0 comments/ 5186 views/ 0 favorites Beyond Endings By: Storyteller4U Beyond Endings -- Part 2 of Terminal Love * One week after scattering Mandy's ashes, Ed and Sandy returned to their jobs. Work had piled up while they were on leave, and they were both glad to be too busy to think. The last thing either of them wanted was to think. After work, they went to their homes and crashed from exhaustion. Ed didn't relax before falling asleep, so his sleep was very fitful. He found himself having recurring nightmares, and he'd wake up sweating, with a pounding heart. The dream was always the same. In it, he could see Mandy's face in the mist of the waterfall. Her face was sad, and she just kept crying, over and over, "You promised. You promised." He tried to put this out of his mind, but it wouldn't go away. Even during the day, he frequently saw little girls with sad faces, who just looked at him. At the end of his first workweek, he felt he had to call Sandy. "Hi Sandy, this is Ed. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing." "Miserable, she responded. I haven't been able to sleep. Every time I do fall asleep, I'm haunted by the same nightmare." "That's strange," said Ed. "I'm having the same problem. Tell me about your nightmare." "In it, I see Mandy's face in the mist of the waterfall. Her face is sad, and she just keeps crying, over and over, 'You promised. You promised.'" "That's not possible," said Ed. "That's exactly what my dream is. What's happening to us?" "I don't know, Ed. Maybe sharing the same experience triggers the same dreams." "Can I come over, Sandy?" "Sure, Ed, you're always welcome over here." "I'll be right over." When Ed arrived at Sandy's she welcomed him into her house. They sat on the sofa and just looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Eventually, Ed reached out and took Sandy's hand. He asked Sandy if she'd show him some of the family picture albums from when Mandy was a child. He couldn't believe when he saw the pictures, as the little girls he had been seeing, lately, were Mandy, at different ages. He shared this with Sandy. Sandy admitted she hadn't seen little girls during the day, but the difference could be due to the intensity of feelings Ed and Mandy had so recently shared. "Ed, I'd like to ask you a favor, but please don't feel obligated to do it. I'll understand if you say no." "How can I help, Sandy?" "I am so sleep deprived, right now, I can't even think straight. Mandy hadn't really spent that much time here, yet I quickly got used to her presence. Now, I feel so alone without her here. Would you please just hold me tonight, as I sleep? Maybe that will help me sleep." "Sure, Sandy. I'm not crazy about attempting to sleep alone, tonight, either." Sandy took Ed to her bed, took off her shoes and lay down on her side, fully clothed, pulling a light blanket up over her. Ed removed his shoes before joining her under the blanket, spooning up to her back with his arm around her waist. It wasn't long before both were sound asleep. When the sun rose in the morning, they realized they were so exhausted, neither of them had moved all night, and they had the most refreshing sleep they had experienced in a long time. Sandy expressed her thanks to Ed, while he admitted it helped his sleep also. Sandy offered to make Ed breakfast. Though they didn't speak much during the meal, they realized it felt good to reconnect. After breakfast was over, Ed said, "Sandy, I'm sure you have things you need to do, today, and I have projects to catch up on, so I'd better get going. Thanks for the breakfast... and for the sleep. We'll have to get together, again." Ed felt refreshed, after the good night sleep, so was productive with his projects. He felt good when he lay down for sleep, that night. Unfortunately, the nightmares returned. At 9am, thinking Sandy was probably awake, he called her. "Hi Sandy, how was sleep?" "The nightmares are back." "Mine, too. Since I spent so much time over there, lately, maybe we just need to gradually reduce contact rather than attempt to go cold turkey. We won't be very good on our jobs, if we're sleep deprived; so what would be your thoughts if I suggest we sleep together during the week, and then we can try being apart, again, next weekend?" "I'm open to it. We need our sleep." On his way over to Sandy's, Ed stopped at the department store and bought himself a pair of pajamas. He hadn't worn pajamas since he was a kid, but they couldn't sleep in their clothes for a week, and he wasn't about to shock her by sliding in bed naked. When it was time for bed, Ed told Sandy he brought some pajamas, and she deserved to sleep comfortably, also. Both put on pajamas, and then returned to their spooning position. Sleep was restful, again. In the morning, Sandy prepared another nice breakfast. Ed realized he didn't bother to prepare himself a nice breakfast at his home, and he appreciated Sandy's effort to bring a little hominess to his life. After getting ready for work, in separate bathrooms, Ed said, "Thanks, Sandy. I truly appreciate everything. I'll see you after work." The sleep seemed to help them catch up faster at work, so, by Wednesday, they were both back to their normal 9-5 routine. Thursday morning, Ed asked Sandy if she'd like to go out to a restaurant for dinner, saying he wanted to thank her for all she had done. When she said she'd love that, they