by Minerva

Disclaimer One: There isn't one. These characters are mine and mine alone. I'm not infringing on anyone's copyright, so there. . .pfffffffttttt!

Disclaimer Two: Yeah, there is sex, and shhhh, it's between women. So, if it's not for you. I'm just so sorry because you don't know what you're missing. It's the most intense. . .uhm nevermind. There is some use of strong language, but no violence.

This one takes place a little after Full of Grace. There is mention of Tara and Red, but they're not actually in this. Well, I guess you could say that Lil and Catt have their own little series now. (rolls eyes) I just couldn't help myself. I hope everybody remembers what Jean said at the end of FOG because LOL it's about to happen.

On with the show!

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Copyright © 2000 by Minerva. All Rights Reserved.

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The sweat stung her eyes, but Lil didn't care. She could feel the pinpricks in her back as it protested its position, but she didn't care about that either. It was the gray eyes that looked down at her that spurred her on, so she crunched the sheets between her fingers and held on.

The lithe young body barely touched the bed. Long legs were suspended over the capable shoulders of her lover, who had found it more alluring to sit up on her knees rather than lay, leaving Lil's head and upper shoulders as the only thing resting on the cool sheets. Strong elegant hands held on to slick upper thighs, keeping them parted just enough to let her mouth and tongue play. Lil's back arched further upward as an experienced tongue hit a particular sensitive spot.

"Unghh, yeah!" She rasped out through labored breathing.

Still, she didn't dare close her eyes even as pleasure made them heavy. Gray gazed back at her, revealing enjoyment, need, and desire. Blonde hair was damp with sweat and flowing juices. It was a testament to her labor as well as a matter of savoring the sweet, salty mix that was a result of it. In reply to Lil's constant quips and moans, Catt let a growl of delight tickle the back of her throat then exit her lips, "Mmmm." The reward was a louder whimper that made her own thighs contract.

Her talented tongue swirled around the distended nodule then stabbed at the raised hood with the tip of the probing muscle. It then traveled down the length of her lover's sex, exploring inner lips before sucking them gently. Curling the sides of her tongue, Catt plunged into the source of heat and wetness and heard the answering scream ring in her ears. She thrust inward deeply and pulled out to lick around the sensitive outside. The blonde woman couldn't decide if it was the taste, the feel, or the sound of her that was driving her mad. All in all, it aided the constant throb between her legs that grew in intensity with each passing second, and it made her effort to heighten the pleasure relentless.

She continued to surge inside the slick opening and tore her eyes away from deep blue to examine moist folds. Nether lips were puffy, red with arousal and the infusion of blood, and her proud clit peaked from under its tender hood, pulsing and growing before gray eyes. Electric tendrils wove their way through her body at the sight, settling heavily between her legs and causing a whimper of her own. The brunette was so close that Catt could feel it, taste it, and even see it. Thrusting a few more times, she decided to change tactics.

The busy tongue traveled back upward, leaving ravaged flesh in its wake and finally circled the enlarged clit once again. Covering it with her lips, Catt initiated a slight suction. Once the aroused flesh was in the warm cavern of her mouth, she pushed it gently against the edge of strong teeth and raked the hood before reverting back to an even stronger suction.

"Ah, fuck!"

Lil's world went black for a fraction of a second as pleasure stormed through every fiber of her being. However, she didn't dare miss this, so the dimness turned into a sparkling gray once more. Devoured. That was the only coherent word passing through her brain. She had to tell her; she had to let her know how good. . . "Yesssss, suck it!" She sobbed through gritted teeth. Catt obliged her.

Even through the haze of pleasure, the labored breathing, and breathy moans, Lil could hear a slight buzzing in the near distance. It was insistent, and it then turned into knocking. Her arousal deflated a fraction. Seeing that her lover was distracted, Catt looked down inquisitively. Lil closed her eyes because surely she was hearing things. Who on earth would come over this early? And didn't they realize all that racket could wake the baby? She heard it again and her head fell back against the pillow in exasperation. Her back screamed at the sudden inactivity, causing her to hiss out, "Someone's at the damn door!"

