Finding Love Pt. 06

Meg felt a shiver run through her body from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. The feeling was so sensual, so utterly sexy that she might have had a small orgasm from it.

When Kate finally stopped and pulled away Meg was panting and flushed.

"Oh god, I've never been kissed like that before," Meg signed; she was too breathless to speak.

"Yeah? Did you like it?" Kate asked. Meg nodded mutely.

"Well that was just the beginning. No one knows how to please and pleasure a woman like a woman. When we get to that point in our relationship, I'm gonna rock your world to the fullest babe," Kate told her.

"Is that a promise?"

"Nope. It's a fact."

Kate didn't press things any further between them as they sat together on the blanket watching the water, enjoying the serenity of their surroundings.

When hunger called, Kate unpacked her basket as she told Meg what all she had ordered.

"I've got a crispy roast-potato salad, buttermilk baked chicken and three-bean salad. There are some lemon bars for dessert and we're washing it all down with a glassed of almond raspberry lemonade."

"It all sounds delicious, Kate," Meg signed and smiled as Kate served. Usually when they were together at work it was Meg who always fell into the server position. It was a nice contrast Meg noted.

They ate, talked, laughed and kissed often. No one came by so they weren't bothered and spent most of the day at their quiet little hideaway. Meg loved their time together, how intimate it all was and also how respectful and considerate Kate was with her.

Meg couldn't help but compare this date or dating Kate to those she'd had in the past. She knew that if she had been out with any of her past male companions, they wouldn't have been content to just kiss her and hold her. The ones she dated couldn't keep their eyes on hers or their hands from copping feels of her curves.

However, Kate was different. Yes, she did look at Meg's body, but it wasn't a constant leering. When they spoke, Kate paid attention to what she was saying and didn't just pretend to.

It was an eye opening and very pleasant experience to be dating a woman, Meg thought. Dating Kate was more enjoyable than her previous dating experiences had been.

Before it became too late they packed up and left. Kate dropped Meg off at her inn and headed home so they could get ready for dinner with her parents and, in Kate's words, Meg's 'interrogation.'

Chapter 35

At night, the Blue Star turned into an elegant restaurant. Kate and Meg were impressed with the ambiance that was subtly changed by the lighting. The soft music also added something special to the atmosphere for those who could hear it.

True to her word, Patricia had reserved the booth for Kate's party. They sat, Meg and Kate next to each other, James and Sabrina opposite them. The server, a lovely young woman, appeared and placed menus in front of them.

Studying them briefly, Kate ordered the mesclun greens salad to share with Meg; James ordered the red beets salad for him and Sabrina.

"So Meg, we know a little about you from Kate but tell us about yourself, your family," Sabrina said with a warm smile. Kate wanted to say something to her mother about putting Meg on the spot, but Meg's hand on her thigh stopped her.

"Well Mrs. Price..." Sabrina raised her hand to stop her.

"Please dear, it's Sabrina and James."

"Thank you, Sabrina. I'm an only child and as such I'm close to my parents. I lived at home until I was eighteen then I went to college at Rowan University, where I studied for my associates degree in business, specifically office administration.

"I worked throughout school at the local book store and gained a little bit of experience along with my studies. When I was searching for a job, I was lucky to come across Kate. She hired me and I've been with her ever since," Meg signed and smiled at Kate.

"Oh yes, it's been four years hasn't it?" Sabrina asked.

"Yes Mom, it has."

"Do you enjoy working for Kate; is she a good boss?" Sabrina continued.

"I do, she's really easy to work with and yeah, she's a really good boss," Meg said with a smile.

"Yes, Katie always was easy to get along with and worked well with others," James contributed.

Entrees were Scottish salmon for Meg; Kate, Sabrina and James tried the sea scallops.

James and Sabrina regaled Meg with stories of Kate's childhood. Some of the stories were somewhat embarrassing but Kate didn't mind. She was very happy with how they were getting along.

The next course followed with Meg having the heirloom tomato soup, Kate and Sabrina having the braised artichokes and James enjoying the lamb tenderloin. Patricia kept her promise and sent a bottle of Pinot Noir for them to enjoy with their meal.

The conversation continued across the table; eventually Sabrina came back to the topic of the night -- Meg. "What are your plans for when you get back, dear?"

