F:\ausxip.com\fanfic9\the apartment grande finale.htm

DISCLAIMERS: This is an original work, the story and the characters of which belong strictly to me.

This portion of The Apartment is rated NC17 for adult content. There are scenes of sexual, emotional and spiritual intimacy between two consenting adult women. If this is illegal in your neck of the woods or you are under age..... SCAT!

I would like to acknowledge the great Irving Berlin, who composed the music and lyrics to my mom's favorite song, "Always", which is used in this story at no financial gain to myself.

I'd like to dedicate this to all the readers who have stuck with me from the beginning. Your loyalty and unerring support is deeply appreciated. Lena

THE APARTMENT

Grande Finale

Lena

p1377@webtv.net

The women raced around the house, cleaning and straightening and checking the ducks roasting in the oven for the umpteenth time, both wanting desperately to make a good impression on the Priest that was coming to spend the day with them. Andy was driving Fr. Pierre up from New Orleans and was slated to arrive by eleven in the morning.

"Boss, you'd better relax before you wear yourself out. I can take care of lunch." Sandra wrapped her long arms around her speeding lover's slim waist to stop the perpetual motion of the tiny body racing from room to room.

"But, I still have to put the brown rice on the stove. Then I need to prepare the spinach with sliced almonds in about thirty minutes. What about the ginger and orange..... sauce?" Josie turned in Sandy's arms and lost her train of thought when she fell into the depths of soft blue eyes that flickered with desire and amusement. "I...uh...mmmmmm." Sandra leaned down and captured succulent lips in a passion filled kiss, slipping her tongue into inviting warmth. When the need for air overcame her, Sandra retreated and gave Josie a self satisfied grin.

"It was the only way I could think of to stop you. You're like a hurricane when you get your teeth into something."

Josie just looked into Sandra's eyes and smiled.

"I want you to go take a hot soak, while I finish up in the kitchen. I'll join you in a few. Ok?" Sandra stated as she gently stroked her lover's face.

Josie let out a long sigh, realizing Sandra was right. "Ok. I'll meet you in the tub shortly."

"Thanks, boss."

***

Lunch was a friendly affair, with Andy, Sandra and Fr. Pierre reminiscing about old times, telling stories of all the mischief the tall beauty got into as a toddler. Josie got over her initial nervousness and enjoyed the embarrassing stories of her lover immensely. After they ate and the girls cleaned up the kitchen, Josie and Andy retired to the back porch with their café' au lait as Sandra gave their guest the grand tour of the property and it's gardens.

Fr. Pierre was glad to have this time alone with Sandra. He remembered the adventurous, loving child she'd been, and the shell of a woman she'd become. He watched as she fell into the depths of depression and self loathing in the bottom of a bottle. Then he was there to lend a hand as she crawled through the AA program and into sobriety. She was fond of telling him that God brought her to AA and AA brought her back to God. It taught her how to utilize her faith. But it wasn't until today that he saw her truly happy.

They walked through the gardens enjoying the peace of the pastoral setting. The quiet only broken by the Priest inquiring the names of certain plants he found particularly attractive. When they reached the pond, Sandra motioned to Fr. Pierre to sit next to her on the old concrete bench.

"So, tell me about Josie." The Priest inquired.

Sandra took a deep breath and, with an huge smile on her face began. "She's kind, loving, understanding, generous, smart and very adorable." Sandra looked down at her feet, deep in thought. Her features sobered as she took a deep breath and sighed. "She's given me a whole new life, a whole new beginning. She knows all about my past and she still loves me." She stopped to catch her breath, glancing at Fr. Pierre's compassionate gaze, then continued. "Father....., when I look into her eyes I can see my future, I feel hope, I feel safe." Sandra hadn't wanted to cry, but the tears were sliding down her cheeks.

"When Antoine died I thought my life was over. I felt dead. There was no joy in living and no hope I'd ever know happiness again." Fr. Pierre took her hand in his, offering support. "But now, thanks to that tiny woman in there, that's all changed. I've never been more content than I am now." Sandra turned to look into moist eyes. "I love her more than I ever thought it possible to love anyone. I want to proclaim that love to the world. It's beautiful. She's beautiful. She is the greatest blessing in my life. I want to marry her. I want my God and my loved ones there to witness our union. Can you perform our ceremony, Father?"

Fr. Pierre patted the trembling hand he still held as he seriously considered her request. "I can see the difference Josie's made in you, my dear. For one, you haven't said that many words at one time since you were a child." Both he and Sandy smiled. "You know, the Catholic Church does not recognize gay marriages and teaches that homosexuality is a sin." There was a pregnant pause as Sandra hung her head and the tears began to fall anew. "However, I cannot see how loving as you two obviously do could be wrong. She's made you happy. I can see that. She's given you a reason for living. For that I am eternally grateful to her. I will bless your union. It cannot be, however, inside the Catholic Church."

"Oh, Father, thank you, thank you. We want to have a small ceremony here in our garden. If that's Ok with you." Sandra's tears of joy were streaming down her face.

"That sounds lovely. Just tell me when and I'll be there. Now, how's about we join your mother and your bride to be for a little toddy." Fr. Pierre pulled Sandra into a hug and walked by her side back to the house. He felt great pride in this young woman he'd seen through so much hell on earth and in himself for doing the right thing in the eyes of God, if not the Church.

***

The four friends sat together on the porch, drinking their coffee, a little drop of Jack Daniels in the Priest's, and planning the last details of the wedding. All of them elated that everything was going so well.

Sandra grabbed the phone as the others chatted away. "Well, Bon jour, Tony. Comment sa va?"

"Oooh, tres bien." The tall beauty smiled.

"Elle est tres jolie, mon frere." She looked admiringly at her lover.

"Mais oui. Beaucoup Oooh, la, la, la." Josie wondered what was being said on the other end that could make Sandra's cheeks blush so red.

"Quelle histoire!" Sandra had been looking around at her eaves droppers and decided to let them in on the conversation. "Un moment."

"It's Tony. He and Mary will be able to come down for the week of the wedding. But, he says he had to move mountains to arrange it." Sandra rolled her shining blue eyes.

"We'll have the apartment all ready for you, little brother. Oui, moi aussi. A bientot." Sandra hung up the phone as she caught a glimpse of her mother glaring at her.

"He couldn't talk any longer, Momma. He was in a hurry. He said to give you his love."

Josie sat staring at her lover as if she'd grown another head. "What? What'd I do, dawlin?" Sandra teased.

"I just never heard you speak french before. I mean, you just never do."

Sandra's cheeks blushed again.

"Mais, Oui. As much as I tried to teach my little girl to speak her lovely Acadian growing up, she always insisted that "American's spoke English." Andre' Broussard made a face at her blushing daughter.

"I only speak french to Tony. It's a habit we got into in school to keep secrets from the other kids. I don't hardly remember it anymore, but, understand more than I can speak." Sandra said.

"I think it's cute that you and your brother had such a special relationship." Josie grinned. "I can't wait to meet him."

"You two are gonna be a handful together." Sandra shook her head in mock dismay.

"Oooh, I wish I could be a fly on the wall to watch this." The Priest retorted. Josie chuckled and slapped her hand on Fr. Pierre's knee who was grinning widely.

"I have many stories to share with you, Josie, about the antics of those two sprites. She was fearless, always following her daddy around, climbing ladders onto the roof to "help" him work, and poor little Tony following right behind her. Of course he, being barely more than a toddler, was always the one getting banged up...."

"Yeah, and I was always the one who got sent to Fr. Pierre to discuss the error of my ways, leading my little brother into danger. Hehehe, but he loved it. He was such a "monkey see, monkey do". Once, when mom was at work, I tried on her favorite yellow dress, pearl necklace, earrings, heels, lipstick, the works. I thought I was "the cat's pajamas" walking around the house, admiring myself in every mirror. I was careful to put her stuff away and wash my face before she came home. You can imagine my horror when after we all ate supper and mom and dad and I are sitting in the parlor watching TV and in walks Tony looking like a "mini madam" from the "red light district". Yeah, I got punished for that one too." Sandra sighed, dramatically. "Little brothers get away with everything. Life's just not fair." She pouted as her lover snorted in laughter.

"That's enough playing, children, we have a wedding to plan. So, it will be here, yes?" Asked Andre'.

