“I love you, Reina.”
“I love you, Payton. I’ll prove it to you when you get here.” Reina chuckled.
“Is that a promise?”
“Yes, honey. That’s a promise.” Reina laughed.
“Good. Love you.”
“Love you.”
“Lindy, your turn.” Payton handed the cell phone to her. While Lindy spoke to Tamara, Payton locked the car trunk and straight¨ened out the things in the back seat. She wanted to give Lindy as much privacy as possible.
“Okay, partner, let’s hit the road.”
“You got it. How was Tamara?”
“She’s fine. She’s going to call us during the night.”
“So is Reina.”
“Great, between the two of them we’ll be on the telephone all night.” Lindy laughed and Payton joined her.
“You ready?” Payton asked.
“Ready.”
The two best friends climbed into Payton’s car and, with one last look at her condominium, Payton pulled away. They stopped at an all night market on the way to the freeway and filled their thermos up with coffee. Lindy also collected a bag of goodies for them to munch on, and they were set to go.
Again, the two of them were back in the car and heading onto the freeway. For the first hour of the trip Lindy and Payton talked and laughed as they shared their thoughts and feelings. Their friendship had always been one of humor, honesty, and genuine affection.
“Payton, it’s time for a little music,” Lindy announced, rummag¨ing through the case of CD’s. “How about some disco?”
While Payton continued driving south on Interstate Five, she and Lindy sang to Donna Summer, the Supremes, and many other groups. Two hours later, right on time, Reina called. Payton and Lindy serenaded her with a very bad rendition of “Stop In The Name Of Love", making her laugh hysterically. She made them promise to drive carefully, told Payton she loved her despite her lack of singing abilities, and promised to call in two hours.
Eight hours and five telephone calls later, three from Reina and two from Tamara, they stopped for a bite to eat and to take a break from driving.
“How are you doing, Payton?”
“Good, how about you?”
“I’m feeling okay. I need some coffee and some food.”
“I’ll drive for the next couple of hours.”
“I can’t believe Reina and Tamara called us all night long. You’d think we were children,” Lindy grumbled.
“They’re just worried about us. And you love it that Tamara called.” Payton poked Lindy.
“I do.” She laughed good-naturedly.
They teased each other while they ate their breakfast at a very busy truck stop. Then they filled the car with gas, and were off again. It was a long and tedious day of driving for huge stretches, then stop¨ping to fill the car with gas, and getting up to stretch and move around. Reina and Tamara continued to take turns calling them as they headed into their fifteenth hour of driving. They estimated another four to five hours and they would be home. It was a little after five o’clock in the afternoon and they were looking forward to arriving at Reina’s by ten o’clock at the latest. Reina had just called and was ecstatic that they were so close to home. Payton got to speak to Molly and Max for a few minutes and they were both very ani¨mated, equally as excited. Payton missed them so much. She’d be unable to see them until Sunday morning, since they’d already be in bed for several hours by the time she arrived.
The last few hours Lindy and Payton felt the effects of staying awake and driving for such long periods of time. They sang along to CD’s and giggled for no reason, hitting the outskirts of Long Beach a little before nine. They’d made great time and it had taken them less time than they expected. Tamara was waiting with Reina at the house when Lindy called to let them know they were twenty minutes away. Payton could feel the excitement building as she thought about her new home and life.
“We’re almost home.” Payton grinned widely, laughing aloud.
“Hey buddy, you’re officially moved.” Lindy laughed with her.
“I am, aren’t I?”
Payton turned onto the final block and felt a calmness invade her body when she saw her new home. She and Lindy grinned at each other as they pulled into the driveway and Reina and Tamara tum¨bled out of the front door. Payton did not hesitate as she turned off the car. Payton shot out of the front seat. She met Reina halfway between the house and the car. Payton caught her in her arms as Reina threw herself at her. Reina’s lips met Payton’s while they kissed thoroughly and twirled in the yard, hugging each other.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Reina whispered, covering Payton’s face with kisses. “You must be exhausted.”
