Double Trouble by R. Nolan
© April 2005
Erin slammed down the phone in frustration. It was early evening and she had been trying to reach Kris since last night. She had repeatedly called her home and her cell phone, leaving multiple messages on each. Erin was determined to find out exactly what had happened between Kris and Scott last night. She had spent a restless night, remembering the look of pain and hurt on Kris’s face before she walked out the door.
The children had been asking after Kris all day. She didn’t know what to tell them. Kris had promised the twins she would set up the computer she had built for them for their birthday after her meeting with Mr. Morgan. It was the first promise she had ever broken.
Erin set the phone down and buried her face in her hands. Where are you, Kris? It had become a familiar refrain. It had been three days since the twin’s birthday and she still hadn’t found Kris. Erin lost count of the number of messages she left on her cell phone and home machine. Yesterday, as soon as Kris’s office opened, she had called Betty. She had met Betty two weeks ago when Kris had needed to stop by the office to pick up some paper work. Betty had been warm and friendly, showing her around the office and explaining some of the things she did while she waited for Kris to collect her paperwork. This time, the woman was frostily polite. The only thing she would tell Erin was that Ms. Rawlings was not available. She had left a message for Kris anyway, hoping she would get it. She had called twice more yesterday and again today, only to receive the same cold reception from Betty. Stopping by Kris’s condo hadn’t worked either. Her truck wasn’t there and no one answered the door.
Erin didn’t know what else to do. The twins had cried themselves to sleep the last two nights. Nothing she could say would console them. Then it hit her…she didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of it before…Jerry! He would know where Kris was.
She scrambled to find the business card he had given her.
* * * * *
“South Side Realty. This is Jerry Parks, how may I help you?”
“Hi, Jerry. This is Erin.” Dead silence met her greeting. “Erin Patterson…Kris’s friend.”
“I know who you are. I’ve got nothing to say to you,” Jerry huffed angrily.
“Jerry…Jerry…wait!” The dial tone sounded loudly in her ear.
Erin couldn’t believe he hung up on her. He had obviously talked to Kris and knew what happened. Determined to set this right, she called Alice and asked her to look after the twins. She hadn’t told her about what had happened after they left. Obviously, Scott hadn’t carried through with his threat to inform them.
* * * * *
“Mr. Parks is with clients right now,” the receptionist informed her.
“That’s fine. I’ll wait,” Erin said.
She waited for over an hour before Jerry appeared with two men in tow. He said his goodbyes to his clients and turned back toward his office.
“Mr. Parks, you have someone waiting for you,” the receptionist called.
Jerry scowled when he spotted Erin. She had a lot of nerve coming here. Not wanting to create a scene in the middle of his workplace, he irritably motioned her to follow him.
He closed his office door behind Erin, never saying a word to her as he walked across the room and settled himself behind his desk. “You made a trip down here for nothing. I already told you, I’ve got nothing to say to you,” he said without bothering to look up.
“Jerry, please just listen to me,” Erin pleaded.
Jerry looked up and took a closer look at Erin. She looked completely stressed out and on the verge of tears. Her deep brown eyes appeared dull and she had dark shadows under her eyes. Her normally immaculately braided hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail.
“What?”
“Do you know where Kris is? I’ve been trying to reach her for days.”
“Maybe you should take a hint. She obviously doesn’t want anything to do with you,” Jerry said angrily. Erin was just Angela all over again. But she had done Angela one better and plunged Kris into a black depression he was afraid she would never recover from.
“But why?” Erin cried. “Did she tell you what happened?”
Jerry just stared at her.
“I need to know what happened, Jerry. I came into the kitchen and Kris had my ex husband pinned to the refrigerator, threatening to kill him. Scott swears he didn’t say anything to her but I know he’s lying. Please, I’m begging you…tell me what happened.”
“So, you knew he was lying but you threw Kris out!” he accused. His anger at the way this woman had treated his friend was clearly evident.
“I didn’t throw her out! I was scared and thought they were going to start punching each other. She had her arm cocked back to hit him when I came in. I didn’t know what to do!” Erin yelled. “I know what Scott is like. I knew Kris would leave peacefully. You think I wanted to see them fight?” Erin was in tears by this point. “After Kris left, I had to threaten to call the police to get Scott to leave. What was I supposed to do?”
Starting to see the other side to the situation, Jerry came out from behind his desk and led Erin over to the couch set in the corner of his office.
“I’m going to ask you something, Erin, and I need you to be totally honest with me.”
“Anything…just ask.”
“Did you ask Scott to stay and spend the night with you, the night of the twin’s birthday party?” Jerry was pretty sure now what the answer was going to be but he needed to hear it from her.
“What? Of course not!” Erin insisted, offended and appalled. “Oh My God…NO!” she cried, when she realized just what Scott had done.
“Tell me everything that happened, from the time your ex showed up ‘til you asked Kris to leave.”
When Erin had finished, Jerry shook his head sadly. God, what a mess!
His phone rang, interrupting them. “I’ll be right back.”
He was on the phone several minutes. Erin looked up gratefully when she heard him cancel the rest of the days appointments. Now that she knew what Scott had told Kris, she knew why she had run. Although, she was hurt that Kris had again run from her and thought the worst without taking the time to ask if it was true. The only thing she couldn’t figure out was why Kris had been so furious. She could understand her feeling upset and betrayed, especially after knowing about her past with Angela, but there had to be more to it than that. She had been totally enraged that night. Erin knew Jerry had heard the whole story from Kris and was determined he was going to tell her.
Erin met Jerry’s eyes squarely when he sat back down. “Tell me what happened between Kris and Scott…I want to know everything that bastard said to her,” Erin demanded.
Jerry was torn. He wanted to help Erin as he believed she was telling the truth. On the other hand, Kris would be furious with him if he betrayed her confidence. Not to mention the fact that Erin’s ex had said some incredibly ugly things to Kris that he did not want to repeat.
Erin could see Jerry debating with himself. She knew how loyal he was to Kris but she had to convince him to help her. “Jerry, please listen to me. I love Kris with all my heart. I’m not going to let my bastard of an ex husband break us up. We belong together! And it’s not just me…my kids…Christopher and Jenna have cried themselves to sleep for the past two nights. I’m sure she’s told you about them….hasn’t she?”
Jerry nodded. Kris loved those children like they were her own and talked about them incessantly.
“Well, they keep asking me where Kris is and if she is mad at them. They think she doesn’t love them anymore because she went away. I tried to tell them she was working but they don’t believe me. She made them a promise and broke it, something she has never done before.” Jerry was starting to squirm, Erin was getting through to him.
“I need your help, Jerry. I need you to tell me exactly what happened so I know what I’m up against. Please…help me bring us all back together…help me get my family back!” Erin pleaded passionately.
Jerry was impressed by Erin’s heartfelt appeal. He just hoped Kris wouldn’t hurt him too badly for what he was about to do. It was in her best interest, though he knew in her current state of mind she might not see it that way.
“Alright…alright. I’ll help you.” Jerry’s eyes widened in surprise when Erin threw herself into his arms and began to cry. The emotions of the last few days had taken their toll.
“It’s okay…everything will be okay,” Jerry said, patting her back consolingly. He prayed he wasn’t giving Erin false hope.
Erin sat up and wiped away her tears. “Tell me what happened, please.”
Jerry still hesitated. “Are you sure you want to hear this? It’s pretty ugly.”
“I need to know.”
Jerry proceeded to tell Erin exactly what had transpired in her kitchen that night. Kris had repeated what Scott said word for word; the words seemed to have been seared into her brain.
Erin’s face grew paler and paler as the story unfolded. By the time Jerry finished, she had a death grip on the couch cushion where she was sitting and looked like she was going to be ill.
Jerry started in surprise when Erin jumped to her feet. She whirled around and ran for the door.
“Wait!” Jerry yelled. “Where are you going?”
“To kill my ex-husband!” Erin snarled over her shoulder as she raced away.
