11 comments/ 79127 views/ 47 favorites Home 01: New Holiday Home By: Home 01: New Holiday Home Will skipped back to the vehicle, his pockets bulging with candy. "Did you see Santa Claus, Mommy? I got to go home and write my letter to him right away! Can we go see him someplace? I want to sit on his lap and tell him all about my new bike." Tara reluctantly pulled her eyes from Rae's, slipping off the tailgate with slouched shoulders. "We'll go write your letter, honey," she promised, stroking his hair off his forehead. She helped into the car without looking at Rae. Rae slithered off the tailgate and closed the hatch of the car, walking thoughtfully to the passenger side. Tara did not look at her friend until she had cranked the car. "Where to?" she asked in a meek voice. "You promised me dinner," Rae answered without hesitation. She couldn't resist Tara's begging eyes and pouting lips. Tara beamed, a motion that cause Rae's spirit to lift. She put the car in gear and steered toward the small apartment she shared with her son. Tara had done what she could to make the tiny room a home for her and Will. Will slept in the only bedroom while she folded out the couch every night. The kitchen, living room, and dining room were combined. It was clean and she had added several personal touches to make it comfortable for them. Rae studied a picture that looked like it had been taken at the beach that summer. Will appeared to be about the same age in the picture that he was now. Tara wore a bikini and Rae allowed herself to linger on her friend's tan, smooth, slim body. Billy stood next to Tara with his arm around her waist and a blissful, clueless smile on his face. Rae jumped when she felt Tara's breath on the back of her neck. "Our last vacation," she whispered. She trailed her fingertips over Rae's back. "Will is asleep." Her hand glided over Rae's arm until she found the taller woman's hand. She gave a tug toward the couch and Rae helplessly followed. "Why such a small place?" Rae asked, looking around the tiny space. Surely there hadn't been room for Billy, too. "Billy didn't have good insurance," Tara sighed. Rae sat down in the corner and Tara sat next to her, resting her right hand on her companion's thigh as she flipped through the television channels. "We had to sell the house to pay for the bills." Her fingertips made small circles on Rae's thigh. Rae tried to concentrate on the television, but Tara's casual caress was driving her to distraction. "Do you have what you need to get Will that bike for Christmas?" Rae asked with concern, her hand dropping to Tara's shoulder. "I've saved for it. His grandparents will help. I'll accept their help for Christmas." She lifted her eyes to Rae. Their faces were very close together. She stretched up and kissed Rae's lips softly. "Thank you for asking," she whispered. Their eyes still locked, Rae swept her tongue along her lips, tasting Tara's sweetness. Tara blinked and pushed herself toward Rae. Their lips met again, a little less innocent this time. Tara pressed against Rae, their lips locked in a firm battle. Rae tilted her head and parted her lips, sucking Tara's lower lip into her mouth. She bathed it with her tongue before slipping it into Tara's warmth. Tara met Rae's tongue with her own, the rough surfaces rubbing together and sending millions of sparkling sensations down their bodies. Tara shifted onto her knees without breaking the kiss, her tongue now fighting to invade Rae's mouth. Her tongue touched the roof of Rae's palate and swam behind the perfect white teeth. Rae's hand went to Tara's waist, forgetting all the warnings that had been swimming in her head for two days. The kiss continued, intensifying with a mutual hunger. Tara, unsure of what to do, rested her hands on Rae's shoulders and upper arms, caressing up and down her biceps. Rae curled her hands around Tara's rib cage, the heels of her palms rubbing over the slight swell of the growing baby, toward the small breasts. She cupped the globes through Tara's sweatshirt, testing their weight. She moved her thumbs back and forth across the peaks, watching the outline of the nipples grow against the material. Tara's hands hesitated as they moved to the top button of Rae's blouse. She paused, feeling Rae's hands grow firmer in their massage of her breasts, and then unbuttoned the top button. Tara broke the kiss first, her lips dragging down Rae's neck to the opening the blouse created. Rae whispered soft encouragement, breathing the scent of Tara's hair as the small woman worked her way downward. Rae leaned back, her hands wandering back to the tail of the shirt. This time, they slipped beneath the thick material. She touched Tara's smooth skin, thinking