Life, Love, and a Career Ch. 04

I sat back then let Kate continue. She could handle herself with the best of them without a doubt especially when it came to our combined love of music and hockey.

Once sports hit the topics, out of the blue Kate made a smart ass comment about the game of football. Something about the "Icky hard and fat sweaty men running up and down some millionaires' backyard grabbing each other" and why it would be considered a sport.

I laughed, enjoying her smartass sense of humor as did Mom. Then things turned interesting.

Kate said, "I let Beth grab me for free anytime she wants. Whether I am wearing clothes or not. There is no need to run in the backyard, although..."she started giggling.

We all busted out in full laughter as Dan countered saying that he would 'bump uglies' and let those men grab him if he got paid what those football players got paid. It was a good five minutes before we stopped laughing.

I swear, Mom got up running to the Powder Room so she didn't pee her panties. Which caused another five minutes of gut busting laughing.

That night in bed Kate and I were teasing each other when I asked if she wanted to bump uglies. Well, we started laughing and couldn't stop. At one point Kate ran to the bathroom as she was ready to pee her panties just like mom almost did. As the giggling finally slowed, we thought we heard noise from Chelle's bedroom.

I couldn't resist so I screamed, "Are you two Bumpin Uglies in there?" And just started laughing all over again.

We finally calmed down and snuggled slowly getting comfortable. As I was almost falling asleep Beth started breathing slightly quicker and out of the norm, she was restless, almost shaking.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to disturb you."

"Baby, please talk to me. I know something is bothering you. Is it work related? Is it the asshole? Your Mom?" I turned and looked at her, "Do not hide anything from me, we are lovers and partners. Please."

"Miss please no, I am fine. There is nothing that I can't handle."

I was now upset. Without starting an argument, I decided to do something even more drastic and boy was it a mistake.

I pulled back the covers, got out of bed, put on my sweatpants and a top, grabbed my pillow, walked to the door. I paused slightly waiting on Kate to stop me which she didn't. I opened the door, walked out, slamming the door as hard as possible.

From the corner of the house I heard my Mom, "Everything okay out there."

Very angrily I responded that I was "fine" and stomped down the stairs. It was hasty and now thinking back on it, it was not a well thought out decision.

The couch was not comfortable to sleep on. I was cold but I was pissed. What was she not telling me? I tell her everything. The longer I lay on the couch, the more upset I got. I was losing my temper and losing a battle in my mind as I wanted an answer.

Thirty minutes later I stood up, grabbed my pillow and with my tail between my legs I walked upstairs determined to find out what the hell was going on. As I opened the bedroom door, I heard her. She wasn't just sobbing, she was absolutely all out crying, her whole body shaking.

I sat down on the bed with my back against the headboard. I was trying to console her and have her stop crying.

"I was wrong. I am sorry for losing my temper but Kate I want to know what is going on."

"Beth, I can't." Still on the bed, she curled up against me, her head in my lap. "Miss, I want to carry a baby for you. I want to make you a mother. I want to feel that bond. I don't know how it will happen and it scares me to the point I get sick."

She hesitated. "I am afraid of you leaving me if I can't give you a baby." Kate grabbed me, squeezing me in a tight hug, "Please Miss, don't leave me, you are all the family I have left."

I gently lifted her head from my lap and slid down the bed wrapping my arms around her. I let her curl up against me. I held her close to me and just soothed her.

"Kate, I will never, never leave you. Not for another woman or a sweaty man." She laughed. "Seriously, my dear sweet baby, I will never leave you."

"But Miss, you want a child."

"Kate, do you want a child? Your job isn't to produce a baby for me. You need to ensure that this is what you want. Do you want to be a mother"

"Miss, Beth, more than anything in the world. I want a family!"

"Okay we will figure this out, I will figure it out." I just held her, soothing her gently, rocking her in my arms.

"Beth, I promise you I will figure it out. I know you want to give me a son or daughter. I will figure it out."

I kissed her, "I have a few ideas but they are very scattered right now. We will figure it out."

It was time to broach a new subject. "Baby, do you like working or will you want to be a full-time mom when we have a son or a daughter?"

"Ohh Beth, I want to work. I love the work I do. It gives me so much confidence and makes me so happy." She smiled up at me, "Joe says so many great things about you. About your work, how fast and how much more you do than some others in the past."

