"Oh right," Marika smiled in acknowledgement. "It was a good band. I've always enjoyed the pipes and drums."

"We took third in an Ontario band competition last year, and we're competing against the other Stampede bands this week. I think we might do even better." The girl had noticeably started to relax, and Marika was grateful that she no longer looked ready to bolt.

"What do you play?"

"A side drum, though by the time we finished marching, I was wishing I'd chosen the fife. Still better than the bagpipes though." The girl laughed and Marika enjoyed the sound.

"Drum, eh? So you're really popular when you practice at home?"

Britt had relaxed back into the cushions, and she grinned at her older sister. "Well, Bryce is a total jerk sometimes and he kept threatening to punch a hole through it, but then Dad build a soundproof practice room for me in the basement so I don't get as many complaints."

Marika felt an old pain again at the mention of their father, but she forced it back, not wanting to ruin this moment. "I take it Bryce isn't musical?"

The girl snorted. "Huh! If it's not on a computer screen, that weenie doesn't know it exists."

The lawyer smiled at the description of her brother. "I play piano myself, but I've never been in a band."

Britt dropped her head and studied her hands. "Um, yeah, I knew that." Troubled eyes rose and met Marika's questioning ones. "A few years ago, Bryce and I found a bunch of pictures of you in Dad's desk. There were some of you when you were little, playing the piano. We didn't even know who you were, but there was a bunch of you with Dad and a woman I didn't know, so I kinda thought you were related." She paused and studied the older version of herself. "We look alike," she stated objectively.

"We do," Marika agreed. Hesitant, she queried, "May I ask how you found me?"

A distressed look crossed the girl's thin face. "Well, Bryce and I asked Mom about the pictures. I don't think she knew Dad had them in his desk, because she got pretty angry. They had a big fight about it when he got home that night, but anyway, she told us that you were Dad's daughter from a previous marriage but that you'd died in your teens."

Marika couldn't help a rueful murmur. For all intents and purposes, she had 'died' to her family when she was 16. She'd seen her father a few times over the years, but always well away from his wife and children. He'd paid her way through law school and given her a generous allowance until she was on her feet, but had made it clear that was the extent of their relationship. She realized keen young eyes were searching her face, and she tried to conceal the hurt that she'd never fully vanquished.

Rhi entered just then with two cold bottles of orange juice and two paper wrapped straws. Marika smiled at her gratefully as she accepted the drinks and passed one to her sister. Rhi held her gaze for a long moment, and the lawyer saw both sympathy and support there, then the assistant left the office, quietly closing the door behind her.

"So if you thought I was dead, how did you find me?" Marika sipped her juice, watching as the girl drained half her bottle in one drink.

Britt smiled sheepishly. "Uh, pretty thirsty."

"No problem, there's lots more if you want it."

"Nah, this should be good," Britt assured her, sipping more slowly now. "Well, Bryce and I would talk about the sister we'd never known now and then, and one day we even went back into Dad's study to see the pictures again, but they were gone. It wasn't until last year that I was looking for something in his files, and I saw a file labeled Calgary. We'd just found out that our band had been invited to the Stampede, so I was curious to see what he had on the city. Was I ever surprised when I saw all the old pictures of you, plus some newer things, a newspaper article, a graduation program from Osgoode Hall with your name highlighted, things like that."

"That's how you knew I was in Calgary?"

"Not exactly. I mean Dad might have had some other reason for labeling the file that way, but the key was the grad program. If you'd graduated from Dad's alma mater, then odds were that you'd be listed in their review for that year. It was a simple matter to call that up in their archives and confirm that you were alive and you were a lawyer somewhere. Since the file was labeled Calgary, that's where I started my search. It didn't take long to find that you were an associate with McGregor, Cohen and Kurst."

The girl beamed with her own cleverness and Marika couldn't help smiling in response.

"So my little sister is a detective, is she?" the lawyer teased gently.

