Mended Fences: Will love and kindness be able to mend the fences broken by intolerance? (Mended Hearts Book 2)

by Sarah Markel

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  “Lauren, I need you and Judy to come over here please.” Alex said into the phone. As soon as she had left Zane’s room, she called Colton’s parents. “No, no one is hurt, and the boys didn’t break anything, but there is an issue that we all need to talk about together.” she said when the woman inquired. When Lauren assured her that they would be over momentarily, Alex stood next to the picture window in her living room and thought quietly. Why didn’t I see this before? I know everything about my kids, how did this get past me? She wondered. She didn’t care that Zane was gay, that wasn’t the problem. Her concern was that he was becoming sexually curious and she hadn’t noticed. Even when the boy had asked for advice, she never thought that it would be so soon before he was experimenting. When Kelly and the boys joined her in the living room, she pointed to the couch without a word. Cautiously, Zane and Colton sat next to each other. Still unsure about Alex’s behavior, Kelly sat on the arm of the couch closest to the boys. Taking a seat silently, Alex tried to think of the best way to approach the situation. “First off, your parents are on their way over.” she said to Colton. Hanging his head, the boy nodded and stared at his feet. “I just wanted to say, before they get here, that I am not mad that you two want to be with each other.” she said, resting her elbows on her knees. Before anyone else could speak, the doorbell rang and Judy and Lauren were let inside.

  “So after we got home this evening, Kelly went upstairs to put away Zane’s clothes and accidentally walked in on these two kissing each other.” Alex explained once everyone was seated. With all eyes on them, the two boys avoided eye contact. “Okay, so what’s the problem?” Judy asked with a smirk. “You can’t seriously be concerned that they’re gay.” she added, looking at Alex with uncertainty. Before Alex could defend herself, Colton mumbled quietly. “We’re not gay.” he said, his eyes still on his feet. Not quite sure she heard the child correctly, Kelly asked him to repeat himself. With a huff, Colton looked around at the adults. “We aren’t gay. Yes, we were kissing, but it wasn’t because we like each other that way.” he explained. “Then why in the world were you doing it?” Judy asked, oddly amused at her normally complacent son’s suddenly defiant tone. “We were practicing.” Zane said shyly. With confusion evident on the four adult faces, Zane decided to get the explanation over with. “I really like Willow. And today I texted her and told her that. She said she really likes me too, and I asked her out on a lunch date for tomorrow. When Colton came over, I was telling him about it and he said that she might want to kiss me. I told him that I have never kissed anyone like that before, and he said that he has. He said that he has kissed lots of girls before and he would teach me how.” he finished, his blush making him resemble a tomato. Looking to her son, Lauren asked ruefully, “Lots of girls, huh? Since when?” Matching Zane’s blush exactly, Colton muttered under his breath. Laughing, Judy stood and patted Alex on the shoulder. “Well, doll face, I think the issue has been solved. You two want to practice kissing each other, that’s your choice, but if you decide to practice other things, you better think twice.” she added, looking at the boys. Laughter erupted from the four adults when the two boys turned and looked at each other with horrified expressions on their faces.

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  Later that night, after the two boys had been tucked into bed, Alex and Kelly sat together on the couch. Alex sat with her feet on the coffee table, crossed at the ankles, with an employee file in her hands. Next to her, Kelly lay with her legs across Alex’s lap and her nose buried in a book. Unlike most of the people she knew, Kelly preferred to read printed books rather than reading e-books. “Oh my God, finally!” Alex said with a groan, tossing the last folder onto the pile next to her feet. “I’m done. All of the evals are done and marked.” She said as she stretched. Glancing at the clock, she was surprised to see that it was only midnight. “Mmhmm.” Kelly muttered, her eyes fixed to her book. Watching her fiancée for a moment, Alex thought to herself, she is so gorgeous! I still can’t believe she’s mine. Watching the woman’s eyes dart across the pages as she read, Alex took a moment to admire the woman who would soon be her wife. Her long black curls were pulled over her right shoulder, resting in a soft pile on her stomach. Her mouth moved unconsciously with emotion as she read, smiling at times, and frowning at others. At one point during Alex’s scrutiny, Kelly’s bottom lip stuck out slightly in a pout and sent Alex’s pulse racing. I wonder if she knows she does that. She thought to herself as she watched Kelly playing absently with the diamond necklace she had given her on their first Christmas together. When Kelly came to a place in her book that made her smile and bite her lip, Alex felt her self-control slip. Biting back a groan at the sight, Alex slowly slid her hand up the outside of her lover’s leg. Watching Kelly’s face as her hand made its way up her thigh, Alex reached over and slowly took the book so she didn’t lose the page. Setting the book down on the coffee table, despite Kelly’s protest, Alex placed her finger over the woman’s lips. “Shhh. Don’t wake the boys.” She whispered with a husky voice.

