by S Lee

Disclaimers: These characters are all mine. Please do not use them without my permission.

Sex/Language: There is some mild profanity and quite a bit of sex between two women in love. If that is not your cup of tea or you are underage, then I suggest you have some punch. Seriously, this isn’t for you.

Author’s Note: This is the final story in the Kat and Beth series. While they could each stand alone, you should first read “Three Days” then “Love Has No Pride” to really understand the significance of this story. I hope y’all have enjoyed reading this series as much as I have enjoyed writing it

Musical Notes: These amazing songs are not mine, so I must give credit to the writers. “Emotionally Yours” -Bob Dylan; “You Belong to Me” - Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, and Redd Stewart; “Never is a Moment” -Jimmy Lafave; “Come Away With Me” -Norah Jones; “I’ll Be” -Edwin McCain; “Godspeed” -Radney Foster; “That’s Right You’re Not From Texas” -Lyle Lovett; and “That Friend of Mine” -Vince Gill.

Acknowledgements: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my series and special thanks go to those who have given me feedback. Your support keeps me posting. To my beta-readers: Julie, Patricia, Maria, and Trish, the time and effort y’all put forth to make me look good astounds me. I could never thank you enough. You are fabulous women and I couldn’t do this without you, nor would I want to.

Your feedback is very welcome and appreciated. You can contact me at: s.lee@e-scribblers.com

Join my Yahoo Discussion Group for early previews: Shannon Lee's Li'l Darlin's or check out my web site www.shannon-lee.com.

Copyright © 2004 by S Lee. All Rights Reserved.

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Kat stood in front of the mirror adjusting her outfit. She looked sexy and a little dangerous in her black jeans and t-shirt. She pulled on her black boots, checked out her backside, inspected her flat stomach, and played with her hair. Kat began to swing her arm and swivel her hips, singing, "I'm just a hunka hunka burnin' love," in her best Elvis voice. Laughter broke her out of her reverie. She turned around and noticed her fourteen year-old daughter at the door.

"Presley Erin Green, don't sneak up on me like that!" she admonished.

Still laughing, the teenager asked, "What were you doing?"

The singer put on her silver watch and sprayed perfume over her pulse points. "Nothing. How do I look?"

The girl appraised her mother's attire. "Uh huh, yeah, right. Not bad for an old woman. So, where are you taking my mother?"

"Watch it, little one. I'm also your boss at work. You might want to be nice to me. I'm taking your mother out for dinner and dancing."

"And then?"

"I don't know, maybe a motorcycle ride."

"When are you bringing her home?"

Kat chuckled. "When I am good and ready. Besides, you're going to be at your grandparents' house."

Presley continued her inquisition. "And what are your intentions toward my mother? I have to make sure they're honorable before I let you go out with her."

Kat became very serious. "To win her back and love her for the rest of my life."

The teenager nodded. "Okay, I guess that'll do."

The singer put her wallet in her back pocket. "I'm so glad I meet with your approval. What's with the twenty questions anyway?"

The girl came up and put her arm on her mother's shoulder. The mirror reflected the striking similarity between the two. "Just looking out for my mom. Plus, I like giving you a hard time. You look cool."

"Well, thank you, darlin'. What do you think of your mom and me dating again?"

"I'm happy about it. Scout and I both are. We want you to live with us again. I remember when you and Mom were happy together. I used to hear you all night long, talking and giggling. Sometimes, I would sneak out of bed and watch you sing to her. You would be sitting at the piano and she would be next to you with her arms wrapped around your neck. She always smiled when you were around."

Kat grinned and shook her head. "Presley, honey, you have no idea. Your mother and I were very happy together. We had some very special times."

"Ewww. I don't think I want to know." The teenager grimaced.

The singer laughed. "We had something very rare. We still do. Beth is the most amazing woman. She is beautiful both inside and out. She's strong, yet vulnerable. There are very few women like her. I have loved her since I was eighteen years old and I will love her until I die. I hurt her so deeply. By some miracle, she's willing to give me another chance. I'm not going to screw this up." Kat gently cupped her daughter's cheek and softly spoke, "Your mother completes me."

Presley smiled. "Alright, I'll let you date her. You can keep her out as late as you want."

Kat hugged her daughter tightly, holding her for a few extra moments. "So, what has your mom been up to? I haven't seen her since she left early this morning."

"She's getting ready too. She talked about you all day. She's also been smiling a lot."

Kat had a giddy expression on her face. "Really? She talked about me?" Kat's thoughts drifted for a second. "What time are your grandparents coming?"

"They should be here any minute. What time are you picking Mom up?"

"At seven. I ordered her some flowers earlier and I need to go get them and you need to go back home. Do you want a ride?"

