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, Jeffrey O'Neill, Frank Cooper, and Jane, the nanny are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The character of Zach Slater/Alexander Cambias, Jr is owned by All My Children, ABC/Disney and Prospect Park.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, AMC, ABC/Disney, Prospect Park or any other entity. With the exception of the conversation between Natalia and Rafe that aired on 5.28.2009, and the conversation between Olivia and Rafe that aired on 8.19.2009, the dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Thanks to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. As always, I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!
Rating: Chapter 14 is rated NC-17 for some sexual situations and strong language.
Hope you all enjoy!
K
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
— James 1:2-8, the Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
Unknown
Chapter 14 – Trials and Tribulations:
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
The following morning after breakfast, Natalia kissed Olivia and Emma goodbye, and went in search of Rafe who had, once again, failed to make an appearance for a family meal. The screen door creaked as she stepped out onto the front porch, and she smiled when she found him on the sidewalk, stretching out for a run.
Sauntering out onto the front walk, she squinted against the glare of the morning sun. "Well, look at you," she said proudly. "You're up so early!" He would normally sleep until noon if she didn't waken him.
Rafe grunted as he stretched his lower back. "Yeah, I'm kinda used to that now."
"Is that jacket warm enough for you?" Natalia asked.
"Ma, I'm just goin' for a run," Rafe replied. "Relax."
"You're gonna go for a run?" Natalia sounded genuinely concerned. "You didn't eat anything. You want some toast, or…"
"Toast?" Rafe's tone asked the question. He sounded amused. "No," he laughed. "Ma, you're worse than the freakin' warden. Stop."
"I'm sor… I... sorry," she sighed, almost helplessly. "It's just… you should take care of yourself. Stay healthy, and…"
Rafe turned defensive then. "Look. Stop. I can take care of myself, okay? I promise." He began to back away from her. "All this hovering thing, I can't… take it, alright? I don't need that anymore."
Natalia's heart sank as she watched him run off toward the driveway. In his entire life, things had never been this strained between them, and she wondered when she had lost touch with her own son.
Wandering back onto the porch, she released a deep sigh as she dropped down onto the old wooden bench where she and Olivia had shared so many cups of coffee and mugs of cocoa, sprinkled with quiet conversations. She felt so blessed by Olivia's steadiness in her life, her unwavering support, regardless of the personal cost. It was more than she ever dreamed she would have—in a lover, or a friend. And she had found both, in the same person. What more could she possibly ask from life?
Her thoughts turned to earlier that morning then, when Olivia had kissed her goodbye at the door. They had lingered there, Olivia pressing her against the doorframe as they kissed, until Emma finally grew impatient waiting outside. She was none too happy with having to leave home, with Natalia still there, and the delay only added fuel to the flame. Finally, Olivia had released her with one final nip of her bottom lip and a softly whispered, "I love you," before taking her leave. You've been gone less than an hour, and I already miss you, Natalia thought, as she reminisced about the events leading up to their early-morning parting.
As if on cue, her cell phone buzzed in the pocket of her jeans. Pulling it out, she slid the bar to unlock the screen. Immediately, a notice popped up—One New Message from: Olivia. Grinning, Natalia tapped the screen, opening the message: I miss you already. The office just isn't the same without you.
Quickly, Natalia hit the reply button, and tapped out a response: Neither is the farmhouse. I miss you too.
How does Rafe seem this morning? Olivia's next message brought tears to Natalia's eyes. First, because she was worried about her son. And second, because Olivia cared enough to ask.
Distant… I'm worried.
Her phone buzzed again. This time, Olivia was saying: I'm sorry, Honey. I know how hard this is on you. What can I do to help?
Natalia smiled, and began tapping again. You're already doing it. I love you.
The sweet sincerity of Natalia's voice rang through, even via text, and Olivia couldn't help but smile. I love you too, she answered within seconds. Four o'clock can't come soon enough.