"Yes. June 3^rd. We'd better have it in the morning so I don't poop out on y'all." Josie said.

"How is 1130. Is that too early to get people to drive up from New Orleans?" Sandra suggested.

"Not for me. How about you, Pierre?" Andre' asked.

"1130 is good for me, especially since you're driving." The Priest grinned.

Andy rolled her eyes. "Then 1130 it is. Now, what shall you wear? I still have my wedding dress in the cedar chest at home....."

"No! No way. I wore that the first time I got married and look what happened. That dress put the gris gris on me.....the boss and I will go shopping for a nice suit. Something I can wear again on a special occasion. What do you think?" Sandra looked over at her partner.

"Sounds good to me. I've had my eye on a little deep green number, should fall just above my knee, with my pearls and some open toed pumps. I've been dying for an excuse to buy that dress and I sure can't think of a better reason to spend the big bucks." Josie grinned and wiggled her eye brows.

"Deep green in June! You should wear something light and lacy." Andy complained.

"Mom, it's our wedding. We'll wear what we want. Ok?" Sandra gently defended her lover.

'Oh, mon Dieu! Ok. I'll butt out." Andre' huffed and pouted as she drank her café au lait.

"Merci, Momma. Merci tres beaucoup." Sandra said leaning over to patt her mother's hand.

"Food! We need to feed our guests." Josie piped up.

"You don't really want to cook the morning of our wedding, do you?" Sandra asked non-plussed

"Not really, but we can't ask people all the way out here and not feed them."

"May I speak?" Andre' raised her hand as if in grade school.

Sandra sighed at her mother's sarcasm.

"Please do." Josie beckoned.

"Why not let me do the cooking. I can prepare everything in advance and then stick it in the oven and microwave at your house while the ceremony is going on."

"Mom, I don't want you slaving away in the kitchen while the most important event of my life is happening." Sandra said sincerely as she shook her head.

"Wait! I've got it. You know that waitress over at The Mill." Josie stated excitedly. "What's her name....ummmm.....Daphne! She told me to keep her in mind if I ever had a catered affair. She cooks and serves, as long as you provide the silverware and dishes."

"That's right. And, she's really nice. Momma could cook a few dishes, freeze them and just bring them to the house in the morning. Daphne can take it from there. What do you think Mom?" Sandra asked.

"Sounds perfect. So what do you want to feed your guests?" Andre' loved being an integral part of her daughter's wedding day.

The group spent the rest of the afternoon on menus and decorating ideas until it was time for Andre' to return Fr. Pierre to St. Anthony's. All four were filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation over the coming nuptials.

***

After cleaning the kitchen and wrapping the leftovers in "silver paper" and putting them safely away in the "ice box", the lovers slipped out of their clothes and into the inviting bubbles of the hot tub.

"It's really happening, just like we dreamt it." Josie said as she snuggled deep into her lover's strong embrace, feeling soft breasts slide against her back.

"Yeah, it is. Wow! We are really getting married, boss. And by my Parish Priest no less." Sandra kissed Josie's golden head. "It all feels like a wonderful dream. But, if it is a dream, I don't ever want to wake up."

"It's not a dream, love. It may, however, be a miracle." Josie gently chuckled as she raised a long elegant hand to her lips. "I've never been happier in my entire life.....Thank you." Josie whispered as a tear leaked from her sea-green eyes.

Sandra sensed the shift in her partner's mood and held her tighter as she kissed her slightly too warm cheek. "I love you, Josie, more than anything else in this whole wide world, but right now you need to get some sleep and I need to hit the books. Still have two finals to go this week and then I'm done. Good gravy, I can't believe it's almost over." Sandra shook her head in amazement.

"Not over yet, nursie. You still have to pass State Boards." Josie piped up.

Sandra let out a loud groan. "I don't even want to think about that..... Come on, blondie, let's get you tucked in." Sandra helped her obviously over tired lover out of the hot tub and took great delight in toweling her naked body dry, having to remind herself that she couldn't afford to flunk her finals just to have a torrid night of passion with this petite goddess. She groaned again as she wrapped the object of her desires in the terry cloth robe and sent her off to bed as she headed off to study.

***

"Hey, Sandy, sweetheart, wake up. You'll be late for your exams." Josie prodded. Sandra was still sitting at the dining table her head resting on a long outstretched arm, sleeping soundly. 'I guess I'll have to use the "secret weapon". With that, Josie turned on the coffee pot, lit the fire underneath the wrought iron skillet and proceeded to make café au lait with french toast.

Sandra began to stir, the aroma of breakfast tickling her senses and making her tummy growl with need. The raven haired beauty lifted her head, sucking in a breath at the painful stiffness in her neck and back.

"Morning glory." Josie cheerfully greeted.

"Hmmmm, morning. OH..... SHIT! What time is it!?!" Sandra began to panic.

"It's 0630. Your exam's not til 0800. So, you're ok." Josie placed Sandra's breakfast in front of her and smiled as her lover looked at the offering with childlike glee.

"You spoil me, boss. And, I love it." Sandra took a big swallow of her coffee and practically purred as it slid down her throat.

The two women chatted over breakfast and generally enjoyed each other's company, expressing their mutual affection by soft touches and longing looks that they weren't even aware of.

"What are you going to do till I get home?" Sandra asked.

"I'm gonna buy me a fancy weddin dress, ma'm." Josie's "redneck" accent left much to be desired.. "Then, I thought I'd talk to Daphne. I hope she's free June 3rd."

"Gee, I hadn't even thought about that. I hope so too. Gotta hop in the shower and head out." Sandra leaned over to kiss Josie's soft cheek. "See you about lunchtime. Love you." Sandra said as she rushed away.

***

Josie arrived home with her new dress, a definite commitment from Daphne and an hour to spare to put her plans into action.

"Hello? May I speak to Tony Broussard, please?" Josie asked.

"Speaking."

"Tony, hey, this is Josie. Your future sister- in- law."

"Oh my gawd! How the hell are ya , cher!?!" Tony said in the thickest "yat" accent he could muster.

"Oh no. Not another one. What are you and Sandra, clones?" Josie laughed out loud.

"Wait till you see us together. We even look alike. So, to what do I owe the privilege?" Tony asked.

"I want you and Mary to come in a little early, say May 26^th. Your sister's graduation ceremony is at 7 p.m. and I'm having a celebration for her at the house. It's a surprise and I know she'd be thrilled to have you here. What do you think? Can y'all make it?" Josie asked excitedly.

"You bet we'll make it. We have some celebrating of our own to do." Tony answered.

"Oh yeah? What are you two celebrating, if I may ask?"

"I'm gonna be a daddy, an honest to God, father. Aaah...Eeeeeeee!" Tony did his best Cajun yell.

"That's wonderful, Tony! Congratulations brother-in-law. I can't wait to tell Sandy. She's going to be ecstatic." Josie gushed.

"You can tell Sandy, but don't tell my mother. I want to surprise her."

"You'll surprise her alright." Josie chuckled. "Look, I've gotta run. Your sister will be home any minute. Whoops! Too late. Hold on." Josie held the phone close enough for Tony to hear the conversation and follow Josie's lead. "Hey sweetheart. Guess who I've got on the phone?" Sandra looked at her lover with a puzzled expression. "Your little brother has some really big news for you. Here, Tony, I'll let you tell your sister, personally. It was nice talking to you and I look forward to seeing you and Mary at the wedding." Josie held the phone out to her lover.

"Hey Tony, where y'at dawlin? What's up?" Sandra blurted as she set her book bag down on the dining table, pulled out a chair and plopped her weary body down.

"You sitting down, sis? You don't want to be standing for this one." Tony laughed gleefully.

"I'm sitting."

"I'm gonna be a father. Mary's pregnant. And, I did it." Tony laughed with joy and pride.

Sandra's face was unreadable as she sat up straight and stared at the receiver. "Wow, little brother. Mary's gonna have a baby?"

"Yeah. But I had something to do with it too." Tony whined.

"Congratulations, Tony. That's great news. I'm very happy for the two of you.....Have you told Mom yet?"

"No, I was going to wait til the wedding and surprise her."

"Antoine Broussard don't you dare do that. You call our mother right now and tell her she's going to be a grandmother....again. If she thinks we kept important news like this from her, she'll have both our hides."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll call her after I get off the phone with you."

