Frame by Frame

by CJ Murphy

  Laurel and Val had asked everyone who wanted to give them a gift to fill a large pickle jar with donations instead. The money would be divided between Gary Sinise’s charity and Betty’s Bus, which offered free or low-cost mammograms to women whenever the mobile clinic came to their community. Surprisingly, everyone complied with the newlyweds’ wishes and soon a second jar had to be found.

  It was closing in on midnight when Val and Laurel announced they would be leaving. Val had one more surprise for her new wife and she was buzzing with anticipation. There was a crew on standby to clean everything up after the last reveler left and a group of designated drivers to take partygoers home or to rented cabins. Val kissed her mother, thanked her for coming, and then kissed Ree. “Thank you for believing in me and making me a part of this family.”

  Ree patted her hand. “No thanks needed, honey. Take care of my Laurel there. That’s all I can ask for.”

  “That’s a promise.”

  Ree opened her arms and Laurel stepped into them. “Liebchen, I couldn’t be happier for ya. Live every day, child. This is the ice cream on the crisp.”

  Crying, Laurel choked out her reply. “I will. I love you, Gram.”

  Within minutes, Val and Laurel were headed up the mountain. They turned off the highway and onto the road leading to Laurel’s Meadow. Laurel glanced over at Val. “I’m going to be patient because this is your surprise, my love.”

  Val grinned. They broke into the clearing and Val headed toward a glowing tent, glancing every so often at the look of awe on Laurel’s face.

  “What in the world?”

  Val chuckled, hefting a bag she’d hidden in the back of the truck and motioning her forward. “It’s called a yurt. I wanted something different that we could stay in whenever we needed to get away.”

  Laurel put her hands on her face, staring. “Oh, Val.”

  They walked up to the tent-like structure. “I stayed in one out in Montana once.” Val thought the cloth and wooden structure fit perfectly in with the surrounding landscape. “It gives us more room than a camper, and it won’t feel like a box.”

  Val swept Laurel up into her arms. She cradled Laurel, kissed her, and carried her across the threshold.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  LAUREL HELD TIGHTLY TO Val’s neck as she was carried into the yurt. She loved the soft glow it gave off. She ran her fingers through her lover’s hair as Val laid her down on the bed, lying down and hovering above her. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, my beautiful wife.” Val’s eyes smoldered with desire. She rolled over onto her side and propped herself up on her left elbow.

  “My wife. That sounds so good coming out of your mouth.” Laurel traced a fingertip across Val’s lips. She kissed her. The minute their lips parted, she rose and undid Val’s bowtie, leaving it hanging loosely around her neck. “You looked so handsome today. I know your mom hated the jeans, but I couldn’t imagine you any other way. The tux jacket was damn sexy.” Laurel ran her fingers down the buttons of Val’s dress shirt.

  “You pretty much took my breath away. If Jo hadn’t been there to hold me up, I swear I’d have passed out.” Val ran a hand lightly down Laurel’s arm until she held the hand that now wore her ring. She kissed it and held it tightly to her cheek. “I never dreamed I’d have someone to wear my ring.”

  “I never dreamed I’d find someone I was willing to take the chance with.” Laurel removed the pearl studs of Val’s shirt, dropping each of them on the teakwood floor one at a time. After removing the last one she stood. “Unzip me, please?”

  She watched Val sit up. As Val unzipped the soft eyelet dress down to the small of her back, Laurel felt Val kiss her bare skin. She leaned into the touch and shivered with pleasure at the light bite and lick that followed. Laurel turned and pushed Val onto her back. Laurel watched Val’s eyes as she drew the dress over her right shoulder then her left, letting the fabric pool at her feet. Laurel stood before Val in a sheer white teddy and her high heel shoes. Val’s eyes widened. Her hair was still up and Laurel pulled the pins, letting it fall to her shoulders, and heard Val’s breath hitch.

