah, he's been giving Mark some grief on top of it." Leaning her head against Lacy's temple. "I don't want to go without you."

Ducking in for a quick kiss, Lacy steeled her resolve. "You have too. It won't be for long….the kids and I will come down next week. And, how bout I call Ryan. He can go with you…. just in case." Her good friend, Ryan White, the seasoned producer and director could provide her novice partner any required assistance Gage may encounter. And, keep an eye on things. Her jealous mind wandered to a certain redhead working on Mark Calico's movie.

"Thank you." Gage kissed her partner soundly. "I'll go get packed."

************************
Alone in bed and after several restless nights without her lover's soothing presence, Lacy tossed again trying to find a comfortable position. When the shrill ring of the telephone permeated the air early Saturday morning, Lacy sighed in relief. "Maybe it's Gage. Hello." The sound of the irate voice on the other end of the telephone caused a heavy sigh to expel from the extremely fatigued woman. "Ron."

"Lacy, I'm having them delivered to your doorstep. I want you to see exactly what could destroy my picture and if it does….. there will be a lawsuit. I don't want to have to shelf this movie."

"Ron, calm down a minute. What could be that bad?" Lacy rolled her distressed blue eyes.

"You'll see." With that, Ron hung up the telephone and the doorbell rang.

The messenger shoved an armful of tabloid papers in Lacy's face. Plastered on the cover was a picture of Gage kissing the star's bare stomach. Inside a full photo layout of Gage and Lacy sharing an intimate moment on their patio. That's what Gage heard that day. My God. Someone was here lurking around after the photo shoot taking pictures. There was also a picture of her and Mark sharing a hug at the party they attended together. One of the captions alluded to a threesome between Lacy, Gage and Mark.

As the telephone rang off the hook from inquiring reporters, Lacy packed their bags. She'd tried to call Gage several times to no avail. Finally, reaching her mother, Lacy arranged for a limo to pick her and the kids up to catch a plane home. The star instructed Mark's housekeeper as to where she could be reached when Gage called. As the limo passed through Mark Calico's estate gates, a horde of reporters flashed their cameras shouting questions upon questions at the departing star.

*************************
Gage called that night only to find out that Lacy had suddenly returned home. Punching in the numbers to the Lewis household, the blonde waited patiently. I wonder why she went back home. "Hello…Nate?"

"No, it's Denny. Who is this?" Denny asked even though he knew perfectly well it was Gage.

"It's Gage. Is Lacy there?"

Denny plugged in the last electrical cord to his parent's computer. "No, she's out."

"How bout Lynn or Dani?"

"No one's here. Listen, I've got to see if this computer will hook up to the internet so….."

"Hold on… hold on a minute. Do you know where she is?"

"My parents took the kids out and my sister's…. out with Jason." Well, it isn't really a lie. My sister is out with Jason…. Lisa that is.

"Denny, would you please tell Lacy I called." Gage pleaded with the irascible man.

Denny grunted. "Bye." Hanging up, Denny never gave her request another thought.

Heavy shoulders dropped in frustration as Gage hung up the telephone. She turned when Ryan spoke.

"Problems?"

"Too many of them." Gage plopped down in the nearby chair exhausted from four days of non-stop problem solving. After Gage and Ryan arrived in New Orleans, they quickly took stock of the situation and realigned the chaotic production schedule. In the one day after Mark had departed for New York, the egotistic director rearranged the schedule causing havoc with the cast and crew. Having fired Hugh Hayes, Ryan took over as director much to Gage's relief. "Lacy went back home. I don't know why."

Ryan squeezed her shoulder. "I'm sure it's nothing. Come on, let's get some rest."

"What about reviewing what Hayes already shot?" The reluctant producer asked.

"It's late. Tomorrow's another day." Pushing Gage forward, they walked off into the dark night.

***********************
Frustrated, Lacy slammed the telephone down once again unbeknownst to her that a certain interested party intercepted her repeated attempts to contact Gage. "I can't get in touch with her."

After the younger woman sat, Lynn soothed her daughter's hand. "She'll call."

"This is such a mess." Lacy dumped her head in her hands leaning on the kitchen table. "And I don't feel well at all."

"You're tired. We shouldn't have gone shopping yesterday. I only wanted you to get your mind off things…. and with going to church this morning…"

Offering her mother a genuine but weak smile, Lacy said. "It helped mother. It really did."

"She loves you, Lacy."

"I know that….. it's everything else."

"Do you really think Mr. Griffen will file that lawsuit you told me about?"

"There's nothing in the contract regarding my personal life in conjunction with how well a movie does. Thank God for my agent. He's always watching out for me."

When the telephone rang, Lynn rushed to answer it. "Hello. Oh, hi. Yes, hold on." Handing the telephone to her distraught daughter. "It's David."

"Hello David."

"Lacy, honey, is there anything I can do?" David asked sincerely. "I talked with Ron and he's just blowing hot air. You know how he is."

"He can go to hel….." Looking at her mother, Lacy amended her statement. "Wherever as far as I'm concerned." Suspicious of her ex-husband's motives, she asked. "David, why did you call?"

