Susan had hold of Timmy and Jack was holding Ricky as the two boys hurled insults at each other. "You cheated."
"Did not!"
"Did so!"
"Did not!"
"Enough!" Ronnie's voice boomed over the squawking. "I don't care who cheated or who's turn it was. If you two can't play nice I'm going to shut it off." The threat hadn't stopped the two brothers from bickering again and again.
"But he started it."
"Timothy!" Both his parents yelled.
"Ronnie." Rose leaned on her crutches. "Your mother is on the phone." As the tall woman passed her, she spoke in a lower voice. "She sounds like she's been crying." That caused the dark haired woman to hesitate for a second before picking up the phone. A crying parent never meant anything good.
"Mother? Mo-...Mother...Mother, stop crying. I can't understand you." She silently motioned for Rose to get Susan. "Okay, tell me again, slowly." The redhead entered the kitchen just as Ronnie was piecing together what her hysterical mother was trying to tell her. "Are they sure? Okay, okay Mother, slow down...what did he say?" She turned her back to the other woman and leaned against the island. "Mother, listen carefully to me. Did he say for sure that it was Tommy?" At the mention of her brother's name, Susan's hand went to her mouth.
"Did something happen?"
"Who called you?" Ronnie waved her sister away. She had enough to do trying to understand what Beatrice was telling her. "No, Susan's here. We'll stop by and pick you up. Yes Mother, we'll be there in fifteen minutes. No. Don't call anyone else. If they need to be called, I'll do it later. No, don't call a cab. We'll be right there. Yes, I promise...bye." She pressed the off button and set the phone down on the counter.
"Ronnie?" Susan took a step forward. "Did something happen to Tommy?" No response. "Ronnie?"
"Tommy..." Her back to them, she gripped the edge of the island. "He was going eastbound in the westbound lane of the Thruway."
"Oh my God," Rose whispered. Ronnie pushed herself to a standing position and faced them.
"Rose, I need you to watch the boys until we get back. I'm sure they'll just eat pizza and play video games."
"Of course," the young woman replied. "Anything, you know that."
"I'll get Jack and our coats," Susan said, her voice shaky. She left the room to get her husband. Rose hobbled over to her tall companion. For several seconds, neither spoke. Finally Ronnie broke the silence.
"I don't know how late we'll be gone. Try to put them to bed by ten. There's plenty of rooms for them to choose from."
"I'll take care of it," Rose promised. She reached up and cupped the older woman's cheek. "I love you."
Ronnie gave a shiny-eyed smile. "How do you know just what to say?" She pulled her love close and kissed the top of her head. "I love you too, Rose. Don't kill the kids or play any game that involves tying you up, okay?"
"I think I can handle them. You have more important things to worry about." She felt Ronnie step back and realized that Jack and Susan had entered the room. "I'll call you as soon as I know anything."
"They can't have any caffeine or sugar after seven. John has to be in bed by eight and the other boys can stay up until ten." Susan rifled through her pocketbook. "I can't find the keys. Jack, where are the keys?"
"I'm driving," Ronnie said firmly. The change in her tone cause Rose to look at her. The change was startling. Gone was the soft, sensitive woman that she was privy to. In her stead was a stoic, commanding presence. The young woman realized that this was the executive, the leader of a multi-million dollar company. Although she understood the need for the two identities, Rose still wished desperately that Ronnie didn't have to be the caretaker all the time. She watched them leave and prayed that everything would be okay.
The chime of the clock woke the dozing woman. Rose reached for her crutches and stood up. A quick rubbing of her eyes helped her see that it was three o'clock. There had been no phone call yet, no word. She went out to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. No doubt when Ronnie returned she'd want some. Soon Rose was smiling at the peaceful sound of the coffee maker. Ricky and Timmy had decided to continue their fight, forcing Rose at one point to send them to separate corners to cool off. That action earned her a colorful string of words from Ricky. Only the threat of repeating them to his Aunt Ronnie managed to quiet him down. At bedtime she took the easy way out and let each boy pick his own room to sleep in. Her arms still ached from working her way up the stairs twice before Ronnie's nephews finally fell asleep.
Rose passed the time by drinking coffee at the kitchen table and rereading the daily paper. Tabitha popped in from time to time, demanded attention, then left. Three days worth of newsprint and half the pot of coffee slipped by before Ronnie's Jeep pulled into the driveway. She got up on her crutches and went to the door, opening it in time to see Jack helping his wife and mother-in-law out of the vehicle. "Oh Lord," she whispered, knowing that the worst had happened. Ronnie took over for her brother-in-law and helped Beatrice inside. "What rooms did you put the boys in?" she asked as she passed.
"The rooms on either side of yours and the one at the end of the hall," Rose said, choking back a lump in her own throat. Until she saw the crushed look on their faces, she had been holding on to the hope that Tommy had somehow survived the accident. Ronnie nodded and looked at Jack.
"The room at the end of the hall is empty. Put her there. I'll put Mother in my room." She took her mother's pocketbook and set it on the counter. "Mother? Come on, I think you need to lay down for a little while."
"But I have to call--"
"I'll take care of letting everyone know. You need to lay down." She saw Jack leading his wife out of the room. "Come on, we're going upstairs now."
"Horrible...it's just so horrible..." Beatrice cried.
"I know, Mother. Come on now." Ronnie led the grieving woman away.
"Rose, do you think you can make a pot of coffee?" the raven haired woman asked when she returned to the kitchen fifteen minutes later.
"I already did. Your cup is on the table." Ronnie looked at the familiar mug, then at her companion. "I figured you'd need some coffee," Rose said with a shrug. "I've had a bit myself." They both looked over at the nearly empty pot.
"That was good thinking." She rubbed her eyes. "What time is it anyway?"
"Almost six-thirty."
"I guess I should wait an hour or so before I start calling everyone." Ronnie wrapped her hands around her mug and stared at the beige liquid. Uncertain what to say, Rose remained silent, giving her companion the time she needed. Blue eyes shined with unshed tears but remained focused on the coffee. After an extended silence, Ronnie began to speak. "The witnesses said he turned into the off ramp instead of the on ramp." Her lower lip quivered and she blinked rapidly. "He was picking up speed and hit a dump truck just before the entrance to the highway."
"Ronnie, I'm so sorry." She put her hand on the strong forearm.