"You'd better. How far along is Mary?"

"She's nine weeks today. We didn't want to say anything until we were sure she and the baby were doing alright."

"I understand. Look, Tony, give Mary my love and tell her how happy I am for the two of you. I'll see you in a few weeks. Ok?"

Tony was a bit confused by his sister's tone. "Ok. Sure. We'll be seeing you. A bientot."

"Love you, bye." Sandra slowly hung up the phone as if in a daze.

Josie took the phone from her lover's slightly trembling hand, then pulled a chair up next to her. "Are you alright?" Josie asked as she cupped Sandra's cheek with her left hand and tilted her face to look into the blue eyes she loved. Sandra was being swamped by a wave of mixed emotions, not all of which she understood. She turned her head away.

"I need to take Rover for a walk. I've been neglecting him lately." Sandra said as she quickly stood and walked to the door. "I'll be back in a little while." She turned on her heel and left

Josie sighed heavily, stunned by Sandra's unusual behavior. 'What was that all about.'

***

"Come on Rover, old buddy. Let's take a run. Whatta ya say?" Sandy leaned down to ruffle the scruffy dog's fur encouraging him to follow her down the path as she jogged through the gardens and off into the woods.

Harder and harder she pumped the muscles in her long legs until she felt them burn with the strain and still she ran. Her lungs worked like a bellows forcing the thick humid, hot summer air in an out. Tears burned her eyes, blurring the view of the path before her, as she tried to runaway from the icy pain in her soul. On and on she ran until she felt the odd shape upon which her right foot landed and the sickening pain in her ankle as she fell into the deep red azaleas. The intensity of her physical pain allowed the dam to open and her psychic pain to spring forth. She howled out her grief as memories of her son filled her consciousness. Over and over again with each agonizing breath she took, she saw his face, smelled his hair, felt small arms hugging her neck and soft lips kiss her cheek. All the joy she'd never know again burned like a hot poker in her heart.

Rover walked around his friend several times, obviously upset and confused by her behavior, and, not knowing what to do, the dog lay down in front of her as close as he could, allowing her to hug him and cry into his soft fur until she was exhausted.

***

Josie busied herself making a couple of Reuben sandwiches to share with her lover for lunch. Sandra's earlier strange behavior concerned her. 'I thought she'd be happy for Tony and Mary. I didn't realize..... God, she must be missing Antoine something fierce and is jealous that her brother will have a child soon and she never will again. Of course, that's not necessarily the case. Gay couples have children all the time these days. That's what sperm banks are for. I hear you can even pick out the child's coloring and nationality. When she gets back we can discuss it.' Josie pondered to herself as she fixed a cup of coffee and went to read on the porch.

Josie had finished her coffee, having read for at least thirty minutes and got up to refill her cup when a terrible feeling of anxiety overwhelmed her, causing her to nearly drop the empty cup from her trembling hand. 'Oh my God, Sandy!'

She didn't know how she knew, but she knew Sandy needed her. She grabbed her cell phone, ran to the garage and started up the tractor/ mower she used to keep the acreage around her home groomed and took off as fast as it's 28 horse power would carry her down the walking trail, calling for her lover and Rover, the mongrel stray that had adopted them, praying she'd find them both unharmed.

***

After several long minutes, Sandra was able to collect herself and sat up, with some effort, to assess the damage. She tenderly rolled up her pant's leg to see her right ankle. "Oh shit!" The exhausted beauty sighed, tentatively touching the bruised and swollen ankle and foot. She tried to stand, but the pain that shot up her leg caused her to fall flat on her buttocks as she yelled out in pain and frustration.

"Rover, if you were Lassie I could send you home to get help. Too bad we never let you watch old reruns on TV." Sandra smirked as she realized she'd have to crawl back to the house on her hands and knees. "That's just great. Shit! Sandra, you screw everything up. SHIT!!!" Sandra yelled out at the top of her lungs inadvertently attracting Josie's attention, who pointed the tractor in her direction and honked the horn to tell her she was coming.

Josie put the tractor in neutral as she climbed down and raced to her lover's side. Sandra sat on the ground, holding her aching ankle, her face smeared with dirt and streaked with tears.

"Sandy, you ok?..... What happened?" Josie asked as she knelt down close to her friend so she could touch her.

"I was running and tripped. I think I busted my ankle." Sandra tried not to cry anymore, but the nearness of her lover made that a difficult battle.

"Let me see." Josie assessed the damage. "Yep, we need to get you to the emergency room for X-rays. I don't think it's broken, but it sure is sprained good. I'll drive the tractor closer so you can pull yourself up. I'll sit on your lap and drive her."

Josie retrieved the tractor and helped her lover crawl up into the seat. "What makes me think I'm not gonna enjoy this ride." Sandra groaned.

"Well, let's see. Could it be an aversion to pain?" Josie grinned as she sat on her lover's lap and directed them back toward the house.

***

"Well Mrs. Abbott, you are a lucky woman. No bones broken or torn connective tissue, according to your MRI, but you have quite a sprain there. I'm going to give you a prescription for Darvocet-N-100 and Motrin. I want you to start with the Motrin and then alternate the two. We should be able to control the pain and swelling better that way. Now, when you get home keep it elevated and ice it down for about the first thirty six hours at twenty minute intervals, then alternate heat and ice. Do you know how to use these crutches?" The doctor handed them to his patient.

"Yes, sir." Sandra winced as the doctor applied a soft brace to her swollen extremity.

"Good. Now, stay off of it. I want to see you in two weeks. If you have any trouble, let me know." The emergency room physician finished tightening the velcro straps to his satisfaction and left the room.

"Your limousine awaits, Madame." Josie pushed a wheelchair up next to Sandra and locked the wheels as she helped her friend into it and handed her the crutches to hold. "Let's go home. I'm starving."

"Me too...... Home Josephine." Sandra commanded, haughtily.

"Yes, Madame." The two friends giggled brightly. All the angst of earlier that day temporarily forgotten.

***

"MmmmmMmmm, that was beyond a doubt the most delicious stale Reuben sandwich I've ever eaten." Sandy smacked her lips and winked at the cook.

"Why thank you ma'm. Would Madame care for anything else?" Josie responded in her best Geeves accent.

"Yes, actually, Madame would like very much for you to straddle her lap and give her passionate kisses. Since both of us just ate the same lunch, Madame doesn't feel the need to go brush Madame's teeth." Sandra wiggled her eyebrows and gave Josie her best lascivious grin.

Josie crawled upon her lover's lap, careful not to hurt her injured ankle. "This is highly irregular I must say. Oh yes, this is definitely sexual harassment." The little blonde mock complained as Sandra unbuttoned her blouse and pressed her lips between firm breasts.

"Do you mind waiting an hour or so before reporting my horrendous behavior to your lawyer?" Sandra replied as she took deep breaths of her lovers spicy clean sent.

"Well, I don't know..... Oh! Hmmmmm." Sandra's large hands covered Josie's breasts through her bra, thumbs tracing over hardening nipples.

"I tell you what. You please me really well and we'll forget all about it." Josie reached her hands into dark shiny hair and tilted Sandra's head to reach red lips with her mouth. She licked and tasted them before allowing Sandra to do the same.

Sandra reached her long arms behind her lover's back, unhooked the bra, quickly baring Josie's entire upper body, never releasing the lips she was exploring.

Josie pulled back so Sandra could feast her eyes and mouth upon her sensitive flesh, moaning at the exquisite arousal caused by her lover's tongue gently licking and taunting the sweet nipples.

"Off." Josie could only blurt out the one command as her fingers struggled to pull Sandra's t-shirt over her dark head. Leaning back as far as she could, Sandra unsnapped her jeans, releasing her shirt and helped Josie remove it Josie was relieved to see Sandy's bra clasp was in front and quickly disposed of the barrier to her lust. Slightly full breasts, somewhat larger than her own, with dark erect nipples filled her senses. "You are so beautiful, my love. You take my breath away." Josie stroked the soft breasts with the back of her fingers, amazed that the nipples became more taut. Sandra shivered as a delicious jolt went directly from her nipples to her clit and she felt the wetness begin to leak from her vagina.

"I need you Josie. Help me get my jeans down." Josie crawled off of Sandy's lap and helped her pull down the jeans and gently glide them over her injured ankle. "Now take off your's." Sandra watched her lover strip for her as she pulled her own panties off and beckoned Josie to straddle her hips again.

