Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows Chapter 9 Past & Present Collide Part VI, a guiding light fanfic

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, Marissa Spencer Randall, Jonathan and Sarah Randall, Frank Cooper, Cassie Layne, Josh Lewis, Richard and Edmund Winslow, and Maureen Reardon are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Lena and Paulina Kundera, Bianca Montgomery, Kendall Hart Slater, Jackson Montgomery, Erica Kane, Greenlee Smythe du Pres, Alexander Cambias, Jr. and Sr., and AJ Chandler are owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney.

Rights to the song Wild at Heart by Gloriana belong to WMG Records. Rights to the song Crazy Love by the Robbie Seay Band belong to Birdwing Music. Some of you may recognize it as the song from the DAYS JumboTron promo in NYC's Times Square. Copyright for the book Miss Mingo and the First Day of School by Jamie Harper belongs to Candlewick. Copyright for the book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney belongs to Viking Juvenile.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, WMG Records, Birdwing Music, Candlewick, Viking Juvenile or any other entity. Dialogue and story content in these scenes are original, with the exception of a brief mention of the mud fight between Olivia and Cassie. Also, with the exception of the cottage, all of the settings in this update are authentic to Martha's Vineyard. Written for fun, not profit, and I had an absolutely glorious time researching and writing this update! All other standard disclaimers apply.

Rating: Chapter 9.6 is rated PG for some subtle sexual overtones. It's mostly a lot of sweetness, romance, humor, cuteness with the kids, and all-around fun, as Lianca take Otalia out for a day on the Vineyard.

Thank you, again, to all of you for indulging my love of these characters. I appreciate you all very much. Hope you all enjoy the chapter…

Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

"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 9.6 – When Past and Present Collide:

Saturday, April 25, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—7:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Saturday morning found them all well-rested, in good spirits, and ready to take on the day. Bianca had gone to great lengths to ensure their one full day together would be enjoyed by children and mommies, alike. And to that end, she had planned an array of activities around the Vineyard.

Lena had long-since returned from her morning run, finding her coffee and newspaper waiting for her in their usual place. An appreciative smile played on her lips as she sunk into her chair, and breathed in the revitalizing aroma of her morning java.

Joined by Alexander and Olivia, they chattered easily about business and finance, as they sipped the warm brew, and shared the newspaper. After a brief debate with Alexander regarding the prudence of expansion in the current economy, Olivia shared some of her thoughts on management of the recently acquired Pine Valley Inn. She and Lena had discussed the hotel briefly on a few occasions prior, but had saved the bulk of their discussions for the trip. Olivia made specific recommendations regarding management, marketing, and finance, including management hierarchy, scheduling, advertising and promotions, and department budgets, as well as a few areas of concern; and by the time the discussion drew to a close, Lena deemed Olivia's advice well worth the wait.

They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together on the deck, and then Paulina and Alexander excused themselves, indicating that they had made plans to visit with friends before returning to Pine Valley. Olivia was disappointed to learn that they wouldn't be joining the group for the day, but Paulina assured her they would have plenty of time together on Sunday, as the Cambias jet wasn't scheduled for departure until eight thirty in the evening.

Marginally placated, Olivia hugged Paulina, and wished her a good day with her husband and friends, before turning her attention back to Bianca, who was outlining the proposed plans for their day.

Saturday, April 25, 2009… Katama Farm, Martha's Vineyard—8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Their day of excursions began with a trip to Katama Farm in Edgartown, where the girls embarked upon a morning of discovery—with Lena close on their heels, documenting every moment in both still photography and HD video.

She looked like a crazed tourist, and Natalia laughed as she watched Lena scurrying behind the girls with the video camera. They were chasing a little piglet around the pen, trying to pet it. Glancing at Bianca, she asked, "Is it always this bad?"

"You mean the camera?" Bianca chuckled.

Laughing softly, Natalia nodded. "She seems obsessed."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "This is actually good," she reported, her intonation indicating that it was usually far worse. "You should've seen her when Jordan was a baby."

"Ooh, that bad, huh?" Natalia grimaced.

"I swear, we must have ninety-five percent of Jordan's first four years on DVD," Bianca sighed. "She has them all dated, catalogued, and cross-referenced. Thank God for digital cameras or we would've gone broke developing all that film." She shook her head, as Natalia laughed. "She only slowed down then because Alex was born and there was less time." She paused for a beat; then added, "Whoever said that having two children was twice the work of having one, well, they were seriously flawed in their thinking. It's far worse than that…" she said, dramatically.

There was humor in Bianca's tone, but Natalia knew she was speaking truth. "Exponential, is it?" she teased.

"And then some," Bianca sighed, feigning exasperation.

"Hmm… I wonder what it'll be like with three." Natalia grinned, as she bumped her shoulder against Bianca's. Despite her own situation, she found that she was genuinely happy for them.

Bianca cast a sideways glance at her and smiled. "I don't know," she said, wistfully, "but we're excited about finding out. We can't wait to see what new little personality we'll see next."

"How different are Jordan and Alex?" Natalia asked, curious. The subject of personalities had always fascinated her.

"Different as night and day," Bianca declared. "Alex was strong-willed and demanding before she was even born. Lena and I have both said that if she'd been born first, we wouldn't have two children," she laughed. "We love her immensely, but Lord is she a handful sometimes."

There was humor mixed with the obvious adoration in Bianca's tone, and Natalia grinned in response.

"Jordan was our contented baby—and the reason we decided to take a chance on number three," Bianca said, teasingly. "She would sit quietly in her swing after the cycle finished, waiting for one of us to either come get her, or start it up again. But not Alex!" she laughed. "She would scream, and pump her legs until the thing started moving again… We didn't even think that was possible, but she did it!"

Natalia laughed a little. "Ah, yes… the independent child," she said, knowingly. "Rafe was a lot like that when he was little. Funny though, he seemed to grow into more of a Mama's boy the older he got." She sounded almost baffled.

"Good," Bianca sighed. "Maybe that means there's hope for Little-Miss-Independent," she said, gesturing toward Alex, who was busy getting dirty in the barnyard. They had only been there thirty minutes, and already Alex's Winnie-the-Pooh overalls, black t-shirt, and tennis shoes were filthy. Bianca swore the child could manage to find the one speck of dirt in a spotless environment, and smear it all over herself. "The only time she tolerates cuddling is when she's nursing, or just so tired that she can't put up a fight anymore. And you witnessed her opinion of being fed, at breakfast this morning."

Bianca sounded quite chagrinned, as she remembered the scene at breakfast. Lena had attempted to feed Alex a bite of sausage, only to have the child growl at her and slap at her hand, insisting, "I do!"

Emma giggled, and Olivia shot her a glance that immediately silenced her.

The tension at the table could have been sliced by a butter knife, as Lena set the fork down on Alex's plate, instructing, "Us the fork, Alexandria, and be careful."

Triumphant, Alex grinned and picked the fork up upside-down. She shoved it into her mouth, saying, "Nummy," around a mouthful of sausage.

"Seriously, Babe?" Bianca said to Lena, in that tone that said she wasn't the least bit pleased.

"What?" Lena countered, clearly thinking nothing of the child's behavior.

"Are you really gonna let her get away with that?"

"She's fine, Sweetheart," Lena said, dismissively. "How will she learn if we don't let her do it herself?"

No longer being surveyed, Alex obstinately discarded the fork, tossing it unceremoniously to the ground. She grinned proudly, as it clanked against the wood. Grabbing two more pieces of sausage with her bare hands, she crammed them into her mouth.

"I don't care if she does it herself, I just don't want her thinking it's acceptable for her to act that way."

"Are we really going to argue about this again right now?" Lena asked, in a tone that brooked no dispute.

Letting it drop, Bianca took a bite of her eggs, as Lena bent over, picking up the discarded fork. Setting it on the table, she turned her attention back to their guests, apologizing for the scene. Seconds later, all was forgotten, as they enjoyed their breakfast together.

"Yeah, that was kind of obvious," Natalia teased, attempting to lighten Bianca's mood about the incident.

Bianca groaned in displeasure. "I hate that we behaved that way in front of you," she said, apologetically.

"Oh, nonsense," Natalia said, casually. "Honestly, it makes me feel better, knowing that you and Lena actually fight sometimes. I mean, the two of you seem so disgustingly perfect together," she teased.

Laughing, Bianca assured Natalia that she and Lena did, indeed, fight. Just, not very often. And Natalia jokingly lamented that she wished the same were true of her and Olivia. "We bicker about everything," she admitted, "from paint colors and wall decorations, and how the dishes should be put away, to what kind of Christmas tree we should have and whether or not Christmas cookies from the Beacon are better than homemade." She sounded amused.

"Oh, homemade, for sure," Bianca declared with a grin.

"Thank you!" Laughing together, Natalia gave Bianca a high-five. "Those cookies from the Beacon are flavorless, and Emma and I would have missed out on all the fun of baking together, if Olivia had gotten her way about that."

"Who won the argument about the Christmas tree?"

"Emma," Natalia proudly declared. "She wanted a real tree instead of the fake one Olivia had delivered from the Beacon."

"Go, Emma!" Bianca exclaimed, lightheartedly, drawing another laugh from Natalia. "We always have a real tree, too. It smells like Christmastime, y'know?"

"That's what Emma said," Natalia shared. A wistful smile played on her lips at the memory.

Bianca studied Natalia for a moment. "Despite all the bickering, it seems to me that all three of you have won," she observed, her tone warm and sincere.

The light in Natalia's eyes sparkled. "Yeah, we sure did," she quietly affirmed.

Their conversation was brought to an abrupt halt, when Olivia's scream announced her impending arrival. Running full-speed across the barnyard, she looked as though she was trying to escape Armageddon.

Puzzled, Natalia shot her gaze beyond the hotelier, spotting Emma close on her heels; a squealing piglet squirming in her hands.

"He wants to give you kisses, Mommy!" Emma yelled.

Olivia grabbed onto Natalia, spinning her around, as her feet slid in the dirt.

"What am I, a human shield?" Natalia playfully groused.

"For the moment—Yes!"

Bianca laughed heartily, and intercepted Emma and the piglet. Lifting her up, she smiled into the blue-green eyes and said, "I bet Alex would appreciate piggy kisses more."

Emma's eyes lit up. "Where is she?" The piglet squealed and squirmed.

Olivia mouthed the words, "Thank you," and Bianca just grinned. "She's right over there," she said to Emma, tipping her head toward the fence. "Wanna go show her?"

"Yeah!" Emma exclaimed.

Bianca set Emma back down on the ground, and ran along with her to show the piglet to Alex.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Olivia turned Natalia in her arms. She tightened her hold, as Natalia simultaneously locked her fingers behind Olivia's lower back, mirroring her.

"You're not afraid of a little piglet, are you?" Natalia teased.

"No, I'm afraid of looking like one," Olivia answered, drolly. "That thing is filthy!"

Natalia laughed, and hugged her. "I bet you'd look sexy covered in mud," she husked.

"You could ask Cassie. She could probably tell you," Olivia said, jokingly.

"Cassie?"

Olivia heard hints of intrigue and jealousy in Natalia's tone. She liked the idea of Natalia being a little jealous—it boosted her ego. "Yeah," she laughed. "I guess no one ever told you about our mud fight." She sounded amused.

"You and Cassie, in a mud fight," Natalia said, disbelievingly.

Olivia nodded sheepishly. "We were fighting over Edmund, and… the Beacon, and… Josh and Richard, and… every other ridiculous thing that came to mind," she sighed. "Clearly, not one of my finer moments." The memory of that argument, where Cassie had made her face the fact that she sought power and control as a means to make up for the lack of love in her life, came back to her in blazing clarity, and her heart clenched in her chest.

Natalia immediately noticed the change in her, and asked if she was all right.