Britt nodded happily and then sobered. "The one thing I don't know is why my parents lied to us, and why you're not part of our family." She looked seriously at her older sister. "What did you do that was so bad?"

Marika drew a deep breath. Do I tell her the truth? What if she rejects me too? She gave her head a tiny shake. What do I have to lose? It's not like she was in my life before, so if she vanishes again, why should I care? But she did care, and she didn't want to be dishonest with this girl who was looking at her so earnestly.

"Can I ask you something first?"

Britt nodded.

"I know how you found me...but why did you look for me?"

The girl cocked her head as she considered her answer. After a long moment, she said, "I guess a lot of it was curiosity. I mean you didn't seem like some big criminal or anything, and you obviously meant enough to Dad that he kept all his mementos even though Mom clearly didn't want him to. It was the whole thing about having a sister I didn't know." She paused and looked at Marika intensely. "I wanted to know her...fill in some of the blanks, I suppose."

Marika let her gaze drift away from her sister and out the windows of her office to where Rhiannon sat working at her desk. Absently she noted the small furrow in her brow that Rhi always got when she was pondering something deeply. For some reason the sight soothed her, and she turned back to Britt.

"Your parents didn't approve of who I am, and they didn't want me around to...influence you and Bryce."

"Who you are? Why? Who are you really?" A hint of edginess had crept back into the girl's voice and Marika sighed.

"I'm gay." She almost smiled at the way one pale eyebrow shot up. It really was like looking in a mirror.

"That's it? Just because you're gay?" Britt asked with growing indignation. "For crying out loud, this is the 21^st century. I can't believe they'd banish you for that!"

The lawyer chuckled wryly. "Well, it was only the 20^th century when it happened, and I sort of got caught in a compromising position in their house when I was 16." She shrugged. "They decided it was better for all concerned if I was educated outside of the country."

"That sucks!"

Marika was warmed by her sister's anger at the injustice, but didn't want to cause problems between Britt and her parents. "They did what they felt they had to, to protect their children."

Britt glared, but the lawyer knew it wasn't really directed at her. "Well, you were Dad's child too, and he sure didn't do much to protect you!"

She had no defence for that, and her eyes closed as she desperately fought back the tears. The anguish of abandonment swept over her again, and for one frightening moment she was the lonely, bewildered girl being put on a plane by her beloved father, the only anchor she'd had in her life. Swallowing hard, she tried to suppress the onslaught of emotions. She was startled to feel a warm hand slide over hers and take it in a tight grip. Opening her eyes, she saw her sister regarding her with a look of compassion oddly profound for such a young face. Neither said anything as Marika struggled to regain control.

Finally, she forced herself to relax and ask, "Do you by any chance have any pictures of your family?"

Britt smiled triumphantly. "I thought you might want to see them, so I brought along a bunch of photos." She dug into her purse and extracted an envelope. Sliding over next to her sister, she pulled the first picture out and laid it on Marika's lap.

"That's Bryce the weenie."

Marika studied the picture of her little brother. He was cut from the same cloth as his sisters, tall and lean, with a shock of pale blonde hair falling over a narrow face. He'd been snapped sticking his tongue out at his sister, and she couldn't help laughing at the image.

"This is Dad when we went out to the lake about a month ago."

Britt passed another photo over, and Marika studied her father closely. She hadn't seen him in five years, but he hadn't changed much. Even squatting beside the sailboat moored at the landing, she could tell he was still the lean, fit man she remembered. A baseball cap covered his blonde head, and she wondered idly if his hair was thinning or graying now.

Britt let her study that picture for long moments before Marika held out her hand for the next. It was a picture of her father with Britt's mother, and she gazed at the woman she knew was largely responsible for her familial estrangement. She still felt the vestiges of bitterness, but murmured noncommittally. They went through the rest of the photos and when they were done, Marika looked at her sister gratefully.

"Thank you. I really appreciate that." She made to hand back the stack, but Britt shook her head.

"No, you keep them. They're only doubles anyway."