The feel of flesh on flesh was thrilling for the women and they kissed passionately, deeply, taking turns sucking each other's tongue as they pinched and stroked hardened nipples, sweat glistened on their bodies.

Josie pulled back to gaze into Sandra's eyes as she slid her hand from her breasts to her bush and felt the erect nub of her clitoris. Sandra sucked in air as the touch was electrifying. She reached for Josie's sex, but her hand was pushed away. "You first, love. I want to watch you come for me, sweetheart." Josie found watching her lover very exciting, from the little beads of sweat that popped out on her brow to the flush upon her chest and the dilating of the pupils in those gorgeous blue eyes. She stroked and licked the tempting breasts as she dipped two fingers into Sandra's vagina, coating them with her nectar, then stroking her engorged clit. Sandra grasped Josie's buttocks with her strong hands as she pumped her pelvis to the rhythm of Josie's touch.

"Oh, God, Josie..... Don't stop.....

Josie nearly laughed at this demand. 'I couldn't stop now if I tried. God you're beautiful'.

"I'm..... Mmmmm. I'm gonna come.....Uhng..... Aaaahhhh!!!" Sandra's head fell back as she relished each after shock of her orgasm at her lover's hands.

Josie leaned forward to gently stroke and kiss her beloved's face. "I love you, Sandy. Forever and always. I promise."

Sandra raised her hand behind Josie's curly head and pulled her into a deep passionate kiss as her other hand reached between trembling legs to stroke her lover's engorged sex. She smiled to discover her clitoris very hard and slick with arousal. Josie put both hands behind her lover's head and deepened the kiss, tongues dueling for dominance. Her hips pumped of their own accord as her need was fierce. Sandra sensing her partner's urgency slipped three fingers into her sopping vagina keeping constant contact on her clit with her thumb. Josie pumped wildly as her climax rose from the depths of her being. She pulled her mouth away from Sandra's starved for oxygen and overwhelmed by the need to scream out her orgasm to the skies.

Josie fell upon her lover, totally sated and exhausted. "That was incredible, Sandy. You sure you've never been with a woman before me?" Josie grinned.

"Nope, never. That was quite the "little woody" you had for me boss. I don't ever remember your clitoris being that engorged before."

"Little woody!?!" Josie was giggling so hard, she had to roll off of her lover to avoid accidentally harming her ankle, which was still elevated on the coffee table. "Oh Sandy. You say the most adorable things. Did you know that?" Josie looked with loving amusement at her embarrassed partner.

Sandra reached down to retrieve her panties and jeans, struggling to slip them on without causing herself great pain and looking even sillier than she already felt.

"Awe sweetheart. I was just teasing you. Don't be upset with me. I think that's just about the cutest expression I've ever heard." Josie leaned over to touch her lover's forearm.

Sandra zipped her jeans and flopped back down beside her concerned friend. "I'm sorry. Everything seems to be getting to me today." The tall beauty pouted.

Josie got up and dressed, then sat upon the arm of the sofa so she could look Sandra in the eye. "You want to talk about it? This all started when your brother told us about Mary's pregnancy. What was going on in that beautiful head of yours, huh?" Josie asked gently as she ran a finger down her lover's jaw.

Sandy's tears began to fall anew as she looked away from her partner. "I'm a terrible person. I don't know why you want to marry me."

"Hey!" Josie grasped Sandra's chin and forced her to look into her fiery green eyes. "You are not a bad person. And I happen to love you very much. So tell me what you could possibly be thinking."

Sandra sniffled and her hands balled into fists. "It's so unfair. Tony gets to raise his child and love his child and I'll never see my Antoine alive again. I'll never hear him laugh or feel him hug my neck or tell him a bedtime story..... And, SHIT!!!..... It hurts!..... It still hurts so much, Josie." Josie pulled the distraught woman into her arms and kissed her head as she let loose her grief.

"I know, Sandy. I'm so sorry. If I could bring your son back to you....., I'd do anything....." Josie's own tears took her breath away.

"I am happy for Tony, Josie, I really am. I just feel so..... cheated.."

"I know you are, sweetheart. I know." Josie kissed the dark head and took a deep breath before broaching the subject of their family.

"Sandra, you know.....sometime.....if you want to.....we could start a family of our own." Josie held her breath not knowing how her emotionally fragile partner would react. Not getting an immediate negative response, she plodded on. "Lesbian couples do it all the time. They either have a family member donate the sperm, or use a sperm bank. It's not that big an ordeal these days, Sandy. You're still a young woman. You shouldn't have any trouble carrying another child. You're in great shape and with your working as an RN and my income from my investments, we should be able to put enough aside for education and all that. We would never need to place our child in day care, because I'd always be here to take care of it while you're at work."

Sandra pulled back from her lover and searched her eyes for any sign Josie was just trying to placate her. She saw none. "You've never mentioned any desire to have children with me before, Josie. That's a huge commitment."

"Sweetheart, I told you that the only reason I married my ex-husband was my desire to have children. When that didn't work out, I made up my mind not to pine for what I couldn't have. But, now, with you, I may be able to have everything I've ever wanted..... Listen to me, Sandy. I love you. I have committed my life to your happiness. Whether or not we raise a family together, I will be with you. But, if you want children, I'll be there to help rear them into the best little human beings they can be." Josie smiled broadly.

Sandra shook her head in amazement. She'd never allowed herself to dream she could find love, and now she was being presented with the opportunity to experience motherhood again, healthy and sober. "Thank you, Josie. You are the greatest gift I've ever received or ever hope to receive in this life...... We don't have to decide this today. We are both exhausted. But, it's wonderful to know you feel that way." Sandra lifted her hand to stroke the face of her beloved. "When the right time comes we'll know and in the meantime I think I need to go to some AA meetings and talk with my sponsor. See if I can get a grip on these feelings."

"I am so very proud of you, Sandy. I'll be here if you need me." Josie hugged her tightly.

"I believe you will, boss. I really do believe you will..... Imagine that." Sandra took a deep breath as more tears rolled down her flushed cheeks. "Look....., I'm on emotional overload. What do you say to the two of us curling up on our nice soft bed and taking a nap together, hmmmm?" Long fingers stroked Josie's cheek.

"You read my mind." Josie sighed and helped Sandra navigate on her new crutches.

***

The next two weeks were spent with Josie chasing after her recalcitrant lover, preventing calamity at every turn of a crutch. Exams were a glowing success, the results guaranteeing Sandra a spot on the Dean's List. The very proud woman was able to make State Boards and her commencement rehearsals with Josie's help. The swelling in her foot and ankle had much improved, but left an ugly yellowish/green cast to the skin.

"She'll still need her crutches for the next week to ten days." The doctor said. "If you don't over do it, you should be walking on your own two feet by the end of the month with no pain." Their was a collective sigh of relief.

***

The two women relaxed on the porch, sipping iced tea with lemon, trying to battle the stifling heat of late May. "Thank God that's the last Commencement rehearsal we need to go to. I bet that rehearsal was longer than the actual ceremony." Sandra fanned herself and gulped down her iced tea.

"Well, we'll find out Friday. I've got your cap and dress whites hanging in the hall closet all nice and neat. What do you say to your Mom and Fr. Pierre coming over for a little celebration after the ceremony. I could have some finger sandwiches and wine. Nothing fancy. You'll be starving by time we get home. You have to be at the Hall for 1815 and the Commencement doesn't start till 1900." Josie said.

"Sounds good. You'd better order enough sandwiches for the weekend. I love those things." Sandra grinned.

"You betcha. How about some of those little meat balls too?"

"Oooh, yeah. And chips with salsa?" Sandra suggested hopefully.

"Anything for the new grad." Josie set her tea down and crawled up into her lover's lap. "Have I told you just how proud I am of you? Because I am so very proud." Josie took Sandra's right hand into her two smaller one's. "You've overcome so much in your life, my friend, and remained a loving generous woman. I've never known anyone to try so hard to be all she could be against such odds. I am honored that you want to spend the rest of your life with me...." Josie took a deep breath to speak passed the lump in her throat. "I love you Sandy. And I would be honored if when we get married next weekend....., well....., if we could both change our last names....." Josie sniffled and looked into her lover's confused, hopeful gaze.

"You want us both to change our names?"