Pulling Natalia impossibly closer, Olivia nuzzled against her cheek. "Remembering that fight reminded me of how thankful I am for you," she whispered. "I love you, Natalia," she quietly proclaimed, as she wrapped her in the tightest hug they had ever shared.

When Olivia finally released her hold, Natalia gazed into those mesmerizing jade eyes, declaring her love in return. And then she fell headlong into Olivia's kisses, as they stood there in the barnyard, locked in one another's arms.

Moments later, the sound of children's laughter drew them back to reality. Breaking their kiss, Olivia draped her arm around Natalia's shoulder, as Natalia's arm fell across Olivia's waist. And as they sauntered toward Lena and Bianca, Natalia gazed at Olivia, amusement in her eyes, "I can't believe you had a mud fight with Cassie…"

Olivia chuckled softly. "Wanna know the best part?"

"What?" Natalia laughed in anticipation.

"After we were finished, I pulled Alan in there with us," Olivia snickered.

"You did not!" Natalia was pleasantly shocked.

"I did!" Olivia said, dramatically. "In his brand new tailored suit." She sounded rather pleased with herself. "Serves him right for laying bets with Richard over which one of us would win."

"Was he betting against you?"

"No—," Olivia laughed, "but that was hardly the point."

"True," Natalia granted.

Olivia brought them to a halt, as she basked in the memory for a moment. "Tailored suit—at least four grand. Alan Spaulding covered in mud—fucking Priceless!"

"I love you, Olivia Spencer," Natalia sighed. She was so amused she didn't even mention the swear jar. "You're such a Bad Girl."

"Oh, you know it, Baby!" Olivia husked against Natalia's ear, causing her to shiver. She kissed Natalia's cheek then, and they made their way across the barnyard to join their friends.

After age-appropriate lessons about ecology and harvesting crops, Emma and Jordan were off to help with various farm chores such as collecting eggs and feeding and watering the vast array of animals—chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, goats, and sheep. Collecting eggs was Emma's favorite, and in all her eight years of wisdom, she decided they should get a chicken coop for the farm, so Natalia would always have fresh eggs for her baking. And after learning that goats eat weeds, she thought a few of those would be good, too.

Ever the overindulgent parent, Natalia was quick to agree, leaving Olivia to contemplate the potential catastrophes. In her mind, a pleasant outcome for her designer shoes was not in her future.

Emma got excited about holding a real live chicken—until it poo'd on her, and then she was just grossed out. She screeched, and dropped the chicken, leaving it to flap its wings and cluck as it ran in mindless circles. "Yuck! I'm never touching a chicken again!" she groused, as everyone else laughed heartily.

"Oh, thank God," Olivia said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Maybe she'll forget about wanting a chicken coop at the farm."

"Don't forget about the goats," Bianca teased.

"Oh, Jesus, don't remind me." Olivia sounded exasperated. "Next thing I know, she'll want the animals to sleep in her room!" She received a sharp glance from Natalia for the blasphemy, and quickly apologized.

Nearby, Alexandria joined in, enjoying the animals with her Mama. She giggled and squealed as Lena helped her hold and pet the baby chicks, goats, and lambs, and even a baby bunny. Unfortunately, for one particularly aggressive rooster, when he squawked in her face and nipped at her, she promptly decked him. The poor little thing slumped over, and for a moment, they all thought it was dead!

"Alexandria!" Bianca quickly rebuked, as she swooped in and snatched her daughter up into her arms. It happened so fast, it left Lena's head spinning. "No-no!" Bianca said, wagging her finger at the toddler, who offered that partially toothless, dimpled grin in response.

Try as she might, Bianca couldn't stifle the laugh that bubbled in her chest, and soon everyone else was laughing along with her.

A quick nudge from Olivia's foot goaded the animal back to life, and they all jumped back, startled, when it sprang into action, squawking and running aimlessly around the pen. Thankful that the thing wasn't dead, they made a mad dash for the exit, and moved on to the next activity on the agenda.

Luckily, Bianca had warned Olivia to bring an extra set of clothing along for Emma, and after the chicken debacle, Olivia helped her change. Then they headed over to the barn, where Emma and Jordan sat, wide-eyed, on milking stools, as one of the farmhands showed them how to milk a cow by hand. Emma glanced up at Olivia, asking in awe, "Why don't our cows do that?"

Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Do I look like a farmer?" she said, humorously. "'Cause… I don't see any ugly straw hats on my head."

Emma giggled. "You're silly, Mommy."

Leaning over toward Olivia, Lena smirked. "You have cows?" The teasing mockery was evident in her tone.

"We live on a farm, Aunt Lena," Emma said, as if that should answer her question. "Of course we have cows."

Lena tousled Emma's hair. "I stand corrected, Sweetie."

Crouched down beside her as he worked the cow's udders, the young farmhand smiled at Emma. "You probably have beef cattle on your farm, Little Miss," he tutored. "They don't give milk."

Eyeing him curiously, Emma asked, "What do they give?"

"Well, if they're being raised as a food source, they'll give things like hamburger and steak," he answered.

Emma looked worried. She glanced up at Olivia, lower lip trembling. "Are Bessie and Bertie gonna be steaks someday?"

Olivia's eyes filled with compassion, and she gently touched Emma's cheek. "No, Baby," she said, reassuringly. "Bessie and Bertie are more like pets. No one is going to hurt them."

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, and turned her attention back to the cow.

Lena glanced at Olivia. "Do you have pigs, too?" she smirked.

"Shut up—," Olivia groused.

Lena laughed.

"No," Emma answered. "But we have ducks!"

"You have real live ducks?" Jordan's eyes were wide, and she sounded excited.

"Yup," Emma said, with a confirmatory nod. "And Natalia lets me feed them old bread sometimes."

"Cool!" Jordan declared. "Could I come over and help you feed them?"

"Sure," Emma shrugged, as if Jordan lived right next door.

Olivia and Lena shared an amused glance. Clearly, children had no concept of distance.

Smiling, Jordan turned her attention back to the cow. She furrowed her brow, as she watched the streams of milk pouring from the cow's lactating udders; wondering why her mommy's didn't look like that. Later, when they helped milk the goats, she didn't just wonder. She asked. And Bianca blushed profusely, and Natalia empathized with her, as Lena explained, as age-appropriately as possible, the difference between farm animals and Mommy, while Olivia and the farmhand tried not to laugh.

As the cow milking continued, Emma glanced up at Lena. "Mommy stepped in cow poo when we first moved in," she reported. "She wasn't very happy." Eyes wide, her tone was cautionary, as she shook her head.

Natalia snickered. "Needless to say, she doesn't wear those fancy boots in the barn anymore." She sounded amused.

"Gucci or Prada?" Lena asked.

"Prada," Natalia answered with a chuckle. "Black leather," she reported.

"Did they have golden buckle spurs?" Lena was clearly amused.

Nodding her head, Natalia grinned. "I think they did," she said, in a teasing sing-song voice.

"Hey! I'm standing right here, ya know," Olivia groused, drawing a laugh from Lena.

Slipping her arm around Olivia's waist, Natalia squeezed her. "Aw, poor Baby… Are you feeling left out?"

"Don't mock me," Olivia pouted.

Natalia laughed and kissed her. "I mock because I love."

"Oh, I'm just drowning in the love here, Sweetheart," Olivia said, dryly.

Wrapping both arms around Olivia, Natalia pulled her close. "Don't worry, Honey, I'll save you." She kissed Olivia sweetly.

"What—are you a certified lifeguard now?"

"Didn't you know?" Natalia feigned incredulity.

Olivia's interest was piqued. "Does that mean you know CPR?" she husked, eyebrow arched.

Natalia shook her head and grinned. "Any excuse to get your mouth on mine," she sighed.

"You'd better believe it," Olivia flirted. "Maybe we could practice later," she whispered against Natalia's ear.

"Or maybe we could practice right now…" Natalia whispered, suggestively.

A mischievous grin teased at Olivia's lips, as she took Natalia's face into her hands. "I like your plan better," she quietly declared. And covering Natalia's mouth with her own, Olivia kissed her thoroughly.

After the cow milking, they headed over to the activity center, where the girls participated in a series of games with several dozen school-aged children, many who were locals and a few who were vacationing on the Vineyard that week.

When it came time for the potato sack race, Emma sized up the competition. Deciding they were all younger and less coordinated than her, she set her sights on winning. Unfortunately, her ego took a direct hit when Jordan managed to pass her, crossing the finish line first. But thanks to Natalia's influence, she had learned the art of losing gracefully, and she offered a genuine smile, as she gave her new little friend a congratulatory high-five. And just that easily, the cadence of their relationship had been established—Emma would set expectations for Jordan, and time-and-again, Jordan would not only meet those expectations, she would far surpass them. It would take Emma many years to learn not to underestimate the willpower, talents and skills of a young woman named Jordan Kaitlyn Montgomery-Kundera, but when she finally did, she would earn a priceless reward.

Jordan beamed, and flung her arms around Emma's waist, hugging her excitedly. Emma laughed, and returned the hug. And then they were off to the arts and crafts activities with Olivia and Lena, while Bianca and Natalia took Alexandria to a little sing-a-long group for toddlers.

They continued their time at the farm exploring the greenhouses and catching quick lesson on gardening. And then it was on to the finale—a wagon ride, complete with bales of hay, blaring country music, and big red tractor for the tow.

Alex was fascinated by the tractor, and while Lena allowed her to explore it, Emma and Jordan occupied themselves with a wrestling match in the loose hay. Olivia helped Natalia and Bianca climb into the wagon, and the three of them settled in atop the bales of hay, enjoying watching their girls at play. They laughed as the girls threw hay and rolled around, pouncing and squealing. Even the farmhand, who had introduced himself as Rob, seemed amused by their antics, and he allowed them to continue as he helped a handful of other women and children into the wagon. Not surprisingly, a few of the other children joined in, making it all the more fun.

Once Alex was finished exploring, Lena handed her over the side, releasing her into Bianca's care, and then Rob offered his assistance as she climbed into the wagon. He instructed the children to take a seat then, somewhere in the middle of the wagon, and cautioned them not to go near the edges until the tractor came to a stop, and he made his way back to help them down. The children acknowledged his instructions, and obediently settled in between the bales of hay, as the adults, including two men, lined the perimeter, creating a protective barrier. All-in-all, there were nine women, the two men, ten children, and two teenage girls whose job it was, as farm volunteers, to help with the children, if needed.

Dropping down into a pile of loose hay, Olivia leaned against a bale near the front of the wagon. She seemed so relaxed as she literally fell into the hay, with that soft laugh and easy smile, and her hair loose, flowing in soft waves around her face. Natalia watched her intently, taking in every movement, measuring every breath, as Olivia's thigh muscles shifted beneath those form-fitting designer jeans, and her breasts rose and fell beneath the soft material of her light gray t-shirt.

Bending her right knee, Olivia planted her foot on the bed of the wagon, and Natalia's eyes were drawn to her feet. She was wearing a pair of short, black leather boots—Gucci, of course; but they weren't the kind with ridiculous heels. They were flat, appropriate for the activities of the day, but still very Olivia, with a silver buckle to the side, and a suitable amount of bling. Her belt buckle, shaped like a peace sign, had the same palladium and gold ornamentation as her boots, and it shone in the early afternoon sunlight. Olivia was horsewoman meets biker chick meets some sort of fashionista, and the overall effect of her chosen attire was a complete turn-on to Natalia. She felt the butterflies begin their dance deep within her belly.

Extending a hand toward Natalia, Olivia beckoned, "Sit with me?" And Natalia swore that seductive grin, those flashing come-hither eyes, would be her undoing.

Unable to refuse an invitation packaged in such a way, Natalia accepted the proffered hand, and allowed Olivia to pull her down into the hay. The moment she was down, she felt the strength of Olivia's arms encircling her, and she sighed contentedly, as she leaned back against the warmth of her chest.