"They um..." The blinking increased as she battled to keep the tears in. "They have to do an autopsy." Her voice hitched. "They think he might...the drugs..." A sob escaped her lips and Ronnie found herself being pulled into Rose's arms.
"Okay, I've got you," the young woman cooed. The chairs scraped across the kitchen floor as they moved closer, neither wanting to break the contact. The caretaker needed comfort and Rose was the only one who could provide it.
"I-it isn't fair. He's too young," Ronnie choked. "The drugs..."
"I know." She kissed the dark forehead. "I know." She began rocking as hot tears soaked her shirt. Sobs racked the tall frame but Rose held on, murmuring comforting words and gently rubbing Ronnie's back. "I've got you...that's right, let it go."
"It's those damn drugs," she cried.
"I know." Rose continued rocking and holding her beloved until finally the tears subsided and the sobs reduced themselves to sniffles. She felt Ronnie pull back and released her embrace. "Better?" She received a shaky nod. "Come here." She took a linen napkin off the table and wiped the wet face. "Blow...that's better."
"Thanks, I just needed...well, that." She wearily sank back into her chair and shook her head. "This is just so hard to believe." There was nothing that Rose could say to that so she scooted her chair over until their knees were touching. Ronnie laid her hand atop the smaller one and squeezed. "The next few days are going to be rough."
"You don't have to go through this alone." The young woman brought her free hand up and cupped her love's cheek. "I'll be right here with you, I promise." She looked at the clock. "It's still too early to call everyone and you really need some rest. You've been up all night."
"What about you?" For the first time Ronnie noticed the dark circles under the beautiful green eyes. "Did you sleep at all?"
"I dropped off sometime around two but I was up by three."
"We both need some sleep." She stood up, then frowned. "I have to take the couch. If someone wakes up..." There was no need to finish the sentence.
"Why don't I take the couch? You need the comfortable bed more than I do."
"I'm too tired to argue with you."
"Then don't," Rose said firmly. Ronnie looked at her and wondered if anyone else was able to speak to her in that manner and get away with it. She suspected not, except perhaps Maria. Her eyes saddened at the thought of breaking the news to the housekeeper who had known Tommy since he was a little boy.
"There's so much to do. I have to call the cousins..."
"You can do all that after you've had a couple hours rest." Rose forced herself up on her crutches. "Come on now, I'll lay with you until you fall asleep." Ronnie nodded wearily. She needed to rest and there was no doubt that with her honey haired friend by her side that she would be able to do just that.
After going to the bathroom and changing into her sweats, Ronnie crawled into bed. "You sure you won't fall asleep?" she mumbled groggily while arranging her pillows.
"No, I've had so much coffee that I don't think I'll be able to sleep." She held her arm out. "Come here, let me hold you." Soon a dark head was nestled against her chest. "That's right," she began stroking the long black hair. "You rest and let me worry about you for a change."
Rose was humming softly and gently rubbing her sleeping companion's back when she heard the car pull into the driveway. Her eyes closed slowly with the realization that it was now Monday and that in less than a minute Maria was going to walk through the door, completely unaware of the previous evening's events. She looked over at Ronnie and knew she couldn't wake her for this. "I'll take care of it," she whispered before placing a gentle kiss on the sleeping woman's shoulder.
She entered the kitchen just as Maria was closing the sliding glass door. "Oooh, that wind," the housekeeper said as she removed her coat. She turned and realized that she wasn't alone. "Oh, good morning, Rose. Is that Susan's car in the driveway?" At that same moment she noticed the half-empty coffee pot and the newspapers strewn about the table.
"Yes."
"Rose, what's going on? Where's Ronnie?"
"She's sleeping. Maria, please come sit down." Rose leaned her crutches against the island and pulled out a chair.
"Why is Susan here? Are the boys all right? Did something happen to Jack? Is--"
"No, they're fine. Please sit down." Rose let out a breath and waited for the housekeeper to take a seat before sitting down herself.
"You're scaring me. What happened?" Maria's voice was full of worry. Rose felt her throat tighten even before she spoke. "I wish there was an easy way to tell you this." Realizing that her words were only making the older woman more upset, she took a deep breath and continued. "Tommy was killed in an auto accident last night."
Like a mirror shattering, Maria's face lost all composure and she broke down into tears immediately. As she did with Ronnie, Rose took the grieving woman in her arms and comforted her. The housekeeper recovered after a few minutes and stood up. "Well then, I believe that there are things I should be doing." She walked over to the coffee maker. "I'm sure that a fresh pot would be in order."
"Maria, you don't have to do that."
The older woman turned and looked at her. "Rose, I am not a Cartwright. Ronnie says I'm the housekeeper but in truth I'm the maid. I remember when her father passed away. I worked for that man for twenty-five years and on the day of his funeral I was here making sure there was enough food for the people who were going to be arriving after the graveside service."
"That's awful," Rose gasped. "Ronnie wouldn't give you the day off?"
"Ronnie wasn't in charge then, her mother was." Maria poured the coffee into the sink and turned on the faucet. "She said she needed me here to take care of everything for her. What was I supposed to do?"
"I'm sure Ronnie won't expect you to work." She hobbled forward another step and spoke in a lower voice. "Beatrice is here too."
"Well then, she'll be expecting hot tea when she comes down." Maria opened the cupboard and fished out the teapot. "What time are you going to wake Ronnie up?"
"I figured I'd give her another half-hour or so. She was up all night."
"Hmm, Beatrice usually wakes up by eight. You probably should wake Ronnie once the coffee is ready." Rose nodded in agreement. It wouldn't be a good thing to wake her companion up and then make her immediately face her mother.
Maria followed Rose into the room and set the steaming cup of coffee on the nightstand. "I'll start breakfast for the boys. I'm sure they'll be up soon."
"Thank you, we'll be out in a few minutes," she said, her eyes never leaving the sleeping woman. Once she heard the click of the door closing, Rose leaned her crutches against the wall and laid down next to her companion. She propped herself up on one elbow and looked down, silently wishing she didn't have to wake Ronnie. Even in sleep the executive's face showed the signs of grief. Closed eyes still showed the puffiness of crying and there was no peacefulness in the chiseled features. "Ronnie? Time to wake up, hon."
"Hmm?" Eyes that didn't get enough sleep opened with momentary confusion. "What time is it?"
"About quarter of eight," the young woman replied. Ronnie groaned and sat up.
