Chapter Nineteen

By week's end both Tia and Catherine were committed to each other and making plans. Catherine agreed with Tia that they needed to move into a house. They were planning to start looking with Maddy right away. It was important she be included. They were going to be a family. Choosing a home for the three of them was a family thing to do. Saturday morning the three of them were giggling over breakfast at Tia's place. Catherine was meeting Jerry at noon to talk to him while Tia and Maddy spent the day together. Tia was extremely nervous about telling Jerry, and she was trying very hard to keep her feelings hidden from both Catherine and Maddy.

"Honey, don't worry." Catherine hugged her tightly. Catherine could read her like a book. She knew exactly how Tia was feeling. "Now, you and Maddy are doing the grocery shopping, so here's the list, and don't forget to drop off the cleaning."

"We won't forget, and then we're going skating right, Miss Maddy."

"Yep, Tia needs practice."

"Well then young lady, we'd better go home and get cleaned up."

"Okay, Mom."

"Maddy, I'll pick you up in an hour."

"Okay Tia, love you." Maddy hugged Tia quickly.

"Love you, too."

"What about me?" Catherine hugged Tia quickly.

"I love you, too."

"I crazy about you and I will see you in an hour."

"I'll be there."

Tia was cleaned up and on time to pick up Maddy. They both waved as Catherine drove away before the two of them left to do their chores. Tia pushed the sense of foreboding away as she and Maddy headed for the crosswalk. "Where to next Maddy?" Tia held tightly to the little girl's hand as they crossed the street. They were busily taking care of all the things on their list so I hey could start skating.

"The cleaners."

"Okay, let's find the cleaners."

A half-hour later found Tia and Maddy skating in the park, laughing, and giggling. They held hands and moved slowly along the skate trail. For two hours, they skated and visited, then stopped for a hotdog and a coke. They'd just finished eating when Tia's cell phone rang.

"Hello."

"Tia, can you and Maddy meet me at home?" Catherine's voice sounded very strained.

"Of course we can, honey. Is everything okay?"

"Yes honey. Please, hurry home."

"We're on our way."

Tia bundled Maddy up and headed back. Something was terribly wrong. She could here it in Catherine's voice. It made her heart pound and her stomach churn. She began to feel physically ill as she thought of what might have happened. Maybe Catherine had changed her mind after talking to Jerry? She didn't want to be with Tia anymore.

"Catherine?" Tia and Maddy burst through the apartment door to find Catherine seated at the dining room table.

"Hey Maddy, Tia, how was skating?" Catherine was pale and drawn, something was very wrong.

"Good Mom. Here are the groceries."

"Thanks honey. Do you think you could do me a favor and go color in your room for awhile? I need to talk with Tia." Catherine hugged her tiny daughter.

"Okay Mom." Maddy ran to her bedroom. Tia began unpacking the groceries to hide her nerves.

"Tia, come here, please?" Catherine gazed sadly at Tia.

"What's going on, Catherine?" Tia sat down next to her afraid to touch her.

"Jerry is going to sue me for custody of Maddy. He thinks our relationship is sick and wants Maddy taken away from us." Catherine looked shocked and grief stricken as she blurted out the words.

"Oh Catherine, I am so sorry." Tia couldn't keep the horrible feeling from invading her body. She had known something was going to happen. In the back of her mind she had known.

"Tia, I couldn't believe what he said. It was awful."

"Catherine, I am so sorry honey." Tia held her distraught girlfriend. "What do you want to do?"

"I don't know what to do?" Catherine started to cry. "I love you so much, and I don't know what to do." She began to sob.

"Catherine, I think we need to quit seeing each other. I won't put your relationship with Maddy and her father in jeopardy. I love you, but I won't let that happen."

"Tia." Catherine's face was wet with tears as she held on to her. "I can't believe this is happening. I don't know what to do."

"Catherine, it's best this way. You can tell Jerry it's over. Maybe he'll give up trying for custody." Tia felt numb. She needed to get out of the apartment and away from Catherine and Maddy before she crumbled. She couldn't breathe, her chest hurt so much. She had to leave.

