by Lydia Rose
Christine began to answer until she realized what Laura had said. “Marry?”
Laura got out of the chair and reached into the desk drawer. “I was going to wait until Christmas to ask you, but I can’t wait.” She got down on one knee. “Christine Harper, would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes, Laura Lerner I will marry you.” Christine kissed Laura’s mouth.
Laura opened the box and showed her the ring. It was a blue sapphire with two diamonds on each side. “I know how much you love sapphires, but if you would rather have a traditional diamond, we can take this back.”
“No, Laura. I love this ring. Please put it on me.”
Laura slipped the ring on her finger and lowered Christine to the floor. Before she kissed her mouth, she asked. “Have we ever christened this room?” Her grin was wide.
“Yes, we have.”
“Does this mean I can look forward to foursomes in the future?”
Christine tapped her arm lightly. “Shut up and kiss me you idiot.”
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Sally was the first to arrive on Saturday night. Christine had invited her over a half hour earlier than the rest of the women. She had purposely taken off her engagement ring at work because she wanted to tell Sally in private.
“Come on in,” Christine said to Sally.
“I brought a bottle of wine.” She held up the bottle as Christine took her coat.
“Wow, you look good, but I’m afraid it’s only women at this party,” Christine said with a laugh. Sally had on a black cocktail dress and high heels.
“Hey, I was told there would be pictures taken,” Sally said standing with her hand on her hip.
Christine laughed. “You’re right. Come on back to the kitchen.”
“Hi, Sally.” Laura embraced Sally affectionately.
“Hey yourself. Smells wonderful in here.” She put the wine down and Laura handed her a glass. “Okay, what would you like me to do?”
Laura put Sally to work cutting up mushrooms for the risotto while Christine continued taking pictures.
Sally looked up and smiled and then shock appeared on her face. She put the knife down and pulled on Christine’s left hand. “What is this?” She asked holding Christine’s hand.
Christine smiled and Laura hid her face behind a dish towel and chuckled. “It’s a ring. What does it look like?”
“An engagement ring,” Sally said still holding Christine’s hand.
“Yeah, I guess it does.” Christine looked at Laura. “Honey, did you know when you gave me this ring that it looked like an engagement ring?”
“Gee, honey, I don’t know.”
The two women burst into laughter.
Sally realized that they were teasing her and what the ring meant. “You’re getting married?”
“Yes, Sally. Laura asked me to marry her.” Christine said again grabbing Laura’s hand.
“When are you getting married?” Sally asked wanting all the details.
“We haven’t set a date yet.” Christine reached for Laura’s hand. “We’ve been too busy practicing for the honeymoon.”
Sally’s mouth dropped open as the doorbell rang.
Laura giggled and went to answer the door.
The party was a big hit. They toasted Christine and Laura’s engagement as Sally picked up the camera and took a picture of the happy couple. Everyone had enjoyed being involved in some part of the preparation in the food and they sat around the dining room table laughing and talking until well past midnight.
Monday morning, Laura sat at her computer writing up the events of Saturday evening. She included the recipe and told the story how the women were there celebrating not only the start of the book, but her engagement to Christine.
Her next chapter was a romantic dinner of just her and Christine. She told the story how they had met, fell in love. She also included the story about Jackie and how Christine had been so devastated with her death. She had Christine read this chapter to make sure she was okay with the story she told.
“Thank you for including Jackie in our story,” Christine choked on her words.
“She was a part of your life and now she’s a part of my life. Of course, I would include her in the story. Your love for her made me fall in love with you. I wanted what you two had and I’m so happy that you were ready to accept my love.”
“I love you so much, Laura.” Christine buried her head in Laura’s stomach.
“I love you too, baby.”
****
Laura convinced Denise’s parents to participate in the book. Maria and Victor being of Italian descent gave her the chapter on Italian food. She recorded their meal preparation and asked them where they met and how they fell in love and how they kept a marriage going after forty years together. Laura asked how they had met.
Victor began. “I met Maria through her brother Tony. We were friends and when I went to the house I saw Maria and fell in love,” he said hugging his wife. “Maria wasn’t allowed to date because she came from a very conservative family. We were allowed to date when she was sixteen, but only if her brother Tony or Michael were our chaperone.”
“So how did you react to having a gay daughter?” Laura asked.
“It wasn’t easy for us in the beginning. We thought we did something wrong.” Maria shook her head. “Denise made us go with her to a PFLAG meeting and we continued on our own for a long time.” Marie said something in Italian and then looked up at Laura. “I’m sorry. I said I wish Denise could find someone to love. To find happiness like you and Christine.”
“We also want grandchildren from her,” Victor said with a laugh.
Sally participated with her new boyfriend. She gave the prospective of a new couple getting to know each other and sharing a meal with friends.
