Chapter Seven

The exhibition was almost over and as usual Stephanie charmed the would-be clients. In fact she had done too much! There was little left to sell to the big punters in New York, which would really tick off the other gallery owners. Paul had been delighted, the new owners of his work enjoyed themselves and he had seen love unfold before his very eyes. Oh Steph you're in real big trouble now. Wonderful though!

Louise looked at her father and his friend. Does he really have to parade his very young women friends in the face of his daughters?

"Guess it was his way of saying he is still attractive to the opposite sex. Although it's obvious he only keeps them around for a short time for their bodies." Whispering into the empty area she occupied.

She looked at her sister Kay, now there was a person to salvage. She had been at the beck and call of their father from birth or that's how it had seemed to Louise. Nothing can be done tonight but one day Kay I'm gonna show you how to live.

Steph, deciding to get some space between her and her friend after her jealous outburst, walked towards Louise after an absence of a couple of hours. It had been nothing short of embarrassing all around.

"Are you ready to go?"

Louise, being immediately captured by the icy blue eyes saw the sensual message hidden beneath the gaze.

"Yeah I'm ready, what about you?"

Steph smiled discerning a blush appearing on Louise’s cheeks.

"I have to clear some papers, settle Paul and his family in the hotel, then I'm free for anything."

"Good, because I have plans for you Ms. Gregarious, any complaints?"

A smirk crossed Steph’s face as she answered. "No, I think any plans you have for me Ms. Masterson, will be just fine."

Louise had trouble breaking away from the ice blue eyes that pinned her down.

"Good, eight p.m. my place and ...you're not allowed to be late!" Louise remarked over her shoulder as she left the gallery.

"Late! No way in hell am I gonna be late Louise, you have my total attention to whatever you desire."

Turning to watch the final clients depart, leaving her, Paul, his family and the assistant, to close up for the evening.

* * *

Louise decided to take the more scenic drive home giving her more time to think about her afternoon. I am certainly looking forward to this evening. I hope….no,… I know, exactly how Steph feels about me…she was so cute when she was jealous of Dave. I can't believe how incredibly happy the thought of her makes me.

Glancing in her rear-view mirror she saw a car approaching fast behind her. Negotiating the upcoming bend carefully hoping the vehicle would slow a little. Having very little passing space, this wasn't the easiest of roads to drive at full speed. The approaching car slowed down but kept a none-the-less menacing stance right up behind her bumper.

Then all hell broke loose!

As the vehicle behind accelerated at a break neck speed her car was forced off the road. Her head hitting the windscreen causing her to feel helpless and disorientated then as the car pitched into a tree she lost consciousness.

Although she thought it was hours later, it was in fact only seconds later when she came round. Four shadowy figures emerged in front of her and before she could pushdown the locks the door was yanked open! I know these faces! They are familiar aren't they? The faces held no compassion only an evil intent. The last coherent thing she remembered was a young man's voice saying "It's pay back time bitch and how I'm gonna enjoy this."

* * *

Steph, setting out for Louise’s home, was in one of the best moods she could ever remember being in. Paul and Fay wanted to invite them to dinner but she declined and taken a great deal of ribbing from Paul for her efforts. Her smile had been payment enough for them; they had never seen her look so relaxed in the twelve years they had known her.

Arriving at her destination she noticed the house was in darkness.

Hell, I know she said not to be late but surely she's not expecting us to eat in the dark? A niggling doubt started in the pit of her stomach, manifesting itself when she heard Argo barking. Something just isn't right here.

Steph, looking around the outside of the house couldn't find any evidence of Louise having arrived home.

Oh God, I hope nothing has happened to her, it couldn't have! I'm panicking for no reason right? I can't let anything happen to her, oh no this is too right for things to go wrong now!

Hearing a vehicle turn up the drive, her heart pounded in anticipation. The police? The officer stepping out of the vehicle walked straight towards her.

"Hi, do you know the person who lives here?"

Steph wanted to ask outright what the problem was but resigned herself to waiting.

"Yes, Ms. Masterson. We had dinner plans, but she's not home it seems."

The officer gave her an intent stare before answering.

"Ms. Masterson was in…a car accident earlier this evening, she's in the hospital." He looked as if he wanted to say more and thought against it. This woman was looking at him as if he had been personally responsible for the accident, looking ready to strike him.

Steph wanted to bolt out of there and get to Louise as fast as possible. Calmly or as calmly as she could muster she asked the officer. "Ms. Masterson has a dog in the house, he needs to be let out and fed, I thought maybe you could help?"

Her whole life was rushing up to meet her and all she could think of was the dog! Yet, it would be what Louise would want, she wouldn't want Argo to suffer unnecessarily. Oh God I hurt!

Don't you dare die on me Louise, you can't! I love you too much, and I haven't had the chance to tell you yet. Tears threatened but she held them back.

The officer looked at the distraught woman in front of him. "Well Ms.?"

"Gregarious."

The officer appeared satisfied and motioned them towards the door.

Within seconds the door was open, and a very grateful Argo came bounding over to Stephanie, she hugged the dog as much in greeting as in comfort for her pain.

"Hey boy, it's okay. Your Mom is just a little late today, we gotta go and sort that out, but for now we will go and get your stuff and you can come home with me."

Her voice muffled as she spoke into the neck of Argo, tears gently coursing down her face and into his fur.

Stephanie looked up with tears streaked across her face unable to hide the traces.

"Is that okay with you Officer...?"

The patrolman cleared his voice nodding his head briefly. "Yes that's fine, I will secure the place." He said quickly to hide his own embarrassment, he had never quite got used to shows of emotion.

"Thanks Officer," as she collected Argo’s items and walked towards the Jaguar.

She would walk Argo, feed him then settle him for the night. Then she would go to the hospital. Her mind was working on automatic now… this was her worst nightmare.

* * *

The Ampolisa hospital looked like any other local community hospital as Steph walked inside the doors and to the reception area. Finding that Louise was in a private wing on the second floor she proceeded there with as much haste as possible.

The nurse on duty looking her over as she approached. "Can I do anything for you, it's not visiting time now."

Steph was about to give her an angry rejoinder when she realized that it might be awkward to get to see Louise, especially if her family had arrived, which surely they must!

"I wanted to see a Ms. Masterson, she's a...friend. I realize that..." she was stopped by the nurse's hand.

"You're not by any chance Steph are you?"

"Yes, Stephanie Gregarious why?" Curiosity evident in Steph’s tone and by the confusion on her features!

The nurse, beaming at her, beckoned her forward to the door of a private room.

"She's been calling for you since she arrived, you might actually settle her down for us."

"I haven't been told anything. How is she?"

"Under the circumstances, and the trauma she's been through, it could be worse. Only thing you can say for sure is that she is alive."

"I see." When really she didn't.

The nurse opened the door. As Steph peered inside she could see her friend covered in bandages, her face beaten to a pulp. God, what the hell happened?

A chair scrapped the floor and she saw Kay, Louise’s sister, jump up at the disturbance. They gazed at each other for a few seconds not knowing what to say to each other.

"Glad you could come...Stephanie, she's been asking for you."

Stephanie was glad Kay had spoken first.

Moving towards the bed, and the still form of her friend. I really need to know what happened?

"I wanted to be here, she might need me. What happened?" Dreading the response but still knowing she needed to know the truth.

Kay looking at the woman in front of her, who, at the gallery, seemed intimidating but now here in this room, with her sister barely recognizable, she seemed just like everyone else, vulnerable and upset.

"Her car was forced off the road… it appears that wasn't good enough for them...” choking back a sob as she continued, “They forced themselves into the car and…rrr…raped her! The doctors aren't sure how many times but they beat her up just to finish the job and left her for dead." Kay was sobbing heavily after her statement.

Steph felt her stomach lurching as her heart went out to her friend. God, it is going to be a nightmare for Louise now. No relationship is ever going to be the same again. Not even ours, which has only just begun. She felt such an intense sorrow for the things that might have been and surely must now be lost.

Slowly, pulling Kay into her arms she gently stroked her hair soothingly in understanding.

"Hey it's fine Kay, she's got us to help her pull through this. We just have to be strong for her, what do you say?" Steph trying to be strong but deep down she was weeping, equally as hard.

Kay looking into the ice blue eyes that she thought of as cold earlier that day nodded, wiping her tears away.

As a restless sound came from the bed Steph immediately rushed to the threshing form and laid a gentle hand on one of her arms.

"Hey Louise its Steph, it's okay I'm here, can you hear me?" Steph  soothed gently .

The small woman in the bed, trying to focus on the voice stopped thrashing around. Steph, watching the reaction, continued to make soothing comments until Louise finally gave up her writhing.

Steph, putting a gentle hand on the face of her friend and without caring who was in the room gently placed her lips on her friend's whispering, "Sleep now my love, I'll be here when you wake and I'll chase those demons away for you." She continued holding the hand of the most precious person she had ever met in her life.

Kay had never known what love was. She lived with her father who had gone from one relationship to another without a thought after their mother died. Now she was witnessing what real love was and if it didn't follow the conventions so what! Did life ever follow any true path anyway? She was pleased for her sister and envious all at the same time, maybe someone somewhere would be watching for her, she certainly hoped so.

Noting the weariness of the younger woman and her inability to stay awake in the chair, Stephanie persuaded Kay to sleep in the offered room on the opposite side of the corridor.

"If she wakes?" Kay started to say.

Steph smiled weakly and said "Yeah."

Now, with no one else in the room, Steph looked at her beloved's face. Detecting two black eyes, a broken nose and numerous other lacerations on her face. The tears that had been threatening for hours now cascaded down her face and no matter how often she brushed them away it was impossible to stem the flow.

There is nothing in this world that will stop me from finding out who has done this, nothing, and no one! If I find them before the authorities well...it will be true justice as far as I am concerned.

Shaking her head she gazed down again at her friend. This evening promised so much and now it is darkened into what will always be a nightmare for Louise. Perhaps it will affect her view of our relationship and me.

Gently whispering to the sleeping woman. "I have never felt like this Louise, I want you to know that whatever the future has in store for us, I want it to be together. Please know I will protect you against this and any other hurt that might come your way. You have my promise. Loving you means everything to me and one day soon I'm going too shout it from whatever rooftop you chose, because you're worth it."