"Tia, I love you."

"I love you, Catherine. I will always love you, but I can't let this happen." Tia hugged Catherine tightly, tears streaming down her face, and then pulled away from her. "I can't let anything happen to you and Maddy. I'm so sorry, Catherine." Tia gazed sadly at her before slipping out the front door.

"Tia, don't go." Catherine cried out as Tia ran down the hall.

"I have to, Catherine." Tia responded, looking back at her. Catherine's tear stained face broke Tia's heart.

Tia kept herself from crying again until she was in her own place. Once her door closed she burst into tears. She was heartbroken and devastated. What could she do? She couldn't put Maddy and Catherine in jeopardy. She needed to get away. She would go to Anna's. She couldn't stay at home, with Catherine and Maddy one floor below. Grabbing her keys and her wallet, she ran down the stairs to her car. She knew Anna was at home for the day. She was painting her living room.

Tia burst in to Anna's living room crying hysterically, her words coming out in bits and pieces.

"Tia, what's wrong?" Anna looked at Tia, unable to understand a word she was saying, her paintbrush still in her hand.

"Anna, it's over, completely over."

"What's over, honey?"

"Catherine and Maddy, it's over."

"What do you mean it's over?"

"Maddy's father is suing Catherine for custody of Maddy because of her relationship with me."

"You're kidding me?" Anna held Tia as she cried. She couldn't believe what Tia was saying.

"No, he won't let Maddy stay with Catherine if she's with me."

"Oh Tia, I can't believe this."

"I love her, Anna. She's the one."

"I know, Tia, I know." Anna held Tia as she cried. "Did Catherine break it off?"

"I didn't let her. I left. I can't take the chance that she might lose Maddy."

"Honey, she doesn't need to lose Maddy because of you. This is the twenty-first century. No lawyer in his right mind would take a child from a good mother. But Catherine needs to get a lawyer to represent her, one that understands gay relationships."

"I can't take that chance, Anna. I won't be the cause of her losing Maddy."

"Tia, she won't lose Maddy, I promise."

"Anna, what am I going to do?" Tia began crying, deep heart wrenching sobs.

"It's going to be okay, honey." Anna rocked her as she cried on her shoulder.

It was over an hour before Anna had settled Tia enough to lie down on Anna's bed. Tia had cried until she was limp with exhaustion. She wouldn't listen to a word Anna said. As soon as Tia fell asleep Anna was on the telephone.

"Is she okay?" Emma asked after listening to Anna.

"She cried herself to sleep."

"Catherine's here. She's been looking for her. She's been crying the whole time."

"Send her over." Anna sighed. She'd put her painting stuff away and make her house presentable. This was much more important than painting her living room.

"They're in love."

"I know."

"Catherine won't give up Tia. She's going to fight her ex-husband."

"She needs a good lawyer."

"Melinda is calling as we speak. She's burning up the cell phone minutes."

"So will you bring Catherine over here?"

"Of course, we're on our way."

"Good, Tia needs to see Catherine."

It was a half hour before they arrived and Anna had just put everything away. She was washing her hands in the kitchen when Emma and Melinda burst through the front door with Catherine. One look at Catherine told Anna how deeply upset she was. Her eyes were red from crying and her face pale.

"She's in there." Anna pointed to her closed bedroom door. Catherine sailed down the hallway into her room.

Anna turned to Emma and Melinda. "Do you want something to drink?" She might as well make everyone comfortable.

"Tia honey, wake up." Catherine spoke softly to her sleeping girlfriend, the remains of tears evident on her cheeks. She was curled up in a ball on Anna's bed.

"Catherine? What are you doing here?" Tia struggled to sit up as she looked at Catherine. "Is Maddy okay?"

"Maddy's fine, honey, she's at Lisa's for the night. I've been looking all over for you. Why did you leave?"

"Catherine, I can't be the reason you lose Maddy. I won't be." Tia started to cry again.