of the bikini picture. Her skin, though naturally dark, would not be as tan now. She pushed upward, sliding the sweatshirt over Tara's belly till her hands found the small breasts again. She caressed the soft satin of the bra as her fingertips danced over the swollen nipples. Tara moaned softly. Rae continued pushing the material upward and Tara pulled back so Rae could lift it over her head. Tara sat back on her knees and reached behind her to unhook the bra. She pulled it off while Rae watched, transfixed by the small girl's offering. She wet her lips, studying the dark B cup breasts. They were slightly lighter than Tara's stomach, but the nipples were dark and thick. Her arms hung limply at her side for a second. She made an effort to cover her breasts, turning away slightly. Rae stopped her, forcing her to open her arms. Tara blushed, not meeting Rae's eyes. "Billy always said they were too small." "Billy was a fool," Rae muttered, leaning forward and taking one small breast into her mouth. She rubbed the nipple with her tongue, dragging the rough surface over the puckered flesh. Tara gasped, pushing into Rae's mouth. Rae suckled softly, massaging with her lips and squeezing the long nipple between her tongue and the roof of her mouth. Tara put her hands on Rae's head, combing through her soft tresses. "Raegan," Tara moaned. Hearing her name was a bucket of cold water to Rae. She jerked back, struggling for breath. Dazed and shocked, Tara blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the sudden loss of sensation. Rae disentangled herself from Tara and the couch, standing up and combing her hands through her hair. She pressed her face into her hands, trying to focus her mind so she could escape without doing more damage. "Raegan?" Tara repeated in a voice filled with confusion. "What's wrong?" "I'm . . ." Rae began, stopped, tried again, "We're not ready. Billy's only been gone a few months. I still talk to Jamie." She stopped, shaking her head. "We're not ready." "Oh," Tara muttered. She reached for her sweatshirt, pulling it back over her head. "So, what now?" "I go back to Nashville," Rae answered, putting on her coat "And that's it?" Tara snapped, intercepting Rae on the way to the door. "I have liked you for a long time, and it was fate for us to find each other this weekend. How else do you explain you going through my line Thursday morning and us seeing each other at the movies? It's like we were meant to be friends again. I would like more. I think I have made that very obvious. I understand if you think we are moving too fast, but don't shut me out." She took a step closer, gently caressing Rae's cheek. "Please, Raegan." Raegan took Tara's hand in both of hers, kissing her knuckles. She reached into her pocket and withdrew her wallet. She opened it and pulled out one of her business cards. She passed it to Tara, then bent at the waist and kissed the corner of Tara's mouth. She pulled back to smile, brushing her fingertips over Tara's round cheek before she left the apartment. Home for Christmas. Christmas at Rae's parents' house was much like Thanksgiving with presents thrown into the mix. Lacy would be awake before the sun. They would gather around the tree and open presents and Christmas would be over by 9:00 AM. The cousins would again arrive for lunch and the argument over dinner would undoubtedly be religious in nature. Rae drove down the night before Christmas Eve. She spent the day helping her mother get ready for their guests and visiting distant relatives and old friends of the family. She glanced at her watch a thousand times as evening approached. An undercurrent of excitement coursed through her as she thought of the presents still in the back of her car. When Rae had gotten home the Sunday evening after Thanksgiving, there had been an e-mail from Tara waiting. Over the next four weeks, they had e-mailed one another daily and talked on the phone multiple times a week. She had enjoyed getting reacquainted with her old friend. When they spoke early in the day, Will always wanted to speak to her. She was enamored with the young boy and his mother and she had barely thought of Jamie. Tara had called three times yesterday to make sure that Rae was coming to the apartment on Christmas Eve. Her mother had not yet asked her if there was someone new in her life, but Rae knew that her mother was seeing the familiar signs. Rae was smiling and calling more frequently. She felt like her steps were lighter. Her anxiousness also contributed to her mother's suspicion. She was finally able to slip away after supper without Mother asking any questions. Rae weaved through the town, her heart galloping. It had been four weeks since she had kissed