Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Author: Kimberly21570
Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children
Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca
Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, and Frank Cooper, are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena and Paulina Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Erica Kane, Alexander Cambias, Jr. and Sr., and Zach and Kendall Slater are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney.
For the purposes of this story, both of Kendall's boys belong to Zach, and the older boy's name is Erick (after his G-ma Erica), not Spike. Who the fuck would name a baby Spike? *rolling eyes* Anyway, my apologies to anyone who might be a fan of Cameron Mathison, but I absolutely cannot stand the guy—neither the actor, nor the character. He's like the Frank Dicopoulos of All My Children, in my eyes—except that I haven't always hated Frank—the character, or the actor. But, I digress… Anyway, thanks to the wonders of fan fiction, Ryan Lavery does not exist. With just a few simple keystrokes, I have effectively rid Pine Valley of that self-righteous jackass. Hehe—I love the power of fan fiction!
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, or any other entity. Dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Rating: Chapter 9.4 is rated PG. I think there might be a curse word or two, but nothing truly objectionable.
Hope you all enjoy the update…
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May, 2009
"Honor isn't about making the right choices. It's about dealing with the consequences."
Anonymous
"Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences."
Norman Cousins
Chapter 9.4 – When Past and Present Collide:
Friday, April 24, 2009… Martha's Vineyard—7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
"Oh, my God, you are a sight for sore eyes," Olivia declared. There was a distinct air of fondness in her tone, as she hugged Lena hello. They had just arrived at the cottage after the short drive from the airport. Lena hadn't needed to call the car service to arrange for the "scenic tour" of the Vineyard after all, because Olivia called from the jet to let her know their flight was slightly delayed.
"Let me look at you." Lena stepped back slightly from their embrace, giving Olivia the once-over. "You look wonderful, Spence," she complimented. "It's so good to see you." She hugged Olivia again.
Shifting nervously on her feet, Natalia's heart pounded. Not in response to the embrace, of course, but from the anxiousness evoked by the prospect of meeting these people who so obviously cared for Olivia.
Over Olivia's shoulder, Bianca caught the chauffeur's gaze, and smiled. "The main guest bedroom, if you would, please, Daniel," she said in response to his unspoken question.
Daniel Lambert nodded cordially in response, and Bianca offered him a sincere, "Thank you," as she gently patted his arm. Nodding again, he headed through the living room toward the hallway that had become familiar through his years of providing service to the Montgomery-Kundera family.
After directing Daniel where to place their guests' luggage, Bianca stepped toward Natalia. Shifting Alexandria from her right hip to her left, she extended her right hand. "Hello," she said, warmly. "I'm Bianca."
The baby babbled her own introduction, and everyone laughed. "This is Alex," Bianca chuckled, tipping her head toward her daughter. "And you must be Natalia. It's wonderful to meet you."
Natalia nodded and smiled, albeit a bit bashfully, as she accepted the proffered hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Bianca," she said, warmly.
Everything about this woman told Bianca that Natalia was warm and affectionate, and that a hug would not only be welcomed, it would be preferred. And the handshake easily turned into a close hug.
"Olivia's told me so much about all of you," Natalia was saying, as she returned the hug with delighted ease.
"She didn't tell you about any of my dastardly misdeeds, did she?" Lena piped in, casting a roguish grin toward Olivia. She had made restitution for her past, and was finally in a place in her life where she could be honest about her transgressions, without feeling guilty or unworthy.
The sound of Lena's voice drew Alex's attention. She reached toward Lena, babbling, "Ma-ma-ma-m."
"None at all," Natalia assured, accepting a warm hug from Lena, as well. "Though, I can't imagine any of them being more dastardly than hers." Her face wore a teasing grin.
Olivia feigned offense, and Lena laughed. "She's got your number, Spence," Lena ribbed, as she accepted the baby from her wife's arms.
Wrapping her arm around Natalia's waist, Olivia pulled her close. "I gave it to her willingly." She kissed Natalia's temple lightly.
Natalia liked the way that felt—Olivia's ease in embracing her, both literally and figuratively, in front of her longtime friends. She hadn't hesitated for a moment. Draping her arm across Olivia's lower back, she rested her hand on the svelte curve of a hip. It felt a bit possessive to touch Olivia there, and Natalia rather liked that feeling.
Spotting Emma peeking out from behind Natalia, Bianca crouched down to her level. "Hey there, Emma," she greeted. "Do you remember me?"
Emma nodded and smiled. "You're my Auntie B," she said, in her usual cheery tone. "Mommy showed me pictures from the last time I was here."
"She did?" Delivered more in exclamation than question, Bianca sounded excited about that; and it incited excitement from Emma in response.
"Uh-huh." Emma was nodding her head enthusiastically. "I played in the ocean with you."
A warm smile spread across Bianca's face. "You sure did, Sweetie." She remembered with fondness, playing with Emma while Lena and Olivia caught up on old times all those summers ago.
Adult chatter had carried on around them, as Bianca interacted with Emma. And finally, Lena broke through, suggesting they all adjourn to the family room.
"You have a beautiful home," Natalia complimented, glancing around the cottage as they walked through the living room into the kitchen. She was struck by the subtle quaintness of the cottage. The furnishings were newer but held hints of tradition, and the décor was warm and welcoming; nothing inordinately lavish. It wasn't what she would have expected of people who owned private jets and yachts. They probably lived in a mansion when they weren't vacationing, Natalia guessed.
"The place looks great!" Olivia raved. "You've added on since the last time I was here," she observed. "I noticed before we came in."
"We did, we did." Lena nodded in confirmation. "We've actually added three extra bedrooms and another guest bath over the past couple of years."
"We didn't really have much choice," Bianca explained. "Mama and Alexander usually spend summers here with us, and with the girls, it's already a full house. So when Kendall and Zach and their boys join us too, the place just bulges at the seams."
"Funny thing is, the cottage is actually larger than our house back in Pine Valley now." Lena laughed at the irony.
Natalia was quite surprised; though she realized she probably shouldn't have been, given Olivia's earlier description of the two of them. She watched them with measured interest, as they slipped into a comfortable embrace on an oversized chair. Bianca was leaning against Lena's side, her arm securely wrapped around her wife's waist. The baby's head was resting against Lena's breast, and Bianca gently combed her fingers through the soft, dark curls on their daughter's head.
Leaning into Olivia's body, Natalia felt at ease as she talked with these women. "What's your house like in Pine Valley?"
"Oh, it's a little three bedroom stone cottage." Lena's tone was casual as she answered. She smiled at her wife. "Bianca wanted what she called 'a little house where love grows'," she shared, with a soft hint of sentimentality in her voice.
The expression in Bianca's eyes as she gazed at Lena told Natalia that the love in that little house grew deeper every single day. "And that's exactly what you've given me," she quietly acknowledged, brushing her mouth against Lena's in a tender kiss.