  Replacing her finger with her lips, Alex slowly eased Kelly down onto her back. Without breaking the kiss, Alex slid herself between her lover’s legs and rested her weight on her own hip. Trailing her hand down the outside of Kelly’s thigh, Alex gently pulled the leg up and placed it around her waist. When their lips parted, Alex whispered softly, “God, you’re beautiful.” before leaning in to claim the woman’s mouth once more. Moaning softly into the kiss, Kelly arched her back and pressed her breasts firmly against Alex’s. Taking the hint, Alex slid her hand under Kelly’s shirt and cupped her bare breast. Gasping, Kelly moaned again when Alex’s cold fingers closed around her warm nipple. Delighted that she didn’t have to wrestle with a bra, Alex pushed the shirt up to expose the impressive mounds. Sucking in a breath at the sight of two perfectly taught nubs, she dipped her head to flick her tongue lightly over each one. “Oh Alex!” Kelly panted softly as her eyes slammed shut and her hands fisted in her own hair. “I love you.” Alex whispered against Kelly’s breast, before taking the nub between her lips and suckling carefully, using her teeth to apply pressure at random intervals. Knowing that Kelly’s nipples were incredibly sensitive, Alex broke her suction and pulled her head back slightly so she could blow cold air onto the damp bud. Kelly’s instant reaction, bucking her hips against the other woman’s abdomen, caused the throbbing between Alex’s own legs to intensify. Suddenly overcome with lustful need, Alex sat up on her knees and tugged Kelly’s sleep pants off. Looking into her lover’s passion filled eyes, she leaned down once more to claim Kelly’s mouth. Sliding her tongue between her fiancée’s parted lips, Alex pressed herself against Kelly’s bare center. Even through her thin shirt, she could feel Kelly’s moist arousal. Not wanting to pull away from her demanding kiss, Alex played her fingers over the inside of the naked thighs wrapped around her. As her fingertips made their way to their destination, Alex could feel every tiny shudder that coursed through Kelly’s body. When they found their target, her fingers gently caressed the silky soft folds that had been kept smooth since Halloween.

  “Please, baby. Don’t tease.” Kelly begged softly. Alex had been lazily teasing Kelly’s apex for the last several minutes, bringing her close to release, but backing off before that release could come. Smiling down at her, Alex nodded her head and leaned down to whisper in the woman’s ear. “Awfully eager tonight, aren’t we?” she asked, nipping lightly on the small piece of flesh. Moaning softly, Kelly nodded and pressed her hips against Alex’s hand. Repositioning herself, Alex pressed her fingers to the swollen gland between Kelly’s thighs. Using her free hand to brace herself on the arm of the couch above her fiancée’s head, Alex stared into Kelly’s eyes and she slid her fingers inside. Watching as Kelly’s eyes went wide, she pushed her own hips against her hand, forcing her fingers deeper. As she rocked in a steady rhythm, Alex watched Kelly’s face react to their lovemaking. When her eyes began to look glassy and her breathing became more erratic,
Alex knew that Kelly was close. Urging the woman to let go, she quickened her pace and pushed harder against her hand. Dipping her head, she placed several soft kisses along Kelly’s warm neck. When she heard the sharp intake of breath, Alex clamped her teeth together on the soft skin. Slapping her hand over her mouth so she didn’t wake the boys, Kelly screamed quietly as her orgasm hit. Bolstered by the sounds of her lover’s release, Alex continued her thrusts, pushing her toward another climax. When the second one hit, Alex felt herself shudder as her own body reached its breaking point. Breathlessly, Alex eased herself away, careful not to hurt Kelly, and sat back on the couch. Before she could catch her breath, Kelly bolted off the couch, grabbed Alex by the shirt, and pulled the woman up. “I’m not done with you.” she said softly and pulled Alex toward the stairs.

