by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@hotmail.com.

Dedications: To my angels, my nephews. Through the good and bad days, the joys and sorrows, the unconditional love and adoration you both exude makes the meaning of life apparently clear.

Copyright © August, 2004 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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Going to the blondes' house after work, Dara sat in her car a moment preparing for their first meeting. She knew it was important for her to make a positive first impression. When she felt calm, she took the flowers off the seat next to her and went up to the house. She gave a strong knock and then waited. Within a few moments Elisabeth answered the door. She smiled brightly at her lover.

"Hi. You got here sooner than I expected," the blonde mentioned, opening her arms to her girlfriend.

They embraced and kissed softly before Dara handed her the flowers. "I couldn't wait to see you," she admitted.

"Well, come on in. My mother's in the kitchen."

Taking Dara by the hand, Elisabeth led her to where her mother was. As soon as they cleared the doorway, she announced, "Mom, this is Dara Rosenthal. Dara, my mother, Patricia Gunter."

"Ms. Gunter, it's a pleasure to meet you," Dara said to the blonde woman in front of her as she extended her hand. Even though Elisabeth's mother was also fair-headed, they held little resemblance to each other until the older woman smiled.

"Dara, it is so good to finally meet you. Elisabeth's been going on and on about you that I feel like I already know you so well," she mentioned, taking the brunette's hand in both her own. The handshake was firm and friendly, encouraging the young attorney. "I'm so happy that you've found each other. I always hoped my little girl would find someone special."

"Well, she means a great deal to me, Ms. Gunter."

Smiling the eldest blonde said, "Please call me Pat."

Turning to Elisabeth Dara asked, "So, where's your sister?"

"She said she had to work late at the last minute at the hospital, so it's just going to be the three of us if you don't mind."

"Not at all. Would you like me to drive, or do you want to?"

"You can drive. I just need to put these in water before we go." Elisabeth quickly got out a vase and filled it with water for her flowers while the two other women just watched. When that was finished, the three of them headed to Dara's Jeep.

"So, where are we going, ladies?" Dara inquired when all of them were settled.

"We decided to do Mexican. Guapos in Tenley Town."

"Sound good."

Being that it was a summer Friday night, the wait at the restaurant was a long one, but the three of them entertained each other at the outdoor bar, drinking margaritas as Elisabeth's mother shared stories of her daughters when they were young. However, after while the conversation turned towards careers.

"So, Dara, Elisabeth tells me you want to be a politician."

The brunette nodded her head. "That is my aspiration. I would like to be the first lesbian governor of Maryland. I think the state is ready for that or at least will be by the time I'm ready to take on the challenge."

"Then how do you feel about Elisabeth working for the President? Surely you don't agree with his politics."

"Well, my sister once asked me that. I just told her that if Arnold and Maria could do it so could we. I don't like the President, but it was a good move for Elisabeth's career. I understand why she chose to do it. I have a feeling that by the time I am elected governor of Maryland Elisabeth's political opinions will be more mainstream. After all, it'll be one thing to be the first lesbian governor, but it'll be more difficult to win if my wife is thoroughly against my politics," she teased.

The surprise on Pat's face was obvious at Dara's declaration. "Oh? I didn't realize you two were already planning that far ahead," she said with a smile at her daughter.

Elisabeth shook her head. "We're just talking about it, Mom. Nothing's been decided. It's just something we both know we'd like to do, and things are going so well. It just seems to be the next step, but we've only been dating a few months."

Pat looked at the both of them and then took a large sip of her beverage. She shook her head lightly as she smiled. "Whatever you say. Just know that I'm happy for you." A moment of silence followed before Elisabeth excused herself to the restroom, leaving Dara and Pat alone. The older woman looked at Dara and gave her a reassuring grin. "Tell me, Dara. It's been decided, hasn't it?"

"That we're going to get married?" she questioned in clarification. The blonde nodded. "I've decided," she declared. "I haven't asked her yet, because I feel like we should continue to get to know one another, but I've made up my mind about her, Pat. She's the one."

"How can you be so sure?"

Dara looked at her drink as she contemplated how to answer her lover's mother. "I just know in my heart. She's everything I've ever wanted in a woman. She's caring and thoughtful. She's intelligent and beautiful. Every time I look in those eyes, I'm just more swept away. I've hopelessly lost my heart, and I never want to retrieve it."

"Was there a moment that you knew for sure?"

