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Yes, Dear Ch. 01

By: qhml1



This really isn't my story, it belongs to my only crossdresser friend, who I consulted while doing research for another story. It's her dream situation, and I agreed to write is as a thank you. I wouldn't let her see the finished story. She has to read it here. Hope you enjoy, Anne, this one's for you. 

I was going to put it in the transsexual and cross dresser section, but it's just too much of a love story to be anything else. If this offends you, stop reading now. There are plenty of good stories to capture your interest. 

................................................

This is the story of how I fell in love.

I've been called petite, at five three and weighing a hundred and five pounds. I always wear business suits, jacket, skirt, usually a matching silk blouse. I think my legs are too pretty to conceal. My dirty blond hair trimmed into a short, professional style. I always wear four inch heels, so I look taller. My whole appearance screams "successful business woman".

And I am. Very successful, working for a Fortune 100 company. At thirty, I'm a junior vice president, and the sky is the limit for advancement, as far as I'm concerned.

I have an MBA from Wharton, apprenticed with some of the most successful firms in the world, landing my dream job right out of college.

I've been called, brilliant, driven, devious, and a cast iron bitch. All apt descriptions.

How did an attractive young woman work her way up the food chain so quick? Well for starters, I never dated, giving my full attention to work. Oh, I got hit on, some customers have even hinted that my favors would go a long way towards sealing a deal. I usually found an excellent reason why my company should stop doing business with theirs. These men didn't get where they were by being stupid, word got around, and I was always treated with respect from then on.

"Married to her job, that one," they would say behind my back, "wonder if she's a lesbian".

I was so successful because I knew how men thought. I know, you hear men and women say that, but very few actually do. I could work the good old boy system with the best.

Why? Because underneath those Armani power suits, thigh highs, and expensive lingerie, lies a five inch cock. So now you know I'm not a lesbian. 

That's right. I was born male. It didn't take me long to realize I was trapped in the wrong body. I actually had reasonable parents, and by the time I was thirteen I was in therapy for gender reassignment. When I got my driver's license I could legally put down female in the proper slot.

Social interaction with other teens was severely limited. I tried a regular high school, and when who I was became known, I was beaten up twice and almost raped once. After that, I tended to hang with others in my support group. I was privately tutored.

College was a little better, but not much. In fact, I had only been with two sexual partners, one transsexual that only gave and received oral, and one guy who was too rough taking my virginity. I bled, hurt, and swore off sex. I masturbated a lot to relieve my sexual tension. I was very lonely.

I literally fell into my husband's arms. It was late April, and as I gazed down from my forty third floor corner office, I had an almost uncontrollable need to get outside and breathe unfiltered air. I decided to take a long lunch, get a sandwich and sit in the park, enjoying the sunshine.

I had to walk by a construction site, another skyscraper that just had to be a floor taller then the last. As usual, the catcalls and whistles followed me all the way down the block. Construction workers are pigs generally, half a strand of DNA above an ape.

I got my sandwich and soda, found a nice bench with a southern view, and enjoyed the sunshine, for about five minutes.

The two men, obviously construction workers, were muddy, unshaven, and Neanderthals had more brain cells.

"Hey bitch, that's our bench." 

I got up quietly, prepared to move. The loudest one got closer.

"Who said you could leave? You owe us for the use of this bench."

I gave them my most professional look.

"This is a public park. I should be able to sit where I want. But, if you need the bench that bad, take it and welcome. I have to get back to work now."

"We're not done with you missy" said the biggest one, grabbing my arm and causing me to drop my soda. "I think a kiss or two will square the debt."

I was struggling with his grip when a quiet voice said "Charley, I think you should let the lady go and apologize for being such an asshole."

He let go of me so fast I started to fall when strong arms encircled me and helped me upright.

"Miss, are you all right?"

I couldn't help it, I was so scared I started crying. I managed to sniffle a yes, conscious of the arms still around me. I think he realized he was still holding me at the same time, and gently let go.

"Fuck you Brian, we ain't at work and you ain't my supervisor" the man who tormented me said, trying to save face.

The man named Brian smiled.

"You're exactly right. So if I stomp your ass, you got no beef with the company or the union. Wanna get in on this, Dave?"

Dave appeared nervous.

"I got no problem with you, man. We was just havin' a little fun."

"Does she look like she's having fun?"

He had pulled me behind him, a position I was more than happy with.

"Get back to work, boys. If you hang around I might get the idea you intended to aggravate this young woman more. You know how I would hate that."

Dave couldn't leave fast enough, Charley wanted to save face, but as soon as Brian turned to him, he left.

I was shaking as he seated me on the bench.

"Don't worry, they won't bother you anymore. Relax, enjoy your lunch. I'm sorry they spilled your drink. Here, share mine."

He poured something from his cooler into a plastic cup and handed it to me. I took a small sip. My eyes widened. He smiled.

"Homemade lemonade, with a touch of raspberries. Do you like it? I have more."

I held out my cup, and he refilled it.

"May I join you?" He asked politely.

"Please " I said moving over slightly.

After the lemonade my bought sandwich tasted plastic. I could see him frown.

"Try this." He handed me a croissant filled with chicken salad. I had never tasted chicken salad like that. Made from herb smoked chicken, with bits of grape and pecans. I practically inhaled it. He looked at me, smiling.

I felt like a glutton. I tried to cover it up.

"Your wife is an excellent cook."

He grinned.

"She better be, when I find her. This is my recipe, I'm a fair cook, for a single guy."

"Good looking, single, and able to cook too. I might just apply for that wife position."

Shit! Where did that come from? I colored.

He laughed.

"Thanks, I think."

We talked for thirty minutes before he looked at his watch.

"I've got to go. I'm the foreman, wouldn't look good to be late. I enjoyed lunch. What time do you get off work?"

The question caught me by surprise.

"Five thirty."

He gave me a five hundred watt smile.

"Excellent."

He scribbled something on a notepad and gave it to me.

"I'm doing interviews for the wife position. I can work you in at six thirty. Don't be late, you'll lose points if you are. It was a pleasure to meet you, Andi."

I must have looked like an idiot, holding the piece of paper and grinning.

"See you at six thirty, sweetie."

And just like that, he was gone.

I came to my senses and checked the time myself. Shit, thirty minutes late from lunch. I was never late from lunch! I hurried back to my office.

When I went by the construction sight, the Neanderthals glared at me, but not one worker said a word. I looked up, Brian was in some kind of contraption about two stories up. It did not look safe. He gave me a small wave. I know I looked like an idiot waving back so hard. I practically ran into my building.

My personal assistant, Aubrey, was a woman in her fifties. I liked her. She had been with me since I got my first promotion. She was very good at her job, and would have mothered me relentlessly if I let her. After three years together she starting dropping hints. Why didn't I have a picture of my boyfriend on my desk? Was that wedding bells she heard? You work too hard, you should date more.

We had a code. If I stamped my foot and said "MOM!", she would back off for awhile.

I caught Aubrey watching me and smiling several times. I finally had to ask.

"What are you grinning at?"

It all came out in one long rush.

"You're not the only one who had lunch in the park today. We all saw you. Who is he? What does he do? Are you serious? He was, oh, what was it Janine said? Oh yeah, ripped. That means hunky, right?"

"Yes, it means hunky. No, we're not serious. I just met him today. He's a construction foreman on that project down the street. With me so far?"

She nodded.

"Did he ask you out? Did you ask him? He was definitely interested in you, that much was plain."

I couldn't resist.

"Well, he is currently conducting potential wife interviews. He offered me a six thirty slot. What do you think, should I dust off my resume?"

Her mouth hung open.

"You already got a date? Tonight?" she looked at the time.

"What are you standing around for? It's five ten, the clock is ticking. Where is he taking you?"

"Nowhere. I'm supposed to meet him at...." I pulled the paper out of my pocket, "Cafe Rizzo, ever heard of it?"

"Heard of it? It's supposed to be the third best Italian restaurant in the city. It's basically a Mom and Pop place. Small, intimate, next to impossible to get into. He must be more than a construction foreman to have the pull to get in there on short notice. Bring me a doggie bag, okay?"

Her mouth almost hit the floor when I told her I wasn't sure I was going.

"You're kidding! Young lady, you are going and you're going to have a good time. Are we clear?"

I stamped my foot. "MOM!"

"Oh no, little lady, that's not going to work this time. Now get your cute little butt in gear and go capture a man's heart. You're fired for the rest of the day. Go on now, get ready. Make me proud."

I was so shocked I let her lead me to the small closet of clothes I kept at the office. I never knew when something last minute would come up, and had to have suitable clothes.

Aubrey was already going through my wardrobe.

"Too formal, too business like, ah, this will do."

It was the classic little black dress, modest hem and neckline.

"This, and the pearls. Now go do your makeup. I'll call your driver, have him waiting."

If I hadn't wanted to go so much, I would never have let her go on. I even had to stand inspection before I left.

"Very nice, dear. Now, go have a good time. Details expected tomorrow. I'm going home and rape my husband, imagining he's a 'ripped' construction worker. Bye bye."

...............................................

I was on pins and needles on the way. I dismissed my driver, I didn't know how long I would stay, and would cab it home.

I was about to ask the hostess for Brian, and realized I didn't know his last name.

I finally squeaked out "Has Brian arrived yet?"

She broke out in a big smile and led me to the back of restaurant. He rose to meet me. Damn, he cleaned up nice. White shirt, black vest, jeans and loafers. He looked good enough to eat.

"Here she is, Brian. You can stop worrying now."

She looked at me while he colored.

"He's been up to check the door at least ten times in the last twenty minutes. I can see why. I'm Gina, this idiot is my first cousin." 

That explained the restaurant. It also explained why nearly every worker in the place, including the dishwashers, came by to be introduced. Finally a man and woman in their fifties shooed them away.

"Go on now, You can give her the third degree later. Let them have a little peace."

They were his aunt and uncle. If Brian turned out like his uncle when he was fifty, he'd still be getting looks. His aunt was small, petite really, and Italian to the roots. 

"Come to lunch next Sunday. We'll talk. Now, I'll make sure you're left in peace. Enjoy your meal."

What meal? We hadn't had a chance to order.

The platters started appearing. It would take a week to eat this much food. Everything tasted so good, she had to have at least a bite of it all. They didn't have much conversation until after the dishes were cleared, and they were on their third glass of wine.

Brian grinned at me.

"Okay, time to fill out your application. Start with the basics. How old are you? Have you been married before? Got someone in your life right now? Foolish question, that. As pretty as you are, there has to be someone. Where do you work? What do you do? Are you happy with it?"

My mouth hung open in shock. Damn, get right to it.

"Don't you know it's not polite to ask a lady her age? I'll be thirty one in three months. I've never been married. Not dating right now, I'm concentrating on my career. I work at Chase and Simpson, and I'm quite happy with my job."

Why did I tell him all that. He just sat there, looking at me with those calm green eyes. I wanted to bare my soul to him.

"You're a little older than I thought. Not enough to matter, though. I notice you said where you worked, but not what you do. Care to elaborate?"

I hesitated, I had to make a lot more money than he did. Some men couldn't handle that, or the fact that I held a position of power. I shook myself. What did it matter? This was never going anywhere.

"I'm the youngest vice president in their history. I run run the mergers and acquisitions branch. Sometimes I get two clients to merge who can complement each other and be more profitable. Sometimes they get bought out by my company. And rarely, it's a hostile takeover. I'm very good."

He nodded, listening intently.

"What kind of pay grade does that carry? Stock options, bonuses, you must be making out quite well."

This should scare him off.

"I make two hundred ten thousand a year, plus bonuses and stock. It averages a little more than three hundred thousand."

He seemed impressed. Time to counterattack.

"What about you. If I'm older, by how much? Does being a construction foreman pay well? Ever been married before? Time to share."

"I'm twenty six. Never been married. It pays all right, I average seventy five thousand a year with completion bonuses. I don't intend to stay where I am. I'll have my degree in architecture in another year and a half, going part time."

He turned the tables again.

"What about kids? Do you want them? How many? How close?"

I figured this would be the deal breaker.

"I can't have kids. I've always liked them, but anyone I end up with, unless they already have kids, would have to agree to adoption."

There it was, the biggie.

He just smiled.

"I've always wanted three. One of each, the last doesn't matter. I'm adopted, myself. Best thing that could ever have happened to me."

Didn't see that coming, but it explained why he didn't look Italian.

We talked until closing time. His aunt escorted us to the door, extracting promises that we would join them next Sunday.

"Where's my cab?" Aunt Rita waved her hands.

"Why waste money on a cab when you have a perfectly fine young man willing to escort you home? Behave yourself Brian. I like this one."

It was a four door truck. He drove straight to her condo. He helped me out and escorted me to the security door. 

"Well, I know now."

"Know what?"

"Where to pick you up. Seven O'clock, Saturday. Dress nice, we're going to the opera."

With a quick kiss on the cheek and an even swifter kiss on her lips, he was gone.

I didn't remember how I got into my condo. I did remember the huge smile on the doorman's face.

"I didn't even get a choice" I though as I got ready for bed. I knew I wouldn't have turned him down.

I rubbed my lips as I snuggled down, remembering his kiss.

Cold hard reality hit me the next morning as I showered. I rarely got an erection any more since my hormone treatments, but today I had a serious case of morning wood. I even masturbated, dreaming of Brian.

"He'll hate me when he finds out" I thought later, as tears threatened to ruin my makeup.

My mood brightened as I reached work. I'd hold onto my fantasy just a little longer.

Aubrey was on her as soon as she entered her office.

"Spill! I see that smile on your face. Was the food good? Does he clean up well? Did you get any last night? Did you bring me any leftovers?"

I let her wait for a few seconds.

"All right, here we go, in no particular order. He cleans up very well. This was a first date, so no nooky. His family owns the place, and the food was to die for. There were no leftovers."

I watched the disappointment on her face before I handed her a handwritten note.

"What's this?"

"It's a personal invitation for you and your husband to dine at Cafe Rizzo this Friday. Enjoy. Did you wear your husband out last night? Did you make him wear a hard hat?"

Aubrey held the note in awe, before turning just a bit red.

"I didn't wear him out, more like down. But not enough that he wasn't recharged this morning. I was almost late."

Andi hugged her.

"Now, if we can get our minds out our panties, let's get some work done. And Aubrey, don't spread this around."