“Oh, God!” Jerry cried and ran after her.
He was too late, she was already in her van and peeling away before he could reach her.
Jerry grabbed the phone on the first ring. The realty office where he worked had closed half an hour ago. He had stayed at the office, praying Erin would either return or call. He couldn’t go home and tell Kris what happened especially when he didn’t know where Erin was.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Jerry.”
“Thank God!” Jerry exclaimed. “Where are you, Erin? Is everything all right?”
“I’m okay,” Erin said, sounding anything but. “Could you come pick me up?”
“Where are you? What happened?” Jerry questioned urgently.
“I’m at Mercy Hospital…I’ll meet you outside the ER and explain everything.”
“I’ll be right there…”
* * * * *
Jerry easily spotted Erin, she was leaning against a post outside the ER bay doors. He rolled down the passenger window and called to her. When she opened the door the dome light came on, giving him his first clear glimpse of her appearance. Her hair was down and wildly tangled, more alarming was the blood on her shirt and the fresh cast on her hand.
“Damn girl, what happened to you?” Jerry questioned, his eyes locked on the blood stains on the front of her shirt.
Erin looked down. “It’s not mine,” she said calmly.
Jerry was getting a bit worried about the glassy look in her eyes. She was acting very strangely.
“Tell me what’s going on, Erin. Where’s your van and what happened to your hand?”
“Where’s Kris, Jerry?”
“I’m not telling you anything else ‘til you tell me what the hell happened after you ran out of my office.”
Erin sighed and laid her head back against the headrest, closing her eyes. “Could we go somewhere where we can talk?”
Jerry wasn’t sure where to take Erin. He couldn’t take her home, Kris was there. Not having any idea what was going on he figured it might be a good idea to keep Kris out of the equation until he found out. Making up his mind they headed out…
* * * * *
Erin looked up in surprise when they pulled up in front of Denny’s. She thought Jerry would take her to his place to talk. That’s when it dawned on her.
“Kris is staying with you…isn’t she?” she questioned stridently. This whole day had been a disaster and she was tired of Jerry’s evasiveness. All she wanted was to see Kris and have a chance to explain. She felt like her life was crumbling before her very eyes.
Jerry looked stubborn, refusing to answer. He cut Erin off before she could say anything else. “Let’s go inside and get something to eat, then you can tell me what’s going on.” He reached into the back seat and pulled out a hooded sweatshirt. “Here, this will cover up your shirt.” He got out of the car and headed into the restaurant, not even looking back to see if Erin followed.
* * * * *
“Well?” Jerry asked when Erin sat down. She had gone into the bathroom and cleaned up a bit, washing her face and pulling her hair back into a twist.
Erin sighed, resigned. “There’s not much to tell,” she said. “After I left your office, I went over to Scott’s condo. I knew he would be there. He plays golf on Tuesdays so he leaves work early. When I confronted him about what he had done he denied it. I told him he was a dammed liar…”
Erin straightened her shoulders and seemed to mentally shake herself before continuing. “He finally admitted it, every last word, then he started laughing…”
Jerry’s mouth dropped open. Erin’s ex was one cruel bastard.
“That’s when I lost it and just started swinging. The blood is his…I broke his nose,” Erin explained. “I also broke my hand on the bastard’s face.”
Jerry didn’t know what to say, he just couldn’t believe what she’d done. The way she talked so calmly about it, it was like it had happened to another person. He wondered if she was in shock.
“Okay, now I told you what you wanted to know. Now, you tell me…where is Kris?”
Jerry was concerned by Erin’s mental state. “Two more questions.” He wanted to keep her talking.
“What?” Erin scowled, visibly impatient.
“Where’s your van and where are the twins?”
“My van is parked in front of Scott’s condo, or at least it was. He was standing in his doorway with blood pouring down his face, screaming that he was going to call the cops. I just crossed my arms over my shirt and quietly walked away. No one tried to stop me and I didn’t hear any sirens. He lives about 10 blocks from Mercy, so I walked over there.”
“And your kids?”
“I called their grandmother and asked her to watch them before I came to your office. I called her from the hospital and told her I had gotten tied up with friends and asked her to let them spend the night… satisfied?”
“Maybe I should take you home, you really look like you need to rest. I’ll take you to Kris tomorrow,” Jerry suggested.
“NO!” Erin was adamant.
Jerry could see there was no dissuading her, and in her current state of mind he wasn’t sure what she would do.
“You were right, Kris is staying with me. But I need to warn you Erin…I’ve never seen her like this, not even after Angela, and I thought that was bad. It’s like she’s pulled inside of herself to a place where no one can reach her. She just shut down that night after she left your house. She barely speaks unless it has to do with work. The only thing she has anything to do with is that damn dog, he hasn’t left her side. I’m not sure she will even be willing to listen to you.”
“You have to help me, Jerry. Make her see reason. I didn’t invite Scott to stay, she has to believe me.”
“I don’t know, Erin. When she gets like this she won’t listen to anyone. She just shuts down emotionally,” Jerry warned, trying to prepare her.
“Take me to her, Jerry…please.”
* * * * *
Erin’s heart was pounding in her chest as Jerry opened the door and they stepped inside his condo.
“Kris…Kris…I’m home,” Jerry called. He motioned for Erin to stay put and went in search of Kris.
He returned a few minutes later. “She’s not here.”
Erin glared at him suspiciously and tried to move past him. He reached out and took hold of her arm, stopping her.
“But…I’m pretty sure I know where she is,” he said. “Come on…”
* * * * *
Neither of them spoke during the drive. Erin’s eyes widened when Jerry pulled up in front of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Jerry got out of the car and motioned to Erin. “Follow me…”
Though it was almost seven, it was just now turning dusky. The light reflected off the San Diego Bay and lit the headstones with an unearthly glow.
Erin started when Jerry stopped suddenly. He pointed over to his left. There sitting on the ground next to a headstone was Kris with Willy by her side. Her head was down and Erin wasn’t able to see her face.
Erin looked at Jerry questioningly. “She comes out here when she’s hurting,” he explained.
They walked quietly over to where Kris sat. In the waning light, Erin could still make out the inscription on the stone. ‘John W. Rawlings Sr. Beloved Husband and Father, LT US Navy, Vietnam, 1947 – 1971.’
“Oh, Kris.” Kris had never mentioned her parents. Erin had just assumed that they were estranged.
Kris’s head jerked up at the sound of Erin’s voice. She quickly spotted Jerry standing next to her.
“How could you bring her here?” she cried.
When Kris lifted her head up, Erin could see tears running down her face. She dropped to her knees next to Kris and tried to take her into her arms.
Kris backpedaled and jumped up. “Just leave me alone…just leave me alone!” she shouted.
Jerry rushed over and grabbed hold of Kris. She tried to pull away. Jerry might be smaller than Kris but he spent a lot of hours in the gym and was very strong for his size.
“Calm down, Kris…just calm down,” he demanded.
She sagged into his arms, crying. In this place, of all places, her defenses were down.
Erin stepped over and again tried to touch Kris. She drew back in hurt when Kris flinched and Jerry shot her a warning look, telling her to back off. Willy stepped between the two women and pushed Erin back further away from Kris. Erin looked down at the big dog in shock when he growled softly.
“Listen to me, baby…you know how much I love you. I didn’t bring her here to hurt you. You need to listen to what she has to say,” Jerry pleaded with his best friend.
Kris shook her head adamantly.
Erin’s heart was breaking seeing Kris like this. “Please, Kris, I’m begging you. Just listen to what I have to say, then if you want me to, I promise I will go away and never bother you again.”
Kris looked up and met Erin’s eyes for just a second then looked away. “Okay…” she whispered in a pain filled voice.
“Could we go somewhere, so we can talk?” Erin asked.
Kris shook her head and sat back down next to her father. Willy quickly lay back down at her side, eyeing Erin warily. Erin took up a seat at the foot of the grave. Jerry walked away and sat down on a nearby bench, still near enough to hear what was being said.