“I’m just glad to be home,” Payton admitted, smiling at her beau¨tiful girlfriend.
“You are home, and you had better go say goodnight to your two kids. They’ve been waiting all evening.” Reina grinned in return.
“You’re kidding?” Payton laughed and pulled Reina behind her into the house toward the children’s bedroom. She went into the first door and found Max’s eyes wide open as he lay in bed.
“Hey, little man.” She sat down on the edge of his bed.
“Payton!” The little boy cried out, standing up on his bed and wrapping his tiny arms around Payton’s neck.
“I’m so glad to see you.” Payton’s eyes filled with tears as she hugged Max tightly.
“Payton, you’re here!” Molly ran across the room into Payton’s arms along with her brother. Reina had obviously gone to get her.
“Hey, beautiful girl. I missed you guys so much.”
“We missed you,” Molly reassured her as she kissed her sloppily and patted Payton on the cheek.
Payton hugged the two children tightly, gazing at Reina while tears slid down her cheeks. She didn’t need to tell Reina how she was feel¨ing, because tears were rolling down Reina’s face also.
“I love you guys.” Payton hugged them again. “Now you two need to get a good night’s sleep so you can wake me up in the morning. We’re going to make breakfast for your mom.”
“Okay, Payton.” Molly smiled and hugged her.
“Get under your covers, Max. I’ll see you early tomorrow morn-ing.
Max did as she asked, and she bent over and kissed him good¨night. “Sleep tight, little man.”
Payton took one last look at a sleepy Max and then picked Molly up in her arms, holding her tightly. “Come on, little mermaid, let’s put you to bed.” She carried the tiny little girl into her bedroom and put her to bed. “Good night, honey. Don’t forget to wake me up early.”
“Okay, love you gobs.”
“I love you gobs.” Payton smiled at the darling little girl. She left Molly’s room and looked around for the three adults. She heard laughter outside and went out the front door to find the three women unloading Payton’s car. She grabbed a handful of her things and carried them into the house, adding to the pile they had started in the living room. The four of them made several trips before the car was empty.
“Payton, why don’t you pull the car into the garage,” Reina sug¨gested, touching her face softly.
“Is there room? I thought the movers put my things in there.”
“They did, but there’s room for your car.” Reina could not stop touching Payton. She just wanted to hold Payton all night and reas¨sure herself that she was finally home.
“Well ladies, we’re going home", Tamara announced as she hugged Lindy. “I want to put this tired girl to bed.”
“Lindy, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Honey, you don’t have to thank me. Tamara and I owed you.”
“I love you guys.” Payton held Reina tightly as she smiled at the two of them, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
“We love you both. Now you two enjoy your evening. We’ll call you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Thanks again for everything.”
“No problem, go
odnight.”
“Goodnight.”
“Honey, let’s put your car in the garage,” Reina suggested again.
“I don’t want to let go of you.” Payton whispered.
“Sweetheart, I am here forever and so are you.”
Payton hugged her quickly and then did as she asked. As she entered the living room she glared at the pile of stuff in the middle of the living room. “What do you suggest I do with all this junk?”
“I suggest we put it away and go to bed.” Reina caught Payton by the hand. “It won’t take long.”
“Okay, let’s do it.”
The two of them rapidly put Payton’s things away. Reina had cleared out half of her closet and chest of drawers so Payton could put her clothes there. She had also had the movers put Payton’s arm-oire into their shared bedroom, and Reina had put all of Payton’s clothes away inside it.
“You unpacked my clothes?”
“Of course I did. It’s your home.” Reina squeezed Payton tightly to her. Payton was too moved to speak. “Honey, I want you to take a nice hot shower and then crawl in bed.”
“I plan to do just that.” Payton grinned and kissed Reina softly. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to be here.”
“Oh, I think I know how you feel.” Reina assured her with a kiss. “Now, you go hop into the shower, sweetie.”