Aubrey laughed so hard she almost spilled the two cups of coffee she held.

"Too late, my little Cinderella. Joan from accounting and Barb from legal were at the cafe with their husbands. They saw you and I quote 'hanging onto your hunk like a drowning woman clings to a life preserver'. I've had three calls already this morning." 

Even my boss said something that afternoon.

"Popular rumor has it there's a new man in your life. Quite attractive, according to the woman in accounting. I'm not prying, I'm just saying good for you. All work and no play and all that. Just tell me he doesn't work for a competitor."

I was glowing red 

"No, he's in construction, lower management, but he'll be qualified as an architect soon."

"Sounds great, think how much you'll save when it comes time to design your dream home."

I started telling him it was just casual until I saw him smiling.

"Relax Andi, I'm just teasing. It's good to see you look human, instead of the ultimate business woman. Does he know?"

Bob was the only one in the company who knew my secret. When he offered me the vice president slot, I felt it necessary to come clean. I didn't want it to be discovered and brought to light to embarrass the company. It surprised him, but my efforts spoke on their own. He supported me and I got the job. If Aubrey was my mother figure in the office, Bob was her counterpart. I often told him I wanted to be just like him when I grow up. It pleases him no end.

"No, but I intend to tell him soon."

He nodded.

"I expect no less from you. And Andi, if it doesn't go well for you, I have a dry shoulder you can cry on."

I couldn't help myself, and kissed his cheek.

"I swear, between you and Aubrey, It's like I never left home. Thanks, Dad."

I believe we were both misty eyed for awhile.

I now had a dilemma. It was Tuesday, and I hadn't chosen a gown. My cheerleaders, Aubrey, Barb, and Joan, spent two lunch hours helping me shop. I was about to give up when we saw it.

Almost full length, open back, modest neckline. Red satin. I had a 34C chest, mostly hormone induced, but augmented by small implants. It was hard to go without a bra because of my extremely sensitive breasts. I could almost orgasm just from rubbing them. I wondered how his lips wold feel on them. I would probably explode on the spot.

Matching shoes, handbag, a small red velvet choker. My Adam's Apple was almost nonexistent thanks to hormone treatments at an early age and a bit of discreet surgery. I spent two hours having my hair done


Yes, Dear Ch. 01



As I waited for him to pick me up, I wondered if he had a car. It was going to be definitely hard to appear ladylike crawling up into that monster truck of his.

The doorman called to inform her he had arrived. He had always liked her because she treated him like a person instead of an object. She would sometimes bring him a cool drink or a cup of coffee, depending on the season, on her way in or out.

"How does he look, Harold?"

Harold chuckled. "I believe he will pass your inspection, ma'am."

It took me ten minutes to gather up my courage to go downstairs.

I was stunned. He had on a black dinner jacket, a shirt so white it would probably blind you in full sunlight, gleaming black shoes, black pants and bow tie. He looked like a young American version of the old James Bond characters in the sixties.

We both stood for a moment taking each other in.

"Come" he said, holding out his hand.

He led me to a black Lincoln town car, shining like a new penny.

"Nice car" I said as I settled into the leather seats.

"It belongs to Aunt Rita. They stopped making them almost two years ago. It hurt her feelings so bad she bought two, with every bell and whistle they had to offer. This one has four thousand miles on it. The other has six. Not six thousand, six miles. She's fifty one and says she'll never have to buy another car for the rest of her life."

He stopped and laughed.

"She said to tell you that if we scratch it, it would be in our best interests to never eat anything she prepares for the rest of our lives."

The opera was Italian, a minor piece that wasn't preformed often. Brian surprised her by translating once in a while. He saw her look.

"What? Aunt Rita is first generation American, her mother came over after the second world war. I was speaking Italian before I learned English."

I was impressed with the number of people who knew him as we mingled before and after the performance. One city councilman, a deputy mayor, various shakers and movers in the city. Many knew me, and were surprised to see me on a date.

One slightly buzzed socialite put her hands[way to familiarly] on his arm.

"Looks like our Brian melted the Ice Queen. Kudos, Brian."

He frowned slightly.

"Ice Queen? Where did you get that? I had the run the air conditioner on the highest setting on the way over here, and I think the passenger seat smells a little schorched."

Both the socialite and Andi glowed, one from embarrassment, and one from pride.

"Does he really think I'm that hot?" I thought as we exited the venue.

We went back to the restaurant for a late dinner. Courses kept getting cold when family, friends, and steady patrons came by to comment on how attractive they were. They must have posed for fifty pictures with family.

Aunt Rita finally put a stop to it.

"Enough! The next person who bothers my nephew and his beautiful date will be dining at McDonalds for the next week."

Apparently it was no idle threat, it was like they became invisible. We could finally relax.

"Is your family always like this?"

He patted my hand.

"No honey, we're calm compared to the other side of the family. Uncle Sean is Irish. Wait 'til I take you down to the pub. Think Italians with a lot of beer instead of wine. They're even a bit louder, can you believe it? Last time we had a wedding, you couldn't even hear the priest."

Great. Irish and Italian. Catholics, no doubt. I waited to be struck by lightning.

Just before we left Aunt Rita came out and handed me some photos. One of us standing as we waited for our table. Several more of us from both our times there.

She smiled.

"Gina is majoring in graphic art and photography in college. She always has a camera around somewhere, if you want privacy, you might want to go somewhere else."

She pointed at a wall covered in photos.

"Our wall of fame. Family, friends, favored customers. You're already on it."

I was indeed. A candid shot of both of us laughing.

He took me home as I sat in a fog of emotions. Once he escorted me to the door, I hesitated. Did I want him to come up? Did I want to face what might happen if I did? 

He solved my dilemma by gathering me in his arms for a firm good night kiss. Boy, did he taste good! He actually had me off the ground at the end. He sat me back on my feet gently.

"I've got to work overtime this week to stay on schedule, and I have two nights of classes to attend. I'll call you Thursday. You get to pick where we go this weekend. I'm not hard to please. Goodnight, Andi."

I was still trying to form a response before he pulled away. Do I ever get the option of saying no to him?

I turned to the door to see a smiling Harold.

"Pleasant evening, Miss Andi?"

I was so happy I hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"The best, Harold. Absolutely the best it could be and still stay clothed. Good night."

I left him with his mouth hanging open.

................................................ 

I took the photo of he and I standing in our formal clothes, framed it, and put it on my desk, just to tease Aubrey. I saw her pick it up several times. Finally, as she was about to explode. I asked her.

"Something you need to ask, Aubrey?"

She actually turned red before she blurted it out.

"Is he as good looking naked?"

I got a little satisfaction teasing her. I gave her my most solemn look.

"Better. There isn't an ounce of fat on his whole body. He's got muscles bulging in places I didn't know had muscles. And his equipment? Greek god. He could call a lot of porn stars Junior if he wanted. And stamina? My goodness, I finally passed out while he pounded me and woke up the same way. I'm not really sure he ever stopped that night. I'm exhausted and sore, but very, very, VERY satisfied."

The look on her face was priceless. She didn't know where to start.

"Really?" she finally managed to gasp out.

"No, not really. All he got was a goodnight kiss. A really good kiss, but that was it. If he ever does bed me, I'll never tell."

She recovered and smirked at me.

"If he does, I'll know. So will everyone else with eyes. I'll bet you a day at the spa you have that look before three months go by."

I grabbed her hand and shook it. 

"Deal. Now do you need a minute alone to finish your fantasy, or can we actually work this morning?"

He didn't call me for three days. It took me that long to remember I didn't give him my cell number. I didn't have a land line, it seemed unnecessary. Well, he knew where I lived, he could give a note to Harold, I hoped.

I was getting pretty despondent by Thursday afternoon, when Aubrey buzzed me.

"Some guy named Brian just called. I told him we didn't take personal calls on a company line. He seemed disappointed, and hung up."

"WHAT!!"

Then I heard that wicked chuckle.

"Got ya! He's on line two."

Making a mental note to look into getting an assistant that wasn't such a bitch, I picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

His voice sounded like music to my ears.

"Hi, sweetie. Made a decision about what we're doing this weekend?"

I couldn't resist.

"How do you know I didn't already have plans this weekend?"

There was about thirty seconds of silence. I feared I had just made a big mistake, when his confident voice came on the line.

"If you had plans, cancel them. We're more important."

The nerve of him! To think I would just break plans because he said so was just too insul...."Yes, dear." Shit, did I really just say that?

The warmth in his voice rose about fifteen degrees.

"That's my sweetie. If you haven't made plans, there's a new exhibit at the art museum I've been dying to see. They're holding a small reception Friday. Interested?"

Damn right I was. I had read about the new exhibit, it wouldn't be until next weekend before it would be available for public viewing, but there was a reception for patrons preceding it. First opera, now art. I was going to have to change my opinion of construction workers.

"Well, I had made plans to fly you to Paris and make out at the top of the Eiffel Tower, but art works too, I guess. What time should I be ready? Dress?"

I think I threw him there for a minute with the Paris crack, but he recovered nicely.

"Seven, casual. See you then, sweetie."

I hung up smiling. Looking up, I saw Aubrey in the door, smirking.

"If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I wouldn't have believed it. Yes dear? Next thing you know, you'll be in the office barefoot talking about color schemes for the nursery. I hear that new spa over on Grant is really nice. Anything I can get you before I go back to my desk?"

"Yes. You can get me some resumes for a new assistant, one that keeps her head out of her panties and doesn't listen in on private phone calls. Could you do that for me?"

Damn her, I wish she'd stop smirking.

"I'll get right on that, boss, as soon as I'm done with my break and hell freezes over."

"MOM!"

She was still laughing when she closed the door.

................................................

He picked me up in a vintage Corvette. It was a 1971 model that belonged to his dad. It had been pretty run down, but he had it restored to show room condition.

"It was nice of you dad to give you his car" I said, as I settled back and listened to the rumble of the big engine."

I saw a look of pain cross his face. 

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?"

He reached out and patted my hand.

"No sweetie, you didn't. Just had a bad memory come up. Did I tell you how great you look tonight?"

I could tell he was trying to change the subject, so I let him. I smoothed my dress.

"This old thing? Why, I've had this thing forever, if you count this morning as forever."

It was a little black dress, indeed a new one, higher hem, hey, I've always thought I had great legs, lower neckline, time to let the girls breathe a little, and it fit me as close to perfect as humanly possible. A nice little pushup bra, matching panties, and a garter belt holding up patterned and seamed hose. Even I thought I looked hot.

Apparently so did every man in the room. As long as I was close to Brian I was fine, but when some of the executive committee pulled him to the side for a little impromtu discussion about the new exhibit, they swarmed me. It was making me uncomfortable, and the look in his eye was almost murderous before he regained his bland smile.

A thrill went through me.

"He's jealous!"

I caught his eye and gave him a big wink and blew him a kiss. He instantly relaxed and started smiling a real smile again. Still, he cut it short and rejoined me almost immediately.

I turned to the most persistent of my admirers.

"Here's my man now! Brian, this is Jon, if you're not acquainted. Brian's in construction, probably where he gets these delicious muscles from."

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure" said Brian, as he held out his hand.

Jon made a stupid mistake and tried to out macho Brian, trying to crush his hand with his grip. Brian's eyes widened a bit in surprise, before squeezing back, hard. It almost put Jon to his knees. He made his excuses and left, trying desperately not to rub his hand before he got out of sight. 

"I'm glad he's gone. I thought there for a minute you were going to fight over me."

He surprised me by squeezing my hand, hard.

"I need you to understand something. If I'm with you, I'd fight for you until my dying breath, but I'll never fight over you. That would imply you did something of your own volition to cause the fight. I'm not built that way. If we're in a relationship, we're in all the way. And by the way, I mean exclusively and faithfully. You'll never have to worry about me. You agree?"

I looked into those intense green eyes. I wanted to say a lot, but all I could manage was "yes, dear." His smile told me all I needed to know.

We discussed art as we looked around. He didn't care for modern art.

"Ever see Red Square? It's Russian. It isn't even a square, it's a rectangle. Just a canvass filled with red paint, and it's worth millions. Pollack? Don't even go there. A monkey could do the same thing."

He like the more realistic paintings, the Wyeths, every generation, and some surrealists, especially Dali. He also had a soft spot for Van Gogh, I learned later he had a reproduction of Starry Night and Sunflowers hanging in his house.

I leaned towards sculpture. I think I shocked him when I told him I owned a Remington, a small group of horses.

Of course, we had to do the mandatory mingling, and it was a lot of people from the opera.

A man I knew casually through work and I were chatting while one of the patrons just had to talk to Brian.

"So, you and Brian."

"Excuse me?"

"You and Brian. I know you've had at least two dates, something of a record lately for Brian. After his last girlfriend, he didn't even date for almost a year, and then you never saw him with the same woman twice. She sure messed him up, good to see him doing better."

Curiousity got the better of me.

"Just to avoid any mistakes, what broke them up, if you don't mind talking about it."

He stood there a second, trying to decide if telling me was the right thing to do.

"All right, just don't let him know I told you. Do you know who Karen Eckles is?"

Of course I did. She practically lived in the society section of the local papers. Daughter of Martin Eckles, a man worth billions.

"Well, she and Brian met at one of these functions, and she decided she just had to have him. He never had a chance. Oh, he was cautious at first, but she wore him down. They were an item for almost a year, before he broke it off."

"Why? She was rich, beautiful, sexy. She was the dream girl of most of the men in this city."

He nodded.

"That's just it. She was the dream girl. It spoiled her. She hid it from Brian, but she was too shallow and self absorbed to commit to anything serious. Brian was on the edge of proposing, when he found out her true nature."

"How did he find out?"

"She told him. Not purposely, but he found out at a function just like this. I know, because I was with him at the time."

"We walked up behind her and some friends." 

"When are you going to dump Brian?" one of her girlfriends asked. I'm a lot taller than Brian, and they didn't see him.

"Oh, I'm not going to dump Brian. I'm going to marry him. He's perfect, loyal, desperately in love with me, and daddy loves him. Says it's about time I found a real man."

"What about Freddie? Does Brian know about him?"

"No, and he's not going to. He trusts me too much to believe I'd ever have an affair. I'm going to keep on with Freddie until he starts boring me, then cut him loose and find someone else. Brian has that boring old job, And I'll only play then. I'll have the perfect life, a man who loves me, and all the toys I want to play with."