"Tia, look at me. I'm not going to lose you. I love you, and you promised to marry me in a week. I'm here to tell you your week is up." Catherine pulled Tia against her, smiling at her bewildered girlfriend.

"Really?"

"Tia, I love you. We're going to find our house, and live happily ever after."

"With Maddy?"

"Of course and our baby." Catherine smiled.

"I love you, Catherine." Tia hugged her tightly.

"I love you, honey, but you have to promise me that you will never walk out on us again. No matter what happens, we can work it out."

"I promise."

"Good, now will you kiss me, please?"

Tia and Catherine shared a soft, gentle kiss before hugging tightly.

"Hey you two, the lawyer just pulled up." Melinda called from the living room.

"What lawyer?" Tia asked as she got up off of the bed.

"The lawyer Melinda found to represent you."

"She's here?"

"Do you think you two could come out now?" Emma requested as they watched a small Mercedes pull up in front of the house.

"We're on our way." Catherine kissed Tia again before they came out of the bedroom. They held on to each other's hand. Nothing could have separated the two of them.

A knock on Anna's door caught everyone's attention. Anna went to open it.

"Hello, my name is Michael O'Reilly. Are you Catherine Nobel?"

"No, I'm Anna, this is Catherine." Anna smiled at the tiny woman standing in her doorway as she turned to point to Catherine.

"Hello Anna, may I come in?" The woman named Michael grinned as twin dimples winked in both her cheeks. She was well dressed, petite, and absolutely gorgeous.

Anna responded to the grin with one of her own. "Of course, please come in." She opened the door wide and gestured for her to enter.

"Hello, my name is Catherine Nobel, and this is my girlfriend Tia. We're the ones who need your help."

"My name is Michael O'Reilly. According to the woman who called my office, you need a lawyer that understands custody law, especially pertaining to homosexual relationships."

"Yes, my ex-husband is threatening to sue me for custody of our daughter because of my relationship with Tia."

"How about the three of us sit down somewhere and talk." Michael suggested, glancing around the crowded living room.

"Why don't you go in the dining room?" Anna responded. "Can I get something for you to drink?"

"I'm fine, thanks." Michael's dimples showed again as she smiled at Anna. Anna led the three of them to the formal dining room.

"Thanks, Anna, we're fine." Catherine held tightly to Tia's hand. "Thanks for loaning us your home."

"You're very welcome." Anna hugged Catherine. "Besides, you're family. I'll leave the three of you to your meeting. Call if you need anything." Anna rejoined Emma and Melinda in the partially painted living room. Anna was itching to finish painting. She hated half done projects.

Tia and Catherine spent a good hour with the lawyer before all three came out of the dining room smiling. Obviously they had worked out a plan.

"Anna, how about some wine for all of us? Melinda found us a crackerjack lawyer." Tia smiled, holding tightly to Catherine's hand.

Michael blushed at the statement. "I should get going." She moved to the doorway.

"We're going to have a barbecue since everyone is here. Van and Cara are on their way. Stay and join us, please." Emma suggested, with a smile.

"Please Michael, stay." Catherine requested.

"Well, if you don't think that I'm intruding." Michael was curious about the group of women. Her first impression was they were all very close.

"Of course not." Emma reassured her. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone and get you a glass of wine."

Catherine and Tia shared a slow sexy kiss. "Tomorrow we start looking for our home." Tia promised her.

"Maddy and I can't wait, honey."

With the arrival of Van and Cara, the party became festive very quickly, as the small circle of friends closed ranks around Catherine and Tia. It was after sharing a meal of grilled chicken and salad that the group sat quietly visiting on Anna's back deck. Anna's backyard was impeccably maintained with thriving gardens and the large functional deck. Her small house was equally pristine, with not a thing out of place. Anna was putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher when Michael carried in several empty glasses. Michael had proved to be a very pleasant addition to the gathering, with her openness, and wonderful sense of humor.

"Thank you." Anna took the glasses from Michael.