"Yes. If it's alright with you..... I'd like us both to change our last names to Broussard."

"Sandra stared dumfounded at her lover, not knowing what to say. Her heart filled with love and joy to the point of bursting.

Taking Sandra's silence as meaning she'd made a faux pas, Josie rushed on to explain herself more fully. "It's because, well.... Our marriages before were mistakes. I want to let go of the past, of Abbott and Ladner, and move on. We are starting a new life, a new beginning, together as a family."

"But, why not Bossetta? That's a beautiful name." Sandra quietly asked.

"You've gotta be kidding! No..... Thank you. That's sweet of you, but, as much as I love my Mother, she's not much of one. I'd rather we take your maiden name in honor of your Mom. She's been wonderful to us and represents everything I wish we could be someday for our children. What do you think? Is that Ok with you.....?" Josie looked up hopefully into Sandra's soft blue eyes filled with adoration.

Sandra pulled Josie into a tight hug, kissed her golden curls and, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks, whispered, "Yes."

Josie pulled back so she could hold Sandra's wet cheeks in her small hands and lay a chaste kiss upon her lips. "Good. I'll call my lawyer and have the papers prepared for us to sign at the wedding ceremony."

"You really do love me and believe in me?" The insecure beauty asked, timidly.

Josie was struck by the hope and fear dancing across her lover's face. "You are my eyes, Sandra. Please don't doubt how very precious you are to me. I know both of us are highly emotional right now with your graduation and our wedding so close. We have so very much to be grateful for. But, we can't let it get the best of us. Ok?"

"Ok...... Hey, we never discussed a honeymoon. You want to take a trip somewhere? Somewhere cheap!" Sandra laughed, referring to their extremely stretched finances.

"I'd go anywhere with you, lady. Do you have somewhere specific in mind?" Josie inquired.

"Somewhere far away from people and hospitals. Somewhere it isn't 110 degrees in the shade."

Sandra rubbed her iced tea glass against her forehead.

"Can you be a little more specific? Is there something you've always wanted to do or some place you've always wanted to see?"

"Well, I've always wanted to learn how to flyfish. You know, up in the mountains, wading through a fresh water stream, surrounded by giant fur trees." Sandra searched her partner's far off expression. "Not very romantic, huh?"

"Oh, sweetheart, I think that's the perfect honeymoon for us. We can rent a cabin in Colorado and just commune with nature. Whatta ya say?" Josie asked gleefully.

"I'm right witchya dawlin." Sandra retorted.

"Oh brudduh." Both women burst into peels of laughter.

***

"This was a nice idea, Josie. I love this new café. The last thing I want to do is faint from hunger up on that stage this evening."

"Thank you. It was my pleasure entirely. I know how much you like Hannah's salmon quiche. I figured that was something you couldn't turn down, even with a nervous tummy." Josie patt Sandra's hand.

Josie couldn't begin to express to her dear friend how very grateful she was that this night had finally arrived and, so far, without a hitch. She couldn't wait to see Sandra's face when she saw their friend's and family sitting together at her graduation. It had taken a group effort. Beth and Tommy Bergeron were picking up Sandra's brother and sister-in-law at the airport, getting them settled in the apartment. Andre' was bringing Fr. Pierre and Sandra's grandmother all the way from New Iberia. Sandra's AA sponsor, Tammy, and her friend Roger would be there and even Josie's mother agreed to make an effort to come. Josie was nearly as excited as her lover.

Josie dropped Sandra off at school, picked up the sandwiches and Swedish meat balls from the caterers, drove back to her home to collect their family and friends, and lead the way to the Commencement hall. 'So far, so good.' Josie sighed as she parked her car and greeted everyone, making introductions all around, then escorted their group to the closest seating area to the stage that they could all fit in to.

***

"It's uncanny." Josie thought out loud.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" Tony Broussard queried.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was just thinking out loud. The resemblance between you and Sandy is uncanny. I'd know you anywhere." Josie was amazed.

"Yeah, people used to tell us that all the time. We had similar personalities, too, when we were growing up. Of course, she's a lot older than me. But, don't tell her I told you that." Tony chuckled with the bright shiny eyes of the innocent and for just a moment Josie saw what her partner might have been like if life had treated her differently.

"She's going to be so excited when she see's you two. I can't wait to see the look on her face. I have my Canon Sure Shot and two rolls of film to take tonight. I want her to remember this for the rest of her life. I'm so proud of her, I'm afraid I'll burst out crying when I see her." Josie gushed.

"Mais non, don't you start, ma petite. If you cry, I'll cry then ma mere will cry and you don't want to here all that wailing in an enclosed area like this. Oh, mon Dieu.. N'est pas?" Andre' piped in, causing everyone to break into guffaws of laughter instead of tears.

"Andy, you are going to be one hell of a mother-in-law." Josie quipped. "I can't wait to become a member of the Broussard clan."

"And we can't wait to welcome you in, mes ami." Andre' said as she patted Josie's knee.

The ceremony began with several of Sandra's professors giving the same old speeches they gave for every graduating class. Josie tried to stifle several yawns before the students' procession passed down the aisle, each looking clean and crisp in their dress whites and caps. She quickly focused her camera and took several pictures of her partner as she approached. She was especially happy to get the expression of surprise and joy when Sandra saw all her loved ones stand to cheer her on. Tears burst forth from her sparkling blue eyes and a thousand megawatt smile brightened her beautiful face. Josie's heart soared.

***

Josie and Tony sat out on the screened porch, sipping their wine and escaping all the noise and excitement of the party within.

"I'm so glad you came, Tony. I can't tell you how much it means to her. She's crazy about you, you know."

"I know. Believe me when I say, the feeling is mutual. She's the best big sister any boy ever had. If it weren't for Sandy, I wouldn't be where I am now and probably would never have met Mary."

"Why do you say that?" Josie was very interested in the answer to this.

"Well, I met Mary in law school. Sandy worked like a dog to help Mom pay my tuition. She insisted I not work, but that I carry a full load and make good grades. She kept track of all the courses I was taking, when and where my classes were and who my professors were. It was a little embarrassing at first, but it was just cause she wanted so much for me to have my dream. She lost hers when mom forced her to marry Frank and then when my nephew died....., well I didn't know if she'd survive."

"That must have been a nightmare for you all." Josie stated sadly.

Tony nodded his head and seemed to weigh heavily what he was about to say. "I lost her for a long time after that. She crawled inside a bottle a booze and I didn't know if she'd ever come out. She was in agony, Josie. I think if it hadn't been for her faith in God and the fact that I needed her, she'd have blown her brains out. I use to jump every time the phone rang, thinking, 'This is it. She's dead.' I remember holding her on one particularly bad day. She was trying to kick the booze. It was about thirty-six hours since her last drink. Mom and I were allowed to visit her at the rehab center. She'd washed her hair and her clothes were clean, but she looked like death. She was shaking, guzzling coffee and chain smoking." Tony stopped for a moment, his mind's eye focused on the past. "After she'd visited with my mother, she came over to kiss me goodbye. I told her how much I needed her and begged her not to leave me behind. She knew what I meant. She held me so tight I could hardly breathe and said, 'I'm trying little brother. I'm trying with every fiber in my being not to let you down too.' And she kissed my forehead." A tear escaped the blue eyes that were so much like his sister's. "It took some time but she finally did stay sober and moved in with mom. And, only after helping to put me through law school, she went back to pursue the career in Nursing she'd always dreamed of. I'm so grateful to you for believing in her and for helping her to believe in herself..... Thank you, Josie." Tony wiped a tear from his face as he smiled warmly at his new friend.

"You don't have to thank me. That sister of yours gave me a new lease on life. You hear that expression every day, but in my case it couldn't be truer..... I didn't know that Sandy worked to put you through school. She never shared that with me. I wonder why." Josie looked puzzled.

"I'm not surprised. My sister is one of the most humble people I know. She never seemed aware of how beautiful she was or how smart. After dad died, she changed from this happy adventurous young girl to a dark brooding specter around the house. Then, when little Tony died, she just fell apart into a million little pieces. I was so afraid she'd....."

Josie reached out and touched Tony's arm, offering comfort. "She'd never do that Tony. She's insecure at times and is emotionally fragile to a degree, but she's grown so much. She's learned to live in the solutions not in the problems. I think she feels deserving of our love. Still, I intend to remind her every day of our lives together."