"This is nice," Natalia said, as she reveled in the experience of simply being with Olivia. "Maybe we should get some hay bales for at home," she teasingly declared.

"Oh, no, not you, too," Olivia groaned. "Next thing I know, we'll have a barnyard full of goats, chickens, and sheep; and I'll be spending my free time mucking out stalls in the barn."

Natalia laughed, and turned her head. "Oh, uh-uh! Any free time you have, belongs to me," she said, in a tone that brooked no dispute. And then she kissed the grousing woman soundly.

"Good answer," Olivia grinned.

"We'll just hire a farmhand to take care of that," Natalia said, in a casual teasing tone.

Olivia groaned, and Natalia laughed. And then she kissed Olivia again.

After securing Alex in Emma's lap, Bianca and Lena took up residence right next to Olivia and Natalia; Bianca effortlessly pulling her wife against her. Glancing around, Bianca quickly sized up the other adults on their wagon ride. Given some of their physical attributes, coupled with the manner in which they interacted, she surmised that at least two of the five other women on the wagon were either lesbian or bisexual. Her assumption was confirmed when the taller, more exotic half of the duo offered her furtive smile, before pulling the other woman, who was obviously her partner, down into her lap.

The tractor engine roared to life, and the wagon jerked as they started on their journey across the pasture. The children threw hay, and laughed, and chattered about all they had seen and done on the farm that morning, and the adults talked amongst themselves, as they passed fields planted with corn, and wheat, and oats. They had learned earlier that the winter wheat was nearing harvest time, and the spring wheat was just taking root, in preparation for the fall harvest. And the same was true of the oat crops that grew in adjacent fields.

Natalia quickly became disenchanted with the hay, complaining that it was itchy. Olivia leaned forward and around, seeking Natalia's gaze, and smiled. "Need me to scratch that itch for you, Honey?" she husked, before kissing Natalia playfully. And then her hands were lightly moving along Natalia's back, her nails were scraping just forcefully enough through the soft pink t-shirt to draw a raspy moan from deep within Natalia's lungs.

Leaning forward, Olivia's lips fell against Natalia's right ear, as her left hand slipped down, massaging Natalia's hip. "Have I told you today, how sexy you are?" she murmured, as her right hand slipped beneath Natalia's t-shirt, rubbing lightly across warm skin.

Not surprisingly, Natalia forgot all about the itchiness. It was pleasurable torture for her, having Olivia's hands work her body that way, and she wished beyond measure that Olivia would scratch another itch for her—the one that ached for attention, deep within her body. Turning her head, she met Olivia's gaze. "I think you just did," she grinned, "but maybe you could show me a little more," she whispered, drawing Olivia into a kiss, as she deftly took that probing hand from her hip, wrapping it around her waist.

Their kisses ended when the wagon came to a stop just outside the gate to the back pasture, where they would visit with the herd of beef cattle. Rob jumped down from the tractor to open the gate, and then quickly reclaiming his seat, he drove them through to the other side. When the tractor stopped again, one of the teenaged volunteers jumped from the wagon and ran to close the gate behind them.

The cattle paid no attention to whether the gate was open or closed; too busy were they with the business of grazing. Rob let everyone know that they were free to wander the pasture and pet the cattle while he attended to a few chores and ensured that the cattle had an adequate supply of water for the day. He even invited the older children to accompany him, to help with the chores if they so chose.

Emma decided that she would rather just talk to the cows, just like she did at home; and Rob helped them, along with anyone else who wanted to explore, down off of the wagon.

Once everyone was on the ground they separated and their family units became more readily apparent. Despite the fact that they appeared to be of Indian and Middle-Eastern descents, the other lesbian couple spoke with distinct British accents as they discussed expectations with their sons, who looked to be around Emma's age; one just slightly younger and the other a little older. There was also a German couple with two somewhat younger school-aged boys, a rather distinguished-looking father with the slightest touch of gray in his hair, who obviously doted on his little princess, and two young moms who seemed to be there together, but not as a couple; one with her preschool-aged son, and the other with her toddler daughter.

It was a culturally diverse group, to say the least, given the mixture of ages, ethnicities, and orientations, but they melded together well, and there seemed to be a tacit sense of mutual respect for their differences, as they interacted with one another throughout the excursion.

Jordan was the first to tire of petting the cows, and she wandered back to the wagon with Emma; their mothers, in tow. Olivia helped Natalia into the wagon, and then hopped in behind her, as Bianca helped the girls get in. She climbed in then with Lena's help, while Natalia held Alex; who seemed to be quite content with the arrangement.

Cradling the baby in her lap, Natalia spoke to her in a gentle voice, and Alex peered up into those soft dark eyes, smiling contentedly.

Lena laughed and shook her head in amazement at the change in her daughter's demeanor. "You and Emma really have a way with her," she said, grinning at Natalia.

Natalia smiled in response. "She reminds me of my son when he was her age," she admitted. "If only they could stay this innocent." There was deep longing in her tone.

Nodding, Lena commiserated, "I know what you mean."

Turning her attention back to Alex, Natalia spoke softly to her again, telling her how sweet she was, and that she was beautiful, like her mommies. Alex perked up, eyes wide, and said, "Where's Mama?"

"Mama's right here, Little Bear," Lena laughed, as she reached over, tousling the baby's curls.

Natalia glanced up at Lena. "I can't get over how clearly she speaks. Rafe didn't make any sense until he was almost two!"

"Language is easier for girls," Bianca piped in. "And it helps when they have an older sibling as a role model."

Lena nodded in agreement. "Alex had a great role model, because Jordan was speaking in complete sentences by the time she was a year old," she proudly shared.

"Wow!" Natalia was impressed. "How did you manage that?"

"She's naturally intelligent, like her Mommy," Lena boasted, with a grin.

Bianca blushed a little at the compliment.

"And it didn't hurt that Bianca is home with her, with both of them actually, as much as possible."

Natalia offered a wobbly smile. "It's nice to have that option, huh?"

Olivia heard the tacit emotion in Natalia's words, and moved closer. Wrapping an arm around Natalia, she leaned in, nuzzling her ear. "You'll have that option this time, Sweetheart," she whispered. "If that's what you want. I promised you everything will be different this time, and I meant it."

Gazing at Olivia through tearstained eyes, Natalia whispered, "Thank you." She leaned over, brushing her lips against Olivia's. "You always know exactly what I need to hear."

A mischievous grin splashed across Olivia's lips. "That's because I'm the perfect girlfriend," she said, feigning arrogance.

Natalia groaned and rolled her eyes, and everyone laughed.

Once the tension had waned, Bianca reached over, gently squeezing Natalia's arm. "Olivia is right, Natalia, things can be so different this time, because you can work it out together. It isn't just me being there with the girls. Lena works from home as much as she can so she can be there for me, and Mama helps, too," she acknowledged. "She was always there to keep Jordan when I was in class. She read to her and interacted with her all the time. She's that way with Alex, too, and I really think that helps."

"Can Mama move to Springfield for about eighteen years?" she asked, jokingly.

"Hey, hands off," Bianca teasingly warned, "Mama's ours."

Communal laughter rang out again, and then Olivia caught the opening measures of Gloriana's Wild at Heart, piping through the speakers at the front of the wagon. "Ooh! This is a great song!" she exclaimed, as she hopped to her feet.

Startled by the sudden movement, Lena jumped back, eyeing Olivia curiously.

"Oh, God," Natalia groaned. She was afraid of what was coming next.

"What, 'Oh, God'?" Olivia grinned, extending her hand down to Natalia, as she moved to the beat. "Come on, Honey, dance with me!"

Lena glanced at Bianca, who had the same stupefied expression on her face. She didn't think she had ever seen Olivia behave so animatedly. Clearly, more had changed than she realized; and she liked it.

"You want me to dance with you in a wagon, in the middle of a cow pasture?" Natalia sounded confounded.

"Yes," Olivia insisted; that sexy grin and those come-hither eyes working their magic once again.

Natalia offered her a shy smile, and then glanced at Lena. "Will you take her?" she asked, nodding toward Alex.

Amused by Olivia's uncharacteristic behavior, Lena grinned and reached out toward her daughter. "Come to Mama?"

Alex squealed and lunged toward Lena's wiggling fingers, and Natalia released her to her mother's care.

Then, smiling up at Olivia, she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. By the time she was in Olivia's arms, the song was in its first pre-chorus, and Olivia was singing to her, as she moved their bodies to the beat. "I ain't here to do anything halfway. Don't give a damn what anyone might say. I just want to freefall for a while…"

Crooning out the lyrics with obvious intent, it was clear that Olivia meant every word. She effortlessly drew out that last word before falling headlong into the chorus, "That rebel moon is shining. Those stars burn like diamonds. Hell bent on chasing down that crazy spark. I'll follow you where you're leading," she emphasized, by locking her gaze on Natalia's. "To the first sweet taste of freedom. You got me running, Baby—wild at heart…"

Her head falling back, Natalia laughed with a sense of inner glee, and Olivia felt drunk on the sheer essence of her. God, she was beautiful, with the afternoon sunlight streaming through tresses of dark silk. It kissed her smooth olive skin, softly, like the touch of a butterfly's wings, and then reflected, illuminating the light in her eyes. Olivia pulled her close, as the second verse began, and leaning in, she murmured against her ear, "You've tamed the beast in me, but you also unleashed this wildness in my heart, Natalia. It's all for you…"

Natalia's dimples bloomed as she gazed into those mesmerizing jade eyes. "I kinda like this wild streak in you," she said, fondly.

Olivia grinned. "That's good, 'cause I don't think it's going anywhere."

"It better not," Natalia said, sternly; but the sparkle in her eyes told Olivia she already knew it wouldn't.

The second pre-chorus kicked in, and Olivia's animation revved up. "Stick your hand into my back pocket…" It sounded like an invitation, and Natalia grinned as she willingly complied. "Light me up like a bottle rocket." Jade eyes widened, glistening with mischief, as she shifted her hips to the beat, and Natalia laughed freely. "I just want to freefall for a while…"

Lena, Bianca, and the girls were laughing at Olivia's antics, as the song fell into the chorus. Emma glanced at Jordan and grinned. "Wanna dance with my Mommies?"

Jordan's face lit up. "Sure!" she exclaimed, as she scrambled to find her purchase.

Grabbing Jordan's hand, Emma pulled her up from the hay pile, and they were jumping and spinning, dancing like only little girls can. It didn't take long for Alex to start bouncing up and down, squealing and clapping her hands gleefully. The way she moved her head as she bounced made her look like a little chicken, and Lena and Bianca laughed heartily at the scene.

And then a mischievous grin was teasing at Bianca's lips, and Lena shook her head, eyeing her warily. "Oh, no," she said, refusing what she knew was coming.

It was too late. Bianca was on her feet, tugging at Lena's arm. "Come on, Babe. Come play with me," she murmured roguishly.

Lena hated country music, and she couldn't dance to save her life; but knowing she wouldn't win on this one, she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Scooping Alex up, she held her firmly with her right arm, as her left hand fell to Bianca's right hip. And as they moved to the beat, Bianca's voice melded perfectly, as she joined in on the chorus.

Olivia arched an eyebrow, eyed her up and down, in challenge, and then grinned, welcoming her to the fun. Bianca laughed, and ramped up her performance.

"I've got forever on the tip of my tongue…" Olivia sang sincerely, before falling into the chorus once again. It repeated twice, and every time she came to the lines, I'll follow you where you're leading. To the first sweet taste of freedom. You got me running, Baby—wild at heart…" she made it sound as if those words had been written just for Natalia.

