A/N: So sorry for the delay. I hope you are still interested. I have wanted to update before now but everything I wrote felt forced, so I wrote a little at a time until I had the right feeling for it again. Like I've said before I will not abandon a story. Trust me, I want to write this as much as you (I hope) want to read it. I did some research on New Orleans and included places that I would like to visit, not to mention the food. Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 21

Emily stirred slightly then looked around for a moment as she tried to figure out where she was. She sighed when she saw Rachel next to her and remembered they were on a plane. "Sorry I feel asleep." She mumbled as she sat up and stretched.

"It's okay."

Emily looked at the blonde who was staring out the window. "You okay?" Rachel simply nodded. Emily looked at her watch then back to her girlfriend "Shouldn't we have landed by now?"

Rachel turned to face her "There's a delay on the ground so we're just circling right now. Shouldn't be much longer." She pointed to the window and smiled when Emily leaned over her "You can see out over the Gulf of Mexico."

Emily smiled "It's beautiful. I don't remember the last time I saw the ocean."

Rachel bit back a few tears as she remembered looking out at the ocean the day she left LA. The feel of Emily's hand slipping into hers instantly calmed her though. "Me either."

"Maybe we can save up our money and take a trip to a beach this summer." Now smiling "You, me, the sand and a couple drinks in our hand."

Rachel began laughing "You're rhyming. Are you about to break out into a Jimmy Buffet song?"

"Nope." She leaned in, her lips close to Rachel's ear "Based on how excited you got the last time I sang in public I don't think it would be such a good idea. Especially since we're stuck on a plane."

After finally landing and making it through baggage claim they arrived at their hotel. They were in the French Quarter but Rachel had hoped to get them a room on the famed Bourbon Street. Emily pointed out that she was more than happy with their hotel and they were only two blocks away from Bourbon, plus she was looking forward to just wandering around the area.

"So what are we gonna do first?" Emily asked while unpacking.

"What do you think of just going for a walk and doing a little sightseeing?"

They walked through the streets, Rachel's right arm looped around Emily's left. They took their time wandering in and out of art galleries and shops, enjoying being able to take their time and just be together. On their way back to the hotel they stopped in the historical Jackson Square. "It's so beautiful." Emily said as she turned to the blonde.

Rachel smiled at the woman in front of her, Emily was looking back over her shoulder and grinning while biting the tip of her tongue. The brunette was wearing a pair of dark jeans with a beige sleeveless button down shirt and sunglasses "You are so beautiful."

"What a coincidence," Emily said as she stepped closer "I was just thinking the same thing about you." she took the camera from around Rachel's neck and walked over to an young couple close by who was taking pictures "Excuse me, would you take our picture?"

The young man smiled "Absolutely." He took several pictures, the picturesque St Louis Cathedral their backdrop, telling them he wanted to make sure they had a couple nice ones.

When they returned to the hotel they sprawled out on the bed with several brochures in front of them to plan out things they wanted to do for the rest of the week. Everywhere they had stopped that day Emily had asked for recommendations on places to eat and visit. She had traveled some in her previous life and had learned to ask locals where to eat, they always knew the best places.

"So what are you thinking for dinner?" Rachel grinned as Emily stared off in the distance debating what she wanted. It amazed Rachel on more than one occasion how Emily could eat the way she did yet keep her trim figure.

"I really don't know, there's so much I want to try!" she stood and began looking through her clothes for something to wear "What about that place the woman at the desk recommended? It's not far."

"That little hole in the wall?"

"Sometimes those are the best places to eat." She pulled on a blue long sleeve blouse and a pair of black boots. She leaned over and kissed Rachel lightly "We'll just check it out before we decide whether or not to eat there. Okay?" when Rachel nodded she kissed her again "Okay, get moving because I'm starving!"

Thirty minutes later they were seated in the small restaurant. Rachel had been a little skeptical when they first entered but with the comfortable atmosphere she was changing her mind. Cajun music was playing from speakers on the walls but not loud enough to drown out their conversation. A young waitress with long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail stopped to take their orders. It wasn't lost on Rachel that the young woman favored Emily if she had blonde hair.