"Sure."

As they were leaving the house, Presley teased her mother, "Elvis has left the building." The teenager laughed hysterically.

The singer shot the girl a look. "I am seeing bathroom duty for a certain teenage employee of mine."

Presley cringed. "Yuck!"

Kat dropped her daughter off at Beth's house and went to finish last minute details for the date.

Beth stood in front of her bedroom mirror, putting on her makeup. She couldn't keep from grinning. Scout walked into the room and sat down on the bed.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, Sweetie. Are you ready to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's?"

The young blonde nodded. "Yep. You smell good."

Beth continued to put on her makeup. "Thanks. It's your mom's favorite."

"That's cool. Are you excited?"

"Yes, I am. I am very excited in fact. It has been a long time since your mother took me out on a date."

"Are you two gonna get back together?"

Beth stopped what she was doing and sat beside her daughter. "I can't tell you, 'yes' or 'no' right now. I don't want to make you any promises I am unable to keep. But your mom and I still love each other very much, and we're going to try. Relationships aren't easy and sometimes loving someone isn't enough. But, it's a good start."

"Yeah, but Mom's home all the time and she doesn't drink anymore. She still goes to those meetings. She spends lots of time with us too. That's good, isn't it?"

Beth beamed and covered Scout's hand with her own. "Yes, it is, sweetheart. It's very good. You won't realize until you get older how much your mother gave up to be with you. She has worked hard to be a better person and a better mother because she loves you. Someday, you'll understand how hard she's worked. I'm very proud of her and you should be too."

The young girl nodded her head. The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Beth looked at her daughter. "That's Grandma and Grandpa. Could you answer the door, please?" Scout ran downstairs as Presley walked into her mother's room.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hi, Presley. Your grandparents are here. Are your things packed?"

"Yeah."

The blonde stood in front of her daughter. "So, how do I look?"

The girl appraised her mother's tight Wrangler blue jeans, chestnut colored lace-up boots, white t-shirt, and her short, tousled hair. The teenager smiled. "You look great. She's going to love you in that. She's wearing black as usual. She went to pick up your flowers."

The blonde grinned. "Really? She's getting me flowers?" Her mind wandered a minute to thoughts of Kat. "But, you shouldn't have told me. I'll act surprised. Is she excited?"

"Very. And nervous."

Beth was giddy. "She's nervous? I suppose that's a good thing. So am I. Let's go down and see your grandparents."

The two walked downstairs. The older couple drew their granddaughter into a big hug. Beth walked over to her parents and hugged them tightly. "Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad."

Her mother assessed her outfit. "You're wearing jeans on a date? Shouldn't you be wearing something more dressy?"

Beth shook her head. "No, Mom. We're going out dancing. I don't need a dress for a lesbian bar."

Her mother looked skeptical. "Should Kat be going to a place like that? Isn't that too much temptation?"

Beth answered, "I have total faith in her. She's been sober for almost a year. I'm sure she'll be fine. She goes to meetings twice a week, sometimes more if she needs it. Besides, if it becomes a problem, we can go somewhere else."

Beth's father didn't say a word. He still held a grudge against Kat for the pain and embarrassment she had put his daughter through. Turning to her granddaughters, Beth's mother broke the silence. "Are you girls ready?"

Both nodded. Scout asked her grandmother, "Can we go swimming tonight?"

Her grandfather spoke, "I think we can do that."

Beth looked at her daughters. "You two have fun. Give me a hug and I'll see you both tomorrow."

The grandmother smiled. "I thought we'd keep Scout and Presley until Monday, if that's alright?"

The professor assented, "That's fine with me if it's alright with them." The girls both nodded in agreement. Beth grinned at her girls. "Then go pack some extra clothes."

Her daughters went up the stairs. "Thanks, Mom. I'm sure you're going to have a great time with them."

The older woman looked at Beth. "Have some fun this weekend. I'm pulling for you and Kat."

Beth was grateful for her mother's acceptance. "I appreciate that. Let's just see what happens, shall we?"

Presley and Scout came downstairs and left with their grandparents. Beth watched her family leave and then walked to the mirror in the hall. She ran her hands through her short hair, evaluating her appearance. Her hands trembled slightly. 'Why am I so damn nervous? I was married to her for over twenty years.' She anxiously glanced at her watch. 'Okay, just a half hour left.' She sat down at her computer to respond to her students' e-mails. As she finished, she heard the roar of a familiar engine. Her heart began to beat faster and stronger. The noise from the motorcycle stopped and the doorbell rang. The professor opened the door to find Kat with a big grin on her face and a very large bouquet of flowers in her hand. The dark woman was tall and gorgeous. Her breath gone, it was several moments before Beth could find her voice.