Marika felt her throat catch at the girl's kindness, and she tried to smile as tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded without speaking, but she could tell Britt understood. Her sister smiled gently at her, then glanced at her wristwatch.

"Darn! I have to go. I only got an hour's dispensation from Madam Gorgon, and then I have to meet everyone back at the school we're bunking in."

The lawyer couldn't help laughing. "Madam Gorgon?"

Britt rolled her expressive eyes. "Oh yeah, it's actually Mrs. Gordon, but that's what all the kids call her. She's the wife of the band director, and she takes personal responsibility for keeping us all in line when we're on trips. Believe me, we don't get away with ANYTHING!"

Marika stood with her sister, still chuckling at Britt's aggrieved tone. She suspected that her sister and her band mates made Mrs. Gordon's job as tough as they could. Walking her to the door, she asked, "Are you here long? Do you think we could get together again?"

Britt sighed. "I wish we could, but the next couple of days are booked solid with activities and competitions. This was pretty much the only time I could get free before we fly home again."

Saddened, Marika chastised herself inwardly for hoping this might have been the start of something more. Her sister regarded her closely, then slowly suggested, "Would you like my e-mail address? We could maybe write now and then if you'd like?"

The lawyer brightened. "I'd like that. Here, I'll give you mine too." She sobered then. "But won't your folks be upset if we correspond?"

Britt stiffened, a resolute look on her youthful features. "I have no intention of telling them. Do you?"

Marika felt slightly uneasy at deceiving her father and Britt's mother, not for herself, but concerned about the repercussions for her sister. Britt seemed to read her mind.

"What they did wasn't right, Marika. I can't do anything about the past, but I can reclaim my sister...if she'll let me back in her life."

Awed at the girl's resolve, Marika nodded and said simply, "I'd really like that." She crossed to Rhi's desk and borrowed a pen. Jotting her e-mail, street address and phone number on a piece of paper, she offered it to her sister. Britt accepted it and then took the pen and wrote the same information down for the lawyer.

The formalities taken care of, they faced each other, the initial awkwardness returning until Marika opened her arms in invitation, and Britt slid into her sister's embrace, hugging her fiercely. They stayed that way for long moments before Britt broke away, mumbled good-bye and turned away. The lawyer watched her walk away, hearing a distinct sniffle as the girl wiped her eyes.

Rhi had been watching the scene and now she fixed concerned eyes on her boss. "Everything okay, Rika?"

Marika stared after the girl, then turned to her assistant and with a brilliant smile answered, "Oh yeah, Rhi. Definitely okay."

*****************************************************

Hemmed in by Lee and Dana on one side and Marika on the other, Rhi leaned on the railing and stared down the track, awed by the thunder of hooves she felt through her feet as much as heard. Four brightly coloured chuckwagons were careening around the turn into the homestretch, their outriders racing close beside and behind them. She watched the drivers stand and whip their teams into a frenzy, striving for every last bit of speed out of the horses as they pounded towards the finish line.

Gaping at the spectacle as they roared by her, she shook her head in amazement, wondering how four large wagons and sixteen outriders managed to circle the track without colliding. In fact, there had been an accident earlier in the meet, and one horse had to be put down, but tonight's races had gone off cleanly. Having seen the chucks now though, she fully understood the description of the races as 'half a mile of hell', and she marveled at the nerve of drivers and riders racing full out in that tumult of horseflesh and wagons. They'd watched the rodeo earlier in the afternoon and she'd been convinced that nothing could top the bull riding for sheer excitement, but she'd been wrong. This...was exhilarating.

Rhi sighed in happiness as the four women made their way back to their seats. The whole day had been one of the best of her life. Starting the day early, they'd ridden most of the rides on the midway, checked out all the barn exhibits and animals, listened to the bands in the Nashville North tent, watched the rodeo, and eaten more food than she could ever remember putting away in one day. Lee had won Dana a large stuffed tiger that the nurse had been carrying around faithfully all day. Rhi had tried her hand at the hoop toss, her unspoken wish to win something for Marika, but had come up empty much to her disappointment.