"Heard Gage is in New Orleans…… you do know Griff's there, too?" David weaseled in the actual purpose behind his call.

"Thank you, David. That's the one thing I needed to be reminded of." Ending the conversation, Lacy's eyes welled up in tears. "He's such a bastard."
Lacy then explained to her mother the real reason behind her tears.

"Lacy, I'm only going to say this once….go get your woman." Her mother ordered.

***********************
Gage and Ryan spent the better part of Sunday reviewing film and fine-tuning the remaining schedule. With weary eyes, Ryan suggested. "Why don't we go back to the hotel room? I've got some calls to make about these schedule changes before tomorrow."

Grabbing the last donut out of the box, Gage replied. "No. I want to look at that one scene again. I don't like how it plays. Maybe I could make some script changes…. it just doesn't fit anymore. It's supposed to be a murder…. the way it is now it's more like self-defense."

Shaking his head, Ryan smiled. "Trust me. Everything will work out. It's really all in the editing."

"You go ahead. I think I'll try to call Lacy again." Gage watched the director who was proving to be an invaluable friend leave. "Well, let's roll this up again one more time." Gage hit the play button. As she scrutinized the scene carefully, the novice producer didn't hear someone enter behind her taking up residence in the dark room.

"Gage." A soft voice whispered.

Jerking the writer from her task, Gage spun around squinting her seeking green eyes trying to see who called her name. "Lacy?"

"Close." The dark figure stepped out of the darkness into the light revealing a shock of red hair.

Tired shoulders slumped. "Griff. What are you doing here? It's late."

"I could ask you the same thing." The younger woman stalked her prey, circling halfway around the blonde.

Gathering a few items, Gage stood. "I was just leaving."

"Wait." Griff pressed her hand to blonde's chest causing both of Gage's eyebrows to shot up. "Oh, don't worry. I came here to apologize. Back in LA. You know, in Lacy's trailer. When she came in I… panicked."

"Mmmmm Hmmmm. Right." Gage backed further away. "Why don't we forget about it?"

Stepping closer, Griff purred. "That's just it. I can't. You see, I'm…."

"In love with me?" Gage filled in the blank.

Griff scrunched her face, sucking in a short breath. "More like in lust with you. You are one fine woman, Gage. And she doesn't appreciate it like I would. Believe me, I could make you squirm…." Sumptuous green eyes flared. "Deliciously under my touch."

Gage would swear later that cat-like fangs sprang from her claws. "No, thank you. I get all of that from someone else and much, much more."

When the overheated woman lunged for Gage, she didn't hear someone enter the dark room taking up residence directly behind her. It was the iron clamped grip on her shoulder that made Griff take notice. "Hey."

Spinning the surprised woman around, Lacy growled. "Leave my woman alone."

Griff wiggled away from the strong woman's grasp. "What are you going to do about? The way I see it. She's up for grabs…. and to the victor goes the spoils." Glancing at Lacy's body. "You not exactly in your prime or the best shape for that matter."

Gage would have intervened but she knew one thing the poor young woman standing in front of her didn't but was about to learn. Never and I mean never mess with Lacy when it comes to protecting her family.

With predatory grace, Lacy circled her prey allowing her ferocious blue eyes to scathe the shorter redhead's slender body. "Oh, you may have something to offer. You might even be good at it. But, you will never take what's mine. There's no competition here. Not even close." Suddenly feeling a little sorry for the younger woman, Lacy said. "You could never even comprehend the kind of love we have." Lacy stalked forward backing Griff toward the door.

Losing ground quickly, Griff threatened. "I'll tell my father."

"You do that little thing and then a little bird may reveal that his daughter's gay. He wouldn't like that now, would he?"

"You'd do that, too." Griff spat unaware that Lacy had once prevented Mark from telling this very thing to her father.

"And, one more thing. You're father is in an uproar about some pictures of Gage of me. I suggest you quiet him down about it, Griff…. for your own good." Lacy's suggestion brooked no argument from the retreating woman.

After the frightened girl left, Gage walked up behind her lover wrapping arms around Lacy. Kissing her shoulder, the rescued woman declared. "I love you."

"You better." Swinging around, now facing her lover, Lacy suggested. "You've got a room, don't you?" Gage nodded. "Then let's put it to good use." Lacy kissed her woman for all it was worth relaying her message about what the two of them would be doing all night. At least as much as an eight month pregnant woman could muster and Lacy was willing to give it her best shot.

I guess Ryan will just have to do without me tomorrow. Walking out the door, Gage asked. "What pictures?"

************************
"Mrs. Grant, when will Mr. Calico be back in town?" Stella Smith asked her employer.

Shuffling through some papers, Julie Grant replied off-handedly to her children's nanny. "I don't know he had some personal business to attend to in New York."

Shaking her head, Stella walked back out the door then closed it. She looked once again at the tabloid. I wonder what that means 'special friend'.

Chapter Twenty-One - April

"Wait…wait….now push." The doctor ordered.

Scrunching up in the bed Lacy pushed hard along with the contraction. "Uhhhhhhhhhh……" Lacy grunted before easing back into her partner's arms. Perspiration soaked the expectant mother's face and hair.