  CHAPTER 22

  “Mom! I need your help!” Zane called from his room. “What’s wrong, son?” Alex asked when she walked in. Zane was standing in front of his bathroom mirror, attempting to get the knot on his tie right. Throwing up his hands in frustration, the boy turned to his mother and huffed. “This stupid tie won’t cooperate!” he whined. Laughing at the child’s nervous irritation, Alex stepped in and helped her son. “What’s with the monkey suit, Bud?” she asked, looking the boy over. Zane had spent a good part of the day going through every piece of clothing he owned. Finally settling on the suit he kept for special occasions, Zane had hoped that Willow would appreciate his attempt to impress her. “I like it. Besides, all the other boys dress like fools outside of school. They wear their pants down around their knees with their underwear hanging out. I don’t want Willow to think I am that kind of boy. And, you know, since I’m taking her to Donatello’s for lunch, I thought I should look nice.” he replied, smoothing his shirt and tie once more. Nodding her approval, Alex smiled and clapped the boy on the shoulder as he grabbed his jacket and headed downstairs. “Don’t worry, son. If Willow doesn’t appreciate a good thing, that’s on her. You do what you think is right. Be respectful, be polite, and most of all listen. Women hate it when their date doesn’t listen to them.” Alex said as they made their way down to where Kelly was waiting with the camera.

  “Oh, Zane! You look wonderful, son!” Kelly gushed when the pair stepped into the living room. Blushing, Zane kissed Kelly on the cheek and thanked her. “He’s decided to wow the poor girl. She won’t know what hit her.” Alex said, slipping her arm around Kelly’s waist. The two women watched their son as he checked the clock and stood at the picture window. After checking the clock several more times in the next five minutes, and sitting on the couch out of fear that his knees would buckle, Zane surged to his feet when the doorbell chimed. While Kelly answered the door, Zane hurried into the kitchen to get the flowers he had left on the counter. When he stepped back into the room, he stopped and stared. Willow stood just inside the door, looking just as nervous as he felt. Dressed in a dark pink skirt that fell to her knees and a matching silk blouse, Willow played with the thin gold bracelet around her wrist. “Hi, Willow. You look beautiful.” Zane said, his voice faltering slightly. Handing the girl the flowers, Zane stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth on his heels. Alex and Kelly watched with quiet amusement as the uncomfortable silence grew. When Zane glanced up at his moms, Alex nodded with a smile and inclined her head toward the door. After a moment of confusion, the boy got the hint and opened the door. “We should probably get going, Willow.” he said, stepping aside and holding the door for the girl. Before he stepped outside, Alex handed Zane some money and gave him a quick kiss on the top of his head. “Good luck, son.” she said quietly as the boy hurried out the door. Joining Kelly at the window, Alex slipped her arms around her waist and watched over her shoulder as their son offered Willow his elbow. “Our little boy is growing up.” Kelly said with a smile as Willow slipped her arm through Zane’s. Once the pair had reached Will Coleman’s car, Zane opened the door and held it while Willow took her seat. Walking around to the other side, he gave his mom’s a thumbs up and smiled before climbing into the back seat next to his date. Laughing out loud, both women turned away from the window and went about their Saturday.

