by Annette Mori
“One that you love. By the way, will you finally give the big lug a break and forgive him for the errors of his youth? He embraced everything about Siera a long time ago, and he loves her. Allow him his humanness. Everyone makes mistakes; the important thing is to learn from them. It was a knee-jerk reaction of a man in his twenties. You know women mature faster than men.”
“You’re right, and my apology is long overdue. Thanks, Sis.”
“Anytime.”
Chapter Twenty-six
Siera stuck her hand in her shorts pocket, making sure the ring was still there. Her hand began to sweat. She was nervous. She’d practiced her speech in the mirror, after her shower that morning. Aunt Deb had told her to talk from her heart, and she was sure the only possible answer to the important question was yes.
They came to their bench—the one they always sat on when they fed the geese and the one where she’d first seen Bri the day they’d met over three years ago.
Bri seemed nervous, and Siera was worried. Maybe Bri already guessed the question, but wasn’t ready to get married. Is Bri worried she’ll hurt my feelings? That didn’t make sense. Hadn’t Bri already said she wanted them to marry?
They sat on the bench, and a group of geese waddled close, expecting their birdseed. Bri must have had something important on her mind. “I forgot to bring their food,” Bri said.
“It’s okay, I don’t think they’ll starve.”
“I have a question to ask you, Siera. I’m not very good with words. Aunt Olivia said I shouldn’t worry. She said I’d know what to say when we sat down, but I’m nervous.”
“You can ask me anything. I’d do anything for you, Bri. I love you.”
Bri picked up her backpack, unzipped the front pocket, and took out a small white box. She opened the box and showed Siera a simple gold ring with a pink stone in the center. Pink was Siera’s favorite color.
“Siera, I love you very much. I want us to be together forever. It’s legal for two girls to get married. Will you marry me?” Bri asked.
Siera smiled at Bri and pulled her own ring box from her shorts pocket. When she opened the royal blue box, a rose gold ring with a blue opal sparkled in the sunshine. “I’ll marry you if you marry me. I love you too. I had this whole speech I tried to memorize. I can’t remember all the words now.”
Bri threw her arms around Siera. “I’m so happy. We can make living together official.” Bri giggled. “Now, we won’t be living in sin. It’s not a diamond. Aunt Olivia said I didn’t have to buy you a diamond. Nowadays, people get each other different stones—depending on their favorite colors. The woman in the store said it’s tourmaline. I asked her to show me a ring with a pink stone.”
“I love it. It’s perfect. Do you like your ring?” Siera asked.
“Oh yes, blue is my favorite color.”
“I know. It matches your eyes,” Siera said.
“Should we go back and show Aunt Olivia and Deb?” Bri asked.
“Yeah, I can’t wait to show them my ring.”
“Will your mom be mad?”
Siera frowned. “I don’t know. Aunt Deb said not to worry about Mom. She had it handled. She said I should do whatever my heart told me was right.”
“I love your Aunt Deb,” Bri said.
“Me too, but I love my mom, too.”
“I know, it’ll all work out. Don’t be sad, Siera, I love you.” Bri put her arm around Siera when she stood up, and they began walking to their bikes.
“I love you too, Bri. I have since the first day I saw you.”
†
After talking some sense into her sister, Deb rushed home to take a shower, change her clothes, and check on Socks. She’d called Olivia and asked if she wanted to take a short bike ride before the girls returned. Olivia wanted an update on the conversation with Kathleen. Deb promised to bring her up to date but reassured her everything was fine. Jeremy had stopped by Olivia’s for a short while, then gone for a drive to calm down. Olivia remarked she’d never seen him that upset, but he had assured her some time alone to settle down was what he needed.
Deb knew they still had to have a serious talk about where Olivia saw their relationship going. She was hoping they were on the same page, because she knew Olivia could break her heart even more than Carrie had. Hoping for a positive outcome, Deb brought clothes to change into after their bike ride. She already had an extra toothbrush for the multiple occasions when she’d crashed at Olivia’s house; it wasn’t uncommon to take a shower there in the morning. Maybe Olivia would float the idea of living together. A girl could dream.