Once they were back in their seats, Lee said, "Well that was the last race of the night. They're going to set up for the Grandstand show now. D'you guys want to stay for that?" She looked at her companions, and Marika said, "Well, I've seen it before so I'm okay, but maybe Rhi would like to see it."

They all looked at the small woman and she shrugged with a grin. "Hey, I don't think this day could be improved on, but whatever you want is fine with me."

"What did you have in mind, hon?" Dana asked her partner with a fond smile.

"I was thinking we could maybe drop over to the Arc. They've got it set up like a barn dance, with a live band, and I think it would be a lot of fun," Lee said, and then grinned at her mate. "Besides, I'd like to dance with my best girl, and they've got the biggest floor in town."

Marika frowned and glanced at Rhi before saying slowly, "Um, Lee? Maybe that's not such a good idea."

Puzzled, Lee asked, "Why not?" Then she looked at Rhi. "Oh, right, never thought of that."

"Thought of what? What are you two talking about?" Rhi questioned curiously.

Dana answered for them. "Unlike Oly's, which is a mixed bar, the Arc en Ciel is a strictly lesbian club, and they're worried that you might not be comfortable there."

Rhi laughed and shrugged. "Doesn't bother me. If you guys haven't corrupted me after today, I'm probably immune. Besides, it sounds like fun."

Lee grinned and leaned close. "Lady Mouse, I haven't even started trying to corrupt you."

The small woman grinned right back. "Oh, I dunno. Who was it that insisted that we eat corndogs and cotton candy right before we went on the Skyscraper? If that's not trying to corrupt me, what is?"

Marika groaned. "Yeah, she has a point there, Lee. I don't think my stomach has recovered yet!"

"Wuss," Lee scoffed good-naturedly. "Well, let's go then. The night is young and my boots are ready to dance."

They followed the big woman down the aisle and out of the grandstands. Ambling back through the Stampede grounds, Rhi happily absorbed the atmosphere of carnival noises, country music, bright flashing lights, the smells of fried food and beer, and the rowdy ambience of throngs of people out for the city's annual party.

Parking around the Stampede grounds was a nightmare. Hettie rented out her yard as an ersatz parking lot, as did so many Victoria Park residents, charging a flat ten dollars per vehicle. The city deliberately overlooked the bylaw infractions for the ten-day party, reasoning that if Victoria Park had to put up with the noise and crowds flocking to the neighbouring Stampede, there was no harm to them making a quick dollar out of it.

Rhi had considered offering her yard to her friends for parking, but couldn't stand the thought of them running into her aunt. Instead, they'd found a parking spot close to David's church, only ten blocks away from the grounds.

The jovial bunch set out for the car, Lee and Dana walking ahead as Marika and Rhi followed.

"You're sure you're okay with this, Rhi?" Marika asked softly, watching the other woman closely. "It's really okay if you're not. We can always go over to Oly's or something."

Rhi shook her head emphatically. "Nope, I'm perfectly fine. Besides, would you deny Lee a chance to dance with her best girl?"

The two glanced ahead to where Lee had her arm around her partner's shoulders and they were playfully wrestling over the stuffed tiger. Marika grinned.

"No, I wouldn't want to do that." More seriously she said, "If you DO feel at all uncomfortable, you'll let me know, right?"

The smaller woman looked up at her friend warmly, deeply appreciative of Rika's concern. "I will, but really, what could make me uncomfortable?"

The lawyer wryly looked her assistant up and down. "Well, you might want to decide how you're going to handle all the invitations to dance, for one thing."

Startled, Rhi looked down at herself. She'd splurged on a new pair of jeans and a stonewashed denim shirt that currently had the sleeves rolled half way up her forearms, but she didn't think it was anything fancy, especially when compared to what the others had on. She wasn't even wearing boots, just her old runners, while Lee and Dana had flashy cowboy shirts--pearl buttons and all--with jeans, cowboy boots and hats. She could tell they had a great time playing dress-up. But her boss...