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  “Babe, I have to run out for a bit. You want me to bring home dinner?” Alex said, leaning over the back of the couch that Kelly was laying on. Marking her page, Kelly leaned up and kissed her gently. “Sure. Tacos sound good.” she said. In the two hours since Zane had left for his movie-and-lunch date, the women had finished their chores and lazed about on the couch. With Dej staying another night at Angie’s house, the pair had intended to spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing, but the fates had decided against that plan. Just as Alex had gotten comfortable on the couch with her tablet, the phone rang. After a brief three minute call that consisted of Alex supplying simple yes and no answers, the woman hung up and went upstairs. Now that she had come back down, Kelly was a bit unsure about the sudden secrecy that Alex was displaying. “Where you off to, Honey?” she asked as Alex shrugged into her jacket. “I just have to run an errand real quick. I’ll be home shortly and we can gorge ourselves on Mexican food while we watch horrible movies.” she replied, checking to make sure she had her keys and pocket book. Telling Kelly she loved her, Alex kissed her once more and headed out the door without another word.

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  “I don’t know, Marsha. I don’t want to take any of the attention away from Kelly’s dress.” Alex said. She was standing in the consultation room at Jenkins Bridal Shoppe trying on the suggestions that Marsha had come up with. Ever since Alex and Kelly had agreed on their wedding colors, Marsha had been after Alex to decide on her attire for the event. Unfortunately, Alex had not given it any thought. When Marsha had called earlier and threatened to tell on her, Alex had hurried over and agreed to listen to the woman’s ideas. “I don’t do plain, Alex. Anything I make is going to look stunning, so pick something out.” The woman said coolly. Annoyed at being told what to do, Alex studied herself once more. So far she had tried on every dress blank that Marsha had on hand, and didn’t like any of them. Huffing out a breath, she turned to head back into the dressing room. As she reached for the door, Alex spotted a blank tux hanging on the rack next to the wall. Inspiration struck at that moment, and she grabbed the tux before turning and heading back over to the floor-length mirror. Holding the tux up against herself, Alex nodded and dashed into the changing room. “Alex what are you doing? I’m not going to let you be a cliché at your own wedding!” Marsha called, irritated that Alex wasn’t making a real effort. “Just hold your horses, Marsha, I have an idea.” Alex called back. With a resigned sigh, Marsha plopped down on the settee and waited. When Alex emerged, Marsha stood and nodded as a wide grin spread across her face. “How about this? You could make the base color match Kelly’s accents, and the accents match her base.” Alex said, looking herself over in the mirror. Clapping her hands, Marsha agreed that the idea was brilliant and set about taking measurements and scribbling notes onto her legal pad. Satisfied that their work was done for now, Alex thanked the woman and headed back to change into her own clothes.

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  “Alright mother, we will be by to see you tomorrow.” Kelly said into the phone. After Alex had left, Kelly had been unable to read anymore. She tried watching television, but couldn’t stay interested in a show, so she had decided to call her mother. The two women had talked for nearly an hour about how Karen’s recovery was going and what her plans were once she was released from the hospital the following week. After saying their goodbyes, Kelly hung up the phone and nestled back on the couch to try once more to read. Before she could even find her page, Alex walked in the door. “I have returned, dearest woman, and I bear gifts.” she said dramatically, setting the take out bag on the coffee table. “Gifts, eh? Did you bring me fame and fortune?” Kelly asked playfully, setting down her book and opening the bag. “Damn, I knew I was forgetting something.” Alex replied, slapping herself on the forehead. “I forgive you. B
ut just this once.” Kelly said with mock sincerity when Alex sat down next to her.

  Once the women had gotten their dinner sorted out, Alex inquired about Kelly’s alone time. “So, what did you do while I was away on my secret mission?” she asked. Shrugging, Kelly told her about the call with her mother. “So what’s the plan?” Alex asked through a mouthful of taco. Setting down her food, Kelly went into the kitchen to get some wine. “Doctor Peck wants her to stay in town for a few months, as a precaution, so she is going to look for an apartment. The only problem is, she is going to need help until she gets her strength back. She’s recovering nicely, but she still gets tired and winded when she does anything physical. I am thinking about hiring a nurse for her, but I don’t know if she will go for it.” Kelly explained when she came back into the room. Handing Alex a glass of wine, she took her seat and went back to her food.