by Donna Raider
“Enough of this private time,” Leah swept into the room. “How about a movie? It’s my night to choose. I’m thinking chick flick.”
“Uh, I promised Mary we would go ice skating with Grace and Isaac. Supposed to meet them at the ice rink,” Richie backed from the room and ran upstairs to get his skates. They listened in silence as he bounded back downstairs, yelled, “Love you, guys. Don’t forget I’m spending the night at Emily’s,” and slammed the door.
“Oh, my, that worked out well,” Leah poured them both a glass of Brandy and inserted the DVD. “Want to watch Catching Fire, The Hunger Games?”
“When did you buy that?” the priest grinned, settling beside her on the sofa.
“I didn’t, dear,” she smiled. “Emily gave it to Richie after she found out what it was. She bought it thinking it was porn. When she watched it and discovered it was geared toward teenagers, our son received it.”
“Porn,” Mika laughed, “Life with you and your town is very interesting.”
“And full of surprises,” Leah remarked.
“Oh, yes,” Mika exhaled, thinking about how she had surprised her last night. “Last night was astonishing.”
“Have you ever…,” her warm lips were against Mika’s ear as she whispered to her.
Mika jerked back as if she had burned her. It took a few minutes for her to catch her breath. Leah’s suggestion had spread a feeling of hot, cold and total awe through the priest.
“Let me put it this way,” Mika’s voice caught in her throat and jumped an octave higher, “if I haven’t done it with you, I haven’t done it.”
“That’s my good girl,” Leah purred and kissed her deeply.
CHAPTER 30 - Home
There was a chill on the house when Mika woke. The temperature had dropped considerably during the night. She slipped from their bed, careful not to wake Leah, and walked to the glass doors leading to the balcony. The earth as far as she could see was covered in a blanket of soft white snow. Mika had always loved fresh snow. She felt it was God’s way of giving everything a clean slate, a chance to start over, to do better. The moon bathed the cold, clear night with a blue light, making visibility almost as clear as day.
Making a mental note to turn up the thermostat later, she pulled on a Henley and a pair of sweatpants then settled in the comfortable chair at the foot of their bed. She could watch both the falling snow and her sleeping wife. The moonlight fell on Leah’s beautiful face. Her serene expression highlighted her glorious beauty. She seemed small. Awake, her persona was larger than life; a queen, a mayor, a regal, commanding figure by anyone’s standards. Sleeping, she looked like an innocent child. A constriction in Mika’s chest reminded her of how much she loved Leah. Mika knew she was obsessed with her. When she was away from her, Mika held her breath until she walked into view. Mika couldn’t bear to be very far from Leah. She always had the compulsion to touch her, even if only lightly, as if to reassure herself that such an incredible creature existed and welcomed her touch. She marveled at the wonder of Leah.
Sometimes loving Leah hurt—seriously hurt. Her sudden appearance in the room where Mika was would make the blonde stop breathing; her chest would tighten, and her stomach would feel like it was doing cartwheels. Leah always made her way to Mika quickly; otherwise, Mika was certain she would explode where she stood.
Leah’s smile always told Mika she knew what she was experiencing because she shared her feelings. Leah’s soft touch on Mika’s arm always grounded them both.
The silence of the early morning was destroyed by the sound of Richie’s ringtone. Leah reached first for her wife. A flash of fear crossed her lovely face as she realized Mika wasn’t in her bed. It quickly morphed into a glorious smile as her eyes focused on her wife in the chair. She answered her phone.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Yes, it is very early,” Leah glanced at the clock. “Snowing,” her eyes widened as her wife shook her head affirmatively. “Yes, I agree it is too dangerous for you to try to get home. Yes, you may stay with Delilah and Samson. Perhaps later in the day, we can meet at the diner. Love you too, sweetheart.”
As Leah turned off her phone, she pulled Mika’s pillow behind her and leaned back against the headboard. She scrutinized Mika as intently as Mika looked at her. Leah smiled that slow, sensuous smile that encompassed all that Mika was. “What are you doing way over there?” Leah said softly.
“Just loving you,” Mika smiled, trying to overcome the ache in her chest. She wanted Leah so much, loved her so much.