"You're welcome. Thanks for including me. You have a nice group of friends."

"I do. Thank you for helping Catherine and Tia. They were scared to death."

"Someone threatening your child and your relationship is very frightening."

"How long have you been a lawyer?"

"A little over five years."

"Do you like it?"

"I love it." Michael grinned, her dimples deepening in her cheeks.

"I bet you work all the time." Anna chuckled. She recognized a workaholic when she saw one, especially since she was one herself.

"Of course. What about you? Emma told me you are an engineer at Boeing. How long have you been doing that?"

"Eight years, all of them at Boeing. I work on the military side of things."

"So do you have top security clearance?"

"Certainly, and if I tell you about what I am working on I would have to kill you." Anna teased with a smile.

Michael's laugh came easily. "You can tell you are an engineer by your house. It's beautiful, especially the back yard."

"Thanks, it's a work in process."

"Everything in this house is a work in process. She is always working on it. That's all she does is work." Van contributed as she darted into the kitchen for a couple of beers.

"I do not." Anna protested as Van grinned while she slipped back out of the kitchen.

"So are you a workaholic too?" Michael teased her.

"Yes." Anna grinned as she wiped down the counters.

"What do you do for fun besides work on your house?"

"I go on long walks at the beach, I read, I watch old movies."

"What kind of old movies?"

"Right now I am into Alfred Hitchcock."

"Ah, Rear Window, North by Northwest, The Rope"

"You like Hitchcock?"

"I do."

"Uh, would you like to come over sometime next week and watch one of my movies?"

"I'd love to." Michael's smile made Anna's stomach flip.

"What night would be best for you?"

"Any night but Tuesday night."

"How about Wednesday evening? That would give me Sunday and Monday to finish painting the living room."

"I'll come on one condition, that I provide the dinner."

"That's fine by me."

"What time?"

"Any time after six."

"How about six-thirty?"

"Perfect."

"Great. Now, I need to get home, I've stayed long enough. Thanks again for including me. I had fun."

"We all appreciate your helping Catherine and Tia."

"They're a nice couple, and I love helping families."

"They are a terrific couple."

"I can't wait to meet Catherine's daughter, Maddy. She sounds like a doll."

"She is."

"Well, thanks again, and I'll see you Wednesday."

"Goodnight." Anna walked Michael to the door and waved as she drove away. Not only was Michael a very well dressed lawyer but she drove a very nice older Mercedes sports car. Anna grinned as she shut the door. She had a date with a very smart, sexy, and gorgeous woman.

"So?" Tia grinned at Anna as she walked into the kitchen.

"So what?" Anna innocently responded. She knew what Tia wanted to know.

"Did you ask her out?"

"She's coming over Wednesday night to watch a movie with me, and she's bringing dinner." Anna grinned happily. It had been a long time since she had looked forward to a date.

"Very cool, I like her."

"I do to, but I just want to make sure she takes good care of Catherine."

"She is. Catherine is to call her Monday and make another appointment."

"Is she expensive?"

"No, actually, I was surprised at her retainer. She only asked for two hundred and fifty dollars. I think that was more then reasonable."

"Does Catherine feel better about everything?"

"She's amazing. She's not worried at all, she's just plain angry."

"You love her."

"I love her so much, Anna. It's unbelievable. We're going to start looking for a house tomorrow. And she wants to have another baby with me." The look of love and amazement on Tia's face made Anna's heart warm. Tia was so lucky.

"Tia, I am very happy for you." Anna hugged her best friend tightly.

"Thanks, Anna."

"Let's join the rest of the crowd."

The two of them walked out on to the back deck where the rest of the women sat visiting. Anna sat next to Catherine and Tia and felt a brief period of sadness. They were all so happy and in love, Anna felt out of place, and very lonely.

"Anna, Tia says you have a date with my lawyer." Catherine teased her as she hugged Tia.

"Tia!" Anna glared at her traitorous friend. She'd asked her to keep it quiet.