"I expected Brian to be shocked, I was, But I didn't expect what happened."

"He came round me and stood behind Karen. Her girl friends eyes went wide. She knew something was wrong and turned to see him. She went a little pale and started talking, but he had his own speech to give."

"How about we do it this way. I get out of your life. Permanently. Look how much more play time you could get in. It's a great plan. I get to keep my self respect and you get to continue your whoring lifestyle without complications. Goodbye, Karen."

"He never said another word to her. In her own way, she did love him, and was accustomed to getting whatever she wanted. She called his house, his company, his cell. She got banned from his aunt's cafe, and he finally had to go talk to her dad, telling him he was going to file stalking charges and a restraining order if she didn't stop. Her dad finally got the full story, and shipped her off to Europe for three months."

I wanted to know badly.

"Did that stop her?"

He shook his head.

"No, she just toned it down. Tell me, do you ever get the feeling you're watched? You have been, all night. She's here, and been watching you both like a hawk. Turn around."

I did, making it appear casual. He was right, she was across the gallery staring daggers into me. It was creepy. I shivered.

At that time David came back, so the conversation stopped. I made a point to hang on his arm and smile at Karen every chance I got. She left rather early, quite a surprise.

I broached the subject gingerly as he drove me home.

"Do you know Karen Eckles?"

He tensed before shrugging. 

"Yes. Why?"

"Well she was there tonight, and every time I looked up she was staring at us. It kind of creeped me out.

He actually laughed.

"Karen and I were close once, but our lifestyles were just too different to make it work. She wasn't used to the word no, and it irritated her. Don't worry about it."

He surprised me by pulling into a nice neighborhood, stopping in front of a modest house.

"Where are we?"

He grinned.

"At my house. Come in, I'll make some coffee. I want a little time with you when there aren't fifty people standing around. I'd like to say I'll be a perfect gentleman, but why lie. Come on."

I felt myself freezing up. This could make everything unravel. Still, I offered no resistance as he ushered me in. He left me on the couch while he went to make coffee.

"Look around if you like" he said over his shoulder as he went into the kitchen.

I did. I noticed the art work, how neat it was, too neat for a batchelor. There were pictures everywhere of his family. His aunt, cousins, lots of people I didn't recognize. There was a large family portrait of Brian when he was about eight with what had to be his mom and dad. They looked happy.

He came back with the coffee, sat it down and walked over, draping his arm around my shoulders.

"My mom and dad. Can you see the resemblance to Uncle Sean? And Aunt Rita? They were brothers who married sisters. This was taken four years before the accident. They were coming back from celebrating their fifteenth wedding anniversary."

"The small charter plane went down with twelve couples aboard. There were no survivors. They were lost at sea, we didn't even get to bury them."

I could literally feel his pain.

"I only had them six years, they got me when I was seven. I never talked about it to anyone, just sort of closed down. Aunt Rita and Uncle Sean added me to their brood. It's probably what brought me back. It was like being adopted all over again."

"They set everything aside for me. The insurance policies, the settlement from the charter company. My mom even bought two of those insurance policies you used to could buy at the airport just to cover the flight. They said if they had to take money it wasn't love, and they wanted me to feel loved.

He gestured around.

"My dad was a builder. He and Mom literally built this place by themselves. Even if I live somewhere else, I'll never sell it."

I was crying openly now, sharing his pain. He was the one clinging to me now. Finally he roused himself and broke our embrace.

"Second door to the left down the hall."

"Huh?"

"The bathroom, second door on the left. In case you want to fix your makeup."

I knew he was trying to get a few minutes alone to regain composure, so I did as he asked. My carefully applied makeup was beyond repair, so I took a cloth and washed it all off, not bothering to reapply. He was sitting on the couch pouring the coffee when I returned.

"Now you know. Just for the record, I've only told one other person that story. Karen. Her only statement was it was good I had so much insurance."

I bristled.

"What a bitch. She didn't deserve you. I'm glad you didn't end up together."

He smiled a little.

"Thanks, I think. And thanks for listening. I don't know why, I just felt you should know."

That was it. The moment my fate was sealed. I knew at that exact moment I was in love with this man, and there was nothing I wouldn't do to try and keep him.




Yes, Dear Ch. 01



I put my coffee down carefully and climbed into his lap.

"let's make some new memories, something to cheer you up when you feel down."

I'll admit it. I had very limited experience when it came to kissing, but to balance it I had a lot of enthusiasm. They got longer, hotter, more intense.

I could feel his erection, and ground my bottom against it. By now he was caressing my breasts through my dress. They were hard as diamond cutters, I was afraid they were going to rub a hole through the fabric. Soon his hand was underneath my dress, sliding over my stocking tops, caressing the bare skin between them and my panties. Just as he was about to go higher I regained my senses and jumped off his lap. I had almost lost it.

I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I started kissing him again.

"Please honey, it's too soon. We barely know each other. Let's take our time. When it's ready to happen, we'll know it. Please don't dump me, I'm just not ready."

He pulled back and held my face in his hands.

"Dump you? After this and what you just said? Sorry babe, that's not gonna happen. I want you, but I'm not stupid enough to rush you. You're kind of stuck with me, for a long, long time, I hope. But I'm only human, so I think it's time for me to take you home. Come on."

The only place I wanted to go was his bedroom, but I got in his car.

There was another steamy set of kisses at my door.

"When will I see you again?"

He looked surprised. 

"Sunday lunch. You promised Aunt Rita, remember?" I'm not going to pick you up, you have to be there at ten thirty, I'll be there just before one."

I was confused.

"Why do I have to be there so early?"

His grin was huge.

"Because you have to help cook. Every woman in the family does it on a regular basis. Also, to stand inspection. Don't be surprised at the amount or the nature of their questions, my family is pretty direct. Oh, and wear a nice, simple dress. Aunt Rita is a traditionalist. She thinks women should wear dresses to family affairs. See you then."

Another quick kiss and he was gone.

..................................................

Houston, we have a problem.

I didn't know how to cook. Not the simplest thing. I agonized over it, getting little sleep Friday night. I tried watching about six hours of cooking shows, but nothing stuck. She was desperate, so she showed up at the restaurant early Saturday evening to talk to Aunt Rita.

Gina kissed me when I showed up unannounced. Aunt Rita kissed me in the kitchen. Some little woman who looked to be about a hundred grabbed me and kissed both cheeks, spouting in Italian.. She was pretty strong for a little old lady.

Rita laughed. 

"My mother. She comes in on the weekends. Not to actually work, just to make sure we don't screw up. Mama says you're very pretty, you'll make Brian a good wife, but you're too skinny."

"Brian's not here. He had to work today to catchup some things that threw the schedule off. He came by, picked up his supper, and left. He looked exhausted."

Here it was. Time to confess.

"Um, I'm here to talk to you, Aunt Rita[she insisted on me calling her that], about tomorrow. I don't think I can make it."

She looked into my eyes for a second, turned and said something in rapid Italian, and we were soon seated at the back of the kitchen with two small glasses of wine. She got right to the point.

"Why? Brian has really been looking forward to showing you off. It'll hurt him pretty badly if you don't come."

I fidgeted.

"I can't cook!" I blurted out, then cringed in shame.

When I heard her laughing I looked up.

"That's it? You can't cook? Are you afraid that will shame Brian, make you less desirable? Silly girl. Brian would probably laugh and do the cooking for you."

She turned and said something to her mother.

The old woman cackled, then reached over and took her my hand, rattling something off in Italian.

Rita laughed. "Speak English, Mom."

She was pulling me along.

"Come child, follow me. Call me Nonna, alright?"

I spent three hours following her around the kitchen, wearing an apron. I tasted sauces, gave opinions, chopped onions and other vegetables. I learned the proper way to hold a knife for maximum efficiency and minimum risk, what "al dente" meant, and other things I was supposed to remember but promptly forgot. At the end, I was exhausted.

Rita, Nonna, and I sat down for another small glass of wine.

They both gave me a kiss and hug, and sent me home. 

I barely made a shower before I collapsed, exhausted.

I was up at eight, obsessing over what to wear. I finally picked out a simple, light blue sundress and flat sandals. I put my hair up in a ponytail, for the first time since I was seventeen.

There were twelve women and three teenage girls there when I walked in. The place was closed, only family and select friends allowed. And men were not allowed in until twelve.

Everyone of them kissed and hugged me, handing me an apron. It had my name on it. Nonna took charge of me again, and I assisted where I could. Every one of them gave me help and instructions, and I finally started getting it. I even picked up a few words in Italian. I was having so much fun I didn't notice the time until I was swept of my feet and twirled around, getting soundly kissed.

"Hi, honey." I said to Brian, futility trying to smooth my dress and hair at the same time.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along, introducing me to uncles, cousins and friends. I felt like the skin was being worn off her cheek. I finally got to flee back into the kitchen.

I got to escort Nonna out of the kitchen and to her place at the head of the table. I was given the honor of serving her first, she was a true matriarch, revered by all present.

Then we brought the platters out and settled into one of the happiest, loudest meals I've ever enjoyed.

Brian looked at me and smiled happily.

"Who told you to call my grandmother Nonna?"

"She did. Why?"

Brians' smile got bigger.

"Do you feel special? I think you are, and more importantly Nonna thinks so too. Nonna means grandmother. You're acceptance into the family, you're one of us now."

About that time Nonna tapped a wine glass. When everyone got silent. She made a little toast in Italian. I heard our names mentioned, and then every one raised their glasses.

"SALUD!"

I held my glass up and smiled.

"What was that about?"

"Nonna just told everyone that our rehearsal dinner was going to be here."

"What rehearsal?"

"Why, our wedding rehearsal, you silly girl."

I gave a little shriek and fled to the bathroom. Aunt Rita came to get me.

"Come on girl, you have to meet your new family."

"But we've only dated three times counting today. It's way too early yet. I don't know if he even likes me that much."

She had me in front of the mirror, brushing out my hair.

"Oh, he like you, a lot. And Nonna is never wrong. She says she her grandmother was a full gypsy, and she has the sight, the ability to tell the future. Don't fight it. Now fix your face, and come on back out."

We stayed until eight, dining again. In between, the men played cards and watched a ball game, while the women cleaned the kitchen and then sat by themselves, passing family information and gossip, Holding babies, keeping the toddlers occupied, and of course, talking about their men. I'd never felt so loved.

...............................................

I kept telling myself I would tell him the truth by the next date, but I always ended up so happy to be with him I would postpone it. My job had me work long hours and travel sometimes, while his work and school schedule kept him pretty busy during the week. We managed to have lunch together a couple of times a week, and practically lived together on the weekends.

Then something happened that cemented my relationship to his family beyond his wildest dreams. We were looking at helping an Italian firm and a German firm merge their American affiliates. We had been working on this for months, when suddenly the Italians balked, seems one of the Germans managed to insult their CEO.

It was my project, so I had to go to Italy to smooth feathers. Normally Aubrey went with me. They were empty nesters, and she enjoyed the trips tremendously. Sometime her husband would take vacation and go with us. He got to sight see while we worked, then he would gather Aubrey up and be gone. I would look at them and marvel love like that was still possible.

She asked if she could stay home this time. She had two sons and a daughter, and the daughter was due with her first child any minute, and she didn't want to miss it. I was taking a substitute, a competent young woman.

I developed the habit of eating at the cafe once a week while Brian attended classes, often ending up helping. We were sitting after the dinner rush, enjoying out traditional glass of wine. I told them I probably wasn't going to be there in two weeks, I had to travel to Verona on business.

Nonna started rattling off things in Italian. When Aunt Rita calmed her down, she told me her Nonna was born in Verona, and emigrated her with her parents when she was ten, in 1949. She was rattling off people I should go see, when I shocked all of them.

"You know, it would be a lot easier if Nonna just went with me. It would give me a chance to burn up some of my frequent flyer miles, and I'll gladly pay for anything else. It would mean a lot to me. Gina is between semesters, she could go along to keep her company while I work. Would you think about it? Please Nonna, I'd love for you to go. I'm sure Gina would like it to. Will you think about it?"

Nonna surprised us all when she started crying and hugging me.

Later on, Rita gave me a big hug and kiss. 

"What you offered back there was very kind. You are going to be my favorite unofficial daughter, I can feel it. Kiss Brian for me. And Andi, Nonna says you're hiding something. She says you need to tell him, soon. And she said not to worry. It'll all work out."

I wish I had that faith.

The next weekend was the first time Brian told me he loved me. I cried for joy, then for fear. I had to tell him, come what may. He deserved the truth.

................................................

I was going to make this a stand alone story, but I'm having too much fun with it, so look for one, or maybe two more chapters. I've got most of the second done, look for it in about six days. Thanks for reading.



Yes, Dear Ch. 02



Once again, this is a true romance about a transsexual on her way to sexual reassignment surgery. If this bothers you, don't read it. If it does and you read it anyway, don't complain. You knew what you were getting into.

There will be one to two more chapters, in case you want to wait and read them all at the same time. 

....................................................

The whole family was in an uproar at the next Sunday lunch. Nonna and Gina were over the moon. A few were looking at me with speculation. One of the younger ones finally asked the question foremost on all their minds.

"Are you rich?" 

So that was it!

"No, Sophie, I'm not rich. But my job pays really well and I've always been conservative with my money. Tell the family to stop wondering. I can well afford this. If I couldn't, I wouldn't have asked."

Brian was so proud of me it was embarrassing. Without specifics, he told them I made well over three times what he made a year. He held me up as an example to the young women and girls there, telling them anything was possible if they worked hard enough.

One of the older men said something to him in Italian that made him color. There was a sharp exchange, and Brian actually got up and walked around the block. The air was a frosty for a little while when he got back.

I asked Aunt Rita what was said while we were cleaning the kitchen.

"Nothing worth talking about."

"Yes there is. I've never seen Brian so angry, as hard as he was working to control it, I could see."

She sighed.

"Cousin Endo told Brian to get rid of you. If you made that much more than he did sooner or later you would try to wear the pants in the relationship. He said if you had been single this long there had to be something wrong with you. He told him you would take his balls if he weren't careful. And I will not repeat what Brian said. Let's just say it was a good thing that he was nowhere near Brian's age."