Catt tore her mouth away from its nest with a slurp. She licked away the moisture around her lips. "What?!"

The younger woman sighed and bucked slightly, trying to ease the pain. "I saiiiid that someone is at the fucking door!"

Catt looked from the delectable treat that she was eating to the blue eyes starring incredulously up at her. "You've got to be kidding me?!" That was when she heard it too, the knock then the buzz. "Aw, shit!" She gently unlatched the legs around her neck and removed them from her shoulders. Gray eyes studied her own naked, sweaty body then looked at Lil's. "You gonna go get it? I don't think whoever's there is going away."

Deep blue studied the ceiling. She could feel the slow blush working its way up her skin. She sighed again when her ears heated. Her legs felt like jelly and not even the firm kind. It was more runny like jelly tends to get when you leave it out too long. Glancing from under hooded eyelids, "Uhm, I don't think I can walk. Can you, uh, get it?" She could see gray eyes immediately light with mirth and smugness. "No! Don't even say it. Just go get the door!"

Catt chuckled. Bending over her prone lover, she kissed the red nose. "You're too much. Don't ever change." Waiting until she got a smile in return, she hopped off the bed, mindful of the smell of sex and arousal that wafted with her. 'Oh, well.' Grabbing a robe, she blew a kiss as she made her way out the bedroom door to the living room.

Jean looked at the closed door with a frown then glanced at the obviously new car in her daughter's driveway in confusion. 'Hmm, her car is there,' she looked at the old Honda, 'then who's car is that?' She poised her hand to knock again when the door was wrenched open. "Lil, who?" Turning she looked up into gray eyes. Her brow scrunched further down in total confusion.

Catt noticed the resemblance almost right off. 'Oh, shit!' Her mind worked overtime, trying to think of something, anything to keep this from turning out bad. Like old habit, the coolness reasserted itself. "Uh, may I help you?"

Jean took in the robed form. The woman was beautiful, except for those cold eyes. Blue eyes continued to study the woman in front of her, noticing the sweat dripping from the woman's forehead and the dampness of her hair. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt your shower. Do I have the right apartment? Does Lil live here?"

Catt pursed her lips. 'There's no way out of this. She's gonna see Lil and know something's going on. Ah, damn sweetie I know you didn't want it like this. Things were going so good.' Sighing, the blonde answered, "Y-yes she is. I'll get her." Catt pulled the door open wider, allowing the woman to enter. "Have a seat. Be right back."

Ever astute, Jean sat on the couch and studied the apartment. It was different. Expensive looking paintings hung on the wall where movie posters used to be. A comfortable looking leather recliner huddled in the corner of the living room. There were fragile additions to the little knick knacks that adorned the shelves. She looked to the side to see what looked like a cherry wood cabinet that sported exorbitant looking china. The permanent scrunch seemed to have frozen her brow. 'Where did she get the money for all this. It doesn't even look like stuff that she would like.' Like a stray afterthought that her mind had finally registered, she screamed to herself, 'And who the hell was that woman over here this early in the morning?!'

Lil chuckled at the situation as she swung tired legs around to hang off the bed. Things were going so good between them. A playful rapport established itself once they had gotten passed the talking and the hiding. All of it seemed to have released a floodgate of passion. Lil smiled to herself, 'Hell, I've probably done things that would make Gab blush.'

The smile asserted itself physically thinking of the strong link that existed between her sister and Tara. 'I have that now. I have her now. Jamie loves her, and I. . .' She leaned back onto the bed and covered her face as another blush threatened. Screaming her happiness into her hands, she giggled at her own giddiness. Jumping up, she heard quick footsteps heading back toward the bedroom.

Catt pushed the door open then fell back heavily against it with her hands flat against the cool wood. She bit her lip and starred at her lover, knowing the panicked look that was glowing in her eyes. The smile fell from Lil's lips. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Pulling her hands up, the blonde pointed to the vicinity of the living room. "Uhm, you might want to put some clothes on. I think your mother is out there."