Tara before darting through the door to the frigid air that had cooled her hormones. Over the month of December, she had sorted out her feelings and finally decided that if Tara still wanted a relationship, she too was ready. She gathered up her packages and took the steps two at a time, her smile broad. She knocked on the door, juggling the three bags in her arms. Tara threw open the door, her smile equally broad. She wrapped her arms around Rae in an eager hug, planting a kiss on Rae's cheek. Rae hugged back as best as she could and did not release her small friend until they were inside the door. Tara stepped back and helped Rae set aside her packages. When her arms were empty, Rae closed the distance again, running her palm over Tara's stomach. It was now more evident that Tara was carrying a child. She caressed the infant with one hand, the other behind Tara's back. Tara placed her hands on her hips, allowing Rae access. Her face was turned up and she wore a smile. Rae looked around the room, her eyes searching for Will. She looked at Tara again, who nodded in assurance, reading her companion's thoughts. Rae bent and pressed her lips to Tara's, the kiss warm and steady. Tara lifted her hands to hold Rae's head and prolong the embrace. They finally broke away, their hands trailing reluctantly from each other. "Hi," Rae whispered. "Merry Christmas," Tara greeted in return. "I've made cookies and we have Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to watch before Will falls asleep." Tara caressed Rae's face and exhaled slowly. "It is so good to see you." "You, too," Rae answered. She bent, gathered her belongings, and went to the tree. She knelt beside the plastic tree and unloaded her packages. She felt Tara's eyes on her, but forced herself to ignore the goose bumps that were forming over on her skin. She studied the tree and the meager packages underneath it. There was one present under the tree for Tara with Will's scrawling handwriting on it. There were two with her own name on them, one in Will's writing and the other in Tara's flowing script. "You shouldn't have spent money on me," Rae muttered, folding her shopping bags. "I wanted to. I'm doing just fine." She squatted next to Rae and whispered. "Are you going to stay and help me put together his presents?" Rae nodded, glancing toward Will's room again. She stole another quick kiss and stood. She rose, pulling Tara to her feet. "Will! Guess who's here!" The door opened and Will darted across the room, calling Rae's name over and over. He launched himself into Rae's arms, wrapping his tiny arms around her neck. "Hey Aunt Rae! It's Christmas Eve! I've had so much fun today! I got a game for the computer from my Uncle Jack. It's an ABC game, but I already know my ABC's. Uncle Jack got Mommy a bracelet that was really shiny. Come see me play my new game!" He scrambled out of her arms and grabbed her hand, pulling her to the computer in the corner. Rae glanced over her shoulder at Tara, but followed willingly. She sat down in the chair that Tara used every night to send her a message and pulled Will onto her lap, helping him load the game and play. She was so involved in her interaction with Will that she jumped when Tara's hands touched her shoulders. Will was rambling about the game, leaning forward on Rae's lap as he maneuvered the mouse. Tara ran her hands over Rae's shoulders and back, then folded her arm around her upper body, kissing Rae's cheek. She squeezed and rested there for a moment, before standing and rustling Will's hair. "Hey champ, it's about time for Santa Claus. Let's watch your movie. The sooner you get in bed, the sooner Santa will come." "Oh boy! Do you think he remembered my bike?" "You sent him five letters and told him yourself every time we saw him, even when he was standing on the street ringing a bell, so I don't think he'll forget." He scrambled off of Rae's lap. All three of them piled onto the couch, Will settling himself on Rae's lap again. Tara smiled, tucking herself as close to them as she could and pulling a blanket over all three. Will fell asleep before Rudolph found the Island of Misfit Toys. Together, they carried him into the bedroom. They tucked him into the race car bed and both bent to kiss him goodnight. He roused a little as they did. "Don't forget to let Santa Claus in, Mommy. He might need some help with my bike." "I will, pumpkin. You sleep tight. Remember, no peeking all night long. If you see Santa, he'll take your bike away." "Aunt Rae, will you be here when I see my new bike?" His eyes were already closed, so she didn't bother with an answer. "Don't forget . . . cookies." The adults backed out of the bedroom. Tara pulled the door quietly to