"Ummm...hi. Come on in."

Kat smiled shyly as she walked in the house and handed the flowers to her date. "These are for you. I mean, they're obviously for you. Who else would they be for?" Kat babbled nervously.

Beth was tickled at her companion. "Thank you. They're beautiful. You remembered all of my favorites. That's very sweet." She reached up and lightly kissed the taller woman.

"You're very welcome. You look wonderful tonight." Kat hungrily stared at her date. "Those jeans fit.....really well."

Beth grinned at the desired effect. "You're very tempting yourself."

Kat laughed. "Good. That's a good thing."

The blonde walked into the kitchen to put the bouquet in water. Kat came up behind her, putting her arms around her date. Beth settled back into the embrace. Kat inhaled her scent and whispered against the warm neck, "I have been wanting to do this all day. I have been dying to see you."

Beth turned around in her date's arms. "Me too. I really loved staying up with you last night. We said many things that we've needed to say for a long time."

Kat reveled in the feel of her love in her arms. "You're right. I'm so glad you came back. I don't know what I would have done if you had gone through with your weekend with Emma."

They both stood and gazed at one another without saying a word. Kat smiled and caressed her date's face with her hands. "That's enough of the past. Tonight we're starting over. I love our history, but right now, some of it's still too raw and hard for both of us. So, tonight, it's just the two of us, right here and now." She held out her hand. "Are you ready?" The question meant many things on many levels.

Beth smiled and accepted the offered hand. "Yes."

Kat looked at her and returned the grin. "Let's go."

They walked outside. Kat's classic Harley-Davidson was polished to a high shine. The singer turned to her love. "Is this alright? I thought it might be fun to take the bike tonight." She offered Beth a helmet.

Beth nodded and drew a deep breath. Riding with her lover was one of her favorite activities. She donned the helmet as Kat did the same. The dark woman started the motorcycle and extended her arm to assist her date. The blonde climbed on and wound her arms tightly around Kat's waist. The two bodies melded together as the Hog hugged the curves of the road.

Kat pulled up to Beth's favorite Chinese restaurant. Beth loved the restaurant that overlooked the capitol. The taller woman got off the bike and helped her companion. Each woman took off her helmet and the singer grinned, running her hands through her long black hair. "How was that?"

Beth's face broke into a huge smile. "Oh, my God! That was so much fun! We haven't done that in years. It was a wonderful idea. I feel like a teenager again."

"That was the point."

Kat reached for Beth's hand and led her into the restaurant. The couple held hands and talked about their work and their family. Kat told Beth about Alcoholics Anonymous and the knowledge she had gained since she began the program. They laughed and fed one another Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef. When they finished dinner, the couple returned to the motorcycle. They stood gazing into one another's eyes. The singer smiled at the woman she had loved her entire adult life.

"You are so beautiful tonight, Beth. Thank you for agreeing to go out with me. I'm really enjoying myself."

"I am too. I love being with you."

Kat's response became lost in her throat as she gazed into the smaller woman's eyes. She handed Beth a helmet then placed her own upon her head. The bike vibrated with power as the engine rumbled to life. They drove a short way to Rainbow Cattle Company, a gay and lesbian country bar on Fifth Street. The couple pulled into a large parking garage and Beth took her helmet off again. "I love the way it feels to ride with you."

Kat moved closer and put her arm around the petite body. "I love the way you feel when you wrap yourself around me."

With that she leaned down and stole a kiss, which began to grow in intensity. When Kat pulled back, Beth was breathing heavily and wanting more. The singer grinned and placed her arm around her date's shoulder as they walked to the bar. The woman taking money at the door recognized the singer. Kat gave the door attendant a tip to watch the helmets. She then led Beth by the hand straight to the dance floor. The couple danced together to a fast-paced Elton John song. Both women grinned and moved closer to one another, feeling the heat radiating from their bodies.

Sounds of a fiddle and steel guitar filled the club. Kat held her dance partner gently, yet securely. Their eyes were locked onto one another as they two-stepped along in a circle with the other couples. Song after song, they danced together, smiling and laughing. The DJ recognized Kat and played one of the performer's hits. The two women were enrapt with each other as they heard the familiar music play. They shared a private smile as the singer pulled her date closer. Beth laid her head against the taller woman's chest, feeling her heartbeat. The singer quietly joined in with the recorded vocals as the couple swayed slowly. Kat had recorded the Bob Dylan cover at Beth's request years ago, before their relationship fell apart.

As the song faded, the two women ended their dance with their foreheads touching. The air was heavy with emotional longing. Feeling overwhelmed and needing to break the tension, Kat swallowed the lump in her throat. "Would you like something to drink? We could go shoot some pool."