“Hum,” Leah hummed, “Why don’t you do that a little closer to me?”
Mika shed her clothes and slid into bed beside her. Leah slid down to lie slightly beneath her. Mika kissed her gently, slowly, letting Leah know that she was everything to her. They kissed for a long time, enjoying the feel of each other’s lips. Their tongues, gently caressing the others. They explored one another’s mouth, as if for the first time. Mika pulled back from their kiss and stared into the fathomless darkness of Leah’s captivating brown eyes. She softly touched Leah’s cheek as if she were afraid Leah would disappear at her touch. Mika slowly traced her face, her delicate nose, and her smooth, finely defined jawline. Last, and best, she traced her full, soft lips, and the tiny scar she loved so much. Everything about Leah made her senses soar.
Leah lay still, allowing Mika to worship her. She softly moaned when Mika caressed places that elicited a breathless response. Mika touched and caressed every inch of her body. Kissing it as if it were her first time to explore Leah. Mika was so sweet and gentle it made Leah’s heart hurt.
When Leah couldn’t stand it anymore, she pulled Mika into her for a kiss then guided her lips back down her body to her breast. Every stroke of Mika’s tongue, every touch of her lips, and every warm breath on her skin kindled Leah’s desire for her. Mika made love to her so gently, so slowly, like a woman savoring a perfect cup of coffee on a cold, icy day. Mika memorized every feel of her, every reaction to her touch and her soft moans as she cried her name. Mika loved the sounds Leah made when they made love. She went out of her way to elicit those sounds that told her Leah loved what she was doing. Leah basked in Mika’s whispered words of endless adoration. Mika wrapped her body around her and engulfed Leah in her arms, merging into the only woman she had ever loved, would ever love. “Leah,” she whispered her name repeatedly as if worshipping a goddess. Mika’s whispered words of passion were as arousing as her touch on Leah’s skin. Leah’s love for Mika resonated in her cries at the overwhelming sensations she aroused in her.
They made love for hours, each intent on letting the other know how important they were, how deeply they were loved. It wasn’t the fierce, passionate earth-shaking love they usually shared. Their love was a sweet, gentle joining of mind and spirit that interlaced them together for all eternity.
As they lay pressed tightly against each other, Mika softly spoke into her ear. “I have traveled this earth, this universe searching for you. I didn’t realize that when I found you, I also found home.”
They snuggled and laughed sharing thoughts and ideas they had an eternity to explore together. Neither had ever been as happy, as completely at peace with their maker and the world.
CHAPTER 31- Payback’s a Witch
Thanksgiving was a congenial day. The Crosses hosted dinner for Samson and Delilah, Amber, Ruth, and Naomi. Emily brought Daisy, her girlfriend from Brighton, an attractive young woman who seemed overwhelmed with everything. She kept bowing to Leah. Mika was certain Emily had told her to do that just to cause mischief.
As promised, the band had cut their annual album for Marcus and spent a week making commercials and doing TV interviews to promote it. Within sixty days, the album was in the top ten nationwide and climbing in the charts overseas. The mayor had outdone herself with the town Christmas decorations. Mika said it looked like a winter wonderland.
##
Mika was in the bell tower putting a new rope on the bell. The old one had broken. Sh
e was very pleased to see how clean they were keeping the tower. The old hardwood floors were polished to shine, and someone had hung holly around the outside of the window.
She was leaning over the railing to reach the bit of old rope so she could pull the bell close enough to tie a new rope to it. A sudden swirl of purple caused Mika to lose her balance and plummet down the stairwell headfirst. Before she could react, she was quickly levitated back to the tower and lowered gently onto the floor.
“Darling, are you okay?” Leah was on her knees beside Mika.
“I am now,” Mika smiled, pulling her closer for a kiss. “You startled me.” She pulled Leah onto her lap and nibbled at her lower lip. Her tongue gently parted Leah’s lips, asking permission to move further. Leah clutched Mika’s blouse and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
“I don’t have a lot of time before my next meeting,” Leah whispered. “I just came to say, hi.” She quickly slid her hand under Mika’s shirt. Her touch was heavenly.