Erin quickly began to explain everything. She told Kris what had really gone on during the end of the party. About how angry she had been with Scott for the games he was playing, acting the dutiful father with all the parents but how she had not wanted to create a scene in front of all the children.
Kris glared over at Jerry when Erin told her that she knew all about what Scott had done.
“You have to believe me, Kris. I swear to you…on the life of my children, I did not ask him to stay the night. I would never do that! I don’t love Scott and I never have. I love you and I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for what Scott did.”
Kris stared at the ground, her hand gently stroking Willy’s coat. She showed no reaction to Erin’s heartfelt apology.
Erin sighed, tears running down her face. She had tried her best but it was no use. Scott had managed to destroy any chance she had had at happiness. “I understand,” she said softly. “I just have one thing to ask you. I know with everything that’s happened, you don’t want to see me any more but please…please, don’t cut Christopher and Jenna out of your life. If you could find it in your heart to continue to be their friend, it would mean so much to them. They both love you very much. They are innocents in all this, please don’t make them suffer because of it.”
Kris continued to stare at the ground. Erin waited patiently but it soon became clear she wasn’t going to respond. With one last longing look at Kris, Erin got up and slowly made her way back to Jerry’s car. Once inside, she broke down and began to sob from the tearing pain of Kris’s rejection.
* * * * *
Jerry watched Erin walk away with a heavy heart. He walked over to Kris and squatted down next to her, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders.
“I believe her, Kris.” Jerry felt Kris stiffen. “Just hear me out. She loves you very much and I know you love her. If you let this tear your relationship apart, then you’ve let that bastard win. He’d love nothing better than to know he managed to break you up. This is Scott’s doing, not Erin’s, she’s hurting just like you are. She’s not Angela, Kris.”
Kris didn’t speak or even acknowledge that she had heard him.
“Think about it, Kris. Think about it long and hard. The chance at real happiness only comes around once in a life time, if you’re lucky,” Jerry said. “Don’t let this homophobic bastard take away your family!” He sighed, then turned and walked away.
* * * * *
Erin stepped into her living room and stopped dead in her tracks. “What are you doing here?” This was the last person she wanted to talk to.
Alice walked across the room toward Erin. “Oh my God, honey. What happened to you? Was there an accident?” A sudden revelation seemed to strike. “Erin, did Kris hurt you?”
That last part got Erin’s attention. “What? Of course not! What would make you think…” Erin’s shoulder’s slumped. Scott, you bastard! she thought bitterly. He had finally gone through with his threat to tell his parents what had happened the night of the party.
“Are the kids here?” Erin asked. She didn’t want them to see her with blood all over her shirt. The cast was going to be hard enough to explain.
Alice blinked at the rapid change in subject. “They’re with Robert at our house.”
Erin breathed a sigh of relief then walked over to the couch and flopped down on it.
“Scott called you, didn’t he?”
Alice nodded her head. She had known something was wrong between the two women on Monday. Erin had been acting very strangely and the twins had been upset. Erin had tried to convince her that Kris was busy working but she hadn’t believed it. Her suspicions were confirmed when she found out from the kids that Kris had not even called. When Erin asked her to baby-sit earlier, she had hoped they were going to try and work things out. The second phone call later in the day, asking her to keep the twins overnight, had given her hope that they had made up.
Scott’s call, after Erin’s, had been shocking if even half of what he claimed was true. She and Robert had talked about it and both of them had their doubts. Scott might be their son but he didn’t seem to be capable of telling the truth where Erin was concerned. But they just could not take the chance that even some of what he said was true.
“Tell me what happened, Erin. After the party and tonight…please, honey. Robert and I are very worried about you,” Alice pleaded, drawing Erin into a comforting hug.
Erin’s already fragile emotional control crumbled and she began to cry.
“It’s alright…everything will be alright. Tell me,” Alice insisted gently.
Any other time, Erin would have tried to protect Alice. Many times, during her marriage to Scott, she had tried to gloss over things he had said and done. Although he didn’t seem to have the same concern and never held back even if his parents were in the room. This time, Erin was so emotionally devastated by losing Kris that the whole horrible story came pouring out, including every vicious thing Scott had said to Kris and her.
When she got to the part about breaking Scott’s nose...
Alice’s eyes widened in shock and she stared at Erin’s cast. “You broke his nose? He said Kris did.”
“WHAT! That’s not true…Kris never touched him!” Erin shouted.
“I’m so sorry, Erin. I should have known Kris wasn’t capable of hurting you.”
Erin stared at Alice in shock. “You thought she…” She held up her cast. “Alice, you have to believe me. Kris would never hurt me or the kids.”
Alice was reeling with everything Erin had told her. “So, what happened after you left Scott? Did you ever find Kris?”
Erin’s tears started again, she just couldn’t help it. She told Alice about Jerry taking her to the cemetery and everything that had transpired there.
Alice shook her head sadly. “I guess I was wrong about Kris hurting you…”
“She didn’t, Alice. I …”
“No, not physically but she hurt you just the same, Erin. This is Scott’s doing, not yours. And Kris should be able to see that.”
“She has her reasons.” Even though Kris had hurt her deeply, she still loved her and wouldn’t have Alice thinking badly of her.
Erin then told Alice about Angela, figuring at this point Kris couldn’t hate her more than she already did. She wanted Alice to understand just what kind of damage Scott had caused and why Kris reacted so badly.
Alice had tears in her eyes when Erin finished. “I’m sorry…for everything my son has done to you. I’m sure you wish you’d never met our family.”
It was Erin’s turn to comfort Alice. They had had this conversation before. “You know better than that. I used Scott too. And you know I’ve never regretted having Jenna and Christopher. You and Robert are the best grandparents any child could hope for and I’m happy you are part of their lives. I would never want that to change, no matter what Scott does.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“I honestly don’t know. It just hurts so much. I feel like there is this huge empty hole inside of me,” Erin said, starting to cry again.
“Robert and I will help you…any way we can,” Alice assured, though she knew in her heart there was only one person who could fix this.
It had been several long, lonely days since her encounter with Kris in the cemetery. Erin tried to accept the fact that Kris just didn’t love her as much as she thought. Otherwise, she would have never given up on them so quickly.
Jerry had called to let her know Kris had gone back home that same night after their confrontation. Erin felt bad that she had gotten Jerry involved and caused a rift between him and Kris. Jerry had assured her she had done the right thing, and he felt Kris was being unfair to her.
She was thrilled and felt a surge of hope when Kris called yesterday. Her excitement was quickly dashed when Kris asked if she could come over today to set up the twin’s birthday gift. It was obvious from her tone of voice that she was simply fulfilling an obligation. After that, she had asked to speak to the children. Christopher and Jenna had each spoken to Kris. Both of them had cried but were happy about Kris’s upcoming visit. Erin had hoped Kris would ask to speak with her when she was done but Jenna had hung up the phone after speaking to Kris.
Erin jumped, drawn out of her thoughts by the sound of a truck door slamming. She glanced nervously toward the door. Although she knew Kris was coming to see the twins, Erin was honest enough to admit to herself that at this point she was happy to see her, for any reason. She still loved her deeply.
* * * * *
Kris glanced up nervously at the house. She had tried to convince herself that she was only here out of a sense of obligation but she knew in her heart it wasn’t true. After she fled from Erin’s that night she had tried to close herself off emotionally. She tortured herself with visions of Scott with Erin and berated herself for being such a fool. That all changed that fateful night in the cemetery. She never expected Erin to come looking for her. Even though she hadn’t acknowledged it at the time, she heard every word Erin said.
Kris still loved Erin deeply but was not sure how to get past what had happened. Despite knowing the truth about that night, she couldn’t seem to get Scott’s words out of her mind. Sighing, she made her way reluctantly to the door.
The echo of the doorbell hadn’t ended when the door was pulled open. Kris felt herself choke up as soon as she saw Erin.
“Hello,” she finally managed to murmur around an emotion tightened throat.