Unable to speak, Beth nodded. As they made their way through the bar, Kat stayed close to her date. Each ordered a Coke and Kat put quarters in the pool table. She noticed the alcohol around her and felt the familiar craving. She looked at Beth. The love she held for this woman lessened the need she felt for the liquor. Kat grinned and chalked up her cue.

She playfully teased her blonde competitor, "Alright. Would you like to break? Either way, I'm going to win."

Beth laughed. "I wouldn't count on it. I've been practicing since we played last. You never know, you could be surprised."

Kat played along. "Care to make a wager, Ms. Green?"

With a sly grin, Beth stood toe to toe with the singer. "Actually, yes, I would. What do you have in mind?"

Kat kissed the smaller woman deeply, filling her mouth. "Lots of things. But let me hear your ideas, professor."

"Okay. The loser takes the winner wherever she would like to go and do whatever she would like to do on our second date."

The performer looked at her date flirtatiously. "Is that your way of asking me out?"

Beth grasped the tight black shirt until the singer's lips were inches from hers and placed a smoldering kiss on Kat's mouth. Beth then pulled away, leaving the tall woman dizzy. The teacher grinned. "Maybe."

Kat challenged, "Bring it on."

The blonde leaned over the table, stick in hand, and struck the cue ball to break, sending two solids into pockets. Kat nodded appreciatively. "Not bad, but you're still gonna lose."

Beth smiled confidently. "We'll see." She took another shot, and missed.

Kat strutted over, wrapped her arm around Beth, kissed her on the head, and teased, "Awww, honey. That's alright. Nice try though."

The singer leaned over to take her shot. As she lined up her cue, Beth eased down beside Kat and questioned, "So, what's your game plan here?" She ran her hands through the long black hair.

Kat leaned into the touch. She closed her eyes and lost her train of thought when she felt the hot breath on her neck. She turned to the blonde who was attempting to distract her and whispered into her ear, "To take this stick right here and use it to get those balls into those little holes."

Beth bit her lower lip. "I see. Well, good luck then."

Kat took her shot, knocking the nine ball into the side pocket. She moved around the table and shot the eleven ball in the left corner pocket. Just as she was about to hit the cue ball, Beth purposely dropped her stick and slowly bent over in front of Kat, giving the singer a full view of her back side in the tight jeans. Distracted, Kat missed her shot. With a triumphant grin, the blonde stepped up to the table. The woman in black just shook her head at the cheating blonde.

Beth lined up her shot, sinking the four ball. She attempted to knock the six ball into the corner pocket but missed.

The singer walked by and stole a quick kiss. "Let me show you how it's done, darlin'." Kat hit the cue ball in the direction of two balls that were lined up, sinking them both. Kat strutted to the other end of the table. The next shot was an awkward one, but possible to make. The tall woman knelt down to check the angles. Beth watched her date prepare to shoot. She walked over and placed a mind numbing kiss on her lips that lasted for nearly a minute. When she stepped back, Kat still had her eyes closed and her lips puckered.

The blonde smirked. "For luck."

Kat shook her head. "You are cold, woman."

Still lightheaded from the kiss, the singer missed her shot. Beth giggled and positioned herself, knocking another ball in the side pocket. She put her arm around the taller woman's waist. "I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you. Anything can happen. This game is not over yet." She sank an easy corner shot. With a big grin on her face, she hit the cue ball, but banked it and missed her target completely. Kat chuckled with her hand over her mouth. Beth gave her a fierce expression. "What's so funny there, stretch?"

Trying to hold back her laughter. "Nothin', honey." She lined up her shot, successfully sinking it. The singer continued to knock the rest of the striped balls into the pockets. Kat prepared to hit the eight ball. She pointed to a corner hole. "Right corner pocket." Beth stood beside her and waited until she was about to shoot. Kat pulled the stick back and as she hit the cue ball, Beth came around and stroked between the taller woman's legs. The cue ball went directly into the pocket.

Beth began laughing. "I win. I win. I win. Ha ha ha."

With a playful scowl on her face, Kat grabbed her date, pulling Beth's hips against her own. "You are so bad. I thought you would be old enough by now to be above your little tricks. You haven't changed a bit."

With an almost taunting expression on her face, Beth stared straight into Kat's eyes. "Do you really mind?" She kissed the tall woman hard. Their hands began to roam over each other's bodies.

Breathless, Kat responded, "No. Let's get out of here. I want to be alone with you."

Beth whispered hungrily, "Yes."