Steph closing her hand over her friends laid her head gently down next to her forearm and dropped off into the nightmare she thought she'd lain to rest sometime ago…now, it was back with a vengeance!

* * *

"Girl don't be stupid, I can and will kill you without hesitation, just give it up to me and leave it all behind." Claude Franklin muttered to the woman tied up in front of him.

"You think I'm that stupid, hell I've seen better amateurs than you Claude, no way in hell. Guess you better kill me then, you did say you wouldn't hesitate?" Stephanie Gregarious speaking with much more bravado than she actually felt at this time.

A movement from the door brought it wide open, as a group of Latinos walked onto the scene. Steph noting their quiet confident air and knew that it couldn't be anything other than the end for her.

After finally discovering the man behind the heist, she had hidden several of the most expensive stolen art treasures from a private collection in this very building yesterday. Now, the deal was going down and he didn't have the merchandise and she was in no position to bargain. Guess there  always comes a time to call it a day…ten years on this side of the fence hadn't been a bad deal, had it?

Unexpectedly her arms were released from the ropes that bound them and she was free to flex her arms and able to move about. Now why had Claude done that?

None of the men who recently entered the room spoke; they merely glanced around the room, at her and then her tormentor.

Everything suddenly went crazy.  Claude pulling a gun, pointed it at one of the men as he spoke to him in fluent Spanish. “Porqué usted me traicionó amigo. Ahora usted debe pagar!”

Sweat was visible in Steph’s every pore as she realized the fool was going to shoot someone and that someone wasn't her or at least not yet!

The first shot rung out in the silent building, one man falling to the ground. Another pulling his gun took unsuccessful aim at Claude cursing as he hit the deck, his gun scooting forward towards Steph. All the other men took cover with their guns pointing in every direction. Numbly picking up the discarded revolver she felt a surge of energy overtake her body. Steph felt as if control of her bodily functions had been given to another.
When all the shots had been fired, six men were dead including Claude Franklin. Steph, with a bullet in her shoulder, was alive but had no clear notion as to exactly how and why.

When the government finally arrived to clear away the debris, she was a wreck. Later she was told the revolver she picked up proved to be the weapon that killed all but one of the men. Impressive had been the conclusion on her record, but the gaps that were were left in Steph’s mind continued to haunt her and would until she took her last breath.

Steph felt rather than heard Louise, cautiously raising her eyes to meet the weary ones of her friend. She's alive isn't she! That is what is important.

"Hey sleepy head how do you feel?"

Louise gave her an almost vacant glance, as if she found it hard to remember her. Steph’s heart began pounding even harder than the night before. God she had better remember me! The pain of Louise forgetting her, along with everything else just wasn't worth thinking about.

Louise blinked again trying to smile, only to a gasp in pain as her face hurt with the muscle movement "Steph?" she croaked.

If Stephanie Gregarious lived to be a hundred, that would be the one time her name would be worth millions to her. "Yes Louise. Now I'd better get a doctor for you." Trying to extricate herself from the hand that clasped hers.

"No! Please I just need you!"

"It's okay Louise, I'm going nowhere. Well, not yet anyway."

Louise seemed to find that a good enough explanation.

"I look terrible don't I?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid you do, but there's a good side to all this." Steph tried to sound confident.

Louise looked at her questioningly with tears very close to the surface.

"What's that?"

Steph, herself close to tears, wanted nothing more than to hold Louise in her arms. However, without knowing the full extent of her injuries she dare not attempt to move her.

"You get to have people look after you for ages and no work to boot!"

Louise, looking directly into the eyes that had held her captive from the first moment she looked into them, whispered. "Will that include you?"

Steph felt her heart break at the tentative question.

Closing her hand over the younger woman's in a gentle but loving hold. "I will look after you for the rest of my days if you want me too, just say the word?"

Louise closed her eyes and at first Steph thought she had said too much. Then those brilliant green eyes that held her future looked at her with understanding.

"Yes."

 That simple word held a future for them both. As for the rest of the trauma, they would work on that together and nothing would stop them.

Steph, moving a fraction closer placed her lips gently on Louise’s and felt the response from her friend knowing this kiss held a promise.

"I'd better fetch that doctor!" Steph clearing her throat moved towards the door throwing back a smile to her battered friend.

I know it is the early days of our relationship but it holds all the hope I could ever wish for. The future is ours my love!

* * *

Chapter Eight

Knowing Argo would be in need of exercise and company, Steph left Louise in Kay's capable hands and returned home.

She also needed to talk to her assistant and Paul. Oh god I need to talk to Paul. He is the one person who knows more about me than anyone, but will never judge me. She now needed his quiet appreciation of a problem. He may not have the solutions but he was a good shoulder to cry on and she needed that, oh did she need that!

Seeing the injuries that Louise sustained broke her heart. She had a broken arm, two broken ribs, and numerous cuts to her face with so many bruises to her body it was hard to count them. Then of course there were the multiple rapes of her friend. Certainly Louise was going to need some special care in the coming months to get over the horrendous event. That was of course assuming she ever did overcome the trauma, there was no guarantee in this life!  The doctors only shook their collective heads when she asked that question!

The doctors agreed that Louise could leave the hospital in a couple of days if she had someone to look after her. Both Steph and Kay had enthusiastically stated that wouldn't be a problem.  A little later Kay broached the subject again.

"Stephanie you can't be there with her all the time you have other obligations, I haven't."

"Kay, I promised her! I can't let her down now, it's too important to me and to her. I'll think of something, she won't be alone I promise you."

"My father will want her home and taken care of, you know I'm right Stephanie. She will be safe at home on the ranch, where no one can harm her, can you say that with conviction?"

Looking at Kay, Steph knew that in some respects Louise would be better at her family home, yes she would be completely safe there but....

"I know that you're right in some things Kay, but she doesn't want to go home. Her physical injuries will heal, but she needs help with her mental injuries. Will she have that support with your father?"

Steph’s icy blue eyes were boring into Kay.

"I want to say yes, but I know she won't get that kind of help. My Father's too proud to even come and visit her here. On the ranch he will wrap her in cotton wool and that will be it. He will never talk with her about the episode and eventually she will go mad or worse."

Steph looking at Kay with compassion smiled gently.

"I will see to it that nothing, absolutely nothing ever harms her again, do you hear me Kay? I would rather it happened to me first. Believe me if I ever found out who did this...well lets just say it wouldn't be pleasant."
Kay smiling back knew that statement was true it was in the depths of her glacial eyes.

"Okay, go and see to Argo or my big sister will give you a hard time for not looking after him!" Laughingly she pushed Steph towards the door.

After smiling at the young girl Steph looked intently at the sleeping figure of Louise, her heart pounding at the sight of her injured friend.

She left the room.

* * *

Hearing the story from his friend Paul knew that it hurt her more than she was willing to allow. Knowing her for over ten years allowed him to know when this woman was hurting deeply. Yes, the story was horrific and it was going to be a problem for both women to come to terms with that particular day in their lives.

Looking at the tall woman leaning her head on the glass window of the hotel room staring into space, he accepted that it was going to be hard for Steph to let go of her rage inside. She needed too though, if she was going to cope with Louise’s raw emotional state.

"How are you going to look after her all day? You promised her sister right?" Tentatively broaching the sensitive question.

"I don't really know, but I have to do it, she means too much to me to let her down." Her lip was quivering with emotion.

Paul closed the gap between them and pulled her head onto his shoulder.

"Hey Steph whatever it takes, remember? You always told me that and I always remember it when things get rough and you're not there to help me. What happens when the person you always rely on to help, needs help herself, who does she call?"

Steph shaking her head spoke in a broken voice. "I rely on you Paul, you're my friend who else can I turn too?"

Paul smiled a warm and comforting smile.

"No one Steph. I'm glad you can trust me and I'm glad that you have found someone to share your life with. Now it's just a question of you being there for her."

"I will always be there for her, never think otherwise Paul! She's the best of me and I have never felt more relaxed with another person than I have with her."

"Yeah I know, I don't have green eyes and those blonde looks now do I? So, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to make sure I'm there every step of the way no matter the cost."

"That could mean your business, you know that right?"

Stephanie, looking out of the window again faintly spoke " Yes I know it could cost me the business, not that it matters, there will always be others.  I would rather lose that than Louise. Guess it makes me some sort of lovesick fool doesn't it?"

Paul, never in all his experiences with Steph, had seen her so vulnerable and yet so strong.

"If you had said anything else, I would have been upset. A fool, never! Being in love is one of the greatest tributes you could ever give anyone… no sacrifice is ever a burden for that person. You're going to do okay my friend with this love business. Somehow I think you and Louise will survive this and be the stronger for it. Now to solve the problem of keeping the gallery as well, a call to Jane might be appropriate don't you think?" Smiling engagingly at her.

Looking into his grey eyes, Steph knew why she loved and trusted this man above almost anyone she had ever known.

* * *

Henry Masterson arrived at the hospital shortly after Steph left. In no uncertain terms he had made his wishes known, his daughter was to be transferred to the family home immediately.

Kay, who earlier agreed to Louise staying with Stephanie, was powerless in the face of her domineering father, if only the other woman was here.

Henry looked at his eldest daughter sleeping, with bandages covering her face and body, shaking his head in total disbelief that anyone could do this to a child of his!

Looking at Kay he motioned her to get him a coffee leaving him alone with Louise. He looked at his daughter, a sad expression settling over his face.

You're just like your Mother, Louise, all guts and gentleness that don't actually go together. I miss her you know, I think you feel that I let her memory down, but I'm a man that needs a woman in his life. This is not a situation I ever wanted us to be in, I want you home to make sure that no one will hurt you again. Maybe it won't work out, maybe it will. I think we need to at least try. Guess we never talked about how much I love you and your sister? No, I thought so. Somehow I get the feeling we never really will fully; still it's a possibility for the future. He sighed at the distressing sight of her in this sterile looking room, knowing she was a vibrant type of person, just like her Mother.

Gently taking hold of one of Louise’s hands in his, carefully turning it over and placing a soft kiss in her palm.

I wonder what you would think of your children now Emily? God knows I haven't been the best sort of father to them, you always had the love for us both, however, I never could face the prospect of enjoying and sharing love without you by my side. She's going to be okay though Em. Our daughter was always a fighter even to me, wonder were she got that spunk from? Brushing a hand across his eyes he saw the moisture there, snorting in self disgust at his weakness.

