(Piper's POV)

I felt myself dozing off while laying on Alex. I realized that we were both naked and that we should probably put on some pajamas, seeing as how we were not at the apartment. I lifted my head to see Alex dozing as well. I sneaked up to her lips and kissed her right on her lips. Alex stirred, jumping up quickly.

"I didn't mean to scare you babe. I just realized that we should probably put some clothes on seeing as how your mom is right downstairs," I said as I got off the bed and moved to the suitcase.

"Shit Pipes, you did scare me. Just throw me whatever you packed me for pajamas...I'm too tired to get up," Alex said, laying her head back down.

I proceeded to put on my pajamas and threw Alex hers. "You tired? Does that mean there won't be a round two tonight?" I asked Alex, as I walked back over to the bed.

"Well, you should know by now, that I am never too tired for sex. But tonight, I think holding you & knowing you are next to me all night, may be more satisfying," Alex said with a smile, slipping on her t-shirt in a way that could only be made sexy by Alex.

"I keep thinking that it will get easier when you go away but it only gets harder. If it wasn't for work, I would totally lose my mind without you," I told Alex, giving her a kiss and resuming my position.

Alex kissed my head and said, "Ugh...tell me about it. I always enjoyed travelling for work but now that I have you, travelling for work without you is so not as great. I love you Piper...sleep well."

And with that, I closed my eyes, holding onto the woman of my dreams. The woman that loved me for who I was. And the woman that I was so in love with that it scared the shit out of me.

I woke fairly early the next morning, feeling very hot. Alex had her body draped over mine and I very slowly got out of the bed. Alex looked so peaceful sleeping & I wanted to be sure she was able to catch up on all the sleep she had missed. I made sure the blinds were shut tight as I slowly creeped out of the room, shutting the door as quietly as possible. I made my way down the stairs and into the kitchen, marveling at the sun starting to steak through the large windows.

"Morning kid, you are up early," I heard Diane say from the living room. She got up and walked toward the kitchen, "Would you like some coffee?"

"Hi Diane. Yes, coffee would be great, thank you. Alex is still fast asleep and I didn't want to wake her," I said as I took a seat at the island.

The kitchen was so homey feeling...I just loved it. I could envision kids running around the kitchen, all coming to the common point which was the island. "I just love this kitchen Diane - it just feels like home."

Diane placed a steaming hot cup of coffee in front of me and stood across the island from where I was.

"You know Piper, I wanted to say thank you to you. I haven't seen Alex this happy since...well actually...since never. Alex is happier than I've ever seen her and that is truly all thanks to you. I love to see her smile from ear to ear, looking like a child again," Diane said with a smile.

I couldn't help but smile back as I replied, "Thank you for saying that Diane. I just cannot believe that I found Alex. She makes me so happy and I am so madly in love with her - honestly, it's a bit scary. Its like she is the sun & I am Icarus...I just cannot stay away from her. She is a spectacular woman, all thanks to you. Alex really loves you and the relationship you have. I have to admit, I'm jealous. My mother is so close minded & oblivious to the fact, that I'm not even able to share with her that I am in love...simply because Alex is not a man."

I took a sip of the coffee, feeling the liquid warm my entire body.

"All I can ask you is to have patience with Alex. This is all new for her and I know that she is scared as shit as well. She doesn't know how to express her feelings most of the time and prefers just to bottle them up. Give her a chance and I know she will continue to make you happy. And if your mom can't accept you for who you are then she is the one missing out. She will come to realize that eventually," Diane said as she grabbed her car keys.

"I need to go run to the store and grab a few more things. I imagine Alex told you we celebrate Thanksgiving on Wednesday so that we can serve at the soup kitchen tomorrow, yes?"

"Yes she told me. I am so excited to go and serve at the soup kitchen tomorrow. I did it once in college and it was just an amazing experience," I said as I stood to walk Diane out.

"Alex insists on it. We spent many a Thanksgiving there and now, this is her way of giving back. I will be back soon and I would love your help in the kitchen today, Piper," Diane said as she put on her jacket and headed out.

"Sounds good Diane...I am really looking forward to it," I said to Diane as she headed out of the door.

"And Diane - I want to spend the rest of my life with your daughter. She is my everything."

Diane smiled as she walked to her car. 'If only you knew how much you are her everything Piper.'