Walking out to the bike, Kat wrapped her arm around her date. Beth held onto her body tightly. The singer started up the classic machine and helped the smaller woman onto the seat. The blonde encircled the singer's waist with her arms. Kat placed one hand over the ones on her stomach and drove off. She pulled off onto a winding, uphill road near their ranch on the edge of town. When they reached the top, Kat put the kickstand down and shut the motorcycle off. She turned around straddling her bike and removed her helmet. She lovingly reached out and removed Beth's helmet and smoothed the short blonde hair. The teacher moved closer and wrapped her legs around Kat's waist. The couple held one another and looked out onto the city.

The tall woman smiled at her date. "Thank you so much for going out with me tonight. This has been amazing."

Beth returned the grin. "You are very welcome. Thank you for asking me. I couldn't have imagined a better evening. I don't remember when I've had so much fun. I feel wonderful just being with you. I want you to know how proud I am of you. You are an incredible mother and you've maintained your sobriety for nearly a year. I've wanted to be close to you like this for such a long time."

Kat stroked the side of Beth's face. "God, Beth, I've dreamed about this for over a year. I've wanted to kiss you and hold you close. " Lips met in a sweet union of love and promise. The couple began to lose themselves as time seemed to stop.

Breathlessly, Beth ran her hands through the long black locks. "You are beautiful, Kat. I need you."

Kat spoke softly, "I feel like I'm going to explode. I'm so scared right now. This is one of the most intense moments I've ever experienced."

Beth tightly held her hands. "Tell me why you're scared."

"I've been praying a long time for this moment to happen. I want you and I love you more than I could ever express. I'm afraid of losing you again. I'm afraid of the pain. I'm empty without you in my arms, 'Scilla."

Beth kissed her deeply. "I'm afraid also. I thought I didn't want you anymore, but you again became the woman I first fell in love with. It hurt to feel you move so far away from me. I would cry myself to sleep, waiting for you to come home at night, needing your touch."

"I'm sorry baby. I know I hurt you. I will never be able to apologize enough. But tonight, there was alcohol all around me and I'd be lying if I said I didn't crave it; I did." Kat paused. "But, I was only into you. I barely noticed anyone or anything else. I've told you this before and I still believe it. We're meant to be together. I'm not complete without you and you aren't complete without me. I thank God that you still love me and that you're willing to give us a second chance."

"You're right. I didn't want you to be right. You told me that at the rehab center and I wanted to deny it. I really tried hard. My emotions are so raw with you. Giving my heart to you is such a risk, because you are the only one to whom I could truly give it. Believe me, I am just as frightened as you. But, I think we have to take a chance and try again."

Kat nodded, smiling. "I think so too. Let's just go slowly here and we'll see what happens. I think we both want the same thing.

"Exactly."

Beth laid her head against the tall woman's chest. Kat held her tightly for several minutes, without speaking a word. Kat lifted the small hand she held in hers to her lips and placed a tender kiss on each of Beth's fingers.

"'Scilla, I should take you home now."

"I don't want to leave your arms." Beth sighed and ran her hands up and down Kat's chest. "But, we agreed to take it slowly."

"Yes, we did. God, I feel like my heart's on fire. I need to drive you home before I lose my resolve and end up making love to you right here on this bike."

Beth chuckled. "It wouldn't be the first time we've ever done that."

Kat began to laugh as well, remembering times long ago. "That's true. But that's not how I want it to be the first time we make love again."

The motorcycle came to life and the two women rode home. When they reached Beth's house, Kat unlocked the door, letting her date inside. She wrapped her arms around the smaller woman, breathing her in.

"I hate for this night to end."

Beth looked into her eyes intensely. "Then stay with me. I want you, Kat. I need to be with you tonight."

Kat gently lowered her head until her lips met the soft ones waiting for her. She whispered painfully, "Do you have any idea what you are doing to me? It would be so easy for me to take you upstairs and spend the rest of the night making love with you." She softly touched Beth's face. "I want us to do this the right way. I think we should wait like we agreed. I love you and I am grateful for this chance. I just don't want to blow it."

Beth bit her lip. "You know, this noble streak of yours is very attractive. I hate to say this, but you're right. I guess I'll be heading up the stairs to take a cold shower.....alone...damnit." Both women laughed. "Well then, if I can't spend the night with you, could I at least spend the day with you tomorrow?"

Kat squeezed the smaller woman in her arms. "Of course you can. I have some odds and ends to take care of at the store in the morning and then an AA meeting. Did you have something in mind?"

"Yes, but may I go to the meeting with you? I haven't been to one with you yet, and I'd like to see what you do and what's involved."

Kat smiled. "I'd really like that. If you don't mind sitting at the store, I can pick you up for breakfast and we can go to the meeting after I finish my paperwork."