a close. "Aunt Rae?" repeated Rae. Tara shrugged. "Does it bother you?" she questioned as she wrapped her arms around the taller woman's waist. Rae shook her head. "Who's Uncle Jack?" Tara sighed and rolled her eyes, breaking the embrace and crossing to the kitchen area. "I hate Will calling him that, but Jack insists. I guess that's why he's saying Aunt Rae. He thinks all adults are aunts and uncles." She picked up the tray of cookies. "He'll expect Santa to eat them all, so get started." "You didn't finish your answer," Rae pushed, taking one of the cookies. "He's my manager at Big Mart. He's a nice guy, doing some fatherly things with Will. He has asked me out on a few dates. Fortunately, Will doesn't give me much time for dating." "Are you interested?" Tara grinned at Rae, moving back to the woman. She slid her arms around Rae's waist again, looking up. "Do I look interested?" She stretched up and kissed Rae. Their lips lingered, tasting and nibbling. Tara extended her tongue, teasing Rae's lips apart. Rae opened to her, allowing Tara to explore playfully. Rae's hands wandered over Tara's back and butt. Tara's hungry mouth danced over Rae's. They lost track of time as they enjoyed the loving kiss. Tara finally pulled away, pushing closer to Rae. She rested her head on Rae's shoulder. "We have a lot of work to do before Will wakes up tomorrow morning." She patted Rae's bottom and pulled away, taking one of the cookies and indicating that Rae should do the same. They worked together to put together a race track and set up other toys, including Will's bike. Rae slouched on the couch when they finished, munching on the last cookie. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She heard the door to the bathroom open and close and Tara move quietly across the room. Rae opened her eyes, slowly, and then sat up straight, her eyes wide. Tara had on a red silk gown and a transparent robe. The gown barely touched the top of her thighs. It had spaghetti straps and followed the curves of her breasts. She had a Santa hat on top of her head. She trailed her fingers over Rae's cheek. "I sent a few letters to Santa myself. It looks like I got what I wanted for Christmas." Rae wet her lips, momentarily speechless as she took in Tara's golden body. "Will?" "He'll sleep through the night. Even if he doesn't, he wouldn't dare come in here without knocking. Santa might take his bike away. Now, do I need to go find some mistletoe in order to get a kiss?" Rae put her hands on Tara's thighs, sliding upwards over the full hips and trim waist. She tugged and Tara sat down on her lap, her knees on either side of Rae's hips. Rae's hands danced along the bust of the gown, watching tiny bumps follow her touch. She bent forward, her mouth following the same path. Tara pushed forward, holding Rae's head and whispering words of adoration and encouragement. Rae's mouth worked up Tara's neck and over her jaw toward her mouth. There was no hesitation or teasing this time. Her tongue led the assault, teeth clashing as she tasted. Their tongues dueled, twisting together in a sensual dance. She moved the tip of her tongue along the roof of Tara's mouth. Rae sucked Tara's lip into her mouth, massaging it. She pushed Tara's sheer robe off her shoulders, dropping her mouth to the exposed shoulders. She slipped the spaghetti straps down Tara's shoulders, the bodice of the gown sagging a little. Tara slipped off of Rae's lap, pulling her lover to her feet. Silently, they took the cushions off the couch and folded out the bed. Tara stopped in front of Rae, her eyes turned upward. She placed her hands on Rae's shoulders, sliding them downward to touch the round globes of Rae's breasts through the material of the buttoned blouse. She massaged lightly, timidly exploring supple curves. Rae moved her hands to the buttons of her blouse and released them slowly until the shirt hung open. Tara smiled, placing her hands on Rae's stomach and working her way upward. She stepped close and pressed her lips to Rae's neck, feeling Rae's throbbing pulse. Rae closed her eyes and tilted her head back, her hands moving restlessly on Tara's waist and stomach and buttocks. Tara's mouth journeyed down Rae's neck, sprinkling kisses on her chest. She pushed her hands upward over Rae's ribcage until she cupped Rae's breasts through the lace of a bra. She nuzzled her face in the valley. Tara's lips moved along the edge of the bra, kissing flesh and lace. Her hands journeyed down Rae's stomach again, stopping at the button to the jeans. She opened the button and lowered the zipper. Her mouth moved upward again to Rae's mouths, the kiss warm and intimate and long. Rae's fingers caressed Tara's bare thighs, pushing the