made plans. They met at a restaurant Mandy used to enjoy going to. Ed had mixed feelings about going to that restaurant, but thought the sisters might have similar tastes in food, so decided to go with that. Sandy did enjoy the food, so Ed was glad he chose that place. Communication seemed to be flowing a bit easier, so the evening went well. That night, when they got into bed, Ed kissed the back of Sandy's head before saying "Thank you for the week, and good night." As planned, Ed returned to his home the next night. He figured a week's worth of good sleep would allow him to sleep at home. Unfortunately, his sleep didn't cooperate, and the nightmares kept him up. About 2am, his phone rang. When he answered it, he heard Sandy crying. "Ed, I'm so sorry for waking you up, but I can't handle these nightmares." "You, too?" "You mean they've returned for you, also?" "Yes. I don't think I've been able to sleep half an hour so far tonight." "Ed, maybe I'm being a baby about this, but would you please come over here?" "Sure, Sandy. I guess we're in the same boat, so we might as well be there for each other. Ed drove to Sandy's, and they did sleep well the rest of the night. Over breakfast, Ed said, "Sandy, I have so many mixed feelings flowing through me. I miss Mandy, terribly. You have always been so kind to me, and I am grateful you are here. I see a lot of Mandy in you, but you have your own uniqueness, also. I sense she was probably more playful and impulsive, while you were reliable and consistent. I see value in both directions. I like you, but I feel liking you is cheating on Mandy's memory, so I feel guilty. On the other hand, I know she truly wanted us to be together. I'm not sure how to rectify this internal conflict. I want you to know my conflict is not a negative statement about you. I just find it hard to believe she would be comfortable with me being with you, no matter how hard she worked to push us together. Maybe she didn't want this but felt she had to let it happen. I think it would be easier if I knew whether she felt inner conflict or not." "Ed, let me tell you about Mandy. She could be headstrong and stubborn. If she didn't like the taste of some vegetable, there was no way you could get her to eat it. She spoke her mind, and you always knew she said nothing she didn't mean. On your first date, I sat home on pins and needles, wondering what the results would be. I wanted her to be happy, but knowing her, she was just as likely to blow you off as to fall in love. When she told me she had fallen in love, I knew it was real. She never played mind games or manipulated anyone. She called a spade a spade. I know what she said to us was truthful, but I've had my own inner conflicts, too. I respected her relationship with you, so never allowed myself to think of you as anything other than her partner. When she planted the seed in my head, I was caught off guard. I also respect you and care for you enough to never want you to do anything that isn't truly what you want. I was truthful when I promised Mandy to do all in my power to keep her love alive and healthy, but it's not in my power to make anyone else do something that person doesn't want to do. I would never be with anyone who was with me out of obligation, and I'm not the type of person who attempts to convince others of my value. What I may see as value might be different from what others see as value." "Sandy, thanks for sharing. I see things much differently, now, though I'll probably still struggle with a shaky transition. I don't know what can exist between us, but I promise not to put up any barriers, and I promise you my words to you will always be the truth. If you haven't made any plans for today, I'd love to spend the day with you." "I'd love that, too, Ed." "How about a hike?" "Sure. Give me time for a shower, and then we can leave." The hike was very pleasant, and the awkwardness seemed to melt away as the day progressed. Ed even reached out and held her hand, on occasion. They found themselves talking about the nature that surrounded them rather than Mandy, and even shared a few laughs together. After the hike, Ed took Sandy out to eat. The communication flowed smoothly, and it was late before they realized the time and headed home. At home, they went to their separate bathrooms, showered and prepared for sleep. When Ed got to the bed, he found Sandy already lying on her side. He slid in next to her and gently turned her to her back. "Sandy, I want to thank you for a very enjoyable day." He then leaned in and planted a tender kiss on her lips. "I enjoyed the day, too. Good night," said Sandy, as she rolled to her side. Ed snuggled up a little closer than normal and caressed her arm as he held her. After a short period of time passed, Ed became aware of soft sobbing coming from Sandy. "Sandy, did I say or do something wrong? If so, I'm truly sorry. Please help me to understand what it might be, so I don't repeat it again." "No," said Sandy, through her tears. "It's not you; it's me. You have been perfect." "Let's talk about it, Sandy." Sandy fidgeted with the buttons on her pajama top as she did her best to regain her composure. Finally, she said, "Ed, I'm not Mandy." "I know you're not Mandy, and I don't expect you to be Mandy." "I know, Ed, but please hear me out. I am more than five years older than Mandy." "And I'm almost 15 years older than