“Hi, Kris.” Erin could see the pain in Kris’s eyes, it matched her own. She wanted so badly to pull Kris into her arms and hug her tightly. She resisted, not knowing if her touch would be welcomed.
Christopher and Jenna pushed past their mother and wrapped themselves around Kris’s legs. They both began to babble excitedly.
“Come on, you two, let Kris in the house,” Erin instructed, trying to peel the twins off Kris’s legs.
“It’s okay,” Kris said, leaning down and sweeping the two children up into her arms.
Erin watched as the three of them exchanged kisses and hugs. Her heart ached, wanting so much to join them but fearing Kris’s rejection.
Kris and the children disappeared into the twin’s bedroom to set up their computer. Erin remained downstairs.
* * * * *
Kris pulled the computer components out of the boxes as the twins bounced around excitedly. They were so ecstatic to see her. Kris felt guilty for staying away, Erin was right, these two were innocents in all that had happened. She glanced repeatedly at the door waiting for Erin to appear. She was equally relieved and disappointed when she didn’t.
She spent over an hour with the children after she had everything set up, showing them how everything worked. Their favorite part so far was the start up of the computer. Kris had written a special addition to the operating system. When the desktop screen appeared, Scooby Doo ran across the screen and sat down. “Herro Jenna, Herro Christopher,” Scooby greeted. “What would roo like to do today? Hehehehehe.”
They both started to cry when Kris informed them it was time for her to go. She had missed them terribly over the last week. Though she had told herself she wouldn’t, she promised them she would come back again and bring Willy with her. After many hugs and kisses she left them happily playing with the computer.
Then, she quietly made her way back downstairs.
* * * * *
Erin stepped into the foyer, she had heard Kris coming down the stairs. They stood and stared at each other, each hurting but neither knowing what to do to heal the rift between them. Erin had done everything she could. Though she felt horrible, she was not responsible for her ex-husband’s actions. She had not done anything wrong.
Kris felt just as torn. She knew what had happened wasn’t Erin’s fault but she just didn’t know how to reach out to her. She had been hurt terribly by what Scott had done but knew she had hurt Erin as well.
“I have to go,” she said in a pain filled voice.
Erin nodded sadly. “Will you come back?” she asked hopefully.
“I promised the twins I would bring Willy over. If that’s okay with you?” Kris added nervously.
“Of course it’s okay, Kris. You’re welcome here any time.”
Kris smiled tentatively before turning to leave.
Erin managed to hold her tears at bay until the door closed behind Kris.
Chapter Thirty
Erin pushed away the computer keyboard. She was finally caught up on all the reports she needed to finish transcribing for work. She had already called and let her employer know she would not be accepting any new reports for a few weeks. It had been a lot of extra work typing them one handed but it had been a welcome distraction, keeping her from slipping further into the depression she’d fallen into since her breakup with Kris. She was thankful for the children, they helped keep her grounded as well. Alice had stopped asking about Kris after the first few days, once she realized how painful it was for Erin.
It had been a little over a week since Kris’s visit. She had called the kids every night since to wish them good night. She and Kris had spoken for a few minutes each time but it was stilted and they only spoke of mundane affairs, such as the weather or sports. It was nothing like the hours long conversations they used to have. But Erin consoled herself with the fact that it was at least something.
The doorbell rang drawing her out of her morose thoughts.
* * * * *
Erin was rendered momentarily speechless by the sight of her visitor. Pulling herself together, she finally greeted her guest.
“Hi, Kris.”
“Hi.”
They stood staring at each other awkwardly, neither quite sure what to say. Erin sighed, it shouldn’t be this hard.
“I’m sorry but the kids aren’t here right now,” Erin said, assuming that was why Kris was here. “They’re at pre-school ‘til two thirty.”
Kris shifted nervously. “I know. I… umm… was wondering if we could talk…”
Erin flinched, expecting the worse. She was sure Kris had come to tell her she wasn’t going to see the twins anymore and didn’t want to do it with them here. Erin nodded and led Kris inside. They settled on opposite ends of the couch. When the silence grew uncomfortable Erin spoke up. She wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.
“So, you said you wanted to talk?”
Kris looked over at the woman who held her heart. She knew it was up to her to fix this. She had spent the last week trying to decide what to do. She had been furious at first at Jerry for bringing Erin to the cemetery. But she loved the big queen and couldn’t stay mad at him. Jerry had been adamant in his defense of Erin. Telling Kris what a fool she was to let someone like Scott ruin what had been the best thing that had ever happened to her. After many tears and sleepless nights, in the end it came down to the undeniable fact that she loved Erin with all her heart and felt like a piece of herself was missing without her. Erin was as much a victim of Scott’s viciousness as she was. She just wasn’t sure where to start.
“Yeah, umm,” Kris stammered. She cleared her throat and met Erin’s pain filled brown eyes. “I wanted to apologize. I know it wasn’t your fault what Scott did. I’d…I’d like us to try again…if you’re willing.”
Erin’s eyes filled with tears. She had hoped and prayed for this moment but now that it was here, she wasn’t sure she could do it. She had spent many lonely, restless nights thinking about their relationship. If it was ever going to work out between them, some things were going to have to change.
“I’d like to try again,” Erin said. Kris smiled brightly. “But I don’t know if we can…”
Kris’s face crumpled and she gulped back tears. “Why?”
Erin took a deep breath. “I love you, Kris, with all my heart. But I don’t see how we can survive in a long term relationship if you don’t trust me.”
“But I do!”
Erin shook her head sadly. “No, you don’t. You’ve run from me twice now. You never gave me a chance to explain or to see if what you thought was even true. I’m not Angela, Kris! And ‘til you believe that, in your heart of hearts, we don’t stand a chance.”
Kris hung her head, everything Erin said was true. “I know you’re not Angela. If I thought that for even a second, I wouldn’t be here. If you’ll give me another chance, I promise you, no matter what, I won’t run from you again. I swear it!” Kris vowed, tears streaming freely down her face.
Erin looked deep into Kris’s vibrant blue eyes, seeing the truth in her words. She nodded her head, her own tears falling.
Kris scooted over next to Erin and took her hands in hers. “I love you so much,” she declared tearfully.
“I love you too, Kris.”
A puzzled look crossed Kris’s face and she glanced down at Erin’s hands in hers. “What happened to your hand?” she asked, stroking her thumb curiously over Erin’s cast.
Erin looked down, then up at Kris in surprise. “Jerry didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
Erin told Kris the story of how her hand came to be broken.
Kris stared at Erin incredulously. “You broke his nose?” She had been so distracted the last time she was here that she hadn’t noticed the cast.
“Yeah, I did. He deserved that and more for what he did to us. He tried to destroy our family and almost succeeded, ” Erin said angrily. “If I had known that night what he’d done, I would have helped you wipe the floor with him!” She was furious just thinking about it again.
Jerry had never said a word about what happened in his office, only what Erin had already explained, that she had come looking for her and Jerry had told her what happened that night. Kris was struck once again by the realization of just what an incredibly strong and amazing woman Erin really was. While she had run from the pain of everything that happened, Erin had faced it head on and fought for what she wanted. Kris knew she should take a lesson from Erin’s indomitable spirit.
Kris reached out and gently pulled an obviously angry Erin into her arms. “Easy, tiger,” she said, stroking her back. “Everything is going to be okay. We’re going to be okay. No one is going to take our family.”
Erin melted against Kris, wrapping her arms tightly around her. It was like coming home. They stayed that way for quite some time. Neither speaking, just soaking up each other’s love and tenderness.
They were still entwined on the couch when Alice brought Jenna and Christopher home from school. The twins screamed Kris’s name when they saw her and ran to join the two women on the couch.
Alice choked back tears as she watched the four exchange hugs and kisses. Turning away, she quietly let herself out of the house, not wanting to intrude on what was a private family moment. She was so happy for both of them that they had worked things out; they belonged together.