"It sounds lovely." Natalia's voice was soft and sincere as she complimented them.
Bianca nodded her head. "It really is," she declared. "It sits at the base of the mountains, and Lena's mother and step-father live just across the lake on the same property."
"It's nice that your girls have their grandparents nearby," Natalia said, sincerely.
"We're very fortunate." Lena's tone told Natalia how truly appreciative they were to have such a luxury.
Alex grunted and squirmed in Lena's lap. "Unt down, Mama," she demanded, drawing a chuckled from her mothers.
"I'm surprised she lasted this long," Lena said to Olivia and Natalia, humor in her tone. "She's really headstrong and independent."
Bianca nodded her agreement. "Yeah, she usually only likes to be cuddled when she's nursing."
"And she's been weaning herself, over the past couple of months, so there isn't much cuddle time anymore." Lena sounded chagrined, as she finished Bianca's thought. Kissing a dimpled cheek, she leaned over, putting the baby down on the floor near her toys.
Natalia wondered if it was some sort of lesbian phenomena—couples finishing one another's thoughts and sentences like that.
Distracted from her PSP, Emma's eyes lit up. "Is it okay if I play with her, Aunt Lena?" she asked, politely.
"Of course it is, Sweetie. I'm sure she would love that." Lena's tone was amiably, as she tousled Emma's hair.
Permission granted, Emma cast her PSP aside, and she was on the floor next to the baby in an instant. She popped the light pink top on the huge white toy box, and rummaged through the contents like she was on a mission. Pulling out a baby doll, she offered it to Alex. "You want your baby?" she asked, sweetly.
Alex responded with a partially-toothless grin, and lunged forward, grasping at the doll. "That's her favorite lalka," Lena informed, sounding impressed with Emma for choosing that particular toy.
Brow furrowed, Emma asked, "What does that mean?"
"Lalka the Polish word for doll," Lena explained.
"She talks Polish?" Emma's eyes were wide as saucers, drawing a soft chuckle from Lena.
"She's learning both English and Polish," Bianca explained. "Jordan knows both languages, too."
"Cool," Emma declared with a grin. "My Mommy knows some Polish words, too, and I remember them," she said, sounding quite proud of her accomplishment. "Wanna hear?"
Lena nervously cleared her throat. "Sweetie, you probably shouldn't repeat any of the Polish words your Mommy knows," she cautioned.
"Hey!" Olivia protested, scowling at Lena.
Emma arched a curious eyebrow, and Natalia laughed heartily. "Sounds like Lena has your number, too, Honey," Natalia said, good-humoredly.
"Well, you know me—I'm fast and loose with those digits of mine," Olivia said, wittily.
Lena choked back a laugh. "Oh, please, Spencer, do tell!" she smirked.
"Lena!" Bianca's reprimand was short-lived when she couldn't stop the soft chuckle from escaping her throat.
Olivia realized what she had said, and tried to backtrack. "I didn't mean—" Realizing there was nowhere to go with this but down, she blushed profusely, and quickly closed her mouth.
"Olivia Spencer, speechless," Lena said, amusement in her tone, "I never thought I'd see the day."
Natalia squeezed Olivia's arm, and leaned over, kissing her cheek. "Savor it while you can, Lena," she teased. "It doesn't happen very often."
Olivia crossed her arms, attempting another scowl.
Natalia attempted to coax her out of it with a playful kiss to the corner of her mouth, and despite herself, Olivia smiled. Jade eyes gleamed as she gazed at Natalia, and then she kissed her properly.
Emma decided, once again, that sometimes adults were just weird. She turned her attention back to Alex. "Wanna sit in my lap?" She patted her leg in invitation.
Without hesitation, Alex tossed the baby doll aside. She pushed herself up on her knees, and then onto her feet. Balancing carefully as she stood on tentative legs, she toddled a few steps to Emma's lap, and plunked herself down, without preamble.
Everyone laughed, and both girls beamed at the attention. And then Emma's attention was focused solely on Alex again. She talked quietly to the baby, as she cuddled her close. And much to her mothers' mutual surprise, Alex didn't protest to being confined.
Pointing toward the leather recliner near the fireplace, Alex said, "Bankie."
Completely enamored with the baby, Emma smiled brightly. "You want your blankie?"
Alex nodded. "Pease," she said, drawing out the word in a sweet little sing-song voice.
Emma smiled in wonder, and stretched over, pulling a little blanket with pink bunnies from the recliner.
Hugging the fuzzy blanket, Alex said, "Dank du."
Emma giggled in response. "She's so cute!"
The adults laughed again, and Lena bent over, gently tweaking Emma's chin. "You're really cute, too, Sweetie."
"I know," Emma said, confidently.
"Emma!" Olivia exclaimed. She was mortified.
"What?" Emma said, innocently, as she shrugged her shoulders. "You and Natalia tell me how cute and sweet and smart I am all the time."
Natalia patted Olivia's leg affectionately. "She has a point, Honey," she declared. "We should be happy that our daughter has such a high sense of self-esteem."
"Point taken," Olivia agreed. "You're off the hook, Jellybean."
Emma beamed, and turned her attention back to the baby. She reached over, grabbing the abandoned baby doll. "Wanna wrap your baby in your blanket?"
Alex nodded, and they their play continued, as the adults returned to their conversation.
"So you're raising the girls to be bilingual?" Natalia asked, returning to their previous topic of discussion.
"It's so much easier to teach them when they're young," Lena reasoned.
"I agree," Natalia said. "I've actually thought about teaching Emma some Spanish."
"I would love to learn Spanish!" Emma piped in. "Jacob and Dylan know it, too, so we could talk." She sounded excited at the prospect.
"Yeah, I don't think I want my kid learning how to cuss me out in a language I don't understand," Olivia joked.
Natalia patted Olivia's leg. "I think we've already established that curse words are your forte, Honey, not mine," she teased.
Olivia looked offended, and Natalia laughed, saying, "Hey, who's the one donating all the proceeds to the swear jar?"
Lena laughed heartily, and Olivia grunted. "Shut up."
Olivia's response only made Lena laugh all the harder.
Their conversation flowed smoothly from topic to topic, until Bianca felt a tugging on the leg of her jeans. She glanced down into a dimpled smile and coal black eyes that sparkled with mischief. "What's up, Bear?"
"Dink, Mommy," Alex said. "Pease?"
Bianca couldn't resist that sweet little voice. Smiling at her youngest baby, she tousled soft curls. "You want some juice?"
"Duice!" Alex bounced up and down, excitedly clapping her hands.
Bianca laughed, and remembering her hostess duties, she offered drinks to everyone. "We have both red and white wine, freshly brewed sweet tea, lemonade, coffee, milk, apple juice, and filtered ice water," she said, ticking off the options.