For me either, Natalia sighed, as she typed her thoughts in reply. She hit send, and tucked the phone back into her pocket. There was not a single doubt in her mind that Olivia Spencer was a gift, sent to her by God. She smiled to herself as she stood from the bench, and made her way back inside. She had a date with the love of her life in just a few hours, and she was determined to find just the right dress for the occasion, before Rafe returned from his morning run.
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Are you fucking serious, here, Ma?" Rafe barked. He clenched his fists as he cursed, no longer caring if he offended her. His mother was clearly in a moral morass, and he simply wouldn't stand for it any longer.
Natalia was completely taken aback by his response. They had shared a nice, quiet day together after he returned from his run, and he seemed more like himself than he had in months. She talked with him about how he had upset Emma by ignoring her, and he promised to apologize and spend some time with her that evening to make up for it. The softer side of him was beginning to emerge, and Natalia had to admit that Olivia had been right about him needing time alone with her.
But everything had changed in a moment's time.
Dressed for her date with Olivia, Natalia had descended the stairs to find Rafe in the living room, flipping through the most recent issue of some muscle car magazine she had picked up for him before his release. Glancing up at her, he actually smiled, and told her she looked really nice. His smiled quickly turned to a scowl though, as she casually explained to him that she and Olivia would be going out for the evening. On a date. Jane would be there soon to look after Emma, and she and Olivia would be home late, so Jane would likely spend the night upstairs in Olivia's old bedroom.
There mere thought of Olivia having an old bedroom in their home, made the fact that she now shared his mother's bedroom, all too real. Immediately, he was on his feet, the magazine thrown across the room as he hurled profanities at her.
Olivia walked in just in time to catch his outburst. She quietly directed Emma to go up to her room via the back staircase. There was no need for their daughter to witness any of this. She made direct eye contact with Natalia, letting her know she had support. And then silently, she leaned against the doorjamb between the kitchen and living room, arms crossed, awaiting any indication from Natalia that her input was desired.
"Yes, I am!" Natalia insisted. "And don't use that language with me." Her tone was stern.
Defiance simmering in his coal black eyes, Rafe ignored her. "You're seriously gonna lecture me about my language, when you're pregnant, again, without being married," he emphasized the repetition of her sin, "and you're doin' God only knows what with that… woman!" Incensed, he stressed the gender of her lover.
"What I do, or don't do with Olivia, is none of your concern, Rafael," Natalia said, coolly. Her eyes met Olivia's gaze, filled with apology for the pain inflicted by her son's comment.
"Wow," Rafe said sarcastically. "You don't even deny sleeping with her." He shook his head, his anger rising. "That's rich, Ma. After all the lectures I had to hear about morality, and pre-marital sex!"
"You were sixteen years old, Rafe," Natalia reminded.
"So were you the first time," he accusingly retorted.
"And that's exactly my point," Natalia countered. "I was trying to spare you the same mistakes I made, mijo." Her voice was soft, comforting, as she tentatively approached him.
"Whatever," Rafe said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. He hated the double standard. Sex outside of marriage was either wrong, or it wasn't. "So it's okay for you to have sex outside of marriage, but it's not okay if I do it. Is that what I'm hearing?"
"I'm not proud of what happened with Frank," Natalia answered. "And no, it wasn't okay."
"And what about Olivia?" Rafe pressed.
"Things are different with her," Natalia argued.
"Frame it any way you want," Rafe snapped. "Bottom line is you're a hypocrite, Ma."
"I can't marry her, Rafe," Natalia defended, emphasizing the fact that it was out of her control. "Believe me, if I could, we would already be married."
Despite the gravity of the situation, Olivia was helpless to stifle the smile that spontaneously percolated on her lips in response to Natalia's declaration. It confirmed what she already knew—Natalia's answer would be "yes," and that made Olivia's heartbeat flutter in her chest.
"There's a reason you can't marry her, Ma," Rafe said. His tone was rife with sarcasm. "What you're doing with her is an abomination to God!" he bellowed, sounding like one of those hellfire and brimstone preachers he used to see on television. "But I guess you don't have time to read your Bible anymore, now that you spend all your time fucking your rich whore!"
Shocked and infuriated by his words, Natalia slapped him across the face. Hard. Unapologetically.