"As a matter of fact, there was. Not too long ago Shelby and Elisabeth got in a huge fight, so much so that Elisabeth had to leave the house. She came to my place all upset, and we talked it out. She felt like she couldn't face Shelby that night, so she stayed with me," she said hesitantly. She noticed that Pat didn't even flinch at that admission, so she continued. "We were getting ready for bed, and we were both standing in my bathroom brushing our teeth. I looked over at her standing there in my pajamas that were way too big on her, and I realized that I want to stand next to her and brush my teeth everyday for the rest of my life. In fact, I'd rather watch her washing her face or brushing her teeth or even putting on makeup than do just about anything else. I just want to be with her. I want to hold her and love her in a way neither of us has ever known. My heart just tells me that she is my perfect companion. There's really no other way to describe it."

Pat nodded her head. "And you two are compatible in all areas?" tentatively she asked.

Not know exactly what the question was referring to, Dara inquired, "Meaning?"

"Look. I'd been extremely naive if I thought my thirty-two-year-old daughter was inexperienced. I just want to make sure you can make each other happy in all ways. It's not the only thing that matters, but it's important that each of you is satisfied in and out of the bedroom. I would hate to think this decision was based on the activities that go on behind the closed door. There's much more to a marriage than that."

"To assure you, Pat, I'll say that my decision is not based solely on that. In fact, I shouldn't probably tell you this, but I'm going to anyway. We've limited ourselves in that area, so we can have a chance to really get to know one another. If we're serious about it, that can wait."

"Then how do you know you're suitable for each other that way?"

"There's been plenty to go on," she answered.

Seeing the blonde headed back their direction, Pat smiled at Dara. "Well, you certainly do have my approval. I've never seen Elisabeth this happy in my life."

"Thank you. That means a lot to both of us," she stated as Elisabeth took her seat once again.

"What means a lot to both of us?" she inquired in interest.

"Oh, I was just tormenting Dara about her intentions regarding you to make sure they were admirable."

"Mom," she warned, her face flushing lightly.

"What? This might be my only chance to rake her over the coals before you two run off and do something crazy, like going to Massachusetts and getting hitched. I only want what's best for you, and I won't accept anything less," she stated.

"Mother, Dara is what's best for me. Now drop it."

Smiling at her daughter, she laughed lightly. "Well, I'm certainly glad we agree on that," she said, throwing a wink in Dara's direction.

The brunette laughed as she slid her arms around her lover. "She got you good on that one," she joked.

Elisabeth rolled her eyes at the both of them. "Well, I suppose I should be grateful that you two get along so well."

Through the rest of dinner, the conversation was light as they all chatted. They even made tentative arrangements for Pat to meet Dara's parents the following evening, leaving the brunette thrilled at how well the night was going. When she dropped the two blondes off later that night, she promised to call them in the morning about their families getting together.

The next day instead of doing dinner the three blonde Gunters came to the Rosenthal house for a barbeque lunch. Dara answered the door when they arrived but she was surprised to see Shelby. Nevertheless, she extended her a warm welcome and escorted them out to the pool. Dara's parents and Leah were already outside sitting poolside under the shade of an umbrella. Dara took the official duties of introductions, but the strain between Leah and Shelby was noticeable. Nevertheless, Elisabeth and Dara both tried to ignore their younger sisters and focus on getting their parents well-acquainted. However, sitting at the table with their parents, Elisabeth's attention kept being diverted to the way Dara looked in her bathing suit.

Even though she was wearing something a little more conservative then the last pool party, the sight of the brunette in her long board shorts and tank top made the blonde's libido spring to life. The other night when Dara had dropped her and her mother off at the house, the younger woman hadn't come inside, so they had not had a chance to spend any quality time alone together, which had left Elisabeth with a craving the night before. In fact, she had to relieve her own tension before she could find restful sleep. Now as she sat next to her lover those latent feelings from the night before resurfaced. She desperately needed a few minutes alone with the brunette to feel her strong arms around her body. Suddenly a perfect opportunity presented itself as Emma asked if anyone wanted something else to drink from the house.

Instantly Elisabeth was out of her chair suggesting, "You know what? Dara and I can get the drinks, Emma. Right, dear?" she inquired.

Unsure of what was going on in her lover's head, the taller woman just nodded and stood. "Sure. Of course. We'll be right back." Following the older woman up the stairs of the deck and into the house, she was about to ask what was going on when her lover jumped her as soon as they got through the door.