Emma chose juice, while Natalia thought it best stick to with water for the time being. Natalia went on alert the moment Olivia said, "Coffee sounds perfect, thank you," and stealthily offered to help Bianca in the kitchen.
Knowing exactly what was on Natalia's mind, a slight grin teased at Olivia's lips.
"Thank you, Natalia. That would be really nice," Bianca said, pleasantly accepting Natalia's offer. "It'll give us a chance to get acquainted."
"My thoughts exactly," Natalia agreed, as she rose from the sofa. She followed Bianca back into the kitchen, and once there, she inquired about decaffeinated coffee. "I don't let Olivia have caffeine anymore," she clandestinely divulged. "It's bad for her heart, y'know?"
Despite the subdued tone of Natalia's voice, Bianca could literally feel the love this woman felt for Olivia. It emanated from her voice, and shown in her eyes, and anyone who knew anything about love would have recognized it instantaneously. Thrilled for Olivia, Bianca smiled at Natalia. "You took Olivia's caffeine away?"
Natalia nodded, sheepishly. "She doesn't know," she confessed. "She's only had caffeine once since her transplant. She doesn't realize I know about that, but she was so hyper and fidgety, there was no other explanation."
"You're a brave woman, that's all I can say."
"Either brave, or crazy," Natalia joked.
Bianca chuckled softly, as she pulled mugs, plastic cups, and glasses from the cabinet. Turning toward her then, she reached out, gently grasping Natalia's bicep with her hand. Their eyes locked, and Bianca offered an appreciative smile. "You take good care of her," she said, admiringly. "I can tell."
"I try," Natalia replied, softly. "Though, sometimes, she doesn't cooperate very well." She sounded resigned to the fact.
Bianca's eyes danced as she chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds like the Olivia we know and love."
Natalia laughed softly in response.
"Well, no worries here. The only thing caffeinated in this house is the bottle of chocolate syrup Lena picked up at the store this afternoon," Bianca said, conspiratorially. "Would you mind grabbing the iced tea and juice out of the fridge?" She reached for the carafe, pouring two cups of the steaming liquid.
"Sure thing," Natalia complied. "Which glasses get what?"
"Juice in the three plastic cups, and iced tea in one of the glasses," Bianca answered. "Two of the plastic cups need sippy lids. They're in the third drawer down, to the right of the dishwasher." Replacing the carafe on the burner, she moved around Natalia, picking up the glasses. "Crushed or cubed?" she asked, as she pushed one glass under the icemaker.
"Crushed, please," Natalia requested, over the din of grinding ice.
"Ah, a woman after my own heart." Bianca's tone sounded playfully wistful, as she pushed Natalia's glass under, filling it as requested.
"Nah, just your crushed ice," Natalia said, facetiously.
Bianca laughed softly. "I can see Olivia's met her match." She pushed Natalia's glass under the water spigot, filling it.
"Oh, and then some." Natalia sounded rather pleased with herself. "Do you want ice in the girls' cups?"
"Not unless Emma prefers hers that way," Bianca answered, setting both glasses on the countertop. She reached for the pitcher of tea, filling her own glass.
"Oh, she'll be fine without it," Natalia said, casually. She poured juice into the girls' cups. Reaching down, she opened the drawer and retrieved the plastic lids, twisting them onto the cups.
There was an immediate and obvious mutual admiration between Bianca and Natalia, and the symbiotic friendship that they would grow to share was already beginning to form. Natalia couldn't help but smile at the realization, as she capped the bottle of juice, and returned it to the refrigerator. Olivia had been right to bring her here. These people already felt like home.
In the family room, Olivia and Lena were chattering away, when Olivia inquired about Paulina. As if on cue, Paulina sauntered through the back door. "Well, you can ask me that yourself, Miła," she said, addressing Olivia at her "Dear One." She smiled at Olivia, opening her arms like only a mother could, and Olivia was hugging her in an instant.
"It's wonderful to see you, Paulina," Olivia said, affectionately kissing the woman's cheek. "I didn't realize you would be here." She sounded very pleased to have been wrong.
Paulina hugged her tight. "It's delightful to see you, as well, Miła," she said, affectionately. She held Olivia's face, and kissed her cheek. "When Alexander and I heard you were coming, we decided to stick around for the weekend."
Olivia smiled at her. "I'm so glad you did." Her tone was brimming with sincerity. "Lena told me you married Alexander," she reported. "I know it's been a few years now, but I hope I'm not too late in offering congratulations."
"It's never too late for such a joyous offering," Paulina replied. "Thank you."
Before Olivia could respond, Jordan came scampering through the back door, with Sandy right on her heels. "Mama?" she called. Sandy skidded on the hardwood floors, and Lena wondered if the dog would ever learn.
Emma's giggles caught Jordan's attention, and her dark curls bounced as she turned toward the sound. Whatever it was she had wanted from her Mama suddenly ceased to be of importance, as she stuffed her hands into the pocket of her jeans, and smiled bashfully at the newcomer.
Lena smiled at her daughter. It wasn't like her at all to be shy; even with someone she didn't know. "Come here, Mój Mały," she coaxed, with the come-hither movement of her hand. "Come meet Emma."
Jordan raced across the room, climbing up into Lena's lap with practiced ease. "Hi, Mama," she said, cheerily, wrapping her arms around Lena's neck.
Laughing softly, Lena kissed her daughter's cheek. "Hi, Jordan." She leaned close, whispering in Jordan's ear. "Think you could say hi to Emma, too?"
Turning around in Lena's lap, Jordan plopped herself down. In her comfort zone, she felt bold enough to greet this intriguing new person. "Hi, Emma, I'm Jordan," she said, with a grin as dimpled as her Mama's.
Emma smiled in response. "I know… We met before. But you were just a baby," she reported.
"You knew me when I was a baby?" Jordan couldn't believe her ears. She had never met a new person who knew her as a baby.
"Uh-huh," Emma confirmed. "My Mommy has a picture of me holding you."
"She does?" Jordan's eyes were wide; her voice filled with wonder and excitement.
"Yeah," Emma replied, nodding her head. "We were right there in that chair," she said, pointing to the recliner near the fireplace.
"That's my Babcia's chair," Jordan informed.
Emma's brow was furrowed. "Is that another Polish word?"
"Yes, it is, Emma," Paulina answered. She sat down in the chair. "It means Grandma."
"Are you Jordan's Grandma?" Emma asked, curious.
Paulina smiled. "Yes… and Alexandria's, too."
"They're lucky," Emma declared. "I don't have any Grandmas." She sounded sad, and three adult hearts broke just a little.
Leaning over, Paulina gently patted Emma's cheek. "I bet Jordan and Alexandria wouldn't mind sharing, if you want to be one of my grandbabies, too."
A huge smile spread across Emma's face, and Olivia caught Paulina's gaze, mouthing a silent, "Thank you."