Deep blue widened in disbelief. Her mouth opened then closed then opened again. "WHAT!? Ohgodohgodohgod!" She ran around the room opening drawers and taking out clothes haphazardly. Lifting a foot, she attempted to pull on panties only to see the floor rushing up to meet her. "Ooof! Oww!" She turned over on her back and rubbed her chin as she slipped the underwear up her raised thighs.

Catt watched on in fascination.

Through the struggle with her clothes, the brunette continued to chatter. "Dammit! I didn't want her to find out this way!" She passed a hand through dark locks and caught a wiff something. "Oh God, we even smell like sex!"

Catt licked her lips and hoped the older woman didn't get too close to her face, knowing that something had probably dried on it and left its ashy remains.

"I can't believe this!" She looked up and asked her lover, "Can you believe this?" Distracted gray eyes stared back at her. She pointed an accusing finger. "Are you even listening to me?" The finger poked her in the chest. "This effects you too!" Poke. "So don't think you're gonna hide!" Poke. Poke. "I need you out there!" Poke. Poke. Poke.

Catt looked down at the probing finger and wondered if she was going to have a bruise. A dusky nipple stood at attention under the robe as a testament to the area of the poke. She continued to look, trying to hide the suddenly growing smirk.

Contracting her brow, Lil looked down to see what her lover was staring at. "Hey, I need. . ." The poking finger skirted a little to the left and met pebbly flesh, albeit clothed. "Wha-" The brunette's curious hands parted the robe to see nipples standing erect and waiting. Feeling the after effects of unspent passion, she traced the flesh with thumb and forefinger and watched it elongate even more. "Oh, my---" The fingers pulled slightly, and the action was rewarded with a hiss. Catt looked up, feeling the residual emotion too. Eyes met right before lips crushed each other in a searing kiss. They moaned simultaneously as tongues fought for entry. Lil threw her body into her lover's and groaned as nipples scrapped sensuously. The kiss deepened and continued until she heard the distinct sound of her mother's voice calling her name. "Lil?"

Tearing her mouth away, she replied breathlessly, "Coming mother!"

Gray eyes widened in an aroused haze right before a snort exited Catt's swollen lips. Lil glanced back into stormy eyes at the strange sound. She raised a dark eyebrow when the woman under her started to chuckle. Her own mouth twitched, recognizing the pun. After a few seconds, they both started to giggle silently. The younger woman laid her head against her lover's shoulders as the laughter subsided. The tension of the moment was broken for the time being. Lifting her head, she smiled before she brushed blonde bangs out of the way to kiss her forehead.

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

Backing away, Lil reached for her clothes. "Let's get dressed and we'll go out there together."

Catt grabbed the small hand into her own before Lil walked completely away.

"Hey, no matter what happens. I'm here for the long haul." Smiles were exchanged along with a few more kisses.

Feeling fidgety, Jean got up to walk around the living room. 'Something is going on here.' Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening and closing. She watched as the two figures progressed down the hall, side by side. 'And I'm going to find out what it is.' Jean sat back on the couch waiting for her daughter to join her. To her surprise, Lil sat on the nearby loveseat, and the taller woman sat on the raised edge beside her. She looked from one to the other as whispers of speculation filled the back of her mind. 'I've got to know.' "Um, I haven't been here in a while. Just got back from Terre Haute, so I though that I would pay a visit. Didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay mom. Is everything okay with Gab?"

Jean noticed the nervous lilt in her daughter's voice, and she wasn't going to ignore it. "They're getting there. I didn't come here to really talk about them. What's been going on with you lately? You've been acting a tad secretive." With a glance upward, she added, "Who is she and what's with the new car and new things?"

Lil stiffened, and instinctively, blindly she reached for a familiar hand. Wrapping around it, she squeezed the flesh and disregarded the shocked look on her mother's face. 'Good old mom. You've never been one to beat around the bush. Well, neither am I.' She looked up into stormy gray, searching and got a small nod and smile in return. It was enough. "Those are her things mom. Our things." She pulled the hand to her lips and gave it a quick kiss. "This is Caitlin, my partner."