Gage brushed warm lips against the side of her partner's temple. "I love you." Then blotted a dry cloth to absorb the moisture on Lacy's face.

"Mmmmm Hmmmm." Lacy's only response.

Anxiously, David shifted around to see the birth of his third child. "Lacy, I can see it…." Cocking his head to one side then asked the doctor. "That's the head, isn't it?"

Ignoring the excited father, the doctor assured her patient. "One more, Lacy, and that should do it."

Whispering against her lover's temple, Gage quietly said. "You hear that? One more. You can do it." Although I don't know if I could.

With one final push and Gage supporting her from behind, Lacy delivered into the world her second son. Exhausted yet beaming with pride, Lacy fell back into her partner's arms.

The doctor quickly checked and cleaned the baby before placing him on his mother's deflated stomach. "Here. A healthy baby boy."

Lacy pulled her baby closer. The radiant woman smiled from ear to ear as she gazed in wonder at the newborn life she'd just given birth to. "Gage look. He's perfect."

"Mmmmm…. yes, he is." Again, Gage brushed her lips against her partner's head. "Just like you."

David reached out. "Can I?"

Lacy lifted her son to his father. Taking the baby in his arms, a smile rose on David's face then letting it fall just as fast suddenly feeling a sense of emptiness about the baby Hayston lost. "What are you going to call him?" He asked his ex-wife while still looking at the tiny baby in his arms.

The new mother spared her partner a quick look then said. "David Samuel."

Nodding, David replied. "Thank you." That simple gesture washed away several layers of animosity David held against Lacy and her lover. "Lacy, I know we've talked about custody and everything and my contesting it." Looking back at his innocent son, David thought of his other two children. "I want to be in their lives though."

"That was never in question, David." Lacy assured him.

Then David did something totally unexpected of him. He walked around the bed. "Gage. I guess you were a part of this……" Letting the words die on his lips, he handed his son to Lacy's partner.

Gage accepted the gesture holding the tiny bundle of joy in her arms offering her rival a silent 'thank you' then turned to Lacy. Shifting her eyes back and forth between mother and son. "I love you both." As the blonde planted warm lips against the shock of dark hair on his little head then did the same to her partner, David backed away silently intent on finding his absent lover, Hayston Rawlings.

************************
Lacy, Gage and the three kids huddled together in the huge bed in their guesthouse on Mark Calico's LA estate. "Be careful, Derek." His mother advised him.

Derek pulled at his one-week-old brother trying to hold him. "I want to hold him."

"Me, too." Dani echoed.

"That's all the two of you have been doing all week." Gage said.

"But he's awake now…. most of the time he's sleeping." Dani protested.

The profoundly fatigued mother and her equally tired partner shared a knowing look about Lacy's new son's sleeping habits. Lacy reached over giving Gage a sweet kiss. Over the last week, Gage dutifully fulfilled every requirement she could in order to help the new mother with her baby.

Since Lacy refused to give up holding the baby, Dani opted for another avenue of fun. "Tickle fight!" The young girl ensued in the endeavor whole-heartedly with Derek following suit only to be thwarted as soon as they had started.

"No..no, no!" Gage commanded. "We don't want to hurt the baby."

"He's more trouble than he is fun." Dani pouted, crossing her arms and again her brother followed her lead.

"Come over here, Dani. You too, Derek." Both children obeyed their mother's wishes. After they settled next to each other on her right, Lacy placed David Samuel on both their laps allowing them to hold the bright blue-eyed baby. Then she leaned back into her lover's arms letting out a deep sigh of fatigue.

Nuzzling her earlobe, Gage said. "I love you."

Wrapping her lover's arms around her, Lacy replied. "Me, too." Happy and content, Lacy watched her three children as the two oldest kids made faces and sounds trying to get the baby to smile. It doesn't get any better than this.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The next two months flew by with the happy couple making plans about where they were going to live and now that Dani was out of school for the summer, Lacy and Gage talked about their upcoming wedding and honeymoon. But, before any of that could take place, Lacy was scheduled for several interviews for the upcoming release of her new movie scheduled to be out in a couple of weeks.

"Lacy, it's too soon. You just had the baby. You can't be gallivanting all over the countryside making appearances. I know you're still exhausted." Wearing an overt frown, Gage crossed her arms.

"Are you telling me what to do?" Lacy asked.

"No, I would never tell you what to do. But, I would do everything in my power to convince you if I thought it was for your own good." Gage admitted.

"Sweetheart, I know you're concerned about me. It's part of my deal with the movie though." Lacy placed her nearly two-month-old son in his crib before returning to her pouting partner. "Could it be that you're concerned…"

"Jealous." Gage supplied the word her partner truly meant.

"About my making several appearances with Koda." Lacy finished.

Allowing her woman to settle next to her on the bed, Gage shrugged. "Not really. After what you did to him at the wrap party, I doubt he'd want to get within ten foot of you." Smiling. "I did enjoy that though."

Laughing. "I imagine it did make an impression on him."

Turning to Lacy, Gage voiced her real concern. "You remember after you had Derek, and you went back to work too soon…..it took a toll on you. Don't deny it, Lacy. You told me it did."

