Disclaimer: See chapter 1
Sara finished going through the room and removing all evidence of Catherine's lost battle. She did the same throughout the house. She entered Lindsey's room, made her bed, gathered all of her dirty clothes and started a load of laundry before heading to the kitchen to check the cupboards. The only thing she'd ever been good at in the kitchen was---another memory came flooding back to her…
Catherine always hosted a New Year's party for the night shift. It was always on New Year's even and during the middle of the day but it didn't matter. It was an excuse for everyone to get together, maybe have a few drinks, and relax. Sara went every year and always felt extremely out of place. Social events, even among her friends, were uncomfortable for her. This one particular New Year's, Sara had actually managed to pull a night off. She decided that it was okay to have a few (or more) drinks and really, for once, try to loose up and enjoy herself. A few hours and a few too many beers into the party, Sara went into the kitchen to grab another beer from the fridge. She had the door open and was bent over looking for her brand when she felt her. Catherine pressed her body against hers and leaned in to grab more Heinekens for the guys. Catherine hadn't been able to help herself when she brushed her lips against Sara's ear and whispered, "Has anyone ever told you what a nice ass you have?" Sara spent the rest of the evening incredibly self-conscious, majorly turned-on, and curious as to why Catherine had said that.
Snapping back to the present, Sara took a pad out of the junk drawer and began to make a list of the food they'd need. A strict vegetarian, she was unsure how she was going to handle all of this with a teenager. From a strictly scientific point of view, all of the vitamins and nutrients that Lindsey would need were found in vegetables. She didn't actually need meat. But how comfortable would you be preparing meals for Lindsey if meat was included? She blocked the idea immediately and decided that they could eat out a few nights each week so that Lindsey could have meat if she wanted it.
She set the list aside so that she could get Lindsey's input before she went shopping. She didn't want to remove the memory of Catherine from this home, but she wanted to remove the reminders of her death so that they weren't eh first things Lindsey saw when she came home. She opened the door leading to the front porch and removed the wreath from the door. As she turned to walk back inside, another memory brimmed to the surface…
Standing at the front door with flowers in her hands, she could hear Cath telling Lindsey to get the door. Instead of being met by the elder Willows, Sara soon found herself face to face with mini-Catherine.
"Sara! Mom's still getting dressed. She can't decide what to wear. I think she's going to be dressed too nice," Lindsey said as she grabbed Sara's hand and dragged her toward the couch. "Are those for Mom?"
"Yeah, they are. You think she'll like them? Sara asked hoping that her nervousness didn't show too much.
"Mom loves flowers. No one ever gives them to her anymore. Sara, are you & my mom dating? Are you her girlfriend?"
"You don't have to answer that," Catherine directed at Sara. "And as for you, young lady, that is none of your business! How many times do we…"
"Actually, Linds, tonight was supposed to be the first date your mom and I officially went on. And you have to go out a few times before you can be called a girlfriend." Catherine's chastising of Lindsey was cut short by Sara cutting her off.
"Oh," Lindsey said. "Cool, I guess." Catherine stood there with her mouth hanging open. She had not intended to have this conversation with Lindsey just yet—if at all. She had wanted to make sure things would work before broaching this Lindsey.
"I have an idea. Lindsey, how about you come with us tonight?" Sara asked as her eyes met with Catherine's. Catherine gave her a questioning look before telling Lindsey to go and get ready.
"Are you sure you want her to come with us? My feelings won't be hurt if you would rather drop her off at Nancy's," Catherine offered.
Sara walked over to her, placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and said, "First of all, these flowers are for you. And secondly, spending time with Lindsey is just as important as spending time with you. If this is going to work—and right now I hope it will—she has to know she is just as important to me as you are. You two are a package deal. I understand that and wouldn't have it any other way."
"Oh! My! God! Are you for real? I don't think anyone has ever said anything quite so sweet," Catherine said before claiming Sara's lips in a passionate kiss. As she broke the kiss, she added, "I'll admit to being a little disappointed. I had hoped to have you in my bed tonight."
"My, my, my! Ms. Willows—a little presumptuous, aren't you? This is, after all, the first date. What makes you think I'd sleep with you on the first date?"
"Well, we've been doing dinner, a movie and making out on the couch since New Years. I had hoped for a little more at some point," Catherine said as she did little to hide her disappointment.
Sara drew Cath to her in a tight embrace, "Oh, babe. There's nothing wrong with us going slow. With my past and your little girl, we don't need to rush things and ruin this. Believe me, I want nothing more than to make love to you all night long," Sara said. "Tonight, however, I'd be content to sleep with you. Would you mind if I slept with you and help you all night?"
"That sounds perfect," Catherine replied.
"Okay!!! I'm ready!!! Where we goin'?" the younger Willows asked as both she and Catherine looked at Sara expectantly.
"I was thinking dinner and a movie. Lindsey, you can even pick the movie."
"Awesome!" was all the kid could exclaim as she ran out the front door followed by her mom and Sara.