  Laurel stalked around the bed running a single fingertip up the inside seam of Val’s jeans. She watched as her lover and wife shuddered at her touch. Reaching for Val’s belt, she single handedly undid the buckle and slid it free. She slowly popped every rivet on the button fly jeans, all the while watching Val’s chest rise and fall in an uneven rhythm. She put a knee on the bed between Val’s legs and leaned over to lightly kiss her abdomen, running her tongue teasingly around the belly button. Her hand brushed over her lover’s chest as Val ran her fingers into her hair. Val pulled her hand up and kissed her palm. The touch of Val’s lips to any part of her skin made her shiver with anticipation.

  “No touching, lie still.” Laurel pushed back Val’s shirt and the tux jacket, until her breasts were exposed.

  The desire Laurel saw was pure hunger. Val obeyed her order to remain still, as Laurel stalked up her body, stopping at her breasts and placing soft lips over a taut nipple. She teased it by licking, sucking, and biting it, all while locked onto Val’s eyes.

  A look of intensity passed over Val’s face, and it nearly took Laurel’s breath away. She watched those eyes flutter shut and her back arch as she ran her fingers over the waistband of Val’s silk boxers under her jeans. Val gasped as Laurel slid a finger under the elastic, her hips rising to meet the touch.

  Laurel seductively licked her lips. “What, love?”

  “Laurel, please, touch me.”

  “I will. Eventually.” The power she felt at controlling this strong, handsome woman was intoxicating. Laurel kissed her way back down her body and heard a moan from Val.

  Val trembled at the touch and grasped the sheets. Laurel removed Val’s gleaming leather boots, letting them thud to the platform floor. She ran her hands up the outside of Val’s legs and grabbed the jeans tugging them down and off, leaving Val in her shirt, tux jacket, and black silk boxers.

  Laurel removed Val’s prosthesis and sat it on the floor. She ran a hand up through the boxer legs, brushing Val’s center, feeling the wetness that gathered there. Val gasped and bucked with pleasure. Laurel withdrew her fingers and licked each one, as the other hand pulled on the boxers until she lay naked from the waist down.

  Laurel rose over her and smiled. “You okay?”

  “Fuck no, I want you,” Val hissed.

  Laurel held up her left hand and rolled her wedding ring around her finger. “You have me.”

  Val squirmed. “You know what I mean.”

  “Oh, I do. Right now, I want you.” Laurel settled herself again between her legs running the tip of her index finger over Val’s center. A smile crossed her face as Val arched into the touch. Laurel withdrew, prolonging her seduction. Laurel’s hand brushed Val’s soft sandy triangle and curled her fingers in it. She let her thumb brush lightly across the swollen clit. Pleasure spiked through her and she licked her lips. When Val let out a whimper, Laurel knew she was close to breaking. Laurel moved down and held her face inches above Val’s clit, her tongue extended. So close that with the smallest of movements, she would be able to taste her. She blew warm air across the heated flesh, making Val shiver and give another pleading moan.

  Laurel released Val’s curls and used both hands to expose her. With the tip of her tongue, she separated the silky folds and licked. Val let out a guttural moan as Laurel’s tongue drove deep inside her. The feeling of stroking Val, combined with reaction of Val’s body, drove Laurel to the edge.

  Laurel stroked Val with her tongue as she slowly began to enter her. Val grasped for Laurel with her right hand. She saw tears flow down Val’s cheeks as she entwined their fingers together, binding them in yet one more way. Laurel locked eyes with her. What she wanted Val to see was love and security. She channeled every ounce of love she could into her gaze. Surrender. With the unspoken request, Laurel watched as Val’s body tensed. She felt muscles clamp hard aroun
d her fingers and Val slipped over the edge. Laurel followed her with blinding intensity, giving in to her desire. They lay there panting together. Laurel crawled up Val’s body and kissed her. “I love you Val.” Hearing her wife murmur the same, they fell asleep, secure in the love that surrounded them both.

  It was still early when they woke. Sometime in the night, they had shed the remainder of their clothes. Laurel lay on top of Val, rubbing small infinity symbols on her chest with the tips of her fingers. “You hungry?”

  Val kissed her head and moaned something unintelligible.