Neither of them wanted to broach the subject of their budding relationship while they enjoyed a pleasant bike ride, and the procrastination extended after they’d finished their outing.
Things took a pleasant turn, when Olivia playfully offered to share the shower, so they could conserve water. They made love again. After playtime, they didn’t want to ruin the afterglow of their newly found love by defining anything, but it was just a matter of time before they needed to open that door.
When the girls came home, a familiar sight met their eyes—Deb had her head on Olivia’s shoulder, as they lay settled in front of the television, watching an old movie. The excited girls bounced into the room.
Both of them started talking at once.
“Aunt Deb, Olivia, we’re engaged,” Siera exclaimed at the same time Bri blurted out, “I asked Siera to marry me. She asked too. We’re official now.”
Olivia stroked Deb’s shoulder before standing up and accepting hugs from the two girls. “Congratulations. I am so happy for both of you.”
Deb was the next person to experience their exuberance, as they turned to step into her open arms. “Ditto. Come on, Olivia, we’re taking the girls to dinner to celebrate. Siera, have you called your parents yet to tell them the good news?”
Siera looked down at her feet. “No, I’m afraid Mom will be mad.”
Deb pulled her back into another embrace. “Oh honey, I don’t think you have to worry about that. I talked to your mom today. I promise she’ll be happy for you. Do you want me to call and invite her and your dad?”
Siera nodded.
“What about Toby? When does he get home?”
“He doesn’t usually come home until later. Probably close to six thirty,” Siera answered.
“Well, let’s call him and tell him to meet us at the restaurant. He can order while we’re having dessert. I’m sure they won’t mind us hanging out a little longer. After all, it’s a celebration.”
“Thanks, Aunt Deb,” Siera said.
“You’re welcome, sweetie.”
“Bri, I know your mom and dad won’t be able to make it to the celebration tonight, but we’d better give them a call and let them know the good news. Do you want to make the call or would you like me to talk to your mom first?” Olivia asked.
Bri frowned. “Do you think they’ll be mad?”
“They might be a little surprised…” Olivia paused. “Why don’t you let me talk to them for you? Honestly, I think they’ll be very happy for you.”
Bri wrapped her arms around Olivia’s waist again. “Oh, thank you, Aunt Olivia. Mom listens to you. Sometimes she treats me like a child. I’m not a child. I wish she could see for herself how much I’ve grown up.”
“Oh honey, all parents do that. It’s in their DNA. It’s because they love you so much, and they want you to be safe, happy, and healthy,” Olivia answered.
“I know. Siera’s mom is like that too. It’s ’cause she loves Siera, right? Not because she doesn’t like me,” Bri said.
Olivia put her arm around Bri. “Sweetheart, Kathleen likes you. What’s not to like? You’re a great kid.”
Bri stomped her foot. “I’m not a kid.”
“Oh, my bad, you’re a wonderful young woman. Jeremy and Kathleen, and Deb, all love you. Don’t worry about a thing. Your mom and dad will welcome Siera into the family with open arms. How about if I invite them up
for an extended visit? With your business and my clinic, it probably isn’t feasible to take a long vacation, but I’ll bet your parents will want to visit to get to know Siera a little bit better.”
“Oh, will you do that, Aunt Olivia? That would be great,” Bri answered.
“Sure, honey.”
Siera shuffled her feet. “I really love Bri and want her parents to like me. I can promise them I’ll be good to her.”
“They’re gonna love you,” Deb assured. “They met you before, so it’s not like they don’t know you at all.”
“You two need to stop worrying, because this is a celebration. The most important thing is the two of you love each other. Everyone can see how happy you both are,” Olivia said.
†
Kathleen was sitting on the couch, debating whether she should call Jeremy to let him know the storm had passed. She was starting to worry. Normally when Jeremy left in a huff, he came back after a few hours. It was nearly dinnertime, and he still wasn’t home.