"What can I get ya'll today?"

"The Po'boys, are they good or what would you recommend?"

The young woman smiled "We have the best Po'boys in the city."

The couple looked at one another and nodded "I'll have the Fried Oyster Po'boy." Emily said while handing over the menu.

"And I'll have the one with shrimp."

While waiting they talked about their day and how they wanted to spend the evening. "Where did you go a little bit ago?" Emily asked while taking a sip of her sweet tea.

Rachel furrowed her eyebrows "I've been right here the whole time."

"I meant that look, when we were ordering. You had this faraway look like you were thinking."

'Okay this could go badly.' Rachel thought to herself. "It was the waitress." Emily raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms "Not like that!" Now Emily was grinning so Rachel relaxed "I was just thinking she kinda favored you, especially if you had blonde hair."

"Oh."

"Have you ever considered blonde hair? I think you're beautiful just the way you are but I'm just curious."

Emily sat up a little straighter and took a sip of her drink to gather her thoughts "Um…when I was little I did but not since. I guess I'm just used to being a brunette." The conversation was cut short by the arrival of their meal.

"Oh my God, this is so good!" Emily mumbled around a mouthful of food.

"So is mine. You wanna bite?" Rachel asked holding out half her sandwich. They swapped briefly to try what the other had ordered. "Okay, if this is the only thing we eat the entire time we're here I'll be fine with that."

Emily grinned while nodding. "But there's just so much food I want to try." She then groaned "We're gonna be so fat when we go home."

"I guess we'll just have to hit the gym a little harder." She looked up and gave the brunette a smirk "Of course we tend to burn quite a few calories in the bedroom too."

Emily returned the smirk "And in the backseat of cars." She laughed when Rachel nearly choked on her food. "Maybe we can burn a few calories while we're here, get a jump start before going home."

"I love the way you think."

After dinner they wandered through the streets holding hands while music drifted out of the open doors of bars and restaurants. "So where to next?"

"I want to take you dancing." Emily said with a smile. "What do you say we just wander around a bit and find a place that looks good?"

Rachel smiled sincerely "I'll follow you anywhere."

They had walked a couple blocks when Emily stopped "This one!" she said loudly over the Cajun and Creole music coming from inside. She tightened her grip on Rachel's hand and pulled her inside. Rachel couldn't keep the smile from her face as she watched the brunette's hips begin swaying to the music as they entered. Emily turned and shot her a cocky grin "I know you're staring at my ass!"

Rachel slipped her hand into the back pocket of Emily's jeans and gave her a gentle squeeze "And what a perfect ass it is."

They each ordered a Hurricane and sipped their drinks while watching the people on the dancefloor. Rachel kept her hand in Emily's back pocket as they swayed to the music while standing at the bar. "This is sooo good!" Rachel said while taking another drink.

Emily nodded "We are definitely having more of these before we go home."

Finishing their drinks Emily linked her fingers with Rachel's and pulled her to the floor, the music fun and upbeat, the brunette unable to stay still any longer. Their hands stayed together while their free hands rested on one another's waist. While Rachel looked around the room watching the other couples Emily kept her eyes on her girlfriend's face. Watching the blonde was one of her favorite pastimes and even though she had committed to memory every line, freckle and imperfection, to her Rachel couldn't be more perfect.

"You're staring."

"Huh?"

Rachel chuckled "You're staring at me."

Emily ran her fingertips along Rachel's eyebrow and along her cheek "Because you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life….I can't get enough."

While the words made her heart skip a beat Rachel grinned "You're so full of it."

"Oh like you don't get all sappy sometimes." She replied with a quick kiss.

A couple more hours of dancing, another hurricane, and they were ready to call it a night. They walked back to their hotel their arms wrapped loosely around one another's waist. "I'm so tired but this day has been so much fun."

Emily nodded as they entered their hotel and boarded the elevator. "I can only imagine what the rest of the week holds for us."