Catt let the breath that she was holding loose in a gush. She had sounded so matter of fact, so confident that she couldn't help but smile down at her. Lil looked up, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. It was freeing as well as relieving. Gray twinkled down at her in what looked like admiration, and the young woman beamed back, mouthing the words, "I love you."

Jean heard her heart thump in her ears and then she heard it stop. 'Did I just hear her right? She did say partner, and the woman was wearing a robe when she answered the door. I---ohmygodohmygodohmygod! I can't believe this!' Confusion and astonishment flooded her body, causing her hands to clench into fist and her mouth to drop. Then there was only numbness.

Blue and gray tore away from each other to look at the woman seated on the couch. Lil waited for the blow up, but none came. There was just this look of utter bafflement. Lovers glanced at each other once more when no sound exited the older woman's mouth. "Mom? Mom, are you okay?" Lil got up to kneel by her mother's side. "Mom, look at me." Similar blues clashed. "C'mon mom, talk to me."

Jean's mouth finally started to move as a jumble of words fell out. "I thought. . .how. . .are you sure?"

Lil turned to her lover, beckoning her with a hand to come join her. When the taller woman was at her side, she whispered, "Yes, mom we're sure."

Jean looked from one face to another, seeing the confidence shine in her daughter's eyes and concern glowing in formally cold gray as the looked down at her. Still not getting enough reaction from the seated woman, Lil whispered up to her lover. "Catt, will you go get mom some juice or something?"

"Yeah, Sparky will do."

Upon hearing the nickname, Jean's eyes widened in further shock as they followed the blonde's retreating back into the kitchen.

Part II (Conclusion)

Jean discreetly looked at the couple out of the corner of her eye. They didn't seem to be able to stop touching. It was down right distracting. A squeeze of a shoulder, a brush of the arm and a myriad of other tiny touches that screamed familiarity. They had retaken the loveseat. She guessed to give her space and time to think. Pretending to do just that, Jean closed her eyes. 'How did it happen? How did I miss it? We're their signs that screamed from both of them, and I missed it?' The older woman's heart clenched.

'What kind of mother am I not to know my own children?' Eyes opened as a thoughts bombarded her with each beat of her heart. She rubbed the glass, coating her hands with the condensation in hopes of slowing her racing heart and thoughts. 'Is this serious?' Jean glanced toward the couple, catching gray eyes that looked at her questioningly. She looked away quickly. They made a striking couple, all darkness and light. A perfect contrast, but she got the distinct feeling that the blonde was the one that had inhabited the dark, remembering the cold eyes that starred at her when the door opened. Still, there was something else in them that she couldn't miss.

A fierce confidence glowed in the stormy eyes of the blonde. 'Yes, it's serious. I at least know my daughter that well, and I know that look too. It shines in Tara's eyes. There is no awkwardness between them. They touch and glance at each other as though they had been doing it for a lifetime.' Jean had to admit to herself that something in her heart was touched. Hadn't she always wanted her children to be happy? She shook her head mentally. There was more involved here.

'My grandchild.'

'I want her to grow up normal. There will be so much that she would have to deal with. Pain, anger, and hate from people who don't understand. Will she even accept this situation when she's older? Her mother in love with another woman. Oh sweetheart, what have you gotten yourself into?'

Lil felt the fleeting touches of her lover, knowing that they were a form of reassurance because the silence was deafening. 'I didn't expect her to scream in delight and accept Catt into the family, but I expected more than glares our the corner of her eye. Mother what are you thinking? Look at us. Look at her. Can't you see it? What exists between us covers us like a blanket. It's that palpable, a connection so strong that it exists by itself. I don't even see that with you and daddy. This scares me. I remember how you treated Gab when you first found out about her. Should I expect the same? Do you think of this as just another disappointment like when I got pregnant?'

The dark head hung. The day went from a sensual haze to possible devastation. She felt long fingers lift her chin. Gray studied violet blue in silent communication. Catt read the sadness that drooped in her lover's eyes. She didn't need to be told. With a finger, she traced a path from Lil's nose to her chin, carefully outlining trembling lips on the way. She leaned in and whispered behind the long blonde hair that covered both of their features.