Laura even invited Denise to participate. She was the single woman unable to find the kind of love that lasts. Denise even allowed Laura to include the pool fiasco in the chapter.
Over the next six months while Christine was at work, she wrote and even added some additional recipes to the back of the book. The pictures Christine had taken over the course of their collaboration were beautiful.
The publisher had her manuscript and the pictures. The meeting was scheduled for next month and she was excited and nervous all at the same time.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Christine asked Laura.
“No, honey. I can do this on my own. Either they like the book or they don’t. It’s one publisher. If I have to publish this book myself, I will.”
“Call me when your meeting is over,” Christine said as she kissed her mouth. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Laura smiled and walked Christine out to her car.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
“So Laura, how did you come up with this idea?” Rita Henson asked.
“I decided I wanted to write a cookbook, but I just didn’t want recipes and pictures. This book tells a story and shows pictures of people having a good time. All different ages, ethnicity and sexual orientation.”
“When you first told me what you wanted to do, I thought it was interesting. I just didn’t know if you could pull it off. Once you sent us the manuscript and those pictures.” She touched her hand to her heart. “The readers here fell in love with your book.” Rita turned around and picked up a book that on the credenza behind her chair. “Take a look of our mock up for your book.”
Laura looked through what they had done with her story and the pictures. She looked up at Rita. “You have taken my vision and brought it to life.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
“This is only a mock-up. When it’s done, I think you will really be impressed.”
“Does that mean you’re going to publish this?”
“Yes, Laura. We very much want to publish your book.” Rita stood and handed Laura an envelope. “Give this contract to your attorney and have them call me. I put the contact information in th
ere too.”
Laura stood knowing the meeting had concluded. “Thank you again, Rita.”
“We will be in contact after the contracts are signed.”
Laura headed down to the lobby where she made her phone call.
“Hi,” Christine said.
“They’re going to publish my book.”
“Oh, Laura. Congratulations. I knew they would love it.”
“They do love it, Chris. I can’t believe it.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You came up with a great idea. There’s nothing like that on the market today. I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m leaving now so we can celebrate tonight.”
“Are you taking out to dinner?”
“Yes, baby. I’ll take you out to dinner and then we come home for our foursome.”
“Would you stop that?” Christine said giggling.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Laura was lying across Christine’s chest in late June. Her fingers gently swirled circles across her bare skin.
“I’ve been doing some checking on the internet,” Laura said as her fingers traced along the soft curls.
Christine was finding it hard to concentrate as Laura’s fingers was returning her arousal again. “Checking what?”
“There’s someone right her in town that can perform our ceremony.”
“Oh yeah,” Christine said in a moan.
Laura sat up. “Are you listening to me?”
“Now I am. What are you talking about?” Christine asked frustrated that Laura was no longer touching her.
“Don’t you think we should set a date and get married? We need to go to City Hall and get a license and pick out rings.”
Christine smiled as she watched Laura’s smile animate with excitement.
“I thought we could ask Carol, Sara, Molly, Sharon and Sally. I’m sure you want Sally to stand up with you.”
“Come here,” Christine said. “You really are something else. Do you know how much you have changed my life?”
“I hope for the better,” Laura whispered.
“Definitely for the better. You’ve opened my world, Laura Lerner. Like no one has ever done before. Jackie and I were good. Really good, but it’s so different with you. I crave your touch, your laughter. Just sitting in a room doing nothing turns my whole world upside down.” She took Laura’s hand. “I don’t care if we just go to City Hall and get married. I just want to be married to you for the rest of my life.”
Laura kissed her mouth feeling the love Christine had just told her with her words. “We will go buy wedding bands this weekend and then I’ll take care of the wedding and the planning.” Her hand came to Christine’s face. “I love you.”
“I love you too, but can we get back to what you were doing a few minutes ago?”
Laura reached for her. The woman she needed in her life, the woman that had made all her dreams come true.
****
Sally came down the staircase carrying flowers with Christine close behind. She was radiant in her light blue dress that came to just above her knee. Sally wore a shade darker dress and they made their way to where Laura stood at the fireplace. Their friends were beaming with pride and happiness. Laura wore an off white suit and both their faces wore the same loving smile.
They each wrote something to say to one another. Laura began,
The first time I met you, I was sad because my dad had just died. When we met again, I knew I wanted to get to know you better. You kept pushing me away and telling me no, but I pushed back. My friends said don’t give up because she’s worth it. They were so right. You, Chris are the love I’ve always wanted in my life and if you stay with me, I promise to always make you happy. I love you with all my heart and soul.
Laura put the diamond band onto Christine’s finger.
Christine already had tears in her eyes before she began her vows.
Laura, I was still so sad when you came into my life. I knew you were a wonderful person, but I couldn’t bring myself to forget, to shed the ghost. Every time I pushed you away, you stayed. I fell in love with you and didn’t realize it right way. I want to thank you so much for not giving up on me and loving me the way you do. I will stay with you the rest of my life.