* * * * *
Kris stayed until the twins bedtime and helped get them ready for bed. She was sitting in the middle of their floor singing to them. As she sang, she smiled at the three sweet faces watching her and realized what a fool she had been to even think about giving this up. Erin and these two little ones were her family and she vowed never to let anyone take them away. While she easily slipped back into the twin’s lives, things were still a bit tentative with Erin. They had not even kissed yet. They both seemed to be holding back, suddenly, a bit cautious with each other.
Seeing that the children were asleep, she let her voice trail off. Erin got up and kissed each child on the forehead before making her way over to offer a hand up. Kris gratefully accepted and stood with Erin for several minutes staring down at the two little ones. They quietly let themselves out of the room.
Erin stopped in the hall just outside the twin’s door. She looked up at Kris, her warm brown eyes filled with love. “Stay with me tonight.”
Kris glanced across the hall to Erin’s bedroom. She was immediately assailed with images of Erin and Scott. “I can’t,” Kris said tearfully.
Erin had followed Kris’s gaze. “I just want to hold you…nothing more.”
Kris again glanced toward Erin’s bedroom door.
“We can stay in the bedroom downstairs.”
“Willy’s at home, I need to let him out.”
“Go get him, bring him here.”
“What about in the morning, when Jenna and Christopher get up?”
“I want us to be a family, Kris. I don’t want to hide what we feel for each other. I want to tell them about us. I well.. I umm.. before all this happened I bought some books for us to read with them. They’re meant for children their ages and explain about how every family is different. Beverly, one of the mom’s from the kids’ preschool recommended several books to me when I mentioned we were dating. She and her partner read them to their little boy before he started preschool.”
Kris was amazed to know there were other gay parents in the children’s preschool class. Times were certainly changing. She was relieved that Erin had thought all this out. She didn’t want to have to worry about showing her affection for Erin around the children, wanting them to grow up knowing how much their mother meant to her. But she was still hesitant about spending the night.
Erin read Kris’s reluctance and sighed. “Will we see you again soon?” she asked, trying hard to hide her disappointment.
Easily seeing how hurt Erin was and vowing not to hurt her any further, Kris had a change of heart. “I’ll stay, but I would prefer to stay downstairs.”
“That’s not a problem…come on,” Erin said happily.
* * * * *
Erin had gotten everything prepared while Kris went to get Willy. They had gotten him comfortably settled on a blanket in the corner of the room.
It had been a bit uncomfortable getting ready for bed. Kris had gone into the bathroom to change into the oversize tee-shirt Erin loaned her. Dressed in the tee-shirt and her boxers, she had nervously slipped into the bed. Erin chose to change in the room with her. Kris couldn’t help but watch and was relieved when she felt herself becoming aroused. She had feared that all she would be able to think about when she thought of Erin that way would be the images Scott had planted in her mind.
Erin smiled when she felt Kris’s eyes on her, easily reading her arousal. She had told the truth, she only wanted to hold Kris but she was happy to know Kris still found her desirable. She was worried that after Scott’s stunt Kris would not want to touch her. Still a bit anxious as to Kris’s reaction, she slid into the bed next to her.
Kris opened her arms to Erin and sighed in contentment when she settled into them.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you too, Kris.” Erin lifted up, she could just make out Kris’s face in the moonlight shining in through the sliding glass door but couldn’t see her eyes. She leaned down slowly, giving Kris ample opportunity to pull away. She sighed when their lips met. The kiss was soft, gentle and filled with love. Erin settled back against Kris’s shoulder when the kiss broke.
Kris tightened her hold, drawing Erin closer to her body. Her heart was pounding from the brief but intense kiss.
Erin wrapped her arm around Kris’s chest and snuggled close. They both sighed in contentment and dropped off to sleep.
Chapter Thirty-one
Kris drifted slowly awake. Last night was the first decent night’s rest she’d had in almost two weeks. A bit groggy and disoriented, she felt a warm weight pressing her down into the bed. Not quite fully awake yet, she ran her hands up and down the warm soft skin under her fingers. Her eyes blinked open and she looked down at Erin, sound asleep on her chest. She smiled when the events of the previous day came rushing back and leaned down to place a soft kiss on her head. Her hands were under Erin’s shirt, resting comfortably on her bare skin. She closed her eyes in pleasure and ran her hands up and down Erin’s back. Erin groaned in her sleep and unconsciously pressed closer.
Kris frowned. What the heck? She could have sworn she heard a…There it was again. She could swear she heard giggling. She opened her eyes and looked around. Her eyes widened in shock when she spotted two little faces staring up at her from the side of the bed.
Erin chose that moment to awaken. She snuggled against Kris, rubbing her face against her chest. Lifting up, she smiled sleepily at Kris. She leaned forward intent on placing a kiss on Kris’s lips. Her brow furrowed when Kris pressed back into the pillows and she felt her body tense under her.
“We have company,” Kris whispered urgently.
That’s when Erin heard it. She turned and spotted Christopher and Jenna staring intently at them. They met her eyes and giggled.
“Hi, Mommy, hi, Kris,” they chorused.
“What are you two doing up so early?” Erin asked.
“The big number turned to seven, Mommy,” Jenna said, gesturing to the clock on the nightstand. “We got up and couldn’t find you, we looked all over the house,” the little girl informed her. It was obvious they had been a bit scared.
Erin had taught the children their numbers and insisted if they woke early, they should stay in their room and play quietly until seven. Otherwise, they would have her up before six every day.
“I’m sorry you got scared, honey. Mommy and Kris decided to sleep downstairs.”
Kris felt bad, she hadn’t thought about the fact that the kids might be scared if Erin wasn’t in her bed.
“Did you have a sleep over with Mommy?” Christopher piped up. “How come you didn’t sleep in Mommy’s bed?”
Kris felt herself flush. She didn’t know how to answer that, never expecting the twins to find her in bed with their mother. She glanced up at Erin helplessly, not knowing what to say.
Erin tried not to laugh and quickly stepped in to save Kris. “Yes, she sure did,” she stated matter of fact. Erin glanced around the room, looking for the big dog but he wasn’t on his blanket. She wondered where he had gone.
Kris relaxed at Erin’s calm response and the twins easy acceptance. She smiled down at the kids. “Want to join us?”
The two began to clamor excitedly. Erin smiled down at Kris as she slid off her, surprised but pleased by her invitation to the kids.
Kris pulled the kids into the bed and they quickly got settled between the two adults. It was a tight fit in the queen bed but everyone happily snuggled together.
* * * * *
Erin glanced over at the clock and groaned. She had totally lost track of the time as they laughed and played with the two little ones in bed. She glanced down at Christopher sprawled out on her body, his head resting on her chest. Jenna was in the same position on Kris. The two were listening raptly to the story Kris was telling. Erin felt like her heart would burst with love. After all the pain of the last few weeks, she could not remember ever being happier in her life. This was what a family was supposed to be. Loath to break up the moment, she sighed, but Kris had said she needed to be at work early.
“Kris,” she interrupted the story. “You said last night you needed to be to work early…it’s after eight.”
Kris glanced at the clock in surprise. She had been having such a wonderful time with Erin and the children she hadn’t realized it was so late. Not wanting the morning to end she made a quick decision.
“It’s okay…I know the boss. I can be late.”
“Are you sure?” Erin asked, not wanting Kris to feel obligated to stay.
“I’m sure,” Kris assured. “Now, who wants to hear the rest of the story?”
Kris grinned when Erin’s voice joined the twins enthusiastic response. She smiled lovingly over at her. This was what a family was supposed to be like.
* * * * *
Kris couldn’t help but smile as she gazed down at the little ones sprawled out in front of the TV using Willy as a giant pillow. She thought back to that morning. Erin had had a fit when she found Willy stretched out on the couch when they finally got up. But the children had been so excited to see him she had soon forgotten her ire. She hadn’t made it into work until almost ten. After spending a good part to the morning telling stories, she had stayed for a late breakfast. The kids had been over the moon when Erin allowed Willy to stay for the day. It was difficult to concentrate at work, all she could think about was Erin and the twins. A quick call to Erin had garnered an invitation to dinner. Stopping by the video store on the way over she picked up a movie the kids had been wanting to see.