Paulina smiled fondly at Olivia, and gracefully nodded her head in that way she always did when someone thanked her for something meaningful.
"Would you share your Grandma with me?" Emma was asking Jordan.
Jordan nodded enthusiastically. "When Lexie was born, Babcia said she has lots of love for all her grandbabies, so I don't have to worry about sharing her."
Olivia was impressed with how grown up Jordan sounded for being only five. She was a very sweet, intelligent little girl, and Olivia could clearly see her mothers in her.
"Cool," Emma said with a grin. "Wanna play with us?"
Glancing up at her Mama for approval, Jordan beamed when it was granted by a nod of the head. "Go ahead," Lena encouraged.
Climbing down, Jordan walked toward Emma. "Wanna go play in our room?" she invited. Her bashfulness had already disappeared. "I got a new dollhouse for my birthday."
"Sure!" Emma sounded excited by the prospect. She glanced down at the baby who was still sitting in her lap, chewing on the large blue ring from a ring stack. "Can Alex come too?"
Jordan nodded her approval. "I love to play with my Lexie," she announced, sounding more affectionate toward, than possessive of, her baby sister. "She just can't have the little pieces," she tutored.
Emma lifted Alex up, standing her on her feet, and then picked herself off the floor as well. She offered her hand to Alex. "Wanna go play, Lexie?" she asked, deciding she liked that name better for the little girl.
Alex responded by grasping Emma's finger. Jordan took the baby's other hand, and turned toward Sandy. "Do Mnie," she instructed. The dog obediently fell into step.
Olivia arched an eyebrow. "The dog speaks Polish, too?" She emphasized the fact that it was an animal.
"Well, technically, no, she doesn't speak Polish. A bark is the same in any language," Lena corrected with a smirk.
"Ha-ha. Very funny," Olivia responded, dryly.
Lena ignored her, and continued. "She does take commands in Polish, though," she reported, purposely egging Olivia on.
"Yeah, I don't think I care for a dog that's smarter than me," Olivia declared with a grin.
"Aw, don't worry, Spence, she's not smarter than you," Lena said, feigning empathy. "She's just better trained." The smirk on her face was priceless.
"Shut up," Olivia groused.
Lena just laughed.
As Bianca arranged the cups and glasses on a tray for easy transport into the family room, Emma and the girls came wandering into the kitchen. She smiled at the three of them. "Where are you off to?"
"We're gonna play in our room," Jordan answered. "I wanna show Emma my new dollhouse."
"Well, that sounds like fun, Sweetheart," Bianca encouraged.
Jordan peered up at Natalia, announcing, "I got it for my birthday."
Natalia crouched down to Jordan's level. "Well, it's very nice of you to share your present with Emma, Jordan," she said, sweetly. "Thank you for being so sweet to my little girl."
"You're welcome," Jordan said, courteously. She looked proud of herself for being such a big girl. And then she arched a curious eyebrow. "Are you Emma's other Mommy?"
Natalia smiled brightly. "Yes, I am," she happily confirmed.
"I have two Mommies, too," Jordan informed.
"I know you do," Natalia said. "They're pretty special, aren't they?"
"Yup." Jordan's curls bounced when she nodded her firm confirmation, and Natalia was completely charmed.
Bianca chuckled at the exchange. "Do you girls wanna save your juice for dinner, or do you want it now?"
"Um, I'll save mine for dinner," Emma decided. She was far too interested in playing with her new friends.
"Me too, Mommy," Jordan agreed.
Releasing Jordan's hand, Alex reached toward Bianca. "Unt duice." She bounced up and down, rapidly opening and closing her hand. "Pease?" she implored, peering up at her Mommy with that dimpled smile and coal black eyes that danced with an innocent sort of mischief. The kid was cute, and she clearly knew it.
"Juice it is," Bianca declared, as she reached down, effortlessly scooping the baby up. Grinning, she jostled Alex playfully, garnering a series of shrieks and giggles from her.
Natalia couldn't help but chuckle at the happy little cherub-faced baby.
"You girls go ahead," Bianca said to Emma and Jordan. "I'll bring her in after she finishes her juice."
Never one to be deterred for long, Jordan grabbed Emma's hand, pulling at her. "Come on!"
Shaking her head at her animated daughter, Bianca picked up Alex's juice cup and handed it to her.
"Dank du, Mommy," Alex babbled.
"You're welcome, Bear," Bianca said, affectionately. She kissed Alex's temple as the baby crammed the spout into her mouth.
Natalia couldn't help but smile. The baby's beautiful raven curls and dark, expressive eyes, reminded her of Rafe when he was Alex's age. She wondered then, if the child she was carrying would look anything like her son—or if he or she would look like Frank.
The musing turned dour in her mind as she thought of Frank, and she could taste the bitterness on her tongue. She didn't want a child who looked like him; or even one who looked like Rafe. No, what she wanted most was a child who resembled Olivia—shiny chestnut locks, and shimmering jade eyes that danced with mischief even when she was being good, and a smile that could light the midnight sky.
Willfully, she held on to that image, as she tossed any thought of Frank aside, and turned her attention back to Bianca. "Do you need help finishing dinner?" she offered. "It smells delicious, by the way."
"Omigosh, you all must be starving," Bianca realized. "I need to get these filets on the grill." She lifted the glass pan from the counter, balancing it with her left hand, as she held Alex in her right. "Would you mind bringing the tray of drinks?"
"Not at all." Natalia grinned. "You seem to have your hands full," she teased.
Laughing, Bianca agreed. "You get used to needing six hands, and having to make do with only two," she shrugged. "But I don't have to tell you that—do I? You've been helping raise Emma for over a year now, haven't you?"
Natalia nodded, her face glowing with pride.
"And you have a son, as well, don't you?" Bianca asked. "Lena and Olivia have been talking a lot more," she explained in response to surprised expression on Natalia's face.
"I do," Natalia beamed. "Rafe. He's nineteen."
Bianca looked surprised. "You don't look old enough to have a nineteen-year-old."
It was meant as a compliment, and Natalia took it exactly as it was intended. Blushing, she said, "Thank you. I was sixteen when he was born."
"Wow, and I thought twenty was young to have a baby." Bianca's voice told Natalia she was in awe. "You're a courageous woman, choosing to raise a child when you were still so young."
"I couldn't have imagined anything else. I loved him from the moment I learned I was pregnant," Natalia said, softly. She wondered why she didn't feel that same connection to the child she was carrying now. A pang of guilt clenched in her heart.
Obviously, her face reflected her emotions, because Bianca noticed the change. "Are you all right, Natalia?" Her voice was gentle and filled with concern.
Natalia offered a wobbly smile in response, and Bianca picked up the cue. "Well, if you need to talk, I'm a good listener."