Exhaling a deep breath, Lacy remembered David's insistence about getting back to work. "That was six weeks… it's been almost eight since the baby was born. And I went back to work doing stunts…. much more physical activity than sitting for a few interviews. It'll be okay."

"Fine." Gage agreed. "But the kids and I go to."

Kissing her caring lover, Lacy said. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

************************
Crossing his legs, Koda shifted uneasily in the chair as he remembered his last encounter with Lacy Levine. This along with other factors motivated him to embellish the facts he was about to reveal to the nosy reporter, Tony Kussler.

"And you now admit that you and your co-star, Lacy Levine, had an affair?"

Smiling. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

"Just during the movie or was it going on before? Lacy did give birth recently. Could it be…."

"No!" Koda cut off the flamboyant reporter. The thought of another pregnancy ran perilously through his mind. "I had nothing to do with that."

"Why bring all this out now? Is it because your new movie is about to be released?" Tony quizzed.

Damn you, Griffen. Lacy wasn't the only one who had the trapped star by the shorts. "We were in love. I think that still may be true…. in some ways." Koda reluctantly admitted. The Casanova always did fall for his leading ladies at least until he bedded them. Since this didn't happen with Lacy, Koda's infatuation with the beautiful and talented star still lingered.

"This doesn't have anything to do with dispelling the rumors about Lacy and her female 'partner'? After all, this is a romantic comedy. You wouldn't want the audience to stay away from it." Tony dug deeper into the advantageous exclusive interview set up by his friend.

You sure don't stay bought, do you? Griffen will be pissed. "You know all about rumors Tony. It's Hollywood. They come and they go. People will go to any lengths for a cover story….."

"Not people…the media. But, I didn't break the story about Lacy's special relationship. It was one of those tabloids." A barracuda smile bit sharply as he thought he evaded Koda's insinuation.

Tapping a long finger to his lips, Koda consciously delivered a direct hit. "You did work for them once, didn't you? It was the same tabloid that fired you when you lost a major interview?" Koda wasn't expecting an answer and didn't get one.

Ending the interview abruptly, Tony seethed. I'll have to do some major editing on this. You haven't heard the last of me Koda, you or Lacy.

************************
After the interview on the talk show was over, Lacy yanked Koda off to the side. "Just what do you think you were doing?"

Koda shrugged. "It's called…." Using his fingers as if quoting. "Selling our picture."

"More like deception." Lacy countered referring to Koda's continued subtle insinuations that they had an affair.

Squirming again under Lacy's verbal assault, Koda admitted.
"Okay, I embellished it a little."

"Out and out lied more like it. Koda, you fix it and make sure it stays fixed." Lacy ordered.

"All right. God, between you and Griffen, I'll be glad when this whole thing is over." Running his hand through his unruly light hair, Koda tried to make amends with his fuming co-star revealing to her a very guarded secret about a certain vindictive reporter.

Gage walked up with the kids in tow then escorted the simmering star to the guest's dressing room. "Excuse me, Lacy. I'll be right back." Closing the door behind her, the determined blonde marched the short distance to the other guest dressing room opening the door without knocking.

Spinning around quickly, Koda noticed his uninvited guest. "Oh… it's you."

"Caught you with your pants down, I see." Gage perused the long muscular legs of the surprised actor.

A devilish smile carried with it an inviting wink. "See anything else you'd like to catch…. cause I'm not running."

"Not from what I heard. My friend, Mark, told me Griffen has you by the balls. I'm not sure about what but whatever it is causing you to lie about Lacy….."

Holding up a stilling hand. "Save it. I've already been read the riot act." Gage nodded knowingly. "A little piece and quiet that's all I need."

"Really. And I thought you just needed to get laid." Gage disappeared leaving the frustrated man standing all alone.

Flopping down on the sofa, Koda groan. It has been a while.

***********************
"Mr. Calico, Mrs. Grant will be down in a minute." Stella Smith informed her employer's date. Hesitant, Stella asked. "You're going to Miss Levine's new movie?"

"Yes." The eagerly waiting man smiled. "She's a good friend of mine."

"Could I ask you a question?" She cocked an inquiring brow.

"Sure, Stella. What is it?" Mark watched the nanny walk across the room then remove a newspaper from the top desk drawer.

Shoving it at him, she asked. "Who's that with Miss Levine?"

Recognizing the tabloid, Mark scanned the caption under the picture of Lacy and Gage. "Gage Ballant."

"Is she a friend of yours, too? It says you make movies together." Stella inquired.

"Very much so. And, we are partners. Why?"

"I'd like to talk to you about this…..later." The nanny said evasively.

Guardedly, Mark nodded as his date made her entrance.

************************
At the premiere of their movie, Koda and Lacy posed for the media and fans as hundreds of flickering lights flashed all around them. Koda allowed an interview with a rival entertainment show instead of stopping to talk with Tony Kussler leaving him livid. Tony scooted closer to get a bead on what was being said.

"That's right. None of it was true." Koda proffered a charming smile at the cute young reporter. "Lacy and I were and are just friends. Although, I do admit to fancying myself a bit in love with her. She is a beautiful woman… and I can't seem to resist beautiful women." Koda waggled his eyebrows at the woman before him who was feeling a bit weak in the knees under the onslaught from the sexy and captivating Adonis.