"I guess I'd better get up then. I have a busy day ahead of me." Her eyes widened at the sight of her coffee being handed to her. "Oh, thanks." She took a sip and smiled appreciatively. "I needed this." She took another sip, then looked at Rose quizzically. "Did you make this?"
"Maria did."
"Oh God, Maria." Ronnie put her hand to her mouth. "I have to--"
"I took care of it for you," Rose said in a low tone, her eyes betraying just how difficult it was for her to be the bearer of bad news.
"Come here." The tall woman leaned her back against the headrest and held her right arm out.
"But you have things to do," she said, although there was nothing more in the world she wanted to do at the moment than curl up in Ronnie's arms.
"I can spare a minute." Sad blue eyes looked at Rose. "I really need to hold you." Careful not to spill the coffee, they snuggled up together, the reddish-blonde head resting against the executive's chest. "Thank you."
"If there's anything I can do..."
"You're doing it right now," Ronnie said, pressing her lips against Rose's head. "I just need a few minutes of peace with you before I go out there and face anyone." She took another sip of coffee and began idly stroking the honey hair. "There's going to be hundreds of people going in and out for the next few days. Tabitha will be spending a lot of time in the laundry room." She nuzzled her cheek against the soft hair then took another drink. "If Jack and Susan stay, would you help keep the boys occupied? They like playing video games with you."
"Of course, Ronnie. Anything you need." As much as she didn't want to, Rose pulled away from the embrace. "I'd better go back out there and see if Maria needs any help. Besides, I'm sure you want to get dressed before everyone wakes up."
"Maria? She didn't go home?"
"No, she's making breakfast."
"Tell her she can go home. She doesn't have to work today." Ronnie was surprised to receive a quick hug. "What was that for?"
"I knew you wouldn't make her work."
"Of course not. How could I expect her to work after this?"
"Your mother did when your father died." She watched Ronnie's jaw tense.
"I'm not like my mother," she said tersely. She flung the covers back and stood up. "Rose, would you mind telling Maria?"
"No, I don't mind at all," the young woman said just before Ronnie closed the bathroom door. She picked up the empty mug. "I'll have fresh coffee waiting for you when you come out." It was easier said then done as Rose tried to figure out how to maneuver with her crutches. The solution was to hold the handle by her teeth, which earned her a disapproving look from Maria once she entered the kitchen.
"You're as stubborn as she is, aren't you?" the housekeeper chastised as she took the mug. "You know I would have come and picked it up. You didn't need to carry it all the way out here."
"Maria, Ronnie said you didn't have to stay today. I'm sure we can handle everything."
"Was that her idea or yours?"
"Hers."
"I see." The housekeeper nodded. "I would expect that from someone as generous as Ronnie. However, I think I should stay."
"Why? You're just as upset as everyone else, why should you stay and work?"
"Maria? Maria are you down there?" Beatrice called down from the top of the stairs.
"That's why," the older woman said. She walked out to the living room and looked up at the matriarch. "There's tea waiting for you, Mrs. Cartwright."
"Oh good, you are here." Beatrice walked down the stairs, her face showing the signs of a grieving mother. "It's terrible, isn't it? Just simply terrible."
"Tragic," the housekeeper agreed.
"Where's my daughter?" She finally noticed Rose leaning on her crutches. "Hello, dear. Aren't you Ronnie's little friend? The one that was in the wheelchair?"
"Yes, Ma'am. My name is Rose."
"Rose, where's Ronnie?"
"She's getting dressed. She'll be out in a minute."
"Has she started to call anyone yet?"
"I'll be doing it in a minute," Ronnie said as she exited Rose's room. She appeared composed but Rose knew it was an act. The puffy eyes told of new tears of grief waiting to pour out. "Good morning, Mother."
"There's nothing good about this day, Veronica. You'd better get started. Call your Aunt Elaine first." The matriarch strode into the kitchen, effectively dismissing her daughter.
"I guess I'd better start making some phone calls." She looked in the direction of the kitchen and shook her head. "I'm going to use the phone in the office. Excuse me."
Rose waited until the door to the room closed before speaking to Maria in hushed tones. "Why was she so mean to Ronnie?"
"She's not trying to be mean," the housekeeper explained. "Beatrice has a certain way of handling things. This is her way."
"I know she's hurting but so is Ronnie. Can't she see that?"
"Some people can't see past their own pain, Rose." Maria looked at the kitchen. "I have to get in there."
Rose stood there for a moment, her first instinct to keep Ronnie company. But then she realized that there was a better way to help her friend. Steeling herself, she followed Maria into the kitchen.
Beatrice was sitting at the table with a cup of tea in one hand and a handkerchief in the other. "Mrs. Cartwright, would you mind if I sat down here?" Rose asked sweetly. "I still can't stand for any length of time yet."
"Well yes, sit down. Maria, some more tea."
"Thank you," the young woman said as she took a seat. The housekeeper approached with the teapot and a cup of coffee for Rose. They exchanged glances but said nothing. Beatrice looked at her watch.
"I would think Ricky would be up by now. He's always an early riser."
"He was up late. I had trouble getting him to sleep."
"That's right, you watched them, didn't you?" Rose nodded. The matriarch sipped her tea. "That Ricky. He's a lot like Tommy, you know."
"I'm afraid I didn't get to know your son. Why don't you tell me about him?"
Ronnie stepped into the kitchen an hour later looking for her coffee. Her throat was becoming dry after making so many calls. An eyebrow arched at the sight of her mother, Rose, and Susan sitting at the table chatting. Since Beatrice's back was to her, Ronnie hoped she could sneak in, get her coffee, and get out. The sound of her sister's voice, however, dashed that hope. "Ronnie."
"Morning Susan." She turned and faced the table. "Mother, Frank and the kids will be here in a little while. Most of the others will be here this afternoon."
"Did you make the arrangements? I want you to make sure that he gets the best, the very best."
"I'll take care of it," Ronnie said. "I have a few more calls to make. Laura can handle the business associates and the press releases." Maria handed her the mug. "I'll be back out later."
"Did you reach your Aunt Elaine?"
"I got her answering service. She'll call back."
"But you're on the phone." The matriarch's voice raised a notch. "She won't be able to get through. Veronica, I don't want her to hear about this on the news."
"I have call waiting, Mother. She won't get a busy signal."
"She can't hear about this on the news. Thomas was her favorite nephew."
"I left a message with her service." What do you want me to do? I can't *make* her call me. She gulped her coffee, wincing at the burning heat going down her throat.