“Kris, could you give me a hand please?” Erin called from the kitchen.
Kris quickly got up and headed for the kitchen. Erin had gone to get them all some dessert. She hesitated as she stepped into the room. Every time she’d been in here since that night, she could hear the echo of Scott’s voice.
Erin glanced up and saw the quick flash of pain cross Kris’s face. Without a word, she quickly made her way over to her and wrapped her in a warm hug.
Kris sighed contentedly and pushed the memories away. All that mattered was how it felt to hold Erin in her arms and feel the love they had for each other.
Erin lifted her head from Kris’s shoulder, her eyes mirrored Kris’s earlier pain. “I’m so sorry…”
Kris pressed her finger to Erin’s lips. “Shh…you have nothing to be sorry for. Let it go.”
Erin kissed the finger pressed against her lips. “I love you,” she murmured.
Kris lost herself in Erin’s love filled gaze. Answering the unspoken call, she leaned down and brought their lips together. Each tried to pour everything they felt for the other into the kiss, reaffirming the bond they shared. The kiss intensified as the passion flared brightly between them.
Erin pressed for entrance into Kris’s mouth. Her hips jerked when Kris opened to her and groaned into her mouth. Things were quickly spiraling out of control. Erin groaned when Kris pressed a tight thigh between her legs and her hands slid down to press her closer. Erin couldn’t help it, she began to thrust against Kris.
Kris growled, breaking the torrid kiss, her hands dropping to Erin’s belt. Her heart was pounding and she was seconds away from losing total control. The sound of childish laughter was like a bucket of cold water on her rapidly overheated libido, reminding her just where she was.
“Oh, God,” Kris groaned, struggling to regain control.
Erin leaned against Kris breathing heavily, this woman made her crazy. She looked up with passion glazed eyes. “Stay with me tonight.”
“I can’t.”
Erin stiffened in Kris’s arms and tried to pull away. Kris tightened her hold. “I want to…God, I want to… but I have a five thirty flight to Portland tomorrow morning.”
“You’re leaving?”
“I wish I didn’t have to…believe me. But Mr. Morgan asked me to come to their major plant in Portland. He wants me to tour the facility with him and arrange to provide our services for the plant there as well as the smaller one’s we are already doing here in San Diego. That’s why he wanted to meet before signing the contracts.”
Erin could see the excitement in Kris’s eyes. This was big for her company, very big. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you,” Erin said. She knew what this must mean for Kris and her company.
Kris smiled, hugging Erin tight. “Thanks.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Four days,” Kris sighed. It suddenly seemed like a lifetime. “I’ll be back on Saturday.”
“We’ll celebrate when you get back,” Erin promised.
“I’d like that,” Kris said, leaning down for a kiss. She pulled away before it could escalate, drawing a groan of protest from Erin. She tightened her arms around Erin, thankful they had made their way back to each other. “I’ll be home as quick as I can.”
Erin smiled. Home, she liked the sound of that.
“What about Willy?”
Kris shrugged unhappily. “Jerry’s going to drop him off tomorrow at the vet’s to be boarded. I couldn’t bring myself to do it,” Kris admitted sheepishly.
Erin shook her head, knowing she was going to regret this. “There’s no need for that Kris, he can stay here.”
Kris swept Erin back into her arms and kissed her soundly. “You’re the best.”
“Kris, Kris!” called a little voice from the other room.
Kris laughed and picked up two pieces of cake Erin had dished up . “Come on…our little munchkins are getting restless.”
Laughing joyously, Erin grabbed the other two plates and followed her lover.
Kris grinned, happily singing to the song on the radio as she made her way toward Erin’s. She looked over at the dozen red roses resting on the passenger seat of her car. Erin wasn’t expecting her until tomorrow but she had finished sooner than expected and decided to take an early flight home. Laughing just thinking of the look on Erin’s face when she showed up early, Kris’s good mood soared. She was free for the weekend and intended to spend every minute of it with Erin and the twins if she could.
Kris stared at the large delivery truck in front of Erin’s house. Pulling up one door down, she slowly walked toward the house. There was a queen size bed and a suite of bedroom furniture resting on the front lawn. Frowning in confusion, she wondered what was going on, she was pretty sure it was the furniture from Erin’s bedroom.
The front door was open, so Kris stepped inside. “Hello…is anybody home?” she called. She heard Willy’s booming bark coming from upstairs.
Erin appeared at the top of the stairs. “Kris! What are you doing here?”
Kris swallowed hard, a bit taken aback by Erin’s tone. She had thought her lover would be excited to see her. “I’ll go if you want.”
“What? No!” Erin said, rushing down the stairs to hug Kris. “You just surprised me. I didn’t expect you ‘til tomorrow. I’m so glad you’re home.”
Kris relaxed, the tension leaving her body at Erin’s reassuring words.
“I missed you,” Kris said, holding out the bouquet of deep red, long stemmed roses.
“Wow…they’re beautiful, Kris.” Erin leaned up to brush a soft kiss across Kris’s lips.
“Ms. Patterson,” called an unmistakably male voice from upstairs.
Erin reluctantly pulled away from Kris. “I’ll be right there,” she called up to the man.
Kris frowned, wondering just what was going on.
Erin smiled. “Well, this was supposed to be a surprise for tomorrow but since you snuck home early on me…come on. It’s not quite ready but…” Erin turned and headed up the stairs.
Kris followed curiously. She could hear Willy barking from inside the twin’s bedroom and wondered why Erin had him locked in there. Stopping outside of Erin’s bedroom door, she stared in amazement. The room had been transformed. There was fresh paint on the walls and new carpet on the floor. New furniture lined the walls. And against the far wall was a brand new king size bed, the gleaming brass head and footboard shining in the brightly lit room.
“We’re all through in here.” The workman who had called to Erin informed her.
“Great, thank you for everything. Oh, and you’ll take all the old stuff to the Disabled American Vets donation center…right?”
“Sure Ma’am, not a problem,” he assured.
Erin followed the workmen out of the room, leaving an open mouthed Kris staring around her.
* * * * *
Kris was still standing motionless in the middle of the room when Erin returned. Erin was becoming a bit nervous, fearing she had made a mistake.
“Don’t you like it?” she asked worriedly. “You told me once that you almost bought a brass bed instead of the sleigh bed you have, so I thought…”
Kris pulled herself out of her stupor. She could not believe Erin had done all this and in three days. She swept her up into her arms and kissed her soundly. “You are incredible! This is fantastic…but why?”
Erin snuggled in Kris’s arms. It was where she longed to be. “I wanted to get rid of all traces of the past. I want this to be our room, somewhere where you can be comfortable.”
Kris noticed that there were two chest of drawers. She gestured over to them. “I didn’t know you had that many clothes, that you needed two,” she teased.
Erin blushed. “One of them is for you,” she admitted shyly.
“Really?” Kris asked somewhat incredulously.
“If you want,” Erin said nervously, wondering if she had pushed too far too fast.”
“Oh…I want… I want, baby,” Kris said, her mind no longer on furniture. She leaned down and kissed Erin passionately. She led Erin over to the unmade bed and pressed her into it. “I missed you,” she murmured huskily in Erin’s ear.
Erin let out a loud moan when Kris pulled her beneath her. Her libido was quickly overwhelming her logical thought. “Wait…Wait,” she insisted as Kris’s hand slid determinedly down her body.
Kris stopped and looked down at her with passion glazed eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“The kids will be home from school any…”
“Mommy! Mommy! We’re home!”
“Minute.” Erin finished with a frustrated sigh.
At the sound of feet on the stairs, Kris quickly rolled off Erin and sat up.
The twins squealed excitedly when they spotted Kris with their mother. They ran across the room and jumped onto the bed with Kris.