Tony Kussler fumed then mumbled under his breath. "You son of a bitch."

"You know how it is…Tina, isn't it?" In a bit of a seductive haze, she nodded. "Sooome…." He drug out the word referring to Tony Kussler. "Twist your words around… for a story. The affair to which I was referring was in reference to our characters in the movie. That's all. I won't mention names but it wasn't very professional of him. Now was it?"

Tony repeated his earlier name-calling. "You son of a bitch."

Gage walked by Lacy's side down the walkway with Mark and Julie following close behind. Noticing the hordes of fans calling to Lacy as they fawned over the tall statuesque star, Gage whispered so only her partner could hear. "Should I be jealous?"

A loving smile spread across Lacy face directing it at her lover. "No."

"Do you mind if I am… at least a little bit anyway?" Gage returned the loving smile and added a wink.

"No." Lacy leaned in closer. "Later." Proud of the way her partner was now handling these types of 'fancy' events with calm, steady assuredness albeit still somewhat dubious at times.

Sucking in a deep breath, the blonde had to cool her overheated jets. Oh, yeah. Later.

Catching Lacy walk by, Tony Kussler shoved pass several people to get to her. "Miss. Levine. One moment please." He grabbed her arm, twisting her around sharply.

"Mr. Kussler." Lacy held her smile even as she spoke his name.

Kussler postured himself for the confrontation he planned. "Lacy… do you mind if we do a live interview….for my show. It's on now?"

Lacy braced herself for the interview, as Gage, Mark and Julie stood close behind her. "Okay." She waited patiently for Tony to get his cameraman wired in for a live feed to his studio.

"We're here with Lacy Levine whose new movie opens tonight to what we are assured will be rave reviews." Tony played the nice host with sugary sweetness. They chatted for a few moments regarding general things about the movie when Tony suddenly zeroed in for the kill. "Tell me, Lacy, Koda Kannon, who is well known for all the women revolving in and out of his bedroom door, is now recanting about his affair with you. What do you have to say about that?"

"He's right. We were never involved."

"Mmmmm. Or is it a foiled cover-up to white wash you're illicit relationship with a woman. Maybe a last ditch effort to savage your career and…. this movie? The viewing public wants to know. Enlighten us." Tony jammed the microphone in the star's face.

"Koda enlightened me on a few things." She said with a predatory smile. Covertly reaching forward, Gage rubbed the small of Lacy's back offering support giving the aggravated star the fuel she needed to alter the course of the battle she was engaged in with the combative reporter. "Mr. Kussler, you remember a few months ago when that story came out…." Lacy pulled her partner beside her interlocking her arm with Gage. "The one to which you just referred to about me and my relationship with Gage."

Tony furrowed his brows together not know where the conversation was heading.

"It was the biggest scoop of the year and….I was interested, since you have your own show, why did you sell the pictures you took of us together to one of your competitors?"

Stunned, the usually verbose reporter grappled helplessly for some sort of retort. I….I..I…"

"That's what I thought." Wearing a victorious smile, Lacy walked off with her partner to watch the premiere of what would become a huge box office success.

Watching the television set from his massive studio office, the TV executive of Tony Kussler's show bristled. The executive yanked the telephone from its cradle, punching one number then said out loud while waiting for someone to answer the ring. "That son of a bitch."

Chapter Twenty-Three

On a warm July day, Gage stood next to Mark Calico as she waited anxiously. Nudging her friend. "I'm glad you made the trip back from England for this. Sorry Chance couldn't make it."

"Wouldn't miss it. Though tomorrow I head back to my grandfather's castle. Julie and her kids are meeting me there." Mark returned a nudge to his friend then nodded. "There she is."

Gazing down the rose pedal lined aisle, Gage stared lovingly at Lacy standing next to her father, arms entwined. Beaming. Here comes my woman.

As Daniel Lewis prepared to escort his daughter down the aisle surrounded by hundreds of blooming flowers in his well-cared for garden, Lacy noticed her father flinch favoring his left leg. Worried, Lacy whispered. "Maybe you shouldn't…."

"Nonsense." Patting his daughter's hand. "I'm not going to miss walking my oldest girl down the aisle. Besides, I'm having surgery on my knee Monday. Now, stop worrying about it."

As the proud father guided the beautiful bride dressed in an ivory gown up the short walkway, those in attendance didn't notice his slight limp except for his dutiful wife, Lynn. He is stubborn. One of the many reasons I love him.

Lynn cradled her three-month-old grandson with his siblings seated on either side of her when great aunt Matilda, sitting directly behind her, leaned forward. "Lynn, my goddaughter is absolutely radiant. Takes after me." Causing her fifty-five year old niece to shake her head laughing.

Anchored to her father, Lacy walked down the aisle to the waiting love of her life she was about to vow before God, her family and friends to spend not only the rest of this life with but eternity. She smiled when she remembered their discussion about who was going to preside over the wedding. Since Lacy's home state didn't condone same sex marriages, Gage suggested that they in effect marry themselves. "After all, Lacy, we've already asked God for His blessing…..we don't need someone or a piece of paper to officially proclaim what's in our hearts….our very souls. I love you. I want to marry you." She kissed her lover's temple. "Who better but you and I to declare our love to each other in front of our family and friends." It was an argument Lacy couldn't and didn't want to argue.