I teared up. She hugged me, patting my back.

"Stop. It was just the bitter rantings of an angry old man. His wife left him a few years back because she couldn't take his controlling ways. She made a lot more than he did. The lifestyle he flaunted to every one disappeared overnight. The sad part was she did love him, but he drove her away."

Thinking about my secret, I blurted out what was on my mind.

"Maybe he should get rid of me. Maybe I don't deserve him."

She slapped me! Not a slap designed to hurt, but to get my attention.

"Listen to me, girl! You're the best thing that ever happened to him. He's so in love with you he can't see straight. Don't you ever believe differently!"

She called Nonna over and spoke to her in Italian, a rapid fire exchange I had no hope of following. Nonna pulled my apron off and led me to the kitchen door. Pinching my cheeks, she pulled me down to her level.

"I know you're hiding something from Brian, something big. You need to tell him, soon. He'll be rattled, but he'll still love you. I can see it, here."

She tapped a finger against the middle of her forehead.

"Now go. Spend as much time as you can with him before we leave."

He appeared by my side almost instantly. I never got used to it, he always knew exactly where I was in a crowd of people. I didn't feel his eyes, I would feel his smile, does that make any sense? Probably not, but that's what it was.

"Are you all right, honey?"

I clung to his arm like a little girl.

"No. I'm tired. Take me home, please?"

We pulled in front of his house. I didn't realize it at the time, but when I said home, his was the one I meant.

He didn't say a word, just pulled me inside, raining small kisses on whatever patch of skin he could reach with his mouth. Putting me gently on the couch, he went into the kitchen and made tea. We both preferred Earl Grey, with lemon, no sugar.

He brought the service in, sitting it on the coffee table, poured the water and sat the cups to steep.

Then he lifted me up on his lap like I was a feather. I could never get used to how strong he was.

Not being able to say anything, I put my face into his chest and wept. He didn't say a word, just let me cry it out. The tea grew cold. When I finally stopped he started kissing me.

Soft gentle kisses at first, getting firmer as his passion grew. Tongues came into play, his dominant. I was getting hotter and hotter, squirming on his obvious erection as I tried to suck his tongue out of his mouth. His hands started roaming. When he hit my nipples I thought I would pass out. I was moaning into his mouth as his hands slid under my skirt. I let him caress my smooth skin.

My brain finally kicked in and I slid off his lap. I looked at him with lust and sadness. I decided to come clean, and take my chances. I grasp both His hands in mine.

"Honey, I need to tell you something, something really important. Please listen to me before you say anything. I've never told anyone this before, but I..."

That's as far as I got before I broke down again. He put me on his lap again and held me close.

"Hush, honey. I know what you were going to say. It's all right, really."

I was so confused.

"You know?"

His smile was so sweet it melted my heart.

"Yes, I know. I love you too, have almost since I met you."

Wait. What?

Then it hit me. He loved me. HE LOVED ME!

I cried for almost another hour before I could compose myself enough to say it back to him.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be saying it to such a man. Finally reality set in. It was now or never.

"Brian. I really need to tell you...."

His home phone and his cell phone rang at the same time.

"Sorry, babe, it's Aunt Rita."

"Hello. What? Where is he? We're on out way."

He was pulling me towards the door as he was hanging up.

"Uncle Sean collapsed. That was Gina on her phone. They're at Mercy, and they need us."

It was one of the scariest rides of my live. His Corvette howled out rpms while the tires screamed in agony, taking corners at ridiculous speeds.

By the time I got him calmed down we were at the hospital. Nonna and Gina were supporting Rita, and when she saw us she reached her arms out to us, eyes filled with pain. I forgot everything else and ran to her.

She hugged me and sobbed, and Brian had us both in his embrace. When she calmed a little he left her with me and went to Nonna and Gina.

"What happened?"

Gina was sobbing almost as badly as Rita. She had always been a daddy's girl.

"They don't know yet. It could be a stroke or a heart attack. He just collapsed out of his chair about forty five minutes after you left. I called 911 and here we are. He can't die, Brian. He just can't!"

The next hour was tense. Rita refused to let go of me, so I sat and stroked her hair like a child, telling her how much I had grown to love her. And I had.

I finally got her distracted by telling her we had both professed our love for each other. She actually had a little smile.

"Good, child, good. Have you set a date?"

"We haven't talked that far ahead yet. But when it happens, will you be my matron of honor?"

It set off a fresh rain of tears, and she let go of me to huddle with Nonna and Gina. They beckoned me over and we locked into a group hug that must have lasted fifteen minutes. I felt his smile, and looked over. I could see the love shining out his eyes all the way across the room.

The doctor came out. Good news, it wasn't a heart attack. Bad news, it was maybe a small stroke, or a pre-stroke event. Tests had been ordered and he had been admitted. He was cognizant and wanted to see Rita.

We went as a group. The nurse was telling us it could only be for a few minutes, family only. She even took our names and our relationship to the patient. They had had a bad incident a few months before, when a mentally unstable man claimed to be a relative and almost raped a girl before they caught him.

When it came time Aunt Rita answered before I could speak.

"This is Andi Campbell, my favorite daughter."

I didn't know what to say. Brian came over and hugged me.

"And I'm Brian Campbell, her husband."

The only thing that kept me upright was his arms around me. Nonna was giving me a self satisfied smile and Gina was looking back and forth, trying to understand, before her smile broke across her face.

..................................................

It turned out to be a warning, not quite a full fledged stroke. He was in the hospital two days, and had to go through mental and dietary counseling. Rita threatened to hit him with a rolling pin if she saw his hand anywhere near a salt shaker. She had him eating a lot of salads, which almost killed him at Sunday lunches.

We were to leave the next Tuesday, it was the earliest we could get the offended CEO to the table. He had been unavailable, in Monaco for a small vacation. The Germans were starting to get edgy, I needed to smooth it out as soon as possible.

I asked Brian if we could skip most of the day with the family, just enjoy lunch and go back to his house. I wouldn't be seeing him for the next three weeks, and wanted all the time I could get.

I had made up my mind. If it destroyed me, he needed the truth.

..................................................

I was nervous and distracted all that week, and couldn't concentrate at all. My boss finally sent me home on Thursday, telling me to get my head wired on straight before I got on the plane. He was smiling as he told her.

"Go home. Spend time with that handsome young man of yours. Get enough to last you until you come back, so you don't kill him when you do. Leave him drained and wanting more, he'll appreciate it that much more when you do return."

If it was only that easy. I told Brian I was coming over Friday night and I wasn't leaving until Sunday afternoon, so if he had any plans that didn't include me, cancel them now. He surprised me by saying "yes, dear."

As I left my condo I asked Harold to keep an eye on my place for the next three weeks because I was going to be out of the country.

"Honeymoon?" He asked, smiling.

"Afraid not. Business."

"well, I bet it's just a matter of time. I'll watch your place then to. If I don't see you before you leave, have a safe trip."

I touched his arm.

"Thank you, Harold. You're a good man."

Brian picked me up in his truck, and we dined at the cafe to keep peace, since we weren't planning to come Sunday. Gina and Nonna were there, but thank goodness Rita had plenty of help because neither of them could function thinking about the trip. Rita said it was like Nona had gotten ten years younger. There were kisses and hugs from family and friends that had accepted me as one of their own. I was an only child of parents that never exposed me to extended family, there just wasn't that many of us, and I savored this experience.

I had to stop drinking wine after the tenth toast or Brian would have carried me home unconscious. As it was, I was tipsy when we left. I was feeling naughty, so I slid over as close as I could to him.

"Tell me you love me!" I demanded, knowing after this weekend I might not ever hear it again.

He was holding my hand, squeezing it playfully.

"I don't know. If I tell you that too many times you might just believe it and start making plans for the future. Then where would we be?"

I was leaning over, nibbling on his neck. I pulled back and squeezed his hand tighter.

"Happy?" I asked, hoping.

"I can live with that. I love you Andi, I always will. Need to hear it again?"

I made him repeat it over and over until we pulled into his garage. We must have stayed in the truck five minutes, necking like kids at a drive in, before he practically dragged me into the house. He had my blouse off and my bra unsnapped before we were out of the kitchen.

I was tugging at his belt before sanity hit me.

"Brian, honey, let's slow down a second. I still need to tell you something."

Disappointment was plain on his face.

I started crying, couldn't help it. His expression changed instantly, and he hugged me to him, hard. I felt my nipples rub on his shirt, springing to attention. Finally he pushed me back.

He held my face so I couldn't look away from him.

"I've endured all the drama I can, Andi. Let's get whatever you have to tell me out of the way. I'd like to go back to what we were doing, soon."

He bent down and lightly bit my right nipple. I moaned, holding his head, before pulling him back.

"They're a matched set, remember. My left nipple is getting extremely jealous."

"Anything to keep peace in the family" he said grinning, before devouring my left nipple, sucking so hard he pulled my breast straight out. When his mouth popped off I was amazed. I had never seen my nipples this elongated and stiff.

I got an idea. Even if he threw me out, I wanted the pleasure of satisfying him just once. I stood up and shimmied slowly out of my skirt, exposing my thigh highs and boyshorts. My secret was safely secured out of sight.

I could see the lust and need in his eyes. I pulled him to his feet, undid his belt and pants, letting them fall to the floor. He was rock hard and impressive. Not porn star size, but still a nice package.

"My rules" I warned, as I sat him back down and removed his shoes and pants. "No touching me unless I say you can, and not below the waist for now. This is all about you, and my love for you."

I had been lightly stroking him, sliding up and down his shaft while pre-cum oozed out. Capturing it with my fingers, I used it to lube him to extra sensitivity. His eyes were huge as he followed my head downward.

I kissed him lightly up and down his shaft, trying not to miss a centimeter of skin. He almost came off the couch as I lightly swirled my tongue over his balls, before he settled down with a moan.

"This is so good! You are amazing!" He babbled this as I finally took him into my mouth.

I looked up into his eyes, swirling my tongue lightly over the head, and lied my ass off.

"I really don't have much experience with this, or sex at all, but I'll try to make it good for you."

With that out of the way I worked him, hard. My transsexual partner in college was absolutely the best. If cock sucking could be equated to education, she would hold several PhD.s and emeritus status. I still got regular erections back then, I hadn't been on hormones that long. I garnered the benefit of her experience, and she sometimes not so patiently taught me. I had to practice, a lot. It was then I discovered that I had a tendency towards submissiveness, something I had to sublimate in my career. So, knowing it might be the only time I got to do this, I put my heart and soul into it. If he dumped me, I wanted to think about me sometimes, late at night, in bed with whoever he ended up with, with fondness and regret.

If there were a hall of fame for cocksucking, this would have come in somewhere in the middle of the top ten. He was moaning, speaking no tongue known to man, practically begging me to finish him after almost thirty minutes. When I finally got serious, he exploded. It was enormous, he told me later he hadn't been with anyone else and hardly touched himself while we were dating, wanting to make it special. It was.

I can say with pride that I didn't spill a drop, cleaning him gently until he was so sensitive he had to literally pull me off. I held on for a while, until finally letting go with an audible pop. He was practically crying.

He pulled me up on his lap and kissed me hard, a surprise. My only boyfriend refused to kiss me afterwards until I gargled and brushed.

He was crushing me, hugging me tightly. I wasn't about to protest.

When he finally calmed down.

"Babe, if that was with little experience, I'll never be able to stand it if you get better. I just want to say wow, wow, WOW! It's a good thing I already love you, this would have pushed me over the top if it hadn't. I can't wait to do you."

Cold hard reality washed over me.

"Thank you honey. I want to say I really would like to practice some more, if you still want me after I tell you my secret. No, don't say anything yet, please. Just listen with an open heart."

I stood. I wished I was a lawyer, to better present my case. But I was a skilled negotiator, one of the best in my field. I drew on everything I had ever learned to make my case. My speech was rehearsed, refined, designed to cover anything I could anticipate.

"I've never been in love before you, Brian, so this is uncharted territory for me. I dated some, even had two semi serious relationships, but neither made it to the love stage."

I paused, gathering my strength.

"I never expected to fall in love, so I wasn't prepared when I met you. I should have been honest right from the start, but it felt so good to be with you that I kept putting it off. Before I knew it, we were in a serious relationship."

He interrupted.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna like where this is heading? Are you seriously ill? Got some psycho lurking in the background I need to know about?"

Shaking my head, I plunged on.

"No, no serious illness or crazed ex lovers in the background. Please, let me tell you in my way, at my pace. Just listen, okay? And Brian, when you listen, listen with your heart. Promise me."

He was looking at me with an odd expression.

"I wish I could be different, but I am who I am. If you decide to accept me, I have to tell you that in the near future I have to go through a surgical procedure. It will be painful and take me several months to get over it, but it will be well worth it." 

I saw the alarm in his face and held my hand up to stop him from speaking.

"I've wished a thousand times since I met you I had already had the surgery, but the truth is several of my friends went through it, with mixed results. I'm deadly afraid of pain, and their stories made me wait. Now, I'm going to do it, even if you dump me. I can't deny myself any more, I have to do this."

"I've done research, the procedure is far safer now than in the past, and the results are well worth the pain."

I stopped, pleading with my eyes. Sensing my mood, he reached out and took my hand.

"It's sexual reassignment surgery, Brian. I was born a male physically. I still have male 'parts' down below. Please, please, let me finish!"

He didn't pull his hand away, maybe from shock. I took my other hand and put it on his tightly.

"Brian, look at me! Do I look like a man? NO. Why? Because I'm not. I've been recognized as and have lived as a female since I was twelve years old. I can let you talk to my doctors if you like, but the consensus is that I've always been female trapped in a man's body."

"It never really mattered to me before. Then I met you, and you swept me off my feet. You had no clue, did you? "

He finally stirred, sighing.

"None. You were the most attractive woman I've ever seen. Still are, even knowing what I do now. Why didn't you tell me from the start?"

This was eerie. His reaction wasn't what I expected. He wasn't ranting, or calling me vile names. He seemed detached, like he was talking about someone else. I didn't know if it was good or bad.

"Because I was selfish! I've never wanted anyone like I want you. When I'm in your arms, it's the best feeling in the world. I feel safe, secure, loved. I'd never had those feelings before, and I wanted to keep them forever."

I was crying pretty hard by then. He pulled me to him, placing me on his lap and stroking my hair.