Marika had almost taken Rhi's breath away when they'd met that morning. In a butter-coloured silk blouse tucked into tan pants that had to have been tailored precisely for her, with short, dark brown boots and gold dangling earrings, the woman was hands down the best looking female at the Stampede, according to Rhi's unbiased opinion.

Looking back at the gray eyes regarding her so affectionately, she shrugged. "Heck, I'll just stand behind you, and then I won't have to worry about anyone asking me to dance."

There was a moment of silence, and then with a touch of unusual shyness, Marika asked, "What if I were to ask you to dance...just to save you from all the inevitable suitors of course?"

For a split second, Rhi imagined herself in Rika's arms and felt almost dizzy at the prospect, then she recalled herself to reality. "Uh, not that I'd mind or anything, but I don't know how to dance and I wouldn't want to embarrass you."

Marika just murmured and kept her eyes on their friends as they crossed another street. Rhi didn't know whether to kick herself for missing an opportunity that would never occur again, or be relieved that she'd gotten out of a potentially humiliating experience.

She'd begun to brood over her words when a soft voice said, "Seems to me this would be the perfect time to learn. You're with friends. We won't laugh at you. I'll teach you how to two-step if you like."

Rhi gaped at Marika who smiled reassuringly at her. "Um, yeah, I guess...If you're sure you want to risk your toes."

"They've been abused by bigger women than you, Rhiannon Davies," Marika chuckled. Then she pitched her voice louder, "Isn't that right, Lee?"

Lee looked over her shoulder. "Isn't what right?"

"My feet have been danced on by bigger women than Rhi here," the lawyer teased.

Dana broke out laughing and Lee groaned. "You're just NEVER going to let me live that down, are you? It was my first Stampede. I didn't know a two-step from a polka!"

Marika grinned and leaned her head towards Rhi as she whispered, "Lee is very...enthusiastic...on the dance floor, but you'll notice that Dana is wearing her steel-toed boots."

Rhi giggled, now keenly looking forward to getting to the club. They soon reached Dana's car and piled in, making their way through busy streets to the old converted warehouse down by the railroad yards. Parking was no problem there, even with the streams of women going in and out of the building. Locking the blue Taurus, they walked quickly towards the door, which had been converted to look like a barn door, complete with hay bales, wooden barrels and a section of plank fencing lining the way to the entrance.

Lee paid their cover charge and shook her head with a grin when Rhi tried to give her the money. "Buy me a beer later, Lady Mouse. Now it's time to dance!"

They entered the club, greeted by the driving sound of a country band and the sight of a large wooden floor covered with dancers, many in garb that made Lee and Dana look decorous. The stage was on one side of the dance floor, and a horseshoe shaped bar bustling with patrons was on the other. The western theme had been continued inside, and Rhi saw many women perched on the bales scattered around the interior. Servers with the omnipresent white Stampede cowboy hats circulated among the many small tables ringing the floor, their black leather aprons stuffed with bills as enthusiastic patrons celebrated lavishly.

Lee led the way through the crowd, greeting many of the club goers as she pushed through to a free table on the far side between the dance floor and the bar. Once they'd staked their claim, she and Dana tossed their hats on the table and headed for the floor. Rhi sat quietly beside Marika, staring at the dancers and the band. Perhaps because she'd become accustomed to Lee and Dana's candid affection with each other, Rhi wasn't at all taken aback at the sight of women dancing and flirting openly.

She let her eyes drift around the darker corners of the club and did a double take as she spotted the dark-haired firefighter leaning against a pile of hay bales, with a blonde woman in her arms. As she watched, the blonde wrapped herself around the taller woman, making her intentions crystal clear to even a casual onlooker. Rhi looked away with a small, triumphant grin.

"What's so funny?" Marika's voice sounded right next to her ear, the only way she could be heard in the din of music and voices.