Inching backward, he held his jaw as he stared at her, in utter disbelief. Almost as much disbelief as she was feeling herself. And then he turned, making a dash toward the front door. Despite Natalia's reflexive caution to hold the door, he let the screen slam closed behind him.
Rafe's words tore at Olivia's heart as she listened to him spewing his hatred out at the woman she loved. She would put up with just about anything from him for Natalia's sake, but not that. As he stormed out of the house, she followed, close on his heels. And when she caught up, she grasped his arm with a force she didn't realize she possessed, and she spun him around to face her. Sprinting behind, Natalia was quick to catch up, but she lingered just out of range, allowing Olivia to have her say.
"What the fuck do you want?" Rafe snapped when he realized who had followed him. He hadn't even seen her in the house.
"I wanna talk to you," Olivia said, willfully holding her temper, lest she cause even greater harm.
"Yeah, well I don't wanna hear anything you have to say," Rafe spat. He was still holding his jaw where Natalia had slapped him. "So why even bother?"
"Because I love your mom, and I can't stand to see her hurting," Olivia replied.
"Then why don't you just leave her the hell alone?" Rafe barked. "Leave us all alone."
"Because that's not what she wants," Olivia answered, forthrightly.
"Don't you get it, Olivia? You are done, alright?" Rafe said, smugly. "It's only a matter of time."
"You're wrong," Olivia said, coolly.
"You're done," Rafe reiterated. "My mother's gonna be with Frank, all right." It wasn't even a question in his mind.
"Oh, is she?" Olivia challenged. She sounded almost amused.
"Yes," Rafe said firmly. "It's gonna happen." She would come to her senses eventually. "She's gonna have his baby, and they're gonna be together. You'll see."
"Hey, all according to your plan, right?" Olivia said passively.
"Look, I'm sorry, but you… you're gonna be alone," Rafe said, condescendingly.
"That's important," Olivia said, raising a finger in emphasis, as she played his little game.
"Please, just stay away from my mother," Rafe ordered.
"Would you stop," Olivia said, as she raised her hand to halt his patronizing rant. It wasn't a request.
"Olivia, please."
"Oh, no, no," Olivia insisted.
"Stop what?" Rafe snapped.
Olivia's ire began to rise. "No! Hey, no. My turn to talk, okay!" she demanded. "My turn. Let me talk."
Rafe's face held a smirk as he rolled his eyes at her. "Go ahead." Nothing that she could say would matter to him anyway.
"She wants to be with me," Olivia announced.
"Olivia, she cannot be with you," Rafe declared. "She can't… be with you."
"Oh, God," Olivia sighed, and her head fell back in frustration. "But I should be alone?"
When Rafe said nothing in response, Olivia continued. "Look, you can be as nasty as you want to me, Rafe," she said. "I probably deserve it," she admitted.
Natalia's heart ached to hear Olivia say that.
"But don't you dare speak to your mother that way again," Olivia ordered. "She doesn't deserve that kind of shit out of you."
"Who the fuck do you think you are?"
Delivered through clenched teeth, his rage and resentment only served to bolster Olivia's resolve. "I'm your mother's partner, and like it or not, that makes us family, Rafe," she said determinedly. "So you'd better get used to it."
"In your dreams," Rafe snarled.
"If that's necessary," Olivia smugly countered.
"Bring it."
"What, you think I can't handle you?" Olivia challenged. "Believe me, Rafe, I've battled it out with far more adversarial step-children than you. The last one nearly threw me down a flight of stairs while I was pregnant with Emma."
A look of concern flickered across his hard features at the mention of harm to Emma. He had been rude to her the evening before, but he truly did love her. His emotions were fleeting though, and his bushy eyebrows furrowed again. "If you weren't such a whore, your first marriage would've lasted, and you wouldn't have had so many step-children."
His words cut like shards of glass, broken and jagged. Heated jade turned liquid with pain. She had been a whore. Ever since Alex's death. But not anymore, she remembered. Not since Natalia. Natalia made her strive to be better, decent, worthy. Reaching out to him, she grasped his biceps in her hands.