you." "Please, Ed, this is hard enough for me to say. Just let me finish. First Natalie, and then Mandy convinced me you were an amazing man. Once I got to know you, I agreed with their assessment. You deserve what works for you. I have gray hair coming in, at 5' 6" I'm 2" taller than Mandy, and I saw her in her bikini. She was fuller and firmer than I'll ever be again. I must admit I felt a wave of jealousy flow through me when I beheld the perfection of her femininity. I just don't want to disappoint you, Ed.... OK, I'm finished." Ed put his hand on Sandy's shoulder and gently massaged her. "Sandy, I'm far from perfect myself, and the issues you mentioned never even popped into my mind. I view the whole package, not specific parts. I've always been one to look for opportunities rather than obstacles. Why focus on what isn't when there is so much to enjoy that already exists? I've never seen you as flawed. I've seen you as a very sensitive, caring and respectful person. You have a certain sweetness about you that draws me closer. I look forward to enjoying you, not any preconceived notions you may have about what you think I should be attracted to. Sandy, please look at me." Ed gave a slight pull on Sandy's shoulder, and she turned onto her back, the buttons on her pajamas totally undone and her top wide open. Staring straight at the ceiling, she said, "Ed, I'm not going to pretend or hide anything. If you choose to be with me, I want it to be with a full understanding of what you're buying into." Ed reached out and placed his hand gently on Sandy's slender belly. "Nice smooth skin," he said. He continued his exploration, as Sandy continued to stare at the ceiling. As his hand wandered over her abdomen, he could see her muscles contract whenever he made contact with a sensitive trigger. He ran his hand up her side to her neck and then along her clavicle. He continued his gentle caressing. Running his fingers down between her breasts, a gasp escaped from her lips. He ran his fingers slowly around the base of a breast. "I like this transition from the firmness of your ribcage to the soft give of your breast." Sandy's teeth started to chatter, so she clenched her teeth tightly. "What I find to be most sensual and erotic is a woman's responsiveness. Let me see how responsive these breasts are." Ed leaned over and started to kiss various parts of Sandy's breasts. He could tell she was having difficulty fighting her responses. Her nipples were hard and protruded ½" from the dome of her breasts. He finally covered a nipple with his mouth and began to suckle. She could no longer hold back her growing symphony. Rolling up rapidly on her side, Sandy said, "That's not fair, Ed. I can't help if I have sensitive breasts." "And a sensitive belly, and a sensitive neck, and I'm sure there are many more special places that trigger your lovely sensual sounds. I can't help if I love sensitivity." "But what about how they look?" "I think you are very pretty, Sandy. Do you think I'd be interested in a teenager, just to get a firm body? I don't have the skin tone I used to have, either, and that's not the only thing that isn't as firm as it used to be." "But men get distinguished as they age, while women just get old." "Sandy, you're as old as you feel, and if you allow yourself to enjoy playfulness, you'll start aging backward. I know I am a lot younger today than I was when I met Mandy. Let's get younger together." "But what happens when the newness wears off and you lose interest in me?" "That's when you kick me to the street and find a younger buck who has more to offer." "But I want you, Ed." "And I want you, Sandy, not just because you're my connection to Mandy, but because I truly like what I see in you." "Then let me tell you the truth; I hate sleeping in pajamas. They're too binding." "I agree. I just bought these last week, and I was a kid the last time I wore pajamas." "Then, let's get rid of them and stop hiding. If you're going to like what you see, then you better have a clear view of what there is to see." She stood up on the bed, flung her top to the floor, slid her bottoms down and then kicked them over her top. She then proceeded to unbutton and remove Ed's top, before sliding his bottoms off his legs. Looking at his erection, while clutching her own breasts, she said, "That seems firm enough for me, if these are firm enough for you." "How about coming down here and letting me study them a bit more. Now tell me, how many years do I have before I need to make up my mind?" "Very funny, mister. I thought you wanted to get some sleep." "One thing you'll discover about me is I always keep my priorities straight... so get down here and let me get to my priority." A smile formed on her face. "Now, that's what I call a well-dressed woman. Did you know the sexiest thing a woman can wear is a smile? And yours tells me I'm going to be a very happy man. I only hope I'm capable of keeping that smile there." "If that's your biggest worry, then life is going to be pretty smooth sailing." "Well, let me see. You're pretty, you're smooth, and, if I put my mind to it, I bet I can find some interesting slick places to sail on." "You keep your head there, and you'll never get any sleep." "If I can keep my head there, who cares about sleep?" Realizing she'd never be able to one up him with banter, she fell to the bed and quickly found herself