"God, I've missed you," she muttered, assaulting Dara's mouth brutally. "You have no idea how badly I wanted you to stay when we got home last night."

The taller woman groaned as her hands roamed under her girlfriend's top. She could feel the bare skin of her back. "I wanted to stay, but I thought it might be a little much for your mother the first time we met."

"She wouldn't have cared. She's a very modern woman," Elisabeth stated as her hands yanked up the brunette's tank top. "Oh my God. You're not even wearing a bra," she growled as her head swooped down and captured the younger woman's left breast in her mouth.

Dara gasped loudly and clutched the golden head. Her hands were equally busy trying to get into the blonde's clothes. She grumbled in frustration when she realized the blonde was wearing a conservative one-piece suit that was practically inaccessible. "This is so not fair," she whined, unable to find a good entrance to get to her lover's bare body.

The older woman chuckled at the brunette's predicament. "All's fair in love and war," she teased as her hands went to the tie on her girlfriend's swimming trunks.

"Whoa, baby. What are you doing?" the younger woman inquired, taking hold of her lover's hands, so she couldn't go any further. Triumphantly she wrapped them around the blonde's back. Elisabeth struggled playfully trying to free herself, but it only served to throw herself off balance and into her girlfriend's frame. Now in control Dara maneuvered them, so the blonde was leaning against the island. Holding both wrists with one hand, she smiled devilishly at the blue-eyed angel. "Now what should I do with you?" she inquired needlessly as her right hand went to the buttons on her lover's blouse.

The older woman continued to strain against her bonds, but Dara was not letting go as she managed to work open the older woman's top. The younger woman could see just a hint of cleavage in her lover's suit. Licking her lips slowly, she grinned sexily. "Am I going to enjoy this," she muttered, leaning down and taking a mouthful of the blonde's breast with suit included into her mouth.

"Dara, please, baby. Let me go," Elisabeth pleaded.

"What was that you said a moment ago about all being fair in love?" she asked with a chuckle.

"Please let me go. I'll make you feel so good," she vowed, trying once again to free her hands. She could feel the taller woman grasping harder, so she couldn't get away. Elisabeth's breath began to grow uneven as she strove to get her hands liberated, but the way Dara was holding her down was making her incredibly turned on. Wanting the feeling to grow, she tried arduously, knowing the younger woman would not allow her to get free until she was ready. Eagerly the older woman thrust her body into her lover's, trying to bring them closer together as Dara pummeled her mouth.

Feeling herself lose control, Dara released Elisabeth's arms as she dove deeper into the blonde's mouth. Immediately one came around her neck and the other made its way down the back of her shorts and grabbed her bare backside. "God, Elisabeth," she moaned. "We have to stop. We have to stop."

"No," the blonde whimpered.

"Our parents. They're waiting on us."

"I know," the older woman whispered, combing her hand through dark hair as she tried to take a deep calming breath. "We're not going to make it until November."

Dara shook her head. "Maybe we should rethink that," she proposed.

"Maybe," Elisabeth conceded.

Just then they heard the door leading from the deck into the living room open, and they barely had time to get themselves presentable before Dara's mother came into the kitchen. She gave them a knowing smile as the two younger woman tried to act normally without success. "I just thought you two might need a little help," she mentioned. Pouring two glasses of lemonade, she turned to the blonde. "Elisabeth, be a dear and take that to your mother and sister."

"Sure, Emma," she replied before leaving the room, so mother and daughter were alone.

Emma didn't say anything for a moment, but she was humming an annoying pleasant tune, a sure sign Dara recalled from her past, that her mother was about to say something embarrassingly provocative. The older woman continued to fix drinks and place them on a tray while Dara simply waited. Finally the older woman turned to her daughter and smiled. "Dara."

"Yes, Mom?"

"You have lipstick on your neck," she stated, pointing to a section of her daughter's neck that Elisabeth had assaulted. Abashed that her mother noticed, the attorney quickly wiped it off with the back of her hand.

When the tray was full of beverages, Dara inquired, "Would you like for me to carry that for you?"

"Thank you, dear." Dara went to pick up the tray, but her mother stopped her once again. "One more thing, Dara."

"What's that?"

Her mother's eyes drifted over her body. Leaning in she patted on her daughter's stomach and whispered, "Tie your shorts, sweetie."