"Mrs. Cartwright, would you like some more tea?" Rose asked.
"Not right now, dear. I should go spend some time with my grandsons." She looked at her younger daughter. "Susan, I assume if you and Jack have another child that you will name him Thomas."
"Mother, we've decided that three--"
"Nonsense. You're certainly young enough and it's not like your figure could be ruined by another child. Your sister continues to show no interest in having children." The matriarch rose to her feet. "I'm going to go visit with the boys and then you can take me home, Ronnie. I'll let you know when I'm ready."
The tall woman's knuckles turned white as she gripped the handle of her mug and glared at her mother's retreating form. Susan stood next to her sister. "She doesn't know what she's saying. She's just hurting over Tommy."
"She knows exactly what she's saying, Sis. The problem is we keep putting up with it." She turned to Rose. "People are going to start arriving soon. You might want to go into your room before it happens."
"No." She picked up her crutches. "I can help. I'll keep an eye on the kids so the adults can be together. I don't mind."
"Are you sure?" Ronnie looked at her and was hard pressed not to seek an embrace. You know how crazy it's gonna be and you still want to help? She was certain that she wouldn't be as generous if the situations were reversed. Then again, when it comes to you there isn't anything I wouldn't do. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Of course. It's the least I can do." Rose smiled and Ronnie found herself helplessly lost in it. "Ahem." Susan's polite cough broke the moment.
"I'd better get back to the phone calls."
"Ronnie, I'll make sure she gets home. You worry about getting in touch with everyone," the redhead said.
It was almost nightfall by the time Susan and her family took Beatrice home. Ronnie made it a point to stay hidden in the office as much as possible while unbeknownst to her Rose was doing her best to keep the matriarch away from her. When the minivan backed out of her driveway, the raven haired woman breathed a sigh of relief and stepped into the living room. Damn. In her hiding, she didn't notice that the group of relatives arriving was outpacing those leaving and now close to thirty Cartwrights were floating around. She spotted Rose immediately and made a beeline for her. "Hi."
"Hi. Your mother left."
"I see that." She looked around, her tall frame allowing her to see past the mass of people. "Do you think they could be a little louder?"
"Who's the one in the blue jacket with the tie undone?"
"Michael. He owns a Toyota dealership. One of the cousins," Ronnie said as she looked at the young man, frowning at his bereavement act.
"Oh."
"Why do you ask?"
"He was telling me that he and Tommy were close."
"Yeah and he was 'close' to Dad after he died. Didn't get him anything then and it won't now."
"You mean he's only acting like that because..." Rose stopped, thinking about how Delores acted when her father died. "That's terrible."
"I'm surprised he's here and not ransacking Tommy's condo right now. Must have been so close that he forgot the address in all of his grief." Hidden from the sight of others, a hand worked its way to the small of Ronnie's back and began rubbing in gentle circles.
"They'll be leaving soon, won't they?"
"Well, there's no reason for the them to stay. They all said their condolences to Mother, found out when the wake and funeral are scheduled. They're just hanging out here because they have no place better to be. A loud crash from the game room drew her attention. "I'll be right back."
The crash turned out to be a bar stool complete with its occupant. "Hey, Cuzz," the drunken man slurred. Two of the half-dozen men standing around moved in to help him up. A breathalyzer wasn't needed to know that they were all quite drunk.
"Frank, what are you doing."
"The boys and I were just raising a few to Tommy." He wobbled back onto his now upright stool. She walked past him and stepped behind the bar.
"A bottle of scotch and half a bottle of vodka. You guys have been toasting him quite well, I believe." She capped the vodka and shut the light off behind the bar. "I think it's time for your wives to take you home." She walked around shutting off lights and hanging up the cue sticks. One by one the men grumbled and left the room, not all unassisted. It took her slightly longer to break up the bunches of women gathered together talking about every imaginable subject. Only when the last relative was gone did Maria appear with the vacuum. "Don't bother tonight," Ronnie said.
"Look at this room," the housekeeper said incredulously.
"It'll be here in the morning, Maria. It's been a long day and I'm exhausted. Please, just leave it until tomorrow, okay?"
"If you wish. I'll be here first thing as usual. Should I pick anything special up at the market?"
"No, there's nothing--"
"A roll of chocolate chip cookie dough," Rose interjected. "Um, you know how kids love cookies. Maybe it'll keep them occupied." She caught the slight upturn of a smile on Ronnie's lips and knew her idea was well received. "Better make that two," she amended, her eyes never leaving those of her friend.
An hour later two bodies were curled up around each other, both fighting yawns. "You are an incredibly thoughtful woman," Ronnie mumbled into the young woman's ear.
"Mm?"
"The cookies. And I know you put up with my mother to keep her away from me." She squeezed the shoulder beneath her hand. "You don't know how much I appreciate that."
"You had enough to worry about." She squirmed back into the warm body behind her. The biggest advantage of having her cast shortened was that she could snuggle up as close as she wanted to Ronnie. "She's not that bad."
"That's because she's not your mother."
"True."
"It's a good thing too." The hand that had been squeezing Rose's shoulder moved down to her waist.
"Why's that?"
"Because," Ronnie flipped the smaller woman onto her back and put her hands on either side of the golden head of hair. She relaxed her shoulders, bringing their lips so close that their breath mingled. "That would make you my sister and I guarantee there are times when my thoughts of you are far from sisterly." Even in the dim moonlight Rose could see the roughish grin before it was replaced with a more serious face. "You don't know how much you've helped me today. You made me feel...well...very special."
"With everything you mean to me, how could I do anything less?" She reached up and caressed the chiseled face above her. "And you are special. I know it's going to be hard dealing with your family for the next few days but I'll be right there to help you through it. Come on now, you're tired, I'm tired, and tomorrow is going to be another long day. Enough talk for tonight." Rose put her hand on Ronnie's shoulder and pulled, forcing the taller woman to lay down against her. "That's better."
"Rose?"
"Mm?"
"Can I stay like this...in your arms?" The woman who usually took charge sounded almost like a scared child in her request. As hard as it was for Rose to hear Ronnie in such pain, it filled her heart to know that it was her that the older woman turned to for comfort. "Always," she whispered, tightening her hold.
"I can't believe he's gone." There was a long silence. "I know things have been hard between us lately but that's not what I see when I think of him."
"What do you see, Ronnie?" she whispered, her hand moving to stroke the long dark hair. "Tell me about the Tommy you grew up with, the one you loved."