in Ed's arms. Their skin contact felt so nice, so comfortable, and yet also very familiar. Something told them this is where they belonged. They just held each other, getting used to the feel. Ed said, "Sandy, I need to know something. Do you offer yourself to me because of your promise to Mandy or because you desire to be with me?" "Ed, something inside me prevents me from being anything but totally truthful with you. To answer your question, let me give you an analogy. Picture a nursing mother. When she eats, does she do so to nurture herself or her child? Sometimes things become so enmeshed they become one and the same. Yes, Ed, I do feel I owe it to my sister to allow her love to continue, but I can't imagine anyone else I'd prefer doing it with, than you. I admire you, respect you, and feel very attracted to you, but I also observed how happy Mandy was with you, and I want to taste that happiness, for me. When you hold me, I find the familiarity of Mandy, but also the uniqueness of you. Do I have the ability to choose which draws me more? Will knowing that change my desire for you or how I'll act on that desire? Ed, I don't believe we can extricate Mandy out of our beings or our relationship. Maybe part of making love to each other will be our making love to her. Though I may have been jealous of her perfect body, I'm not jealous of the love you feel for her or shared with her. You can't imagine how happy I felt knowing her final days were spent lost in love with you. I didn't want there to be any limits to the love she was feeling. If you happen to call out her name, while loving me, I'll join in that praise, for I love her just as much. That won't take anything away from us, but add a different dimension to our relationship. We will nurture a threesome between the two of us, and that will make our relationship that much stronger, more special and valuable to me. I want you to continue to love Mandy, even using my body to express that love, as I may sometimes need to love her through your body. I hope my awkward words help you to understand me better, and also answer your question." "Thank you, Sandy. Not only did your words give me a deeper understanding of you, but they also helped me to get a deeper understanding of what is going on inside of me. You seem to understand my mixed emotions, both guilt and desire." "Ed, when you feel guilt, please feel free to love Mandy through me, because you know she resides within me, just as I know she resides within you. Knowing the strength of your feelings for her only reassures me of the value I gain by having you choose me to love. I know you can't love superficially, neither Mandy nor me. By loving both Mandy and me through my body, aren't I ending up getting twice the love? I only hope I'm up to the task of giving you the love of two women who adore you." "Sandy, with Mandy, we didn't have time to take things slowly. We had to throw all caution to the wind and just trust each other. Luckily, it worked for us, but long-term relationships are more stable over time if they are built on solid foundations. To build that foundation, we can't rush anything. Even if we want to do something, we need to wait till we are truly ready for it. I would hate to do something tonight, based on lust, only to find you have doubts, concerns or insecurities, tomorrow. I don't want you to ever have second thoughts about anything we choose to share. Tonight, let's limit our physical intimacy to cuddling, caressing and kissing." Beyond Endings "Ed, I love that you have been so considerate of both Mandy's and my feelings. Too many people think only of themselves, but with you, I'll never question any ulterior motives. Though I bring insecurities from my past, I do totally trust you. I'm sure the insecurities I bring to the relationship will melt away quickly; as you show me you enjoy me as I am. I look forward to pleasuring you and experiencing you finding enjoyment in me. Ed, your arousal and desire for me is evident, but let me show you this isn't a one-way street." Sandy took Ed's hand and guided it between her legs, showing her arousal and readiness for him, whenever the time became right. Ed brought his hand to his face and inhaled deeply. "Sweet," he said. He then painted Sandy's lips with her juices, before lapping them up with his tongue and lips. "Ed, I love the intimacy of sharing my juices on your lips. I look forward to sharing a blending of our love fluids combined. Kiss me, Ed." They enjoyed sharing sensual sensations, till they eventually fell asleep in each other's arms, smiles on both their faces. ----------------------- When the sun shone through the window, they both awoke, happy to find themselves in each other's arms. Sandy could tell something was on Ed's mind, so she asked. "Ed, I sense a concern within you. Please share it." "Sandy, do you remember any of last night's dreams?" "Are you talking about the dreamy experience before I fell asleep or what happened after I fell asleep?" "I'm talking about the sleeping dreams." "Well, I did have one vivid one. I don't believe I questioned it while I was sleeping, but, now, I'm interested in understanding it. We've talked about our nightmares. Well, this was almost a repeat of the nightmare, though it was reassuring rather than painful. I saw Mandy's face in the mist, again. Only, this time, I saw the same smile I used to see on her face after a luscious date with you. She just kept saying 'Thank you, thank you, thank you,' in a voice so soft and sweet, the words seemed to melt into me immediately upon leaving her lips." "Sandy, this is eerie, as we both seem to be having the same dreams. She never left us." "Then, let's love her, Ed." Holding Ed closely and tenderly, she whispered, "I love you Mandy," and then proceeded to plant a loving kiss on Ed's lips. Ed caressed Sandy's back, as he returned the kiss, but felt Mandy in his arms. Though it might be odd to hold one person and feel another, neither of them even thought to question it. They cradled Mandy between them and loved her. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ed and Sandy continued to spend most of their free time together. They did sleep apart, at their own homes, as well as together, but the nightmares never returned. They enjoyed each other in public and private. Physically, they progressed from soothing and comforting contact to intentional arousal. Sandy became totally comfortable sharing her love sounds with Ed, not holding anything back. She liked flashing a breast at him, knowing he enjoyed what he saw. She could tell this both by his reaction in seeing her inviting pleasure domes and the way he loved to pamper them, even falling asleep some nights while suckling on one of her nipples. They started exploring and discovering the unique sex differences between their legs. Sometimes they would watch the other masturbate to orgasm, studying the different touches, patterns, rhythms and reactions. Once they had a basic understanding, they began masturbating each other, fine tuning their skills while enjoying being invited to share in the intimacy of total loss of control. This expanded to oral sex, and finally to actual intercourse. Neither were virgins, but they enjoyed the uniqueness of their sharing and the resulting pleasure. They didn't need to compare their partner with anyone else, for they were both totally satiated after every sharing. Sandy loved clinging to Ed's pulsating manhood with her strong vaginal muscles, even when Mandy joined in on their lovemaking. They loved feeling Mandy between them. Sometimes she faced Sandy, and sometimes she faced Ed. Sandy said she actually felt the fullness and arousal of Mandy's breasts on hers, when they faced each other. Sometimes, they put on a show for Mandy, while loving each other, and they were sure they felt her smile and warmth. They believed having Mandy in the picture actually added special meaning to their relationship. They had more to receive and give by giving to and receiving from two lovers. Mandy wasn't always present, but they were happy to welcome her when she did appear. One day, Ed told Sandy he needed to visit the waterfall and wanted her to join him. Sandy wasn't sure exactly what was behind this visit, though it wasn't uncommon for one or the other to feel a need to visit the falls. Every time they visited the falls, they swore it looked more beautiful than the last time. They knew Mandy's beauty was rubbing off on them and were convinced it even had the ability to enhance nature, itself. This visit was no different than past experiences. They saw color that never existed before; non-native flowers were thriving. Standing on the bluff with Sandy, Ed called out toward the mist. "Hi Mandy, you've always been so giving, I've never wanted to ask anything of you, but this is a time when I need to make a request." Sandy just looked at Ed's face, confused but trusting. "Mandy, I am here to ask your permission for Sandy's hand in marriage. Though my love for you will never fade, I feel the same about my love for her. The loves are different, but I love you both just as much. With your permission, and if she'll have me, you'll both make me the happiest man on earth." As soon as he finished speaking, a shimmer of multicolored hummingbirds flew out of the trees on their left, crossed the waterfall, approached them and hovered, before circling them and then disappearing into the forest on the right. Ed looked down at Sandy and saw tears flowing down her cheeks. Looking into his eyes, she barely got out, "I guess the decision is unanimous. Yes, my love, always and forever." "Sandy, I'll never know how Mandy does what she does, but I'm honored to be able to love the two most amazing women in the universe. Thank you, my soon-to-be wife." On their way back to the car, Ed asked Sandy when she'd like to become Mrs. Porter. "Considering our age and life, we don't need anything fancy, so I'd rather not delay it longer than necessary. How about the 14th, Ed?" "That's right... Mandy's birthday. We couldn't pick a better date. I could make a good guess, but where would you like it to take place?" "Why don't we just ask the next hummingbird that passes by?" she replied, with a smile. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "Hi Natalie, you wouldn't happen to be in any need of fresh veggies, would you?" "And who might this be?" she asked. "You've forgotten about your little brother, already?" "Brother? Do I have a brother? Why, yes, I do recall such a thing in my distant past." "It hasn't been that long, Natalie... has it?" "Let's put it this way. My family is becoming malnourished. They were spoiled with homegrown veggies and will no longer settle for store bought." "Let me make it up to you. Tell me when you can provide me with a home-cooked meal, and I'll bring a bushel of veggies." "Will you be coming alone?" "Not if you're willing to set an extra plate at the table." "Good, Sandy's been as unavailable as you. Maybe we can catch up on gossip while you wash the dishes." "Sure, Natalie, anything you want." "Show up Wednesday at 5pm, and don't be late." --------------------- "Hello, strangers," Natalie said, as she welcomed Ed and Sandy into her home. "Sandy, did you change your hair?" "Nope, I've always kept it simple." "Hmm. Something's different." Sandy just smiled. After sitting down for dinner, Natalie continued to look at Sandy, doing her best to figure out what was different. "Natalie, we went back to our waterfall, last Saturday." "You keep talking about this waterfall. When are you going to bother to invite me to go see it?" "That's what I was getting to. How would you like to see it on the 14th?" "Well, sure, but what's the reason for that particular date?" "We were hoping you would be willing to witness." "Witness what? Are you planning to dive in? Is that legal in a wilderness area?" "Well kinda, sorta. I guess you could say dive in, and it better be legal." "I've got it," exclaimed Natalie. "I know what's different. Sandy, you're glowing," triggering a shy smile on Sandy's face. "Am I being invited to a wedding?" Sandy held out her hand, displaying her new addition. Standing up, Natalie said, "Come here, you two." As they rose and approached, she hugged them both, at the same time. She looked at both smiling faces, kissed each, and then said, "Congratulations. May you always be as happy as you are right now." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The 14th arrived, and Ed found himself dragging a suitcase up the trail. "Sandy, somehow I never pictured myself dragging a suitcase on a hike." "Unless you can figure out how to get Mandy to get those hummingbirds to help, I guess that's one of those things the groom-to-be gets stuck with. You don't want me to work up a sweat, do you?" "You know I don't mind, Sandy. It just feels weird." When they got to the waterfall, trailed by Natalie and Chuck, they found Janet and Evan already waiting for them. "Wow," said Natalie. It's about time you showed me this place. Your description doesn't do it justice." Ed and Sandy looked at each other and smiled, knowing the impossibility of describing a location that keeps evolving. Janet took the suitcase from Ed, and said, "OK, girls, let's get going. You guys just stay here and do whatever guys do." The guys watched the giggling girls head into the forest. Though they couldn't see the girls, laughter kept shattering the peace and quiet. Evan had agreed to help Ed by carrying his small bag and backpack. After handing him the bag, Ed changed his clothes into the fanciest clothes he owned, a simple beige suede jacket with shirt and trousers. A little over an hour later, Janet returned, leaving a trail of flower petals from the forest opening to the bluff. She stood at the edge of the bluff, with Ed standing to the left, and Chuck standing next to him. Evan pressed a button on a boom box, and the most beautiful American Indian flute music seemed to hauntingly flow with the breeze all around them. All eyes were on the path to the forest when Sandy emerged. She looked like an angel, glowing with love, topped with a delicate wreath of small flowers woven into her hair. She wore a simple, short-sleeved flared tea length dress of white satin with a crossover bodice, which beautifully displayed her neck, shoulders, arms and legs, but her smiling face was what drew everyone's attention. "Wow," simultaneously came from the lips of all three guys. Natalie followed Sandy, a good 10 paces back, not wishing to draw any attention from the beautiful bride. As Sandy approached the bluff, Ed reached out for her hand, and he led her till the two of them faced Janet, with the waterfall in the background. Janet started to speak, as the music faded almost out. "Natalie, Chuck, Evan and Mandy, we welcome you to witness this joyous occasion." As she said this, two doves landed on a branch of the closest tree to the bluff, watching the group of people while remaining very close to each other. Sandy and Ed looked up at the pair and silently sent their love to Mandy. Janet continued. "Who knew where leaps of faith could take true love? Who knew true love like this could exist? We come together, today, to witness the joining of our beloved Sandy and Ed. Through twists of fate, they choose to continue Mandy's journey of living and loving to the fullest. Though we all miss Mandy's joy and energy and love, she touched us all, and we will always carry her with us. Within this loving couple she most resides, warming them with her love as they continue to feed her eternal flame. The trust and love we see in Sandy and Ed nurture each of us to be more trusting and loving. Today's declaration of their love confirms the beauty of following through on what we believe in our hearts. We wish them smooth paths and many smiles. Ed and Sandy, what tokens do you share to affirm your love and devotion? Chuck handed Ed the ring, and Ed held Sandy's hand and said, "I, Edward Patrick Palmer choose you, Sandra Denae Putnam, as my wife and life partner, to have and to hold, to cherish and to love from now through the end of eternity. I commit myself to you and promise to