by G S Binkley
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 you’re 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, w
hat 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 continu
ed. “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 harm’s 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’s shoulder indicating he should swing around the side to the much smaller living quarters which offered an excellent view of the ocean.