"Yes Miss, please I would want to work if you would allow me after our babies are born."

"Babies Kate?"

"Yes Miss, two a boy and a girl." She snuggled into me, her head on my shoulder.

"Kate, I want one to, I want to get pregnant. I want one also and it scares me."

She squeezed me tight, laughed a little and said, "Well Miss I guess we need a sweaty man to start bump uglies."

We started laughing and didn't stop for the next twenty minutes. Sleep eventually found us but our alarm clock woke us shortly afterwards.

It was Black Friday shopping time!

As Chelle, Mom, Kate and I stood in line at Century III Mall on a cold Pittsburgh winter morning, I leaned over to Mom and told her about the argument. I admitted I was scared but I would do anything to make her happy. I admitted that she and I discussed it during our conversation but not that it was real at that point. Reality was kicking in when my mom whispered something in my ear.

Kate and I were feeling a need to someday be a mother, a parent. She held my hand and assured me that she couldn't wait to be a Máthari. I looked inquisitively, learning that it was Irish for grandmother, or wise older woman. Yes, she truly was my Máthari.

On December 16th. I met with Ken and Liz telling them that I had seventeen of the twenty vacancies filled and offers out to the last three. If those didn't work out I had five on the bench as standby candidates.

Three nights later I laid with Kate, holding her comforting her. I asked, "Mom said she would love to be a grandmother and watch our children.

******End of Chapter Four*****

Succeeding, Asking, Challenge

Written and published By KAD and Cao Kev

A/N In collaboration with and at the request of the original author, we have started this rewrite. As was the original, this is a collaborative story. We reviewed and have considered the previous comments for which we, as well as the original author, are grateful as we would like to create a fresher story. There are some points where it does lull or muddle a bit. We wanted to really bring out the characters for a deeper understanding. We seek and thank you for your understanding as we try, please enjoy.

September '86

As the morning sun brightened the bedroom, I opened my eyes and gazed upon the beauty that lay next to me. She was my love, the joy in my soul, the meaning of my life and the only one I would ever want to be with and this morning, I was going to ensure she was absolutely aware of that.

I kissed her lips and her cheek whispering to her, "Babe the shower awaits you. You take longer than I do." Kate didn't move. I reached up and placed my hand on her cheek, "Baby please, baby... kiss....let's not even tempt fate and think about being late this morning." I continued raining kisses down onto her.

In a voice just above a mumble, "Beth, it's Sunday, Labor Day weekend, we don't have to hurry. It's just breakfast with Frances and Chelle."

Then she rolled towards me, her naked body pressing against me. The felt her nipple pressing against my breast, the other hardening against my side, warmed my pussy quickly.

Kate moved up and kissed my cheek. "Let me show you, Miss, just how wonderful being late for breakfast can be."

She kissed her way down my chest stopping at my left breast, covering my nipple with her lips, sucking and tugging on it with her teeth, pulling gently. Her fingers were gently touching my right breast, teasing my nipple.

My hands grasp her raven hair, now cut much shorter than before. A similar style to Princess Di's but longer. Releasing my nipple, she continued kissing my skin, making me crawl with desire. Then licking my closely trimmed mons, her nose teasing my fur as her tongue licked and teased my clit. Then with her lips she was sucking and kissing the hood covering my clit.

"Mmm Miss" Kate breathed on my skin.

I arched my back, thrusted my hips upward, opened my legs and wrapped them softly around her, resting my ankles and feet on her back. My hands held her head in place, my fingers wrapped in her hair. And with the passion that she holds deep in her soul, mind and heart, Beth pleasured me.

Slowly inserting one, then two of her fingers into my velvet tunnel my baby continued to please taking to the edge then backing down then ramping me up again.

"Stop it!" I screamed! "Damn you Kate just fuck me!" I pleaded.

Slowly yet at the same teasing pace, Kate moved her fingers in and out. In unison with her tongue, she made love to me purring all the while.

"OH NO!" I screamed as I felt it. "Baby"

Suddenly, I gasped and felt it approaching. Like a morning train in rush hour traffic, it crawled but sped up with the intensity I knew too well. I felt a rush of pleasure overtake me. Releasing her hair, I pinched and lightly tugged my nipples, intensifying the rush of pleasure.