"Thank you, Bianca," Natalia said, appreciatively. She found that she truly liked this woman—she was caring and concerned, without being pushy; and everything about her felt genuine.
Bianca nodded in response. "Okay," she exhaled in a quick blast of air, "back to dinner and drinks." Her dark eyes widened as she grinned, and Natalia found herself smiling in response. She lifted the tray, and followed Bianca back into the family room where Olivia and Lena were still chatting with Paulina.
Olivia stood up to help Natalia distribute the drinks, as Lena rose to take the dish of filets from Bianca's hand. "I'll get these on the grill."
"Thanks, Baby," Bianca said, appreciatively.
Lena kissed her wife lightly. "My pleasure, Sweetheart."
Natalia loved how openly affectionate they were with one another. In the few minutes she had been in their presence, she had noticed the countless subtle touches and affectionate glances they shared. It was a steadfast undercurrent of emotion that flowed between them. It felt validating to her, seeing a lesbian couple who didn't hold back expressions of their love—especially given the fact that, while Jen and Tracy were slowly learning to be more open in the presence of others, they still remained quite guarded.
Lena turned her attention to Natalia, drawing her out of her thoughts. "How would you prefer your steak?"
"Medium would be perfect, please," Natalia answered. "Thank you."
"Coming right up," Lena proclaimed with a grin.
"What am I, chopped liver?" Olivia feigned disgruntlement. She knew Lena didn't need to ask about her epicurean preferences.
Lena laughed. "More like potted meat," she teased.
Olivia tried to look offended, but she couldn't control the grin that percolated at the corners of her mouth. "Smartass."
"Swear jar," Emma chirped, as she bounded into the room to retrieve her abandoned backpack.
Natalia's face adopted a furtive grin. "Way to keep Mommy in line, Jellybean."
"She pays even when you don't catch her," Emma informed. She was gone again before Natalia could question her. Glancing at Olivia, Natalia sought confirmation.
Olivia offered a sheepish grin in response. "What can I say?" She shrugged her shoulders. "You've trained me well."
Laughing again, Lena said, "How much have you donated so far?" She knew the hotelier well.
"Enough to take a six month tour of Europe." Olivia sighed, helplessly.
"Excellent," Lena declared. "Just cut the trip down to three months; and we'll let you take us with you," she teased.
Olivia made a face at her, and Lena chuckled, as she headed out onto the deck; cup of coffee and glass dish, in hand.
Bianca laughed along with Natalia, as Lena made her exit. And then she turned her attention to Paulina. "Would you like some coffee, Mama?" She set the baby down on the floor with her cup of juice; thankful for screw-on, spill-proof lids. Jordan had never been a problem with sippy cups, but Alexandria had a devilish penchant for turning them upside down, and shaking them vigorously. Bianca dreaded the day when the child would learn how to unscrew the lids.
"No, thank you, Darling," Paulina answered. "I think I'll wait and have a glass of wine with dinner."
Olivia couldn't stop the giddy grin that hijacked her lips. Wrapping her right arm around Natalia's waist, Olivia pulled her close. "Paulina, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Natalia Rivera," she proudly announced. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to refer to Natalia as her girlfriend, and the smile on her face brightened the entire room, as she made the introduction. "Natalia, this is Lena's mother, Paulina Cambias."
"Welcome, Darling! Welcome!" Paulina greeted Natalia with rapt enthusiasm and a warmhearted hug, welcoming her to the family. Though she obviously didn't see Olivia often, she still regarded her as one of "her girls," and now Natalia was clearly considered a part of that, as well.
Natalia accepted the invitation with open arms, and her place within the family was solidified. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Cambias," Natalia said, sincerely. "Olivia has told me such wonderful things about you."
Paulina patted Natalia's hand affectionately. "Now you just call me Paulina, okay, Darling?"
Smiling bashfully, Natalia agreed.
Settling into her recliner, Paulina chatted with Olivia and Natalia while Bianca attended to a few last-minute details out on the deck. Sitting next to Natalia on the sofa, Olivia felt like a teenager, holding hands with her first girlfriend in front of her mother. The notion made her giggle, just a little, on the inside.
"So you just tell me everything now," Paulina said to Olivia. "How did you meet this lovely young woman?"
Natalia blushed slightly, and Olivia beamed. "Well, let me tell you, Paulina… that's one hell of a story…" she reported. And she spent the next half-hour sharing with Paulina the tale of their unconventional beginnings.
Bianca found Lena outside by the grill, muttering under her breath, as she poked at the coals in the grill. "What's wrong, Babe?" She gently smoothed her hand across Lena's lower back.
"The coals aren't warm enough to grill the filets properly," Lena sighed. "I shouldn't have left them unattended for so long." Their little impromptu excursion that afternoon had obviously led to a lack of attention when it came to her other duties. As a result, she had found it necessary to add more charcoal before grilling the filets. The good news was, the other provisions hadn't been overcooked.
Wrapping her arms around Lena's neck, Bianca kissed her. "So you'll put a few more on the fire, and we'll eat when it's ready," she reasoned.
Lena grinned and kissed her again. "This, from the woman who was obsessed with timing a few hours ago?" she teased.
Bianca shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh, you were right—everything's gonna turn out just fine," she conceded.
"Why couldn't you have figured that out before you drove me insane earlier?" Lena asked, facetiously.
"Because you love it when I drive you insane," Bianca answered, forthrightly.
Lena arched a seductive eyebrow. "In bed, I certainly do." Her voice was low and husky.
"I swear, you have sex on the brain," Bianca teased.
"Well, the idea certainly starts there, but… with you, it never takes long to spread to other regions," Lena smirked.
Bianca's head fell back, as she laughed softly. "You're impossible," she said, affectionately.
Lena pulled her closer. "You can't really blame me," she asserted.
"Why's that?"
"Have you seen my wife?" Lena's tone clearly indicated that this woman was worth more than just a passing glance.
"Why, I don't believe I have," Bianca said, flirtingly. "What does she look like?"
"She has beautiful long, raven tresses, and gorgeous brown eyes," Lena said, tenderly running her fingers through Bianca's hair. "And a body that just won't quit…" she husked. Leaning in, she captured Bianca's mouth in a sultry kiss.
"She sounds rather irresistible," Bianca murmured against Lena's mouth.
"Mm-hmm…" Lena moaned softly, as she moved Bianca against the railing behind her. "She's sexy as hell, and she's absolutely phenomenal in bed… or the shower, or… the kitchen counter or…"
"Hmm… She's rather adventurous, is she?"
"Oh, yes," Lena readily affirmed, lightly nipping at Bianca's neck. "She likes to make love outdoors, even in public places…"
"Oh, really?" Bianca sounded intrigued. She groaned, as Lena's mouth found hers, and lightly sucked her tongue.
"Uh-huh," Lena murmured, releasing Bianca's tongue, and then capturing it again.