fill your life with joy and happiness. This ring I place on your finger has neither beginning nor end, just like my feelings for you. I loved you, before I even knew I loved you, and, now we know it's possible, I will love you beyond life itself. With this ring, I pledge myself as your loving, loyal husband." Natalie handed Sandy another ring. As Sandy continued to hold Ed's hand, she said, "I, Sandra Denae Putnam, choose you, Edward Patrick Palmer, as my husband and life partner, to have and to hold, to cherish and to love from now through the end of eternity. I commit myself to you and promise to fill your life with joy and happiness. This ring I place on your finger has neither beginning nor end, just like my feelings for you. I loved you, before I even knew I loved you, and, now we know it's possible, I will love you beyond life itself. With this ring, I pledge myself as your loving, loyal wife." Janet continued. "Under the watchful eyes of our beloved spirit, and in her name, I now proclaim you husband and wife. Be healthy, be happy and long life to both of you." Ed embraced Sandy and they kissed with a love so strong everyone present could feel it deep within their souls. While they kissed, the doves flew circles around the loving couple. When their lips parted, the doves flew into the mist of the waterfall and disappeared. To thank their guests for joining them, Ed pulled a package out of his pack and produced freshly squeezed fruit juice from his garden, along with a carrot cake he made with his carrots. On top of the cake, he iced the word "LOVE" and surrounded it with three beautiful flowers. Sandy cut the cake, and then all three couples fed their loved ones this wish for endless love. After sharing more congratulations and statements of how beautiful everything (especially Sandy) was, Natalie, Chuck, Janet and Evan returned to their cars. Due to the high mountains, the sun set earlier than normal, though the warmth of the day remained. Ed and Sandy walked around, held each other and just felt high on life and love. They withdrew the groundcloth and double sleeping bag from Ed's pack and laid it out on the bluff. "Sandy, you look like an angel in your gorgeous dress. I feel surrounded by angels, when I see you like that. I am sandwiched between the loves of my two special angels. Sandy, I find myself in an internal struggle, as though I love gazing on your beauty like this, it is time to remove your gown, so we can declare our love once again." With both standing on the sleeping bag, facing the waterfall, Ed unfastened her gown, and it slowly slid off her body. Under the gown, Sandy wore nothing but her natural beauty. Ed placed Sandy's gown on a hanger and then hooked it on the previous perch of the doves, watching it flow in the breeze. He then removed his clothing, took Sandy's hand and walked her to the edge of the bluff. Sandy spoke first. "Mandy, thank you for opening my eyes, for giving me such a prize and for being such a great teacher to my husband. I take that back... our husband, for you will always be part of us. The love you shared with Ed, he now shares with me. I feel your love when I feel him love me. I know how happy you were to be loved by him, yet you only got to be loved by him, alone. I get twice the love and owe it all to you. You were once just my beloved sister, but now you are also my beloved lover. I feel honored to be trusted and chosen to continue your love. I have discovered how amazing that love is. I only hope you know the love I feel, and it makes you happy, for I want to share my happiness with you. I love you Mandy... my sister, my lover, and my wife." Turning toward Ed, she kissed Mandy through his lips. Turning back toward the waterfall, Ed began to speak. "Mandy, I can't believe what you opened my eyes to see, first with you and then with Sandy. You taught me possibilities I had never even dreamt of. Words will never clearly express the love and appreciation I feel for you. You taught us to love you through each other, but I also love Sandy as the special person she is. Though she reminds me of you in many ways, she is also very unique and special in her own right. Thank you for making sure we would give each other the opportunity to love. You knew our needs better than we did. Your selflessness allows your love to continue to flourish. As Sandy said, I also love you Mandy... my teacher, my lover, my sister and my wife. Never in my wildest dreams did I figure I'd end up with a beloved soul mate, yet alone two. You will always be part of us. I can never tell if the love is coming from you, from me or from Sandy, and to tell you the truth, I don't care, for I'm addicted to this love. You got me hooked, and you provided your lovely sister to feed my addiction. Thank you." He then kissed Mandy through Sandy's lips, before saying to Sandy, "All right, Sandy, let's show this terrific teacher how much her students have paid attention and how much they've learned. Mrs. Palmer, let's get down to business." Opening up the sleeping bag, they lay down on the soft flannel material. Their arms and legs entangled themselves, while their tongues fed in a frenzy of starvation. They couldn't get enough of each other, and nothing was going to remain untouched or unkissed. Ed thought back on her sexy shoulders and upper chest so proudly displayed in her wedding dress, and that thought drew him