"Father?" The tentative voice of Kay, who was holding a coffee in her right hand and the door in the left allowing her to make a quick escape if she felt it necessary.

Henry Masterson looked up at his daughter, beckoning her further into the room.

Taking the proffered coffee from his younger daughter he gave her a weak smile. "She's going to be fine Kay, no one gets the better of a Masterson."

Looking at the haggard features of her father Kay realized, for perhaps the first time ever, maybe he did care in his own way for them. Maybe he just never could voice it.

"I think so too father."

Suddenly the door opened quickly and silently, as the tall imposing form of Stephanie Gregarious appeared in the room. Quickly scanning the interior and its occupants she was taken back slightly at the sight of Henry Masterson. Hell I wasn't expecting him to be here!

Suddenly releasing Louise’s hand, Henry stood up from the chair, gazing at the interloper, eyebrows raised in question.

Steph, for her part, had a similar expression on her face. To Kay had it not been such tragic circumstances, this would have been comical.

"Father, you and Stephanie have met if you recall?"

"Yeah we've met!" Masterson was fuming, what the hell was she doing here?

"Its okay, maybe I should leave and return later?" Steph spoke quietly not really meaning the words.

Kay knew her sister would be livid if Steph was sent away, taking her courage in hand she attempted to diffuse the situation.

"No! It's fine Steph stay, Father and I were just talking about Louise and I'm sure you have something to say on the subject."

Steph cleared her throat, knowing what it cost Kay to ask her to stay. Smiling ruefully, she dragged a chair closer to the bed of her friend.

"Yeah, I have something to say on the subject."

I can't believe this woman is here! And, that she thinks she has something to say about Louise’s recuperation! Gregarious obviously feels that she does and for some strange reason so does Kay, what the hell was happening here?

"If you have something to say, by all means go ahead I would be fascinated." Masterson bit out sarcastically.

"Well, as you know Louise and I are friends. In fact good friends, we decided to move in together to pool resources as they say. Steph, first glancing at Kay's face, which had gone a bright red, then to Masterson's that had also gone red, but for another reason. "However, her condition has just hastened the move. I've already arranged for my belongings to be moved into the house. I'm looking after Argo anyway, therefore we have a solution to Louise going home." In all her days she would never forget the look on Henry Masterson's face, it was comical, she could have sworn he wanted to hit her there and then.

Masterson rising to his six feet five inches bellowed. "You're telling me that YOU, are going to care for MY daughter and move into HER house, because you're GOOD FRIENDS?"

Smirking Steph replied "Yep, that about sums it up."

"I don't think so Gregarious! Whatever Louise and you are, good friends or not, she's coming home with ME!"

Kay had backed up to the wall side and noticed that her sister was groggily waking.

"I think that's up to Louise don't you?" Steph said in a quiet controlled voice.

"My daughter will do as she's told, I know what's good for her and YOU certainly are not THAT!" He spat the words in her face.

Steph knew she had no rights over Louise and maybe never would have. But she had to try to care for her and together they would survive this tragic episode. "I think that's for Louise to judge not YOU!"

Suddenly a voice sounded from the bed. "I think that's ENOUGH!”

All eyes focusing on the bed and the pale form that woke to the discussion.

"Will someone kindly tell me what's going on here?" Louise said firmly gradually becoming accustomed to the surroundings again.

As Kay settled herself against the wall again she eyed the scene with quiet reflection.  Steph smiled warmly at her friend while her Father looked at his eldest daughter with his usual aloft air, betrayed only by a softening of the lines at the side of his mouth.

"Hi” Steph speaking in quiet, loving tones “Louise, your Father and I are discussing who should look after you and I told him about our plans." God, I hope Louise doesn't let me down now.

Louise’s eyes crinkling into a smile as she gazed into the ice blue eyes of her friend. She wanted nothing more than to have Steph’s arms wrap around her in comfort.

"Did he agree to them?" She answered, seeing the relief in Steph’s face at her answer.

"Well actually..."

Henry interrupted her with a resounding "NO I didn't! Now young lady, you will be well cared for and SAFE at the ranch with FAMILY to look after you there!"

Louise really didn't want to have a major discussion so soon but it looked like there was no way out of this one. "Father I know I will be safe with you, but you can't give me what I need."

"What? What do you need that I can't give you?" Henry said looking perplexed.

Kay looking at her sister with a reassuring grin, Steph giving her a puzzled glance as her father just stared intently for the answer to his question.

"Father a long time ago, you and I had a discussion on what I felt was important to me in my life, I'm sure you recall it?"

Clearing his throat and shaking his head as if trying to clear a mist away to help him answer, Henry replied. "Yes I remember the discussion, it was when you turned eighteen."

"Do you remember what I said Father?" she asked again gently.

Looking at her and shrugging his shoulders "How could I ever forget, it was the first time in my life I realized that I had failed you and Kay."

Looking startled at her father, as Louise looked on in shock, Kay couldn't help as a tear appeared and rolled down her cheek.

Steph silently going to the top of the bed laid a gentle hand on Louise’s shoulder in comfort.

"I guess you do." Louise said choking with tears.

" Yes I do. You said that the most important thing in your life was love, the giving and receiving of love, and you would fight for that no matter the cost. You left the house and went to your Grandparents to stay. Then later to college, you never ever came back again." Speaking words that seemed to be etched in his memory.

For the first time, Steph saw what it meant to lose love and know it had been in ones power to stop that from happening. Henry never tried. Kay had tears forming, her head bowed in pain.

Hearing those words, Steph knew Louise couldn't have made it clearer to her father what her feelings for her were. Never in her life had she felt so humble.

Henry Masterson cleared his throat again and looking at Steph said. "Guess she chose you."

Steph looking at him and spoke quietly "Yeah, guess she did at that."

"You be good to my girl, and if anything happens to her I will make you fully responsible for it, do you hear me?"

"If anything happens to her now you can string me from the nearest yardarm for all I care, because no one gets to hurt her again, including me." Steph spoke with conviction.

"Right, that's settled then, come on Kay we have things to do." Speaking brusquely he stooped down and kissed Louise’s cheek.

"For old times sake."

"I guess I had better go, you know what he's like if you keep him waiting." Kay bending to kiss Louise gently whispered. "You and I need to talk sometime Sis."

With the emotional charges dissipating Louise closed her eyes, contemplating what exactly happened in those brief minutes.

"Hey are you okay?" Steph asked anxiously.

"Could do with one of your hugs about now."

"Well that certainly can be arranged." Sitting on the bed next to Louise, she wrapped her arms around her, being careful not to cause her any discomfort.

"Some day, huh?"

"Yeah some day, can I ask you something?"

"Sure go ahead, anything."

"What are OUR plans?" Her green eyes were carrying an impish glint.

Chuckling Steph gazed deeply into those green eyes and lost herself in their depths.

Receiving no immediate answer Louise asked again, "So?"

"Well… I kind of told your Father that we decided that since we were good friends we should pool resources and live together.”

Hearing the gasp from Louise she quickly explained. “I said I had moved my stuff into your house, as I was seeing to Argo anyway, it was the obvious choice."

Steph looking at Louise in question was suddenly anxious for her intentions to be understood.

"Maybe I was too presumptuous… but I didn't know what else to say to him, it seemed plausible to me and I think to him also. Was I out of line?" Steph needing approval from Louise if this was going to work out.

Louise pulling down Steph’s head close to her own simply kissed away any anxiety that Steph felt, her own pain forgotten for a few seconds as their lips met.

"Guess I did good then?"

"You did good." Pulling her into another gentle but satisfying kiss.

* * *

Chapter Nine
(Three months later)

Watching Argo romp around the garden made Louise feel happy inside. At times like this she could forget the nightmares and the constant battle she had with the memories that invaded her mind constantly.

Her body healed well; even the doctors had been stunned at her recovery. Mainly because her constant companion insisted she do things that she balked and cursed at but eventually carried out.

Louise smiled recalling one such day.

They planned to go to town for the first time since the attack. The previous evening, as she was being held close by strong arms on the sofa discussing the possibility, she had agreed. Now, as she lay in bed on her own hearing the birds singing and heralding the new day she had second thoughts, third and fourth ones too!

A knock on the door to her bedroom brought a dark head peeping around as the door was opened slightly.
“Hey, sleepy head we need to get moving if we are going to check out the gallery, and have morning coffee in your favourite café. Then that stroll you promised me, otherwise before you know it the lunchtime crowd will beat us to it.”

“I'm not going.”

Steph looking at her gravely as she heard the words opened the door wider and walked further into the room, Argo following close behind jumped on the bed and Louise stroked his head and ears to stop her from looking into the distinctive blue eyes that were boring into her body… she could feel the holes opening up already.

“You're not going?” Steph repeating the words, was disappointed her friend continued to look at the dog and not her.

“That's right.”

Deciding this was going to be another one of those times when tact might get blown out of the window Steph knew the sheer force of her will would need to take over.

“YOU will get out of bed, have a shower, change into casual clothes and WE will go to town. I'm giving you half an hour Louise and that's the end of the story!”

Louise turning angry green flashing eyes to the woman she loved, although at this moment in time she hated her attitude, and firmly said “NO!”

All she ever wanted to see was warmth and love flow from those green eyes.  Now, they held a flash of angry emotion.

 “Yes, take it from me Louise, it's time.”

“How do you know that it's the right time? You didn't go through what I've been through! I don't want to go! I'm not going, and you can't make me!” Louise shouting loudly, so loudly that Argo sloped off the bed and went out of the door, his tail down. Oh damn. No. Argo I am not angry with you!

Louise is right. I don't know what she is going through. I've talked to counsellors, asked for advice and done everything I can to try and help her cope with the trauma. There has to be the day when Louise will finally face the outside world for the first time. Right? I really thought last night we passed that moment of indecision. I realize it is harder in a small town with everyone knowing everyone else's business. Louise is a brave woman, she could face them without fear, I will be there to hold her hand if she needs it. Perhaps that isn't enough…maybe I am fooling myself thinking my support is enough! DAMN!

“I’ll go check on Argo.”

Louise seeing the look of defeat on her friend's face realized the pain it caused. Steph is only trying to help and here I am throwing that help back in her face. Moving off the bed Louise went towards the bathroom her mind in turmoil.