Lena heard laughter and clapping behind them, and turned to find that they had a participatory audience. Even the cows were paying attention. Olivia had managed to create a party in a cow pasture. Amused, she grinned. The woman never ceased to surprise her, and as time passed, the surprises were becoming more and more pleasant.

When the song finally wound to its conclusion, Olivia released deep laugh, as she dropped down into hay. Laughing heartily, Natalia landed with her, Olivia's body breaking her fall.

"Damn, that was fun!" Olivia declared, attempting to catch her breath. And Natalia was enjoying herself so much, she didn't even mention the swear jar.

Bianca and Lena were laughing as well, when they lowered themselves back down onto the wagon bed. The laughter and applause from outside the wagon waned, as the other adults and children began climbing back in. A few of them complimented Olivia and Bianca, and they responded with warm smiles and a round of thanks.

"It was fun," Bianca panted out. She wiped at the sweat on her brow. "You have an incredible voice, Olivia," she complimented. "I knew you used to sing in college, but I had no idea…"

"That's what I said when I first heard her," Natalia shared. She offered Olivia a shy smile. "She sang for me on our first date."

Olivia wrapped an arm around Natalia. "It was nothing," she said, dismissively. "Just karaoke."

Bianca's ears perked up. "Karaoke?"

"Yeah—," Olivia laughed. "We were at the bar, playing pool. It just happened to be karaoke night, so I figured why not have a little fun?" She shrugged.

Natalia's face adopted an expression that matched the growl that emanated from her lungs. "She sells herself too short," she said to Lena and Bianca. And then she turned her attention to Olivia. "It was incredibly sweet and romantic," she said, softly, as she traced Olivia's face with her fingertips.

Olivia smiled, and kissed those fingertips.

Bianca's expression turned to one of determination. "Okay, Spencer," she said, adopting a stern, measured tone, "You and me. Season's Pub. Tonight, eleven o'clock sharp."

Olivia arched an eyebrow. "What is this, a challenge?" She sounded intrigued.

"Oh, you betcha." Bianca tried to sound serious.

"Oh, God," Lena groaned.

"Terms?" Olivia inquired.

"No using any of the karaoke standards. Homogeneous genres—no pitting country against pop, or pop against rock. You get the idea."

"What if it's a crossover?"

Bianca thought for a minute. "Crossovers are their own genre."

Olivia nodded.

"We'll each choose a genre, and then we'll choose song options from both genres. Four songs total. No bribing the audience with free beer," Bianca said, launching a pointed finger directly at Olivia, causing her to laugh.

"Or shots, or anything else," Bianca added.

Olivia groaned, and Bianca laughed.

"Loudest applause wins." Bianca finalized the terms.

"What's the prize?"

Bianca's eyes twinkled. "European cruise on the yacht—all of us go, but…" she paused, building suspense, "loser picks up the entire tab."

Sitting upright, Olivia squared her shoulders, staring Bianca down. "You're on."

Glancing around at the three of them, Natalia looked confused. "What just happened here?"

"Karaoke challenge, Honey," Olivia said, as she brushed her lips against Natalia's cheek. "Looks like we're going out tonight." She sounded excited.

Natalia's dimples bloomed again, and she clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay!"

"And when I win, Lena and Bianca will be taking us all to Europe," Olivia said, self-confidence oozing from her pores.

"Whatever happened to just waging a hundred bucks?" Natalia sounded a bit bewildered by the prospect.

"Child's play," Olivia answered. Her eyes never left Bianca's, as she awaited a response.

"Getting a little ahead of yourself, don't you think?" Bianca challenged.

"Just giving you fair warning," Olivia said, casually. "Better start saving your Euros."

Bianca laughed, and Lena just shook her head. The discussion turned to logistics then, as they set the remainder of their day to line up with the added activity. They scrapped a few things that had been on the agenda, deciding that they could do them on Sunday afternoon, instead, and within minutes, everything had been perfectly rearranged.

It wasn't long then, before Rob returned from chores with the older children, and the wagon was making its way back to the homestead. It had been a fun excursion, but they were all ready to move on to the next activity.

Returning from the wagon ride, their time at the farm ended with a stroll through the friendship garden, that was enjoyed by everyone, except little Alex, who was growing tired and hungry.

By the end of their visit, they had learned and experienced a wide array of things. They learned where food comes from, how to grow things, how to work together as they interact with the land, and how to take care of the land to preserve it for future generations. They had helped with spring planting and learned about harvesting crops, helped milk cows and goats, watched a sheep shearing, explored the flower and vegetable gardens as well as the barns and grain silos, and held and petted all sorts of baby animals, while they learned about the cycle of life. It was all a part of the farm's overreaching goal to educate children about the ecology of their world, and promote healthy lifestyles for children and their families. All-in-all, it had been a wonderful experience for everyone, and they headed back to the SUV with growling bellies, and smiles on their faces.

Saturday, April 25, 2009… Edgartown, Massachusetts—1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Traveling back in time to a period before traffic lights, fast-food, and most modern conveniences, they entered Edgartown proper, a place where they found simplicity; an old-fashioned small-town lifestyle, devoid of opulence and haste.

The famous Old Whaling Church, with its massive columns—a tenet of Greek Revival architecture—commanded Main Street; somewhat miraculously without overpowering it. And entering its inner sanctum brought to one, a sense of reverence and reflection of times since past.

Beyond the Old Whaling Church, Main Street, Edgartown resembled the ideal small New England thoroughfare—a one-way street, scarcely two lanes wide, with a few blocks of quaint little inns and shops, a few upscale restaurants and a charming eatery here and there; maybe a church or two, and the beloved movie theater that had shown films before the age of Technicolor or even sound; the old town hall, the courthouse, guarded by shady elms; a modest, yet beautiful park, where even grown-ups played like children, carefree, in the afternoon sunlight. It was picturesque in its simplicity; a tribute to times past, but not forgotten.

They dropped into Water Street, where Bianca had made mid-afternoon lunch reservations. The famed restaurant was housed in the historic Harbor View Hotel on Starbuck's Neck. The hotel resembled a massive Victorian mansion, with its huge wrap-around porch, complete with a built-in gazebo, and sweeping views of the land and seascape, including the Edgartown Lighthouse and Harbor.

From the Edgartown Lighthouse—one of four iconic lighthouses on the Island—they could see out to Nantucket Sound, across to Chappaquiddick, the Edgartown waterfront, and all of the activity of the harbor. It was a bustling place, filled with sailboats, beachgoers, and picnickers, and the girls found the activity exciting to watch as they waited for their meal to arrive.

Once lunch had been served, their attention turned to those at the table, and Emma chattered animatedly about all the exciting things they did at the farm. "I thought the continental garden was really cool," she said of the garden that was mapped out according to the origins of its contents—different plants and vegetables from around the world. "I had no idea watermelons came from Africa!" Her face took on a thoughtful expression as she pondered for a moment. "It kinda shows that the world is a really big place, but… it's also kinda small. That's really cool." She glanced up at Olivia with an expectant expression in her eyes. "Can we go back there sometime?"

"Sure," Olivia easily agreed. "I think that would be fun."

"You know, they have kid's camps all summer long, Emma," Lena informed. "Maybe you could talk your Mommy into letting you go for a week or two." She looked at Olivia. "They're day camps, so she would be home at night," she explained.

Emma's eyes lit up. "Can I Mommy? Can I, please?" she begged.

"You could come visit us for a few weeks this summer. We could take the yacht out…" Lena sweetened the deal. She hadn't realized how much she missed Olivia, until they reestablished contact two months prior. And now that their lifestyles and priorities seemed to be realigning, she hoped they could maintain a closer friendship.

Olivia nodded and smiled. "Well, you'll be taking us on a European tour on that yacht after I win tonight," she smugly reminded. "But you've got my attention on this, too. Keep talking."

Lena laughed. "A little over-confident there, don't you think, Spencer?" she challenged.

"No—," Olivia answered with assurance.

Amused, Lena shook her head. "We'll be here from mid-May through late September, and we would love it if you all would join us, for as long as you're able to stay."

"Yeah, Lena and I were talking about taking the yacht out for a week or so around our anniversary, and you're welcome to join us for that if you'd like," Bianca invited. "And the girls could go to camp when we're here on the Island. I would love for Jordan to experience that, but Lena thinks she's too young to go alone."

"So sue me, I'm overprotective of my daughter," Lena teasingly groused.

"Oh, you hush—" Bianca grinned, and squeezed Lena's cheeks, then kissed her.

Olivia grinned at the two of them. "A trip this summer sounds great, actually," she said. She glanced at Natalia, who was nodding agreeably.

Emma let out a triumphant yelp, and Olivia quickly cautioned her. "Not so fast, Jellybean, it'll depend on where things are with Rafe."

Groaning, Emma slumped in her chair. "He's being a big 'ole Meany right now," she pouted.

Olivia shot her a stern look. "Regardless, he's our family, and we have to consider his needs as well as our own," she insisted. "Now stop it, and sit up and eat your lunch," she ordered, in a tone that brooked no dispute.

Disgruntled, Emma sat forward and shoved some fries into her mouth. She eyed Olivia as she chewed.

Conscious of the fact that she was being watched, and none too pleased with it, Olivia turned her attention to Bianca and Lena. "We'll have to see where things stand with Rafe before we can give you a definite answer," she said, issuing a caveat.

Lena gave her an understanding nod. "How is that going?" she asked, as she took a sip of her tea. She knew from recent conversations with Olivia that they had been trying to get him an early release.

"I actually heard from our attorney the other day, and she managed to get us a hearing," Olivia happily reported. "It's in three weeks."

"That's great news, Olivia," Lena congratulated. She set her glass back on the table.

"What kind of hearing?" Bianca asked, as she forked up some of her salad. She wasn't in the loop when it came to Natalia's business with her son.

"Hopefully one that will get him an early release," Natalia sighed. "I just think it'll be easier for him to come to terms with us, once he's home, experiencing life with us as a family." She still wasn't expecting any miracles, but more time with her son would help. Of that, she was certain.

Olivia nodded. "I agree. I think it'll help him see that nothing much has really changed just by our being together," she reasoned. "We're still the same people. We still support one another in the same ways. We've just added another layer to the dynamic between us, and as a result, the things that have changed, well, they've changed for the better."

"Transition can be especially difficult for family members," Bianca said, knowingly. "My Mother had a terrible time accepting it when I came out."

"But she's okay with it now?" Natalia was searching for a shred of hope.

Bianca smiled. "Yes, she is," she confirmed. "And while it's not always the case, children are often more easily accepting of a perceived shift in a parent's sexual orientation, than parents are when they learn their child is gay or lesbian."

"Really?" Natalia seemed surprised.

"Yeah," Bianca verified with a nod. "In either case, though, the closeness of the relationship before the revelation is a good measure of the ultimate outcome."

"Rafe and I have always been very close," Natalia was quick to report. Bianca had just given her the hope she needed.

"Then I think the chances are really good that he'll come around," Bianca said, encouragingly.

"He has to come around," Olivia adamantly declared. Her gaze locked on Natalia's. "I won't let you lose your son because of me."

"What, are you gonna bully him?" Natalia teased, attempting to ease the intensity behind Olivia's declaration.

"No—," Olivia answered quietly, "I'm just not gonna give up on him. He can be as nasty as he wants, for as long as he needs to be. I won't stop trying."

Natalia leaned over, kissing Olivia tenderly. "Just another reason why I love you the way I do." Her fingertips lightly grazed Olivia's cheek.

Olivia smiled at her, and kissed her again, as audible sighs were heard from the other side of the table—two of them from Lena and Bianca, who were reveling in the sweetness, and the other from Emma, who was mumbling, "More mushy stuff. Yuck!"

Laughing softly, Olivia turned her attention to her grousing daughter. "Just you wait, Jellybean. Someday, you're gonna meet someone who makes you wanna be mushy too."