"Get your filthy fucking hands off of me!" Rafe roared.
Complete and utter shock kept Natalia's mouth from moving, her feet bolted to the ground. Never had she heard her son use such language. It disappointed her in ways she never thought possible.
"No—you listen to me," Olivia insisted, tightening her hold on his arms. "I get you, Rafe," she said, her voice softening. "You're a grown man on the outside, but inside, you're a broken little boy. And I understand that, because for the longest time, I lived my life as an adult, making mistake after mistake, but on the inside, I was just a broken little girl. Scared, and alone; like you feel sometimes. But your mom helped me learn not to feel so broken anymore, and together, she and I can help you, too."
Natalia's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Olivia's confession, to the promise in her words. Somehow, Olivia had reached down into the depths of her being, and found a way to use her own pain, to try to reach a child who wasn't even her own. A child, a man, who had treated her like dirt, when all she deserved was his kindness—and she hadn't hesitated for even a moment, no matter what Rafe had said or done to her. And in that moment, Natalia could not possibly have loved her more.
"I don't want your help," he said icily.
"I'm sorry you lost your Dad, Rafe," Olivia said softly. "And I'm sorry for the part I played in taking him away from you. I never meant for that to happen. I loved him, too."
"Yeah, you loved him to death, didn't you?" Rafe accused in a rapier tone.
Olivia was stunned into silence.
"Rafael!"
Unleashed, Natalia's voice projected like the mighty roar of a lion, echoing across the fields that surrounded the farmhouse. It startled both Olivia and Rafe. She had held her tongue until it bled, allowing Olivia the space to handle him as she saw fit. But she simply could not stand one more second of it.
Snapping his head toward the sound of her voice, he came face to face with the raging fury is his mother's simmering dark eyes. Never in his life had he witnessed anything like that from her, and it terrified him. "Ma—I…"
"Don't you say another word!" Natalia commanded, as she forcefully backed him up against one of the front porch pillars.
Rafe's pupils widened with fear.
Calling Natalia's name, Olivia reached out, gently touching her arm. She didn't want Natalia to say or do anything else that she might regret.
Startled, Rafe's head jerked at the sound of Olivia's voice so close to him.
"Honey, let it go," Olivia quietly persuaded. "Please."
Natalia turned her head, meeting Olivia's steady gaze, as Olivia continued to speak. "Enough harsh words have been spoken today," she asserted. "Just let it go, before it's too late."
Her heart pounding in her ears, Natalia drew in a deep breath, struggling to still her raging emotions. Numbly, she nodded, as she allowed the sound of Olivia's voice to gradually calm her. Olivia was right, and Natalia knew it. But she and Rafe weren't finished with this discussion. Not by a longshot. She would talk with him again in the morning. She simply couldn't stomach any more that evening.
Glancing at Rafe, Olivia encouraged him to go inside before any more damage was done. Though he scowled at her for ordering him around, he didn't argue. Clearly, his mother wasn't right, and as angry as he was about her relationship with Olivia, he didn't want to hurt her.
As Rafe beat a path to the front door, Olivia slipped an arm around Natalia's shoulder, pulling her close. She didn't ask if Natalia was all right—she already knew the answer. Instead, she simply sought to comfort her. "It'll be okay, Sweetheart. He'll come around," she said reassuringly. "Just give him time."
"How can you be so understanding, when he's being so awful to you?"
"Because I understand what it's like to be in his shoes," Olivia answered. "He lost his father, and then his whole world was turned upside down. First by what happened with Jeffrey, and going to jail. And now, having to come to terms with our relationship. I don't condone the way he's behaving, because I know it's hurting you. But I understand it."
"It's hurt you, too," Natalia interjected. The pain in her voice was palpable.
"Only because I know what it's doing to you," Olivia contended. "He can say what he wants about me. Most of it's probably true."
"Olivia, please don't say things like that," Natalia requested. "You don't deserve any of the things he's said about you."
"And neither do you, Natalia," Olivia countered.