"Mom, you promised you wouldn't," Kate told her mother.

"It's okay Kate," Meg signed, smiling. Then she answered. "We really don't know yet, Sabrina. It will take a little time for us to figure everything out, but we're off to a good start so far."

"I'm glad to hear that Meg. I only want you two to be happy. I have to say though, you two do look good together, don't they James?"

"Yes they certainly do."

The dessert menu was positively sinful with its array of chocolate goodies. The molten chocolate hazelnut cake was so inviting that all three women ordered it while James demurred, choosing a banana chocolate tart.

As dessert was winding down, Patricia did make an appearance to say hello to James and Sabrina. Her greeting was warm and friendly, showing that everything was indeed okay between her, Kate and Meg.

While sipping on their after dinner coffees, Kate announced that Meg was staying until Sunday then they would fly home together.

"Does that mean that I call the boys and have them over for dinner on Saturday so they can meet Meg," Sabrina asked excitedly. Kate turned to Meg and winked at her.

"Yes Sabrina, I'm looking forward to meeting Kate's brothers."

* * * * *

The rest of the week went by rather quickly. Meg and Kate found lots of ways to spend time but their favorite by far was to go out to Kate's spot at the park. They would miss that spot when they returned home but made some very delightful memories of cuddling and even making out.

Kate had convinced Meg to come and stay at the house for the rest of the week. Meg was reluctant at first, fearing, but secretly hoping, that if they shared a bed, they might end up making love. Kate made two good points about why that wouldn't happen. The first was that there was no way they were going to have sex when her parents could hear them. The second was that Kate was not going to let their first time be anything but romantic, beautiful and very, very long.

Sabrina was thrilled to have Meg staying with them, so much so that Kate lost Meg to Sabrina that first day. She kept Meg to herself all day, talking and laughing with the young woman who, Sabrina hoped, would soon be her new daughter-in-law.

Friday evening Logan and Adam arrived just before dinner. As hugs and kisses were exchanged Kate made the introductions.

"Logan, Adam, this is my Meg. Meg, this is my younger brother and his partner," Kate said as she gestured to each one.

"It's nice to finally meet you both. I've heard nothing but good things about you guys," Meg said easily as she shook both their hands.

"Only good? About me? Now I know Kate's been telling lies," Logan signed and grinned.

"Don't listen to him, he's all talk," Adam interjected smoothly.

"All talk; I'll show you," Logan teased as he pulled Adam to him, dipped in an exaggerated way and kissed him. Everyone couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics.

Meg liked them instantly. They were a fun loving, down to earth couple with a great sense of humor and were clearly in love with each other.

They all enjoyed a nice dinner with many laughs being had. Later on when Kate and Meg retired to bed, Kate told Meg about her sister-in-law.

"Babe, I have to warn you about Eric's wife, Brenda. She's a piece of work."

"Really?"

"Yeah. She and Eric met in college, fell in love and married right away. We only met her a few times before they were married but she seemed nice. Mom loved her right away and she loves Mom too.

"After the wedding, they moved away from us and we barely saw them. Then they had Emily and Brenda became really religious. That is ― she started going to church a lot.

"She bought into the church's views on homosexuality and, to put it bluntly, she's not the biggest fan of either me or Logan. Mom and Dad don't know because she's the perfect little daughter-in-law in front of them. Logan and I have agreed not to say anything about it.

"But when she's alone with me or Logan, she drops these snide comments about our lives. Adam is only civil to her in front of my parents; otherwise, he doesn't talk to her at all.

"I'm telling you this, babe, because tomorrow when they arrive, she's gonna act like she's so happy about meeting you but afterwards, if she's alone with you, she'll be a total bitch."

"Sweetie, you know I can be a bitch too, but I won't make a scene in front of your parents," Meg promised.

"Thanks babe. Mom loves Brenda so much and Logan and I really don't want to cause any trouble between them."

"And what does your brother Eric say about all of this?"

"Eric? He just ignores Brenda's remarks. Logan asked him once to talk to her and he just said that it's a free country and she's free to express her opinion."

"That's it? He just hides from things and lets her insult you and Logan?"

"Yeah."

"I'm an only child so I don't know about how brothers and sisters interact but I would think that he shouldn't allow someone else to treat his siblings like that."

"I suppose so, but that's just Eric's way."