"Gross," Emma declared. And then she shoved more fries into her mouth, effectively ending the discussion.

After lunch, they sauntered into Mad Martha's Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe—the premiere place for cool, creamy treats on the Vineyard. There were more flavors than Emma could even fathom, and she stood there, wide-eyed, staring at the options. She had a hard time deciding, but finally, she settled on a flavor called Lotsa Dough, and she wasn't the least bit displeased. Olivia indulged in mint chocolate chip, and Natalia splurged on peanut butter and chocolate, while Lena, Bianca and the girls quickly settled on their favorites.

The shop was packed, and the old-fashioned white soda-shop chairs were hard to come by, so they took their cones with them, and spent some time just strolling through the neighborhood, exploring some of the other shops as they enjoyed their cool afternoon treats.

Alex made a glorified mess, of course, because she wouldn't let Lena help her. She practically had to be hosed down before they headed over to Riley's Reads for story hour.

A whimsical and inviting children's bookstore in Vineyard Haven, Riley's Reads was painted in bright primary colors; and there were beanbag chairs tucked away in lots of cozy reading nooks, inviting children to curl up with a new discovery or old favorite.

Emma quickly selected a copy of Miss Mingo and the First Day of School, because Jordan had been chattering excitedly about being big enough to go to school. Carrying the book with her, she motioned for Jordan to join her in a big blue beanbag chair in the far corner.

Olivia and Lena peeked around a nearby bookshelf, quietly watching their girls.

Happy to be included, Jordan plunked down next to Emma, peering into her hands. "What's that?"

Reciting the title of the book, Emma provided a brief synopsis, and informed her that Olivia had read it to her when she was little, then asked, "Want me to read it to you?"

Doe-eyes as big as saucers, Jordan peered up at Emma. "You know how to read?" Her voice held something akin to hero worship.

"Yep," Emma said, proudly. She felt important.

"Wow!" Jordan's eyes flashed with wonder. "I never had a friend who could read before… AJ doesn't even know how."

Clearly pleased, Emma grinned. "Who's AJ?" she inquired out of curiosity.

"He's my BFF," Jordan reported with a beaming smile. "His mommy is my Mommy's friend. And we have the same birthday, too."

"Your BFF is a boy?" Emma sounded dismayed.

"Sure," Jordan replied with a shrug. "Why not? Don't you have any boy friends?"

Emma bristled at the thought. "Well, I have boys who are friends, if that's what you mean," she said, seeking clarification. "But I don't have any boyfriends. That's gross." Having a boyfriend meant having to do that mushy stuff, and she wanted no part of that. "And my BFF sure isn't a boy!"

"Then who's your BFF?" Jordan was curious about how older kids worked.

"Maury," Emma answered easily.

"He's a boy!" Jordan said, accusingly. "Mommy always turns the channel when he comes on. She says that's trash TV."

Olivia and Lena covered their mouths, stifling their amused chuckles.

"Oh, no—not the Maury on TV," Emma was quick to correct. "Maureen Reardon. She goes to my school, but she's a little older than me."

"Oh. Okay." Jordan accepted the explanation as truth. She eyed Emma curiously. "Does she know how to read, too?"

Amused, Emma laughed. "Yes," she answered. "And so will you after you go to kindergarten."

"I will?" Jordan sounded astonished.

"Yep," Emma answered confidently.

"Cool."

"Scoot back here and we'll read about kindergarten together," Emma instructed. "You can help turn the pages."

"Okay!" Jordan excitedly agreed. She loved helping.

Wrapping her arm around Jordan's shoulder, they snuggled together on the beanbag, as Emma began to read about Miss Mingo, the flamingo. Miss Mingo asked her students to share what makes them special and different. She opened the discussion, explaining that the food she eats keeps her feathers pink, and that's what makes her special. Soon, the other animals in her kindergarten class joined in, either telling about themselves or making comments about other's differences.

Jordan peered up at Emma. "I have two Mommies. That's what makes me special and different," she announced, proudly. "You're the only friend I have who's like me."

"My friends Jacob and Dylan have two mommies, but they're the only other kids at my school like me," Emma shared. "So, that's what makes me special, too."

"Uh-huh." Jordan nodded her head in agreement. And then she eyed Emma curiously, her brow furrowed. "If Auntie Talia is your other mommy, then how come you don't call her Mama?"

Emma shrugged. "I dunno." Now she was wondering herself, as she continued reading.

Dutifully turning the pages as instructed, Jordan occasionally stopped Emma to ask questions. Emma patiently answered each one, tutoring Jordan on the intricacies of kindergarten life, before moving on to the next sentence, and they moved through the story at a reasonable pace.

When Emma finished reading their story, they went in search of their mommies. Finding them nearby, they also met Riley the Cocker Spaniel. When Jordan issued a command in Polish, and Riley didn't respond accordingly, Jordan proudly announced that her Sandy was prettier and smarter, much to the chagrin of her mothers.

Jordan presented the book that Emma had just read to her, begging her Mama to let her take it home. Deciding it was a memory that needed to be preserved, Lena nodded and smiled. "I think this book would be a perfect addition to your collection, mója Mały."

Beaming, Jordan thanked her Mama. She tucked the book under her arm, and took Emma's hand, pulling her out onto the terrace, where they settled in for story hour in the garden. Riley wandered around seeking attention from eager little hands, and was easily placated by Jordan. Nearby, a sleepy Alex willingly curled up in Emma's lap, allowing the adults a bit of a breather. And while Ms. Kristi read Llama Llama Red Pajama to the group of delighted children, they settled at an outdoor café-style table near the terrace door, sipping on iced tea and lemonade, as Lena and Olivia replayed the adorable scene they had witnessed between the girls.

Saturday, April 25, 2009… Gay Head Cliffs, Aquinnah—6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

As late afternoon turned to early evening, they set off to meet Alexander and Paulina for a picnic dinner at Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah, where Lena and Bianca were married nearly five years prior. Set on the Western-most point of the Vineyard, the drive out to Aquinnah was beautiful, and they enjoyed it with the windows down, breathing in the fresh sea air as it rolled in along the coast.

Aquinnah, with its quiet natural serenity and beautiful, brightly colored clay cliffs cascading down into the rare aqua-colored waters of the Atlantic Ocean, was a scenic landmark. A symbol of the Island and link to its nautical past, the historic nineteenth-century red brick lighthouse sat high above sea level atop the Gay Head cliffs, where it had provided a guiding beacon of light for generations of Islanders and visitors, alike. Nearing the cliffs, Lighthouse Road followed the narrow pitch and swerve of the natural landscape, and as one ascended, air and color seemed lighter. The land was rugged, covered with thick scrub bushes and robust foliage that gave way to tall grasses that waved in the cool ocean breeze, as one approached the beach far below.

Just offshore to the northwest, the treacherous reef known as Devil's Bridge marked the former shoreline as it extended out from Gay Head; the boulders being all that was left after the sand and clay had washed away. To the south, Noman's Land could be seen, and on the opposite horizon, stood the Elizabeth Islands; neither of which was more than sparsely inhabited.

The view of the ocean and the lighthouse from the pinnacle of the cliffs was magnificent, and Natalia stood in awe of its beauty, as she gazed out across the tranquil waters of Vineyard Sound. She wondered how many others had stood in that place, looked out upon those waters, and she wondered what they were thinking, and how they were feeling as they did. As for her, she thought it looked beautiful—and it made her feel small.

Bianca encouraged Olivia and Natalia to explore; promising to look after Emma. They readily agreed, thanking her for her thoughtfulness.

Purposefully, Natalia took Olivia's hand, as they followed the Moshup Trail boardwalk down to the ocean—it made her feel grounded as they explored this new place.

From the sand, their eyes were drawn first to the majestic cliffs, rising steeply to flaunt their multihued striations. Appearing to be sculpted in red, yellow, white, and gray clay, with occasional striations of black, the cliffs ascended high above the sea, glistening in the teasing promise of sunset. Natalia studied them, taking in their dramatic essence, she couldn't help but consider them a work of art, sculpted by the hands, and tinted by the paintbrush of the Almighty God. Again, she stood in awe of His breathtaking handiwork; and again, it gave her an awareness of how small she truly was in the great big world that surrounded her.

They walked along Moshup's beach, Olivia's hand possessively tucked into Natalia's, as the tide licked at the soles of their boots. The seagulls circled, and swooped down low over the surf, hunting for their dinner; their piercing calls carrying across the ocean breeze. Olivia reached down, swiping at the water with her hand. Though cool, by San Cristobel standards, it was warm to the touch.

Olivia's face adopted a playful smile, as she pulled Natalia away from the surf, planting her on a nearby boulder. "Take your boots off, roll up your jeans," she instructed, while balancing on one leg. She pulled her right boot off, dropping it to the sand. A wilted black sock fell next.

Laughing, Natalia told her she was crazy.

Smiling, Olivia leaned forward, resting the palms of her hands on the rock near Natalia's hips. "I'm crazy about you," she whispered, brushing her mouth against Natalia's in a tender kiss.

Her heart fluttering, Natalia she did as she was told; and soon they were sitting side by side, barefooted, on that giant rock, with their jeans rolled up to their knees.

The sand felt warm beneath Natalia's bare feet as she moved them back and forth, getting acquainted with the foreign texture.

"Dig your toes into the sand," Olivia encouraged.

Looking a bit apprehensive, Natalia poked her right big toe into the sand. It felt gritty, yet somehow, smooth. It intrigued her, and she wiggled her toes, burrowing them deeper.

Olivia watched intently, as Natalia experienced the tactile sensation for the first time. Her animated facial expressions, those little sounds she made as she discovered the silky warmth of the sand. God, she was beautiful, her skin so radiant, her sun-kissed hair blowing in the breeze; and her laugh so soft, as the sand tickled between her toes. Unable to resist, Olivia reached over, gently cupping Natalia's cheek, as she poured her affection out in softly spoken words, amidst a trail of slow kisses along her face and neck.

Drawing Olivia's mouth to her own, Natalia sighed contentedly as they fused together. And then Natalia was kissing her. Deeply. And even the sound of the waves breaking against the rocks couldn't overpower the pulsing of Olivia's heartbeat in her ears, as a rush of warmth splayed through her body.

As they lingered there after the kiss, Olivia's fingers tangled in raven tresses, her forehead resting against Natalia's temple, Olivia could hear the chorus of the Robbie Seay Band's Crazy Love echoing in the wind. Real or imagined, it didn't matter; the carefree anthem about a love so uncontainable it defied all odds, made her heart soar.

Grabbing Natalia's hand, she pulled her from the rock. "Come with me," she said, playfully.

Natalia laughed. "What about our shoes?"

She was always so practical, and Olivia found it amusing. "They're fine," she said, dismissively. "Come on!"

Relenting, Natalia allowed Olivia to drag her across the sand. As they neared the water's edge, she grew hesitant, wondering if she was about to get dunked. Olivia felt her resistance, and circled around, pushing her from behind.

Her toes meeting the cool coastal waters, Natalia squealed, and backpedaled, trying to retreat. But Olivia was having none of that. Laughing, she surged forward, until the waves were breaking around their ankles.

Olivia laughed and kicked at the water, splashing it up onto Natalia's calves.

Natalia squealed again, causing Olivia's laughter to deepen.

As the water retreated, Natalia felt the sensation of the sand gliding out from beneath her feet. It felt funny, like the butterflies Olivia always caused in her belly; she liked it. Breaking free, her laughter rolled like the waves, as she ran along the wet sand.

Close on her heels, Olivia caught her easily; wrapping her arms around Natalia's waist from behind. They laughed together, and Natalia shrieked when her toes dipped into the surf, as Olivia spun her around.

"You're crazy!" Natalia exclaimed. She wiggled in Olivia's arms. "Put me down, I'm too heavy for you!"