Erin smiled as she watched the three exchange hugs and kisses. There was no doubt in her mind how much Kris loved the children and they loved her just as much. Glancing up, she saw Alice standing in the doorway watching.
Hi, Alice,” she greeted. “Thanks for picking up the kids.” Alice went directly by the children’s preschool on her way home from her volunteer job. On the days their school and her work coincided, she picked them up.
Alice smiled uncertainly when she caught Kris’s eye. “Hello, Kris.” She wondered if the other woman would even want to speak to her after what her son had done.
Kris was a bit puzzled by Alice’s tentative greeting. They had gotten to know each other a bit better at the twin’s party and she thought they had started a friendship.
“Hey, Alice. It’s good to see you again,” Kris said.
Some of the tension seemed to leave Alice’s face at Kris’s friendly greeting. I have to ask Erin what that’s all about, Kris thought.
Alice quickly made her excuses and left. Erin finally managed to pry the twins off Kris and sent them to their room to change into their play clothes.
Once they were gone, Erin stepped over to where Kris still sat on the side of the bed. She stepped between her legs and drew Kris into a loving hug.
Kris spread her legs drawing Erin close. She rested her head on Erin’s chest, finding the sound of her heartbeat soothing.
Erin ran her hands through Kris’s short blond locks. “Stay with me tonight.”
Kris looked up into Erin’s eyes. “Yes,” Kris said, that one simple word conveying a world of meaning.
Chapter Thirty-three
Erin didn’t know why she was so nervous. It wasn’t like she and Kris hadn’t made love before. She stood staring at herself in the bathroom mirror. You’re being ridiculous, she admonished. Looking down at the sheer negligee she was wearing, she began to have second thoughts. What if I look stupid, it’s not like I have some great body. I should have stuck to the tee shirt and boxers. What if she doesn’t like it? She thought about the silk sheets she had put on the bed and the candles placed around the room. What do I know about seduction? Erin was drawn out of her internal monologue by a voice calling to her from the other room. Squaring her shoulders, she slowly opened the door and stepped out.
Her breath caught in her throat and every bit of blood in her body raced between her legs. Kris had pulled down the top sheet and blanket and was laying on the dark satiny sheets, completely nude. She had lit several of the candles and her lithe, powerful body seemed to glow in the flickering light. Erin tried to force her legs to move.
She began to tremble when Kris rose up from the bed and approached her. Even in the dim light she couldn’t miss the hungry look in her vivid blue eyes. They had darkened to indigo with arousal.
Kris stopped in front of Erin, her eyes drinking in the beauty of the woman standing before her. She reached out and gently ran a finger down the center of Erin’s body, smiling when Erin shivered and pressed into the touch.
“Do you have any idea how incredibly beautiful you are?”
Erin shook her head. “I’m not the one that’s beautiful.”
“Oh yes… you are,” Kris assured. She leaned down taking Erin’s lips in a deep kiss.
Erin’s arousal soared higher when Kris carefully opened the ties to her gown and brushed aside the flimsy material. The open mouth kisses Kris was peppering across her chest was pushing her closer to the edge.
“Please…I’m going to fall,” Erin whimpered, feeling her knees give out.
Kris pressed Erin tightly against her body. A feral growl of pure arousal slipped from her lips as their bodies met. She swept Erin up in her arms and carried her to the bed. Quickly divesting her of her gown, she slid on top of her. Erin eagerly opened her legs, groaning when Kris slipped between them. While it had been only a little over three weeks since they had been together, it seemed like it had happened in another lifetime.
Kris was so close she knew she wouldn’t be able to hold out long this first time. She reached between them and spread Erin open before slipping into position. Fighting for control, she began a gentle, easy thrust against Erin.
Erin moaned and pressed up into Kris. She was so aroused it was almost painful. Her hands slid down to clasp Kris’s butt and pull her closer. Her nails dug into Kris as her orgasm loomed.
The feel of Erin’s hands squeezing her ass was too much for Kris. She began to push harder against Erin. “I love you,” she panted into Erin’s ear.
Erin’s body stiffened and she cried out, and her climax set off Kris’s. They thrust frantically against each other for several moments before their bodies stilled. The sound of their harsh breathing filled the air.
Kris tried to move off Erin, worried she was too heavy for the other woman.
Erin tightened her arms around Kris’s back. “No, stay…you feel so good.”
When Erin began to shift under her, Kris lifted up, resting most of her weight on her forearms. She leaned down to softly kiss Erin’s sweet lips. Her passions quickly rose again and she intensified the kiss. When Erin pushed against her shoulder she broke the kiss and moved off to the side, releasing Erin from beneath her.
Erin smiled at Kris and pressed on her shoulder again, urging her onto her back.
Kris grinned when Erin straddled her hips. She reached out to touch the tempting breasts in front of her. She was shocked when Erin grabbed both her wrists before she could make contact. Kris looked up at her questioningly.
Erin smiled and something shone in her eyes that Kris had not seem before. Erin pressed Kris’s hands above her head and guided her to wrap them around the tubes of the brass headboard.
“Don’t move those,” Erin instructed sternly.
“Yes, Ma’am.” Kris smirked, secretly thrilled that Erin felt comfortable enough to take control of their lovemaking.
Her smirk quickly faded as Erin’s eyes swept her body with a predatory look. She groaned as she felt a gush of wetness between her thighs.
Erin began to explore every inch of the body beneath her. She left no spot unkissed or unlicked as she worked her way down Kris’s body. She had been thinking about this since the last time she and Kris were together. Though a bit nervous, she was incredibly excited by what she was about to do. She looked up at Kris and gently spread her legs.
Kris’s eyebrows shot up in shock when Erin settled on her stomach between her legs. Oh God…she’s going to… Her whole body arched, pleasure blasting through her at the first touch of Erin’s tongue between her legs.
Erin had been unsure but her first taste of Kris pushed any reservations she might have had right out of her head. She tastes good! Erin concentrated, trying to figure out what spots garnered the most reaction from Kris. She wanted so badly to be inside Kris but was hampered by the cast on her hand. Remembering how incredible it had felt to be on the receiving end, she slid down a bit and pressed her tongue as deeply inside of Kris as she could. She jerked back in surprise when Kris’s hips bucked sharply up into her face. She wrapped her arms around Kris’s thighs to hold her in place and did it again. Picking up the rhythm of Kris’s hips, Erin continued to plunge inside her. Feeling Kris’s inner muscles start to spasm, she pulled out. Closing her mouth over her, she began to suck, lashing her clit with her tongue. Erin started when Kris’s thighs slammed shut trapping her in place, but she continued her ministrations, until, with a loud moan, Kris’s body went limp and her legs flopped open.
Erin grinned proudly. She had been uncertain if she would be able to bring Kris to climax, but had obviously succeeded. Kris lay with her eyes closed, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath. Erin slid out from between her legs and lay next to her, gently stroking her chest as she watched her recover.
Kris’s eyes slowly blinked open and she looked up into Erin’s eyes. “Am I dead?” she whispered.
Erin laughed joyously.
Kris turned on her side and pulled Erin close. “ God…that was…you were...”
Erin tightened her arms around Kris. “You inspired me,” she whispered close to her ear, making her shiver. “Remember, you taught me just how much pleasure a body could stand.”
The last time they had been together Kris had taken her higher than she imagined possible. In the end, she had begged Kris for release.
Kris’s muscles felt like jell-o and she was still experiencing twitching aftershocks. She chuckled, pulling Erin close.
“Damn, I’m a good teacher,” Kris said cockily. She remembered well the last time they were together. She jumped when Erin slapped her bare butt.
Kris retaliated by tickling Erin’s ribs, they wrestled around the big bed, laughing playfully.
Erin finally ended up on top, straddling her stomach. She gazed down into Kris’s laughing blue eyes. “I love you so much,” Erin said, all trace of laughter gone from her voice.