After showering and changing into casual wear and sneakers, Louise went towards the kitchen and found it empty. She then walked into the dining area and that was empty too. Hearing noises from the back yard, she went over to the large picture window to look at the commotion.

Steph was laughing and tugging at a large rag toy that Argo held in his mouth, both looked as if they were enjoying the tug of war. Louise watching the scene for several minutes’ unseen as her heart swelled with the feelings she had for the other woman. Preoccupied with her musings, she didn't notice the ice blue eyes warm and quizzical as they looked into her green ones, until their expression suddenly snared her. Within what seemed seconds, Steph was at her side.

“I was thinking that maybe if you still wanted that coffee?” Louise said tentatively, shocked to the core with the thrill she received from the ice blue eyes that caressed hers with so much love, compassion and understanding, a matching smile to add to the glow.

Steph reached out a hand, gently touching the pale cheek of her friend. “Only, if you really want to Louise,” her voice husky with emotion.

“Will you watch out for me?”

Steph, looking at her with warmth that freed Louise of any doubt, quickly enclosed her in a strong embrace that ensured any fleeting doubt that remained was banished forever. “Darling, for you I’ll watch out forever, you can trust in that promise and in me always.”

Louise gazing up with tear filled, happy eyes into the features of the woman she loved felt a tender kiss on her lips. Both relishing in the comfort of the embrace, knowing that another bridge had been built in her recovery and they achieved it together!

 

Now it looked as though things had turned another corner - except for one thing...How am I going to tell Steph?

All the times I've been going to the doctor and still I cannot tell Steph about this one part. God! Why did it have to happen, can't I be allowed to forget it, haven't I paid enough without this to provide me with a living memory? I have no choice! Why didn't I do something when I could have? I still don't know… yes I do, it hadn't been the right thing for me to do. Now I must face the woman I loved with the news. Steph has guided me through my every terror, the nightmares and the depression with all the love and support I could possibly want. Who will most likely be aghast by my decision now? Pregnant! And by some hoodlum! Christ, what was I thinking?

In the first two months of her recovery Steph left the gallery to be run by Jane, her assistant. Only in the last three weeks had she gone back part time to check up on things and start new deals. Their time together had been enlightening, however at times fraught with words and actions left unsaid. Steph had taken the guest bedroom and only strayed into Louise’s bedroom when the nightmares took over and she needed the comfort. They kissed, but the passion that was beneath the surface remained there, neither wanting to rush the healing process. Now what will happen?

The door opened as Steph returned from the gallery. "Hey, how you doing today?" Steph said as she touched the top of the blonde head and gently moved the curls away from her forehead.

"Great, and you?"

"Well, you know me, nothing to keep me down. Especially not when I get to come home everyday to a beautiful woman waiting for me."

Steph knew that something was wrong.  Over the last three months she had seen almost every facet of her friend and there was a definite tension about her.

Sitting next to her, as Argo who bounded up for a petting session, Steph asked conversationally. "Has Kay been by today?"

"No. She and Dave left for the horse trials up State, they might be gone for the rest of the week." Louise answered absently.

Now Steph knew there was something wrong! I wonder if it has anything to do with the budding romance between Kay and Dave Macklin. Now that he seems to have set his sights on Kay maybe Louise is regretting not pursuing him.

"Does that worry you?"

"Worry me! I don't know what you mean? Them going to a horse trial or their romance?"

"Sorry, thought you looked kind of sad at the thought that was all." Steph muttered, obviously it was something else.

"Steph, I'm pleased that Kay and Dave are together if it makes them happy. Hell, I wouldn't want anything else for either of them, I love them both." Louise trying to sound pleased, but failing dismally.

"Then I guess something else is bothering you."

"Is that what you think?"

"Yeah, that's what I think. If you don't want to talk about it okay. I …I would just like to know, if it helps you to talk about it?"

"It's okay Steph, I'm just a little up tight today must be all this cooped up nonsense." She said quietly, touching the face that would hold her heart captive for the rest of her life.

Steph’s face lit up. This caress was her tonic, her lifeline to the one woman who could ask for the world and she would do her damnedest to get it for her, no matter the cost.

"Well if that's all that's bothering you, what about we go out to dinner tonight? There's a new restaurant that just opened it serves very good Chinese food."

"You've been without me already?" Louise answered with a smile.

"No! Why would I go anywhere without you by my side?" She said honestly. Trust was the most important thing needed in this relationship, especially with the events that had shadowed them in the past few months.

Louise looked into the eyes of the woman she loved and without doubt she loved her with every thread of her being, Why don't I just admit the problem and be done with it, something is holding me back. Maybe after we have dinner…

"Sounds like a plan to me. What time, eight o'clock?"

Smiling Steph bent to kiss her as she replied, "Eight it is my friend. You have a date. I will make the reservation."

I do love you Stephanie Gregarious.

* * *

They enjoyed a wonderful meal, discussed the house, Argo, the gallery and Louise’s artwork, just about anything under the sun really, a very pleasurable evening all around.

However!

"Paul has agreed to help me find a couple of new artists who need a showing at a prestigious gallery, but not in New York."

"Why wouldn't they want to show in New York?"

"Well, sometimes it's better that they show in a gallery that is close to the big cities, for initial sales, to start the ball rolling if you know what I mean."

"So, it's just a bouncing board really and doesn't hurt the gallery either, especially if the art is good."

"Yeah, something like that. Mind you I always get first preference over anyone, on the merchandise, always have always will."

"Ever the astute business woman, I have seen some of your stuff and I love the landscape that Paul painted for you."

"Ah, that one. Well it goes back along way, bringing good and bad memories back. I would never ever part with the painting, no matter what value anyone put on it."

Louise looking at her friend noticed how happy she was. It just didn't seem like the right time to mention her condition, then again, when would be a good time? When she was in labour?

"Fay must be getting close, wasn't she due about now?"

Steph looked at Louise’s pensive features, watching the dilemma of a decision being fought there.

"Yeah, I'm sure Paul will let us know in his usual happy-go-lucky fashion at some ridiculous hour of the night. I think he does it so someone else has to suffer being awake because he is."

Laughing she related the story of the night Grace had been born when she stayed awake talking to Paul even though they were three hundred miles apart. That had been some night!

"You talked him through it three hundred miles away? Hell Steph for how long?"

"Well, it was only about the last three hours. It was fine though he was my best friend,”

"Well my friend with best friends like you, nothing is too much is it?"

Steph gazed at the woman in front of her somehow knowing this answer meant a lot to her.

"For my friends, no nothing is too much. For the ones I love, I would give my life."

The reply stated purely but honestly.

"Which category do I come into?"

"I would give my life for you Louise and more!" Her voice held undeniable conviction.

Louise looking into the ice blue eyes saw nothing but love and understanding. Why do I doubt everything? Why not tell her the truth? She deserves only the truth!

"Steph, I want to talk to you about something."

"Hey Louise nothing can be that bad can it?"  Grasping her friend's hand warmly as she saw the trace of fear in the green eyes.

"Maybe, maybe not. That will be for you to judge. Remember this Steph I love you and whatever you decide it will be okay with me." Louise maintained eye contact with quizzical ice blue eyes.

"Jesus Louise! What the hell is going on here, nothing can be that bad, we have already been there remember?" Steph was puzzled, upset and didn't really know what to think with the comment.

"Steph listen, I haven't been honest with you..." Louise lost herself momentarily looking at the hurt forming in the ice blue eyes in front of her.

"What! Honest... what the hell are you talking about? For god sake Louise tell me what's the matter, is it Dave?"

Steph hadn't wanted her jealous streak to speak out, what the hell else could it be, that had been the only variable that had changed recently. God don't tell me she wants him after all! Feeling her stomach churn, maybe having a meal hadn't been a good idea after all.

"What? Dave, NO! Why would he figure in this conversation? Oh Christ, you're not jealous of him surely?" Louise sounded exasperated.

"Jealous NO! Should I be?" Came the retort from a now anxious and visibly upset friend.

"God No! If you immediately think that, what other things do you think?"

"What do you mean, what else do I think? I'm just waiting to hear what you haven't been HONEST about."

Steph was ready to leave the place and her friend at the table. She wasn't prepared for dishonesty from Louise! No, that wasn't what their relationship was about. It had to have more grounding than that surely?

"Maybe we should have this conversation at home?"

"Maybe we should!"

The waiter seemed to take forever to get their bill.

Louise’s mind was a jumble of thoughts as they drove out of the parking lot. The one standing to attention was…God what have I done?

* * *

Steph stormed into the house and allowed Argo out into the garden. She hadn't bothered to put on any lights as the dark appealed to her. It went with her mood!

Louise walking into the kitchen made coffee to keep her occupied.

Ten minutes later Louise went inside the darkened room. The darkness wasn't the problem. Penetrating the air was the anger from Steph.

"Steph do you want coffee?"

No answer.

"Guess not then."

Steph turning towards Louise asked coldly. "You have something to tell me, I think the word honesty came into the frame somewhere?"

Swallowing hard Louise put her coffee cup down. Starting this conversation had been difficult and she certainly didn't want to see the hurt and anger from Steph. How could there possibly be anything else after she had deceived her. WHY did I do that?

"I...God, I wanted to tell you. I wanted to have you help me make the decision but I didn't think you would understand!" Louise spoke with choked emotions.

"UNDERSTAND! UNDERSTAND WHAT? What the hell, Louise, when haven't I understood? WHAT more do you want of me?"

This was a gut wrenching explosion from Steph.

Looking down at her feet Louise then gazed into the eyes that usually held warmth now holding only an emptiness she never thought she'd find there. Her life that a short while ago seemed so happy was now shattering into tiny pieces before her eyes.

"I'm pregnant!"

"Pregnant?"

Louise continued searching her friend's eyes seeing nothing to convince her that things would get easier.

"Yeah, from the attack, I found out some weeks ago."

As the news finally permeated her brain, Steph was no longer speechless

"You never thought to share that with ME? You didn't think I would understand? After ALL we had been through together? You didn't abort it! For god's sake Louise why?"

Steph felt so helpless and angry. Nothing could ever be the same again for her. She had trusted in her love for Louise and by some trick of fate that had been thrown back in her face in such a cruel way. Just to make her feel really worse, if that could be possible, Louise hadn't trusted her with this information, hadn't believed in her understanding of the situation, simply put, she didn't have faith in Steph’s love for her!