Dan offered his daughter's hand to Gage then whispered. "You take good care of her."

"I will." Gage vowed.

Facing each other, the music faded away as Lacy and Gage exchanged their sacred vows. "Lacy, I love you. And I give you my love unconditionally. Through all the days of our lives and throughout eternity I'll always be by your side. You're my life. When I look at you, I see my world. And I am complete." Tears filled the blonde's eyes.

Before Lacy spoke her wedding vows, she wiped an errant tear falling from her lover's eye. "Gage, sweetheart, I love you. And, I will be by your side now and throughout eternity…. always. You're my world, too. You make me feel so loved…." Sparing her children a quick look. "All of us. You belong to us. You've become our world." Welling up inside with an overwhelming emotion a small shutter quaked through her body as she gazed at her partner. "God, I love you."

Then the maid of honor handed her sister the ring. Lacy placed the ring on Gage's finger. "With this ring I thee wed." Then Lacy added hurriedly. "Forever."

Retrieving the ring from her best man, Gage slid the ring on Lacy's finger. "With this ring I thee wed." Gage winked. "Forever."

Together they proclaimed. "Before God and everyone here, we pronounce ourselves….married." Gage kissed her gorgeous bride.

Lisa hugged her sister while Mark did the same to Gage. Holding hands, the happy couple turned to the crowd. Derek completely on his own accord ran the short distance, tugging on Gage's dress pants. The newlywed lifted the small boy up in her arms as Lynn gave her grandson to Dani who then walked carefully over to stand before her mom and Gage.

Looking first at Dani holding her brother, Gage glanced at the baby then to the young boy in her arms. The happy and grateful blonde leaned over and whispered to her partner. "I love my family."

Hearing those words, Lacy claimed her lover's lips in a passionate all consuming kiss filled with love so overpowering it permeated every being present.

Sitting behind the bride's mother, Lacy's great aunt Matilda, feeling the residual effects of the kiss she just witnessed, said out loud. "What did she say to get that kind of response?"

************************
At the reception to everyone's surprise, a slightly inebriated Denny offered a toast. "As everyone will say today, a very special day. A day filled with love… you cannot hide it. Two lives now united. And, a dream that has come true….for the both of you."

When Denny lifted the glass to his lips, Nate slapped him on the back. "Atta boy."

************************
Abroad the jetliner, Lacy held her sleeping baby. "Gage, maybe we should get a nanny….for times like these?"

Gage shoved Derek over the seat landing next to his sister. "Now, Dani let him play with you."

"Jeez, okay." Dani watched as her brother pushed buttons on her electronic Simon game. "Derek, only the ones that light up." She rolled her eyes when he continued to hit the yellow button over and over again.

"I like that one." Derek declared, grabbing at it. "Let me."

Gage watched the two siblings for a few moments before leaning back in her first class seat next to her partner. "Perhaps." She shrugged. "Mark won't mind."

"With dad's knee surgery, I didn't feel right asking mom to watch the kids. Although, she would have." The original plan was for her parents to take over babysitting duties while they honeymooned. But, when the doctor insisted Dan Lewis get the surgery immediately or be confined to a wheelchair, Lynn scheduled it forgetting about her earlier commitment.

"It's okay, Lacy. Really." Gage pulled back the light blue blanket taking a peek at her……What? "Lacy, what….. Do you think I could… never mind." Gage allowed a hopeful thought to dissipate in her mind.

"What is it?" Lacy watched the pensive look on the blonde's face. "Sweetheart, tell me?"

Gage allowed a deep sigh to escape. Looking back at the three-month-old baby, she said. "I don't know what I am to them. I mean, I think of them as…. mine, too." The blonde said with some trepidation. "My kids."

Brushing approving lips against her lover's mouth, Lacy confirmed. "They are. You remember when I said that you belong to us?" Gage nodded. "And that means we belong to you…. in every sense of the word."

Beaming. "Here let me hold him." Gage retrieved her child from his mother. Settling him in her arms, Gage cocked her head and smiled. I am so lucky.

Sitting silently next to her, Lacy read her partner's smile. We both are.

***********************
When Gage and her family arrived at Stonewood, Mark welcomed his friend to his grandfather's estate in England. "Welcome. Come on in. We're going to eat in about an hour."

"Thank you, Mark." Lacy said. "Is Julie here?"

"And her kids." Mark confirmed.

"Great." Gage offered off-handedly as she soaked in the ambience of the castle allowing her smiling green eyes to followed Dani and Derek's impromptu exploration of the huge room. "I can't wait to stand up for you."

A stunned look popped up on Mark's face after digesting his friend's words. When Julie Grant wrapped her arm in his, that same stunned look softened considerably. It's an idea.

"Hello, Lacy." Julie held out her arms to hold the baby.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Lacy asked as she allowed the older woman to hold her son.

"Of course we don't. As a matter of fact……" The forty-five year old woman winked. "I'd love it."