Groaning in discomfort Dara quickly turned from her mother and retied her shorts. "Sorry, Mom," she tried to apologize, thinking her mother might be upset.

However, Emma just continued to smile. "It's okay, honey. You're in love. That's what kids in love do. Just do something for me."

"What's that?"

"Marry this one. She's perfect for you."

Smiling at her mother, Dara enfolded her in a hug. "I'm so glad you think so because so do I."

"Come on. Let's get back out to our guests."

Once back out by the pool, Eric and Dara started the grill for their meal. It didn't take long before they all were sitting down to a pleasant lunch. During the meal, Patricia looked over at Dara's mother and inquired, "So, Emma, what do you think about these two kids getting married?"

"Mom!" Elisabeth exclaimed with a flush. Dara laughed as she too turned red in embarrassment.

However, Emma just gave a charming grin. "Well, Pat, I'll be honest. Seeing them together makes me wonder just how long it will be before we have another grandchild running around. Something tells me it'll be less than a year after they get married that Elisabeth gets pregnant."

"I certainly hope so," Pat agreed. "Women today just keep hitting the snooze button on their biological clocks, and then before they know it, the window of opportunity is closed. We wouldn't want that to happen to you two."

"Mom, I'm only thirty-two," the blonde protested. "Besides, we've already decided that children will play a part of our family. However, we still have to get married first. Dara hasn't even asked me yet."

Seeing the playful grin her lover was sporting, the taller woman shook her head. "You're just lucky that I want to marry you, Elisabeth. Now I know where you get your persuasive attitude. Between our mothers and you, you'll have me walking down the aisle before the year is out," she teased.

"I hope so. I can't give you a chance to get away. I have to snag you while you're still blinded by the delusion of my perfection."

Shaking her head lightly, Dara turned to her father. "Dad, help me out here. These women are already trying to run my life."

With a smile of his own, he quipped, "Get used to it. It only gets worse. Personally I'd like nothing more than to see another grandchild. Maybe a little blonde girl with pigtails."

Seeing the dreaming demeanor of his face, Dara sighed. "I'm outnumbered. Leah, help?"

"Not a chance, sis. I'm just glad it's you and not me."

Putting her hands up in surrender, Dara said, "Fine. I give up. You all just plan my life for me. I suppose I should just be glad it includes the woman of my dreams."

Elisabeth shook her head as she laughed at her lover's pathetically sweet remark and patted the brunette on the leg in affection. "I love you, you big goof ball."

"I love you too, angel."

That evening when the Gunters finally left, Pat graciously thanked Dara's family for their hospitality before the three blondes went home. All the way there Elisabeth could tell something was on her mother's mind, but she didn't mention it at the moment. She waited until they had gotten home before sitting her mother down for a talk.

"So, what did you really think? I can tell you have a reservation."

"Not at all, Elisabeth. To the contrary, I think you've found someone amazing, and Dara has a great family. I'm truly happy for you."

"Then why the pensive face?"

Pat sighed as she looked at her daughter. Deciding to get right to the issue, she questioned, "Have you told your father about Dara?"

"No."

"Do you plan to tell him?"

"Of course. He's my father. I figured I'd be courteous enough to tell him I was getting married. I don't need his permission or expect his approval. This is my life, and I want to be with Dara."

Her mother nodded in understanding. "I'm glad you feel that way, sweetie. You know you're father will not take to this news. The fact that Dara is a woman first of all and a Jew on top of that, he will say some horrific things. I just want to make sure you're prepared for what's to come with him. It won't be easy."

"I know, but he's not going to stop me from being with her, Mom. I love Dara, and she loves me."

Nodding Pat mentioned, "She certainly does. Listen, Elisabeth. I am so happy this has finally happened for you. I know it's what you've dreamed of your entire life. I'm going to be there every step of the way. I will help you with your father. Perhaps it might come a little better from me. Maybe I should be the one to break the news."

"You would do that?"

"I'd do anything to spare you the pain of his verbal abuse at your decision. I think this is the right one for you, and I won't let him belittle you for doing what is best for your life. Why don't I make the call?"

"But you haven't spoken to him in two decades. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Do you even remember enough German to do it?"

"I remember enough. When was the last time you talked to him?"

"Easter. We only talk on major holidays. Mom, it's really okay. I can handle this. You don't have to."

"I want to. Are you planning on introducing the two of them?"