"Because something inside me said no." Replying wearily for now she was bone tired.

Steph shook her head, glancing at Argo frolicking happily in the garden. He must be the only one in this family she mused bitterly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't think you would allow me to keep the baby." Louise challenged, not knowing why when she plainly saw the hurt inflicted on her friend.

Steph laughed bitterly. "Guess you never really trusted me then Louise. Maybe you're right, maybe I would have insisted on an abortion, but now we will never know will we?"

Walking towards Louise, she was unable to figure out where she wanted to go. Removing herself out of the line of sight of the one woman she had believed in, trusted and god help her, had loved without reservation seemed to be the logical step. Louise had ground that love into the dust without thought. It wasn't something she could forgive easily if at all.

Louise moved out of her path, watching as she went towards her bedroom, slamming the door after her.

Guess it could be worse, she could have left! Louise sat down sobbing, feeling alone again for the first time since she met Steph.

* * *

Chapter Ten
(Five months later)

Stephanie Gregarious gazed out of the window of the aircraft that was bringing her back to the States. She left the country four and half months ago, after Louise’s revelation and taken an undercover assignment for her old boss. Originally he balked at her request. However, she was one of his best operatives, albeit unreliable these days, so he conceded since it was a low-key affair, surely she could keep out of trouble.

I wonder what Louise is doing now? How often had she asked that question never and received a satisfactory answer. Her love never wavered, well maybe for the first few days of the revelation, then she realized that it never would die. No matter what the love would always simmer away inside of her although now it would never brim over into fulfillment.

When Paul he found out all the facts he went crazy. Two days after Louise’s revelation she walked out arriving on his doorstep for guidance and a shoulder to cry on. Much to his dismay she had not contacted Louise but accepted an assignment overseas. Paul counseled her to go back and work things out with Louise. Surely a love like theirs was too precious to cast aside. “Don't throw it all away because of pride Steph, go to her and work it out.” He pleaded.  Who really knew? She certainly didn't!

She stayed with them for a week, eventually returning to Ampolisa, in the hopes that things could be straightened out. Louise by this time had left for the ranch not leaving a message for her. The house, once full of love and life was now empty of human and canine habitation. Perhaps by that time it was too late for them anyway, Steph had her assignment and Louise obviously had gone home to her family.

Paul promised to keep an eye on Louise, even if it was a glimpse every now and then, when he checked on the gallery. Never knowing what might happen, Steph gave him Power of Attorney over her affairs and she left a will, which she adjusted prior to leaving the country.

Her mind, filled with sadness and regret, flashed back to three months ago in Paris and the moment she knew what she wanted.

Lauren had a voluptuous body that made your mouth water at the possibilities. Steph knew all she had to do was crook her little finger and the woman would come running. This woman all but begged Steph to take her to dinner so here they were and what the hell it was a distraction from her maudlin thoughts of Louise.
Time to forget and move on!

Sitting opposite the willing brunette she was astounded by how little she felt for the woman. Lauren was very pretty, had a wonderful witty repartee and obviously available, but something was missing!

“Stephanie you are miles and miles away.” The French woman said softly and placed a delicate hand on top of the much larger holding the stem of her glass.

Steph looking into the brown soft eyes opposite her gave a wry smile. “Yeah, my mind perhaps but the body is here with you.”

This Stephanie is very beautiful and her confidence and detached air gives her that wonderful aura of mystery I find irresistible. But I can see such pain and sadness etched in her eyes… to us French that can only mean one thing. Un amoureux! Qui a brisé votre coeur ainsi?

“I would have liked for all of you to be with me Stephanie not just your beautiful body, do you want to be with someone else?” Lauren asked quietly and her fingers caressing the ones she held.

It was foolish to deny her feelings, the other woman knew and understood, and now Steph had no inclination to bed her or anyone other than the small blonde with sparkling green eyes who had captured her heart forever. Her need to pursue one night stands long in the past, along with the love of her life or so it appeared to her.
“Lauren, I know you mean well but I’d rather not talk about it! That part of my life is over, although I must admit that it still hurts and that is the way it probably will always be. Let's eat and I'll take you home.” Steph replied quietly her eyes closed momentarily as Louise’s face came into view bringing a sharp pain to her chest. Tonight I have a few things to think about.

It is time to get my life back together! Working undercover isn't for me now, but what do I want? Maybe going home to the apartment in Chicago for a while will help.

Deep down she knew the only life she wanted back had a certain person in it, one who had charmed her with her gentleness, and shown her a glimpse of love that would last her a lifetime.

 

 

The aircraft began to change level for a landing bringing her back to…love she hoped.

* * *

Paul walked around the ranch with Fay holding onto his arm while Grace was walking in front with Louise holding her hand.  Argo was romping even further forward.  Nothing could look better with this picture except for one person…who was missing.

"Hey Grace, don't pull Louise like that, she's going to have a baby soon." Fay chastised her daughter.

"Oh Mama its okay Lou doesn't mind, do you?" The youngster pleaded with her adopted Aunt.

Louise smiling down at the girl said. "No it's okay, I love the work out Fay, must keep up the exercises you know." Thinking about the child she was carrying, due within the next ten days, give or take a day.

Paul looked at their friend wondering all over again how things had gone so wrong for this gentle woman and his best friend. Steph had done exactly as she always did in times of extreme emotional pressure - RUN. He agreed easily when Steph asked him to check on the gallery for her, although he knew Jane was more than capable. What his friend really asked, in a round about way, was to keep an eye on Louise, a task he would have undertaken even if she had not asked. This woman who captured the heart of his best friend, had made a mistake. Now she was paying for it mainly because his friend was an emotional coward, not able to face up to the trauma of the situation. Okay, Louise should have talked about the pregnancy but her emotional state wasn't exactly stable when she received the results. Why hadn't Stephanie understood that it wasn't about her but about Louise? Some things are just meant to be!

"Louise, I know you might not want to know, but Steph’s back in the Country, she arrived home a couple of weeks ago." Paul said quietly, clasping his wife's hand gently needing her silent support.

"Thanks Paul, I think somehow I did know, is she okay?" Louise asked equally quietly.

Paul looked at her averted face but could see the look of yearning need on her face, something she was not able to disguise.

"Haven't seen her yet myself only talked on the phone, but yeah she's good. You know Steph, nothing seems to phase her much." Paul silently added, Except for you Louise, you affect her in a big way, a situation she has not yet come to terms with.

Louise watched Grace chase after Argo and smiled at the innocent fun.

Suddenly her arm was taken and she looked up into Paul Ironside’s eyes and saw the friendship and affection glowing from them.

"I guess, I never thought I would ever see you again after she left, I just assumed you were friendly because of Steph."

"Louise I'm lots of things but fickle no doesn't figure in my vocabulary. My family is happy to call you a good… no a very good friend, assuming you want that title?"

Louise looked at both Paul and Fay, smiling as she hugged them both.

"Oh you don't know how much I love you guys," tears clearly glistening in the green eyes.

"Come on I have to go feed Jonathan, you know what he's like if he doesn't get food on time." Fay speaking softly, because Louise was close to tears and not wanting to embarrass their friend in public.

"Yeah, that boy of ours is sure a hungry little tyke. Come on Louise, Fay will give you some tips."

"Thanks, my Father is going haywire with you taking me walking this far out from the house. He seems to have come around to the idea of a grandson, or a grand-daughter equally as well."

Louise chuckled at the image of her father, who took his daughter back home without a word, showing in the few months she had been there that he had changed and was trying to atone for the past.

"Well, in that case we had better take you back and pull him out of his study for a practice session too, what do you say?"

Paul met Henry Masterson first at the gallery showing and hadn't liked the man. In his frequent comings and goings over the past five months he saw a change in the older man that was so profound it was unreal. He took on the role of protector to his daughter and would often be found chatting amiably with her in the study about old friends and relatives. Now that she was close to having the baby, he was constantly hovering to make sure everything was okay. His consistent kindness irked Louise from time to time causing Paul to physically take the man by the arm for a drink. The inevitable questions had arisen from those drinking sessions.

"Why did THAT woman abandoned my daughter, when she thought the world of her?"

"You better ask either Louise that one or Stephanie, because sure as hell it isn't my tale to tell Henry."

"My daughter won't talk about it, other than to say it was her fault. I...I just can't believe that, especially with how she still feels about her, something just doesn't ring true."

"Let me tell you Henry, Steph is one hell of a woman and believe me she love… well lets just say they have an equal passion. Something went wrong and all we can do is be there for Louise now. When Steph comes back, and I know she will, they both will need our love and understanding; lets hope they can work it out."

Henry Masterson looking at the man who turned out to be a good friend to Louise knew he had also given him some much needed friendship even if he had not deserved it. Some people like Paul, just never gave up on others, for that he was eternally grateful.

* * *

Looking at her sister in the wedding dress that had belonged to their mother Louise smiled. "You look great Kay, mother would have been proud of you."

"I'm glad you said that Louise, I wanted to feel that she would have been proud of us" Kay smiling at her sister

"Hey, I said she would be proud of you! Not me, look at me. I'm pregnant and it's no secret how that happened! Not only that I'm in love with another woman, who hates the sight of me."

Kay, walking across to her sister and gently placed an arm around her sensing the distress when she mentioned Steph.

"Have you contacted Steph? She's been home a couple of weeks according to Paul."

"Would it do any good?" Louise was resting out her head on the pane of glass as she looked out of the window.

"Maybe it's time you faced the problem and asked her outright what she wants. Did you ever truly ask her that before she left?" Kay wanted her sister to be happy and she certainly wasn't currently.

"No, I think it's too late for that! I played all the wrong cards Kay, somewhere I screwed up and it cost me the best part of my heart"

Louise continued looking out at the expanse of land that separated her from the love of her life.

* * *

Steph walking into her gallery did not feel as if she belonged there. With her relationship with Louise was over the town just didn't feel like home anymore.

Jane was smiling broadly as her employer approach for the first time in over five months.

"Hi Stephanie it's good to see you, where have you been keeping yourself?

Steph smiled at the friendly welcome, Jane managed the gallery well without any help proving that her faith hadn't been unfounded.

"I went overseas for a while, got back a couple of weeks ago. How are you and how have things been?"

Jane, knowing exactly what things she wanted to know about smiled at her boss.