Mika shifted Leah, so she was laying on the floor, her head cradled in Mika’s arm. She kissed her way down all the cleavage she could see then unbuttoned another button to allow further access. “I want you,” Mika pleaded.
A swirl of purple smoke and Mika found she was kissing the floor. Leah was standing by the window. “Silly Priest,” she grinned wickedly, “No one takes a Queen on the floor.” Then she was gone.
Mika moaned, rolled over on her back and spread out like a snow angel. She fought the urge to follow Leah. Sometimes Leah tormented her just because she could. Two could play that game. When Mika stood and looked out the tower window, Leah was sitting at her desk, welcoming the fire chief. Mika pulled out her phone and began texting.
Mika: You are a wicked tease.
Leah: Um, I always follow through eventually.
Mika: How soon?
Leah: I will have to think about that.
Mika: Groan. That is me hurting, thanks to you, Your Majesty. You really are evil.
Leah walked to her window and smiled at Mika.
Leah: I fixed your bell for you.
The priest turned to see a new leather strap hanging from the bell.
Mika: Thank you. Leather will last longer than my rope.
Leah: “You know how I like leather.
Mika: You are killing me. Must take confessions. Love you, so much.
Leah: Love you, too, darling.
Mika prayed a lot between confessions. Thanking her God for allowing her to have such a wonderful wife and son. Asking for guidance. She knew God had plans for them. She just wasn’t sure what they were.
##
Leah was barefoot in the kitchen, cooking dinner when Mika arrived home. She had ABBA playing loudly on her iPod dock and was dancing sensuously around as she moved from the refrigerator to the oven. Mika recognized the song she was dancing to: A Woman after Midnight.
Moving on socked feet, Mika silently slid in behind her, pulling Leah tight against her and moving them around the kitchen. Leah leaned back into Mika and let her wife guide her. Mika’s hands splayed on Leah’s stomach and lower abdomen, pressing her closer. She could feel Mika’s taut abs and muscles moving against her back as they danced.
“You and this song shredded all of my defenses at Samson’s birthday party. Remember?” Mika murmured into her ear.
“Um,” Leah hummed, pulling away from her only to dance seductively back into Mika’s arms.
“I almost threw you on the floor right there in front of everyone,” Mika’s voice was deep with emotion. She moved Leah toward the carpeted study and slowly lowered her to the floor.
“I wanted you, too,” Leah’s voice was husky with desire. “Much like now.”
Leah kissed her eagerly, demanding a response and receiving one. Her tongue explored Mika’s mouth. Her teeth nibbled Mika’s lower lip before pulling it between hers and sucking.
Mika’s hands found the hem of Leah’s skirt and slid it up to her waist. She was thrilled to find Leah wore no panties. She deftly unbuttoned Leah’s blouse, kissing every inch of gorgeous flesh that appeared as clothing was pushed away. Mika silently thanked her for wearing front fastening bras and expertly laid it open exposing the most titillating breasts she had ever seen.
Mika gently moved her lips to Leah’s breast. Leah moaned and pulled Mika’s mouth onto her, arching upward to push her breast further into her mouth. Mika alternated, kissing and caressing until Leah began to buck against her begging her to finish.
##
Later, as Leah lay in her arms, Mika kissed her gently. “I thought no one takes a queen on the floor,” she smiled mischievously.
Standing, Leah smoothed her skirt, fastened her bra and pulled her blouse back up onto her shoulders. She shook her head, allowing her hair to fall into place. She stared down at Mika in her haughtiest manner and said, “Congratulations, Priest, you just became someone.” She swayed her hips sensuously as she walked to the kitchen.
The slam of the front door announced the arrival of Richie. The priest quickly zipped her slacks. She was still laying on the floor on her back; her blouse pulled out and half buttoned. Thick strands of blonde hair hung down on her forehead. Leah was at the oven, removing dinner.
“Ugh, Mika, are you okay?” Richie gawked at Mika lying on the floor.
“Yes, I was just…ah…” Mika stuttered. She thought about faking a heart attack but quickly decided against it.