Natalia felt the sting of tears in her eyes. "I'm so angry with him right now, Liv," she confessed.
Pulling Natalia closer, Olivia's fingertips brushed her face, and tipped her chin. "I know how hard this is on you, and I'm sorry for that. I truly am. But don't give up on him yet," she encouraged. "He'll come around eventually."
"How can you be so certain all the time?" Natalia asked in wonder.
"You never gave up on me, no matter how much of a bitch I was to you," Olivia answered. "And look at what we have now."
Natalia smiled through her tears. "You have a point."
"Don't I, though?" Olivia grinned.
Silently, Natalia fell into Olivia's embrace, burying her face against warm skin. Olivia's unique scent enveloped her, pulling her deeper in, as strong arms held her close. Words were unnecessary, as they lingered together.
"I shouldn't have hit him like that," Natalia finally said. Her tone was laden with guilt, as she sniffed back tears of regret. "I've never hit him in his whole life."
"I know, Honey," Olivia quietly comforted as she gently stroked Natalia's hair. She pressed a kiss against Natalia's ear. "He loves you, Natalia. He'll forgive you, just as you'll forgive his harsh words."
Natalia nodded against Olivia's shoulder. "This has been a hellacious twenty-four hours," she sighed.
"Yeah, it's been rough for all of us," Olivia agreed. She was concerned about Natalia, and the toll the situation was taking on her. Her first instinct was to protect. "Maybe we should skip…"
Pulling away from their embrace, Natalia met Olivia's gaze squarely. "Not on your life," she said authoritatively.
Amused, Olivia smiled at the forceful nature of Natalia's tone, drawing a blush from her.
Dark eyes flickered up to meet Olivia's gaze. "I've been thinking about being with you all day."
"I've been thinking about being with you, too," Olivia whispered. "But what about Rafe?" She sounded concerned.
"He's a grown man," Natalia acknowledged. "He'll be fine. And I have all day with him tomorrow," she reasoned. "Tonight is ours."
There was no arguing with Natalia's declaration. Not that Olivia wanted to. Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead against Natalia's, whispering, "You look beautiful tonight." She had noticed Natalia's royal blue, sleeveless dress the moment she walked in the door. The way it hugged her curves, accentuating her body, in the most appealing way. Her thick mop of dark curls was pulled back and lifted up, revealing her graceful neck and the smooth olive skin of her back where the dressed dipped down, and the plunging neckline showed just enough cleavage to make Olivia want to see more.
A self-conscious smile flickered across Natalia's lips. "Thank you," she blushed. Dark eyes scanned Olivia's face and body. Her hair hung in a sexy, shaggy mess that framed her face perfectly. And she was wearing dark, linen slacks and a sleeveless light gray blouse, edged with delicate white lace. Clinging in all the right places, and dipping down to there, it made Natalia wonder what lay beneath, even as the entire package made her body hum with desire. "So do you," she whispered. "When did you change into this?" She had been wearing a suit when she left that morning.
"I showered and changed at the Beacon," Olivia reported with a shy grin. "Makes this feel more like a real date."
Natalia grinned. "You mean the kind where you pick me up, and we go park someplace in the shadows, and make out in your car?"
"Something like that," Olivia said with a flirtatious lilt. "Only this one ends with a Jacuzzi tub and a huge, comfy bed in a really fancy hotel room."
"Seems I've moved up in this world," Natalia playfully contended.
Lightly, Olivia kissed her. "You deserve a palace," she quietly declared.
Natalia shook her head. "I have everything I need, right here with you." Gently, she took Olivia's face into her hands, drawing her into kisses that lingered until the sound of gravel crackling beneath tires, announced Jane's arrival.
Pressing her hand firmly against Olivia's chest, Natalia grinned against Olivia's lips. "Guess that's my cue to check on the kids' dinner. How much time do we have?"
"We're set for seven thirty," Olivia informed.
"Perfect." Natalia skimmed Olivia's lips with her own one more time. And then she made her way back into the farmhouse to finish getting dinner for Emma and Rafe, praying the entire way that her son would come to his senses, and soon.