"Well I'm fine, the gallery is good, doing really well actually but I know you know that, right? Especially after the exhibition three months ago you set up before you left. Now that was a real coup, as always you managed to get the best painting of the exhibition. Louise is okay and the baby is due any time now."

Steph looking at her employee, startled at the easy way Jane spoke about Louise.

"Thanks for that, does she ever come here?"

"Sometimes, she comes in and looks at the painting of the landscape that Paul painted for you. She appears fascinated by it, almost as if it will bring you home."

Without thinking Jane spoke the last words. Thinking she may have overstepped the mark she discretely looked at Steph’s profile seeing emotions that she didn't even want to try and decipher.

"Maybe she was right" Steph spoke quietly to herself.

"When did Paul last visit?"

"Actually he was here only yesterday, he's staying with Louise at her Father's home."

"WHAT!"

"Well, they seem to have become great friends over the last five months, in fact Louise is Jonathan's godmother. Didn't you know?" Christ maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.

"Guess I have been out of the country too long." On the other hand, someone hasn't told me the facts. Just wait until I catch up with Paul Ironside.

I told myself at the time it was the emotional turmoil eating away at my insides that made me go but now I know the plain fact was I was running away from the entanglement. I took the first chance I had and bolted!

With that thought etched in her mind the door to the gallery opened. Steph, not wanting to see anyone who would recognize her walked quickly into her old office.

Louise came waddling into the gallery wanting to make her vigil to see the landscape once again. Paul dropped her off outside the building and would be back collect her in half an hour.

"Hi Jane, anything new?" Louise asked her new friend.

"Well not really, but if there was I would tell you." Looking from the woman and back to the office door Jane, for once in her life lost for words. She immediately excused herself heading for the office quickly.

Steph, musing about what might have been became aware of someone in the room with her.

"Jane. Any problem out there?"

Jane clearing her throat and taking her job and the friendship of both women in her hands mentally weighed the results before responding. "I guess there is someone out there that wants to talk to you about the landscape."

"Oh surely you told them it's not for sale?"

"Yeah, but you know these small town folks they only ever take no for an answer from the boss." Jane trying a tack she knew would set Steph up.

"Right, so I have to tell some fool that he can't buy it, okay I can do that no problem."

Jane smirked watching the door hit the jamb with a thud, as Steph went storming out of the office in agitation. She then sat back in one of the office chairs waiting for the outcome.

Steph stalked out of the office, heading straight for the position of the landscape stopping abruptly as she noticed the person who enquired about the picture.

Oh God she looks so beautiful, serene, lovely, and incredibly sexy. Louise is here to torment me it couldn't be her! No, surely Jane would have said...or would she?

Clearing her voice and slowly resuming her journey to the painting as she reached the spot, coming face to face with her....

* **

Chapter Eleven

Louise turned at the approaching footsteps, almost keeling over at the sight in front of her.

No, not now! Not after all this time! I can't possibly be having hallucinations, haven't I paid enough for my dishonesty!

Steph seeing Louise was shaken at her appearance hurriedly rushed over to her, quickly holding onto her, as she gently led her to a chair close by. Without any words, knowing eventually one of them had to say something.

"You're looking good Louise." Giving nothing away in the tone of her voice.

Still feeling the tingles that traveled up her arm on contact with Steph, Louise realized this woman had no idea of the effect she had. Glancing at the features she knew they would always make her weak at the knees no matter how much time passed.

"Thanks, guess I'm not too bad considering," glancing down at the distended belly with a depreciative frown.

Steph giving a wry smile looked at the bulge.

"You look fit yourself, I heard you have been out of the country."

Once Steph looked directly into the green eyes that for her would always hold her heart she knew the past differences didn't matter anymore.

"Yeah, had work that needed my expertise, I couldn't pass it up. Worked out okay though, although I'm glad to be back stateside."

"Paul will be back shortly, he will be glad to see you" silently glad to see her again even if it could never be everyday of her life.

"Yes, Jane mentioned that you and he had become good friends, must be pretty good friends since you're his son's Godmother." Not wanting to sound bitter but it echoed harshly to her ears.

Louise flinching at the bitterness in Steph’s voice, what could she say to that? "Yes, Fay and I get on really well, they asked, I accepted."

"Well Paul and Fay always did have good taste in their friends. Well, some of their friends anyway." I'm sure I have been a great disappointment to them at times.

Neither woman knew what to say. Each having similar prideful emotions raging within them creating insurmountable obstacles that would not allow either of them to voice their true thoughts and feelings.

"How is Argo?"

Louise, smiling genuinely, looked up at her. "He's fine, he loves the ranch, he would I guess with all that open space. He misses you though!"

Steph practically fell over herself at the softly spoken last sentence.

"Well... I guess I miss him too!"

"You guess or you do?"

"Yeah I do miss him...I miss other things too." Damn, how can I be so out of control just being near her…this is so frustrating!

Louise looking into those ice blue eyes saw something she thought had died months ago...warmth.

"Would it be okay if I asked you what other things you missed?"

I am taking a big chance here but I have nothing more to lose and everything to gain. Oh Steph, I've missed you so.

Steph’s throat had suddenly gone dry on her. Why did I have to add that last part? Couldn't I have just kept my mouth shut? NO, my heart is clearly ruling me today.

"I miss the gallery, Paul and his family, the feeling of having a home..." What a pathetic answer.

I want to cry! I gave her an opening but obviously I am not part of the things she missed.

"I see."

God, I have missed you so much Louise why can't I just tell you? What is the matter with me?

"Do you?"

The door to the gallery opened and both women looked up to see Paul saunter in walking towards the painting, knowing exactly where Louise would be. As he rounded the corner, he saw the sight he wished for in the last five months, and it looked like they were talking, what a relief!

Paul grinned openly.

"Hey Steph, what the hell! Where did you spring from?" As he engulfed her in a big bear hug, crushing her to him, obviously happy to see her.

Steph laughed for the first time since seeing Louise, genuinely pleased to see her friend. "Christ Paul, are you getting stronger or what? Those hugs are getting fiercer."

Paul wagged his eyebrows in mock consternation. "Come on my friend just because you have lost lots of weight, and can't take the strain."

Although he was making fun of the situation it really wasn't how he felt inside, it had been a shock to see his dear friend like this. Steph, you look so troubled. In all the years I've known you I have never seen you in this condition before.

Louise looked at Steph discreetly after Paul mentioned the weight loss, why hadn't she seen that? Yeah she has lost lots of weight…too much! There were dark circles under the eyes too which pointed to Steph’s being unable to sleep.

Steph chuckled, simply putting it down to the work she had been doing.

Paul, looking at her closely saw the anxiety and tension in his best friend. It had not escape either him that Louise didn't look much better.

"Hey how about we venture out for coffee, what do you both say? For old times."

Louise looking at Steph, Steph looking at Louise both answered together.

"For old times."

Each giving a weak smile as Paul mopped his brow in mock anxiety. He held out his arms for them to take walking out of the gallery in hope.

* * *

Paul gently led Louise to a seat ensuring she was comfortable.

For some ridiculous reason Steph felt angry with him for doing that. I should be handling Louise with kid gloves, not my best friend. Now why in hell would I think like that, I left her for god's sake! I lost any rights I had to taking care of her. What a fool I was!

Steph shook her head to rid herself of the jealous thoughts as she seated herself opposite Louise and Paul.

Paul noticed a faint flush appeared on Steph’s face, considering it briefly before he started the conversation. "So, my traveling friend, where did you end up this time or is that a State secret?"

Steph looking up from the table winced a little at the words.

"I went to the UK and Germany mainly, I spent a few weeks in France as well. No real state secret, but it was a change of scenery."

Steph said the last few words without thinking, glancing up into Louise’s pale features. Why can't I learn to be tactful? Why can't I think before I speak? What an ass I am for hurting Louise once again.

Sure sounds like she holds me in contempt. Can't say I blame her! No matter what her eyes will always sparkle and capture me with just one look.

"I hear the weather in Europe was better than ours at the time you were there."

I can see the hurt in her beautiful green eyes. I am responsible. How I wish that I hadn't made the wrong choices so many months ago.

"Yeah, the weather was mild in comparison to ours. London was wet as usual, Frankfurt was blustery and Paris was peaceful."

Paul, raising his eyebrow asked what Louise wanted to but couldn't. "Paris was peaceful? What kind of expression is that?"

How can I explain? Will she understand how I felt, how lonely I have been without her? How in Paris I finally realized that my life is empty without her.

"I needed some time to clear my mind, Paris was the key it allowed me a modicum of peace."

"Did you clear your mind?"

The hovering server now placed the coffee Paul ordered it in front of them. As she moved away Louise continued to gaze at Steph for an answer.

"Do you really want to know?" She spoke softly, her words for Louise alone.

Louise looking steadily at her simply nodded her head.

Knowing something important was about to happen he excused himself. "Hey, just got to catch up with a call that I have forgotten, be right back." He swiftly moved out of his seat and made for the phone booth.

"He thinks we need to be alone." Louise said.

"Yeah, I guess he does, do you want us to be alone?"

"Yes, if you don't mind that is?"

"No, I don't mind in the slightest."

Louise putting her hand over the larger one of her friend whispered "In that case what things did you clear your mind of in Paris?”

The gentle pressure on her hand from the woman made Steph feel happy. No matter what happens you will always hold my heart captive.

"I was thinking about us!”

Steph noticed the flinch, quickly capturing the hand threatening to move out of range.

“I realized that it was futile to look for answers in another Country, when the only person who could give me those answers was four thousand miles away and possibly more than that from my heart. It wasn't pleasant knowing what a fool I'd been and what I'd given up because of pride.”

Louise tried to respond but was gently silenced by Steph.

“No Louise, let me finish please. God, I have wanted to speak to you for months, but I didn't think I had the right. I even promised your father that I would keep you from harm again, even from me! And what happens I'm the first one to hurt you and leave you when you needed me! I can't ask you to forgive me Louise, but I want us to be friends, maybe get to know each other again. What do you say?" Steph finally admitted her fault in the rift wanting nothing more than to keep this woman as her friend, if they could be nothing more than that.

Louise knew the sincerity behind the words her friend spoke. Oh Steph, you never ceased to amaze me with your understanding. Don't you realize it was my lack of faith in your understanding that forced the wedge between us not you? Can I be as honest?