"Hush, now. I can't stand to see you cry."

Even emotionally overloaded as I was, I could feel his cock on my thigh. It sent a small thrill through me.

After a few minutes, he sat me down on he couch. His pants were still down by his ankles, and he pulled them on and started pacing.




Yes, Dear Ch. 02



"Here it comes" I thought, "the beginning of the end."

I was amazingly calm. I knew I would completely collapse later, but I was using all my business skills to hold me together.

"I wish you would have told me. It makes everything I thought we had seem like a lie. I was falling desperately in love with you, while you were keeping this huge secret. Was it fun, leading me on? Did you get a good laugh out of it?"

"NO!" I screamed, shocking both of us with my volume.

"I did not laugh at you. ever. It was fun, being with you. But I didn't do it because I wanted to laugh over your pain when I told you, I did it because I couldn't help myself. It felt too good being with you. I was selfish, all right? Then I messed everything up by falling in love with you, and tricking you to fall for me. I'm so sorry."

His next question went to the heart of the matter.

"What do we do now?"

I was on my knees before him, pleading my case.

"I'm going to keep on loving you, if you let me. If you tell me to go, I'll go. But, if you tell me to stay, be aware, I'll never leave. It's your decision. All I can say is I'm sorry. I shouldn't have deceived you. But I'm being honest now, and I'm begging here. Don't make your decision now. Think about it while I'm in Italy. If you agree, meet us at the airport when we get home. If you're not there, I'll never bother you again. You can take me home now."

He finally seemed to get angry.

"Home? Oh no, you don't drop a bomb like this on me and then just slink off. You're supposed to stay all weekend and you will. I'll probably have questions that need answering, how can you do that if you're not here? Do you understand?"

His voice was forceful, in control. I shuddered slightly, unable to comprehend that he would actually want me to stay. Was this good, or bad? I must have stayed silent too long, because he gripped my hair gently and pulled my head up.

"Girl, answer me. Do you understand?"

I said in the tiniest voice possible.

"Yes dear."

He actually almost smiled.

"Good. Get up, go clean your face. We'll talk a bit more when you get back."

................................................

We talked, before we went to bed, separately. It seemed a good idea to both of us. I was as frightened as I had ever been all the next day, but even though he was distant and hesitant to touch, we did the things we had planned. By early afternoon he had thawed a bit, and once held my hand as we walked around the neighborhood. After a few minutes I felt him stiffen a bit, but he didn't pull away.

"Does Aunt Rita or anyone else in the family know?" He asked suddenly, as if it just occurred to him.

"No one in your family knows. Nonna suspects something and told me I needed to tell you my secret, but no one in your family has any idea that I'm transsexual."

"Does anyone at your job know?"

"My boss. I told him when I got promoted. I wanted him to know. He wasn't as shocked as I thought he would be. Turns out his grandson is transgendered. He thought about it, possible embarrassment versus my skills, and skills won out. He said if it ever came out we would spin it as how progressive our company had become. We're too good at what we do for most to complain, so he's not too worried."

We stopped at a small park and sat on a bench. It was the weekend and the parents were out in force, watching their mostly small children play in the sandboxes and the gym equipment. Most seemed to know Brian.

"Mr. Brian, Mr. Brian! Will you get our ball for us?" The little girl was tugging his hand, trying to get him to move.

"Allison! Can't you see Mr. Brian has a friend with him? It's rude to intrude, leave him alone." The mother looked harried. I soon found she had two more children with her, four and two. She needed three sets of eyes.

The five year old looked down, chastised. Before she could say anything he picked her up and swung her until she giggled.

"Don't fuss at her Brenda, can't you see this is an emergency? Now, show us where the ball is."

We all trooped over to a Bradford pear tree, making introductions as we went. When he introduced me as a friend, Brenda grinned.

"Better get a little friendlier with her if you want a couple of these." she teased.

I felt really bad suddenly, knowing I could never give him children, or even if I was even going to be around much longer. To my surprise he gripped my hand and told Brenda with a straight face we had brought the subject up in conversation. She looked shocked, then pleased. She took my other hand.

"It's about time someone hooked him. All the women in the neighborhood were about to give up on him."

I didn't know how to respond, so I just smiled and shook my head.

The ball was about seven feet up in the branches of a Bradford pear tree. It was too small and fragile for him to climb. He actually shook the tree but that just made the ball more firmly lodged. There was nothing around to use to dislodge it. The other kids who were playing with Allison were all gathered by then, looking sad.

He suddenly smiled and started talking to the children.

"Kids, this is going to be an object lesson in how to cooperate and help each other to attain a goal. I can't get the ball by myself. I'm gonna need help. Allie, will you help me?"

"Uh huh, Mr. Brian, what do I have to do?"

He reached down and put her on his shoulders.

"Together we're going to try to get the ball down. But, even with you sitting on my shoulders we still can't reach it. What should we do now? Think hard kids, what do we need?"

The seven little children stood in deep thought before a little boy started jumping up and down in excitement.

"I know, I know!"

Brian smiled. He was so beautiful when he smiled.

"And what should we do then, Jimmy?"

"We need someone bigger than Allie to get on your shoulders, someone big enough to reach our ball! We need her!" He was pointing at me.

"You're exactly right, Jimmy. This is my girlfriend Andi. I bet if you ask her nicely she would help us."

I found myself surrounded by small children pleading with me while a few moms looked on.

"Please Miss Andi! Please?"

I held up my hands.

"I'll do it. But you're about to learn something else. I'm a negotiator for my company. Know what a negotiator does? No? They get people who want things together to help each other out. We make sure everyone involved comes away happy."

"Now, here's the negotiation. You want the ball right? And Mr. Brian wants to get the ball for you. What do I get?"

None of them knew how to answer that. I made it easy for them.

"I'll make it easy for you. If we get the ball down, every boy has to shake Mr. Brians' hand and thank him. The girls have the option of shaking his hand or giving him a kiss, and girls, I know for a fact Mr. Brian likes to be kissed. Do you agree? Oh, and one more thing, Mr. Brian has to kiss me too, after we get the ball down."

"That, children, is a successful deal. Everyone gets what they want. You guys get the ball. Mr. Brian gets gratitude and the warm fuzzy feeling of doing a good thing, and I get a kiss. Everybody wins. Do we have an agreement?"

The mothers laughed while the kids clamored their yeses.

Suddenly Brian spoke up.

"I don't agree. Nobody really asked me what I wanted besides getting the ball down."

There were some disappointed children. Allie spoke up.

"I'll give you two kisses, Mr. Brian, will that do?"

He grinned.

"Yes, that's great, but it has to be two kisses from every girl, including Miss Andi."

He looked me right in the eyes.

"Do we have a deal?"

"Why yes, Mr. Brian, I believe we do."

I keep forgetting how strong he is. Before I knew it I was on his shoulders. The ball came out easily while the children cheered. I held the ball when he sat me down.

"Time to render payment, dears. I'll go first."

I grabbed his head and kissed him hard for about five seconds. It got quiet except for the giggles of the moms.

When I let him go I was smiling ear to ear.

"That was a big people kiss, kids. Just a peck on the cheek will do for you guys."

The first three little girls insisted he pick them up for their kiss, and thank yous. Allie surprised us all when she kissed him on the lips.

"I need to practice, I think I'm gonna marry you when I grow up."

Brian didn't laugh it off, but kept a serious face to protect her feelings.

"Thank you Allie. If I'm not already married when you get big I'll take you up on that. All right?"

She nodded solemnly as he put her down, whispering something in her ear. She nodded, giggling.

While the boys were shaking his hand Allie was whispering to the other girls. They in turned whispered to the boys. They soon surrounded me as I gave the ball to Allie.

"Miss Andi, we want 'nother 'gotiation."

"What do you want to negotiate?"

"We want you and Mr. Brian to play with us."

I smiled at them.

"I see. What are you prepared to offer?"

She frowned.

"We'll all give you a kiss, even the boys. We'll do it for Mr. Brian, 'cept the boys. They'll give him a hug though, if they have to."

I had a counter offer.

"I accept IF I also get hugs, and Mr. Brian agrees. I'm willing to add another kiss for Mr. Brian, too. And also, if your moms agree, we get to you buy you all ice creams after we're done playing, including the moms."

I stuck out my hand.

"Deal?"

Allie grabbed my hand.

"Deal! I like butter pecan."

I got on my knees and the children each hugged me and kissed my cheeks. I was crying when they got done.

The kids were concerned.

"Did we hurt you Miss Andi?" said on of the little boys. Before I could clear my throat, Brian answered.

"No, children, you didn't hurt her. Grownups sometimes cry when they're very happy, especially girls. She's happy, very happy. Now, what shall we play?"

I spent about twenty minutes running up and down the fields before I plopped down on a bench with Brenda, wheezing.

Brenda smiled at me as she watched her four year old in the sandbox and rocked her two year old in his stroller.

"I hope when you and Brian get married you live in another neighborhood."

I was shocked.

"Why would you say that?"

She was laughing while she answered.

"Because you've created a bunch of monsters. I can hear Allie now."

"Mom, if I clean my plate tonight can I have waffles in the morning? Dad, if I brush my teeth and go to bed without argument, can I stay up later tomorrow?"

"Honey every parent on the block will be ready to lynch you by next weekend. But seriously, thank you, and Brian, for spending time with the kids and teaching them. I'm pretty sure the idea of working as a team is firmly planted in their minds."

She actually hugged me just as Brian and about twice as many children as we had when we started came up to the bench.

"Momma, Miss Andi, can we get ice cream now?"

Brian had the kids invite everyone on the playground for the treat, and soon a little convoy started towards the ice cream parlor across the street, with Brenda and the stroller in the lead. The children reverted back to kindergarten training, holding hands, with a mom interspersed, and Allie and I bringing up the rear. Brian was somewhere near the front.

We made it with everyone accounted for, and the scoupers were quite busy for awhile. I ended up holding Brenda's two year old, feeding him ice cream from a small bowl. Brenda had her four year old, and Allie insisted she sit beside Brian, already plotting to keep me away.

I felt his eyes, and looked up. He was watching me with the baby, smiling. A thrill went through me, this had to be a good thing.

By the time we left I was on a first name basis with all the parents. Apparently everyone knew and loved Brian, after all, he had lived in that neighborhood his whole life. Several wanted to know the wedding date, and all welcomed me. I assured them that just as soon as I knew they would get invitations.

The walk home was quiet. I had chocolate ice cream on my favorite peach blouse, twigs in my hair from the tree, and grass stains on my beige shorts. More importantly, I had his hand in mine, so the rest didn't matter.

..................................................

"You're going to make a good mother" he said out of the blue.

"Do you really think so?"

His opinion was very, very important to me.

"Yes. You're a natural nurturer, and a very good teacher. Those kids will probably remember what you taught them for the rest of their lives. You broke it down to terms they could understand, helped them execute, and then rewarded them for good work. It will definitely stay with them."

I laughed.

"That's pretty much how I talk to the CEOs I work with. Keep it simple and direct in terms they can understand."

He suddenly sighed and sat on the couch, patting the cushion beside him. Here it comes, I thought, the conversation I had been dreading. I reached out, clinging to his arm. If he was going to dump me, I wanted to touch him as much as possible while I still could.

"I'm a simple guy, Andi. I want what my parents had, and what Aunt Rita and Uncle Sean have. I want somebody to love for the rest of my life, someone to raise a family with. Someone to share my joys and defeats with. Someone to prop me up when I make difficult decisions, to hold me and tell me I did the right thing. I thought that was you."

I couldn't breathe, it hurt so bad. He continued.

"I thought I won the lottery with you. You were everything I wanted, more than I dreamed of. I couldn't believe you were interested in me. Then you tell me your secret. I didn't know what to think."

"I'm a Catholic, I guess you know that. Want to know where I was early this morning? I went to confession, the first time in years. I needed advice. I didn't reveal your secret, God knows and that's enough. I told the priest that I was in love with someone who was different, someone who couldn't bear children, someone who had said she loved me and yet kept a major secret from me. Want to here his advice?"

No. I knew he was told to move on. But he was going to tell me anyway, so I nodded my head.

"He made it simple. Do you love her? I answered yes. Did she love me? Yes again. Do you think she deliberately meant to hurt me with her secret. I didn't think so. Despite the secret, which she confessed to before you married so you would know everything and be able to deal with, can you still love her?"

He paused. My tears were flowing freely now. It was over. I started to get up but he held me back.

"Don't you want to know the answer I gave him?"

I couldn't talk, so I nodded.

"I told him yes. I can still love her. I can still love YOU, Andi. And that should be enough."

I fainted.

.................................................

I woke up lying on the couch with Brian patting my face with a warm cloth. I jumped up so fast I knocked him over. I dove on top of him, gripped his head and almost screamed at him.

"Say it again!"

I think he was a little confused.

"Say what?"

"Say you love me! Say it and make me believe you."

Oddly, he didn't say a word, just grabbed me back and started kissing me. Deep, hard, continuous kisses, for about five minutes. When he stopped I collapsed on his chest, trying to get my breath back.

"Was that loud enough?"

"I think I heard a faint whisper, but it'll do for now."

He helped me up and put me back on the couch.

"I have some conditions you have to agree to first, and things I need to say. Can you listen now or do you need a break?"

No way was I going to let him stop. I wanted all out in the open so we could get on with our lives.

"No, please continue."

He started pacing.

"I want you to get that operation as soon as possible. When we adopt, I don't want you hiding anything from our children, especially the girl or girls we end up. Do you agree?"

Of course I did.

"I don't want to see completely naked until you do. I don't want that image to cloud my mind when I see the results. So, no sex until after the operation. All right?"

I found my voice.

"Does that mean I can't do what I did last night?"

"Yes. It wouldn't be fair to you."

"Bullshit. Honey, here's a secret. Women don't always have orgasms when they make love. It's not always about that. It's about pleasing their man. Let's call it delayed gratification. You can pay me back, with interest, after I've healed."

I could tell he wasn't completely convinced, but after I got him in my mouth I'm sure he would see the logic in it. I got a little bolder.

"And another thing. After the operation I'm still going to want anal. It was the only thing I had, and I learned to enjoy. So just know, after the procedure, I'm still going to want it back there sometimes. Can you deal with that?"

He actually smiled.