Doing as she was told, Olivia plunked her down in the water. This time, it was calf-high, and Natalia's surprise expelled in a bellowing screech. And then Olivia's fingers were tangled in those raven locks, as she swallowed Natalia's noises of surprise in a kiss that left her breathless and lightheaded.

They played like children then, frolicking on the beach; dodging the surf, and laughing when it tickled their toes.

Spotting a sand crab, Olivia bent down, picking it up. Holding it in her palm, she extended her hand toward Natalia. "Look what I found."

"What is it?" Natalia asked, curiously. It looked like a seashell, or maybe a rock that had been buffed into a shiny gray from the pressure of the waves washing over it. She moved her face closer for inspection. And when its beady little eyes popped open, she jumped back, screeching like a banshee.

Olivia burst into laughter as she held the tiny creature in her hand. "It won't hurt you, Honey." She sounded amused. "It's just a little sand crab."

Warily, Natalia inched closer again.

"Marissa and I used to fill our sand pails with them and use them for bait when Daddy took us surf fishing." There was a strong sense of nostalgia in Olivia's tone.

"You miss her, don't you?" Natalia's voice was soft and filled with understanding.

"No more than you miss Nastassia." Olivia tested the waters of an oft-avoided topic.

Natalia dropped Olivia's gaze.

"I see it, you know." Olivia pressed forward. There was no turning back now.

"See what?" Natalia feigned unawareness, because it was easier than the truth.

"The shadow behind your eyes, when I catch you in an unguarded moment," Olivia said, softly.

"You're imagining things," Natalia denied.

"I live with you, Natalia," Olivia gently reminded. She touched Natalia's cheek in a display of tenderness. "You try to hide it, but I've seen the moments when your eyes turn misty, and that expression of sadness, of loss, falls across your face. It doesn't happen often, but you can't tell me it doesn't happen at all. And you can't tell me it's about Rafe. I know you better than that."

"How did we get from Marissa and sand crabs, to this?" Natalia wondered aloud.

Crouching down, Olivia set the little sand crab free. It scurried backward toward the surf, and she drew Natalia's attention toward it. "See that?" she asked. "How it makes progress by moving backward?"

Flummoxed, Natalia furrowed her brow, and said, "Yeah?"

Glancing up, Olivia caught her gaze. "People aren't like that, Natalia. We never make progress by moving backward; only forward. And we can't move forward until we make peace with our past. You taught me that."

Tears in her eyes, Natalia nodded, conceding Olivia's point.

Standing upright, Olivia took Natalia's face in her hands. Her thumbs gently caressed warm cheeks. "It's okay to admit that you miss her, Natalia," she said, softly. "And it's okay to cry about it when you're sad."

"I've been thinking about her a lot these past few months—ever since I first told you about her," Natalia quietly confessed. "I didn't realize how much I missed her, until then. I think about her more now than I have in all the years I've been gone."

"But you still don't want to find her?" Olivia asked, gently.

"No—," Natalia said, firmly. She looked pointedly at Olivia. "You promised." It was both reminder and warning.

"I haven't—and I won't," Olivia reassured.

"Thank you." Natalia's voice was soft, and she leaned in, pressing her lips to Olivia's in a light kiss. She took Olivia's hand then, and they began to walk back toward their abandoned shoes. "How often do you think of Marissa?" she asked, curious.

A faint smile teased at Olivia's lips. "I think about her a lot," she confessed. "Especially when I see Jonathan; see the way he is with little Sarah. Marissa may not have been his biological mother, but he has her goodness in him, and it shines through when he's with his daughter."

"Must be a family trait," Natalia aptly surmised. "Your goodness shines through with your daughters, too. And with my son, even when he doesn't deserve it."

"The only goodness in me… comes from loving you, Natalia." Delivered on a husky whisper, Olivia's voice cracked, mid-sentence.

Natalia grasped Olivia's bicep with her free hand, turning her so that they were face to face. "That's not true, Olivia." Her voice was firm, but brimming with emotion. She took Olivia's face in her hands, searching misty jade eyes. "I wish you could see yourself, the way I see you," she said, quietly. "The goodness in you flows from the core of your being. You have a beautiful, loving heart, and it shows in all the things you do for the people you love."

Olivia nodded, but said nothing.

"Seems to me I'm not the only one who needs to make peace with my past," Natalia gently pointed out.

"You're right, Natalia. You're not the only one," Olivia agreed. "I think a really big part of that for me, will be making peace with Alex," she asserted. "The idea of seeing him, after all these years… the thought of telling him about our son, after what his decision cost us, absolutely terrifies me. I don't know whether to hug him because I'm so happy he's alive, or smack him because I'm so pissed about what he did," she confessed. "But once it's over, I think I'll be ready to put that part of my past behind me."

She was referring to the fact that Alex's death had been what sparked her incessant need for control and her inability to trust. His love and patience had taught her to trust again, after what Jeffrey had done to her. But once he was gone, once she had been forced to give their child away, all hope, all trust, had gone with them. Until Natalia. In front of her stood the woman who had managed to chip away the façade, to see the heart of the woman hidden beneath that protective shell. Though slow in its manifestation, it was Natalia who challenged her to relinquish control, encouraged her to trust again. It was Natalia who had given hope back to her.

Leaning close, Natalia kissed her tenderly. "And then we can move forward," she said, softly. "Together…"

Olivia smiled, and kissed her again. "Together…" It was a promise, spoken on a whisper, and it made her feel infinitely more secure in their love.

They walked the last few steps back to the rock, where Olivia sat Natalia down again. Crouching down, she carefully wiped the sand from Natalia's feet, slipping her socks and boots back on.

It was a simple gesture, but to Natalia, it was profound. She reached out, gently touching Olivia's face.

Nuzzling into Natalia's palm, Olivia kissed it tenderly. And then she sat on the rock next to Natalia, cleaning the sand from her own feet.

"When is Alex coming?" Natalia asked; her voice tentative.

"Tuesday morning," Olivia answered. She grunted as she tugged, slipping her right foot into a boot. "Lena said he was in Paris on business this week, and he wanted to spend the weekend with Kendall and their boys before flying out here." Grunting again, she slipped the other boot into place. Having something tactile to focus on made it easier to acknowledge his sons.

Glancing up at Natalia, Olivia offered a tentative smile along with her hand. "You ready?"

Natalia nodded, and accepted the proffered hand. "Can we walk for just a while longer?"

Olivia's eyes reflected the smile on her face. "How could I resist a walk on the beach with you?"

Pressing her free hand to Olivia's chest, Natalia responded with a kiss that lingered far longer than she had planned. And then, lacing her fingers with Olivia's, they talked easily, as they explored the shoreline.

Natalia asked about Marissa, and their relationship, and Olivia willingly opened up to her. Sharing cherished memories of her sister, Olivia's voice was soft, and filled with nostalgia, as they walked along the beach. She talked of childhood memories—boating and surf fishing with their Dad, and stargazing and campfires and horseback riding on the beach, their favorite books and music, and how they fought over Sam when he was born, because they both wanted him all the time. And then she talked of Marissa's love and support during her first two pregnancies. She had needed her sister so much then, and Marissa was there every step of the way.

"I'm glad Marissa was there for you when you needed her most," Natalia declared; thankful that Olivia hadn't been forced to face either pregnancy completely alone.

A wistful smile flirted with Olivia's lips. "She was amazing…" she quietly proclaimed; referring not only to the support Marissa had given her during those pregnancies, but also to her loving, supportive nature throughout Olivia's life. "I wish you could have known her, and… that she could have known you…" she said, longingly.

They paused for a moment, and Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia from behind. She smiled against Olivia's shoulder. "I wish that were possible, too…" she quietly concurred. Her thoughts turned pensive then, as her hands gently caressed Olivia's abdomen. "Do you think she would have been okay with us?"

Olivia turned her head, nuzzling against Natalia's cheek. "I think she would have adored us."

It was the perfect answer. Leaning forward, Natalia's sweet kiss told her so. "And what about Sam?"

Laughing softly, Olivia said, "Sam is such a liberal guy… He'll probably ask what took me so long to discover women."

"What did take you so long?" Natalia asked; a glint of humor in her tone.

Olivia turned in Natalia's arms, meeting her with a steady gaze. "I just hadn't met the right woman yet."

Gazing into sparkling jade, Natalia smiled, and rewarded another perfect answer, with another perfect kiss.

After exploring Moshup's beach, where they marveled at large rocks imbedded deep within the sand, gathered a few seashells, spotted a starfish or two, and got more than an eyeful of things better left unseen, a little further down the coast, they followed the boardwalk back up to the cliffs. It was a lengthy walk, but not a particularly difficult one, and they talked easily as they ascended to the top.

"Thank you for what you said today, about not giving up on Rafe." Natalia's voice was soft and full of gratitude, as she firmly squeezed Olivia's hand. "I know it isn't easy on you, the way he's behaving."

Olivia stopped, and turned Natalia toward her. Tenderly taking Natalia's face in her hands, she searched those dark, expressive eyes. "It's only difficult on me, because he's hurting you. It kills me, seeing the pain in your eyes every time he lashes out at you, Natalia. I just… I hate knowing what his anger is doing to you." She sounded sad, and defeated. "That's why I can't stop—I won't stop," she emphasized her absolute refusal to give up, "until he learns to accept us."

Without a sound, Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia, burying her face in her neck. Olivia lightly kissed Natalia's temple, and pulled her close; one hand planted firmly on Natalia's back, and the other, tangled in her hair. She held her there, speaking to her without words, until Natalia finally peered up at her with those beautiful mahogany eyes.

Smiling at her, Natalia told Olivia how much she loved her. And then Olivia kissed her, wrapping both arms firmly around her; and it was Natalia's fingers, tangled in chestnut locks, as she purposefully deepened that kiss.

When air became necessity, Natalia's smile flashed in her eyes. She laughed, and Olivia's heart caught in her chest. She took Natalia's hand, lacing their fingers, and they continued the climb to the lighthouse, high atop the cliffs.

Reaching the top, they found Emma and Jordan with Alexander, thoroughly engrossed in the legend of Moshup, for whom the beautiful beach had been named. According to the Wampanoag Indians, the original inhabitants of The Vineyard, Moshup was a giant supernatural creature, who created their motherland by dragging his toe across Vineyard Sound. Wampanoag legend, Alexander explained to the two wide-eyed little girls, held that Moshup would wade into the ocean, snatch up any unsuspecting whale that he found swimming close to the shore, fling it against the cliffs to kill it, and then cook it over the eternal flame that burned near the sea. And it was the blood from those whales that stained the clay banks of the cliffs, creating the deep reds that glistened in the sunlight.

"Eww, that's nasty!" Jordan scrunched up her nose. "I'm never going near those again."

Emma laughed. "It's not real blood, silly," she informed. "It's just a legend."

"What's that mean?"

"It's a story that old people tell about stuff that never really happened," Emma tutored.

Alexander laughed heartily at the child's definition. "That about sums it up, Emma," he said, playfully tousling her hair.

Olivia laughed and shook her head, and then proceeded to tell Lena and Bianca about their unusual encounter on the beach. And they all laughed together, when their hostesses informed them that the beach was clothing optional.

"I'm so sorry," Bianca said, pressing her hand to her chest amidst laughter. "I didn't even think to warn you… I'm used to people just knowing not to wander too far down the coast."

Olivia shook her head. "It's no big deal," she said, dismissively. "I'm just glad Emma didn't decide to tag along."

There were noises of agreement, and then they turned their attention to the preparations for dinner.