Kathleen was relieved when she heard the whir of the garage door. She waited patiently until he walked all the way into the room. “You were right, and I love you for standing up to me. I want you to know, though Deb was the one to finally get through to me, I did hear you. I know this is twenty-three years too late, but I need you to know that, in almost every possible way, I consider you the better parent. I forgave you for your initial reaction a long time ago. It’s a low blow whenever I bring that up in an argument, and I’m sorry for that. You love Siera without strings attached, and you always consider her feelings above anything else. Sometimes, my vision for Siera’s future gets in the way of her ultimate happiness. Now, I would appreciate it very much if you wouldn’t dance around taunting me about how you’re always right.”
Jeremy laughed and sat next to his wife, gathering her in his arms. “I think I need a little more incentive, or I’ll be wiggling my fine ass in two seconds. What’ll I get for not chanting, I was right, I was right, I was right? Let me give you a hint, it involves getting hot and sweaty.”
“That could be fun. Done. In fact, the girls are still out and about, and Toby won’t be home for at least another hour or two.” Kathleen wiggled her eyebrows.
Kathleen’s smartphone blared loudly and interrupted their prelude to make up sex. She picked up her phone and glanced at the screen. “It’s Deb. I better answer it.”
“She’ll call back,” Jeremy argued.
“I’ll be quick.” Kathleen pressed the answer button. “Hey, what’s up?… I guess, after our little talk earlier today, I’m not surprised.… Don’t worry, I’ve come to terms with this, and you know I am happy for them. We’d love to join the party.… Yeah, Toby can join us later.… Oh my God, I get to plan a wedding. It doesn’t get any better than that.… Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it’s their wedding, but the mother of the bride does have an important role—you have to give me that.”
Jeremy was jumping up and down, pumping his fist in the air. “Did Siera finally ask Bri?”
Kathleen waved her hand. “Shh, I’m trying to get the details.… No Jeremy is acting like a goofball.… Okay, we’re on our way, and Siera and Bri can give us all the details.”
Kathleen ended the call, and Jeremy wrapped her in a bear hug while he lifted her in the air and swung her around.
“I’m gonna look dashing in a tux,” Jeremy exclaimed.
Kathleen took his face in her hands and planted a big kiss on his lips. “Yes, you definitely are. We need to head to Olivia’s, and then we’ll decide where to go for dinner. I can’t wait to start planning the big event. Siera really does love Bri, doesn’t she?”
“She does, hon, every bit as much as I love you. They were made for each other, like you are the lid to my pot.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Deb studied the smiling faces surrounding her at the table. Bri and Siera were beaming with joy, and it was infectious. Kathleen and Jeremy looked like they’d reached a whole new level of love and understanding. The one-two punch earlier in the day must have caused Kathleen to do some serious soul searching, and it had paid off.
Toby slung his arm around his sister and kissed her cheek, telling her how happy he was for her and Bri. He genuinely loved both girls. Although he was younger than either of them, he behaved like their older brother. He was equally protective of Bri and had always treated her like another sister.
Deb was sitting next to Olivia and imagined her own elation was evident by her perpetual smile. Olivia would glance at her every few minutes and squeeze the hand she held under the table.
Toby plopped on the seat next to Deb. “Hey, Aunt Deb, why the shit-eating grin? Did you and Olivia finally muff dive on each other?”
Kathleen reached across the table and smacked her son. “I swear. Where the hell did your filter run off to?”
“Okay, how about, when did you two decide to play, Hello Kitty?” Toby lifted his hand and Deb met his in a fist bump.
Toby was not the only one who laughed, Olivia put her hand in front of her mouth trying to control herself.
“Jeremy, would you please talk to your son?” Kathleen huffed.
“What? Olivia’s laughing, and Deb just fist bumped him. I’m pretty sure they’re not offended,” Jeremy answered. “So…any chance we’ll get an answer to his question?”