“Can I go peek at the kids one more time?” The look on Payton’s face along with her words made Reina’s heart pound in her chest.
“Sure honey. I’ll start your shower.” Reina touched her cheek before turning away. She was close to crying again.
Payton quietly slipped into each of the children’s rooms and for a few moments watched them sleep. She’d never felt so full of love as she did at that moment. She re-entered the bedroom and found Reina sitting on the bed. “I missed them so much.”
“They missed you. They love you Payton.”
“Reina, I love them.”
“I know you do, now go climb into the shower.”
Payton stepped into the hot water and sighed deeply. It was just what she needed. She washed her hair and let the hot water wash the aches out of her body. She stepped out of the shower and toweled off as Reina entered the bathroom already dressed for bed in her night¨gown.
“Here is your night shirt.”
“Thanks honey. You look beautiful.”
“You look pretty sexy to me.” Reina grinned.
“I don’t think I’m going to need my nightshirt.”
“Payton, you haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours. You have to be exhausted.” Reina held Payton’s naked body against her.
“I’m not that tired,” Payton promised as she quickly stripped Reina of her nightgown. “You are so beautiful.”
Payton ran her hands down Reina’s back and over her hips as their naked bodies melted against each other.
“I’ve missed you so much.” Reina whispered, her hands cradling Payton’s breasts. She placed kisses on Payton’s jaw, her neck, and then her breasts. Payton found it hard to breath when Reina’s lips surrounded her nipple, the wet heat causing her body to shiver. Pay-ton could feel passion unfurl in her body as Reina covered her breasts with kiss after kiss.
“Come to bed, love.” Reina pulled her to the bed and gently lay on top of her. Their lovemaking was slow and deliberate as Reina teased her into one orgasm after another. Payton did not hesitate, covering Reina’s body with kisses from head to toe. Reina’s cries of pleasure made her smile as her mouth covered her wet trembling center. Her tongue teased and tasted Reina until Reina’s hips twisted and turned in Payton’s grasp. Her fingers joined her tongue and she drove Reina crazy, stroking her over the edge. Reina gasped and cried out several times as her body quaked with a series of orgasms. She began to cry as Payton slid up her body and gathered her into her arms.
“I love you, Reina,” Payton reassured her, kissing the tears away as they trickled down her face.
“I love you, Payton.” Reina’s tears still slid down her cheeks.
“Honey, why are you crying?” Payton smiled softly, gazing at her.
“It’s so overwhelming when you make love with me, and you’re here forever.” Reina kissed the gold band on Payton’s hand.
“And I’m going to love you forever.” Payton kissed the ring on Reina’s hand. “I am going to make love with you for the rest of our lives.”
“Payton, you are so beautiful, sexy, and loving. I feel very lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one. I have a gorgeous, unbelievably sensuous, and loving girlfriend, two terrific, darling kids, and another one on the way.” Payton smiled as she ran her hands over Reina’s stomach. “How is that for lucky? I’d better not hear that you were lifting any¨thing heavier than a book, young lady.”
Reina just grinned as Payton glared at her comically. “I’m serious, Reina. I want you to be careful.”
“Payton, I feel terrific, fantastic, wonderful.” Reina kissed Payton rapidly all over her face until Payton giggled.
“Good, let’s keep it that way. Have you felt the baby move yet?”
“No, it’ll be another month or so. But you’ll be the first to know, I promise.” Reina covered Payton’s hands with her own, holding them tightly against her stomach. “We have an appointment with the doc¨tor on Thursday.”
“Great.” Payton grinned, snuggling against Reina. “It feels so won¨derful just to hold you, and I get to all night long.”
“You’re going to sleep, doll. I know you’re exhausted.” Reina turned in Payton’s arms. “Close your eyes, Payton.”
“I love you, Reina.” Payton closed her eyes, sliding her arms around Reina and resting her head on Reina’s shoulder.