It was an amazing feeling that started from deep in my stomach and flowed downward. Sucking harder on my clit, she rotated her hand opening her palm then pressing her two middle fingers forward, deeper, then up searching and of course finding the course pad of my g-spot.

"Yes, baby, yes Kate, you are my world."

Then with a wave of pleasure like no other my vision blurred, I started seeing bright white sparkles in front of me. I started to tremble, my body starting to shake. I clamped my legs around her. I reached the ultimate peak of my orgasm. I felt a second rush and a wetness flow as my world went dark.

I woke to the feeling of Kate stroking my hair, holding a warm washcloth over my forehead, humming.

She paused, "Miss, I am here, I have you. I hope you had an amazing dream. You are my queen, I will always love you Miss."

She continued to stroke my hair, "I have you Miss your baby has you."

My head was still spinning; I slowly rolled over looking into her eyes. She is such a calming influence after a full body wracking orgasm. This happened the second morning when we were at Rehoboth Beach. She told how she read about orgasms that were so strong the woman passed out.

I kissed her lips gently tasting my wetness on her. Her tender and gentle touch woke me further.

"I love you more everyday Kate. I love you more and more every day."

"Beth, you are my world." she giggled, "Let's shower, you flooded me."

She giggled again this time with a wicked grin on her face said, "And you Miss, you are doing laundry this week."

She winked again slowly helping me to a sitting position then gently helped me stand pulling me into her arms.

"One last kiss my love, I want this feeling to be burned into my heart, mind and soul as a moment that never ends." I begged her, and of course my loving soon to be fiancée kissed me as I asked, never denying me.

We walked to the bathroom to shower. I knew I needed to finish showering first, which I did but not before I lowered my mouth to her neck, just behind her ear, at her hair line, I kissed her softly, then bit her; hard. Not breaking skin but ensuring she knew she belonged to me.

***

I quickly turned the corner into the kitchen seeing Mom and Chelle sitting there enjoying a mid-morning coffee. There are two beautiful bouquets of flowers in vases on the end of the six person table, the aroma, heavenly. Purples and reds and baby's breath, plenty of babies' breathe.

Mom had made sure of it explaining it is a symbol of everlasting love for another.

"Mom, Chelle, oh my! They are just beautiful."

I started to tear up as did mom. Chelle pointed to the corner of the kitchen, she had her big bulky video camera in the corner and the red light was flashing.

"She is going to die!"

"Honey, your father is looking over you and certainly is here with you. He would be so proud of you." Mom said, tears flowing from her eyes.

Chelle giggled, "Especially with that noise this morning. Good gracious girl!"

Mom and I immediately blushed and leaned over and slapped Chelle's arm. I heard the flood board of the hallway creaking. I opened the cabinet and grabbed both boxes and hurried to the center of the room. I dropped to one knee and waited.

I heard the step creak, here she comes. I could hear her humming as she hit the bottom stair; my heart pounding in my chest. My hands were shaking, any second now.

She was humming...

"What the?"

Seeing me on one knee Kate stopped dead in her tracks, an expression of utter amazement on her face.

"What?... Beth!... What?"

Tears immediately flowed from her face. Kate closed her eyes then covered her face with her hands, bending at her waist, almost herself falling to her knees. I stood and walked to her wrapping my arms around holding her tight.

In whispered in her ear, "Kate please let me. Look at me." She shook her head from side to side.

"Baby" I kissed her hands and peeled them off her face, I knelt back down holding her hands.

"The beat of your heart is the drum that leads me and has captured mine. Your soul holds my spirit, and your mind is always thinking of me. My heart yearns for you daily and would collapse then shatter without you. Every breath I take is meant for you, a love and kindness like no other."

I opened the red velvet box, turning it towards Kate saying, "I do not know when, I do not know where or how, but I know I want you as my wife for the rest of our lives. Will you be mine and marry me?"

Wordlessly, Kate shook her head 'yes'.

Tears flowing from her eyes sobs and cheers coming from the kitchen table. I kissed my fiancée then slipped her ring onto her left ring finger. Her hands were shaking. We then kissed deeply, passionately, softly.

