by G S Binkley
“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?”
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“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.
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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.
The phone call was short and to the point. 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 cho
ose…. 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 through 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. …”recording.” 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 Monster 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. T
he 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.”
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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?”