Rhi leaned closer to the woman's ear and pointed out the firefighter and her enthusiastic date. "A friend of yours," she said casually, even as she inhaled the scent of her friend's hair.

Marika followed her gaze and eyed the amorous couple disinterestedly. With a small shrug, she said, "Not really a friend. I only talked to her once, though she did ask me out last weekend."

Rhi stiffened and glared at the oblivious firefighter before realizing what she was doing and deliberately looking away. Striving to sound casual, she asked, "Did you go out then?"

The lawyer shook her head. "No, I had better things to do." Looking at Rhi, she grinned. "I had to teach a certain someone how not to run into dumpsters, and how to appreciate Japanese cuisine."

Incredulously, Rhi realized that this gorgeous woman had turned down a date with that...firefighter to spend the day with her. She stared in disbelief, but Marika had turned back to the dance floor and was watching Lee and Dana with a smile. Rhi felt an irrepressible grin split her face, and, sure that her feelings were clearly on display, was very glad Rika wasn't looking her way at that moment.

A harried server came by just then and stopped by their table. "What can I get you?" she asked gruffly, her eyes scanning her other customers even as she waited for their order.

"A couple of drafts, whatever you have on tap is fine, and Rhi? Do you want to try a wine cooler?"

Rhi had no idea if she'd like it, but was quite willing to follow her friend's suggestion so she nodded.

"And two peach coolers too," Marika finished their order.

The server hurried off, and Rhi dug out her wallet. When the lawyer tried to make her put it away, the smaller woman frowned.

"Nope, this one is mine. Besides, I owe Lee a beer, remember?"

Marika conceded with good grace, and the out of breath dancers arrived back at their table almost at the same time as the drinks. Lee downed half her beer in one swallow while Dana sipped more decorously. The lawyer watched Rhi's reaction and looked pleased when the smaller woman signaled her appreciation of the cooler.

Lee and Dana bounced between the dance floor and their table, but it took another cooler before Rhi worked up her courage to accept Marika's invitation to give it a try. She followed the tall blonde closely as the lawyer led them to a less crowded corner of the floor. When the ubiquitous two-step started up again, Marika gently positioned Rhi's hands and held her firmly as she guided her through the steps.

"That's it, Rhi," she encouraged. "Step, step, slide. You're doing great!"

Rhi fell into the pattern easily and followed her partner's lead as they whirled around the edge of the crowded floor.

"It's easier if you don't watch your feet," Marika suggested with a smile.

With a sheepish grin, Rhi quit looking down and instead looked at her partner, focusing on the soft gray eyes that were beaming approval of her efforts. Lost in that gaze, she quickly forgot her nervousness and simply absorbed the pleasure of the dance, the music and her partner.

When the dance ended, Marika simply held Rhi's hand waiting for the next number. When it turned out to be a slow dance, she cocked her head at her young friend inquiringly. When Rhiannon nodded shyly, she drew the smaller woman into her arms and let her body lead in a slow, sensuous dance.

When the music ended, Rhi felt very unsteady on her feet and didn't protest when Marika suggested returning to their table for a bit. Lee and Dana were grinning at them as they approached, but when they sat down, the conversation only revolved around how great the band was.

The next hour passed swiftly as she and Marika were up on the dance floor as often as Lee and Dana. She mastered the two-step, thrilled to each slow dance, and even tried a polka. That attempt left both women laughing as they headed back to their table to catch their breath. Rhi dropped into her chair, and Marika placed a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up at her dance partner, the lawyer gestured towards the back of the club.

"Just going to the washroom. I'll be back in a moment, okay?"

Rhi nodded her understanding and watched as the graceful woman made her way through the crowd. When she realized where her gaze had settled, she flushed and grabbed for her drink. Embarrassed by her own reaction, she stared at the tabletop, sure her blush could be seen across the club. Grateful that their friends were still up on the floor, she drew in a deep breath trying to calm herself.