"You asked Michael out? Good for you, I liked her." Melinda commented. "And she is very beautiful."

"Way to go, girl!" Van crowed as Cara grinned.

"It's just a video and dinner, no big deal."

Emma started to tease Anna and then stopped herself. Anna's eyes were filled with tears. She squeezed Melinda's hand tightly in her own. Melinda had noticed Anna's difficulty along with Emma. The last thing in the world they wanted to do was make Anna feel uncomfortable.

"Cara, tell Anna about your latest case." Melinda suggested, trying to take the attention off of Anna.

Van glanced Anna's way and her eyes softened with affection and concern. "Cara, you have to tell Anna, she'll love it."

They would do anything to keep Anna from remembering and reliving the hurt that went along with it. For a little while the group visited and kept the memories at bay. It wasn't until after they all left that Anna's composure got the best of her. She crawled into bed, her heart aching as she gave up the fight and felt the pain and anger wash over her.

"Tia, why is Anna so sad at times." Catherine asked as they happily drove home. "Sometimes when she doesn't think anyone is watching she looks so heartbroken."

"She is, Catherine. She has been for quite awhile."

"What happened?"

"About two years ago she met a woman at work. Her name was Joy. She was a supplier that Anna worked with for Boeing. She lived in Dallas, Texas but spent weeks at a time here in Seattle. She began to actively pursue Anna, and Anna fell head over heals in love with her. They saw each other every day, and then Joy started staying with her while she was in town. Anna was deliriously happy."

"What happened?" Catherine shuddered before she heard. Somehow she knew she wasn't going to like it.

"Anna decided to surprise Joy in Dallas, and she flew down to spend a week with her. What Anna found out was Joy had a girlfriend already and a whole different life in Dallas."

"You're kidding?"

"No, and Joy wasn't too happy when Anna showed up. You could say she denied everything, including her relationship with Anna. She made it sound like Anna had made everything up. She told her girlfriend that Anna was stalking her, and wouldn't leave her alone. Joy's girlfriend believed her."

"How could she do that? What did Anna do?"

"She came home, and for a week she didn't tell a soul."

"Oh Tia." Catherine's voice was full of sadness and love for Anna.

"Catherine, I have never seen anyone so heartbroken, and so devastated. What was worse is Anna still had to deal with Joy at work. She was crushed."

"Poor Anna, didn't anyone say anything to that woman?"

"Van did. She knocked her flat. She went to Joy's hotel with Emma one night, to tell her what she thought of her. Joy made some smart comment and Van flipped out. It took all of Emma's strength to keep Van from hurting her."

"I would have done the same thing." Catherine's anger could be heard in her voice. "She deserved to be put on her butt and a whole lot more."

Tia smiled at her girlfriend's comments. She wasn't surprised that Catherine would protect Anna. Catherine had adopted all of Tia's friends. They were now part of Catherine's extended family. She would protect her family at any cost. "Even though it happened over a year ago, Anna still hurts terribly, and she has a very hard time with trusting anyone."

"Who can blame her? She's such a beautiful, generous woman. I'm surprised she isn't snapped right up."

"Catherine, I adore you."

"I adore you."

"I can't wait to get home. I'm going to make love with you all night."

"Do you think you could hurry? I want you to touch me in the worst way." Catherine whispered in Tia's ear.

"Five minutes." Tia promised, as her body reacted to Catherine's words.

Catherine and Tia all but ran from the parked car into the elevator. Tia could have groaned out loud as one of her neighbors joined them for the ride up. She and Catherine exchanged long smoldering looks as they stood across from each other. Tia's skin tingled as she thought of Catherine's naked body next to her own. Her breathing became labored as she struggled to keep her passion in check until they were alone. Smiling at her neighbor, she and Catherine walked normally to her front door. It took several attempts before the door swung open and Catherine followed Tia inside. Catherine kicked the door shut as Tia turned to her.

"Catherine!" The rest of Tia's words were swallowed up by Catherine's mouth, as she hungrily kissed Tia, her hands tearing at Tia's clothes.