Christine whispered in Laura’s ear. “No threesomes or foursomes.” Then she put the matching ring on Laura’s hand.
Laura laughed and they both turned to the officiator.
“I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your bride.”
Laura and Christine kissed deeply.
There were congratulations all around.
Sally walked up to Laura and asked. “What did she whisper in your ear?”
“Sorry, but it’s a private joke,” Laura said looking at Christine.
Christine shot Sally a dirty look.
Laura took Christine’s hand and kissed her palm. “Do you feel any different?”
“No.” Christine pulled Laura closer. What will you do tonight to make me feel different?” She pointed her finger. “And I don’t want to hear a foursome.”
“There will be something new to our special party, but you’ll have to wait and see,” Laura said with a wink and pressed her against the wall. “Can we get everyone to leave now?”
“Where did they go?” Sally said from the living room.
Laura stuck her arm out so they could see where they were.
“Can’t keep your hands off from her for five minutes, can you?”
Laura poked her head around the corner. “Jealous, Sally?”
“Damn right I am.”
The group broke out in laughter with her comment.
Christine straightened her dress and used her thumb to remove the lipstick from Laura’s mouth. “I think we better get this party started.”
The last of the guests were fed and out the door by eleven o’clock.
Christine was in the kitchen as Laura approached and wrapped her arms around her. “Give me ten minutes to take a shower and then come upstairs. Okay?”
Christine nodded as Laura planted kisses on the back of her neck.
Laura was in bed with the covers up to her waist when Christine came into the room. Her right leg was raised as she watched Christine take off the dress she had worn all day.
“Don’t fall asleep on me?” Christine said as she went into the bathroom.
“Never,” Laura said licking her lips. She listened to the shower go on and a few minutes later go off. Laura waited with anticipation and then the bathroom door opened. Christine wore a black teddy. “That outfit beat out your silk pajamas by a long shot,” Laura lifted up on her elbows.
“Do you have something special for me under those covers?” Christine asked turning off the bathroom light.
“Why don’t you come over here and find out,” Laura said lying back down.
Christine went to the end of the bed and crawled up to Laura. Her body was positioned over her lover and she felt something.
“What is that?” She asked surprised.
“My special outfit,” Laura said with a laugh.
“I want to see.” Christine through the covers off. “Oh my,” she said swallowing hard.
Laura was wearing a strap on and she opened her arms to Christine. As soon as Christine came down on Laura, she flipped her over on her back. “I want you under me when I take you.” Laura kissed her neck before she took her mouth. Her hands were all over her body and they were breathing heavily. Laura reached down and gently slid the end of the dildo into her. “Are you okay?”
Christine nodded without speaking, but her hand went to the shaft between her legs. She opened her eyes. “Is the other end in you?”
Laura smiled. “It’s for both our pleasure, baby.”
They both lay gasping for air as Laura took off the strap on.
“So what did you think of your first time with a toy?”
Christine rolled toward Laura. “That was fun, but I prefer your mouth and hands on my body.”
“So no threesomes or strap ons?”
“I didn’t say that. The strap on was fun, but I’d rather have the real you.”
“I feel the same way.”
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Laura was on her way upstairs with a load of laundry when the UPS guy rang the front door. He handed Laura a box. She carried it into the office recognizing the address and opened the box. There it was, her cookbook. She ran her hand over the cover and gently turned the pages. The amazement was evident in her eyes as she went page to page reading and looking at the pictures. The mock up had not done the final product any justice. She went back to the hallway and grabbed her keys.
“Chris, Ms. Lerner is here to see you.” The receptionist announced her arrival.
“Send her in,” Christine said and hung up the phone.
Before Laura could reach for the door handle, Christine opened the door and pulled her inside. She pushed Laura against the closed door and kissed her mouth. “This is a nice surprise,” she said wiping her lips.
“That was a great surprise for me too. Never expected to get that in your office.”
“What have you got there?” Christine asked looking down at the book she was carrying.
Laura held the book up and showed her the cover.
“Oh Laura, it’s beautiful.” She took the book and sat down on a chair. Christine would look at a page and then look up smiling at Laura. “I never expected it to look this good. We have to show Sally.”
Laura nodded in agreement.
“Sally, can you come to my office,” Christine said into the phone.
Sally walked in and saw Laura. “Hey,”
“Hi Sally.”
“What’s up, Chris?”
Christine held up the cookbook.
“Ooh, let me see,” she said holding out her arms.
Sally spent the next ten minutes going through every page.
“Sally, you can have that copy. I’ve got more at home.”
“Would you sign it, please?”
Christine held out a pen to her. To the woman who brought my wife back from the brink. I will always love you for that. Laura
Sally looked at the page and wiped her eye. “That’s beautiful.”