"She is one lucky lady to have someone like you."

"Oh, I'd say we're lucky to have each other. And right now, I have to go say my good nights. I wish I'd gotten to talk more with your grandmother before she nodded off."

"Don't worry about it. She fell off as soon as Sandy sat her in that recliner. My mom says Grams is "of an age", which basically means she can't hear, can barely see and sleeps 18 hours a day."

"Oh, Tony, you are terrible. You'll get old someday and when you do, I hope your grandchildren speak more highly of you."

"Just wait till you hear how I talk about you when your Gram's age." Tony laughed.

"I look forward to it, Tony. From your mouth to God's ears." Josie smiled wanly as she hugged her soon to be brother-in-law tightly and returned to the party.

***

"Hey, sweetheart. Can I steal you away for a moment?" Josie asked as she slipped her arm through Sandra's and pulled her away from a philosophical discussion with Tammy, Roger, Beth and Tommy.

"I'm going to turn in." Josie said

"Are you sick? We can send these people home, you know. It's been a great party, but you are much more important." Sandra's beautiful blue eyes were filled with worry.

"No. I'm not sick. But I am tired and I want very much to stay well. Don't let on that I've left the festivities or everyone will feel obligated to leave. Ok?" Josie smiled reassuringly at Sandra.

"Ok. If you are sure."

"I'm sure. Now go enjoy your party. And, Sandy, I'm so very proud of you, my eyes." Josie laid a chaste kiss upon her partner's lips then quietly left the room.

***

"What are you doing?" A very groggy Josie asked her partner.

"Sorry.....um..... I was feeling your forehead for fever." Sandra responded embarrassed that she'd gotten caught being over protective.

"I'm fine. How was the party?" Josie rolled on to her back so she could look at her lover.

"It was a great success. Tony and Mary are upstairs in my old apartment." Sandy answered then let out a huge yawn and changed into an oversized Skooby t-shirt and pushed the pups, who had usurped her territory, off of the bed. "Our mothers seemed to get along very well, although that may give us pause."

"That's scarey." Josie wondered what in the world those two could possibly have in common. Then it dawned upon her....., us.

"Your mom gave me an envelope as a graduation present. It had $200.00 bucks in it. That was so generous of her. I certainly wasn't expecting anything. Just her making the effort to be here was incredible." Sandra said as she slid in next to her lover.

"My mom did that?" Josie questioned in amazement as she turned over and cuddled up against the object of her affections.

"Yeah, she really did. What do you make of that?"

"Maybe there's hope for her yet. Let's go to sleep, sweetheart. I need plenty of rest right now."

Josie said.

"Ok. Sweet dreams. Love you, boss." Sandra kissed the top of a golden head.

"Love you too."

***

"We could have been married last night. Same guest list right down to the Priest." Josie quipped as she whipped up Mexican omelettes for everyone as her partner set the table.

"That's just about right, huh? Good gravy, think of all the money we could have saved." The tall beauty chuckled.

"Oh well, too late now. Ya snooze ya loose." Josie laughed.

Josie walked up behind her lover and slid her arms around her, laying her curly blonde head upon her strong back. "Sandy, sweetheart, I need you to do something for me."

Sandra heard an unsettling tone in Josie's voice and turned in her embrace to look into the eyes she loved. "What is it, boss? You know I'd do anything for you."

"I want you to take my car and bring Tony and Sandy down to New Orleans to visit while I rest. Can you do that for me, love?" Josie looked up into worried blue eyes.

"What's wrong, Josie? Are you getting sick? Do you need me to check your blood sugar?' Sandra felt her heart jump into her throat.

"No, no, now, calm down, Sandy. I'm fine and my blood sugar is normal. I just have that feeling I get when my body needs me to rest to avoid getting sick and I don't want to be sick for our wedding, especially not for that honeymoon." Josie smiled with compassion at her lover's panic. "I just need to be quiet for a few days and get some rest, eat healthfully, read and pack our bags for our honeymoon. That's all I intend to do until Saturday, which I expect will be spent keeping you from fainting." Josie grinned and stroked her lover's face.

"Ok. But, you know how much I hate leaving you when you don't feel well. Maybe I can loan Tony and Mary my bug for the rest of the week and they can do whatever they want." Sandra offered.

"Sandy, they'd be driving in New Orleans in the summer in a VW Bug with no air-conditioning. I thought you loved your brother." Josie looked

"I see your point." Sandra looked perplexed.

"Why don't we loan them the Accord. My insurance will cover anyone driving it. He is a good driver isn't he?"

"Oh, yeah. He was always very responsible." Sandra answered seriously.

"Glad to hear it. So Tony and Mary take the accord to New Orleans and you can spend all your time laying around with me." Josie proclaimed.

"Just laying around?" Sandra wiggled her eyebrows at her lover.

"Hmmmm, we'll see about that."

***

The next few days went according to plan, with Sandra's brother and sister-in-law taking off with the car to visit friends and family in New Orleans, while Josie got lots of rest and packed for their honeymoon in the Rockies. Beth would have custody of Skooby, Doo and Rover, to her sons' great delight, while they were gone.

Sandra took over the task of confirming the caterers, cleaning crew, airline tickets, and reservations, which Josie had already made, so her partner could have a few days of stressless rest.

Everything was in order and Josie was feeling so good that Sandra found herself a very fulfilled woman.

Friday night was spent with Tony and Mary, eating pizza, playing with the puppies and just enjoying the calm before the storm. Sandra had adjusted to Mary's pregnancy and found herself becoming very excited at the prospect of being an aunt as did Josie.

Tony and Mary offered to clean up, allowing the very grateful "brides to be" some time to pamper themselves before their big day..

***

Josie suggested a nice, long relaxing soak before they retired and received a lascivious grin from her partner who proceeded to light the apple cinnamon and vanilla scented candles around the tub and bedroom.

"I said a soak, to relax us so we can sleep tonight." Josie feigned disapproval. "This looks suspiciously like you are preparing a seduction scene, my love."

Sandra walked up to her lover as she let the water fill the tub. Long, elegant fingers began unbuttoning her blouse as her gaze never left those sea-green eyes. Josie felt her heart beat race as her breath caught in her throat. 'How does she do that. No one has ever had this power over me, body and soul, before.' Josie thought as she trembled in anticipation. Soon she was stepping out of her shorts and panties with a steadying hand on her partner's strong shoulders. Josie returned the favor, sliding Sandra's t-shirt over her head and unsnapping her bras, releasing the objects of her desire for her lust to feast upon. She lathed the luscious globes with her tongue, working her way down to unbutton Sandra's shorts. She knelt down to help steady her as Sandra removed her long, shapely legs from their confinement. Josie had only intended to assist her lover out of her shorts but was unable to control her desire to taste her soul mate with the scent of her arousal so close to her nose.

"Woe, Josie! What are you..... Oh, yeah!" The ability to formulate a complete thought escaped Sandra's mind as all her concentration narrowed to the sensations her lover was eliciting from her sex. She felt the soft tongue gently circling her clit as it tingled and became engorged. Small hands squeezed her buttocks, sending her passion into overdrive and she grabbed Josie's head with both hands encouraging her to be more aggressive in her ministrations. She felt one hand disappear from her backside and the sound of running water ceased. Her legs began to tremble as her arousal grew and she knew standing was no longer an option. "Boss....., I, oh baby, I'm gonna fall over." Josie instantly pulled away from her lover's nectar and helped her into the tub and directed her to sit on the shower seat, then pulled her bottom out to it's very edge. Josie knelt in the warm water as if worshiping at the alter of the woman she loved and to her mind that was exactly what she was doing.

Josie looked up into the dilated pupils of her partner, then down the curve of her full breasts, to the swollen areola and painfully hard nipples that begged to be suckled. She raised her right hand to Sandra's left breast and ran her palm over the hard bud, sending a jolt like electricity through them both. "I love you Sandy."

"Please....., Josie....., I need you." The raven haired beauty begged her lover for release as she trembled on the brink of ecstacy.