Without even the slightest hint of what he was getting himself into, the never before parent said dismissively. "Absolutely, Lacy, what's three more kids to watch."

A concern look crossed Mark's face when both women eyed him then in tandem shook their head knowingly. "Uhh Hhhh."

Gage pushed against her friend, smiling. "That'll teach you to leave the country. You didn't think we'd hunt you down to baby-sit." Seeing her 'adopted' grandfather, Gage took the baby from Julie. "Samuel, I want you to meet…." Sparing Lacy a glance and getting her partner's whole-hearted support. "Our son, David Samuel."

Motioning with his hands, the spry ninety-year-old man beckoned to see the child. Peeking under the blanket, he unintentionally christened the baby's given name. "Hello there little Sammy." Looking up smiling. "He looks like me."

"Samuel, I want you to meet my partner, Lacy." Gage pulled the dark haired woman closer.

"And he has you're blue eyes…. beautiful blue eyes." Samuel flashed a wink then offered a charming smile to Lacy. "Welcome to my home….. and my family."

"Thank you." Lacy hugged him.

"Please call me Samuel… grandfather…whatever." Not letting go of her, he inhaled deeply. "You do smell nice."

"All right. That's enough." Gage reclaimed her woman from her grandfather who used to be a dashing womanizer in his heyday. "Dani, Derek, come here."

Dani helped her four-year-old brother down the long spiral staircase directing him back to the small group gathered near the door. "Hello." Dani curtsied then nudged her brother who bowed at the waist just as his sister taught him. The young girl prepared for this meeting figuring that anyone who owned a castle must be royalty.

Leaning over, the elderly man bowed then said. "What are your names?"

"Danielle and this is….."

"Derek." The dark haired boy spoke up offering his small hand to the old man.

"But you can call me Dani…. all my friends do." Dani finished.

"Then I will. Have you met Julie's children?" Samuel asked. Both shaking their heads, the old man offered. "Come on. They're at the stables. You like riding horses?"

Dani grabbed one hand while Derek clasped the vacant one of the tall man. "Can we call you grandfather?" Dani asked then quickly added. "Gage said it would be okay."

Lacy and Gage watched their children disappear through the archway. Turning to her friend. "Is Chance still in New York?" .

"Yes." Mark said with a somber frown.

"Is he with Dash?" Gage asked wondering about Mark's brother-in-law.

Shaking his head, Mark confirmed. "Nine years.. we thought Dash was dead after…." Mark let the words die on his lips. As Julie offered her support, Mark further explained. "Apparently, he had and to some degree still does have amnesia. Chance has been with him. I wanted him to join us here but he's anxious to reunite with his wife and…. son."

Squeezing his forearm, Lacy offered. "If there's anything we can do…"

"Thank you."

"Then Stella's here to help watch the kids." Gage changed the subject from the foreboding thought on her friend's mind.

"No." Julie answered. "She's wanted some time to get some family things in order. As a matter of fact, she tendered her resignation. My kids are sixteen and fourteen now….said she's looking for another couple with younger kids." An idea popped in both her and Mark's head at the same time. One considered it a bright idea while the other entertained a dimmer musing at the implications of Julie's next words. "Could you use a nanny? She is absolutely the best and the kids just love her."

Gage caught the apprehensive look that flashed across her friend's face. "Mark. What do you think?"

"It's a thought." He finally conceded.

Gently leaning against her partner, Lacy said. "We will then."

************************
With Gage and her family settled in, Lacy sought out Mark. Stopping near the patio's stonewall, the anxious woman turned to him. "Mark, you remember when I asked you about a favor?"

Mark nodded.

Leaning in, Lacy whispered.

The shocked CEO stumbled through his next words. "I.. I thought it was about helping Gage find her parents."

"In time." Lacy assured him. "Well? Will you?"

Hem-hawing around for a moment, he finally agreed. "I'd be honored."

*************************
As night fell outside one of the small cottages on the huge estate, Gage lit numerous candles scattered around the room. When Lacy stepped into view, Gage sucked in a desperate breath. "My God, you are beautiful." Holding up two glasses of wine. "Come here." Gage slipped down on the silky sheets waiting for her lover.

Accepting the proffered glass, Lacy said. "I love you." Kissing Gage before she sipped her wine. Still standing beside the bed, Lacy retrieved her lover's glass placing both of them on the side table. Sliding into bed next to her partner, Lacy molded her body closer.

"I love you." Gage brushed her lips against willing ones. Drinking deeply from the bluest eyes she'd ever seen Gage repeated. "I love you so….so very, very much, Lacy."

"Show me." Lacy husked.

Gage rolled over on top of her woman claiming those same willing lips. Kissing each other passionately, the fiery flames of love seared higher and higher.

The dark haired woman nuzzled the sensitive spot behind her lover's ear then left a trail of kisses down Gage's neck.

When her lover sucked on Lacy's collarbone, they younger woman arched her back against her lover demanding and getting Gage's full attention as the blonde's lips dropped lower, suckling each breast with loving devotion.