to those areas. He loved her slender body, allowing him to experience all the subtle details of her toned muscles. His tongue slid under her clavicle, and Sandy's sweet music began. Ed became aware the night birds were singing harmony to Sandy's music, and that warmed his heart. He gazed at Sandy's breasts rising and falling. "So let's see, where are these defects hiding?" Sandy grabbed her breasts and massaged them sensually. "You mean these luscious globes of pleasure? Mister, if you're looking for flaws, you're going to have to search elsewhere." "Oh, so they're hidden somewhere else on your body?" "Mister, the only flaw I'm aware of on this body is the void caused by your mouth being too busy jabbering, while ignoring all my sweet tastes. Pleasure me with your tongue and lips, and my songs will echo off these mountains." "As you wish, my mistress," Ed said, and his mouth became too busy for any more words to follow. He went back to her neck and shoulders, and then jumped to her welcoming breasts. He had learned the special sounds triggered by all her special parts so decided to create a new love symphony for this special occasion. Sandy didn't know what to expect, but she wasn't going to complain. She loved not knowing what he was going to touch next, or how he would touch it. While kissing her belly, his fingers stroked the sides of her clit, creating harmonies within harmonies. Eventually, she could handle no more, so she turned Ed over and lowered her body onto his. She arched her back, so her fuzzy pussy tickled his belly, still allowing him to gaze at her swaying breasts. Lowering her chest, she painted his chest with her protruding nipples, till they got themselves entangled in his curly chest hair. Dropping down, she kissed him all over his face, as if she couldn't get enough and didn't want to miss anything. Her tongue dove deep into his mouth, and she sucked on his lips. She tickled the roof of his mouth with her tongue, loving his taste. She started moving her hips and belly in a circular motion. Slowly, she descended, with the skill of someone using a backup camera. She seemed to know exactly where his throbbing manhood was, as well as her gaping opening, which, constantly salivating her juices, was hungry for her man's desire. She made contact, while continuing to dance. Her lips tightened and loosened, and it felt like she was nibbling on his sensitive, swollen head. A little farther down she traveled. She raised and lowered her hips, allowing her clit to be touched, teased and pleasured. With one quick downward motion, she fully impaled herself on Ed, while immediately milking his penis with her well-exercised vaginal muscles. She sat up and put on a show for Ed, dancing, while caressing her breasts, erotically singing and pressing her clit into his pubic bone. He could see her energy steadily grow, till it released with screams and spasms, as she held onto his arms for stability. Beyond Endings When her orgasm faded out, he grasped her and rolled her to her back. He raised her leg closest to him and then slid in from the side, both to scissor hug her other leg and to penetrate her love canal, stroking upward toward her G-spot. He loved this position, as it gave him easy access to her G-spot while still allowing him to watch her. He was able to massage her clit or breasts or even stretch up and kiss her face. He needed to see her. He needed to be aware of every subtle change in her energy or desire. He held her with one arm under her back while pumping his penis and trading off massaging her clit and breasts with his free hand. He took her to the edge and then slowed down. He took her to the edge, again, and then slowed down. He did this 10 times before tears flowed from her eyes. He knew her energy had to be released, so this final time, he didn't hold back. He had never heard her scream louder, as wave upon wave pulsated through her body. Her scream echoed off the mountains, as her release echoed throughout her body, radiating into Ed's. He continued to press on her pubic mound, as he squeezed her engorged arousal. Rhythmically, he stroked, pressed and squeezed, and her orgasm wouldn't fade. Finally, she grabbed him and kissed him deeply. Her desire sent him over the edge, resulting in her pulsations being matched by his. She could feel him shoot his sperm deep against the top of her vagina. She knew the little critters were invading her womb, and she eagerly welcomed them.... In time, their orgasms faded together, and they held each other, placing light sensual kisses on each other. They could only hear the subtle sounds of those tender kisses of love and the beating of their hearts. They became aware of total silence around them. After several seconds, the forest erupted with the sounds of birds and critters. It was like an audience's delayed applause reaction after a deeply emotional performance. Sandy and Ed rested in the glow of their love. They began to feel drowsy. Just before they dropped off to sleep, they both heard Mandy's voice clearly saying, "Sweet dreams my loves." Fading softer over time, they heard "continuations and beginnings, continuations and beginnings, continuations and beginnings," and the last sound they heard was a very soft, caring and drawn out, "love." ********************** I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life... Henry David Thoreau -- "Walden" (1854)