"Believe it or not, honey, I'm not a virgin. As a friend once told me, I've done everything I could think of with a woman, and a whole lot more I had no clue about but they were glad to teach me. You'll find I'm always open to suggestions."

For the first time, I felt really good about the future.

We talked more, until we seemed to exhaust the subject. I thought I was finally through the tears until he dropped down on one knee and presented me with a ring. He had intended to propose that weekend anyway, he`said, and now that the foolishness was over we may as well finish it in style.

Of course no amount of makeup would cover my red eyes, but my smile made sure everyone knew they were tears of joy as we walked into the cafe.

Gina was surprised, we weren't supposed to show our faces this weekend, but when I stuck out my left hand she shrieked, bringing Aunt Rita running out of the kitchen. She stopped and watched Gina and I dancing around crying while Brian stood by with a goofy grin on his face.

She hugged him first since I was occupied, whispering that Nonna was never wrong, then she swept me up in her arms and hustled me back into the kitchen. Nonna was smiling, a tear tricklng down her cheek, before giving me the traditional two cheek kiss, and then kissing my lips.

"Welcome to the family" she said in Italian. I understood her perfectly.

Service was understandable disrupted for awhile, but Aunt Rita smoothed it over by announcing our engagement, and giving every table a complimentary glass of wine. We were congratulated endlessly while the wine flowed, but we drank very little. I had plans for the night.

We were both a little buzzed when we got home, but not intoxicated. He showered first leaving the bathroom for me. I took my time, fixed my hair, put just a little gloss on my lips, and a very sexy baby doll I had brought just in case. I made sure I kept my gaff on, respecting his wishes. It spoiled the effect, but not much.

I made sure I left the bathroom light on as I came out so he could get the full effect. He was already lying on the bed, in pajamas. I frowned, he was determined to make it difficult.

"Which side, honey?"

"What? Which side do you like to sleep on? I'm fine with either so it doesn't matter to me."

Up until then he must have assumed I was going to sleep in the spare bedroom.

He started to bluster. I stopped him cold.

"On no, don't even go there. I told you early on if you let me stay this weekend I would never leave. You let me stay, gave me a ring, and there is no way in hell I'm ever sleeping alone again unless I'm on a business trip. So turn on a lamp so I can see while I turn off the bathroom, and move over."

He liked the left side, apparently. I snuggled into his arms letting the feeling wash over me.

"Good night, my love" I said, as I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up about five in the morning, my wine was seeking release. We were spooned together, his arms round me, one lightly holding my breast. I could feel his erection between my cheeks. I wanted to thrust back so badly I couldn't stand it, but didn't want to ruin the moment, so I quietly slipped out of bed. I was pleased to see him frown in his sleep, one hand feeling the spot I had left, seeking me.




Yes, Dear Ch. 02



I wanted him, really bad. Let's face it, I was horny as a billy goat. It was a long chance I was taking, but I couldn't help myself. I got my bag out, gave myself an enema, flushing with floral scented water, and Lubed my self liberally.

I dropped my gown on the floor, and slipped back into bed. I cautiously started rubbing him, his erection had flagged a little but returned to full mast in seconds. He was starting to move a little. so I slipped my head under the covers and went south. He actually raised himself a little so I could pull down his pajamas. I suspected he was semi awake. It didn't take him long to become fully awake when I slipped his wonderful cock into my mouth.

He started, pulled the covers down, and touched my hair. Instead of pulling he up he twirled his fingers through my hair.

"Andi, I thought we agreed not to do this."

I sucked him down to the root, hearing him gasp. It must have taken me thirty seconds to slide my lips back to the head, before I took it out of my mouth and licked it softly. I looked up.

"I didn't agree to shit. In fact, I thought I made it clear I was going to do this. In case you're not smart enough to get it, I'm staking my claim. So shut up and enjoy. I want you used to this."

He never said another word as I worked him, keeping him excited but not close to the edge. I stopped and slid up his chest, getting a very nice kiss. I pulled back.

"Honey, do you really love me?"

He groaned.

"Why do girls always ask that right in the middle of sex? Of course I love you."

I smiled in the darkness.

"Good. I want you to do something for me. Stay still and don't say no until I'm done. If you still say no, I'm going back down on you, but if you say yes you're going to be in for the ride of your life."

I could feel him getting tense. I stroked him lightly, keeping him interested while I made my proposal.

"I want you to fuck me. Ideally, I would like you to throw me down and bang my brains out, mark me, make me your bitch. But to do that I would have to get naked, and I made you a promise. So, I want you to lay still while I ride you in reverse cowgirl. I've got everything you don't want to see or feel restrained, and I'm not taking off my panties, I'm just going to slide them down far enough to let you enter me. Please baby. It's important to me. I need to really feel like I'm your woman, this will do it. Please."

There was about thirty seconds of silence before he spoke.

"I'd love to, on those terms. But," he grabbed my hair, bringing my face to his, "regardless, you are my woman, never think otherwise. Now say it back to me, and convince me you mean it."

I almost shouted.

"I belong to Brian Campbell! I'm his lover, his woman, his soon to be wife. I'm his property, for the rest of my life!"

I could feel his smile.

"Property was a bit much, don't you think?"

"No, you'll find out soon enough, but despite what I project in my business life, deep down I'm a timid and insecure woman. A submissive really. I NEED to belong to somebody, somebody who knows me and won't take too much advantage. You're my man, and as long as you have me I'll always be your property."

I kissed him hard to make sure he understood, and was surprised to feel his tears.

"Thank you, Andi. You do belong to me, never forget it. Now, you promised me some good loving. Get to it, woman!"

He lightly spanked a cheek to make his point. I almost came on the spot. His erection had flagged a bit during the serious discussion, but I nursed it back to readiness in just a few seconds. I got the bottle of lube and lightly coated him.

"I need you to lie still, at first. It's been a long tine since I've had a man, so let me set the pace first. You'll know when I'm ready for you to take over."

I eased over him. I was a little uncomfortable with my panties, but worked around it.

I groaned as I eased him in, it had been a long time. I'd slide an inch or so in, stop to get used to it, bounce up and down a few times, and slide another inch in. It took almost ten minutes before he was completely buried. I sat on him, grinding around in little circles before I started moving up and down in short slow strokes.

I heard him gasp as I started moving. After about five minutes I was slamming into him with abandon, screaming. My body betrayed me, and to my surprise I squirted before three minutes had gone by. It spurred me to new heights.

"Oh yes! Your cock feels enormous! Plow me, you stud! Bang me hard!"

That drove him over the top. He gripped my hips, thrusting up in time.

"You hot bitch! I can't hold back any longer! Come with me baby, come with me!"

It was too late. I had already come again, and now I was just constantly draining as he pounded my prostrate. When I felt him shoot into me I screamed.

I sat on him for a second, coming down, while he stroked my body. I slid off, adjusting my panties before snuggling.

We both lay panting. He kissed the top of my head.

"That was incredible! The best I ever had!"

I glowed under the praise.

"Wait until later, baby. You're going to get a virgin soon. And I'll be tight forever. I need to measure you, to make sure we fit perfectly. You're in for a hell of a ride. One that will go on forever."

I went back to sleep, covering his chest with tears of happiness.

He woke me three hours later, gently sucking on my nipples. When he saw my eyes opened he grinned.

"Two can play that game. Now, up! Breakfast will be ready by the time you're done with your shower."

I winced when I sat up and swung my legs off the bed.

"I'm sore!"

His grin got bigger.

"And who's at fault for that? But, I've heard the best treatment for sore muscles is make them go through the same exercise. Think you'll be up for that tonight?"

I grinned back.

"No pain, no gain!"

He made me go to Mass with him. I didn't know what to do so he guided me through it. Aunt Rita and most of the family were there, including the Irish side that I hadn't met yet. I was kissed and hugged relentlessly, and Brian promised he would bring me down to the pub after I got back from Italy.

We lazed around Sunday afternoon, just talking. I asked how soon I could bring my stuff from the condo over. He seemed surprised.

"You want to live here?"

"Of course I do. I don't want them raised in a condo. They need a yard to play in, in a nice neighborhood. I'm glad you've got a big lot, depending on how many kids we have, we might have to add a room. They should have their privacy, don't you agree?"

I stopped, startled by the look on his face. I immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry, honey. I should have talked to you before making plans."

I actually heard ribs pop, he hugged me so tight.

"When it comes to our kids, make all the plans you want. My only request is that we wait a year or so, so we can have some time to ourselves. Is that all right?"

It was my turn to hug him.

"That's a really good idea. I'm glad you're more than a pretty face and a big cock. It makes life so much easier."

I wish I had a picture of his face at that moment. It was hilarious.

We exercised my sore muscles twice more, once that night and again in the morning. I was late to work anyway, so I made a little detour and bought a few things.

.................................................

I walked into the office to Aubrey's smirking face.

"Not a word" I said, as I lay an envelope on her desk and went into my office.

I didn't get the door shut before I heard the shriek and the laughter. I knew the interoffice lines would be buzzing in the next five minutes.

A full day at the Grant street spa, the full package, including lunch. I had gotten three, one for each of my cheerleaders. Aubrey left me alone until lunch, but she and her cohorts were waiting for me when I came out of the office.

"Spill!" She commanded, showing me the lunch she had spread out in our conference room.

"Let's eat first," I suggested, as I walked into the conference room.

"No way! That's why I got salads, they'll hold for awhile. Don't make us beat it out of you."

I sighed, "well if you must know. He finally succumbed to my charms."

Aubrey wasn't about to let me by with that.

"Oh no, that won't get it. Who seduced who? Is he good, does he have stamina, is he..."

"Hung like a horse?" one of her cohorts giggled, causing them all to collapse into laughter.

I was glowing, although I knew they were happy for me. I decided to play it up.

"Remember what I said a while back about a Greek god, Aubrey? Turns out I wasn't exaggerating. And yes, he is very good, and has admirable stamina. Any more questions?"

"Is he going anywhere with this, or are you two just friends with benefits?"

I paused, savoring the moment.

"Oh, there were a lot of benefits, and it is going somewhere. Straight to St. Angelo's. And by the way, I need two bridesmaids and a matron of honor, know anyone interested?"

I turned the ring I had kept hidden until then upright, showing them the solitaire.

For once Aubrey was speechless. Then she started crying, and of course it became one big sobfest. We never did getting around to eating the salads.

The news was all over the building before the afternoon was over, prompting a visit from my boss.

"Is it true?"

I showed him my diamond. He was truly happy for me.

"I'm very pleased, Andi. For awhile there I thought you were going to be married to your job. I insist you have him over to dinner after you get back. Expect a call from my wife, she'll want all the details."

Needless to say, I got very little work done those two days.

..................................................

Almost everyone in his family was there to see us off. My new temporary assistant and Gina had to practically pry me out of his arms to avoid missing the plane. It was going to be a long three weeks.

................................................

Chapter three in a week.



Yes, Dear Ch. 03



Real life sometimes intrudes on my fantasy one, much to my annoyance. I have solid reasons why it took this long to pick up the thread of this story, all which mean nothing to you. But, here it is. 

...................................................

I sat back and tried to relax as the jet winged it's way across the ocean, idly listening to Nonna and Gina chatter, feeling the weight of the ring on my finger and smiling.

Life was indeed beautiful. But I knew it was just a dream. I'd wake up soon to my lonely little life in my lonely little condo, smiling at the dream.

I did sleep, and my dreams were filled with visions of a home in surburbia and the patter of little feet.

After peeling Nonna off the window we deplaned. There was a driver waiting for us, holding a sign with my name on it. I was walking toward him when my new assistant stopped me. I looked around to see Nonna and Gina surrounded by a small mob. Apparently someone knew we were coming.

I apologized to the driver. After checking to make sure I would be driven to our hotel eventually, he took Julie, the new assistant, and left, smiling. He asked if Mr. Carrelli knew that I was Italian. Gina laughed and rattled off something to him. I asked her what she said.

"I told him you were marrying into the family. That you were an Italian in training. A work in progress."

Five hours later we were delivered to our suite.

Exhausted, we all retired early. I had scheduled us to arrive a couple days before I had to actually work, and Nonna had a full program for us to keep. Her great nephew Carlo had a small van, and he was designated official driver.

She had us up at six, fussing around, checking her dress, her hair, our dresses, our hair, until she drove us to distraction. Julie tried to stay behind but Nonna made her come too.

We went to a small cafe for breakfast, owned of course by relatives. It was packed, all family.

Julie was considered a relative by association and had a bit of culture shock, being kissed and hugged relentlessly.

"My cheeks are raw and my ribs feel bruised. Are they all like this?"

I smiled. "They're actually taking it easy on you. You get used to it."

After that it was rounds of houses and cafes, until the evening.

I'm sure she'll have tales to tell, especially about the nightlife. Nonna decided to spend the night with her first cousin, and the younger generation took the rest of us dancing. We didn't get back until almost four. I was kind of protected because I was engaged, but Gina and Julie got thrown to the wolves. They both had silly grins on their faces when we got back, and Julies' blouse was misbuttoned.

I slept until noon, and then Julie and I went over the account while Gina went to meet Nonna.

No one was exactly sure what offended the Italian CEO, and the situation was getting time sensitive. If they didn't iron it out the German affiliate would be in danger of hostile takeover.

The CEO had been vacationing in Monte Carlo, sulking, in my opinion.

He was tanned, relaxed, but not the least bit apologetic. He still wouldn't say what he was angry about, just that until he got an apology there would be no moving forward.

"Please, Mr. Carrelli, this is a good deal for your company. German engineering, Italian innovation, American manufactured, this is a match made in heaven. Think of the future, think of the employees that will suffer if this falls through."

He grudgingly agreed to a private meeting before they went into another round of negotiations. I hoped I had enough magic in my hat to pull it together.

On a lighter note, he asked about the family I had brought with me. I told him they were my futures and showed him the ring.

"Ah, a good Italian boy?"

"In spirit. He was raised by his aunt and uncle with a lot of help from his grandmother. His name isn't very Italian. It's Campbell. His paternal side is Irish."

He frowned.

"Isn't Campbell a Scottish name?"

Brian had told me a little of his Irish history.

"Originally, yes. But in the eighteenth century the British decided to bring some Scots into Ireland. The thought that mixing the blood would calm both factions down."