Lifting herself up, Kris kissed Erin gently, humming at the taste of herself on Erin’s lips. “You are an amazing woman, Erin. And I don’t just mean about the sex either, though that was fantastic. I still can’t believe you did all this for me,” Kris said, gesturing around the dark room. “How did you manage it in three days?”
“I had a lot of help. Jerry’s help was invaluable. He has a crew that helps him out with houses he’s listing and I got to meet Tony. He was…he was…”
Kris rolled her eyes. She was well aware of what Tony was like. She wondered what had ever possessed Jerry to bring him along. “I think the word you are looking for is flaming,” Kris chuckled.
Erin laughed. “That would describe him alright. But he was really great, he has a wonderful sense of design. Though I admit, Alice and Robert weren’t quite sure what to think of him at first. But they eventually warmed up to him.”
“Alice and Robert helped you do this?” Kris asked amazed.
“Yeah, they sure did. They both felt really badly for what Scott did and were happy we had managed to get back together.
Kris’s mouth dropped open in shock. Now she understood Alice’s reaction earlier in the day. Even knowing how close Erin and Alice were, she couldn’t believe that she had told her what her son had done.
Seeing the look on Kris’s face, Erin quickly explained. “Alice was waiting for me, that night…after seeing you at the cemetery. I was pretty upset and it all just came tumbling out.”
Kris regarded Erin solemnly. “I’m so sorry for the way I treated you that night…I…”
“I know…as someone told me…let it go. We’re together and no one will ever separate us again.”
“You got that right!” Kris said, pulling Erin down into a tight hug.
One thing Erin had realized that night was there was still a lot she didn’t know about Kris. Erin slid off to the side and laid her head down on Kris’s shoulder.
“Can I ask you something?”
Kris pulled Erin a bit tighter against her body. “You can ask me anything.”
“Tell me about your father?”
That was a very difficult subject for Kris but she wanted to share it with Erin. “There isn’t much to tell. I never knew my father. He was a Navy Pilot and got sent to Vietnam while my mother was pregnant with me. His plane was shot down and he was killed when I was just 9 months old. He never even got to see me except in pictures.” Kris’s breath hitched and she tried not to cry.
“Oh, baby…I’m so sorry.” Erin pulled Kris onto her side and wrapped her arms around her. She held her while Kris cried quietly. Stroking her back, she whispered soothing words to her.
Eventually, Kris pulled back, looking a bit embarrassed. Erin stopped her before she could say anything. “Thank you for sharing that with me, it means a lot to me.”
Kris smiled lovingly and hugged Erin tight.
“What about your mother?”
Kris’s body stiffened at the mention of her mother. Erin was asking her about all the things she tried so hard to keep buried.
Erin pulled back and looked into Kris’s eyes. “I love you.”
And it was as simple as that. Kris couldn’t deny this woman anything. “I haven’t seen my mother in sixteen years. She lives in Washington state. She was furious when I came out my senior year in high school and kicked me out of the house. I stayed with Jerry and his family ‘til I could finish school. I left for college and never looked back.”
Erin could see despite Kris’s words how much her mother’s rejection had hurt her.
“She is convinced that I’m not gay. According to my mother, I’m just going through a phase. She said ‘til I come to my senses and give up this foolishness she doesn’t want anything to do with me. She insists that some day I’ll meet a nice man and give her some grandchildren,” Kris said bitterly.
Erin shook her head sadly. She couldn’t imagine turning her back on Jenna or Christopher. Erin slid partway on top of Kris, reaching out to gently stroke her face. “I can’t imagine a mother doing that to her child. But I promise you…we will never do that to our children. We will raise them to be loving, caring adults and accept them, no matter who they choose to love.”
Kris’s heart clenched, her throat growing tight with emotion. This was the first time Erin had referred to the twins as theirs. “I couldn’t love those two any more if they were biologically my own. I promise you, I will love them and always do my best to protect them and you,” Kris vowed.
Erin and Kris stared at each other, each very aware of what had just occurred. The commitment to each other and the promises for the future that had just been made. It was a quantum leap forward in their relationship. They shared a deep, soul touching kiss.
Kris snuggled against Erin’s warm body, savoring the peace and contentment that settled over her. She knew from this night forward her life would never be the same. The emotions of the evening were catching up to her and she could feel herself drifting off.
“I love you, Erin,” she murmured before giving in to sleep.
Erin was still a bit stunned from all that had occurred. She was overcome by a sense of belonging she had never felt before. She pressed closer to Kris, sighing when her arms tightened around her and quickly followed her lover into the arms of Morpheus.
Kris looked around Robert and Alice’s backyard. She had come outside to keep an eye on the kids who were playing happily with Willy. Erin was in the kitchen with Alice, putting the finishing touches on Robert’s birthday dinner.
The last two months had been a whirlwind for Kris. She still had her condo but she rarely stayed there anymore. Most of her clothes had taken up permanent residence in what had become her and Erin’s bedroom. They had sat down with the twins and read the books Erin bought to them. She wasn’t sure how much they understood but they had happily welcomed her into their family. She looked forward to going home to all of them every night. They accepted her love for their mother as easily as her love for them.
Kris was a bit nervous and knew Erin was as well. Tonight would be the first extended contact with Scott since that fateful night. He was due any minute for dinner to celebrate his father’s birthday. Erin had been so angry at him she had refused him visitation of the children for a month. Kris had only seen Scott once, just two weeks ago, when Erin had allowed him his monthly visitation and he picked up and dropped off the twins. She had been determined that she wouldn’t hide from the man or try to hide the fact that she was for all intent and purposes living with Erin and the children. Neither had spoken to the other and had avoided anything more than brief eye contact.
Kris was no longer angry at what Scott had done, she had moved past it. After living with Erin these past two months, she had come to the conclusion that she should, if anything, pity Scott. Luckily for her, he seemed to have no idea what he had truly lost. She still couldn’t fathom him not wanting Jenna and Christopher. She had stopped thinking of him as their father and considered him nothing but a sperm donor. She was more a parent to those two little ones than he had ever been.
“I see you haven’t given up yet.”
Kris glanced up to find Scott standing several feet away. She had been so lost in thought she hadn’t heard him walk up.
Glancing over at the twins, she made sure they were out of earshot before standing to face Scott.
“What do you want, Scott?”
“You, out of my wife’s life,” Scott answered honestly.
“That’s never going to happen. She’s not your wife any more. I love Erin and she loves me. There is nothing you can say or do that’s going to change that.”
“And what about them?” he asked, gesturing toward the twins.
“What about them? I love them like they were my own.”
“But they’re not yours, they’re mine,” Scott sneered, trying to anger her.
Kris shook her head. “You don’t have the faintest concept of what it means to be a parent to those children. Face it, Scott. You had it all - - a beautiful, intelligent wife, two fantastic kids, and you screwed it all up. I don’t feel anything for you except pity. You held three jewels in the palm of your hand and you let them slip through your fingers.
Scott scowled at Kris. He had hope to anger her enough to explode in front of his parents so they would see what she was really like.
Scott took a good look at the woman his wife claimed to love. When he looked into her eyes he saw nothing but peace and contentment. In a moment of clarity, everything Kris had said to him hit home. His shoulders slumped as he realized for the first time everything that he had arrogantly thrown away. Without a word, he turned and left the yard.
Kris watched him go, surprised at the flash of pain she had seen cross his face right before he turned and walked away.
Erin stepped up next to Kris, just in time to see Scott disappear through the gate.
“Is everything alright? What was that all about?” she asked nervously. She had seen Kris and Scott facing off through the kitchen window and had hurried out.
Kris looked down at Erin and smiled, drawing her into a gentle hug.
“Nothing’s wrong. Things couldn’t be more right.”
Erin gazed up into the eyes of the woman who held her heart. She smiled before pulling Kris down into a loving kiss.
Everything was truly right with her world.
The End
I hope you enjoyed the story. Feedback and constructive comments are always welcome. You can reach me at rjnolan@gmail.com