Steph watched the emotions flit across Louise’s expressive face. Have I gone too far with my explanation? Maybe it is too late for us.

Before Louise could offer any explanation herself Paul came back smiling.

"All finished with the coffee? Hate to do this but we have to go. I promised Fay some rest from the kids." He looked at the two women at the table and realized that things hadn't quite taken the turn he had wanted.

"Yeah, that's okay Paul I have some things I need to do at the gallery and then, well I was going to go back to Chicago and look you up. Since you're here and not there, then I’ll have to give you a rain check. Maybe with the time you spend here you should think about buying a studio and doing some work at the same time.” Steph voiced the sensible answer knowing that this was the last time she would ever see Louise again, especially in light of Louise’s silence, although she couldn't help the dig at Paul for his favouring the place.

Oh God she's leaving. What do I say? There is still so much to say! My heart is breaking all over again. No, this can't be happening!

Paul, noting Louise’s distress, threw the dice as he gambled on his gut feeling.

"Hey you haven't seen my son yet Steph or your god-daughter for that matter. Fay is gonna roast me alive if you left without seeing her, come on now what about dinner tonight?"

Paul clasped Louise’s hand under the table in compassion, as she squeezed it back in gratitude.

Steph, staring at them both was torn between leaving fast and seeing friends she loved.

"I guess I could stay the night and see you for dinner, give me a time and place."

Louise finally found her voice.

"Paul is a guest at the ranch, we are having a family dinner tonight. Kay is getting married this weekend. Will you please accept my families invitation to dinner and be a guest in our home for the night?"

Paul was proud of her although he was certain the tension in her body couldn't be good for her in her condition. Now, he was hoping Steph would be as reasonable.

"What will your Father say?"

Louise looked down at her hands, then into the ice blue eyes.

"My Father will not be pleased at seeing you to be honest but if it makes me happy, he will tolerate it."

"Okay, what time?"

Paul saw the apprehension ease dramatically from Louise’s face as she broke out in a brilliant smile.

"How about eight o'clock?"

Steph looked at them both as she muttered more to herself than anyone else.

"That has a familiar ring to it."  Her mind drifted to the last time Louise had mentioned dinner for that time, it had all gone horribly wrong for them and would it happen again. Who knew what a pregnant woman went through with their hormones at this late stage in the pregnancy she certainly didn't.

* * *

Chapter Twelve

Paul wanted to be the one to inform Henry Masterson of the extra guest at dinner but Louise insisted she do it.

"Louise, you are already under so much stress it isn't good for you this late in the pregnancy, leave Henry to me, please.

"Paul, I have to tell him, she's important to me and so is my father now that we have a better understanding of each other. I have to do this! Trust me it will be fine." Louise felt the bravado in her words but she wasn't so sure of it in her heart.

Waiting for her father to finish one of his many business dealings, she was becoming increasingly agitated as the minutes ticked by.

"Louise honey, please sit down, you've been pacing up and down ever since you came into the room."

Smiling at her, he motioned her to the old leather high back that she found the most comfortable now that she was heavily pregnant. Greatly amusing her father as he recited the day he bought the leather chair when her mother was heavily pregnant with Louise.

Louise finally sitting down she cast an eye over to the flower garden her mother planted years ago. Strangely enough, her father had maintained the plot, though never acknowledging it to his daughters, until recently.

Minute's later Henry walked up to the chair, laying a hand on Louise’s shoulder looking at her with a question in his eyes.

"Are you going to tell me what's got you worked up?"

"Dad I...I want to ask someone to dinner tonight."

Henry gave out a rumble of a laugh "Is that all?"

Louise knew that wasn't all, seeing her father laugh meant he was in a good mood, so what better time.

"I want to invite Stephanie Gregarious."

"Why?"

"Do I need to answer that?"

"I think I deserve a little more than what I've heard so far."

"I met her today at the gallery, she's leaving in the morning and I wanted her to have dinner with us and Paul and his family before she left."

Masterson wiping a hand over his eyes focused on his daughter.

"She hurt you! Now you want to give her dinner for old times?"

Louise saw the confusion in her father's face. "Yeah you could put it like that, however Daddy I did the hurting months ago."

"I will allow her in my home on one condition."

"Okay what's that?" Louise knew that she had won one battle.

"I get to see Ms. Gregarious alone when she arrives, for old times sake" saying this in a tone not to be argued with.

Louise paled at this but nodded her head in agreement. Steph was a very clever and capable woman she could defend herself against her father. But, would she even bother to try?

Leaving her father to finish, she wearily left his study noticing the loitering form of Paul. Smiling at his obvious concern she placed a small hand on his shoulder.

"He said yes, with a condition."

Paul glancing once again at this wonderful young woman thanked God for bringing her into his family's life and more importantly the life of his best friend even if Steph didn't appreciate it at the moment.

"What condition would that be exactly?"

"He wants to have a private word with her alone before dinner."

Paul couldn't help the grin that was forming.

"Hey Paul it's not funny, Steph might just get up and walk out."

"Yeah she might, however if I was in her shoes I would view it as a father meeting his errant prospective in-law, figuratively speaking that is."

Smirking as Louise blushed, he glanced around thanking god no one else was about.

"Paul, you have such a vivid imagination." She snorted leaving him to go to her room for a much needed rest only if the baby and her thoughts of Steph would allow.

As Paul went in search of Fay to inform of the news he thought to himself Way to go Henry.

* * *

Steph didn't want to arrive too early and look eager but the prospect of seeing Louise again was the bottom line. Having experienced the presence of the woman in her life again she wanted nothing more.

Going back to the gallery, she showered and prepared for the evening. She wanted to look good tonight for all kinds of reasons, but mainly for a certain, pregnant lady who might, just might, let her back into her life again.

Although she was disappointed in Louise’s silence after her explanation it didn't take her long to realized she was probably shocked at the openness of the conversation and found it difficult to answer immediately. Well, tonight was another chance, this time it had to be Louise who continued the conversation if she wanted them to try again in whatever form that might be.

Arriving around seven thirty, dressed in a white silk shirt, a black leather skirt, which didn't quite reach the knees, dark stockings with black leather low heeled shoes, she looked casual but chic. Her black hair was flowing down her back, having been brushed to a glossy sheen.

She was welcomed into the house by the housekeeper, a small stout woman who had a jovial smile and looked to be in her early sixties.

"Louise asked me to show you to the room she has for you. Mr. Masterson asks that you join him immediately once your settled, for a drink before dinner."

"Fine, lead on." Steph was intrigued at Masterson's invitation; she hadn't expected that he would take being the host to that extent.

Having been shown to the room, leaving her overnight case on the floor, she was drawn to the scene at the window. Studying the balcony of the room opposite, she saw the figure of Louise apparently sleeping in a chair, looking drawn and delicate from this view. Not wanting to be caught staring Steph left the room in search of Henry Masterson.

The knocking on the door of his study brought Henry Masterson out of his thoughtful revere. "Yeah come in." Mrs. Collins had informed him of the arrival of the visitor a little earlier and this would probably be her.

Steph walking in confidently, realizing as she did that she was the only other party there except for Henry. "Am I too early?"

"No, Ms. Gregarious you are in fact in good time, we wouldn't want dinner to be late, and you and I have business wouldn't you say?"

Steph looked at him from her hooded blue eyes, sitting in the leather high backed chair, Henry quirking an eyebrow at the choice as he seated himself behind his desk, opposite her.

"If you say so."

Henry cleared his voice.

"I want the truth. Both Paul and Louise have informed me that you never lie no matter the circumstances. WHY did you leave my daughter in her condition breaking her heart? You specifically said you would never hurt her?"

Watching her intently for any sign that she would fabricate some untruth.

Steph looked directly back at Henry Masterson and realized for the first time that he had aged along with gaining a wisdom that hadn't been there when she met him initially.

"I thought she trusted me, she hadn't, it would seem at the time. We had a misunderstanding, which led to my leaving the Country."

Henry looking intently at the woman, her stance indicating she was telling the truth but it was only the briefest of explanations.

"Why have you come back? She doesn't need you now I can look after her as I have over the past few months!"

She should be the one looking after Louise Steph wanted to shout. She held herself back for she held no rights here!

"I came back to look over my assets in town, maybe consider selling them. I did not intend to see Louise again. I did not think she would want to see me. Fate stepped in I guess, because she came by the gallery, we talked for a while, then of course Paul came by. We had coffee together for old times as old friends do, the invitation stems from that I guess. I know you can look after her and probably better than I ever could."

Henry looked at the striking woman in front of him, and thought if only she was playing on his side, then maybe he might be tempted to consider a liaison with her himself. He silently laughed self consciously at the absurdity of the situation; at least his daughter had taste.

"I don't need to tell you that I'm looking forward to seeing my grandchild a great deal around here in the future."

"Yes I'm sure you are, I doubt Louise will be going anywhere right at this time. Looks to me like you will get what you want."

Steph puzzled at the turn of the conversation. Did he expect her to run away with his daughter? However the possibility did have some merit, she had taken that path before.

"Maybe, maybe not. My eldest daughter always did have a very powerful independent streak, you should know that!"

"What will you have Stephanie Gregarious?" Indicating the array of drinks available.

"Scotch on the rocks, thanks."

Henry made two of them passing her one.

He locked eyes with Steph and gave a wry smile, raising his glass.

"To the future Masterson generation."

Steph smiled warmly at the toast. "To the Masterson women and their future generations."

Henry laughed openly now, "I'll certainly drink to that."

Clapping Steph on the back, it was so unexpected she nearly choked over her drink.

"Come on Stephanie, I think a certain Masterson woman is very anxious about my discussion with you tonight. I think she thought you would go running home never to be seen again. My name by the way is Henry, I would prefer you to use that rather than Mr. Masterson."

Henry saw the grin appear and again realized that his daughter was a lucky woman. Stephanie Gregarious was one beautiful woman.

"Guess we better see about alleviating her fears then hadn't we Henry?" Walking towards the door in companionable silence.

* * *

Paul, having also formed an easy friendship with Dave Macklin was chatting amiably with him. Not surprisingly Paul had few real enemies he was the type of guy that could create a friendship out of thin air.

Kay and Fay had gone up to Louise’s room, when she had not turned up before the dinner was announced. Although they thought nothing was amiss it would be wise for them to follow up on their concern.