His curiosity tweaked, he asked if it worked.

"Not exactly. The best analogy my future husband could give me was killer bees. Are you familiar with the term? Well, some scientists thought if they crossed European bees with African bees they would get better honey production. That aspect proved correct, but the mixture made the bees much more aggressive and territorial. They swarm harder and are a little more toxic, and will attack far past the range of either species on their own. That's what happened when they mixed the Scots and the Irish. I've seen his temper once, not directed at me thank goodness, and I can understand it."

He laughed and said he was looking forward to meeting him.

"But until then, I insist you bring your family to dinner tonight, around seven. I'm sure my wife would love to meet them."

I couldn't refuse. Julie begged off, seems she and one of the cousins hit it off, and she wanted to go dancing.

"Be careful honey, these Italians are addictive."

We dressed to the nines. Nonna knew of a dress shop that had been around for generations, and we got some custom tailored dresses for a very reasonable price. They had a wedding dress in the window, beautiful beyond words. Nonna said something to the shop owner. Gina took several pictures for future reference.

Mr. Carrelli welcomed us, saying his wife was delayed and would arrive shortly. She came rushing in, apologizing. She stopped and looked at Nonna.

Time seemed to stand still.

"Maria?"

"Margarita?"

Suddenly they were hugging, babbling like schoolgirls and crying like babies. We all watched in wonder.

Seems they were best friends from the time they could walk until Nonna left at ten. Sixty three years and they still recognized each other.

It changed from a quiet dinner into a celebration. Seems Nonna knew Mr. Carrelli too, although he was a couple of years older. It was hard to believe he was seventy five.

We ended up looking at family pictures and getting a story with every one. Soon it was late.

Nonna ended up staying, Margarita wouldn't let her leave.

I had talked to Brain twice on Skype, and missed him terribly. We still had over two weeks to go.

The meeting went well the next morning. Apparently Nonna had chewed him out for forcing me to have to come to Italy, then hugged and thanked him. Mrs. Carrelli had weighed in, and the thought of two angry women made him a bit more reasonable. The German apologized and that was the end of it. I don't think the German even knew what he was apologizing for.

I told the girls since I was done so early I was gonna do a little work on another project and spent four days in Switzerland.

I had no business to attend to except personal. I went to the best ranked clinic in the world to schedule sexual reassignment surgery, spending the days in consultation and mental evaluation. I had a tentative appointment for six weeks.

It scared me, and I had a million questions, the main one being would I still enjoy sex.

"We've made massive strides since we first began doing the procedures. Chances are, If you liked sex before, you'll like it as well afterwards. Of course it takes almost three months to fully heal, and there are exercises you have to do to assure completion, but it will be a whole new world for you. I see from your chart you're engaged. Are you doing it for him?"

"No and yes. I wanted to have it done for years, but I'm afraid of pain and I had heard so many negative stories. Meeting him brought it into focus. We want children doctor, and I don't want to have to explain why I'm different from other mommies. I've been a woman mentally for many years, now I want the physical to match the mental."

I came back to Italy in a much calmer state of mind. We packed up to go home early, but Mrs. Carrelli insisted Nonna stay with them the remaining week. Gina didn't want to stay, so it was my turn to help peel a woman off her boyfriend. Julie had fallen hard for a local. She sniffled all the way home.

..............................................

I spent three glorious days with Brian before I had to go back to the office. I told him about my procedure being scheduled. He had three weeks of accumulated vacation and could take another week for family surgeries and emergencies, and he was going to spend the entire month by my side.

We made love, a lot. I told him I was trying to give him enough to hold him over until I was healed. He laughed and told me it wasn't possible but he was glad to let me try to prove him wrong. We played in the park with the children. I showed the mothers my ring and they made appropriate noises and welcomed me to the neighborhood.

The restaurant was having a welcome home themed lunch. Nonna still hadn't returned. Aunt Rita nearly squeezed the life out of me. 

"Gina can't stop talking about the trip. I'm afraid you've ruined her."

I hugged her tighter.

"She'll get over it. Believe me, Dorothy had it right. There's no place like home."

I put my condo up for sale, completely moving in with Brian. My favorite doorman got a hug, an invitation to the wedding, and a card good for a years' worth of coffee at the Starbucks round the corner. I also gave him a recliner I never sat in and had no room for. I think he actually had a tear in his eye.

Aubrey got a momento of her missed trip, designer shoes with a four inch heel.

She pretended to be angry.

"Julie told me all about it, the family, the food, the dancing, the hot Italian guys. The one time I don't go with you, and you actually had fun. You'll pay for that one, Missy."

I talked to my boss. I had six weeks of vacation and a month of sick leave built up.

"I don't intend to take it all if I can help it. The doctors say I can probably go back to work after six weeks, but it may take longer."

I had his blessing, but upper management wasn't happy. When he told them I had the time built up, and it wasn't a vacation but surgery, they relented. They asked what kind of surgery and he was deliberately vague, saying it was a woman thing. I busted my ass for the next month, trying to get ahead of schedule.

Once again there was a tearful goodbye at the airport, but this time when I got on the plane Brian was beside me.

I was past scared, I was terrified. They let Brian hold my hand right up until they wheeled me into the operating room. 

I stood naked in the bathroom in front of the mirror for about an hour the night before, saying goodbye to my equipment. I actually stroked it a few times, remembering. But they weren't exactly taking it, just rearranging things a bit. Then I sighed and committed myself all over again.

I woke up hours later, terrified and disoriented. Luckily they had secured me to avoid movement.

Brian was right there, holding my hand and rubbing my cheek. I gradually calmed down.

The nurses said he didn't leave my side or let go of my hand once in the seven hours it took me to wake up.

I tried to look down, but all I could see was my gown and a mass of bandages, with a catheter.

They kept me mildly sedated for almost a week to keep me still. Then they slowly brought me out of it, releasing the restraints and allowing me to move. I could sit up, but I wasn't allowed to walk yet.

"Day after tomorrow" they said.

I was extremely sore. When he finally let me see, it was a mass of bruising and ugly red lines. But I could see the shape emerging, and it made me proud.

We both had to go through counseling. What to do the first few times, the care I needed to take. I was embarrassed when the doctor asked for measurements of Brians' cock.

"Want to make sure It's a good fit. Don't want it too loose or too tight. When you do start to make love, take it slow and be gentle. You don't have a hymen, but you'll still be a virgin. Make sure you use plenty of lube, remember you can't manufacture it on your own. You also have no natural elasticity, so if you don't do the cylinder exercises, you'll shrink, making intercourse very uncomfortable or impossible.

This was the part I hated. I had to insert a perfectly matched cylinder inside my new vagina and leave it for periods of time. I was very tight at first and we had to use graduated cylinders to reach the correct size. Brian tried to joke about it, calling them training vibrators.

It took five weeks before they would release me. We flew home and I rested for another week. I was all right to work if I took it easy and moved slowly. Aubrey took advantage and mothered me unmercifully.

Finally, we got the all clear report. I had flown back for a checkup, leaving on Friday and coming back on Sunday. He held a camera so I could view

his work on a flat screen monitor. It looked amazingly natural.

"You're cleared for sex. Take it easy, remember the instructions, and it will become a very pleasant experience. There will be a little pain at first, just like any virgin. Here is the name and address of a doctor in your area. I want you to have regular checkups, every three months. Consider him your gynecologist. And this is important. If at any time you feel unusual pain, anything at all, schedule an appointment right away. Understand? Good. Now, go make your man and yourself very happy."

The doctor was right, it was painful for the first few minutes. We drank a little wine and did a lot of foreplay before I was ready. I hadn't allowed Brain to see me yet, I wanted it to be a surprise. I kind of wanted to wait until our wedding night, but we were both so horny I knew we wouldn't be able to wait another three months.

I had on a new nighty with matching thong, see through but not quite transparent.

I made him lay on the bed and did a little strip tease.

When I dropped the nighty he could see my mound through the thong. I thought about being hairless, but decided on a small strip, just to remind myself I was an adult. He seemed to appreciate it.

I cupped my thirty four B's and shook them at him.

"I thought about having an upgrade while I was in the clinic. How would you feel about a pair of thirty eights?"

I was surprised at the passion in his voice.

"Don't even think about that! You gave them to me, remember, and I fell in love with them just as they are. Thirty years from now they'll still be perky while everyone else will be saggy. I intend to still be playing with them then and for years afterward."

I glowed with pride and teased him a bit.

"If they're yours, how come I have to carry them around?"

"Because they look so good on you."

I walked to the bed, trying my best to sway sexily.

In a voice full of emotion, I asked him if he would like to unwrap his present.

He slowly reached out, running his hands over my hips and bottom, lightly stroking my new vagina through the wisp of silk that covered it. I was trembling with excitement.

He eased the panty down slowly, stopping to admire me every few seconds, until it was off.

Pulling me onto the bed, he started kissing me, twirling tongues, until he broke and started on my ears, my neck, my breasts, all the way down to my belly button, while his hand stroked the hair on my mound, getting closer and closer to his target. I had made sure I was prepared, literally dripping with lube, and a tube on the nightstand, just in case.

He slipped a finger in, then two, lightly stroking me. It felt heavenly and soon I was humping up to meet his fingers. I pulled his head firmly back up.

"Do it now, honey. Take your woman."

It was everything I imagined and nothing like I thought. I felt pain at first, because I was a lot tighter than we anticipated, but as we progressed I opened up. Soon I had my legs locked round his back as he steadily pumped into me. He was being careful, but I wanted more.

"Pound me! This pussy is custom made just for you. Use it!"

That was all he took and soon he WAS pounding me, while I held on squealing and crying. I was almost embarrassed. I felt my climax building until it burst loose. I screamed with the unfamiliar sensation and it sent him over the edge. He filled me and I reveled in it.

How long did we last? No idea. If it was five minutes or fifty it was so intense time meant nothing. As he collapsed on me I was surprised to see him crying. I snuggled to him, asking if he was all right.

"It was so beautiful! You altered your whole body

just for me. How could someone love another that much?"

I kissed his tears.

"I did it because nothing in this world is as precious as your love for me. And it was for me, too. It finally completed me, made me what I was meant to be."

I lightened the mood, being playful.

"Now, I expect you to use your present often. Not right now, I'm pretty sore. But I have alternative ways of pleasuring both of us, and I intend to use them all tonight."

I'm proud to say I wore him out. I slipped down his tummy, nibbling and licking until I captured my target. He tried to get me let him wash, but I refused.

"That's your love and mine I'm tasting. Be still."

I tried to make it the absolute best. I think I succeeded. Two hours later I was grinding into him as we spooned. He asked groggily what I wanted.

"You've got one more spot to satisfy, mister. Get to it."

Soon he had me on all fours, pounding into my ass as I babbled in estacy. When we collapsed he passed out right on top of me. I enjoyed his weight for a second before I wriggled out from under him.

I got a warn washcloth and washed him thoroughly while he slept, and damned if he didn't start getting another erection!

I was completed sated, so I gave it a loving kiss and spooned back into him.

I set my phone alarm, and when it beeped softly I lay there, enjoying the memories, then slid under the covers. He was completely down my throat before he became fully awake. He touched my head and groaned.

"Babe, you're killing me."

I raised up and smiled at him. I grabbed his balls and hefted them.

"I intend to keep these empty and you exhausted. That way you'll never look at another woman."

He pulled me up and kissed me hard. 

"Babe, since I met you, other women ceased to exist. But you started it, now finish it."

He pushed my head back down. Have I ever mentioned how attracted I am to self confident, dominant men? Correction, man.

I bounced up when I was done and took a shower.

I shook him lightly after I dressed.

"Don't sleep too long. I'm leaving, I have to help fix lunch. Don't you dare be late."

When I got there, Aunt Rita and Gina took one look and grinned. I had told them this was the week I was cleared by the doctor.

"Have a good night, dear?"

"The best, Aunt Rita, the best ever."

Nonna came bustling out of the kitchen, grabbed my cheeks and gave me a kiss. She acted ten years younger since her trip.

"You're going to be a beautiful bride" she said, in Italian. I blushed, then realized I understood what she said. I guess the experts were right. The best way to learn a language is to be totally immersed in it.

I drove Aubrey crazy, because every time I got aggravated I started cursing in Italian and waving my arms.

"You're still in America, dear. Speak the language."

Brian was almost late, looking a little worse for wear. All the women giggled and he blushed.

I looked around as I held the newest member of the family, four month old Maria, and couldn't believe my good fortune in finding Brian and this family.

Nonna gave me my wedding present early, the bridal gown I had admired in Verona, fitted to my exact measurements. I cried for four hours.

We went to counseling with the Catholic priest that was to marry us. I made sure nobody knew my secret but Brian. It was between God, Brian, and me.




Yes, Dear Ch. 03



He kind of frowned when we told him we were living together, but the possessive way I was holding him made it clear we weren't going to be separated. The wedding was getting closer and I was a bundle of nerves.

I finally spent time with the Irish side of the family. My ears rang and my head hurt for two days. And I thought the Italians were loud and could drink!

..............................................

The big day was here. I was a nervous wreck. Gina told me Brain looked like he would pass out any minute.

My Mom and Dad came a few days early and met the family. All Mom could say was "well, they certainly are passionate."

"And loud" chimed in Dad, breaking into a grin, then holding his head. He and Uncle Sean hit it off right away. When they found out my grandmother was from Irish stock, they adopted him instantly. I wish she was still alive to see it.

Mom, Aunt Rita, Nonna, and Gina were putting the finishing touches on.

"Cry and mess up your makeup, and I'll have Brian spank you!" declared Nonna, her own eyes brimming with tears.

They broke into gales of laughter when I quipped,

"And that's supposed to be a threat?"

Finally it was time.

St. Angelo's was a big church. I almost fainted to see it was full. I suddenly felt serene, and felt like I was floating down the aisle.

Rita and Uncle Sean assumed their rightful role as parents of the groom. Aubrey was matron of honor, my other two supporters from work and Gina, along with three more cousins, were bridesmaids.

Mike had a few of his friends as ushers, filling out the number with more cousins.

My boss was there, sitting in the family section of the bride. Harold, my old doorman, was sitting in the back, smiling hugely. Mr. and Mrs. Carrelli were in town on business and surprised us by showing up. The rest of the church was packed with family and friends.