  Laurel snickered. “Was that a yes?” Her laughter shook the bed. She raised her head and propped her chin on Val’s chest. She traced Val’s lips with her fingers and stretched to kiss her.

  Val wagged her eyebrows. “Depends on what type of hunger you’re talking about.”

  Laurel dug her finger into Val’s side. “You’re insatiable.”

  Val’s eyes roamed her body. “With all this at my fingertips, can you blame me for enjoying the bounty?”

  She met Val’s eyes and watched them darken with desire. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, more than I ever knew I was capable of.”

  Laurel slid up Val’s body, straddled her hips and cupped her face. “Just so you know, that feeling is mutual.” She kissed Val again and looked at the ring on her finger. “I know it’s real. Somehow, I still can’t believe it. We’re married, you’re my wife.”

  Val’s hands traveled up Laurel’s sides. “So do I, and she’s without a doubt the sexiest woman alive.”

  Laurel fell forward burying her face into the crook of Val’s neck. “I’m of the opinion that I have the sexiest woman alive as my wife. God, I love the sound of that.”

  Val intertwined their hands. “Say it as often as you like.” Her stomach growled.

  Laurel tried to suppress a laugh, failing miserably. “Sounds like that,” she said pointing to Val’s stomach, “is indicating you have another type of hunger. Is this place stocked?”

  “I had them put the essentials in. You should find eggs, cheese, milk, assorted vegetables, and bread, I think. There’s probably more there than that. I didn’t get to do a pre-honeymoon inspection.”

  Laurel looked around at the cozy set up that was beginning to lighten with the rising sun. It was a wide-open space with a small kitchen off to one side and a table that folded up, saving space. Colorful tapestry rugs were scattered around the room and a small walled off area was to the right of the bed.

  “I can’t believe you had this built. It’s incredible.” It smelled like fresh linen and sunshine.

  Val stretched, pushing the covers off them both. “I wanted to give you a memorable wedding gift. It has all the conveniences of home.” She laughed. “Aside from a short gray-haired firecracker.”

  Laurel thought about what she had for Val and wondered when would be the best time to give it to her. She’d agonized over what to do and had spoken to Liz about it several times. “Stay right here, I have something for you too.” She kissed her, got up and reached into her overnight bag. She pulled out a thick letter size envelope. When she crawled back onto the bed, she handed it to Val.

  Val eyed the letter. “What’s this?”

  “My wedding gift to you.” She propped up the pillows and helped Val sit up. She curled up beside her love so she could be close in case what was in the letter threw Val into a flashback. I hope this brings her the closure she needs to heal.

  ***

  Val tilted her head and squinted at Laurel as she tore open the envelope. She pulled out the few sheets of paper and unfolded them. Something fell out of the folds. She stared at the picture of a young man. He appeared to be a teenager, with dark brown skin, straight shiny black hair, and deep brown eyes. He was dressed in dishdasha, a long-sleeved robe, and some loose-fitting pants. He held something in his hands. Val turned to look at Laurel with an unspoken question.

  Laurel cupped her cheek and tapped the papers with her other hand. “Read the letter, my love.”

  Val let her eyes drift to the papers.

  Corporal Valkyrie Magnusson,

  My name is Amal Al-Jamil. I’m happy to finally make contact with you. I was the child you helped save in the schoolyard in Toraq. I have only recently learned your name. I have no real memories of that day, other than being given school supplies. After a long recovery in the infirmary, I was finally able to return to school. I have recently graduated. I wanted to thank you for caring for me that day. They tell me you stopped the bleeding in my damaged leg. The doctors told my parents that without your intervention, I might not have survived. Unfortunately, I lost my leg, but I’m grateful to be alive. I want to attend a university next year, and I hope to become a doctor so I may help my people. I hope to meet you some day. Until then, I can only express my extreme gratitude for your kindness.

  Amal

  Val’s hands shook as she held the letter. A tightness built in her chest and darkness closed in. Her vision was closing down. Her breathing was rapid and shallow, her chest burned, and the room disappeared. She felt the warmth of Laurel’s hand on hers, penetrating her conscious.