Bianca returned the kiss. "Where's the wildest place she ever made love to you?"
Intrigued by the question, Lena arched an eyebrow. "Inside… or out?" Her mouth never left Bianca's.
"Inside first, then out." Bianca brushed her tongue against the roof of Lena's mouth, drawing a long groan from her wife.
"Inside… the washing machine during the spin cycle—while her sister was in the next room," Lena answered.
Bianca's energetic laugh against Lena's mouth broke their kiss. "That was fun, wasn't it?" she smirked.
Lena grinned at the memory, and arched that eyebrow again. "It certainly was. I think we scarred Kendall for life with that one," she laughed.
"Yeah, we did," Bianca laughed. "But we also taught her a new technique. She went home and tried it with Zach that night," she reported.
"Are you serious?" Lena sounded shocked.
Grinning, Bianca nodded in confirmation. "I'm pretty sure that's the night Erick was conceived."
"Wow," Lena exhaled. "I can't believe you never told me this before."
Bianca shrugged, nonchalantly. "Subject never came up," she reasoned. "But now that it has…"
"Paints Zach in a whole new light, doesn't it?" Lena chuckled.
Bianca nodded in agreement. "Kendall, too."
"Definitely," Lena agreed. "She is never getting away with teasing me about our imaginative sex life again."
"Speaking of…" Bianca deftly segued, "you never told me where your wildest outdoor sexual experience occurred."
Lena thought for a moment, and then a dimpled smile spread across her face, as she gazed into Bianca's eyes. "Probably the most exhilarating was that night on our honeymoon, when you made love to me on the bow of our yacht," she quietly confessed. If she took the time to vividly conjure up the memory, Lena could still feel Bianca's hands and mouth all over her body, as they cruised headlong into the ocean breeze. She nuzzled against Bianca's ear. "The best part was when we were standing at the bow, and you stripped my clothes away, and had me hold onto the railing, as you took me from behind," she whispered. "I know it wasn't wild, crazy sex, like we've had so many other times," she admitted, "but it felt so damned good, with the wind blowing across my skin."
Bianca groaned at the memory. It made her wet just thinking about it. "Oh, my God, we need to do that again."
Lena nipped at Bianca's ear. "My thoughts exactly," she murmured.
The latch on the upper deck gate closed, interrupting their moment. Lena turned to see Alexander walking across the deck towards them. "So what are my two favorite daughters talking about so intently?" he asked, clapping his hands together. He looked happy to see them, as always.
Lena smiled fondly at the man who had become like a father to her over the years. "We're thinking about taking the yacht out for a few days. Maybe when we're here for our anniversary?" she suggested to Bianca.
"Sounds perfect," Bianca agreed with a smile. They had considered taking a trip abroad to celebrate, but then decided to it best not to travel so far, given Lena's pregnancy. They didn't want to take any chances.
"That sounds like a delightful idea, my Darlings," Alexander declared. "Maybe your mother and I can fly out and keep the girls for you, so you can have a few days alone."
Bianca leaned over, kissing his cheek. "That would be fantastic, Alexander."
"All right, then," he said with a nod. "I have a bit of puttering to do out here before dinner, so I'll leave you two to your business." And with that announcement, he was gone again, as quickly as he had appeared.
Lena turned back to Bianca. "I should get back to the grill," she said, reluctantly.
Bianca kissed her. "Thank you," she whispered, as her fingertips trailed down the center of Lena's shirt. "We'll talk more about that excursion on the yacht, later."
"You bet we will," Lena husked.
Another brief, yet meaningful kiss and Bianca was through the gate and down the steps, heading toward the table to attend to the place settings. Lena turned back toward the grill with a smile on her face, no longer concerned about the lack of heat on the grill—there was enough heat coursing through her body to scorch an entire cow. Damn, her wife made her hot.
When Bianca popped in from outside, she found Natalia in Olivia's arms, and all three women sniffling and wiping away tears. "Everything okay?" she asked, tentatively.
"Everything's fine," Natalia assured. She sniffed, daintily scratching her nose. Olivia thought she was adorable when she did that.
"Okay," Bianca replied, albeit a bit doubtingly. "Well, dinner's almost ready," she announced. "Finally." She sounded a bit haggard.
"Then I should probably see to Alexander," Paulina declared. She reached over, gently patting Natalia's leg.
"He's out back with Lena," Bianca reported.
"Thank you, Darling," Paulina said. Excusing herself, she sauntered back outside, in search of her husband.
Bianca took the opportunity to show Olivia and Natalia to their room then, in case they wanted to settle in and freshen up before dinner. She pointed out the guest bathroom across the hall, right next to the master bedroom.
Having stayed with them before, Olivia was familiar with the original layout of the cottage—the newer bedrooms were located on the far end of the house, just off the living room. She nodded and smiled, as Bianca turned her attention to Natalia.
Apologizing, Bianca explained to Natalia that Paulina and Alexander had the guest room with an adjoining bath, and that they were welcome to switch rooms—either to that room or the master bedroom, whichever made them more comfortable, when the Montgomery-Kundera family returned to Pine Valley on Sunday. In the interim though, she let them know the closet in the main guest bath was stocked with fresh towels and just about any toiletries they might need.
They thanked her gratefully, and Natalia closed the bedroom door.
Once inside, Olivia pulled her close; nuzzling against her ear. "Are you really okay?"
Natalia responded by hugging Olivia tightly. "I'm just feeling a little emotional right now," she quietly confessed. "Reliving our story really made me realize how blessed we are to have one another."
Olivia brushed her lips against Natalia's cheek. "I get emotional when I think about us, too, Sweetheart," she whispered. She knew exactly how blessed she was to be holding Natalia in her arms, and she certainly didn't take it for granted. Holding Natalia's face in her hands, Olivia kissed her tenderly. "I love you," she murmured softly, and Natalia responded by kissing her again.
And when they parted, their breath caught in unison, as they paused to take in the room. It had been redecorated since Olivia's last visit, and now possessed an ambiance of contemporary elegance, cloaked in tradition—a testament to the union between Bianca's love of time-honored treasures, and Lena's fondness of more fashionable surroundings.
The furniture was clearly Victorian, with its solid mahogany framing and intricate ornamental carvings. The champagne-colored duvet on the queen-sized bed was decorated with a dusty rose print, offset by subtle hints of burgundy around the edges, and the throw-pillows on the sofa near the window provided a perfect accent.
Several lamps and light fixtures adorned the room; each of them shaded with frosted glass, and a black-framed mirrored wall sconce graced the wall above the bed. Its eighteen individual rectangular mirrors were arranged like puzzle pieces, fitted together in an attractive geometrical arrangement. And several of the mirrors were accented with burgundy candles that no doubt reflected an ethereal glow into the room, when lit.