"He was the cutest little boy." Rose felt the body against hers relax as happy memories surfaced. "We were close when he was little. Whatever I was doing, he wanted to do. He was my shadow." A tear fell and Ronnie swallowed hard.
"Hey, will you do something for me?"
A nod. "Anything."
"Think back to a happy time, just you and Tommy. Close your eyes and picture it in your head." She waited a few seconds. "Are you seeing it? Now, tell me about it. Is it summer or winter?"
"Summer."
"Inside or out?"
"Out. We're at the family camp."
"What are you two doing?"
"Fishing." Rose felt Ronnie smile against her chest. "It was a perfect day. We were on the dock, just the two of us." Her brow furrowed. "I don't know where everyone else was."
"Don't worry about them," the young woman cooed, continuing her gentle stroking of the dark tresses. "You were fishing with Tommy. Did you catch a fish?"
"I didn't but he did." She relaxed against Rose again. "Nice foot long bass. Fought like the devil too."
"Close your eyes. Now think about that day and how much fun you and Tommy had together. That's right..." Rose closed her own eyes and let the deep and even breathing near her ear lull her into the same peaceful sleep.
Rose was a constant source of support for Ronnie. The autopsy report had come back with unpleasant news. A variety of illegal drugs were found in Tommy's system. While the Cartwrights had hoped to keep that information private, they were a name in Albany and while the morning news reported that one of the Cartwrights had died in a freak accident, the evening news was not as kind. One station, finding the perfect excuse to reuse old footage, hooked the news of Tommy's autopsy with a report on drugs in Corporate America. It produced, much to the family's dismay, a gaggle of news reporters around Ronnie's home, not accepting her short statement that the family was in mourning and had no comment on the autopsy findings. Before the day was out, they received word that the driver of the dump truck had filed a suit against Tommy's estate. Beatrice declared the autopsy nothing less than an "exaggerated fabrication" and the truck driver "a greedy opportunist" trying to take advantage of an unfortunate accident. Rose listened to the remarks and nodded often, doing her part to make things easier on Ronnie.
But by the day of the funeral, the executive's patience and tolerance were both in short supply. The past few days had piled frustration upon frustration on her and the family seemed blissfully ignorant of the strain they were putting on her. Not only did they gather at her house to mourn, they gathered to visit with each other, allowing Ronnie no privacy or peace. Despite Rose's best efforts, Beatrice still managed to slip past and grill her daughter about every detail of the service. There was bickering from the littlest thing like who rode in which limousine to who would be the pall bearers to which lot in the family section in which he should be buried. Ronnie kept her anger inside, releasing only after everyone had gone. Then her punching bag would be the recipient. Only when she was both physically and emotionally exhausted would she curl into bed and seek the comfort of Rose's arms. The role reversal felt odd yet at the same time comforting to Ronnie. In the small woman's embrace she was able to let the stress go and find peace. It reinforced her inner strength, allowing her to face the challenges of the recent events.
"Maria will be here in about an hour or so to pick you up." Ronnie zipped up her skirt and reached for the belt. "She'll be coming back here instead of going to the graveside service so someone can be here when the people start arriving." She buckled the belt and pulled on the blazer. "There, I believe I'm ready now." She put a small black hat on over her pinned hair.
"I wish I could be there with you," Rose said earnestly.
"I know, hon." She cupped the younger woman's chin. "I don't know what I would have done without you these past few days."
"I don't know what I would have done without you these last few months," Rose countered.
"You know if I had my way you'd be right up there next to me."
"It's better if I stay in the back with Maria. It'll be easier to get in and out with my crutches."
"Oh, let me help you with your sneaker before I go."
"I can get it, Ronnie. You'll wrinkle your skirt."
"Sit." Her long fingers made quick work of loosening the laces. She knelt down and put one hand on the back of Rose's calf. The satiny material of her pantyhose was no match to the natural softness that Ronnie usually felt. Using her knee as a footrest, she put the sneaker on her companion's foot and began tying it. "Remember, the church is going to be packed. Make sure you get a seat. I don't want to find you leaning up against the back wall, got it?"
"Got it." She leaned down and adjusted the bow on Ronnie's blouse. "Got your handkerchief?"
"And a spare."
"All right then, I guess you're ready." Rose paused for a second, then put her hands on the taller woman's shoulders. "Ronnie, I know you think you have to be this big, strong superwoman but you don't. Even though you had problems, he was still your brother and I know you loved him. If you have to cry, do it." Her words earned her a gentle kiss on the forehead as her companion stood up.
"I'll see you after the service." Ronnie remained stooped long enough to tuck an errant strand of red-gold hair behind Rose's ear. If only there was a way to have you with me today. She knew it was going to be hard without her beloved companion by her side.
As expected, the church was packed with friends, family, and business associates of the Cartwrights. Despite Ronnie's words, Rose was content to stand against the back wall but a man sitting in the last pew stood and offered his seat. Remaining at the back wall, Maria took possession of the crutches so no one would trip over them. From their position at the rear of the large church it was impossible to see Beatrice and her daughters in the front pew. Rose listened to the monotone words as the priest went through the standard phrases of comfort and prayers of solace. When the end drew near, she motioned to Maria for her crutches, deciding it was easier to get out now than wait and get caught up in the throngs of people.
Just as she was getting into Maria's car the doors of the church opened. From her vantage point she could see the six men carrying out the casket. She watched as Beatrice exited, flanked by her daughters. Rose squinted but was too far away to really see Ronnie's eyes. Her friend's head was hung and her arm was around her distraught mother. She saw that Susan was also providing support to the grieving woman as they walked down the steps and into the waiting limousine. Realizing that Maria was waiting for her, Rose put her crutches in the back seat and got into the car.
Just as Ronnie had predicted, friends and family members began pouring into the house less than a half hour after the funeral had ended. Long tables covered one wall of living room, stacked high with breads, meats, and cheeses. Leaning against one wall out of the main flow of traffic, Rose noticed that it was the first place people went to as they arrived. Since the laundry room had plenty of rods and hangers, it served as a makeshift coat room. The cool March winds delayed any idea people may have had about putting their coats away for the season just yet.
The floodgates were open and close to fifty people were there by the time Ronnie arrived with her mother and sister. Rose spotted the mane of dark hair above the rest of the crowd and began to work her way over. The trip was made easier as she had been spotted and the determined executive met her half-way. "Hi."
