CHAPTER 25:

After having a heart to heart with her father after years of estrangement, Reese felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. For the first time ever they actually talked about her life – not a fake version of it in which she was a straight woman to appease her mother and father.

Reese told her father all about both of her daughters, Gabi and Miranda and of how she and Bianca first met, separated, and how they managed to get back together, presently.

They went back to her hotel where they caught up some more with one another's lives. Forrest and Reese laughed as Reese told her father a story about her daughters.

"…So at the skate park, Gabi heard this teenage boy start making fun of Miranda because she has two moms and how her sister dresses like a boy. You have to remember that Gabi is a really feisty nine-year-old. Anyway, Gabi saw how this kid was just messing with her sister, so my daughter takes a hockey stick from one of the kids playing street hockey at the skate park, and the puck."

Forrest laughed hysterically, "She nailed him, didn't she?"

Reese nodded proudly, "A perfect bulls eye to the crotch."

Forrest laughed holding the picture of Miranda and Gabi that Reese showed him from her wallet, "Atta girl. The girls are gorgeous," he handed the picture back to Reese.

"I won't disagree with you there," she tucked the photo back into her wallet.

Forrest stood up, "I should get back home. Sure that you don't want to just stay with me?"

Reese waved a dismissive hand, "I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow morning for the funeral."

"Okay," they embraced in a tight hug – a first in years, "I love you, Pieces."

"I love you, too Dad." Reese walked her father to the door and closed the door behind him after his left.

Now alone in the hotel room, Reese walked over to the widow to see the city buildings lit up in front of her. Quite moments like this made her think of Bianca and all she wanted to do was get herself comfortable in Bianca's arms as they enjoyed this moment together.

Reese grabbed her phone from her pocket and called Bianca's number. Bianca finally answered on the phone.

"Hey," Bianca answered.

"Hey," Reese answered back. "I have to tell you something. You and I have come too far together for me to ruin it by not being honest with you. Sweetheart, I'm not in New York to see a client. I'm in New York because my mother passed away."

Reese waited for Bianca's response on the other end as a momentary silence filled the phone line.

"Can I ask you why you did tell me about it?" Bianca asked calmly.

"Because my family drama has always been messy and dysfunctional. I wanted to spare you all of that. I figured that if I was going to there and be more than likely treated as a black sheep – fine. I refuse to have you treated as how I would be, though."

"And so you lied to me?"

"Yes, but Bianca I swear to you that I was trying to shelter you from my family drama."

"You are my family – don't you get that?! As long as we're in each other's lives then your burdens are mine, too,"

Reese smiled at Bianca's words, "I should have told you. I'm a huge idiot for not being honest.

"You're correct on both counts," she answered matter-of-factly. "You would think by now that I'm going to figure out the truth when you try to protect me through lying."

Reese groaned, realizing that Bianca already knew, "Kendall told you, didn't she?"

"Yes she did. Nice that I had to find out from my sister instead of my girlfriend."

"Baby, I wasn't trying to tell Kendall up front. I told her I had to take off for business and she got upset that I was leaving in the middle of a job and so I had to tell her the truth," Reese explained.

"Your explanation still doesn't make me feel better about the fact that you left me in the dark."

"I know. I promise I'm never going to mislead you again."

"You better not!"

Just then Reese heard a knock on the door, "What the?"

"What's going on?"

"Someone's at the door," Reese scratched her head, "Can't be room service, I have the 'do not disturb' tag up."

"Answer it."

"We're in the middle of an important talk. Hopefully whoever's there will go away."

"Reese, answer it," Bianca pressed. "I'll talk to you soon," she hung up before Reese could say anything else.

Reese went to the door, ready to shoo away room service if it truly was them on the other side of the door. Reese's eyes turned to saucers to see Bianca on the other end of the door.

"Bianca?!" She whispered out in shock.

"Surprise," Bianca smiled at her lovingly.

"Oh God, I'm so relieved that you're here," Reese rushed into Bianca's arms and cried.

The brave front that she held from the moment that she was told about her mother's passing, to the every moment that she got off of the phone with Bianca had evaporated. Bianca lovingly cradled Reese's head as they both held each other.