There were fresh, pale pink roses in an ornate crystal vase on the table near the window, and candles in champagne and burgundy were scattered about, just begging to be enjoyed by the room's inhabitants. And their luggage had been neatly stacked on the luggage racks at the foot of the bed. It looked like an upscale hotel room, yet it felt so much like home. The paradox was not lost on Natalia.
They chattered amiably as they unpacked their suitcases, and it felt good just to talk without any tension between them. In their usual manner, they bickered about who would place what, where; yet somehow, everything found its place, and they were both equally satisfied. And in the process, they had set the tone for Olivia's move into Natalia's room upon their return to the farmhouse.
Natalia chuckled softly. And when Olivia grinned self-consciously, asking, "What," Natalia responded with a furtive smile, saying, "I just really love you, is all."
Olivia's grin transformed into that dazzling smile Natalia loved so much. "Oh, is that all?" she said, playfully, as she pulled Natalia close.
"That's it," Natalia declared. Her eyes danced as she gazed at Olivia. Her emotions were conflicting when it came to the child she was carrying; but they never once wavered when it came to Olivia. "That's every bit of it."
"Well, that's good," Olivia said, softly. She tucked raven tresses behind Natalia's ear, "Because that's all I need." The kiss that followed proved exactly that.
Rejoining Bianca in the kitchen, an introduction between Natalia and Alexander quickly followed, as they made their way out onto the deck where dinner would be served. Natalia found him to be equally as warm and welcoming as the remainder of the family, and honestly, she had never felt more at home in the midst of perfect strangers. Olivia had been correct—despite their immense wealth, they truly were the most genuine, down-to-earth people she had ever met.
Of course, she had yet to realize that Erica Kane was Bianca's mother…
Despite the sumptuousness of the cuisine, dinner was a casual affair, shared at one of several large picnic tables on the mid-level deck. It was clear by the accommodations that Lena and Bianca were accustomed to entertaining decent sized groups of people. And yet the setting felt so intimate, so familiar, like family, as they shared the first of many meals together.
Just prior to dinner being served, Olivia had presented the bottles of wine she brought from her private stock. Thinking the full-bodied Brunello di Montalcino would pair perfectly with the cuisine as it had been described to her, she suggested they tap into those two bottles first.
Natalia smiled when she recognized the wine. It was from Altesino Vineyards in Tuscany—the same style and vintage they had shared during their dinner at Watershed the night Olivia taught her about wines. "I think you're going to enjoy this," she asserted, as Olivia handed the bottle to Lena.
Checking out the vineyard, the style, and the vintage, Lena responded with a dimpled smile that rivaled Natalia's own. "What a shame it is that I have to miss out on this."
Bianca peered down at the bottle, and it instantly registered what Lena was holding. "Oh, my, Olivia, I don't think my culinary skills are up to par with this."
The lopsided grin on her lips told Olivia that Bianca was nervous. She smiled warmly at the apprehensive young woman. "Dinner smells amazing, Bianca," she said, reassuringly. "Trust me, this wine will go perfectly."
Blushing, Bianca thanked her.
Olivia reached over, giving Bianca's hand an affectionate squeeze, and then turned her attention toward Lena. "And don't think for a minute I missed that, Kundera," she said, feigning austerity. "Since when do you pass on a good bottle of wine?" The arched eyebrow told Lena she was intrigued. "Or any alcohol, for that matter?"
Grinning, Lena caught Bianca's gaze. "Told you."
Bianca laughed. "So you did."
"Told her what?" Olivia inquired; mirth in her tone. "What am I missing?"
"That you would give me shit for not drinking," Lena answered.
"What, have you found religion, or something?" Olivia teased. She pierced the cork with the tip of the corkscrew and began twisting.
"Olivia!" Natalia reprimanded her with one word.
"It's an honest question, Honey," Olivia defended. The look of innocence on her face was priceless.
Laughing, Lena assured her that it wasn't religion. "We do go to church, Spence, but that has nothing to do with why I'm not drinking." Gently, she pressed her hand against her abdomen, and a slight blush crept across her visage as she grinned, almost shyly, at Olivia. "We're—"
Natalia's face turned ashen. She knew exactly what was coming. And clearly, Olivia did, as well. Before Lena could finish the announcement, Olivia popped the cork, and the bottle of wine slipped from her fingers, crashing to the floor.
Startled by the cacophony, everyone jumped; making noises of surprise. And feigning shock over her contrived clumsiness, Olivia quickly sprang into action. "Oh, my God, I'm so sorry!" she apologized. "I can't believe I made such a mess."
Lena wasn't the least bit fooled by the display; but she let Olivia go—at least for the time being.
"Olivia, be careful," Bianca cautioned, as she grabbed the mop from the broom closet in the laundry room, just off the kitchen. "Don't cut yourself on that glass."
Crouching down beside Olivia, Natalia caught her gaze as she reached toward the broken glass. And in that transitory moment, the look that passed between them held an incongruous amalgam of shame and gratitude on Natalia's part, and a mixture of love and concern on Olivia's.
Gently touching Natalia's hand, Olivia said, "I've got this, Sweetheart." Her voice was so soft and reassuring it made Natalia want to cry. She was glad they were shrouded by the breakfast bar that stood in the center of the kitchen.
There was a pause of several beats between them, and then a flurry of activity ensued, as clean-up began, in earnest. It only took a few minutes to return the kitchen floor to its previous state. And apologizing once again for her clumsiness, Olivia thanked them for their assistance.
The expression in Lena's eyes told Olivia she knew something was wrong; but still, she said nothing. Instead, leaning in to kiss her wife, she excused herself and headed back outside to attend to the grill.
It wasn't long before everyone was settled at the picnic table, and Lena was serving the filets; each grilled to perfect order. Despite her wife's initial anxiety over the timing, Lena was thankful the preparation process had run late from the start, or the entire meal would have been ruined.
Bianca apologized for the lateness of their dinner hour, explaining, "Lena and I got a little sidetracked this afternoon."
The expression on Lena's face told Olivia exactly what it was that had sidetracked them. She shot her pal a subliminal high-five, and Lena grinned furtively, in response.
Noticing the exchange, Natalia arched an inquisitive eyebrow.
Bianca chuckled. "Better get used to it, Natalia. These two are usually up to no good when they're together."
"Lord, help us," Natalia said, drolly.
Grinning, Bianca said, "Speaking of…" as she offered her hand to Lena, suggesting, "Would you like to say grace this evening?" They usually took turns.
Pleasantly surprised, Natalia's smile held a sense of joy. She liked these people more and more with each passing moment.
Nodding, Lena accepted Bianca's hand, and one by one, hands linked around the table. Alexander wasn't a particularly religious man, but even he participated, out of respect for his family.