“I love you, Payton.” Reina stroked Payton’s cheek, watching her fall into exhausted sleep. Reina couldn’t believe how happy she felt at that moment knowing Payton was always going to be there. Just holding her as she slept made Reina smile, as Payton’s breathing deepened and she slumbered. Payton was a beautiful woman when she was awake, her wavy hair casually tousled, her brown eyes, large and trusting. Her lips were full and coral-colored and when she smiled her whole face lit up, but Reina had started to fall in love with Payton the first time she saw her sleeping, her cheeks flushed, and her long eyelashes resting against her skin. She looked so vulnerable and so damn beautiful that Reina had immediately felt the pull on her heart to love her and take care of her. Payton was one of those rare individuals that hid none of her feelings. She loved completely and unconditionally. It showed on her face and was reinforced by her actions. Reina had no doubt that Payton loved her, and she had been waiting all her life to fall in love with someone she trusted and could love unconditionally. The wait had been worth it. Payton was a pre¨cious gift. Reina grinned as Payton pulled her closer. Payton was also very lucky. She would not find another woman that could love her so perfectly. Reina fell asleep with a smile on her face while she counted Payton’s blessings.
Reina couldn’t help but laugh as she checked on her sleeping fam¨ily. She went for the camera because she couldn’t resist taking a pic¨ture. Payton was sound asleep on her back with Max stretched across her stomach sleeping, his thumb in his mouth. Molly was sideways on the bed, her face tucked against Payton’s, one of her tiny hands clasped in Payton’s larger one. The two children had awoken very early and crawled into bed next to an exhausted Payton. They had immediately fallen back asleep. That had been over two hours earlier and the three of them were still sleeping soundly. Reina took several pictures of the three sleeping beauties and went back into the living room to drink her coffee and read her book. She intended on letting Payton sleep as long as possible.
An hour later a loud series of giggles told her that the sleeping threesome was awake. Grinning widely, she walked down the hall to the bedroom, listening to the laughter coming from the room. She poked her head in the partially open door. The three of them were in a pile in the middle of the bed where Payton was ticklin
g the two kids as they tried to do the same with her.
“Can I join you guys?” Reina asked, heading for the bed grinning.
“What do you think guys, should we let mom join us?” Payton asked.
“Yes, Yes!” Screamed Max and Molly as Payton grabbed Reina and pulled into the fray. The four of them rolled on the bed, tickling and teasing each other and generally enjoying each other’s company. Gradually the four of them settled down and Payton and Reina lay side by side each holding a child. They gazed at each other happily, their fingers clasped in each other’s.
“I love you, Payton.”
“I love you, Reina, and Max, and Molly.”
The four of them took their time getting up and having breakfast, before Payton proceeded to unpack the remainder of her things. At two o’clock the contractor came over and reviewed the remodel plans and the budget. Reina and Payton liked what they saw and agreed to get back to him by Monday evening.
“Payton, we need to go to the bank on Monday afternoon to put your name on the bank account. We also need to go to the school and put your name on the records so they can call you in case of an emergency. They need to know that your are Max and Molly’s guard-lan.
“But I’m not,” Payton responded, a little confused.
“Yes, you are.” Reina smiled as she handed Payton a piece of paper. “I went to a lawyer and had him draw this up.”
Payton read the document. It was written in legal language but the meaning of the paper was clear. Payton was listed as legal guardian for Max, Molly, and an as yet unnamed child of Reina Landers. Pay-ton had to read it twice before she looked up at Reina.
“Is this okay, Payton?” Reina was nervous. Maybe Payton didn’t want to have all that responsibility.
“It’s more than okay,” Payton whispered as she began to cry.
“Honey, don’t cry.” Reina wiped the tears from her face.
“I can’t help it. You are sharing your children with me.” Payton was amazed.
“Payton, the day we met I shared my children with you. I’ve just made it legal. You did agree to marry me,” Reina teased.
“Oh, I’m going to marry you, as soon as possible,” Payton prom¨ised as she picked up Reina and twirled around in circles with her. “I am going to marry you and all three kids!”
Family Love Page 19