gown upward as she did. Tara broke the kiss first, her fingers leaving Rae's flesh as she backed toward the bed. Rae's hands dropped to her side as she watched Tara inch into the bed. Her eyes did not leave the small, pregnant woman. Without breaking the gaze, Rae shimmied out of her jeans. She shrugged the blouse off her shoulders. Tara was lying on her side, propped on her elbow as she watched Rae strip. Her legs were bent away from her body, the gown resting in a bunch on her hip. Rae put her knee on the bed, placing one hand behind Tara as she leaned forward, pushing her lover to her back as their tongues again engaged in a passionate duel. Tara wrapped her arms around Rae's neck, holding the record executive in place as they got comfortable on the bed. Their tongues melded, intruded, swirled, and withdrew. They switched angles and repeated the assault. Rae's hands moved to Tara's thighs again as they deepened their kiss. She pushed upward, caressing the muscular legs and hips, sliding the gown over smooth skin. Tara lifted her body as Rae's hands caressed her back, raising her arms over her head so that Rae could remove it. Home 01: New Holiday Home Tara bit her lip as Rae sat back on her knees. Rae's green eyes swept over the body, dwelling on every peak and valley and curve. Rae slid her more experienced hand over Tara's belly. "I've always heard that pregnant women glow," she mused, bending and kissing Tara's full lips. "I'm not glowing from being pregnant," Tara whispered, caressing Rae's face. "You make me glow." She pulled Rae down for another long kiss. Rae's hands resumed their exploration, traveling from Tara's baby to her breast, slightly larger than the last time Rae had taken one of the buds into her mouth. Rae inched down, her lips leaving a wet ghost path as she climbed the peak to taste Tara's nipple. She licked the bud, watching it lengthen, and then closed her lips around the areola, swimming her tongue over the puckered flesh. Tara moaned softly, arching her back to push more of herself into Rae's mouth. Rae continued her journey down Tara's body, moving over the round tummy with loving kisses. She dipped her tongue into Tara's navel and crawled down to the juncture of her thighs. She pressed her lips to the crotch of Tara's panties. Tara inhaled sharply, her voice caught in the middle of a moan. Rae placed her mouth over Tara's mound, blowing through the panties on the sensitive flesh. Tara groaned, twisting as the torment grew, then thrusting upward to offer herself to Rae. Rae grinned in satisfaction, using her fingers to tug the lacy panties down the sculpted thighs. She blew across Rae's mound again, watching the curls part. Tara was whimpering now, turning to direct the air. Rae finally bent, touching her lips to the swollen lips and kissing softly. Tara cried out, drumming her heels against the mattress as Rae's tongue danced along the slit. Tara groaned, her body tightening and arching. She bit her lip in an effort to keep quiet as Rae's tongue slid deeper, sweeping up and down the inside of the wet lips. Her body convulsed as Rae's tongue touched her clit for the first time. She exhaled, throwing her head back and pushing air from her lungs. Rae quickened her assault, her tongue thrusting up and down on the swollen nub. Tara fisted her hands, grabbing a handful of the sheet as she thrashed. Rae curled her tongue and penetrated Tara's tight hole, pushing deep inside and scraping her inner walls. Tara dug her fingers into Rae's short hair, pulling hard on the follicles as her body whipped in pleasure. She growled low in her throat, squeezing her legs around Rae's head. Rae slipped her hands beneath Tara's rump, holding on as Tara bucked. "Raegan!" she cried in a hoarse whisper. "Raegan!" She jerked stiff, her body trembling in violent shudders. She collapsed, gasping for breath. "Raegan." "Hmmmm?" Raegan asked, kissing her way back up to Tara's mouth. She smiled at her lover, stroking a strand of wet hair off her cheek. "I love you," Tara whispered, fingers moving on Rae's cheek. Her hand wandered down to the front clasp of Rae's bra, opening the hooks. Her hands covered Rae's larger breasts as she pushed the cups away. Rae's nipples pressed into the center of her palm. She squeezed the grapefruit sized mounds. Rae whispered encouraging words as Tara scraped her neatly trimmed nails over Rae's pale flesh. Rae shivered, arching like a cat and groaning in pleasure. Hesitantly, Tara lifted her head and pinched one of Rae's nipples between her teeth, tugging on it. Rae hissed at the incredible sensation as Tara's tongue lovingly caressed the bud. She sucked more into her mouth, using her lips and tongue to raise Rae's passion. Her fingers