"Talk to her, so you both can find out what the other is thinking. I'm right here beside you, and I promise that I'm not going anywhere. Just promise me that you won't either."

Before pulling back, she kissed her lover's ear and fought the smile that wanted to surface at the fine shiver that resulted.

Startled blue gazed back at her. 'How could she think that I would leave. . .

"I wouldn't---"

Lil was silenced by a well placed finger and urged on with a jerk of the blonde head.

"Later," the blonde whispered.

Catt took the smaller hand in her own and squeezed it in support.

Lil glanced at the form of her mother and watched her play at sipping the juice. Imperceptibly, the brunette cleared her throat.

"Mom?" She waited until the other woman looked up. "Talk to me?"

Jean looked up, glancing from one woman to the other then swallowed. "I honestly don't know what to say about this. I was in know way prepared, and I would have never suspected as what was going on with you."

"I know, but I wanted to tell you when I thought I was ready. Things are so new with us. . ."

"When did this happen?"

"Um, we met in Terre Haute when I was staying with Gab for the holidays."

She sat the glass on the nearby table. Seeing that her hands were shaking, she jerked them back and began to wring them to stop the involuntary motion. A small sliver of pain wedged in her heart. "So, again, everybody knew except me?"

Lil sighed in exasperation. "Mom, it's not like that. We just didn't know how you were going to take it," she added softly. The steady squeeze of Catt's hand kept her at an even kilt.

Jean laughed but without humor. How did you think I was going to take it. I find out not one daughter but both of them are gay? What am I supposed to think? How do you think this makes me feel? I raised children that I don't know. I was blinded all this time," she said her voice raspy. She ran a shaky hand through graying hair.

Again, the dark head hung, knowing what she was about to say was going to sting. "Can't you see mom? This isn't about you or how I was raised. It has nothing to do with you. This didn't happen because you mistreated me, ignored me, or smothered me. it happened because it was supposed to.

Jean grabbed the glass again, needing something to do with her hands. They were shaking just a bit harder. "Despite---" Her voice came out in a hoarse croak. She sipped some of the juice. "Despite why or how it happened, I can't say I condone this. There is more at stake than just the two of you."

Lil almost crushed the fingers intertwined with her own. 'Oh God, please don't do this. Can't you see mom that I need her?'' She swallowed and looked over at Catt with fear shining in her eyes. They gray twinkled back at her, smiling and loving. It was the strength she need to push on. Quietly but with supreme confidence, she added, "This isn't going to end because you don't condone it mother. I'm not going to let her go because you or dad don't like it. She's in my life now. She is my life."

Jean looked at her daughter astonished by the reply. "What about Jamie? How can you subject your daughter to something so new that could be over with the drop of a hat?" The older woman tightened her grip on the glass.

"Mother look at us. I mean really look. Can't you see it, feel it? I know you felt it around Gab and Tara. You told me as much."

Jean lowered her eyes, refusing to answer. 'Yes, I see it and feel it.'

"Catt loves Jamie, and you should see Jamie around her. You know that she doesn't respond to just anybody."

Jean shook her head. Lil just wasn't getting it. "Do you know what she will have to face growing up? The pain you are going to put her through?"

Lil blinked and sucked in an audible breath before answering. "Don't you think I know that mom? She's my daughter. Despite what goes on in the world, I'm-we're going to teach her to be strong and accepting. She'll deal with it because we're going to help her deal with it when the time comes. Look, mom, I know this isn't easy to accept, and I'm not asking you to immediately welcome this with open arms, but it isn't going to change just because you don't like it. You'd rather I do what you say just to make you happy and leave myself miserable for the rest of my life?"

Jean looked into her daughter's eyes, surprised by the question. "No, I want you to be happy," she whispered. Her grip became even tighter on the glass.

"I am, mom. I am." Lil turned to face her lover. The smile she got in return for her words made her breath catch. Catt glowed.