The service was beautiful, steeped in history and tradition. Everyone was solemn, except Nonna, who was crying openly. She was the first one I hugged after the service.

I don't remember much about the reception. Both sides of the family was vying to see who could be the loudest, and who could consume the most beer and wine. Gina said they were still trying to party at four, when the hotel threw them out.

We slipped off at one thirty, made love until three, and barely made our seven o'clock flight.

Where did we honeymoon? Italy, of course. Three days in Verona, where the Italian side threw their own reception. I remember thinking if the American side got together with with the Italian side, they would be arrested instantly for violating noise ordinances. Mr. Carrelli and his wife had a condo in Monte Carlo, and we spent the rest of the time there as his guests.

We went to the casinos, and I asked Brian how much we could gamble. He gave me a thousand euros and told me to go ahead, he'd used up all the luck he was ever going to have when he got me. I almost raped him on the spot.

I didn't have any idea what I was doing, and we ended up at the roulette wheel, where I bet it all on black, won, let it ride, won again, moved it to red, and won there. I stopped, almost seven thousand euros ahead. I spent it on gifts for the family.

I surprised Brian on the last day by slipping out and getting a tattoo, a small heart with an arrow through it, with our initials and wedding date. I was just above my hairline.

"It's a property patch", I told him. He went to the same shop and got it tattooed on his right shoulder. I still get misty eyed when I see him outside without a shirt.

.................................................

For three months we were gloriously happy. Brian earned his degree and had an interview lined up with one of the most prominent architectural firms in the city.

My success with the Italian/German situation brought me more assignments with international firms. My star continued to rise.

Then, everything came crashing down, all because of a bitter, spoiled bitch. 

Karen Eckles had been in Europe for three months, 

vacationing[read detoxing]and only learned about our marriage a month after she got back.

She still harbored feelings for Brian, the one that got away. Nobody left her until she was done with him. She called unexpectedly, asking for Brian. I didn't recognize her voice and thought it may be over his interview, so I got him to the phone.

I wasn't really listening until I heard him raise his voice, a rarity.

"NO! I'm married now, Karen. Very happily. She's beautiful, kind, and most importantly faithful. You could learn a lot from her. I'm going to hang up now. I wish you a good life, please don't call again."

He got off the phone, still ranting.

"The nerve of that bitch. She wanted me to come and meet her so she could convince me to get back together with her. I told her I was married and she laughed, saying she could offer me more."

I could feel my temperature rise. That bitch! Boy, was she gonna get an earful! Brian calmed me down.

"Don't let it bother you, honey. I'm not gonna let it bother me. I'm actually grateful to her, if she hadn't got caught I would have married her and ended up miserable before getting a divorce.

It let me be free when I met you."

"And I'll tell you something else, even though it's not smart to talk about exlovers with your wife. She was wild in bed, almost manic. But the love wasn't there and subconsciously I could feel it. I get more satisfaction sitting on the couch snuggling with you than I got with her on her best night."

"I hope this swells your head a bit, because you're the best lover I ever had, ever. She would kill for your skills. But that's not why. It's because we love each other, and that makes it perfect."

We retired early that night.

.................................................

I may have added fuel to her fire, because every time we were around her at an event, I hung on him like wallpaper, and showered him with public affection. She tried several times to cut him out of the herd, but I was right there to thwart her. 

Finally she made a mistake and propositioned him right in front of me.

She was several inches taller than me without heels, and she favored ridiculously high heels. She stood in front of us, towering over me.

"Really, Brian, when are you going to stop playing with little girls and come back to a real woman?"

I would have slapped the hell out of her if he would have let go of my hand. But he held me tight and grinned at her. Damn him for being so strong!

"What do you know about real women, Karen? You've got one in front of and don't even recognize it.

You're still a spoiled little rich girl. Try growing up, you might like it and be a lot happier. I don't love you , Karen, looking back I don't think I ever did. I love my wife, deeply. Find someone else, and try be an adult. I'm sure you'll be happier."

Well. Guess he told her.

She went almost purple, but before she could explode her friends pulled her away to save her from further embarrassment. Brian didn't see me because he was still watching her, so I stuck my tongue out at her.

Mrs. Mature, that's me.

She plotted, she schemed. She decided if he wouldn't leave me she'd find a way to drive him away. Unfortunately, if your father has more money than God, you can afford to investigate someone in detail.

It took her about two months until she stumbled onto my secret.

In a fit of glee she called Brian and told him. Imagine her surprise when he told her knew and didn't care. She tried to pressure him, threatening to expose me.

"It would be a dirty thing to do, Karen. You really think that if you're capable of doing this it would make me want you? Do your worst bitch. It won't matter."

She got me fired.

She took her findings to the CEO of my company, saying she was going to have her father, who did business with many of our clients, put the word out about their dubious hiring practices. Her father knew nothing of this, but the CEO panicked.

He called my boss and demanded he fire me. Surprised, he asked why.

"She worked for us under false pretenses. For God's sake, she was a man wearing a dress! Think of our reputation."

My boss warned him.

"Be careful here. We have no grounds for dismissal. She has an exemplary record. She's been our star for four years. The clients love her. This is murky ground, don't expose the company to legal action, consider the options."

"I want her gone! The way you talk, it makes me think you knew."

My boss stunned him by saying he had known for a few years.

"You knew! Why didn't you get rid of her then?"

"What would it accomplished? She was the best we had at what she does. You're the one who promoted her, afraid she would go elsewhere. And she came to me when she found out she was being considered, and told me. That took a lot of guts, but she was thinking of the company. That alone would have made me support her. It's ancient history now, she's had the surgery, and she's married now. I urge you strongly to rethink this, get a legal opinion."

He bulled ahead, and fired me for falsifying my job application, and for having the surgery using the company insurance fraudulently.

It got ugly. I was ashamed to show my face at the restaurant. Aunt Rita came to the house, demanded I come back to the cafe with her.

"Get your head out of your ass. Don't you think we knew? Nonna figured it out the first time she met you. We were a little skeptical, almost told Brian. Nonna said no, you were special, it would all work out. It did. We love you, idiot. You're one of us, and we don't leave our family alone when they're under attack. If nothing else, do it for Nonna. She misses you terribly."

I went, shaking as I stepped in the door. Service came to a standstill and the place went almost silent. I turned to run out when Gina grabbed me, hugging me tightly.

"You poor girl! I can't imagine what you're going through, but you're not alone. We love you. Now, wine?"

And just like that, I was back. The workers and many of the patrons I had come to know over the last year and a half hugged me, shook my hand, or patted me on the back. It didn't matter what I had been, I was Brian's wife now, and that was enough.

Brian was catching a lot of grief at work, construction guys aren't known for being open minded. He came home one day with a black eye and a few bruises. He told me he fell off a scaffold.

I knew better, he had gotten into a fight over me. I cried when he went to sleep, thinking of the misery I was causing him.

I finally got mad and decided to fight back. I called Aubrey.

"Girl, I'm so pissed at your I could scream. Your replacement is an idiot, even for a man. He's alienating customers left and right. They're starting to complain. You could have told me you know, I would have still loved you."

I wept silent tears when I asked her to connect me to my old boss.

"He's gone, baby. They forced him out because of you. He didn't mind leaving, he was disgusted with the whole bunch, but he did squeeze them a little and got a nice retirement package."

Retired? He was only fifty two.

I called his cell phone.

"I wondered when you were gonna call. Pissed off enough yet to strike back?"

More than enough. I apologized for costing him his job.

"Please! The joy kind of went out of it when they ran you off. I was bored anyway. Now, want to fade away nicely, or fuck'em hard?"

I thought for three seconds.

"Hard. In the ass, with no lube. And believe me when I share this with you, it hurts, a lot."

He had already talked it over with a friend of his, one who loved controversy and publicity.

The fact that I had a good case had him salivating.

When we filed a lawsuit against the company for discrimination and wrongful termination, for twenty million dollars, shit hit the fan.

The full board didn't have all the details, and when they came out the CEO and two of his cronies were on the hot seat.

It never went to court, but the action in the conference room was interesting.

They fired back, saying they would out me if I persisted.

"Out her how? You've already done that. She's happily married to a guy who knew what she was before he married her. Think he's going to leave her? Especially now, when she's looking at some serious money? Her parents have known for years, and his family now knows and most of them still accept her. How can you hurt her?"

"We can make it hard for her to get another job."

My lawyer waved his hands dismissively.

"She already has another job, and they know all the details of her life. Next bluff?"

They didn't have one.

"All right then. Let's discuss the wrongful termination."

"The termination stands" fired back one of their team of lawyers, "she put female down on her resume when she was in fact male. That's falsification."

He grinned, a look that somehow reminded me of a wolf. Glad I had him and not then.

"All right, let's talk about it. I have affidavits from her doctors since she was twelve years old. They concluded that except for some physical aspects she was fully and emotionally female. She was certified female in her home state sixteen years ago. All her drivers licenses have bee gotten as a female. All her tax returns have been filed as a female. The state and federal governments have recognized her as female, wanna argue with them? I have a letter from the IRS stating that with her certification they have no problem recognizing her as a woman, as long as she pays her taxes."

"And let's not forget that her immediate supervisor knew she was transsgender for at least three years, and still approved her promotion and has given her consistently good reviews in her job performance, something he is more than willing to testify to in court."

The CEO saw a lost cause and tried another tactic.

"All right. Forget that for a moment. She still used her insurance fraudulently. Sex change operations are not covered. She took time off under false pretenses."

His lawyers were trying to keep him quiet.

By now my lawyer's smile looked like a snarl.

"Let's talk about that then. She took four weeks of vacation time and two weeks of sick leave, again with approval from her supervisor. She paid for the surgery out of her own pocket. The two week sick leave was legitimate under you own company policy. Your own daughter took two weeks off to have her nose reshaped and have breast augmentation. You signed off on her sick leave yourself. The only insurance my client used was the short term disability policy she paid for as a suppliment to your standard policy. It was well within company policy for her to use it."

He paused, out of breath.

"Wanna admit defeat now? I hope not, I'll get some killer exposure out of this."

They asked for another week to respond.

"Three days. We file on the fourth. Good day gentlemen. You too, Mr. Scott."

Scott was the CEO, and he colored at the slight.

The next meeting was subdued. They offered a million if we would just go away.

"A million? We're suing Mr. Scott personally for two. See you in court, counselors."

They begged for another day. My lawyer snapped his briefcase closed.

"This is Thursday. I'm filing the papers Tuesday. You have until noon Monday to tender your final offer."

We sailed out of the offer and he collapsed in laughter when we got into the elevator.

"Did you see the lead counselor? I seriously thought he was gonna piss his pants."

Brian grinned a little.

"It was fun, but the money doesn't matter. Making it right does."

Mr.Kincaid, the lawyer, gave him a little lecture.

"To guys like these, money is all that matters. That and adverse publicity. That's how you hurt them. In the pocketbook and the press."

Behind the scenes, he had leaked a letter to several gay, lesbian, and transsgender rights groups, and they were up in arms. They hadn't got around to actually picketing, but they were blogging and flooding the home office with protest letters and emails. 

They called Friday, and we met Monday at nine.

"Three million, you sign saying it ends and you'll never speak of it again. We are required by law to offer you your job back, but offer the money in lieu of employment. Take it or leave it."

Mr. Kincaid snapped his briefcase closed. I had learned it was a sign of anger.

"See you in court. And by the way, the gay, lesbian, and transsgender alliance is at the courthouse now, getting a protest permit. Might want to get to work a little early tomorrow to avoid the crowds."

The called at eleven forty five. Four and a half million and termination of the CEO. We took it.

"They don't really have to fire the CEO."

Money makes you more forgiving. Mr. Kincaid smiled.

"Yes they do, to save face and send a message. Don't feel sorry for him, he brought it on himself. You're rich now, take me to lunch."

I laughed.

"No way, Jose. I just made you a million in fees, we go Dutch."

Word got back to Karen's dad of the shitstorm she stirred up. He was unhappy. Very unhappy. He sent her back to Europe on a strict allowance and told her if she needed more she damn well better find a job. It shouldn't be too hard with that degree he bought her. Haven't heard a word out of her since. She was quieter and more mature, married a stockbroker. He divorced her a year later when he caught her cheating. She's up to number four now.

................................................

They called my old boss and offered him the CEO position. He declined.

"I'm happy where I am now. No, I don't think you've ever heard of them. I'll send you a card, they're new. Kelso and Campbell, Merger and Acquisition Consultants."

That's right, we formed our own company. Quite successful as it turned out. Our core customers came from our old company, led by Mr. Carrelli and Herr Clausman.

We raided them, taking the best of the bunch.

Aubrey came on board as office manager, with her own assistant.

Brian opened his own firm, hiring some experienced, talented people and specializing in midsized office buildings. He had a construction arm that did a lot of their work. He didn't touch my money, using the life insurance monies from his late parents. 

He makes sure he's got a flexible schedule so he could travel with me, especially to Europe. We own a small villa just outside Verona. We don't get to spend a lot of time there, but it never sits empty. One or other of the family is always there. I lost my new assistant Betty to a local, so I set up a small office there and let her run it for me. Mr. and Mrs. Carrelli consider me a granddaughter by association.

Nonna is eighty now, this will probably be her last trip back home, but she insisted she be there to brag about her newest great grandchildren.

Two boys and a girl. Our oldest is eleven now and is heavily into sports. The twins are eight, she is showing musical talent and he's considered a math prodigy. All true siblings, their parent died in a car crash when the twins were three. They all speak fairly fluent Italian.

I have to go now, little Maria[her name when I got her, I felt it was a sign]and I have to go to the cafe to help with lunch. Brian and the boys are coming later, after hearing the same lecture they heard for years about being nicely dressed and minding their manners.

There it is, the story of how I fell in love.

Oh, and before I forget, so far, we've lived happily ever after.

I made a mental note to eat more salad and a little less pasta when I got to the cafe, trying to keep my weight the same as when we got married. Allison is sixteen now, a beautiful girl. She follows Brian around at the neighborhood parties, reminding him he's still supposed to marry her when she turns eighteen, if he's unattached. She smiles when she says it, but I don't like the way she looks at me when he's not paying attention.




Yes, Dear Ch. 03



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As always, I appreciate you taking time to read. Tell me what you think, and vote if you like.

QHML1