The next few days were spent wandering around the French Quarter and surrounding area. They spent time visiting museums, galleries and shops. Emily had been especially interested in visiting the WWII Museum, her grandfather having been a soldier who spent time in both France and Germany during the war.

New Year's Eve morning was lazily spent in bed. "So what are we doing this evening?" Emily asked as she placed her hand under Rachel's shirt and lightly ran her fingers across her stomach. Rachel simply shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, come on! You're really gonna play this game?" Again Rachel shrugged while trying to hold back a grin "You know I always win." Emily said as she leaned over and began kissing her neck.

Rachel sighed "Yeah but when you win I win too."

"I'm serious Rachel." Emily said with a pout that she was learning the blonde had trouble saying no to. "We're gonna have trouble finding somewhere to go tonight."

"Okay whiney." This earned her a pinch on the thigh. "I've already made arrangements for us tonight but it's a surprise." Seeing Emily moving in closer and knowing what her girlfriend was about to try "I promise you'll love it but please don't beg me to tell you. I want it to be a surprise."

"Now who's the whiney one?" Emily placed her hand on Rachel's cheek and pressed their lips together, lingering a moment to enjoy the feeling. "But okay, if you want it to be a surprise then I won't ask."

Not knowing how late the night might be they spent the day relaxing and taking a swim in the hotel's indoor pool. As the day went on Emily grew more excited with each passing moment at what the blonde had planned for them. She had a feeling it must be special since Rachel was insistent on her not asking what their plans were.

Rachel was reclining on the bed halfway watching television when Emily stepped from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. "I know you do that on purpose."

"What?" Emily asked innocently as she began looking through her clothes trying to decide what to wear.

"Parading around in a towel knowing we're about to go out." as she stood and walked over to the closet.

"It'll give you something to look forward to when we get back."

Rachel reached into her dress bag and pulled out a cap sleeve red dress, one of her favorites for Emily to wear "I brought this for you to wear."

"Mmm…sneaky aren't we? And just what are you going to wear?"

"Like you need to ask." She replied as she pulled her sleeveless black dress with the low cut back from the bag.

Later as they stood downstairs waiting for a courtesy car the hotel provided Rachel looked at the woman holding her hand "Have I told you lately how absolutely beautiful you are?"

Emily smiled "Once or twice but I can certainly hear it again."

The driver of their car was a kind older man with a strong New Orleans accent. He drew their attention to points of interest, told them things about his city they wouldn't find in guide books and made sure to tell them the best places to eat and drink. When they pulled up to one of the docks on the banks of the Mississippi Emily became slightly confused. "Umm…what are we doing here?"

Rachel took Emily's hand in her own as they walked down to the river boat and pulled two tickets from her purse. "We are taking a river boat cruise."

"Did you forget what happened in Memphis?"

Rachel pointed just behind her ear "Motion sickness patch. I remembered how much you enjoyed our last trip on the boat, at least until I got sick, and when I saw this it sounded so romantic. A trip on the river with the city skyline for our view, dinner buffet and dancing. We'll be back here shortly after midnight and there will be dockside events going on well after midnight."

Emily kissed her "I love you."

They waited a while to see if the patch was working before Rachel attempted anything to eat or drink. Once she realized she was okay they headed to the dining area to have dinner, with the fresh seafood and regional specialties neither were sure where to begin. After their meal they took their glasses of wine outside to watch as New Orleans passed by. "You still okay?" Emily asked while taking a sip of wine.

Rachel smiled while slipping her arm around Emily's waist "I'm good." They stayed outside for a bit when Rachel recommended heading back inside "That Jazz band sounds good, do you wanna dance?"

"Always."

Inside the music was up tempo but after a few songs the music slowed and the couple pulled one another closer. Rachel's left hand and Emily's right were clasped between them, their hands around one another's waist, dancing cheek to cheek. While Rachel's eyes were closed as she simply enjoyed the moment Emily's were open as she watched other couples. They ranged from couples who were younger than they were to elderly couples. She watched one elderly couple, she figured they were in their seventies maybe eighties. The man looked at his wife as if there wasn't another person in the room but her. She smiled as she thought about that's how Rachel looked at her, she only hoped they were still as in love at that age as what they were now. She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Rachel whisper in her ear.