Knocking loudly on the door until Louise groggily she opened the door and looked at the other two women. They in turn regarded her with at first worry, and then with amusement. Louise had fallen asleep in the chair on the balcony, the day obviously having taken its toll on her energy levels.

Fay broke the silence as she pushed Kay forward into the room, "Go help your sister get ready for dinner, I will delay the proceedings until you make it down, don't take too long though."

"Well, Sis you better have the clothes you were going to wear ready. Because you're going to have one of the quickest showers in history, if we aren't going to upset Dad by delaying dinner too long" laughing at the confused expression on her sister's face.

Louise shook her head to help clear the fuzziness after the nap.

"Has Steph arrived Kay?"

Kay walked over to Louise placing an arm round her shoulders in comfort and understanding.

"Yeah, she arrived and early too, she's with Dad."

Louise turned pale at the mention of her father. "Is she still on the premises?"

"Come on, have a shower and get dressed, then you can see for yourself how it's going."

* * *

Fay looking around the room and saw everything to her satisfaction, Paul was talking to Dave, and Steph was talking to Henry and in a friendly fashion.

Arriving in the room all eyes turned to her in question. Smiling as she went over to Henry, looking concerned at the absence of his daughters.

"It's okay Henry, I don't think the baby wants to come quite yet. Louise had fallen asleep and is running a little late. A prerogative of being pregnant unfortunately, wouldn't you say Paul."

"Yeah, Fay went through that stage at the end of the pregnancy, and boy did we have dinner late some evenings."

Steph watched the friendly exchange with her friend's, and the Father of her…. Hell, it could only ever be lover even if they had never actually progressed to the physical side of the relationship; they had been lovers spiritually ever since they had met.

Her heart slowing down to a normal rate once Fay arrived and announced the problem.

"Wait until it's your turn Dave, guess you and Henry are having extra lessons for your future generation." Paul said looking down at Dave.

Dave grinned unable to stop his beamed at the comment. Wandering over to Steph, he held out his hand to her in friendship.

"Nice to see you again Dave, congratulations on your forthcoming marriage." She said sincerely. Smiling cautiously as she took the hand.

He looked intently at her and smiled. "Yeah thanks, it's a shock really I got to thinking that I was going to remain a bachelor all my life. Then one day I opened my eyes, and I found out that love could be hidden, even though it was in front of you everyday."

Sighing softly Steph nodded her head, unable to respond.

"You left her to go abroad I heard?"

Steph really didn't want to talk about this again, but this man had loved Louise and she had broken his heart when Louise had chosen her over him.

"Yeah, it was a difficult time, I was a coward I ran." She stated matter-of-factly.

"No, I don't think you ran because you were a coward, I think you ran because you loved her and were unable to understand she had faults and wasn't the perfect person you had an image of."

Dave Macklin had quite simply hit the nail on the head.

"How did you know?" Steph laughed in wonder at how this man knew her after so little contact.

"Hey, been there, done that."

His face changed to one filled with love as he saw Kay making her way towards him.

Steph turned away staring reflectively into her drink.

Louise arriving a few minutes later looked glowing in a light green flowing maternity dress. Moving slowly into the room, smiling at everyone within. Eventually arriving at her father's side, she kissed him on the cheek and whispered something into his ear. Henry Masterson smiled warmly at his eldest daughter and stroked her cheek in affection.

Louise then moved slowly towards the inattentive Steph.

Smiling at the sight of her preoccupied friend, "Hey, dime for them."

Steph looked up into the green eyes she loved, embarrassed at being caught daydreaming. "Not worth it I'm afraid. You look wonderful, radiant I guess is a better word."

"Thank you, I'm not so sure of the sentiment myself. Are you happy with your room?" She wanted to catch hold of Steph’s arm but hadn't the courage.

"Yes it's fine, I noticed you sleeping earlier when I arrived, the view across my the balcony faces yours. You looked wiped."

"It's been a real interesting day for me today, guess the old body can't take all the excitement of the moment. I'm fine now, shall we have dinner?"

Right on cue, Mrs. Collins announced dinner was being served.

The dinner itself went off very well, all parties conversing with an air of familiarity that astounded Steph. At times she looked quizzically around her during the meal, Paul would then look at her, smile and wink in her direction. Yeah, he certainly did owe her some explanations the sooner the better.

* * *

Henry Masterson had a traditionalist mentality when it came to the hour immediately after dinner, the men in one room the women in another.

For once this particular archaic tradition did not seem to bother anyone, except the younger men who would have preferred to be with the women.

Henry would have none of their blustering about hospitality and the like.

They were shepherded to the study, with Paul and Dave giving their respective partners a longing look.

Henry Masterson viewed the room and attached his gaze on Steph, "Would you care to join us?" He asked ignoring the raised eyebrows of his other guests and his daughters.

Steph looked perplexed, unable to decide if it was wiser to go or stay, she had not really seen Louise for very long alone, and time was running out.

"Ah Henry, not that I'm not flattered at the invitation, but as I have such a short time, I thought I could have Louise show me the ranch a little and maybe see Argo, if you didn't mind."

Henry glanced at his daughter who looked at him with a plea in her eyes.

"Don't keep her out too long, you do know she's pregnant."

All four women looked at each other and suddenly the laughter escaped them.

"Well, I guess our father must have accepted you Steph because I've never known him to invite a woman into that domain after dinner, ever!" Kay remarked in fascination.

Louise blushed, as Fay looked at Steph, who carried the startled gaze of one about to be hit by a truck, glancing at Louise, now understanding the reason for the blush.

"Hey Louise why not take Steph on that tour now, I'm sure Argo will want to see her. When Grace and Jonathan are about in the morning I don't think there will be much time for that."

Louise smiled at her friend in appreciation. "Are you ready for a tour?"

"Oh yeah a tour, no problem, I would like to see Argo if possible."

They left the room.

Kay looked at Fay and asked the vital question. "What was all that about?"

Fay smiled and settled herself down next to her on the sofa, pouring them both coffees.

"Well let me tell you what a certain partner of mine thinks shall I..."

* * *

Louise collected a large outdoor coat that belonged to her father on her way out of the house. Although the sleeves were very long and the length was tripping over style it kept the chill out and fitted around her.

Steph smiled at her friend who in the coat looked like a small child wearing something ten times too big for her.

"I would have thought you might have found something more flattering to fit?"

Louise swiped at Steph’s arm seeing the smirk. "I'll have you know this coat is ideal in the circumstances, I'm not likely to be in this condition again now am I?" Without knowing why she said what she did, she felt stupid, annoyed and frightened all at the same time.

Steph put her hand on Louise’s chin and raised her face to hers. "You look great Louise...and if ever you are pregnant again, remind me to buy you a decent coat."

Louise gazed at Steph, making a swift decision.

"I wanted to answer you today in the coffee shop, but I couldn't find the words. Would you allow me to show you how I feel about you, without words?"

Steph was unable to decipher exactly what she was being offered, but whatever it was she would go to hell and back for it, hadn't she already done that in her own way?

"Well I guess...sure. I mean yes!"

Louise took her arm, pulling her towards a small building beside the barn.

Steph had dreams of being ravaged by this woman from the early days. Now Louise was heavily pregnant, it took on a surreal element. She certainly couldn't and wouldn't take advantage of her in this condition, regardless of her own raging hormones and sexual desires for this woman.

She would have to be led and forced to the slaughter she guessed, smiling wickedly at the decadent thought.

Louise opened the door to the building, stepping inside, feeling for the light switch as she found it and switched it on, illuminating the room with light.

Steph could smell paint, noting this was a studio and in use. Examining the area she noticed that there were unfinished paintings and sketches, some of the works had covers over them, and a stack had been piled with meticulous care in a cabinet.

Steph walked towards one that clearly showed Argo frolicking in the fields, then one of Kay sitting in a flower garden. Dave Macklin working and Henry Masterson at his desk in the study engrossed in papers.

Steph carried on walking around the paintings, having seen the style previously she knew who the artist was and her mood when she had painted them.

Walking towards the covered ones she looked at Louise for her approval to uncover them.

The first one was Kay and Dave holding hands at what must have been their engagement party, it looked realistic and very professional.

The next a portrait of Kay, followed by one of Dave.

Steph looked quizzically at her friend.

"I wanted a wedding present for them, I haven't worked in months so money is a bit tight, seemed a good idea at the time." Louise said self-deprecatingly.

Steph watched the emotions run over her friend's face, taking the hand that momentarily shook. "Hey my friend these are fantastic, I hope someone is equally generous with me one day."

They then went over to some of the others, different in content, from her Father to Mrs. Collins, to the ranch.

"What have you over there?" Steph pointed to the cabinet.

Louise looked a little embarrassed "You wanted to know how I feel, well I guess those indicate how I feel."

Steph was taken to the cabinet and Louise opened it and walked away to sit on the sofa in the corner of the room leaving her friend on her own.

Stephanie Gregarious never in her whole life saw such a powerful display of love! The most amazing thing was that it was projected at her!

Painting after painting, displayed different scenes with her as the focus, around the house, walking with Argo, to standing against a doorjamb watching something not portrayed. Steph knew what that something was it had been Louise!

Steph asked the simplest, but the most important question she could think of now.

"When was the last time you painted me?"

Louise smiled through the tears that had been smarting as she watched the astonishment flash over Steph’s face as each painting had been revealed to her.

"I finished that one with you and Argo, last week."

Steph wanted to say something but was choked by her own emotions.

"I never stopped loving you!"  Gently speaking the words that Steph had wanted to hear for over five months thinking she never would.

Steph turned giving her a wondrous smile through her tears. "I never, ever stopped loving you either Louise."

Louise looked into the ice blue eyes and saw that familiar love and warmth return, the missing link, the tendril that attached them for all time. "I guess you're going to be around for the birth?"

Steph took tentative steps forward to Louise seated on the sofa bed.

"Try and stop me." Her voiced filled with defiant tenderness, eyes sparkling with joy.

"Come here you wayward lover you! Do you know how much I want you to kiss me?"

Steph fell gently into the arms of the woman who had shown her that love was not something that could be trifled with and thrown away easily, it was real, it was alive, and it belonged to her!

There would always be someone to watch over them.

Each other!

Next Story ---> Reason to Believe