"You should have never lied to me ever about this! Stop trying to protect me from what you fear might happen." Bianca scolded once they released once another.

"I promise. I just…"

"I know," Bianca entwined her hands in Reese as they went over the couch. "I'm going to your mother's funeral with you," She more stated it than requested it.

Reese smiled, "We may get scowls from some of my mother's socialite friends – just warning you."

"Does that matter to you?"

Reese brought Bianca's hand to her lips, "Hell no," she kissed the back of Bianca's hand lovingly.

"Good. Have you seen your father yet?"

"I have. He and my mother separated soon after seeing me and for the past three years he's been going to PFLAG."

"What? That's amazing! So he's finally supportive of you?"

"Yeah. Who knew?" She smiled happily.

"So are any of your family members going to be there?"

"Well, my mother only has a sister named Vera. Vera and my mother didn't get along. My aunt Vera was the first person I came out to and she was so accepting. Vera's also sort a globetrotting musician, so she and my mother never got along because my mother looked down to her. Vera most likely isn't coming. We've tried getting a hold of her with no luck. As far as attending family members, it's going to be me, my dad, possibly Vera, and my dad's brother August. The rest are going to be my mother's socialite friends."

"No cousins?"

Reese shook her head, "Small family, remember? Vera never wanted to be a mom. And my Uncle August is too much of a big kid to actually have a kid. I'll be the lone offspring," Reese shrugged. "You have to be tired," Reese lovingly pushed Bianca's hair from her face.

"I'm fine. I'm more worried about you. This whole day has been emotionally draining for you."

"We're both tired. I say that we deserve sleep," Reese stood up, holding her hand out to Bianca.

Bianca gladly took Reese's hand as they headed to the bed of the hotel to get some much-needed rest after the day of events.

oooOOOooo

The next day Bianca and Reese went to the cemetery for her mother's funeral. When Reese saw the mahogany colored steel casket and the huge picture of her mother looking oh so regal wearing her best pearls, she hesitated in her tracks. Bianca supportively squeezed Reese's hand.

"Honey, it's okay," Bianca pulled Reese into a hug.

Reese breathed out as she hugged Bianca tightly, "I don't know how I would be able to get through this without you."

Bianca pressed her forehead against Reese's lovingly, "I love you."

"I love you, too." They continued towards the growing group of people for her mother's funeral.

When Forrest spotted his daughter, he rushed over to her and Bianca, "Bianca, hello. I didn't know that you were coming."

"It was sort of a spur of the moment thing," Bianca explained, "It's nice seeing you again, Mr. Williams. Although the circumstance's could have been better."

"I won't disagree with you there." Forrest turned to his daughter, "If you wanted to say a few words, you can. If you're too uncomfortable to say anything, then that's fine too."

Reese sighed sadly, "I'll think about it. Did Vera come?"

"She won't make it."

"Oh…"

"August is here, though," Forrest winced.

Reese scrunched up her face, "Oh."

"What's so bad about your Uncle August?"

"August is a wildcard." Reese explained.

"Did someone call my name?" A voice boomed from behind her father.

Bianca looked at the man who looked sort of like Jeff Bridges circa 'The Big Lebowski.'

"Reese! Long time no see kiddo!" August hugged her, lifting her off the ground. "You look great!"

"Thanks Uncle August."

"Wow," August focused his gaze on Bianca, "Reese, mind introducing me to your gorgeous friend?"

Reese rolled her eyes, "August, Bianca. Bianca, my Uncle August."

"Your young Uncle August," August shook Bianca's hand, "Ms. Bianca, so are you seeing someone?"

"Really August? You're hitting on women at a funeral?" Forrest asked in disbelief.

"Isn't the saying, 'the dead would want us to move on and not be sad'? Exhibit A. big brother. Anyway," he turned back to Bianca, "do you have a boyfriend?"

Bianca and Reese looked at one another knowingly, "No."

August smiled widely, "Would you like one?"

"I'm already involved." Bianca smiled sweetly.

"Lucky guy."

"Lucky girl," Reese interjected.