"Oh God!" Catherine gasped, as Tia tore her shirt from her body, her mouth finding her breasts. Catherine's fingers fumbled with Tia's jeans, finally unzipping them, and shoving them off her hips. As they struggled to remove their clothes in the hallway, their mouths feasted greedily on each other's, words of encouragement and love, whispered. Catherine was too out of control to wait any longer, as she dragged Tia to the floor, her hand sliding between Tia's legs.

The instant pleasure and heat drove a cry from Tia, while Catherine's fingers tantalized her. Catherine's teeth teased Tia's nipple, as she tore the thin silk panties out of the way.

"I want you so much, Tia." Catherine whispered, as she slid her fingers deliciously into Tia. The slow stroking wasn't enough, as Tia's hips arched in response. Catherine smiled as she slid down her lover's body. "I've wanted my mouth on you all night."

Tia's body exploded as Catherine's words, and her mouth overwhelmed her. While Tia's hips bucked and rolled, Catherine held on tightly, her tongue and lips tasted the very essence that she craved. Tia's body trembled, while pleasure unlike anything that she had ever experienced, rolled through her body.

"I want you naked." Tia demanded as she rolled Catherine on to her back, removing what few clothes remained, her mouth and hands sliding feverishly over Catherine's body.

Catherine's mouth once again found Tia's, as they kissed, their lips tasting and feeding on each other's. Their bodies strained against each other's, as Catherine's hands traced down Tia's back and hips, clutching her tightly.

Tia reached down and wrapped Catherine's legs around her waist, as she rocked her hips tightly against Catherine's. Catherine's head fell back, her eyes locked on to Tia's, as she felt her body begin the rapid spiral, a need that only Tia could meet.

Tia's reached down and caught Catherine's hands, where they had fallen limply by her sides. Slowly, Tia stretched Catherine's arms over her head, her fingers threaded through Tia's, as their bodies slid against one another's. Tia's hips rode against Catherine's, harder and faster, as Catherine gasped with pleasure. Their hearts pounding, as they held each other's gaze. Catherine began to shake as an orgasm crashed all at once through her body. Tia saw it in her eyes, and felt the stirring of her own, as she tightened her hips against Catherine's. Tears slid from her eyes as she stared at her beautiful lover's face, sharing the most perfect lovemaking.

A cry slipped from Catherine, as she slid into that heaven that comes from a melding of hearts and bodies. Tia's body melted on to Catherine's, as they kissed slowly, a pledge as strong as any words. Tia began to cry. She could no longer hold back the raw emotion that she felt. Catherine's arms locked around Tia's neck, as she soothed and kissed Tia's tears away.

"Tia, I love you so much."

"Catherine, what I feel for you is so much bigger then love. When 1 thought I couldn't be with you and Maddy I knew what people meant when they said they could die of a broken heart. I need you and Maddy in my life."

Catherine's eyes filled with tears of her own. "You're as much a part of me as Maddy. We're a family, and no matter what happens, we'll deal with it together. Maddy and I need you Tia, as much as you need us."

"I love you, Catherine."

"I love you."

"What do you say about moving this to the bedroom? Not that I am complaining." Tia grinned as she sat up, running her hand down Catherine's hip and thigh.

"I think that's a wonderful suggestion." Catherine chuckled. "I can't believe we just made love in the hallway."

"I have many other places we might try." Tia teased, as she helped Catherine up.

"Like?" Catherine tugged Tia toward the bedroom.

"The dining room table, the back deck at night, the laundry room." Tia twinkled, her eyes at Catherine.

"What, no shower?" Catherine laughed as they tumbled onto the bed.

Catherine and Tia were overwhelmed with happiness and Anna couldn't have been more pleased for them. It made her feel guilty that she was so envious of her friends and their good fortune. She tried to hide it from them, only allowing it to surface when she was alone. Anna felt the scalding hot tears and cried herself to sleep. She wanted what they all had.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14