Josie smiled as the lowered her head and dipped her tongue deep into her lover's center then swirled her arousal around the engorged clitoris, hearing the quick intake of air as Sandra's approval. Separating the long legs further with her left hand, then sliding it seductively up Sandra's inner thigh to her sex, Josie entered her with two fingers as she began suckling on her lover's clitoris as if it were her nipple. The combination of sensations forced her lover into a soul shattering orgasm. She relished the feeling of Sandra's vaginal walls pulsing and contracting around her fingers and the muffled cries of the woman above her. Josie lifted her head to gaze at her lover and was alarmed to see her eyes squeezed tightly shut and tears streaming down her face. She looked to be in great pain.

Josie reached up on her knees to wipe the tears away. "Sandra, are you ok? Sweetheart, did I hurt you?"

Sandra shook her head "No", but was unable to form words yet to explain her emotions.

Josie took the larger woman into her arms and slid her down into the soothing warmth of the swirling waters of the large tub, the buoyancy allowing her to better maneuver her lover's luscious body as she laid the dark head upon her shoulder and held her until she was all cried out.

"Can you tell me what just happened, Sandy?" Josie stroked a strong jaw.

Sandra sniffled and rubbed the water over her face. "I'm happy."

"You always cry like a banshee when you're happy? Josie chuckled.

"I don't know. I've never been this happy before. I love you more than I ever thought possible to love another human being. When you make love to me, I reach heights of passion beyond all reason. It's a matter of trust, I think. Love and trust. Do you know what I mean?" Sandra inquired gently.

"Yes, my love. I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way. I don't know what I did in this life to deserve such a blessing as you. But, I intend to spend the rest of our lives together showing you just how much I do love you." Josie turned Sandy's face so she could kiss her sweet lips. The kisses were one's of loving affection, but that soon gave way to passion. Josie began licking those tempting lips then dipping her tongue between them and sucking Sandy's plump lower lip gently into her mouth and running her tongue along the delicate tissues within. "I swear I'll always love you, Sandy." Josie's unsated arousal took over and her hand claimed the slick breast that was leaning against her side. She rubbed and squeezed the taut nipple as her kisses deepened and breathing became erratic. Sandra's passion flamed and she easily twisted underneath Josie's much smaller body never breaking their kiss. Tongues dueled for dominance as Sandra held Josie close, feeling her aroused nipples brushing against her breasts with each breath. She raised her long leg til she felt the warm wet contact with her partner's sex and smiled at the sudden intake of air into the smaller woman's lungs. Josie pulled her mouth away from Sandra's as she felt the pressure against her slick folds. Her entire body was trembling with need as she watched her lover take her tongue and lap at her nipple, before taking as much of her breast into her warm mouth as she could and began suckling as if for nourishment. Her pelvis began thrusting of its own volition as she couldn't take her eyes off of the woman at her breast. As if far off in the night, she heard herself calling out as she shuddered in orgasm, until falling limp upon the soft bosom of the woman she loved and for a brief moment all was dark and warm and loving.

"Boss....., we have to go to bed. Big day tomorrow, you know." Sandra helped her partner out of the tub and they dried each other off before donning there sleep shirts and crawling into bed.

But, on this night their close proximity and the spicy scent of their bodies was too tempting as they slowly and tenderly explored each other's bodies, tasting and touching until they both were swept up into sweet bliss. The two sated women lay there spooned in their favorite positions waiting to fall into restful, restorative sleep. However, sleep did not come as both were too excited about their impending nuptials, hoping nothing would go wrong.

"Josie, are you asleep?" Sandra quietly whispered into her lover's ear.

"Nope. I keep thinking we forgot something but I don't know what." Josie sighed.

"I know. I have the same feeling, but I can't think of a thing." Sandra worried

"I don't know what it is sweetheart, but something is missing. We've forgotten something. Let's go through the whole thing from beginning to end. Ok?"

"Ok." Sandra kissed her lover's head as she happily humored her.

"Ok, now the florist is coming at nine, the caterers are coming at ten and Daphne is going to be with them to set up and serve. I have my green dress all set out, you have your new taupe pants suite with the ivory blouse all set out. Lets see....., Beth and Tommy are arriving at eleven with the boys in their little suits and she has the velvet pillows for the rings. We should have enough time to put them through a little rehearsal before the guests arrive....."

"THE RINGS!!!!!!" Sandra bellowed.

"The rings!?! We didn't buy wedding bands did we..... Oh my God." Josie couldn't believe they forgot something so very basic to a wedding ceremony. "How could I forget something that important It never even crossed my mind to buy you a wedding band. Oh, Sandy, I'm so sorry. How stupid of me." Josie was royally aggravated with herself.

"Hey, come on, Boss, I love the ring you gave me. I never take it off and I never will, so your buying me a different ring for our ceremony.....well, I just..... I'd love to wear this ring, if it's ok with you..... Deal?" Sandra asked shyly.

"Oh Sandy, the ring you gave me has never been off my finger. I'd love to wear it as a symbol of our eternal bond. It's a deal." Josie kissed her partner and cupped her face in her hands. "Do you think it would be ok to take a benadryl tonight. I'm never going to fall asleep at this rate and I refuse to have dark circles under my eyes at my own wedding."

"Benadryl and some warm milk should do the trick." The excited lovers went to the kitchen to warm their milk and each took a benadryl before crawling back into bed. "That should knock us out." Sandra stated...... And, it did.

***

<<<DINGGGG-----DONGGGG>>>

"Hmmmmm, Josie, someone's at the door."

"Hmmmmm?" The little blonde's mind was swimming up through a thick, soupy fog.

<<<DINGGGG-----DONGGGG>>>

"What time is it, boss?" Sandra asked groggily.

"Hmmmmm?" Josie reached over to their alarm clock and pulled it to her chest as she willed her bleary eyes to open. "HO!!! GOOD GRAVY! It's 0900 hours and we are toast!!! That must be the florist. I'll run and let them in and give them directions, while you hop in the shower." Josie instructed in one breath as she dragged herself out of bed and threw on her shorts and a t-shirt. "And they're off......"

Josie supervised the flowers while her fiancé showered and changed into her wedding attire, then Sandra supervised the caterers while Josie prepared herself for their nuptials.

By eleven, both women were properly dressed and stressed and both heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing Beth and Tommy Bergeron drive up with their boys, Seth and Jonathon, 8 and 10 years old respectively.

"Am I ever glad to see you! We over slept and have been playing catch up all morning. I'm so nervous, I feel....."

"Like a June bride? Come on and sit down on the..... Where's the recliner?" Beth asked in astonishment to see that the living room had been totally rearranged and the rug missing.

"We had the florist make room for dancing. The sofa and end tables are all that we kept in here. Everything else is stuffed into the guest room."

"It looks great, Boo. Let me make us all a pot of coffee and then we can go through the boy's role in your happy day." Beth grabbed one of the kitchen chairs that had been set about into conversation areas and directed her jittery friend to sit in it.

"Oh, right, Beth, we're not going to exchange wedding bands. We've decided to use the one's we gave each other before. But we want the boys in the ceremony. Would it look too stupid if they walked up with the legal papers and then they could hand them to the Priest for us to sign after the ceremony is over?" Josie asked hoping she hadn't insulted her best friend in any way.

"I think that is sweet. No. I see no reason the boys couldn't do that. Let me go tell them. You relax and enjoy your coffee." Beth went to instruct her sons. A few minutes passed. Josie figured Beth had accomplished her task when she heard her bellow. "Tommy, you make those heathens keep their suits clean until after the ceremony." Beth yelled to her husband as she watched him and their two sons approaching the front door with all three dogs in tow.

"Awww, Mom." They all retorted together as the boys each took a hold of one of Sandra's hands and marched out the door.

"Don't you 'Awww, Mom" me. They are crazy about her, you know. I've never seen them take so quickly to any one before. It's like she's the pied piper." Beth chuckled.

"She loves children, especially yours." Josie smiled at her oldest friend then gazed out of the window at her lover with a strange look upon her face.

"What's that look for?" Beth inquired as she set two fresh cups of strong coffee with chicory on the dining table and pulled up a chair beside her friend.

"We're talking about having a family of our own." Josie mused.

"Wow!" Beth exclaimed quietly. "That's quite a commitment, Josie. I never thought about you two having kids. How would you. I mean, it's not like you could knock her up." Beth shook her head as she pondered that thought.

"Nope. That's true. I can't give Sandra a baby, as much as I wish I could. But, there are sperm banks all over and even a few good men." Josie smiled. "Anyway, I'll let you know when we decide how to pursue this."