  “Honey, It’s Laurel. I’m right here, Val. You’re not in Iraq, and there’s no danger. Look at me, Val, I’m right by your side. We’re in our bed, and you are so loved.”

  Val turned her head and focused on Laurel, seeking the warmth of her eyes. She heard Laurel tell her to stay in the present. The soft voice drew her back.

  “You’re safe.”

  Finally, the fog in Val’s eyes cleared. She shook her head. “Laurel?” Her face finally came clearly into view. She rubbed her temple with her fingers, letting the letter fall in her lap.

  Laurel reached up and clasped Val’s shaking hands. “I know baby, I know. It’s a lot to take in. I hope it brings you peace. Amal is alive and well, thanks to you.”

  Laurel’s eyes drew her in, locking them together. “I don’t know what to say.” Val pulled one of her hands from Laurel’s grasp and scrubbed her face. “It wasn’t that long ago that I realized it was me holding him.”

  Laurel shifted closer and shrugged. “I had to do some digging to find all this out. I remembered you told me this all happened at one of the events you were covering for Gary Sinise’s charity. I enlisted Liz and Jo to make contact with Tess.”

  “Tess?”

  Laurel winced and let go of Val’s left hand, smoothing out a wrinkle on the bedsheet. “Don’t be mad. Liz and Jo helped me.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m not mad.” She leaned forward, kissed her forehead, and rested her own there. “I’m just surprised you remembered her name and where she worked.”

  Laurel placed her palm on Val’s face, tracing her cheekbone with her thumb. “Love, there isn’t anything you’ve told me about your past that I’ve forgotten. All of those things make up who you are.”

  Val felt the terror melt away. She shook her head in confusion. “I still don’t know how you found all this out.”

  “I asked Jo and Liz if they knew Tess. When they said yes, I asked them to have her call me.”

  Val rolled her eyes back and shut them. “That had to be awkward.”

  “Not as bad as I expected. She actually said she was really happy for you. Shocked, but happy. She told me you had a bit of a commitment aversion.”

  She felt Laurel trace her eyebrow and opened her eyes to see earnest green eyes staring back at her.

  Laurel smiled sheepishly. “She said that if I’d managed to capture your heart that I’d never have to worry about you not being around. Tess honestly said that what happened between you two, as far as parting ways, was amicable. She also wanted you to know that she and Kelly were getting married.”

  Val opened her eyes wide. “That’s fantastic news. Kelly is great. Tess deserves what I couldn’t give her. Now that I look at it, I couldn’t give what I didn’t have. I didn’t realize what I was missing until the day I met you. After that, it all came together. I kne
w where I wanted to be. I knew who I was and where my future was.” She watched Laurel shake her head and grin. She grabbed Laurel’s hand and stroked the knuckles with her thumbs. “I know, it took me a while to get there. What I can see so clearly now, was that it was all worth it to be right here, right now.” She picked up Laurel’s hand and held it to her face, kissing the palm.

  “There’s something else in that envelope.”

  Val shook it and another picture of Amal fell out.

  “That’s Amal getting his new prosthesis,” Laurel explained and pointed to the picture. “Look at that smile. You should recognize a few people in that picture.”

  Charley, Daren, and Anya stood around him, grinning from ear to ear. Val looked up at Laurel, confused. “He’s here in the States?”

  Laurel shook her head. “He is, and will be for the foreseeable future. He and his family are trying to immigrate to the United States. He’s anxious to meet you.”

  Val pointed to her chest. “Me?”

  Laurel placed her palm against Val’s chest. “You saved his life.”

  Val sat for a minute, saying nothing. “I…” She stopped.

  “Just think about it, baby. You don’t have to, and Amal isn’t expecting it. We didn’t say anything to him. He was sponsored by one of the international charities to come here and be fitted for his new leg. Anya worked with Tess to get all his documentation together. His family is working to bring his two sisters and his father over. Right now, he’s here with his mother.”

  Val shook her head and leaned it back in an attempt to stop the tears threatening to fall. “Gotta love my Bodyshop family.”