"Well we'll see what happens tomorrow," Meg signed and hugged Kate to her.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure I want to know."

Chapter 36

Waiting for Eric and his family's arrival was nerve wracking for Kate. She had no idea how things were going to play out with Brenda where Meg was concerned.

Sabrina was her usual excited self about seeing her grandchildren. Even James was smiling more in anticipation. Logan and Adam showed no signs of being worried, but Kate was sure they were.

Every few minutes, Sabrina kept checking the driveway through the living room curtains. Finally, she leapt to her feet, signed 'they're here,' and ran out the front door to greet them. James was right behind her with Logan and Adam following and Kate and Meg bringing up the rear.

Kate missed much of what was initially said as Sabrina squealed and cooed over Emily who was six and little Bradley who was two. Eric had not changed much, being tall and dark haired like Logan and their father. There was not much of Sabrina in him at first glance but after a while you saw a little of her here and there.

Brenda was also as Kate remembered her; tall, thin, and pretty with her trademark severe bun hairstyle. Her smile was genuine where Sabrina and James were concerned but faded at seeing Logan and Adam and then disappeared completely as she set her eyes on Kate and Meg.

Eric was sweet as he hugged both Logan and Adam and wrapped Kate up in a big hug as well.

"Hey bro, this is my Meg," Kate offered.

"Yes, your assistant who you've been in love with for years. It's great to meet you, Meg. I'm glad you two are finally together," Eric said and kissed Meg's cheek lightly

Sabrina and James were too preoccupied with the children to notice Brenda's cold greeting to Logan and Adam, a quick, halfhearted hug as if she were afraid to touch them.

Kate forced herself to smile. "Hello Brenda, so good to see you again," Kate said very mechanically.

"And you Kate. You seem well," Brenda answered.

"I'd like you to meet my love, Megan Reece."

"It's nice to meet you," Meg said and offered her hand.

"Yes, wish I could say the same," Brenda replied softly. She shook Meg's hand quickly as if she might catch something and moved away from Meg and Kate, claiming to the others that she was tired and would like to rest.

As everyone else went inside the house, Emily was released from her grandparents and she ran to her auntie Katie.

"Auntie Katie, Auntie Katie," she signed hurriedly, showing off her signing skills to her favorite aunt. Kate hoisted her up and hooked her on her hip as she chatted eagerly. Kate tried her best to keep up but just couldn't.

"Emily, sweetie, I want you to meet my good friend Meg," Kate said as she turned to face Meg.

"Hi sweetie; you're very pretty. It's nice to meet you," Meg said.

"Hi. You're pretty too," Emily said and smiled.

"Thank you Emily."

"Are you Auntie Katie's girlfriend? I heard momma and daddy talking last night about you," Emily said.

"Yes I am," Meg answered.

"Momma said you both are dykes and will go to hell. Hell is a bad place; you shouldn't go there, Auntie Katie. I would miss you if you did." Emily said innocently, as only a child could.

Meg saw the flash of anger in Kate's eyes and how she fought to control her temper and not explode in front of Emily.

"Emmy, why don't you go see what snacks Grammy has for you while I talk to Meg, okay?"

"Okay," Emily answered and ran off when Kate put her down.

"Kate, its okay," Meg began but was cut off quickly.

"Okay? Okay? How can it be okay? It's bad enough that she's got her twisted views about me and Logan but now she's letting it bleed onto Emily and soon Bradley as well," Kate signed angrily

"You're right. It's a horrible thing she's doing, passing on her hate to her children. Emily doesn't know yet what it all means but if it continues then she'll grow up hating her aunt and uncle. There must be something that we can do."

"Yeah, I'm going to go strangle Brenda."

"Besides that. Maybe you can talk to Eric about it. I know you said he hasn't done anything in the past but it might be different where the kids are concerned."

"Yeah, it might. I think I need Logan in on this as well," Kate said.

"That sounds like a good idea. Whatever you do, you know I'm with you," Meg promised.

"I know, babe and I'm thankful for that."

* * * *

While Kate pulled Logan aside to tell him about what was going on, Meg tried her best to be calm and collected as she helped Sabrina in the kitchen. Brenda, for her part, stayed hidden in what was Eric's room, saying that the trip had exhausted her.