“We’re working on establishing the boundaries to our relationship, but yes things have shifted,” Olivia answered. “Your aunt is very special to me.”
Deb was anxious to corner Olivia after the celebration to get a clearer definition on how special she was to Olivia. She let herself imagine Olivia might have fallen in love with her over the years. It would be a dream come true. For a minute, she reveled in that fantasy. Maybe, over time, the relationship would develop and she would be celebrating with her family over their engagement. The sudden realization of her own hopes scared her. She’d been there before, and it hadn’t worked out. Olivia was not Carrie. She had to remember that. The sooner she laid her cards on the table, the better. She needed to know where this was going, because she could not survive a repeat of her five-year relationship with Carrie to end up broken hearted again.
“Are you okay?” Olivia whispered.
“Yes, can we talk later tonight?” Deb asked.
“I was hoping you would stay with me tonight,” Olivia replied hesitantly.
“I’d love to.”
Olivia’s smile lit up her face, and Deb basked in the warmth of the love poured out in that simple smile. Everything felt right, as if tectonic plates that remained frustratingly out of sync for three years had finally shifted into place. It certainly felt like an earthquake when Olivia rocked Deb’s world the previous night. She grinned in remembrance.
“Stop thinking dirty thoughts until I can get you all alone again and take advantage of those delicious reflections,” Olivia joked.
“What was that?” Kathleen asked.
“Nothing,” Deb answered. “At least nothing we’ll admit to.”
†
Kathleen had seen how pure the love was between Bri and Siera. It was as if the fog had lifted and she could finally see what was clearly in front of her face and had been for a very long time. Kathleen wasn’t a prude, and having seen the light, she was okay with Siera and Bri spending the night together. Kathleen had made the suggestion that the two of them come back to the house and stay the night. She had watched her sister at dinner. It was time to do something nice for her, considering how she’d been the one to get through to her about Siera.
It surprised Kathleen to realize she didn’t mind if the girls did more exploration behind closed doors in her house. She didn’t want to think about the specifics of what might be occurring. What mother wanted to imagine her child having sex? Jeremy had smiled at her invitation, letting her know how proud he was of her ability to do a one-eighty. Of course, Siera’s bedroom was a fair distance from the master. Kathleen was thankful, because imagining her daughter was having sex
and hearing it were two completely different things.
After the girls retreated to Siera’s bedroom, Jeremy grabbed her hand and dragged her to their own private love nest. He pushed her against the door and mashed their lips together. Breathing heavily, he ran his hands along her back and across her ass.
“Do you know how hot you are right now? I’ve been patiently waiting all night long to get you all alone. I am so fucking proud of you that you invited Siera and Bri back to the house,” Jeremy exclaimed.
“So, did you catch the looks between Deb and Olivia? Do you think they were playing Hello Kitty tonight before dinner? Or what did Toby say again?” Kathleen laughed.
Jeremy joined her laughter. “Something about muff diving, and before you climb all over my ass, he did not get that from me. I’m absolutely positive they are at that ‘can’t hardly keep their hands off each other’ point in their relationship. You might get your wish about having ultimate control over the wedding plans. They’ll be far too distracted.”
“Is Olivia finally ready to let Deb love her? I’d hate for Deb to get hurt again. Do you think I should have a talk with her?”
“Oh no, no, no, no. You stay out of it. Besides, you’ll be far too busy playing overbearing mother as you completely take over the planning of the wedding. Don’t you think that’s a sufficient amount of interference to satisfy your need for control?”
Kathleen smacked Jeremy in the chest. “That better be a joke. You’re not worried about Deb getting hurt again?”
“No, I’m not. Remember, I’m the one who pegged Olivia as a lesbian from the very start, even though you were skeptical. From what I’ve observed, she’s crazy about Deb and has finally experienced her ‘ah ha’ moment. I will admit that inviting Carrie to the party was an act of brilliance and probably responsible for prompting her moment of clarity,” Jeremy responded.