"That sounds like a plan. We can spend the rest of the day by the pool and you can cook something on the grill."

Kat asked playfully, "Why am I doing the grilling?"

"Because you lost tonight."

"Ah, yes, because you cheated."

Beth displayed her most innocent expression. "Now would I do such a thing?" She batted her eyelashes at the tall woman.

Kat shook her head in defeat. She wrapped her arms around the blonde, drew her near, and kissed the top of her head. "You are too damn cute for my own good. I'll pick you up at ten."

"That is perfect. Good night, E."

Kat leaned down to kiss her lips gently. "'Night, 'Scilla."

Beth closed the door, leaning back against it. She touched her lips lightly where the kiss still lingered. She exhaled deeply and smiled, thinking about the evening she and Kat had just shared and the promise of the day ahead.

The next morning, Kat jumped out of bed, eager to start her time with Beth. The night before had been the perfect start to their new relationship. Kat had felt more alive than she had in years. She arrived at Beth's house with a silly, excited grin on her face. Beth was waiting at the door with a smile and a kiss. Kat wrapped her arms around the smaller woman, holding her tightly.

"Damn, it's good to see you, woman. I couldn't wait to get over here."

Beth glowed. "I feel the same way. I tossed and turned all night, thinking of you. When I did sleep, I dreamed of you. All night long, I felt you around me."

"I was." Kat placed a tender kiss on her lips. "Are you ready?"

Beth nodded.

"Then let's go. I've had some new ideas for the store and I want to get your opinion."

At the store, Kat walked to the corner of the large shop. "I want to add a small stage over here in this area and have an open mike night or some kind of venue for local artists. I thought I'd start with a singer/songwriter night, then see how it evolves. I'd like to see this place become a major spot for music and then produce some of the local artists in the studio at the house."

Beth smiled. "Oh, honey, it's a fabulous idea. Your reputation could be a major factor in its success. People around the world still know you and you're a legend around town. I'm sure anyone here would love the chance to work with you."

Kat touched the smaller woman's face. "Thank you, sweetheart. I want to have it up and running within the next couple of weeks."

"What about you? Do you plan on recording?"

"I don't know. I'd love to do some bluegrass. Lainie's group plays a lot and I really like it. I've recorded some things that I've written within the last year, but I don't plan on releasing it anytime soon. I do like the thought of working with up and coming artists and I plan on performing here."

Beth loved seeing Kat's enthusiasm. "That's wonderful, babe."

Kat entwined her hand with Beth's and led her to the back "Have you ever seen my office?"

The blonde smiled. "No, I haven't "

The desk was a mess of papers. Sitting near the edge of the chaos, were three picture frames, one held a picture of Scout dancing in her ballet leotard, a second had a picture of Presley at the piano. Inside the final frame was a picture of Beth, sitting on a large tree branch. Multi-colored fall leaves filled the background.

Beth gazed at the photo, grinned, and turned to Kat. "You have a picture of me?"

"Yes, I do. It's been there since I bought the place. I took that picture at Cades Cove three years ago."

"I know. Why do you have a picture of me here?"

Kat softly kissed the blonde. "Because, in my heart, you never stopped being my wife."

The two women stared into one another's eyes, lost in the moment. Finally, Kat softly spoke, "I, uh, need to get some work done. You can have a seat or look around the store." Beth smiled and nodded.

Later that afternoon in the recreation hall of a local church, the couple sat together at the AA meeting. Beth held Kat's hand as she listened to each person stand up and introduce themselves. Some of them shared their stories. Beth's heart broke as she heard the wrenching words of pain and loss. When it was Kat's turn, the singer stood to speak.

"My name is Kat and I'm an alcoholic. I've been sober for eleven months and three weeks. I celebrate my first anniversary next week. Drinking cost me my wife and nearly cost me my children. It wasn't until my older daughter refused to speak to me and I finally heard the pain in my younger daughter's voice that I decided to get help. I have become a much better mother to my girls, and Beth and I are dating each other again. She's here with me today. It hasn't been easy, but this program has done wonders for me. I've learned that I don't need a drink to have a good time, unwind, and deal with the problems in my life." Kat sat down and Beth looked at her as tears of pride welled in her eyes.

During the ride home, the couple held hands and shared few words. After several silent minutes, Beth turned to the singer. "Thank you for allowing me to come with you to your meeting. I'm so proud of you for maintaining your sobriety. I had my doubts, but I truly hoped you could do it. The Kat I used to know would have been able to, and you did. I've watched you with the kids. Presley isn't angry anymore. She loves working in the store and she's grown so much musically. I was very impressed with the job you did helping with the school musical. And then there's Scout. She's so happy to have you around. Every other word out of her mouth is about you. She loves the attention she's getting from you. They love being with you and that makes me love you so much more."