Negotiating her way down, Gage's mouth came to rest over Lacy's navel. Dipping her tongue in and out then swirling it around furiously, the blonde's hands found purchase on Lacy's breasts massaging them methodically, stimulating them to full arousal. The overriding sexual tension building in the young woman stoked higher and higher bringing her to a dizzying crescendo. "That really sends me." Lacy barely husked.

Descending lower with lustful reverence, Gage paused briefly as she always did inhaling deeply the scent of her lover. Looking back up to her lover, Gage asked. "May I?"

Swallowing hard. "You better."

Kissing Lacy's mound lightly at first, Gage then buried her face between her lover's legs. So, intent on what she was doing, Gage didn't notice right away the small giggles erupting from her partner.

Looking down at her lover, Lacy asked. "Gage, sweetheart, what are you doing?"

"Shhhh…. I'm trying something new." Focused completely, the blonde diligently tried to perfect her technique.

Attempting to muffle a small laugh but failing, the woman being sexually aroused giggled. "Okay."

Frustrated from her lover's response, Gage dejectedly scooted back off the bed. "Fine, go on without me."

Before Gage took another step, Lacy yelled. "Gage!"

Spinning around, Gage hiked up a questioning eyebrow.

"Get back here NOW." The sexy woman commanded. "Sweetheart, I didn't mean anything. Please believe me. Are you really going to make it into an international incident?" Lacy's blue eyes flared sensually calling the blonde back for what would be a night of rapturous lovemaking.

Like a willing soldier, Gage did as she was ordered wearing only a slight frown. I am just putty in her hands. Gage reclaimed her position between Lacy's long legs kissing her passionately then descended slowly again to the place she'd recently vacated. Inhaling deeply, she once again kissed the heated alter. "All right. Now bare with me here and I guarantee you'd be begging for more." Gage waggled her eyebrows seductively. It was a promise she delivered with perfection over and over again as he lover did indeed beg for more.

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Lying in each other's arms, Gage ran a hand along the curve of her lover's body. "I love you."

"Mmmmmmm… I love you, too." Hesitant to approach the uncertain runway, Lacy stilled her resolve determined to land victorious. "Gage." Running her fingers across her lover's chest. "I want to have your baby."

Like a deer caught in the crosshairs, Gage was blindsided by her partner's words. "What?"

"Technically, I guess it would be carry your baby." Lacy amended her earlier statement.

"How? When? Have you thought about this?" Gage rambled. "I wouldn't even know where to start." Suddenly, a smoldering idea knocked. "It wouldn't be for my lack of trying……" Gage recaptured her lover's delicious lips. "But…. Lacy….." With a surrendering sigh, she asked her original question again. "How?"

"Mark agreed to father your child and I'll carry it." Lacy laid out her plan succinctly. "Making it our child."

"He did, did he?" With raised eyebrows, Gage shot her lover a jealous look. "He would….." She said with pursed lips. When she thought of the traditional way of making a baby, she added quickly. "But he really wouldn't…. you know." Please don't make me have to spell it out.

Shaking her head at her partner's irrelevant concern, Lacy had to laugh. "No. He'll just provide the needed….. donation."

Shifting her eyes quickly toward her lover, Gage conceded then leaned back down. "It's a thought." Wallowing in one last splinter of doubt about being good enough for Lacy and deserving her family, Gage mumbled half-heartedly. "I don't know why you'd want to…I mean, let's face it I'm not in your caliber. I'm not even sure why you love me."

"Gage Ballant! You frustrate me sometimes, you know that." Lacy said as she cocked her arm up so she could look into her partner's beautiful green eyes. "Sweetheart, you're a wonderful writer…. extremely talented. A kind, generous person who loves me and the kids with every fiber in you. You are a great parent." Gage smiled at that compliment. "And lover…sexy, beautiful…." Seeing another doubt fleet across her lover's face. "Yes, beautiful and perfect in every way. Who wouldn't love a woman like you?"

Her lover's ardent words chased the last sliver of doubt from the blonde's mind. "The question is… who better?" Reiterating Lacy's words to her when they were in the shower at the cabin on the lake, Gage flashed her piercing green eyes commanding her lover to, well, love her.

And Lacy did just that embarking on a journey she hoped to take a million times over. The dark haired woman wrapped her arms around Gage, pulling her closer. Their two bodies met in an exotic dance as they glided against each other exploring, claiming, conquering, capturing every sensation in their rapturous lovemaking. Their journey had begun and no matter where it led they would always be together.

The End

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Feedback is greatly appreciated at XXGSB@hotmail.com

The next story entitled HERE COMES MY WOMAN continues on with the lives of Lacy and Gage a few years later as the writer reveals more about her dark past. The dynamic duo work together on a movie while raising their family and someone from Gage's past makes an unexpected appearance.

The WOMAN I LOVE Series is expected to have six installments where Lacy and Gage's lives span over ten years. I hope you come along for the ride. Thanks again, GSB

This is copyrighted material, ă2001 Binkley … all rights reserved. It may be reproduced, duplicated or printed for personal use only. For all other uses, please contact XXGSB@hotmail.com

~ Woman I Love series ~
The Woman I Love
A Woman Like You
Here Comes My Woman
Here Comes My Woman - Epilogue
A Woman In Love

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