Little Bradley was as cute as cute could be. He was walking around and talking, although sometimes his words were hard to make out. Learning to sign came easily to him at his age and James had fun holding him on his lap and teaching him to sign 'grandpa'.

Just like a little boy would, Bradley climbed off of James' lap and found his way onto Meg's. Looking at his adorable face, Meg was instantly smitten with his cuteness.

* * * *

Logan was appalled by what had happened with Emily and agreed that something had to be done. Talking to Brenda was pointless, so they would have to address the matter with Eric and hope he would listen.

"What's up?" Eric asked as Kate and Logan led him onto the front porch. The rest of the family was in the back preparing the barbeque.

Logan began carefully. "Eric, we need to discuss something that's been a problem for a while now. We've ignored it as best as we can but it's gotten to a point that we cannot ignore it anymore."

Kate, who was fuming, couldn't wait any longer.

"Fuck this diplomatic shit, Logan. Eric, the bottom line is that Brenda's bigotry towards me and Logan has spilled over onto Emily. Your daughter, that sweet and innocent child, looked at me and told me that her mommy said I was a dyke and was going to hell."

Eric's face was passive hearing Kate's words. If he was shocked at what Emily had said he didn't show it. Instead he signed simply and without much emotion. "Kate, Logan, don't worry. I'll teach Emily acceptance and tolerance towards others so don't worry okay."

"That's bullshit and you know it. You'll sweep this under the rug like you do everything else that concerns Brenda. She's got you so pussy whipped she could murder Logan and me in our sleep and you'd give her an alibi for it," Kate signed forcefully. She wanted to yell, scream and shout at Eric but knew that would draw the others so she kept her anger confined to yelling in sign.

"Eric look, it's not healthy for Emily to hear such things coming from her mother," Logan said, trying to reason with his brother.

"Emily is young and impressionable. She loves me, Kate and Adam but sooner or later Brenda's bigotry will influence her. One day she'll wake up with questions about us and, with all the negativity, Brenda's opinion will be hers too. Brenda is the one who needs to learn to change. Her opinions are her own but she will permanently harm Emily and eventually Bradley if this continues."

Kate couldn't wait any longer as angry as she was. "Eric, do you want Emily to grow up hating us? Because that's what Brenda is teaching her with all of her remarks and comments. You say you'll teach her differently but how much are you really there with them. For every hour you spend with Emily, Brenda spends four or five times that." Kate's words and tone were serious.

"Look, you're making too much out of this. I'll handle things so just butt out. This is my family and I'll take care of it," Eric signed and headed back inside, leaving Kate and Logan to wonder what they should do next.

* * * *

James was at the grill, flipping hot dogs, burger patties and a few choice steaks. Sabrina, Kate and Logan were putting out side dishes of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, baked beans, bread for the burgers and hot dogs, two pitchers of strawberry lemonade and a tray of brownies.

Adam and Meg had their hands full as Emily was running rings around her uncle Adam in a game of catch me if you can, while Bradley had claimed Meg's lap as his personal chair, making her his favorite person for the day.

Eric and Brenda were standing off to one side and Brenda was not pleased by her children's choice of playmates.

"It's bad enough that they have to be around your brother and sister but now there's not one but two more queers to encourage them into that lifestyle," Brenda said heatedly.

"Bren, I've told you, being gay is not something you can catch. You either are or you aren't. I have two gay siblings but I'm straight," Eric countered her argument.

"You're older than them. If you had been younger, you would have turned out gay too. Just count yourself lucky that you're the first born."

"That's crap and you know it. If one or both of our kids grow up and is gay what are you gonna do Bren, beat it out of them?" Eric asked and shook his head.

It's not that he didn't take his siblings warnings about Brenda seriously, it was just that they had warred so much on this topic in the past that, for the sake of saving their marriage, they had agreed to have different opinions on the subject.

"I would pray for our child and send him or her to a religious retreat that would help them to not fall prey to the sinfulness of homosexuality. If Logan and Kate had just tried to be normal, and lived decent lives, they wouldn't be going to hell when they die."

Unbeknown to Brenda, James had moved towards them but from behind Brenda's back to ask Eric to help him and heard Brenda's last comment.

"Is that what you really think young lady?" James said in a near growl.

"Dad, it's not what you think." Eric tried to cover for his wife but his attempts were futile.