Kat turned to her and asked, "Did you ever really stop loving me?"

Beth shook her head. "No. But I fell out of love with you. My love for you changed and became something that hurt. I couldn't live with you anymore and I couldn't allow my heart to be open with you. Let me ask you, did you stop loving me?"

Kat considered her answer carefully. "No. I think I took you for granted, almost as if you were part of the furniture. I was too caught up with myself to even notice you. Every time I got a gold record, Grammy, or CMA, all I could see were all the young, hungry singers coming up behind me, trying to knock me off my pedestal, wanting what I had. My career became my priority. After a while, so much time passed without me putting any effort into our relationship, I fell out of love with you too. I was numb all the time because of the alcohol. Once I got that out of my system, I started to think and feel clearly again, but by that time, I lost you. That's when I realized how much I did love you and that I would do anything for another chance."

Beth responded, "When you became sober, I saw the you I loved for so many years. Spending time with you, hearing your ideas and thoughts, and watching you with our girls; I realized that I still loved you too. But I had taken a stand and was determined to stick with it. I was leery of being hurt again, but you kept tearing down my defenses by being your wonderful, loving, incredible self. You became you again, but maybe a little different, grounded, I think. I've fallen for you a little bit at a time. But, I was afraid of feeling that much pain again, so I thought that I'd be okay if I met someone nice who would love me, because I knew that she could never truly hurt me. It's why I began seeing Emma. She is sweet and kind, but I wasn't in love with her. I enjoyed her company and I cared about her. I couldn't fall in love with her. That is what made her safe. But then you had to go and spoil my plan." Both women chuckled. "That kiss in the rain was incredible and it was as if you flooded my entire being again."

Kat grinned. "I should have kissed you months ago. Since I was eighteen, I have believed with everything in me that we belong together. I knew we would be together again. I don't know how I knew and I didn't know when it would happen; I just knew it would. I love you, Beth. This past year, I felt like I was meeting you all over again. You aren't just Beth, the wife and mother; you're Beth, the woman, and you are remarkable. You are brilliant, loving, funny, and incredibly beautiful. You're tough when you need to be and tender when you need to be. All of that together just makes my heart pound wildly." Beth beamed and brought Kat's hand to her lips.

That afternoon, at Beth's house, the two women held one another tightly, exchanging long slow kisses in the cool water of the swimming pool. Kat ran her hands over the smaller body in her arms. The singer pressed her lips against the wet flesh of Beth's neck.

"You feel so good in my arms. You belong here, you know that, don't you?"

Beth looked into her eyes. "Yes, I do. This is where we both belong."

"There's no place I'd rather be." Kat emphasized her point with a deep, loving kiss. The rest of the afternoon was spent with the two women reconnecting, opening their hearts to one another.

After sharing dinner together on the deck, the two cuddled on Beth's couch. Kat rested her chin on top of her love's head. The blonde wrapped her arms around the singer's waist.

"Kat, may I ask you a question?"

The singer placed a gentle peck on Beth's head. "Of course, darlin'."

"Why did you start sleeping around?"

Kat took a minute to think. This was the first time Beth had asked about the infidelity. The singer took a deep breath and began the painful recounting of the past. "I really don't know. You know that alcohol caused me to do things I normally wouldn't do. You also know how it is on the road. Sex is available any time of the day or night. There's always a groupie or fan or reporter who would love to brag that she or even he slept with a celebrity. Put the two together with my damn self-absorbed attitude, and I gave in. It stroked my ego to have all those women wanting me. After the first time, I felt awful. I cried and cried about what I had done. I don't know if you remember, but I called you and asked you to come out and see me. But of course, the girls had school and you couldn't. I know it sounds like I am blaming you, but I'm not. It was me. I was an ass. After that, it became easier and easier."

A tear slipped down Beth's cheek. "For a long time, I wondered if it were me. I wondered why I wasn't enough anymore. I couldn't figure out how to be good enough for you in bed."

Kat lifted Beth's face to meet her eyes. She lovingly wiped away the tear from the teacher's soft face. "You listen to me, Elizabeth Green. It was never you. Making love with you is the most beautiful thing I have ever known. You are an incredible lover. You were and are everything I ever wanted. You never disappointed me. I have never stopped wanting you. It was me and my damn stupidity and over-inflated ego. I'm sorry I made you feel like you weren't enough."

"When did you first sleep with someone else?"

"About a year and a half before we split up. I never cheated before that. I was approached over and over, but I turned them down."

"You really are a completely different person when you're not drinking. You're so sweet, funny, charming, and sexy."