continued downward, leaving fine red lines down Rae's stomach. Rae rested on her elbows over Tara as the hesitant, unfamiliar hand explored. Tara's hand stopped at the waist of Rae's panties, unsure how to proceed. She hooked her fingers into the band, pushing them down as far as she could reach without releasing Rae's breast from her mouth. Her hands trailed back up, moving along the inside of Rae's thighs. She combed her fingers over Rae's smooth mound, surprised by the silkiness of it. Her fingers stroked up and down the hairless apex, moving in circles. Rae moaned loudly at the gentle teasing, her hips rocking. She dropped her head, whispering in Tara's ear. "Please." Tara's mouth moved to the other breast, opening her mouth wide to swallow the nipple and flesh. Her fingernails danced along Rae's swollen slit, her mouth moving reflexively. Her fingers pushed a little deeper, sliding easily into Rae's depths. She found Rae's bud and began making circles around it, her tongue circling the nipple in the same motion and time. She worked in a spiral, coming closer and closer to the bud with each swirl. Rae felt like her body was on fire. The double sensation of the dual assault had her libido spinning. Tara's tongue and finger reached their target at the same time. Rae arched as her body jerked stiff. She opened her mouth to scream but bit back the noise so that it was a low violent growl deep in her throat. The noise encouraged Tara. She started sliding her finger back and forth against Rae's hard shoot. Rae's body rocked in time to Tara's caress, her hips flexing up and down as Tara's finger dragged through her inner recesses. The spasms started slowly, her clit the epicenter of a calamity wracking through her body in powerful tremors. Tara's hand kept working, her finger sawing between Rae's soaking lips, her motions quicker and quicker. Rae cried in pleasure. Two centers developed as Tara's mouth quickened its suckling, her tongue rubbing the big nipple over and over. In her mind, she saw the sonar's bleeping out until they collided in her stomach. The need for silence intensified her orgasm. She opened her mouth and air rushed out of her body like a released balloon. The quivering of her muscles lasted an eternity. Her strength sapped, she collapsed over Tara, their bodies entwined. Rae was uncertain how long she lay over Tara, gentle hands caressing her back and hair before she regained control of her body. She rolled to her back beside Tara, gasping for breath. Tara rolled to her elbow, a sated smile on her face. "That was . . . wow," Rae said on a deep sigh. Tara laughed softly, her fingers making circles on Rae's skin. "I didn't think you had ever been with a woman." "I hadn't," Tara answered. "I spent plenty of time learning how to take care of myself while Billy was on the road. I just did to you what I know I enjoyed." She stopped talking, looking alarmed. "Was that okay?" Rae grinned at Tara's sudden shyness and uncertainty. She pulled Tara into her arms, circling Tara's waist and allowing her to rest her head against her shoulder. "It was okay," she assured. "You'll stay the night, won't you?" Tara asked. "Will would be so disappointed if you weren't here when he woke up in the morning, and so would I." Rae hesitated, shifting comfortably. She had no desire to leave the comfort of the bed or Tara's arms. "I'll stay." Tara rose up again, looking at Rae with the love and affection that she felt. One hand rested between Rae's bare breasts, the other propping her head so she could look into her lover's eyes. "What happens now, Raegan?" Raegan sighed again, this time the motion producing a sound of frustration instead of contentment. She didn't want to think about the future right now. She could see no future for her and Tara. "I have to go back to Nashville tomorrow and won't be home until Easter." Tara fell to her back beside Rae, linking their fingers between them. "Easter? That's a very long time." "It might be for the best. It will give us a little distance and time to decide what we really feel for each other," Rae answered. She yawned, rolling toward Tara and tucking her lover close to her side. She was asleep in an instant. New Year's Eve in Nashville. Raegan moved about the townhouse, hearing her own breath echo against the walls. When Jamie had lived there, it had sometimes seemed too small. One the lower level was the living room, a light, open room with elegant furniture. The kitchen and dining room extended across the back half of the house. There were two slightly larger bedrooms upstairs. The master bedroom had a bathroom. In the mornings, she and Jamie had both complained as they ran into each other. The other bedroom was neat but