Jean wanted to loosen her grip on the glass, but she couldn't. Her insides churned. She realized the anger, guilt, and the host of other emotions that she was feeling weren't aimed at her daughter. They were focused within. Anger and guilt for not seeing her children for who they really are; for not being there; for not being able to support them in times of crisis. Her conscious whispered, 'But isn't this a time of crisis? Support her now. She was right when she said that it wasn't about you.

'But, I don't know how,' she answered herself. "You heard her. She doesn't need my support now. She's a woman that is more than capable of making her own choices.'

'Then just be there when she needs you.'

"I don't know if I can."

Jean proceeded to study the silent couple.

Lil continued to gaze into stormy gray. They said so much with just a twinkle or a change of shade. They spoke for her, making her forget that they were not alone.

"I love you," they whispered.

With a soft caress of her lover's cheek and a small smile, Lil answered back. "I know you do, and I'll do anything to keep it that way."

Gray eyes darkened belaying sadness. "I'm sorry that this isn't working out. I feel that it's my fault."

Deep blue read the message perfectly. With a squeeze of her hand and an almost indiscernible shake of her head, Lil added. "No there's nothing to be sorry for. We're in this together. No matter what."

Sad eyes lightened with a smile.

Jean swallowed. She felt as though she was intruding upon a private conversation. Deep down, she knew that they had said a lot with the few exchanges, but she just didn't know what.

Just then, the quiet apartment was filled with a small cry followed by an insistent 'ma!' The couple grinned at each other, and Lil added by way of explanation to her mother, "That's Jamie. I think that she's ready to get up." The brunette rose but was stopped by an elegant hand.

"No, I'll get her."

Without another word, Catt made her way toward the back. The bedroom door was already cracked. She peaked in and was immediately spotted by astute blue eyes. Jamie squealed in response. "Caty, Caty!"

The blonde smiled. She couldn't help herself. "Good morning little one. Ready to get up?"

The child cooed. Reaching her hands up in the air, she made a constant open and closed fist motion that was an attempt to beg the blonde to pick her up. Catt did so without hesitation. Balancing the toddler on her hip, she reached back down to get a toy and a couple hours old, unfinished bottle. Small chubby hands grabbed at the bottle. Giving it to her, Catt looked down at the small form in her arms. Deep blue glanced right back at her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she did nothing to stop the sob that wrenched from her throat.

"I love you little one. I love you both. Don't let anyone tell you any different."

Placing a tiny kiss on the small forehead, she headed out the room back to the living area.

In the meantime, Lil glanced at her mother. Their eyes met and held.

"I know this is hard mom. Just try, please? She's not going anywhere. She's in my life to stay. I know this. I feel this."

"I just don't know, Lil. There's so much more at stake here. . ." Her voice trailed off as the blond woman made her way into the living room with a cooing Jamie. The older woman's thoughts scattered. The little girl clung to the blonde with tiny fingers wound in the woman's hair. They looked so natural together like they belonged. She watched on as the woman sat beside her daughter.

Jamie reached out her hand to her mother. Lil leaned in, grinning, and gave the appendage a sloppy kiss. With the same hand, the child made a waving motion toward her grandmother, and got one in return. Jamie gurgled in delight then found a place back in the crook of the other woman's arm. Catt leaned down and kissed the dark head once more. The blonde cleared her throat.

"Mrs. Howard? I have something to say."

Lil grabbed her lover's arm. "Catt, you----"

Eyes met. "Shh, it's okay. I need to do this."

Lil nodded in acquiescence, and Jean waited.

"Mrs. Howard, I don't know what kind of daughter you think you raised, but she has turned into a wonderful woman. She's kind, honest, and her capacity for love and forgiveness changed my life. She's taught me so much, and I'm still learning." She paused at the feel of a soft hand patting her thigh. "I love her so much. I would give up anything and everything just to stay in her life. I didn't know what love was before I met her. You see, I was kind of stumbling through life taking what I wanted and hurting people in the process."