The picnic basket that Paulina presented offered a plethora of delicious options for their dining pleasure. Bottles of wine, and sparkling cider for the adults, and a bottle of juice for the kids. Turkey Cobb Wrap Sandwiches, that tasted like a Cobb salad in a tortilla, oven-roasted chicken, a cool and creamy cucumber salad, a light Italian pasta salad with zucchini, green and yellow peppers, spinach, garlic, fresh basil, balsamic vinaigrette and an eclectic mix of cheeses, and a nectarine and berry salad with ginger and lime juice, and fresh blueberry muffins for dessert. There was even a container of simple finger-foods for Alexandria, because Paulina knew she wouldn't consent to being hand-fed.

"Mmmm… this is incredible, Paulina," Olivia complimented, as she bit into the Turkey Cobb sandwich.

"Omigosh, it is!" Natalia readily agreed.

"You've really outdone yourself, Mama," Bianca praised. "Thank you."

"Mm, yes, thank you, Paulina," Natalia said, after swallowing a bite.

Paulina smiled. "You're welcome, Girls," she said, fondly.

As she sat there in the fading light of day, watching the interchange between these people whom she loved, Lena felt profoundly grateful. She was grateful for her wife and children, for her friends, and for her stepfather, who had always treated her so well. But most of all, she was thankful to have her mother, always so close by her side. The years where Paulina had been so far from her had faded into the distance, but that sense of time lost never had, never would. And neither would the keen awareness that she had nearly lost her mother to cancer in the months after Jordan was born. Such awareness might have saddened her, if not for the joy of having Paulina so near. Lena reached over, caressing her mother's arm affectionately, and the expression in her eyes told Paulina all she needed to know.

Paulina offered her an affectionate smile, as she reached over, tenderly patting Lena's cheek. "I też cię kocham," she said, softly, telling her daughter that she loved her too. And then for the next half hour, there was barely a word spoken amongst them, as they relaxed in the cool ocean breeze, enjoying their dinner as a family.

After dinner there was another round of thanks to Paulina for the fabulous meal, as they packed up what little leftovers there were. They quickly discussed logistics for the evening, and then Alexander and Paulina kept Alexandria with them while the rest of the group headed out to watch the sunset from atop the lighthouse.

A rare working lighthouse, the beacon stood proudly on a lonely slab of cliff, overlooking the ocean. It was cool and drafty inside from the indiscriminate places where the brick and mortar had begun chipping away with age; but that only added to the structure's mystique. Chattering about expectations, they climbed the sesquicentennial stairs to a piece of untouched history, and three-quarters of the way up, they stepped out onto the observation deck, where they enjoyed a stunning panoramic view of the sunset against the aqua-colored waters far beyond.

The view of the cliffs and the water from above was breathtaking, and Natalia stood in awe as she gazed upon the vastness of the ocean. From this vantage point high above, it felt different than viewing the ocean from the beach, or even from the cottage, and in that moment, she experienced God in an entirely new and different way. She felt the infinite power of Him as she reveled in the vastness of His creation, and realized that while she felt infinitely small in the presence of His great creation, if He could hold all of this in His hands, know the exact number of the grains of sand and drops of water in the sea, surely, He could calm the storms that brewed in her life.

She was reminded then, of three things she knew to be true: God was omniscient—He was all-knowing. God was omnipresent—He was ever-present. And most of all, He was omnipotent—the all-powerful God, and she need not fear for anything. She issued forth a silent prayer of thanksgiving, as she wrapped her arms around Olivia's waist, pulling her close.

Leaning her head against Olivia's shoulder, Natalia reveled in the sense of safety she felt in her presence, in her arms. And as Olivia tightened her hold, Natalia closed her eyes, allowing the feeling to overtake her.

The girls were excited, jumping around like exploding pieces of popcorn, but Lena managed to calm them, as the sun made its tranquil descent. And then there were noises of wonder and awe, as clear blue skies turned variegated shades of purple, red, orange, and finally golden, with the sun slipping slowly behind the horizon.

Gazing out toward the horizon, Lena was lost in the soporific sound of the waves crashing against the rocks far below them. It was a familiar, melodic arrangement, the slow-building intensity as the waves rolling into a breathtakingly dramatic crescendo before peacefully splaying out, caressing the shore, like Pachelbel's Canon in D. The likeness of the waves to that particular movement of music reminded Lena of their wedding day. She closed her eyes, her heart fluttering in her chest, as the memories came rushing back, covering her, like the waves covered the shore.

Bianca's chin came to rest on Lena's shoulder, as she wrapped her arms around her wife from behind. Sighing contentedly, she squeezed her tight. "What are we thinking?"

Lena smiled at the question so often shared between them, and leaned her temple against Bianca's. "I was just remembering our wedding day," she said, softly. She could still hear the melodious reverberation of a full orchestra, mixed with the undeniable resonance of waves, briskly breaking against the rocks. She could see Bianca in her light, summery dress, with Jordan in her satin christening gown, asleep in her mommy's arms, as they walked toward her. And the sweet scent of the roses still permeated the air, as she stood there in Bianca's arms, reliving it all.

"From this day, throughout eternity…" Bianca whispered; reminding Lena of the inscription she had chosen for Lena's wedding ring.

Expressive dark eyes flooded with tears that did not spill, as Lena gazed down at the platinum band on her left ring finger. It still glistened in the soft glow of twilight, just as it had when Bianca first slipped it into place. Turning her head just enough to catch her wife's gaze, Lena smiled into those sparkling eyes. "So far, so good," she whispered, nuzzling against Bianca's face.

Bianca shifted, moving Lena to face her. Her fingertips lovingly brushed against Lena's cheek. "We're just getting started." Delivered on a whisper, her promise was sealed with a slow, tender kiss, as fingers tangled in those short, dark locks.

Taking Bianca's face in her hands, Lena deepened this kiss; the brush of her tongue on Bianca's lower lip seeking entrance. Bianca felt that familiar fluttering deep in her belly, and moaned softly as her lips parted, accepting Lena's advances. And then Lena's fingers fell into long, dark tresses, as Bianca's arms instinctively wrapped around her.

Several feet away, Olivia's arms were tucked tightly around Natalia as they watched a stunning portrait of a perfect sunset being painted across the sky. Clear blue had long-since given way to deep, rich purples that seared into blazing reds and oranges, and finally now, in all its golden glory, the sun seemed to sizzle, as it slipped into the deep waters along the horizon. It seemed so far away, and yet, they felt as if it surrounded them, enveloping them in its splendor.

"This is a perfect ending, to a perfect day," Natalia sighed softly, as she rested contentedly in Olivia's arms.

"Mm-hmm," Olivia murmured. Her breath felt warm against Natalia's neck, as she nuzzled into her, kissing her lightly. "Even if I were a staunch atheist, I don't think I could deny the existence of God, after witnessing this," she quietly admitted.

Natalia smiled, and a soft, evanescent laugh escaped along with it. "That either makes me really happy, or it really disturbs me. I'm not sure which."

"Well, I would hope it makes you happy," Olivia said, with a touch of amusement in her tone. "God is slowly becoming less of an enigma, and more of a reality, to me."

"Now that makes me happy," Natalia said, pointedly.

"I blame it on you," Olivia said, succinctly. She kissed Natalia's cheek.

"I'll gladly accept that responsibility," Natalia replied. She sighed softly, gazing out across the water. "It really is breathtaking, isn't it?"

"Yeah—" Olivia quietly breathed out her agreement. "It's almost as breathtaking as you," she murmured against Natalia's ear. "Almost."

Natalia grinned. "You really enjoy sweet-talking me, don't you?"

"I'm only speaking the truth, Natalia. Just looking at you fills me with so many feelings; I don't even know what to say. You take my breath away…"

"You're not gonna sing again, are ya?" Natalia smirked. Visions of a Rex Smith chorus left her a little frightened.

Olivia laughed softly. "What, you don't want another song and dance number?" she teased.

"Huh-uh." Natalia shook her head slowly back and forth, as she bit her bottom lip, demurely.

"What do you want?" Olivia husked.

"Right now, I just want you to kiss me."

That sexy smile played on Olivia's lips, as those simmering jade eyes flickered down to Natalia's lips. They were soft and supple, and ripe for kissing, and it was an invitation she was helpless to refuse. The tip of her tongue flicked out, wetting her lips in anticipation, and then tipping Natalia's chin, she drew that beautiful face toward her own. She whispered to Natalia, telling her how much she loved her, and then their mouths met in a lingering kiss that deepened with the light touch of her tongue against Natalia's lower lip.

Those ubiquitous butterflies fluttered deep inside Natalia's belly, and she groaned out her pleasure, as Olivia pulled her body tightly against her own. Her lips parting, Natalia willingly granted Olivia entrance, and she sighed softly, as she fell under the spell of those slow, intoxicating kisses.

"Look at the two of them," Lena said, fondness in her tone, as her gaze fell on Olivia and Natalia. Olivia was nuzzling Natalia's cheek, and they were laughing softly. And then their mouths connected again, as Natalia's arms wrapped around Olivia's shoulders.

"It's good to see Olivia so happy," Bianca declared. "Natalia is perfect for her."

"Yes, she is," Lena passionately agreed. "I think Olivia Spencer has finally met her match," she grinned.

"Oh, and then some," Bianca agreed, wholeheartedly. "She really keeps Olivia in line."

"Well, someone certainly needs to!" Lena laughed, and then her voice softened as she turned serious. "And the way she looks at Spence tells me everything I need to know."

Bianca nodded her head in agreement. "Me too."

Lena sighed softly, remembering all that Olivia had shared with her. "They're going through so much right now. More, I think, than Olivia is even admitting to me."

"What do things look like from Olivia's point of view?" Bianca's sense of boundaries wouldn't allow her to divulge details of what Natalia had shared without first knowing that Lena was already in the know.

Lena explained to Bianca what Olivia had shared, and Bianca's heart ached for them even more. "They remind me of us, way back when," she said, empathically.

"It makes me realize how far we've come, and appreciate all that we have," Lena said, softly.

Lena's tone told Bianca exactly how appreciative her wife was for the life they shared. Overwhelmed with emotion, she wrapped her arms around Lena, pulling her close. There were no words necessary; Lena simply knew. She brushed her lips against Bianca's temple, and held her until the moment passed.

And then, as the sunset faded, giving way to a clear, moonlit April night on Martha's Vineyard, they stood with Olivia, Natalia, and the girls, gazing out into the starry evening sky. They talked for a bit then, and when the curator announced that the lighthouse would be closing, they made their way back down the stairs, heading home to the cottage.

Saturday, April 25, 2009… The Cottage, Martha's Vineyard—8:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Arriving at the cottage, a flurry of activity ensued. Alexander unloaded the vehicles, and then excused himself, heading to the bedroom to begin packing for their return to Pine Valley, while Paulina put the leftovers away, and tidied up the kitchen. Olivia sent Natalia toward the shower first, encouraging her to relax and take her time, while she and Lena helped the girls pick out pajamas, and Bianca drew bath water for them. And then three filthy little girls were deposited in the garden tub in the master bath, along with a mound of bubbles, and instructions to stay seated and keep the mess inside the tub.

Alexandria, excited about playing in the water with her sister and Emma, promptly broke the rules by splashing water everywhere.

"Lexie, no-no!" Jordan admonished, wagging her finger at the toddler.

Alex responded with that partially-toothless, dimpled grin, and plunked her hands down into the water again, sending another plume of water into the air.

Several minutes later, clad in her robe, Bianca ambled into the bathroom, spying the mess on the floor. "I see my obedient one strikes again," she said, wryly. "Lee-nah!" she called to her wife, who was still in the bedroom. "Your daughter is making a mess again!"

Coming to lean against the bathroom door, Lena grinned at the mess in the floor. She didn't need to ask which child Bianca was referencing. Pushing away from the doorframe, she sauntered toward her wife. "Why is she always my daughter when she's misbehaving?" she teased, emphasizing ownership of the wayward one.