"Only if she wants to meet him. Dara knows all about him and the rest of the family. She doesn't like it, but she lives with it the same way I do. She might not want to meet him."

"I suppose only time will tell."

"I know this though, Mom. Dara and I will be together, and Dad won't come between us. If I have to choose, Dara is going to win. I want her to be my life."

Pat smiled at her daughter and took her hand. "You'll never know how long I've dreamed of this moment for you. Your whole life I've wanted you to find the right person. I was scared that you wouldn't, but all those fears can now be put to rest. Dara really is perfect. I love the way she looks at you and treats you. You can just tell she absolutely adores you, Elisabeth. And she treats her mother well. That's the real test of someone's respectfulness of others. She treats her mother like a queen. I have no concern that she'll be the same way with you."

Elisabeth nodded her head. "She does treat Emma and her sisters well."

"There's just one thing I want to ask you. I asked her this yesterday, but I want to make sure the feeling is mutual. Does she fulfill your needs, all your needs?"

Looking at her mother, Elisabeth thought about what was really being asked of her for a moment. When it came to her, she flushed lightly. "Mom, you really asked her that?"

"Yes. It's important. I know it's not the easiest conversation to have with your mother, but I want to make sure that she is the right kind of lover for you. Does she satisfy your needs now and will she continue to do so in the future? I want your happiness in all areas. If you're going to be married, you have to face the reality of the sexual side of your marriage. Marriage is difficult enough without sexual problems. I should know. I've failed at it twice, but if you are not in the same place sexually, it can create major issues."

"Trust me. We are of the same mind when it comes to that. We feel the same way about it, and we've talked about it a lot. We're matched well in that area."

"That's what she said. I guess I just want to know how you really know that if you've never actually been together. I don't want you to find yourself in a position in which you thought one thing, but the reality is something else."

"She told you we hadn't slept together?" the blonde questioned in mortification.

Pat chuckled. "You say that like it's a bad thing. Would you have rather her say that you had?"

Shaking her head, Elisabeth answered, "You're right. This is a hard conversation to have with you. I don't know what's worse. Admitting that I'm not as experienced as you probably think I am or having you think I am experienced as you think I am."

"Why? You're thirty-two-years-old. I used to be that age. I know what a woman that age is like."

"Not this woman. Mom, exactly how many people do you think I've been with?"

Pat shrugged. "I know you haven't dated much. Half a dozen," she guessed.

Elisabeth shook her head. "Way wrong."

"More?"

"Fewer. Much fewer."

"Really? You can count them on one hand?" her mother asked in surprise.

"I can count them on one finger."

"Really?"

"Really. I haven't had that much experience, but I know from what I have had with Dara that she is right for me that way. We've been close enough many times that I can judge."

"All right. Just out of curiosity though, why the wait? What are you waiting for? A ring?"

"No," Elisabeth said with a laugh. "We're waiting for the election to be over. We are both so caught up in that and on opposite sides. We felt it best to wait until November to venture the rest of the way. I can't wait though. She drives me crazy, Mom, in a way no one else ever has."

"That's a good thing."

"That's a very good thing. I'm already planning the whole thing too. She won't know what hit her that night. It's going to be like nothing else either of us has ever experienced."

"Well, I hope you're right. I take it she has more experience than you?"

The blonde nodded. "Yes, she does, but that's okay. I'm just glad she knows what she's doing. That's what is most important to me," she joked.

Pulling her daughter into a hug, Pat stroked Elisabeth's fair hair. "The two of you are going to be so happy together. I just know it." After a moment of silence between them, Pat asked, "Tonight something struck me as odd, honey. What was going on between Shelby and Leah? They could barely look at each other."

"Oh that? The two of them were experimenting with each other a few months back, but it ended badly. Shelby is still mad at Leah and Dara I think."

"How did Dara play a part?"

"She didn't really. It was Leah's decision to end it, but Shelby blames Dara anyway."

"That's too bad. I thought I saw them sneaking longing glances at each other when they thought no one was watching. Do you think they can work it out?"

"I don't know. It's up to them. I don't think they've even seen each other in several months until today. I hope they can at least be on friendly terms again. I don't want that kind of trouble between Dara's family and Shelby."

"I'm sure they'll work it out in their own time, sweetie."

"I hope so. I just want them both to be happy."

"So do I, Elisabeth, so do I."

Continued in Part 11

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