Kat smiled and kissed Beth's lips softly. "Only for you; I mean that. I'm never going to betray you like that again. I'm done with all of it. I couldn't stand to hurt you and the girls again. When you were pregnant with Presley, if anyone had told me that our life would end up like this; that I'd have everything I ever possibly wished for, but was an alcoholic shit with a family that left her, I'd have said that they were crazy. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd never even go down that road. Do you remember how happy we were when you were pregnant with Presley and when she was a baby? Things were so much simpler then. We felt like we could take on the world together."

Beth concurred and grinned. "Those were some amazing times. I think we were happier when we didn't have half the things we do now."

"Exactly. One thing I've learned is that all I really need in the world is you, Presley, and Scout. I will never again do anything to jeopardize our family. Please believe me, 'Scilla."

Beth looked at her. "I believe you. I can see the truth in your eyes. They're different since you've been sober. Did you know that?"

Kat shook her head. "No."

"Yes. They sparkle and shine. I've always loved your eyes. They show your strength, your tenderness, your loving spirit. Would you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Sing to me. It's been so long since you sang and played your guitar just for me, without singing to or teaching one of the girls."

Kat smiled and gently brushed her lips against Beth's. "Anything for you."

The singer left and returned a couple minutes later with a guitar. She sat next to Beth and tuned the steel strings. She began to strum and softly sing.

When she finished singing, Kat set the guitar to the side as Beth tackled her onto her back. The singer held the blonde tightly as they explored one another through deep kisses. Beth said hotly, "God, I love it when you sing to me like that."

The couple spent over an hour exchanging soft kisses and caresses. Finally, they broke apart, their lips sore.

Kat looked at her, smiling. "Do you remember when we would race back to my apartment between classes and make out, driving each other crazy before we had to go back to school?"

Beth laughed. "How could I forget? We'd have one another worked up into a frenzy, then have to get back to class."

"That was until we finally made love. Then we would go back to my place for a quickie."

"I swear, we were like rabbits. I couldn't get enough of you."

Kat caressed Beth's face. "You are so beautiful. I can't get enough of you now. I could hold you in my arms forever."

Beth sighed. "There's nothing I would love more."

Kat answered with a gentle peck on her lips. "So, what do we want to tell the girls?"

"We'll tell them that we're dating, but that we don't want to rush anything by living together too soon."

Kat nodded. "I think we should spend more time together as a family as well as a couple."

"I agree. Why don't you start coming over for dinner more often?"

The singer smiled. "I would really like that. I don't want to push things. Also, if you'd like to go to counseling, I'd be open to going."

"That might not be a bad idea."

Kat kissed her date's forehead. "In the spirit of not rushing things, I'm going to go home, as much as I don't want to. I have to be at the store in the morning."

Beth held her hand and walked her to the door. She wrapped her arms around the tall woman. Kat leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the blonde's neck.

Beth smiled. "Come over for dinner tomorrow night."

Kat returned the smile. "Yes, ma'am. Can you pick Presley up from the shop on Tuesday? The music club is meeting that night. Then I ....uhh... have a date afterward."

Beth faked a menacing look. "Come again?"

Kat laughed. "I had dinner with one of the women in the group last Tuesday to get my mind off you. She plays the fiddle and is very sweet. Thinking you were into someone else, I made plans to have dinner with her again. I forgot about the plans until just now. I'll have to call and tell her that I'm spoken for."

Beth reached up to kiss her companion, biting Kat's lip. "Yes, you are spoken for and you better not forget it."

"Ouch! Yes, ma'am. You know Presley wants to work extra hours to get that new guitar before she goes to music camp next month."

Beth shook her head. "I know. It's your decision; you're her boss."

"I really enjoy having her there. She loves being around the instruments as much as I do."

"She's so much like you. If I didn't know better, I would think she was your biological daughter."

"Yeah, and sometimes it scares the hell out of me because I know how I was growing up. These teen years aren't going to be easy. But, I couldn't love her anymore if she were. I feel the same way about Scout. She's much more like you though. I think that's why she has me wrapped around her finger. I simply crumble around her. Just like I crumble around you. You three are the greatest gifts in my life."

Kat leaned down and placed her lips on Beth's. Holding one another tightly, the couple melted into the kiss, then reluctantly pulled apart.

"So, I'll be over tomorrow around seven-thirty. I'll talk to you at least once before then. Sometimes, I'm just overcome with the desire to hear your voice."

Beth grinned. "Then, feel free to call me as many times as you like. I'm sure I'll be calling you as well. Goodnight, E, I love you."

Kat lifted the smaller hand to her lips. "I love you too, 'Scilla. Goodnight."

Continued in Part 2

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