"Jo, you wouldn't try to carry a child, would you?" Beth's tone was full of concern.

"No. I know that's not an option." Josie smiled wanly at her dearest friend.

Beth nodded and stroked Josie's arm gently. No words were needed as everything was conveyed in the knowing gaze that passed between them.

The sound of cars approaching broke their revery. "It's show time!" Josie exclaimed.

"I'd better go collect my crew and your fiancé. Be right back." Beth quickly pursued her prey as Daphne went to greet the guests and Josie retreated to the master bedroom to freshen up.

Everyone was made comfortable, the drinks and hors d'oeuvres served, as Rosemary Bossetta and Andre' Broussard tried to calm a very excited and anxious Sandra. "I'm going to find Josie. We'll be starting in a few minutes. We've had a little canopy erected with folding chairs out in the garden. Why don't you all go get a seat....." Sandra gently grabbed her Priest's arm. "Fr. Pierre.....we are going to be using the rings we're wearing for the ceremony, so the boys are going to be carrying the legal papers we had drawn up. We'd like to sign them at the ceremony."

"Alright. Do you have special vows, you want to say to each other?" The Priest smiled kindly at the beautiful woman before him. 'It's hard to believe this is the same young woman whose life I saw shattered so long ago. There really are miracles, every day.'

"Yeah. But they are short and very sweet. We won't be needing any coaching." Sandra smiled contentedly and kissed Fr. Pierre on his cheek. "You go on. We'll be there in a few minutes."

"Tony! You have the camera ready?" Sandra yelled to her little brother. He nodded and waved the camera in the air. Then she looked to see Tommy Bergeron arranging his guitar on his lap, seated just behind the rest of the guests. She gave him a big smile and a wave, then turned to find her fiancé.

Josie was standing at the bedroom window watching their dearest friends and family congregating in the garden, all looking quite dapper and lovely on this sunny June day. She was content in the knowledge that she loved Sandra and would always love her and devote her life to her happiness. Her heart was filled with awe and gratitude that fate had brought to her a soul mate at this stage in her life. She said a silent prayer that she not be a burden to her partner, but a source of strength and love. Even though the thought of Sandra having to care for her again and again through one more illness and one more hospital stay saddened her, she still held hope for their future together. At least neither of them would have to fight their demons alone, not anymore. A wan smile crossed her face as a single tear fell from her sea green eyes.

"Hey, boss, you ready?" Sandra asked gently, not wanting to surprise Josie, who was obviously deep in thought. The tall beauty walked up behind the petite blond and put her long arms around her, pulling her into her breasts and sighed. "I love you, Josie. This is the happiest day of my life. I never dared to dream I could find you and that you could love me, warts and all." Sandy kissed her lover's temple and brushed their cheeks together softly. "You ready to marry me?"

"Yes. I am. Are you ready to marry me?" Josie turned in her lover's arms and looked deep into gentle blue eyes.

"Oh yeah. If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up." Sandra hugged her lover. "Thanks for loving me, Josie.....and....."

"Don't you dare start bawling, Sandra Camille Broussard. Let's get out there and get hitched." Josie grabbed Sandra's hand and pulled her briskly toward the front door. She quickly turned around and assessed both of their appearances, then cupped Sandy's face in her hands. "I love you. Please, believe me, sweetheart."

"I do."

"Not yet. Wait till he gets to the vows." Josie giggled as she walked out the front door, Sandra's large hand in her little one and signaled the boys to walk before them while Tommy played Somewhere Over the Rainbow on his guitar. Gracefully, they strode between their seated guests up to Fr. Pierre and their future together.

"Dearly beloved, you are gathered together in the bosom of your loved ones and before the eyes of God to commit your lives to each other in the state of Holy Matrimony....." The Priest's words faded into the background as the lovers looked into each other's eyes and pledged their very souls one to the other for eternity. Their attention was diverted when the Priest asked them to hold out their joined hands as he blessed their rings as a symbol of their eternal bond. Then Fr. Pierre paused and asked them to say their own vows to each other.

"Josie Bossetta Broussard, I promise to love you, comfort you, share all your joys and sorrows forever and always." Blue eyes glistened with unshed tears as she kissed the ring still on Josie's left hand.

"Sandra Camille Broussard, I promise to love you, comfort you, share all your joys and sorrows forever and always." Josie raised her lover's left hand to her lips and kissed the garnet ring she'd placed there. It seemed so very long ago.

"I bless this union of Josie and Sandra Broussard in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May your love grow and may God bless your union." The Priest placed his hands on both women's heads. "Go with God." Then he looked at the family and friends gathered for this joyous occasion. "We have a union to celebrate!"

Sandra and Josie gazed into each other's eyes with tears streaming down their faces, each leaning into the other, they kissed. It was a delicate and chaste kiss filled with love and hope.

Fr. Pierre cleared his throat and handed the legal documents to the happy couple to be signed, then handed them to Beth to witness and Tony to notarize. "You are now officially a Broussard, Josie. Congratulations sister-in-law" Tony beamed as he gave the little blonde a big hug and kissed her cheek.

"Hey, go hug your own wife." Sandra pulled the two apart and directed her wife back to the house and their wedding reception. Gershwin was playing on the stereo and everyone filled their plates with delicious Cajun food. Both women were too excited to eat, but had their café au lait and cuddled together on the couch as well wishers came up to congratulate them and present them with gifts for their future.

After the rest of the well wishers had moved on to the food, Rosemary Bossetta approached her daughter and her daughter's wife with some trepidation. "Josie, Rachel, I hope you will always love each other as you do today." The two younger women rose from the couch, in respect to their elder.

"Thank you, mother. We will. And, thank you for our invitations. Your calligraphy was perfection, as always." Josie responded with real affection.

"I have something for you. I'll be right back" Rosemary quickly walked out to the garage and returned with a beautifully framed wedding invitation that she had especially engraved in gold. "I framed this for you. I hope you like it."

"Oh, mother, it's beautiful. Thank you so much." Josie kissed her mother's cheek.

"It is beautiful, Mrs. Bossetta. Thank you." Sandra said as she wrapped her arm tighter around her wife.

"I'm glad you like it. I have something else for the two of you. I hope it makes things a little easier for the two of you." Josie's mother pulled an envelope from inside her purse and handed it to Sandra who opened it hesitantly as her partner looked on.

"Oh, mon Dieu!" Sandra quietly exclaimed as she pulled a check out of the envelope and handed it to Josie.

"Oh, my God! Mother! $5,000.00! Thank you, so much. Oh, my God!" Josie exclaimed excitedly in awe at her mother's generosity.

"Mrs. Bossetta. I don't know how to thank you for this." Sandra was taken aback by what she suspected to be an attempt by her new mother-in-law at buying a place in their lives. But, the joy in her lover's eyes was worth ignoring her fears and embracing the possibility that Rosemary Bossetta was sincere.

"Sandra, it would make me very happy if you would call me Rosemary." The petite, still very attractive, older woman stated with a warm smile.

Andre' Broussard was standing just close enough to listen to the conversation while appearing to be talking to her mother, who was soundly sleeping at the far end of the couch. She looked up to catch her daughter's eye and nodded her encouragement.

"Ok..... Rosemary, thank you for making my Josie happy." Sandra said, making it clear to her mother-in-law why she was accepting the older woman's generosity. "If you'll excuse us, I believe that's our song."

Sandra took the check from Josie and slipped it into her pocket, then led her wife into the middle of the living room to dance to the strains of Irving Berlin's "Always". A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to the newlyweds as they gazed into each other's eyes and swayed to the gentle waltz. Sandra's velvet tones sang in Josie's ear.

I'll be loving you.....always

with a love that's true.....always

When the things you've planned

need a helping hand

I will understand always....., always

Days may not be fair.....always

That's when I'll be there.....always

Not for just an hour

Not for just a day

Not for just a year

But.....always

"That was beautiful, Sandy." Josie whispered as she smiled through her tears.

"I meant every word, my love. I will love you..... always."

The lovers were joined on the dance floor by Tony and Mary, Beth and Tommy, Tammy and Roger, and to everyone's pleasant surprise, Andre' Broussard and Fr. Pierre. Even Rosemary found a somewhat willing partner in young Jonathon.

Sandra lifted her voice in song and they all joined in, eyes filled with tears at the promise of the refrain.