had rarely been used. After Jamie had left, the house had seemed just right. It hadn't seemed too big or too small for one person. She didn't realize till she came home from Christmas that she had not missed Jamie much at all recently. Now, the townhouse seemed huge. Without Tara, everything seemed empty. She cursed under her breath for thinking about Tara. Thinking about her high school friend made things seem even worse. She had left her hometown without calling Tara, and she had not returned any of Tara's calls all week. She hadn't answered any of her e-mails either. Rae had told Tara that time would help them determine how they really felt. She knew if they were talking on the phone every night and e-mailing that they would be unable to think objectively. They needed real distance to clarify their feelings. She walked from the kitchen to the living room, sighing as she sipped her soda. She was invited to a friend's party, but she wasn't certain she was going to go. She and Jamie had attended Beth's New Year's Eve party every year. They had been together. Rae didn't particularly care anything about being with people tonight. She would feel out of place with her friends who had their significant others. Beth would be trying to fix her up with someone. She knew because Beth had called four times to try to convince her to come. The ringing phone startled her from her reprieve and she spilled some of the soda on her blouse. She cursed under her breath, wiping at the spot as she moved to the phone. "Hello?" she asked without first looking at the caller ID. "Rae?" a familiar feminine voice asked nervously. "Hi, sweetheart. How are you?" Rae hesitated, frowning. Her heart would beat easier through the lonely night if she hung up. "Good, J. I'm good. You?" "I miss you," Jamie answered immediately, a catch in her voice. Rae leaned against the dais, pressing her fingers to her head. "Are you going to Beth's tonight?" "I haven't decided," she answered. "What are you doing tonight?" "Curling up with a stiff drink and listing reasons why I shouldn't hop on a plane and come running home to you," she laughed dryly. "It's a very short list." "What happened to your friend?" "My friend?" She sighed. "She's not you. You have me spoiled." "It's the holidays, J. You'll feel better in a few days." "You don't want me to come home?" Jamie asked in a wounded voice. Rae paused. She didn't want to hurt Jamie, but she didn't think Jamie coming home was a good idea. "I don't want you to give up your job." "There will be other jobs. I'm very qualified. I could find a job." As Jamie spoke, the doorbell rang. Rae looked at the door in frustration. The ringing bell gave her the opportunity to escape from Jamie's phone call, but she still held a special place for the woman. She didn't want Jamie hurt. "Was that the door?" "Yes. I should see who it is. Hold on?" Rae laid the phone on the table without waiting for Jamie to answer and crossed the room without paying attention to where she was going. She was thinking instead about how to help Jamie through her loneliness without giving her false hope. She was so distracted by Jamie's phone call that she didn't even look to see who was at the door. The small woman's face was a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She blinked up at Rae, took a deep breath, and started speaking. "I don't know what's going on in your head, but I love you. I've run through all the excuses in my head. I know Billy's just been gone a few months. I know you are just out of a relationship, but neither one of us are on a rebound. I know you think I am hormonal, but I miss you all the time. I have since Thanksgiving." "Tara," Rae began. Tara pushed by Rae, entering the house. She did not turn her eyes from Rae as she walked. "I know your next argument is going to be how difficult it will be for me to suddenly become a lesbian. I've spent a lot of time thinking about this since Thanksgiving. I'm ready for it. I think I'm more ready for it than you are. I'm not going to hide from anyone. You are going to be with my family on holidays and I am going to be with yours. They are going to know that we are a family." She paused, studying Rae, who still stood dumbfounded. "Will and I are going to move here as soon as soon as we get things together," she said, stepping closer to Rae. She reached up and touched Rae's cheek. "Will we be welcome?" Rae's mouth moved wordlessly for a moment. She stared down into Tara's wistful, loving face, and then wrapped her arm around Tara's waist. "We'll need a bigger place before the baby comes." Her mouth lowered to Tara's in a sweet, long, loving kiss. Suddenly, the New Year looked brighter. In Tara's arms, she was, at last, home.