"What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking about how loved you make me feel." Tears were now forming in her eyes "I'm thinking how no one has ever made me feel as loved or special as you make me feel. I'm thinking about how much I love you and how I wish I could articulate it but there are no words to explain just how much I do love you." a few tears escaped both their eyes now "And I'm thinking about how I hope were still as in love in fifty years as we are at this moment."

Rachel smiled through her tears "I feel the same way, and I know we'll still be just as in love in fifty years. I can't tell you just how much I love you but I can certainly show you." She leaned in and pressed their lips together, pouring all her love into it.

"Ladies and gentlemen." A voice came across the speakers "It's almost midnight and for those of you who would like to, if you proceed to the starboard side of the boat you will be able to see a spectacular fireworks display."

"Come on." Emily said pulling Rachel toward a door "I want to go outside and watch."

They stood on the upper deck along the railing, Emily standing behind Rachel with her arms wrapped around the blonde. Rachel rested her hands on Emily's and pulled them tighter. When the last few seconds of the year ticked away Rachel tilted her head and met Emily for a passionate kiss, their tongues sliding against one another's. "Happy New Year baby." Emily whispered when they parted.

"Happy New Year." Rachel replied before turning back to watch the show on the river bank.

It was after one am when they finally arrived back at their hotel. They had stayed on the docks dancing and celebrating the New Year. Rachel was now standing in her pajamas looking out their window at the revelers who were still in the streets. She looked around and smiled at the sight of Emily leaving the bathroom. The brunette was wearing a pair of blue sweats and a white t-shirt, her face free of makeup. Rachel placed her hands on Emily's hips and pulled her close for a passionate kiss. When they finally broke for air Rachel looked down Emily's body then back into her eyes "Whether it's a sexy red dress like earlier or sweats and one of my shirts, you are the most gorgeous person I've ever laid eyes on."

Emily gave a slight pout then smiled "You're so full of it." she began pulling Rachel toward the bed.

"Nope, just being honest." She said as she fell on top of the brunette.

The covers were thrown back while clothes were tossed to the floor. Rachel straddled the brunette and pinned her hands to the bed while grinding down against her. "You like this don't you?"

Emily groaned but smiled "I like you any way I can get you."

Rachel leaned in for a kiss while repositioning her hips. Both sighed at the feeling of their clits rubbing against one another's. "Been a while since we've done it this way."

Emily pulled her knees up giving the blonde better access while grasping Rachel's ass and pulling her closer "It's been too long. This feels so good!"

Rachel did her best to take it slow and draw out their pleasure but they could only wait so long. "I'm so close."

"So am I, go faster."

Rachel increased the speed of her thrust while Emily moved against her. She silently hoped no one was in the hallway, they would surely hear the moans and sighs coming from their room. "I'm gonna…" the words didn't make it out of her mouth before she felt her climax take over. She tried to hold herself up but it was no use as her arms gave out.

"Oh fu…!" Emily cried out. "Yes!" she gasped for air and held the blonde close to her body. The sweatiness, the trembling, the gasps for air, she memorized it all. Every moment they shared together she committed to memory. She rose up and placed a tender kiss to Rachel's lips "I love you."

Rachel slowly slid off and reached for the covers that were mostly in the floor now. She pulled them up over them and snuggled close "I love you too."

After rising late on New Year's Day they headed out for a bit to eat before doing more sightseeing. They were now seated in the legendary Café Du Monde, after having it recommended to them repeatedly. When Emily had been told it was the best place in the city to get beignets and au lait she knew she had to try it. The café had been serving the sweet treat since the Civil War.

A handsome young man no more than eighteen welcomed them before taking their order. Once he was gone Emily laughed at the look on Rachel's face.

"What?"

"He's barely legal."

"What are you talking about?" feigning innocence.

"That kid is a dead ringer for a young Harry Connick Jr. and we both know how much you love him." she could tell the blonde was about to deny it so she cut her off "Don't even try it. We listened to his Christmas CD more than anyone else's, when his character dies in Independence Day I've seen the tears in your eyes." Now she was laughing "If he were to walk through the door right now you would be a babbling, shaking mess."