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Penthouse Suite, the Beacon—6:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"It's a beautiful evening out," Olivia commented. Her hands gripped the rail, as she and Natalia stood on the balcony of their penthouse suite, overlooking the gardens and the lake. Having managed to get out of the house without further issue, they were intent upon enjoying their evening.
"Yes, it is." Natalia drew in a deep breath of the fresh, warm air. "Enjoy it while we can, huh? A month from now we'll barely be able to breathe outside."
"True," Olivia agreed. The humidity in Springfield was almost unbearable in the summertime, and they both dreaded its arrival.
Glancing at Natalia, Olivia reached for her. Natalia went willingly into her arms. They shared a tender kiss, and then Olivia met Natalia's gaze. "Would you like to take a walk on the grounds with me before dinner?"
Dimples bloomed. "I would love that," Natalia quietly declared.
Pleased, Olivia smiled, and took Natalia's hand into her own. Their fingers entwined as if by design, and they quickly made their way through the suite and out the door into the hall.
Five minutes later, they were strolling along one of the gray stone footpaths that meandered through the gardens; their conversation, effortless. Spring annuals and a mix of spring and summer blooming perennials filled the gardens with bright bursts of colors—deep purples and lavenders and blues, oranges and yellows, gradations of pink, and reds and deep burgundy that popped with life. The blooms smelled as beautiful as they looked.
As they walked, Olivia talked quietly to Natalia, pointing out all of the different foliage—bicolor snapdragons, tricolor violas and purple pansies, larkspur, and petunias in nearly every color of the rainbow—and ornamental grasses and hedge plants, and the garden shrubs that were the backbone of the landscape, and the foundation of the garden design.
Natalia asked questions, and listened intently, as Olivia patiently answered. She took her time, explaining the different regions where certain flowers, plants, and trees grew best, as well as differentiating between the annuals—the flowers that lived only a season and had to be replanted—and the more durable perennials that returned year after year with little, if any, coaxing from the grounds crew.
"I didn't realize you knew so much about plants and flowers," Natalia observed as they settled on a rustic stone garden bench beneath a grove of blossoming dogwoods, a good while into their walk. One of the garden's many fountains flowed nearby, and they watched the cascading water as they talked.
"I know more about tropical plants and flowers, growing up on an island. But I've always enjoyed gardening," Olivia confessed. "There's just something about the feeling of the earth sifting through your fingers."
Natalia eyed her curiously. "You like to play in the dirt." It wasn't a question really, but more like a disbelieving comment, as she stressed the parts about Olivia and dirt.
Olivia grinned. "Sounds rather counterintuitive, doesn't it?" She thought for a moment. "Well, unless you count that mud fight I had with Cassie," she laughed.
"I'd rather not think about you rolling around in the mud with another woman," Natalia said dryly.
The slight hint of jealousy in Natalia's tone brought a smile to Olivia's face. Turning toward her on the bench, she cocked an eyebrow. "Does that mean you'd like to roll around in the mud with me yourself?"
"Not particularly."
The expression on Natalia's face was priceless, and Olivia laughed again. "Scratch that off my list," she muttered.
Natalia laughed, and patted Olivia's knee. "Sorry to put a wrench in your plans, Honey."
"That's okay," Olivia shrugged. Wrapping an arm around Natalia's shoulder, she nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "I'd rather roll around with you in bed, anyway."
"Now that's a plan I can get with," Natalia declared with a grin. "And the sooner, the better."
Lightly, Olivia nibbled Natalia's earlobe, drawing a low groan from her. "Does that mean I need to feed you soon?"
"Yes, it does," Natalia grinned.
"Then, by all means, let's finish our walk," Olivia suggested.
Tightening her hold on Natalia's hand, Olivia pulled her to her feet. She draped her arm around Natalia's shoulder, and her breath caught as Natalia's arm naturally fell against her waist. The level of synergy they shared astounded her sometimes. Her body relaxed against Natalia's, and turning onto the footpath again, she drew Natalia deeper into the gardens.