"Wait, what?" August frowned in confusion as he watched Reese entwined her hand into Bianca's.

"Uncle August, meet my girlfriend, Bianca."

August looked between Reese and Bianca back and forth, "Huh…this is new. So you're actually my niece's girl. Cool," he nodded. "Next time throw me a bone, and bring a straight girl that I can make feel ashamed to have slept with me when she wakes up the next morning. Speaking of," he combed a hand through his hair, "I spy Lilly Evert looking mighty nice in her mournful state. Catch you later!" He scurried off.

Bianca giggled, "Your uncle is…one of kind."

"Glad that someone thinks so. The man is unhinged!" Forrest complained.

"You could have not invited him, Dad."

"I couldn't. He heard about your mother's passing from an acquaintance, so here we are in cringe mode."

"Maybe your brother will behave," Bianca offered.

"And maybe fish can fly," Reese mumbled.

"Never mind August. The service is about to start. Ladies, why don't you take a seat next to me up front?" Forrest gestured as they headed over to the chairs.

ooo

As the service went on and each person stood up to say a few words about her mother, Reese struggled with herself on what her next move was. Say something. Don't say something. Say something. Don't say anything! It was a vicious cycle as each person came up to speak.

Reese watched as her father went up to the podium to speak and his words were meaningful and very touching even though he was separated from her mother at the time of her death.

As Reese continued to debate with herself as to what she should do, suddenly August came to the podium. Bianca looked over to Forrest who stressfully pinched the bridge of his nose as he bowed his head.

"Uh-oh," Reese whispered.

"What?" Bianca asked.

"August."

"Hello!" August waved.

"Dear God," Reese's father groaned.

"Uh…I'm August Williams. Claire's brother-in-law… Claire never was known to let loose. Here's a fun fact: I was trying to get with Claire, but she was into my brother. Dodged a bullet!" His comment was met with groans and gasps, but August carried on unfazed, "My brother, Forrest before he met Claire was a lot like me!" August looked back to Claire's picture then back at the mourners. "After he married Claire, though…Ermmmm…" August looked up to sky as if trying to find his words leaving everyone confused in the moment of silence waiting for him to speak.

"Most awkward silence ever," Reese whispered to her father.

"More like most awkward silence in history!" Forrest whispered back.

Finally August began talking again, "You know. I wise man once said: If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." August looked to each side of the group of people seated, then nonchalantly walked back to his seat.

Everyone was whispering furiously while August sat in a state of oblivion in his chair. The reverend came to the podium having complete confusion etched all over his face.

"What the hell was that?" Bianca whispered feeling just as confused as everyone else.

"Classic August," Reese explained.

"Thank you August. If there isn't anyone else who can speak about Claire Williams–"

"I have a few things to say," Reese stood up. It all happened so quickly that she didn't completely realize that she offered to say a few words until she as standing in front of the podium.

"Um," she smiled nervously, "I'm Reese Williams. I'd like to share a story about my mother, Claire Williams. I remember when I was about seven years old my go-to person had always been dad. This time, though my dad wasn't available because he was on a business trip, so it was just my mom and myself. So here we were: Mom and I with nothing much in common - much less to say to one another. Then she suddenly suggested that we go for a drive. She surprised me by taking me to Coney Island and spending half of the day there," she smiled. "I'll still remember that day of one of the funniest days ever spent from my childhood. That's how I'd like to remember my mother."

With that said, Reese took her seat once more between her father and Bianca. Reese's father grabbed her hand and squeezed it supportively.

"Atta girl," he smiled fighting back tears.

oooOOOooo

After the funeral Reese and her father were approached by her mother's lawyer for the reading of her mother's Will. As expected, Claire left most of everything to her charities. As for some of her sentimental items she left those to her friends and father. When the lawyer got to Reese, instead of possessions, her mother left her with a letter. Reese opened the letter to read just a few words: 'I will never understand why you chose to cut me from your life and choose such a disturbing lifestyle, but I forgive you. -Mom.'