Their fingers intertwined, Olivia cast a furtive glance toward Natalia; receiving an affectionate smile and a gentle squeeze in return. And then their eyes were closed, as Lena issued forth a prayer of thanksgiving—not only for the food, but for the blessings of family, and of friendships, old and new. It was obvious from Lena's ease of delivery that this was something she did often, and it endeared her to Natalia, even as it allowed Olivia to see her friend in a very flattering new light.
A communal "Amen" was said amongst them when Lena finished, and then plates and silverware began to clatter, as the meal was served, family-style. And they shared an absolutely delectable dinner and equally enjoyable conversation that evening, with the deck bathed in the subtle glow of firelight, as the waves crashed rhythmically against the shores of Vineyard Sound.
After dinner, Paulina and Alexander excused themselves, and headed out for their nightly walk on the beach. It was a tradition they had started on the weekend Lena and Bianca were married—a tradition that marked the beginning of the romance that led to their marriage, three years later. Though it was a bit later than usual when they made their way down onto the sand, still, they enjoyed a pleasant stroll in the unseasonably warm evening air.
Ever the social butterfly, Jordan invited Emma back inside to play. Emma gleefully agreed—the one caveat, of course, being that Lexie could join them.
Smiling at the girls, Lena bent down, kissing the top of Emma's head. "That's fine, Sweetie," she said, fondly. "I'll bring her in after I clean her up." The baby had thoroughly enjoyed her dinner, and her hands and face were the proof. "Your Mommy and I are coming in to clean the kitchen in a minute, anyway," she announced, volunteering Olivia to help her with the dishes.
"Hey! Don't I get a say in this?" Olivia teasingly protested.
A decided "No—" was pronounced in unison by both Lena and Natalia, causing them all to laugh.
Bianca began gathering and stacking plates, as the two older girls ran up the stairs to the main-level deck. "Hold the…" she said, before the back screen door slammed shut, "door…" she finished, sounding deflated.
The women laughed again, and Natalia said, "I see that works almost as well as us telling Emma not to run and yell in the house."
"Proof that selective hearing skills are developed during childhood," Bianca said, amused.
"You're not kiddin'!" Olivia agreed, wholeheartedly. "Tell them once, offhandedly, that you'll take them to Disneyworld someday, and they remind you six times a day until you finally take them. But they can't remember not to run and yell in the house for more than thirty seconds."
Lena and Bianca made noises that said they understood Olivia's vexation completely, as a smirk fell across Natalia's lips. "Look who's talking," she said, teasingly, "You're the one who yells up the stairs at her, reminding her not to yell."
"Touché," Olivia said, grinning sheepishly over the top edge of her wine glass. She tilted the glass in imaginary toast, before taking another sip of its contents. Then, setting the glass down, she stood from her seat and reached for the stack of dishes.
Natalia was immediately on her feet. "Let me take those," she said, insistently. She knew they were heavy enough, en masse, to violate Olivia's lifting restrictions.
Olivia tilted her head to the side in that adorable way Natalia always loved, as her face adopted a soft smile. "Is this about bowling balls and me shoveling snow?"
Lena and Bianca looked confused, but the expression in Natalia's eyes spoke volumes. "Yes," she quietly admitted.
Taking Natalia's hand into her own, Olivia pressed it firmly against her own chest; just like she had that night at the bowling alley. "Remember this?" she asked, softly.
Natalia nodded. She could feel the rhythmic beating beneath her palm, and it soothed her.
"It's strong, Natalia," Olivia quietly reassured. "I'm stronger now. I promise," she whispered, pulling Natalia into her arms.
"I just don't wanna take any chances, Liv." Natalia's voice cracked with emotion, as she buried her face in Olivia's chest.
Out of respect for their friends' privacy, Lena sent an unspoken message to Bianca, indicating that they should go inside. Bianca quickly nodded in agreement.
Shifting Alex to her left hip, Lena gathered a few empty glasses with her right hand, as Bianca quietly lifted the stack of plates and silverware from the table; and together, they headed up the stairs to the house.
Holding Natalia close, Olivia whispered reassuring words to her. Over and over, she promised that her heart was strong, and that Natalia need not worry—Olivia wasn't going anywhere. "I know you, Natalia," she murmured against Natalia's ear. "You're a woman of faith, and your faith is stronger than any fear."
Natalia sniffed back tears. "If that were true, I wouldn't be pregnant with Frank's baby." Her voice was riddled with guilt.
"If it weren't true, we wouldn't be together right now," Olivia gently countered. "Your faith was strong enough to bring us through all the hard times, to this place where we're together, and happy. Don't discount the good in that, over a momentary lapse in judgment, Sweetheart."
"Is that what this baby means to you?" Natalia asked. "A lapse in my judgment?"
Olivia couldn't tell whether Natalia was angry, or simply seeking clarification. Tenderly taking Natalia's face in her hands, she locked their gazes. "This isn't about the baby at all, Natalia," she said, gently. "You have to separate the existence of this child from the act of conception."
Natalia laughed, but there was no humor in it. "How am I supposed to do that?"
"I don't know," Olivia answered honestly. "But I wish I had figured it out before Ava was born," she confessed. "Perhaps then, I wouldn't have hated her the way I did." She sounded rueful.
Natalia attempted to reassure her, but Olivia stopped her with a gentle finger across those soft lips. "This isn't about me, Sweetheart," she acknowledged. "It's about helping you come to terms with this pregnancy, and the baby who's about to join us. And I think I know someone who can help." She took a quick breath, and continued before Natalia could ask the inevitable question. "I know you're used to talking to God about things, and you're not much for sharing your feelings with people—especially ones you don't know…"
A lopsided grin and a partial nod signaled Natalia's agreement, and Olivia continued. "But… I really think Bianca could give you some insight into separating these things in your heart."
"How?" Natalia couldn't fathom how someone so young could actually help her with this.
"Do you trust me?" Olivia's eyes flickered with sincerity.
"Completely," Natalia whispered.
"Then please, just talk to her. Tell her what you're feeling, okay?" Olivia implored. "I trust her to know what to say."
Natalia still looked a bit tentative. "I really like her, Olivia," she admitted easily, "but… I need a little more time to get to know her first. I—is that okay?"
"You take all the time you need," Olivia said, supportively. "I know Bianca will be there to help whenever you're ready. That's the kind of person she is."
Nodding, Natalia fell into Olivia's arms again; willing Olivia to hold her.
Pulling her impossibly closer, Olivia kissed Natalia's temple, as she tenderly stroked her hair. "Everything's gonna be all right, Natalia," she whispered, reassuringly. Her words were spoken like a promise.
Natalia sniffed, and nodded her head against Olivia's chest. She didn't know how, or even when things would feel all right again, but despite her current emotional state, she truly believed Olivia was speaking truth. She needed to believe it, if she had any hope of working through the raw emotions this pregnancy had evoked, and coming to terms with the child that grew inside her.
TBC…