"Hi yourself," Ronnie said. "Quite the crowd." She scanned the area, quickly noting those who would be problems as time went on and the drinks continued to flow. "You wait, Rose. Before the night is through I'll guarantee you at least one fist fight."
"Fist fight? At a funeral?"
"I give them one hour to lament Tommy's death. After that the topic will turn to his will and then the speculations over who gets what and the fighting will start right after that, I'm sure." They worked their way over to a corner near the stairs. The tall woman shifted her weight from one leg to the other and back again.
"Ronnie, can you come into my room for a minute?"
"Sure," she replied, grateful for any chance to get away.
The first thing the dark haired woman noticed when she entered the room was one of her outfits neatly laid out on the bed. "I thought you'd be more comfortable in your slacks," Rose said with a shrug. To Ronnie's pointed look at the shoes on the floor she added "I know how much your feet hurt after being in heels all day. Flats are perfectly acceptable with those slacks. I've seen you wear them before."
"So you had Maria pick out these for me?"
"No," Rose replied with a proud smile. "I picked them out myself and brought them down here. Maria was busy."
The thoughtfulness almost brought Ronnie to tears. Blinking rapidly, she reached out and let one finger trace the smaller woman's jawline. "Thank you." She took a step back and kicked off her shoes. "I'd better get changed and back out there. I'm sure someone is looking for me. Probably my mother." She added the last part under her breath. The skirt hit the floor followed quickly by her half slip.
"Did everything go well at the service?"
"Nothing I couldn't handle." Ronnie's jaw tightened noticeably but she said nothing, instead picking up her slacks and sliding them on over pantyhose covered legs. Rose noticed the tension but said nothing, assuming it to be from the stress of the funeral and the relatives. Long toes wiggled their way into comfortable but stylish shoes while the grey blouse was tucked into the thin waistband. "Ah, I feel better already."
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Rose asked. "Other than trying to keep your mother busy. She's getting tired of me hanging around her, you know."
"I heard. Susan will run interference for the most part. You can either stay in here, which I recommend highly by the way, or you can just go out there and listen to my cousins and second cousins and God knows what else ramble on about nothing of importance."
"Well when you put it that way." Smiling green eyes accompanied the sarcastic remark. "How can I resist?"
To Rose, the sound was nothing but a general din. Ronnie, on the other hand, spent years learning how to work a crowd and was able to pick out the individual conversations easily. As she moved through the room, she carefully listened to the different snippets. By the time she reached Frank, she knew more about the new boat her cousin was buying than he did. The knowledge allowed her to slip effortlessly into the conversation. Moving from person to person, Ronnie canvassed the room. When she thought she'd said hello to everyone, she tried slipping out to the kitchen where she had seen the honey haired beauty go a few minutes before.
"Ronnie." Blue eyes rolled at the sound of her mother's voice.
"Yes, Mother?" She turned to see Beatrice standing behind her. For that instant, the agitation she'd had at her parent dissipated in the face of the grieving woman. Ronnie instantly softened her tone. "Is there something you need?"
"Where's your sister?"
"I don't know." She craned her neck to see over the crowd but there was no sign of the distinctive red hair. "Maybe Jack took her home."
"Now Veronica," the wrinkled hands went to her hips. "You know Susan wouldn't leave without saying goodbye to me," she admonished. "Honestly, sometimes I wonder what you're thinking."
"I'm sorry, Mother. I wasn't thinking." The executive resisted the urge to rub her temples. It was a useless defense against a mother headache anyway.
"Well, Tommy's death has affected us all." Beatrice dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Your father had such high hopes for him. A tragic shame, that's what it is." A gnarled finger raised itself into the air and the matriarch's eyes grew wide. "I have it."
"Have what?" Ronnie asked hesitantly, certain she wouldn't like the answer.
"The perfect way to pass on Tommy's legacy. He always did enjoy his time in college. You can set up a scholarship in his name." A self satisfied smile formed on the older woman's face. "Yes, that would be the perfect way to honor him."
"We can talk about that some other time, Mother."
"There's nothing to talk about," Beatrice said firmly. Ronnie's eyes narrowed slightly when she saw Michael slip up behind her mother.
"Hi Aunt Beatrice, hi Ronnie."
"Michael," the executive said evenly.
"What's everyone drinking?" He held up his empty glass.
"Nothing for me," Ronnie said. And I'm willing to bet that's been emptied more than once, she thought to herself as the faint smell of alcohol floated over to her. Beatrice held up her almost full glass to indicate that she was fine at the moment as well.
"Oh well." He looked at his shoes, then back up at the two women. "So Ronnie, have you decided when you're going to have his Will read?"
"I didn't realize there was a great hurry to having it done, Michael," she said. The daggers her eyes were throwing were wasted on him since his gaze was everywhere except at her.
"No, no hurry at all," he shrugged. "It's just that we were close and I just thought I should know when it is." He looked up and finally realized what deadly looks he was getting. "Well um..." he tried clearing his throat, which suddenly felt like a lemon was wedged within it. "I'm sure you'll let me know when it is."
"I'll make sure everyone affected is notified."
"Right, like I said." He wiped his sweaty hand on the side of his jacket. "Well, if you ladies will excuse me." He turned and took his aunt's hand in his own. "Aunt Beatrice, I'm sorry for your loss." Ronnie rolled her eyes when Michael kissed the older woman's hand. "Cuz, I'll see you around." He disappeared into the crowd, leaving her once again alone with her mother.
"Um, I think I'd better go see if everything's all right in the kitchen." She took a half-step back in preparation of a quick escape.
"Nonsense. I'm sure Maria can handle anything that comes up," Beatrice said dismissively. "Why don't you go find your sister?"
"That sounds like a good idea, Mother. Be right back." Ronnie turned and moved through the crowd as quickly as she could. To her unpleasant surprise, she ended up face to face with Michael.
"Ah, fancy meeting you here," he said, smirking at his own joke.
"Don't you think the Eddie Haskell routine was a bit much, Michael?"
"Oh please, that's just my natural charm."
"Whatever." As much as she enjoyed a good verbal fight, this was neither the time nor the place for it. "Have you seen Susan?"
"Last time I saw her she was out in the kitchen with that friend of yours." Raised voices caught both their attention.
"....Bullshit, John. I told you to sell when they were at forty-eight and an eighth. It's not my fault you didn't do it." People quickly moved away from the two angry men, forming a circle.