Chaotic thoughts and emotions tumbled over themselves, and she turned the bottle in her hand wondering if she could blame the alcohol for what she was feeling. But she knew she wasn't even tipsy, having barely sipped her way to a third cooler. Resolutely, she decided she would think about all this later when her head was clearer, and the company and the atmosphere wasn't influencing her.

Blindly staring at the bottle, she never even noticed when a woman came up and knelt beside her.

"Hi," the sandy haired woman said, as she leaned on Rhi's chair. "Would you like to dance?"

Startled, Rhi looked at the woman who was regarding her expectantly. She was a pleasant looking woman with friendly, open, blue eyes, and she waited patiently for an answer.

"Um, I..." Before Rhi could stutter out an answer, two familiar hands settled on her shoulders.

The stranger glanced up. "Oh, sorry," she said, standing and smiling apologetically. "Didn't know she was taken." She nodded amiably and retreated into the crowd.

Rhi looked up to where a somber Marika was staring after the stranger. When the lawyer glanced down, Rhi smiled at her. "Saving me from suitors?"

Marika's eyes softened and she grinned back. "Only if you want me to. Did you want to dance with her?"

The smaller woman laid her hands over the ones still lightly resting on her shoulders and teased, "Nope. I've just barely got you broken in."

That got her a laugh, and Marika offered her a hand. "Well then, let's hit the floor again."

The rest of the night passed swiftly, and by the time the band called the final dance, Rhi's feet were sore from the unfamiliar workout. Moving slowly in her partner's arms for the last dance, she was completely contented. When it ended, Marika led her off the floor to join Lee and Dana, and the four joined the slow-moving crowd exiting the club.

Rhi didn't even realize until they'd emerged outside that the lawyer was still holding her hand. She glanced shyly at the other woman and down at their interlocked hands. Marika instantly loosened her grip and shrugged sheepishly.

"Um, sorry."

"No problem."

They didn't say anymore as they headed for the car, but Rhi found herself unconsciously curling her hand, seeking the lost warmth. Once inside the car, Dana fastened her seat belt and asked, "Where to first?"

Marika turned to Rhi and said earnestly. "It's past two AM. Why don't you stay at my place tonight, and I'll run you home in the morning, okay?"

Rhi thought for a second. She could probably sneak into her aunt's house without being detected, but the thought of returning there after such a wonderful day was abhorrent.

"Yeah, all right. But only if I take the day bed this time. I'm not putting you out of your own bed again."

For a moment, Rhi thought Marika was going to say something, but she only turned to Dana and said, "Can you drop us both at my place?"

"Not a problem," Dana said cheerfully as she put the car in gear. The ride to Marika's condo was quiet, the women too tired now from the full, busy day to talk.

Rhi and Marika bid a quiet goodnight to Lee and Dana, then disappeared into the building.

Lee looked at her partner speculatively. "Am I right?"

Dana nodded slowly. "Could be, my love."

"You don't seem too happy about it."

The stocky nurse sighed. "I like Rhiannon. You know that."

"But?"

"But I'm worried. What if she's only experiencing her first crush and it really doesn't have anything to do with Rika? What if our friend loses her heart to that little girl, only to have it crushed again when Rhi moves on? Honey, I'm not sure how many more times that can happen before Rika doesn't have much left to crush."

Lee sat silently, absorbing her partner's words. Then slowly she said, "From what I saw tonight, they at least deserve a chance. There was a helluva lot chemistry crackling out on that dance floor."

"Uh huh. I'm not denying that, hon. I'm just not sure it'll be enough."

"Ughh," Lee groaned. "I'm too tired to think about this tonight. Let's go home."

Dana chuckled and put the car into gear. "Okay. I have to go soak my feet anyway."

"All that walking and dancing wore them out, eh?" Lee offered with a grin.

Dana raised one eyebrow wryly. "Sure, love. Let's go with that."

They laughed together as they headed for their home.

Continued in Chapter 17