Forrest took both Bianca and Reese out for dinner to lighten the atmosphere due to the events of the day. Reese sat in amazement to see both her father and Bianca together in the same room as her, having a conversation with each other. This scene would have never taken place with her mother. She couldn't help but think back bitterly to the letter that her mother left for her.

"She forgives me?!" Reese suddenly blurted. She had been too shocked to say anything initial during the Will reading. "She cuts me out of her life, doesn't tell me that she was even sick," she turned to Bianca, "never could accept you as the woman I loved or mother of my child, tells me how disgusting I am for being who I am, but she has the nerve to say that she forgives me as if I was some sort of deviant!"

Forrest frowned angrily, "What the hell was she thinking? That's what was in that letter?!" He demanded protectively.

"Yes! No apologizes because Mom doesn't do apologizes – she never would do apologizes! But she sure can forgive you," she looked away as the tears came. "I shouldn't have even come," she whispered.

Forrest rushed to his daughter's side, pulling her into his arms to comfort her, "I'm glad that you did come. If you hadn't we probably would have gone on still not speaking. Something good came from this. We have each other again. Silver linings, Pieces," he gently wiped her tears away with his thumbs.

Reese nodded to her father's words as he kissed the top of her head. "You are more than just a few words on a letter from a small minded woman," Forrest reaffirmed. He pulled her into another hug as she wiped her eyes.

"Your father is right," Bianca rubbed Reese's back lovingly as Forrest sat back down in his chair.

Reese sighed out tiredly, "I didn't expect to get anything from her, but it would have at least been nice to have her acknowledge how she hurt me. Then again, that was too much to ask of her."

"If it makes you feel any better, I think August had the most honest eulogy of your mother." They all laughed.

"Most screwed up eulogy ever!" Reese laughed.

"What exactly was your uncle's point?" Bianca giggled.

"Something about you," she turned to her father, "being a lot like him before you met mom."

"No," Forrest raised a finger up, "for the record, I was never like August. If anything I can agree that I was a lot more laid back before I married your mother. August says that I became sort of a conservative snob after getting married. Anyhow, forget August. When is your flight tomorrow?"

"Early. Really early."

"Don't make yourself a stranger to come back home for a visit."

"There is Thanksgiving," Bianca mentioned. "We're planning on spending Thanksgiving with friends and family. It would be nice for you to come," she turned to Reese, "hopefully I'm not overstepping boundaries."

"No," Reese gave her hand a supportive squeeze, "it would actually be perfect. You could meet the girls and finally we can spend some long overdue family time. If you wanted to come, that is, Dad."

Forrest smiled happily, "I'll clear my schedule." He looked back and forth between Reese and Bianca. "You two really are good together. I'm sorry I didn't try to see it before."

"It's water under the bridge, Forrest," Bianca assured.

Forrest drummed his fingers on the table, "I should go. You both probably want to be alone. After all, come tomorrow you both will once again have parenthood to work around to find alone time together," He stood up.

Reese stood up to hug her father, "I'll call you when I get back."

"I'll hold you to it," he kissed her cheek before releasing his daughter. "Bianca," he turned to her, "I want to thank you for giving Reese the family that her mother and I failed to provide her," he hugged Bianca who happily hugged him back.

"No thank you is warranted. Goodbye Forrest."

"Bye. See you both in Pine Valley," He slipped out of the restaurant leaving the two women alone.

"Did we just invite my father to Thanksgiving?" Reese looked a little shocked mixed in with happy.

"Mm-hm."

"Wow…how things change within a matter of days. We should go back to the hotel and pack for our flight tomorrow."

"We could do that…or we could take advantage of being alone without having to work around our jobs or the kids like your dad mentioned," Bianca pulled Reese into a seductive lip lock.

Reese gazed into Bianca's eyes, already wanting to take her then and there, "Only on one condition," Reese swallowed hard at the passion between them grew.

"Name it."

"Don't mention my father ever again in the same sentence as us talking about making love."

Bianca grabbed Reese's hand, leading her out of the restaurant, "Deal."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you for your unwavering patience while waiting for me to get this chapter out. As mentioned before, I am always writing so don't think that I'm leaving you all hanging for sport. :) Leave your feedback/reviews and next chapter will be up soon.