"You're my broker. You're supposed to take care of these things for me. Do you have any idea how much money I lost?"
"You knew they were talking merger." Ronnie broke through the circle at that moment. "If you don't act fast, you lose out."
"Like Sally Ryan?" The executive took a deep breath. Old girlfriend's names were never a good sign.
"You knew she didn't have a date for the dance. It's not my fault I asked her out before you."
"You knew I wanted to go out with her. She was all I talked about all year."
Ronnie knew this was going to quickly escalate into a classic Cartwright scuffle. She stepped between the fighting brothers. "ENOUGH! You're supposed to be mourning Tommy's death, not fighting over some girl you lost fifteen years ago." An intense throbbing began behind her eyes, the sign of a relative headache. "John, you're not in high school anymore. Get over it." The men exchanged foul looks and stormed off in different directions. A murmur of words and then everyone else returned to their previous conversations. Ronnie ran her fingers through her hair forcefully. "You okay?" a soft voice from behind her asked.
"Yeah." She turned to see familiar green eyes looking up at her with concern. "Really, Rose. I'm fine."
"Just making sure. I heard you yell."
"Just a typical Cartwright get-together," Ronnie sputtered. She caught a flash of orange-red out of the corner of her eye. "Uh oh." Susan and her mother were approaching fast. "I see Mother found you," she said once her sister was within earshot.
"I told you she hadn't left yet," Beatrice said. The look in Susan's eyes made it clear she wished she hadn't been found. Oh boy, this is gonna be a good one, Ronnie thought to herself. "I was just telling your sister that I want to go through Tommy's things. I assume you still have boxes up in the attic?"
"What, from when he lived here? He took what he wanted and I threw out the rest."
"But there were trophies and ribbons and awards...?"
"If he didn't take them, they're gone."
"And it never occurred to you that I might want those things?" Beatrice stood directly in front of her eldest child. "How could you be so inconsiderate?"
"Mother!" Susan exclaimed. Rose stood there quietly, her attention focused on the twitching of muscle in Ronnie's jaw.
"Tomorrow I'll go over to his apartment and see if he kept anything."
"Don't bother. Your sister will bring me over and I'll look for myself." The sisters exchanged glances. Susan shrugged her shoulders. This was the first she was hearing of it as well.
"I think you should wait a few days, Mother. His belongings aren't going anywhere." Ronnie was worried about what they would find there.
"Nonsense. Tomorrow will be fine."
"I don't think tomorrow--"
"Veronica Louise!" The twitching became a solid clench. Rose moved closer to her friend and discretely placed her fingertips against Ronnie's back. The muscles were bunched and tight, another indication of Ronnie's tension. She pressed slightly and began rubbing in small circles.
"Fine, Mother. Susan and I will take you there tomorrow." Great, now I have to go over there tonight and check things out. She leaned almost imperceptibly into the gentle touch of Rose's fingers.
"Honestly, I don't know why you make things so difficult, Ronnie. On this day of all days you have to be stubborn." Beatrice dabbed at dry eyes with her handkerchief. "I ask a simple thing. I just want something to remember my son by and you have to be difficult."
"Mother..."
"No Susan. I asked one simple thing of her. Just because she couldn't get along with her brother is no excuse for upsetting me."
Ronnie's back was now a solid band of tension and it took her a moment before she could relax her jaw enough to speak. The gentle circling motion on her back increased in pressure. You think I'm about to lose it, don't you? She cast a sideways glance at her companion. Seeing the look of understanding and support in those green eyes was enough to keep the sharp remark from passing through her lips. Instead she looked at her mother and nodded. "I didn't mean to upset you. I guess we're all still in shock." Ronnie knew she was caving in but today was not the day to make a stand with her mother. "I'd better go check on things. Excuse me."
Ronnie entered the kitchen, pleased to see that the only person there was Maria. She walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. She took a long swallow before speaking to her housekeeper. "Do you have any aspirin? I have a pounding headache and I really don't want to go out there again."
"Been talking to your mother again, haven't you?" Maria opened a drawer and pulled out her purse. "I'm sure there's some Tylenol or Motrin in here."
"Sorry," Susan said as she entered. "She's in rare form today." The two sisters stood near the end of the island. Maria found something to do in the laundry room, allowing the two women their privacy.
"When was the last time you were at his place?" Ronnie asked before tossing three pills into her mouth and taking several gulps of water.
"This one? I've never been there. Why would I go to his apartment?"
"We're going to have to go there, you know. Who knows what it looks like or what things he may have laying out." She put the bottle back into the fridge. "Can Jack keep an eye on the kids?"
"I'm sure he can." Susan looked at her watch. "We're going to be leaving in a few minutes. You want to meet at Tommy's place around six or seven?"
"Seven would be better. Who knows how long everyone's going to stay." Ronnie looked out the glass door at the rainbow of cars that littered her driveway. "At least another hour or two."
"And then there's Mother."
"Oh no." Ronnie shook her head. "You are not going to leave her here with me. When you go, she goes." She cast a glance at the living room. "Speaking of which, what's she up to?"
"I don't know. After you walked away she kept going on and on until Rose asked her something about Tommy and his trophies. I saw that as my escape and took it." The redhead leaned in and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "Personally I don't think she's really interested in his trophies."
Ronnie smiled with pride. "She isn't. She's trying to keep me from committing matricide."
"Did you want to bring her along tonight?" Susan offered.
"No. Hopefully we won't be there long." She paused for a moment, then added "It was nice of you to ask." She sighed and rapped her knuckles on the countertop. "I suppose I can't hide out here forever."
"I'll take Mother with us when we leave. You won't have to suffer much longer."
"How did I ever survive eighteen years with her?" Ronnie asked, shaking her head in bewilderment. "I can't get through one day without wanting to tell her off or wring her neck."
"Oh, that's easy," the redhead smiled. "I was there most of the time."
"That's right, you were." Ronnie tapped an elegant finger on her chin. "I remember you." She dodged a playful shove. "Weren't you the one that ran into Dad's car with your bike and blamed me?"
"Um...well that was a long time ago, Ronnie. Weren't you the one that forgot to unlock your window one night and had to sneak back in through mine?"
"Ah, true." She wrapped her arm around her sister's shoulders. "But weren't you the one..." she began as they walked back into the living room.