Bianca laughed softly, as Lena's arms found their way around her from behind. She didn't need to answer.

Alex plunked her hands down into the water again, giggling with glee when another plume of water soared into the air.

"I think our daughter is part duck," Lena chuckled, as she leaned her chin against Bianca's shoulder.

"Only part?" Bianca said, wittily.

"Yes—," Lena confirmed. "The other part is piglet."

Bianca exhaled a soft, knowing laugh. "Can't argue with you there."

Hearing the word "duck," Alex lunged for the yellow rubber ducky in the tub. Grasping it in her hands, she grinned triumphantly. "Ducky!" she exclaimed. She pounded it against the water's surface, creating another huge splash. And then her attention was drawn to the little boat that was floating nearby. "Boat," she said, lifting it from the water.

Emma effectively engaged Alex's attention, warding off another round of splashing, by asking her about her ducky and her boat, and Lena and Bianca couldn't help but think what a great big sister she was going to be.

Lena lightly kissed Bianca's neck, even as she whimpered at the suppleness of her wife's body beneath her fingertips. "You shower," she said, kissing Bianca's shoulder. "I'll take care of this, and get her ready for bed."

"Thanks, Babe," Bianca said, appreciatively. "You're far too good to me." She gave Lena a quick kiss, and headed toward the shower stall.

The water kicked on, and just as Bianca stepped into the warm spray, Lena turned, catching a glimpse of her wife's body. An audible groan escaped her lungs at the sight. She was loath to miss out on an opportunity to shower with her, but Bianca had laughed earlier, as she shot the suggestion down. "As much as I wanna say yes, I know if I do, we'll never make it out of the house tonight," she had teased; wisely citing lack of time as her reason.

Groaning, Lena had agreed. And now, holding to Bianca's promise of "Later," she smiled, as she returned her attention first to the messy floor, and then to bathing their children, and getting them ready for bed.

Fresh out of the shower, Natalia crossed the hall to the bedroom, finding Olivia reclining against the headboard, reading a book that Jen had given her. She looked rather intent as she flipped the page, and Natalia leaned against the doorframe, watching her with interest. Whatever it was in that book, it made Olivia squirm, as she groaned and shifted her hips on the bed.

The reaction only served to heighten Natalia's curiosity. "Something sparking your imagination?" she asked, coquettishly, as she closed the bedroom door.

Olivia smiled, and blushed just a little, the moment she set eyes on Natalia. "Even more so, now that I'm visualizing you in the scenes." And visualize, she was, as her eyes scanned Natalia's body, taking all of her in. She was wearing a pair of faded jeans that hugged her curves perfectly, and a beautiful deep purple blouse with a neckline that accentuated her ample cleavage. Just looking at her made Olivia's heart beat faster and her body temperature rise.

Natalia's body flushed with heat under the intensity of Olivia's gaze. She had an ephemeral thought that Olivia was free to do so much more than just visualize. It made her body ache in the most delicious ways. She wanted to tell her so, but thought better of it—at least for the time being.

Needing an escape from the intensity of the moment, she glanced down, spying Olivia's boots haphazardly strewn in the middle of the floor. It was clear that she had kicked them off as she climbed onto the bed. Natalia shook her head and grinned.

Bending down, she picked the boots up, setting them neatly at the foot of the bed.

"Does that mean I have permission to put my boots under your bed?" Olivia husked.

"Anytime you want," Natalia answered, as she crawled onto the bed next to Olivia. "And my bed had better be the only one they're ever under, from now on," she warned.

"There's no one else for me, Natalia," Olivia said, softly. She brushed her knuckles across a flushed cheek. "I don't think there ever really was, and I know there never will be again."

"I like the way that sounds," Natalia whispered. She leaned over, kissing Olivia tenderly.

The kiss was far too fleeting for Olivia's taste. Tossing the book aside, she rolled toward Natalia, pushing her onto her back. Gazing down at her, Olivia lightly traced Natalia's lower lip with her fingertips, drawing a soft whimper from her. Searching those dark, expressive eyes, Olivia spoke to her without words, and then she leaned down, capturing Natalia's mouth with her own.

Natalia melted into her, and her fingers tangled into Olivia's hair, as she deepened the kiss.

"I had fun with you today," Natalia quietly declared, as they lay face to face, sharing a pillow, moments later. Their bodies were intertwined, and Natalia's hand lay possessively against Olivia's left hip.

Smiling softly, Olivia brushed her nose against Natalia's. "I had fun with you, too." Their mouths came together again, in a brief but satisfying kiss.

"We're gonna have even more fun tonight." Natalia grinned mischievously. "I can tell."

"Are you sure you're up for going out?" Olivia checked in. "You're not too tired?"

"On the contrary, I feel great," Natalia answered. "I can't wait to go out with you. I kind of enjoy the looks of disappointment and envy when people realize that not only are you taken, but that you're mine." Her tone was an amalgam of possessiveness and mischief.

"I love that little hint of devilishness in you," Olivia said, amused.

"So then maybe I should be devilish a little more often?" Natalia's eyes sparkled, and her tone was filled with suggestion.

"I wouldn't mind if you were devilish all day long…" Olivia's reply was flirtatious; and the kiss she received in response was anything but saintly.

Squeaky clean and clad in their pajamas, Emma and Jordan climbed into bed, and snuggled up beneath Jordan's quilt. Sandy curled up at the girls' feet, and promptly fell asleep, snoring lightly, as the girls chattered and giggled.

After sending Olivia toward the shower, Natalia came in to tell the girls goodnight. She couldn't resist when Emma asked her to read them a story. She was thumbing through Jordan's bookcase, looking for the requested book, when Bianca walked in to put Alex down for the night.

"They roped you in, huh?" Bianca said, knowingly, when she saw what Natalia was doing.

"Yeah, they got me," Natalia chuckled. Pulling the book from the shelf, she tucked it under her arm, and turned toward Bianca. "You wanna come hear the story?" she asked Alex, wigging her fingers, as she awkwardly extended her arms.

Pointing her finger, Alex's eyes lit up. "Book!" she exclaimed, lunging her body toward Natalia.

Natalia laughed. "I'll take that as a 'yes'," she joked.

Bianca released the toddler into Natalia's arms. "Thank you," she said, sweetly. "She loves story time."

"No problem," Natalia replied, carrying Alex over to the bed.

Bianca turned her attention to her eldest daughter. "One story, and then bed, okay?" she said, kindly, but firmly. She glanced at Natalia. "If you're not careful, you could be here for hours," she chuckled.

"Emma is the same way," Natalia related, with a grin.

Jordan started to protest, but Bianca stopped her in her tracks. "You've been up late two nights in a row, Honey, and we have lots of things planned for tomorrow before we fly home."

"I don't wanna go home," Jordan pouted. "I wanna stay here with Emma."

"Yeah, maybe you guys could stay!" Emma sounded hopeful.

Bianca smiled, and lovingly smoothed Jordan's busy curls. "I don't wanna go either, Sweetie," she said, empathically. "But Pawpaw has meetings this week, so his plane is leaving tomorrow."

"Granny's plane could come pick us up," Jordan suggested, referring to Bianca's mother.

Bianca smirked. Her cousin-turned-step-sister, Greenlee, had taught Jordan to call Erica by that name, knowing that the infamous Diva would hate it. Bianca knew it was terrible of her, but she couldn't help herself, she found it hilarious.

"Please, Mommy?" Jordan pleaded. "Can Granny's plane come get us later?"

Unable to resist those pleading eyes, Bianca smiled. "If I say 'we'll see', will you take that as a 'maybe'; and not a definite 'yes'?"

"Uh-huh." Jordan was nodding her head emphatically.

"Okay, then," Bianca agreed. "We'll see."

Jordan immediately turned to Emma, cupping her hand around Emma's ear, as if to tell her some monumental secret. "That means 'yes'," she said, loudly enough that her mother and Natalia heard it.

Bianca and Natalia shared a laugh. "Honey, that only works if you whisper," Bianca said to her daughter.

Sheepish eyes met Bianca's. "You heard that, huh?" Jordan said, bashfully.

"Yes—"

"Next time, I'll say it like this," Jordan whispered.

"That would be better," Bianca granted, clearly amused. She adopted a stern expression then, saying, "One story, and then lights out. Now, give Mommy a kiss."

Jordan sat up, willingly complying with the request. "I love you, Mommy," she said, sweetly, wrapping her little arms around Bianca's neck.

Bianca hugged her tightly. "I love you, too, Honey." She kissed Jordan's temple, and then leaned over then, catching Alex's chin in her palm. "And I love you, too, Bear," she said, sweetly. "Give Mommy kisses."

Alex grinned at Bianca, and gave her a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss. Bianca laughed, shaking her head. "I hope she gets better at those soon," she joked to Natalia. "Thanks for taking story time tonight. If she's still awake when you're finished, let me know, and I'll take care of her."

"Sure thing."

Saying goodnight to Emma, Bianca left the room, and Natalia turned her attention to the book that Alex had taken from her hands moments earlier. The toddler was chewing on the binding. "Can Auntie Talia have that?" she asked, in a sing-song voice.

Receiving the soggy book, Natalia grinned and shook her head. She told herself that she had better get used to that, and dutifully wiped it off. And then she positioned Alex in her lap so that she could hold the book in front of them. Cracking the cover, she began to read.

Sitting contentedly in Natalia's lap, Alex peered up at her, studying her face curiously, as she listened intently to her voice. Natalia spoke quietly to the baby from time to time, and fielded questions from Emma and Jordan, as the story unfolded. As time moved on, the questions became fewer, and finally, thirty minutes later, the story ended, and she looked around, finding three little girls fast asleep.

Smiling softly, she closed the book, setting it on the nightstand. Carrying Alex to her crib, she lightly kissed her forehead. And as she tucked her in for the night, she wondered what it would be like, sharing such moments with Olivia when the baby arrived. And then, making one final stop at the girls' bed, she kissed each of them, before switching off the light and closing the door.

In a show of perfect timing, Natalia met Olivia as she exited the bathroom. Smiling, Olivia pulled her close; kissing her without preamble. Natalia laughed into the kiss, as she wrapped her arms around Olivia. Her head dropped back, as Olivia peppered her face and neck with kisses.

Natalia groaned, tightening her hold. "Mm… you smell so good," she murmured, nuzzling into Olivia's neck. "Feel better?"

"Mm… Much." Olivia reveled in the closeness of her. "It felt good to get the rest of the sand out of my toes." There was amusement in her tone.

"A little sand was worth it, for that walk along the beach," Natalia whispered. "It was nice, sharing that time alone with you."

"Maybe we can take another walk tomorrow," Olivia suggested. "Explore some of the coast here by the cottage."

Smiling, Natalia readily agreed. "Can't wait," she quietly declared, kissing Olivia sweetly.

Olivia grinned against Natalia's mouth, and deepened the kiss, as she walked her backward toward their bedroom door.

Just as Olivia grasped the doorknob, Lena sauntered down the hall. "You have a room for that, you know." There was humor in her tone.

"Oh, shut up, Kundera," Olivia groused, albeit drolly.

Lena just laughed. "Ready in fifteen?" She leaned against the doorframe leading into the master bedroom, one hand rested on her hip.

"You got it," Olivia answered casually. Never once did she take her eyes off of Natalia. Her mouth reconnecting with Natalia's, she grinned as she twisted the doorknob behind Natalia's back, pushing her into their bedroom.

Coming up in Chapter 9.7: When Past and Present Collide…

A karaoke challenge… Who will foot the bill for an extended European vacation?

The strongest five-year-old on the planet… How did she break the "unbreakable"?

A past revealed… Which piece of the puzzle slips into place?

And a carousel ride that prompts a change in Natalia's perspective… Does dizziness somehow equal clarity? Or did something else perhaps play a part?