"So I have a thing for him, sue me." she then smiled her sweetest smile "He still can't compare to you though."

Emily shook her head "Like I told you last night, you're full of it." she glanced around the room then back into brown eyes "I would give this month's paychecks just to see your reaction if we did run into him."

"Okay ladies here you go." The young man said while sitting their order on the table. Emily had to admit he was very handsome and she loved his accent. "Is this your first time visiting us?" When both nodded he smiled "Well it's a tradition that on your first visit you blow the powdered sugar off your first beignet and make a wish." He smiled as their eyes darted around the room seeing others doing so and knowing he wasn't just putting them on. "Ladies, enjoy." He said before walking away.

They each picked one up and looked at one another while thinking about their wish. "On the count of three." Rachel said "One…two…three." 'I wish that I'll never lose her.'

Emily blew the powder onto her plate 'I wish that I'll be with her the rest of my life.'

With a breakfast that was so full of sugar and caffeine they spent the afternoon walking all around the French Quarter. They stopped in shops to buy souvenirs for themselves as well as their friends at home. As afternoon was beginning to turn into early evening Emily surprised Rachel with a horse drawn carriage ride back to their hotel. It had reminded her of the ones in New York and if she couldn't share a carriage ride around Central Park with the blonde this was the next best thing. Their driver was kind and gave them a little history lesson as well as lesser known facts about the city. After a while he grew quiet and allowed them to enjoy the remainder of the ride talking to one another.

Rachel was looking up at some of the older buildings in this part of the city when she was aware of Emily staring at her "What?"

"I want to live with you."

Rachel laughed "I thought we already decided this."

Emily nodded and sat up a little straighter "I mean, I want to live with you. I want to live with you in your house…in our house."

Rachel turned to face her better "Are you sure? What about your place?"

"I like my house but I love yours. In all honesty I feel more comfortable there than I do at my own."

Both were now smiling brightly "So you're moving into my house?"

Emily nodded while leaning in for a kiss "I'm moving into our home."

The next few days seemed to fly by for the couple. There were evenings spent going to bars and clubs to hear all the different types of music that made up the city. One night was a ghost tour that took them through supposedly haunted locations and a cemetery. While Rachel had said she didn't believe any of it, on more than one occasion she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. They rented a car and took a drive just outside the city to tour some of the Civil War era plantations. Emily did her best Scarlett O'Hara impersonation which simply drew laughter from her girlfriend. On their last day they spent the day riding around the city on the old fashioned streetcars.

The morning they were to leave they made another trip to Café Du Monde for one last breakfast before heading to the airport. After passing through security and waiting to board Rachel sat leafing through a magazine while Emily made a trip to the restroom. Emily had just sat down after returning when she began hitting Rachel on the leg "What the hell?!"

"Oh my God, it's him!"

"Who?"

"Harry Connick Jr."

"Where? Where?" Rachel asked as she sat up straight and began looking around.

"Right there." Emily pointed.

"Where? I don't see him!" she looked down at her carry on "Oh my God my camera's not in here! Is it in yours?"

Emily reached for hers "I think it's in here. He's coming this way."

Rachel began to stand when he finally came into view but instead turned to face Emily who was laughing hysterically. "That's not him!"

Emily shook her head "I know, I couldn't resist. Your reaction was priceless! You were such a girl!"

Rachel settled back in her chair but not before landing a punch to Emily's thigh "I hate you."

Emily continued to laugh but rubbed her thigh "That hurt."

"Serves you right."

Emily began to pout and leaned in close "Are you still gonna let me live with you?"

"I'm seriously reconsidering it now."

"But…but…but…" Emily whined. She could see the blonde was struggling not to grin "But I wuve you!"

Rachel sighed as she looked to her left, a smile slowly growing "How can I say no to that face?" she kissed her lightly "You're still allowed to move in."

"Yes!" then another kiss "I do love you."

"And I love you."