Ronnie put the key in the lock. "What's that smell?" she asked, wrinkling her nose. Susan shrugged her lack of answer and pulled a scarf out of her pocketbook. The door opened and the executive flipped the switch. "Son of a bitch," she breathed. Clothes were tossed everywhere, the couch cushions were on the floor, the coffee table and every other horizontal surface was covered with beer cans and trash. Stale beer and unwashed clothes mixed with another unidentifiable smell.
"Oh my God," Susan said as she took in the scene. "This is disgusting."
"Sad is more like it," Ronnie muttered, picking up a small square mirror she found lying on the counter. The telltale razor blade was resting next to it. "It's a good thing we came here first." She showed her sister the mirror clouded with a fine white powder. "There's no way we can have Mother see this place looking the way it does." Susan nodded in agreement. Ronnie tossed the offensive mirror onto the counter and unzipped her jacket. "I guess we'd better look around for some boxes and trash bags for all this shit." To her surprise, the redhead who was adverse to any kind of domestic work didn't argue.
"I'll put some music on," Susan said, kicking a path to the stereo. "Let's see, how does this one work?" She hit the power button and was immediately blasted with an insanely high decibel of noise.
"SHUT THAT THING OFF!" Ronnie yelled while covering her ears. A second later there was peaceful quiet again.
"How could he stand listening to it that loud?"
"Damned if I know. Maybe the drugs affect their hearing. Come on, let's get to work. I want to get home at a decent hour." The kitchen shared a half-wall with the living room, allowing the two sisters to talk while packing up the garbage. Ronnie lifted the lid to the trash can in the corner. "Oh God." She covered it up quickly. "I think I found out where that smell is coming from," she choked, taking a few steps back.
"I can't smell that anymore," Susan called from the far side of the living room. "All I smell is beer." She moved a cushion to find a half-eaten pizza glued to the carpet. "Oh Ronnie, I don't want to touch this."
"I'll tell you what. I'll clean up whatever it is you're looking at if you get these dishes out of this...I guess you'd call it water." She reached closer with the tips of her fingers but just couldn't get herself to touch the slimy liquid. "I know I'm not touching it."
"We should have brought gloves." The redhead picked up an empty beer case and started throwing bottles into it. "So things are good between you and Rose?" she asked casually.
"We get along fine, yes." Ronnie arched an eyebrow. "Susan, I told you--"
"I know, I know. You're not lovers, you're just friends." The younger sister waved her hand dismissively. "I give up trying to figure it out." She put the case down and walked over to the counter that separated the living room and kitchen. "She gives me the same story you do but you don't act like friends."
"We have a lot of work to do here, Susan."
"Ronnie, look at me." When she spoke again, her voice was softer. "I don't care. I've watched the way the two of you act around each other."
"And what did you see?"
"What do I see?" Susan gave a small smile. "I see you happy in a way that I never thought you would be." She laughed at her sister's blush. "Come on, you asked the question. Really Ronnie, it's obvious to me that you're hooked on her. As for how Rose feels about you..." The dark haired woman's head snapped up. "She's not Chris."
"No she's not," the executive agreed emphatically. "Rose has never asked me for anything. Whatever I've given her, it's because I wanted to."
"I see that," Susan replied. "You don't think I've been watching? You take more days off than you ever have and you don't go anywhere. I don't see any new cars, although I didn't see your Porsche around. Did you sell it?"
"Yes." The truth was that as soon as it was repaired she signed it over to Hans to sell at whatever price he could. "No, she doesn't want any cars or expensive things. She doesn't even have a driver's license. She's not trying to get anything from me."
"You don't have to defend her, Ronnie. I was just saying that I didn't see any of the things that would tell me that she was using you. I don't think she is. I like her."
"You like her?" Surprise showed on the executive's face. That was a rare admission from her younger sister. "Sooo...it's okay with you if we were...a couple?"
"I'm not going to pretend that I understand why you want to be with a woman. It doesn't make any sense to me." She raised her hand to keep her sister from speaking. "But it is your life. If Rose makes you happy, then that's all that matters. So yes, it's okay with me if you're a couple." She watched Ronnie come from behind the counter and happily accepted the hug. "It's your life, Sis. If Rose is the one for you then don't let anyone keep you apart," she whispered into the dark hair.
Ronnie pulled back until they were arm's length apart. "What made you change your mind? I remember you calling her everything but a reincarnation of Christine."
"I was wrong," Susan shrugged. "Hey, it happens." She brushed her hands together. "Enough of this sensitive chat. We have work to do here. You wanna try and get the stereo to a volume that doesn't shatter glass?"
"Sure." Ronnie worked her way across the room, the smile never leaving her face.
"She said that?"
"Yup...ooof."
"Oops, sorry about that." Rose moved her elbows from Ronnie's chest and laid down, her arms crossed over the older woman's left breast. She rested her chin atop her interlaced fingers. "So she really said she liked me?"
"She said she liked you." Ronnie smiled in the dark, letting her hand gently rub the smaller woman's back. She continued to stare at the ceiling. "See? You've won over the Cartwright women."
"Not all of them."
"Honey, even I haven't won over my mother yet. I think you'll just have to accept that two out of three ain't bad."
"Well..." Rose crept up until their faces were even, gold and black hair mixing about their shoulders. "There's really only one Cartwright's opinion that matters to me." Ronnie's eyes closed as soft lips pressed against her own. "And right now that Cartwright needs to get some sleep." Despite her words, Rose couldn't resist dropping down for a longer kiss. "Mmm, sometimes I wonder if I'm really Cinderella and you're holding the glass slipper."
"If I was, that would make me a very lucky woman," Ronnie replied.
"I'll never understand what made someone like you take a chance on someone like me." Rose shifted most of her weight onto the bed and claimed the older woman's shoulder as her pillow. "Sometimes I'm afraid that this is all some wonderful dream and I'm going to wake up and find you gone," She felt Ronnie's arms tighten protectively around her.
"I'll never let that happen, Rose. I won't ever let you go back to the way you used to live."
"That doesn't scare me." She nuzzled deeper into the older woman's shoulder.
"Then what does?" Ronnie asked softly.
"Losing you," she quietly admitted. "All the money and possessions in the world don't mean a thing to me without you."
"I love you too," the older woman whispered, lifting her head up long enough to place a kiss on the top of Rose's head. They snuggled together, bumping legs until they found a comfortable position. Ronnie continued to stroke the reddish-blonde hair until sleep finally overtook them.
Accidental Love Ó 1998 B L Miller. Do not distribute or copy without permission of the author except for personal use.