Craning her neck, Natalia glanced over her shoulder, back toward the Beacon. "Aren't we going the wrong way?"
"Nope," Olivia replied casually. Leaning over, she pressed a kiss against Natalia's cheek. "We haven't seen the best part yet."
"Oh! Okay." Natalia tightened her grip on Olivia's waist, not another question asked. The gardens were lovely, and it was a beautiful evening, so a little more time strolling with Olivia would be nice, she reasoned.
Walking deeper still, into the center of the gardens, their conversation flowed like water. They discussed their plans for the farmhouse, including a remodel of the master bath, and getting rid of that awful green paint. They had finally decided on an agreeable color scheme for the house, and though she still hadn't given the go-ahead for a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath, Natalia had finally agreed to a slight remodel, since there would be other plumbing work going on in the house anyway.
Olivia offered the occasional comment about the foliage that surrounded them, sparking a discussion about landscaping at the farmhouse, as well. There were plans for a swing set and a tree house near the pond for Emma, and Natalia pointed out ideas that she saw in the gardens, that she thought might look nice for the remainder of their yard. Olivia readily agreed, and Natalia confirmed that she would contact the landscapers for a consult the following week.
Rounding one final bend in the footpath, the gardens opened into the clearing where the central gazebo stood. Rather than the traditional gazebos that were located in private alcoves throughout the surrounding Beacon grounds, this one possessed a rustic undertone that accented the overall ambiance of the gardens. Flowering clematis vines climbed the rustic wooden frame, its white bordered pink petals with dark red anthers, in full bloom.
Sheer white curtains billowed in the light spring breeze, and twinkling white lights, shimmered like the stars in the early twilight sky. There was a light jazz mix playing, and candles flickered from within a beautiful floral centerpiece on a small dinner table. Draped in white linen, the table and chairs were set for a perfect, romantic dinner for two—the Beacon's finest china and complete silver service, crystal wine glasses, the works.
Natalia stopped in her tracks. "We should go," she said urgently, attempting to pull Olivia back.
"Why?" Olivia sounded perplexed.
"So we don't ruin their surprise."
"Whose surprise?" Olivia asked.
"Our guests'," Natalia answered, caught off guard by Olivia's seeming confusion. Watershed often catered private dinners for guests out in the gardens, and she logically assumed this was such a case.
A soft chuckle fell from Olivia's lips. "Sweetheart, this is for us."
"What?" A surprised grin flickered across Natalia's lips. "Really? You did this for us?"
"Yes, of course," Olivia answered. Pulling Natalia into her arms, she nuzzled her cheek. "I did it for you," she whispered, accentuating the fact that it was all for her lover. "I thought you deserved something a little more romantic than our suite."
Beaming, Natalia wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck, and kissed her. "I am ridiculously in love with you," she declared.
"Yeah?" Olivia looked pleased.
"Yeah," Natalia smiled. She kissed Olivia again. "Thank you, Honey. It's perfect."
"You don't even know what we're having for dinner yet," Olivia said.
"It doesn't matter," Natalia replied.
Pleased, Olivia smiled and took Natalia's hand, leading her up the steps into the gazebo. Pausing at the table, Olivia reached down, lifting a single yellow rose, tipped in red, from Natalia's place setting, presenting it to her.
Natalia's eyes glistened with tears, and their fingers brushed as she accepted the rose from Olivia's hand. No detail was ever lost with Olivia, and Natalia felt a fresh wave of love wash over her as she closed her eyes, slowly inhaling the sweet fragrance of the rose. And when she found Olivia's gaze again, she whispered her thanks, and kissed her tenderly.
One kiss led to two, which led to several more, before Natalia finally released her. And then, pulling Natalia's chair out, Olivia seated her, and moved her own chair to sit right beside her. Reaching into the wine chiller, she pulled out the bottle of sparkling cider, opening it with ease. And then she poured them each a glass. Moments later, as they toasted one another, Damian appeared, bringing their first course, and they settled in for a quiet, romantic dinner, enjoying the springtime sunset as it settled over the gardens.
TBC in Chapter 14.4: Trials and Tribulations…