Richie’s eyes narrowed as he watched his mother smiling and carrying the casserole to the kitchen table. “Maybe I should call before entering my home,” Richie smirked.
“I thought you had football practice,” the priest said abashed. She quickly stood, straightening her clothes.
“I do, but I forgot my helmet,” Richie shrugged. “I’m sorry if I interrupted anything.”
“Oh, no, you didn’t, dear,” his mother spoke for the first time. “But in the future, maybe a phone call would be nice. Do you have a minute to eat something? If not, I will fix you a plate to go.”
“That would be great, Mom,” Richie’s appetite quickly overcame his interest in Mika’s appearance.
A subdued priest set the table as her wife fixed their son a go-plate. Mika walked their son to the door wanting to explain her behavior. “It is okay, Mika,” Richie grinned before she could speak. “After all, you are married.” The boy winked and was out the door.
“That was uncomfortable,” Mika said, pulling out the chair for her wife.
##
“Let’s watch a movie,” Leah suggested as they cleared the table. “It might be nice for us to be doing something besides making love when our son gets home from practice.”
Mika nodded in agreement and followed her wife to the family room. Leah sat down against the arm of the sofa, and Mika sat beside her, still somber from Richie’s appearance earlier. She couldn’t help thinking how embarrassing it would have been if their son had arrived fifteen minutes earlier.
“It’s not the end of the world,” Leah kissed her chastely. “I am certain he isn’t scarred for life.”
“I know,” Mika said as she stretched out on the sofa and laid her head in Leah’s lap. “I just try to set a good example for him.”
“As he said darling, we are married,” Leah leaned down and kissed her again. “That is what married people do. Only usually not as often,” she giggled.
Mika snuggled her head into Leah’s lap, pressing her cheek against her stomach. She could hear Leah’s heartbeat.
Leah’s heartbeat. It was very rapid. Panic spread through Mika. Something was wrong with Leah! No. Her heartbeat was strong and even. There was another sound, another softer, tiny, faster heartbeat.
Mika fought back the emotion that threatened to overcome her. Leah was looking down at her, watching her. Her rich brown eyes, shining with happiness. Mika’s eyes locked with her smiling brown eyes.
“Leah,” she gasped, “are you…are we…?”
“Yes, darling.” Leah’s smile wa
s the most beautiful Mika had ever seen.
She quickly sat up, turning to face her. “How? When? Where?”
“Thank goodness you didn’t say, who,” Leah teased. That would have upset me. I’m sure you know, how. When, was the night of the bowling incident? When you were my angel. Where, was somewhere in the universe.”
“Ah, oh…I think I am going to hyperventilate,” Mika cried, doubling over to catch her breath. “Are you happy? Are you okay with this?”
“Of course, darling. I allowed it to happen. I love you, Mika.”
“You allowed…Of course,” Mika laughed at her epiphany. “Your magic. Your body. You have complete control over it. That makes it even more wonderful. It wasn’t an accident. You wanted it, too.”
“I did,” Leah smiled at her in wonder that she could be so excited at the prospect of having children with her. “I want your children more than anything.”
“May I listen again?” Mika motioned to her stomach.
“Of course,” she nodded.
Mika lay her head back in Leah’s lap, pressing her ear tightly to her stomach. As she listened, her eyes grew wider and wider. Leah’s heartbeat. Their baby’s heartbeat. Mika’s own heartbeat, no, but a third heartbeat. “Honey,” Mika looked at her in astonishment, “I think we are going to have twins.”
It was Leah’s turn to be surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she breathed, in awe of the two tiny heartbeats, she was hearing.
“Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh,” Mika leaped to her feet, dancing around her. “I am going to be a mother, and you’re going to be a Mommy. You, you and me, we're having a baby. What should I do? Can I do anything for you? Can I get you anything?”
Leah caught her hand and pulled Mika back down beside her. “You can calm down,” she laughed. “If I had known you would be this happy, it would have happened a long time ago, except…”
“I know, the contract with Legion,” Mika grimaced. “Do you have a copy of it?”
“No. Legion always keeps the only copy.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Mika smiled, kissing her gently. “I can handle Legion.”