"Yes, yes Beth, I will marry you... Oh my goodness!"

I then handed her the purple velvet box, she shook her head, "I do not know what to say, I am numb and speechless."

"Speak from your heart" mom said. "It holds the truth Kate."

She knelt, taking my hand and said, "Beth, you have owned my heart for the last four years, you are my queen, every moment I am with you I float higher than the highest clouds in the sky. Will you be my wife?"

"Yes, yes, YES!"

She placed the ring on my left ring finger; I stood and kissed her, wrapping her into a hug, "Forevermore, Kate, forevermore."

Mom and Chelle jumped from the table, crying and hugging us both together and them separately. With a small bottle of champagne opened we celebrated with mimosas.

With a small loan from my sister, Chelle, and after emptying my savings account, I purchased us matching engagement rings. Simple gold bands with a half carat round cut diamond and a small baguette dotted each side. The start of our next chapter had begun.

***

Tuesday morning came too early. After a weekend of celebrating with Mom, Chelle, our careers officially started today. Dress slacks, a standard blouse, comfortable shoes. "Nothing fancy" we were told as we left that final meeting with Ken, Joe, and Liz three weeks ago.

At 8:45 we pulled into the parking lot and walked into the office. If needed we had a good story, and practiced if asked about the matching engagement rings, sorority sisters engaged to frat brothers. A pair of "couples" matches like no others.

Joe and Ken were there to welcome us. We escorted to Joe's office. For the next 30 minutes we listened to policies, procedures, benefits information, payroll options and finally a sheet to sign and review on office conduct.

Once briefed, we were given the chance to ask any last questions before being given a break before the 10:00 am Monday meeting. Monica had arranged a continental breakfast for us to be welcomed by the staff.

After the meeting adjourned, we went to work, Kate her way and I went mine. To my fully functional cubicle, including several three ring binders each labeled by specialty, IT, Engineers, Accounting, and the thickest, Misc.

Liz walked over and set down a stack of resumes and calls sheets. "Call the resumes, fill out the call sheets, and see me with questions."

She turned to leave and stopped, "The team is meeting for drinks after work as 'our' welcome, not Monica style, our style. Kate should join us. I will make sure Joe knows."

She winked and then told me to get on the damn phone "Smilin' and Dialin' the life of a staffing agency recruiter."

Drinks with the team that night were good. Ken and Joe joined us having one but picking up the tab for two more rounds. I only had one as I was driving. Kate seemed nervous sitting next to Liz; I was there if needed.

At one point Liz and Kate stood and went to the ladies room. When Kate returned, she was smiling, Liz returned a few moments later and just winked at me then smiled.

Kate leaned over and whispered in my ear that she was fine, Liz assured her of that.

No one questioned anything about why we left or as a matter of fact what caused us to return. On the drive home, Kate shared that Liz "dropped the hammer" controlling the past situation.

That night, we made love. Just the feeling of knowing Kate was doing well after her first day was all I needed. Our passion that night was intense, but I focused on her. I needed her to know I wanted whatever was best for her. In live, in work and more importantly in our love.

In the glow of our love, we laid there holding hands while they lay on my stomach our ringer glistened from the glow of the bright light if a fleeting summer moon.

***

Over the next few days, I got into a flow with the calls, the resumes and new job orders to call on from the ever growing three-ring binders. It was the third week of September that my first call sheet turned into an interview and a contract placement. The second week in October is when I really caught my groove. It seemed like I was having two or three good conversations each day. Candidates were calling me back most importantly, Liz was happy.

By the time Thanksgiving rolled around the recruiters were happy to get a call sheet from me. Darren, one of the high volume recruiters was also coaching me along and told me a few times what a good job I was doing.

It was the first Friday of December when Ken asked everyone to join him in the conference room. He went on to explain that clients were happy, payroll was being made and the company was very profitable. There would be a Christmas bonus and we hit the November quota. Ken made a statement that he was going to forego the November bonus lunch and have the Christmas party at the private golf club he belonged to. We were all encouraged to bring a significant other or date.

***

That evening while driving home, Kate told me Joe was taking her to see Rhonda the following week. It was a surprise to her but they were considering talking to Rhonda about an internship like we both had and wanted me to speak with her on what she did daily.