CHAPTER 8

Saturday morning…

Sara and Catherine were sitting at the kitchen table. Sara was reading the newspaper and Catherine was writing a letter to an old friend. Lindsey walked in and asked what was for breakfast.

"How about I make you some apple cinnamon pancakes. They're your favorite."

"Sounds yummy. Sara, can I go walk Hank while Mom fixes breakfast?"

"It's okay with me if it's okay with your mom."

"Carry your cell with you and it'll be okay."

Catherine started getting out the ingredients while Lindsey got ready to go. When Lindsey had left, Catherine noticed that Sara had gotten quiet. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, I just love looking at you."

"I love looking at you, too." Catherine said as she walked over and grabbed Sara around the waist and kissed her. Sara grabbed Catherine and pulled her closer. They kissed each other until they had to breathe. They stood looking into each other's eyes, before continuing to kiss. Catherine started on the lips and worked her way down the side of Sara's neck, causing Sara to moan softly.

"Ooh…. that feels so good…" Sara said dreamily, but passionately. "Don't stop…"

Lindsey sauntered in. "Okay, stop it, you two! You were supposed to be making me breakfast, not making the moves on each other." Lindsey giggled.

"Oh, all right, your highness," Catherine teased her.

"Don't I get one last kiss?" Sara said as she sat down with a small pouty lip.

"So…umm…Lindsey, you sure you are okay with this?"

"Yeah, I am okay with it. I couldn't think of a better person for mom than you, Sara."

Catherine spoke up while they were eating breakfast, "What should we do today? It's such a nice day outside. I know this sounds childish…Sara, I know how much you love animals. What about a trip to the zoo?"

"That sounds nice. I haven't been able to go in a while. I don't want to intrude on your time with Lindsey."

Lindsey chimed in, "You are a part of our family now. So, of course you are going." At that point, Sara knew Lindsey accepted the relationship.

Catherine spoke, "Do you feel up to it? I didn't even think to ask."

"Yeah, I will be okay. If I do get tired, I can use a wheelchair if necessary."

"If I say we leave in about an hour, does that give everyone enough time to get ready?"

"Yeah."

"Catherine, I would like to take a bath before I go. Do you think you could help?"

"Anything for you, my love!"

Sara, still as shy as ever, let Catherine help bather her and wash her hair. Catherine had such a gentle touch. Sara loved the way it felt when Catherine ran her fingers through her hair. Catherine helped Sara out and wrap up in a towel.

"Do you want me to help you back to the bedroom so you can get yourself dressed?"

"I'd rather stay here and watch you," Sara whispered. "If that's okay…"

"I most definitely don't have a problem with it." Catherine whispered back, winking. She started her own bath water. As Catherine undressed, Sara stood marveling at the sight. She could resist the temptation no longer. She grabbed Catherine by the waist and pulled her closer, causing her own towel to fall. They were now standing, naked, bodies touching. It was the best feeling that both had in a while. Their hearts were pounding."

"I love you, Catherine Willows."

"And I love you, Sara, with every beat of my heart."

They stood staring at each other for a brief second before kissing again. Catherine picked Sara up and sat her on the bathroom cabinet. "I wish we could spend the day like this, in each other's arms."

"Well, we do have about 30 more minutes…" Sara said wistfully.

"I think if I got started, I would not want to stop."

"Well, then, I guess I will go get dressed. We can try for it tonight." Sara said, winking at Catherine.