"I know that this may sound cliché, but I mean every word. When I met her, everything changed. I tried to push her away and forget her, but I just couldn't. She forgave me for all the things I did and she loved me despite it all. As for Jamie, she is a part of Lil, and I can't help but love her. I'm not good with babies, relationships, or speaking, but somehow it all works. If Lil raises Jamie to be half the woman that you raised her to be, I don't think you will have much to worry about."

The hand on her thigh squeezed again., and she gave a small smile of appreciation. Jean glanced at the woman expectantly. Realizing this, Catt added, Oh, um, I think that's all that I have to say."

Jean sucked in a deep breath. 'Could she be right, and I just don't see it? Oh God, I can't be that blind. Can I? I suppose I can. I didn't really see the love Tara has for my daughter until I took the time to get to know her. Maybe that what I need to do here.' Confusion and emotion weighed heavily on her shoulders. 'I just need to think.' Her hand loosened around the glass.

Catt took the hand from her thigh and kissed the palm. Blue smiled into gray. Lil turned from her lover to look at her silent mother.

"Mom, I----"

Her speech was interrupted by a surprised shriek from her lover and a squeal from her daughter.

"Uh-oh, Caty! Pee-pee!"

Three sets of blue eyes riveted on the blonde, who fidgeted as warm fluid penetrated her clothing. Under the continuous stares, Catt could feel herself do something that hardly ever happened. Blood slowly crept its way up her neck to her face and ears, giving her face a nice red hue. Lil bit her lip, but the smallest Howard was the first to giggle. She was followed by her mother who chuckled more at the look on her lover's face than the situation. Jean added light, reluctant laughter of her own.

The littlest Howard had put a crack in some very thick ice.

Catt turned to the younger woman giving her a mock scowl that quickly turned into a crooked grin.

"Um, I'm going to go mop up." She nodded at Jean and got up taking the still giggling Jamie with her.

Lil watched them go and covered her mouth as Jamie continued to shout, "Uh-oh pee-pee,' as they made their way down the hall. Mother and daughter glanced at each other continuing to smile at the child's antics. Jean was the first to look away.

Finally, she sat the glass of juice on the table. "Uh, Lil, I can see what I think isn't going to change anything, but I've seen enough to know that she cares about both you and Jamie. Beyond that, I don't know. I'm going to need some time to sort through this. What she said really made me think. There is a lot I need to come to terms with concerning my own beliefs and feelings." Jean rose from the chair. "I-I'm going to go now, but I want to get to know her and you."

Lil followed her mother to the door, placing a hand on the nearest shoulder as they walked. Once there, Jean turned engulfing her daughter in a quick, tight hug.

"Mom, I think I understand, and thank you."

The older woman gave her daughter a ghost of a smile and disappeared into the brightness of day. Lil watched her mother get in, start the car, and followed it down the street. She closed the door softly. In just a few hours, so much had changed. She didn't know if it was for the bad or good, but the one good thing was that they were out in the open. No more secrets. The brunette rolled her shoulders, enjoying the new lightness. Deep blue looked down the empty hall when she heard a squeal then throaty laughter. The sounds beckoned her, so she followed them.

Pushing the half opened door wider, she walked quietly into the room. Half way in, she stopped and smirked at the sight. Jamie lay on the bed naked as the day she was born with the blonde leaning over her. She tugged and played with the silky strands that were within her reach. Catt cooed at the toddler before lowering her head to the tiny stomach and blowing. The rude noise that resulted made the child squeal in delight and her mother giggle in amusement.

Catt looked up at her lover with shining eyes. Lil shook her head and made her way toward the bed. "You two together are something else."

The blonde reached out a hand, and the younger woman took it. "No, Sparky, the three of us are together are something else."

Lil laughed out loud as a big happy bubble burst in her heart. She sat on the bed beside the blonde.

"Yeah, I guess we are." She paused. "Quite the interesting day. Full of surprises. Makes you wonder what tomorrow will be like."

"Mmm, don't know, but I think we'll be able to deal with whatever comes. Don't you?"

Their gazes locked. Lil leaned in, brushing tempting lips gently. "Oh, yeah."

Continued in Part 10: Hanging In

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