Love At Last.

by Kate Sweeney.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

As always, thanks to Jule, my sister Maureen, and Tena for their great beta reading. I know itas not vampires and Irish G.o.ddesses, sis, but thanks for putting up with the romances, as well!

Thanks of course, to my editor Taraa"what a treasure.

And last to Sheri Payton, my Intaglio buddy, whoas teaching me the ins and outs of life in Louisianaa"snake wrangling included.

Chapter 1.

Beyond the blue horizonawaits a beautiful day.

The lively seventies rendition of the thirties song rang out as Allie danced around the kitchen while she mopped the floor. Her hips, which she hated, swayed rhythmically to the snappy tune. Allie sang out for all she was worth believing it could be true.

With that, the music stopped abruptly.

aFor crying out loud, Allie,a her husband called from the doorway as he flipped off the CD player. aWhy donat you use your iPod with the headphones? I canat hear myself think.a Allie whirled around in surprise, then grinned, not wanting to break her good mood. aCamon, Paul, dance with me.a She flipped the player on once again and held out her arms. Paul groaned as he held her, and after a few steps around the kitchen, he gently released her. For a moment, they looked into each otheras eyes.

aWell,a Allie said with a sigh, athat was painful.a Paul grimaced as Allie turned off the music. aOkay, Allie, I have work, you know that. You wanted me to stay home on a Sat.u.r.day. So here I am. Iam sorry if I have work. Now, please, honey, just keep it down.a Allie narrowed her eyes at Paulas retreating figure and followed him into the den of their Oak Park home. aI just thought it would be nice to do something on a summer afternoon like a normal married couple. If we were ever that,a she added sadly.

Paul groaned loudly as he sat behind his desk. aAllie,a he started and took a deep breath. aIam trying to make sure weare solvent in our old age.a aGood G.o.d, Paul. Weare fine. Didnat we put two kids through college? Well, almost, Jocelyn will be done next spring.a aWe?a He smirked. By the sick look on his face, Allie knew he realized his mistake.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she bore a hole into him. aDo not go there with me, Paul Sanders. Who worked her a.s.s off for five years while a certain college grad looked for the aperfecta job?a she asked slowly. aAnd who did this while she was pregnant?a aNow in all honesty, Al, you werenat pregnant for five years.a His grin faded while Allie continued to seethe. aI know you did. Iam sorry if that sounded harsh. I know you were a big help back then. I wouldnat have this job if it werenat for you.a Paul tossed down his pen and looked up. Allie searched his face, saw the beginning of gray at his temples, and wondered when that started. She also noticed a trace of sadness in his eyes. aWere we ever that? Ya knowa"a normal married couple.a Allie sat on the edge of his desk and thought about it. She picked up his pen, toying with it before she said softly, aI think we were.a aCan we be again?a he asked, but before she could answer, he took the pen out of her hand and smiled slightly. aYouare sitting on my paperwork.a Allie chuckled and scooted off the desk. She knew Paul really didnat want an answer, or perhaps he already knew what it would be. aNow why donat you go finish your dancing kitchen routine while I finish?a He concentrated on the papers in front of him.

aYouare going to miss the beautiful day.a She kissed the top of his head and walked out of the office.

aHey, are you losing weight?a he asked.

Allie smiled and turned back. Maybe all that walking is doing the trick, she thought.

aYour hips donat look so big,a he added and went on quickly when Allie glared. aI-I mean youare always complaining about your hips andaa Allie held up her hand. aDonat overdo it, honey. Thanks.a She walked back into the kitchen and turned on the music once again. Though now, it just didnat sound the same. She thought about how Paul was indeed missing the beautiful days and in the back of her mind considered her culpability. They were missing too many beautiful days, and she had no idea what to do about it.

With the house cleaned, Allie pondered what to do with the rest of her day; it was only noon. The sun was out and it was a gloriously hot August day. Paul still concentrated on his paperwork in the office, the door now closed. Allie flopped down on the couch and put her head back. The warm summer breeze blew through the curtains, and her mind wandered back to another warm August day when the children were so young.

Allie laughed as Jocelyn opened her mouth like a little bird. aGoodness, youare hungry this morning, sweetie,a she said and offered another spoonful.

The toddler banged her spoon on the table with glee. aOkay, here it comes!a Allie announced.

Just then, another country spoke up. aMama, me too,a Nick called out as he watched. Allie noticed the frown and gave her five-year-old gentleman an indulgent grin.

aYou want me to feed you, too?a Allie asked in amazement. Nick nodded quickly. aI just thought you were a big boy and didnat need to be fed like a baby, but okayaa With that, Nick frowned deeper and picked up his spoon. aIam not a baby, Mama,a he said and dug into his Cheerios.

aIam sorry, sweetie. Youare such a big boy,a Allie apologized as she wiped off Jocelynas chin.

Nick nodded. aJoflyn is a baby.a aYes, she is. Thatas why sheas lucky to have such a good big brother.a That did it. Nick jumped off his chair and stood next to his sister. He took the paper napkin. aI do it.a Allie sat back and smiled as her young man wiped his sisteras chin, nearly taking a layer of skin with it. aThere, Joflyn, you messy.a Jocelyn scrunched her nose and giggled while Nick patted her head too hard. Allie winced and chuckled. aThank you, Nick. Youare a big help.a aWelcome, Mama. Can I go outside now?a He wiped off his chin.

aSure, sweetie. Stay in the backyard. Weall be out in a bit.a Allie kissed his cheek.

Nick pulled away. aMama!a he argued and ran down the hall.

Jocelyn watched with interest as Nick disappeared. She looked back at Allie and struggled to get out of the highchair.

aOkay, little miss, hold on,a Allie cooed and helped her down. She laughed as she watched her waddle after her brother.

Nick came running out wearing his Cubs hat and carrying the plastic bat. He nearly ran over Jocelyn, who teetered and promptly fell on her backside and let out a shrill cry.

aNick,a Allie scolded, and Nick stopped dead in his tracks.

aMama, Joflyn always gets in the way,a he told her, his baseball cap slightly askew.

aNick Sanders,a Allie said with her hands on her hips.

The little shoulders slumped, and he turned to Jocelyn. aCamon, Joflyn, stop cryina.a Jocelyn put her hands up and Nick dropped his bat and tried to lift her. Allie hid her grin as Nick groaned as he tried to lift Jocelyn. aMama! Help!a Allie ran over before Nick dropped poor Jocelyn on her head. She picked her up and handed the bat back to Nick.

aSheas heavy, Mama.a Nick dashed out the back door.

Allie shifted Jocelyn onto her hip and looked at her. aHeas right. You are heavy.a She then kissed her cheek. aBut you have the sweetest cheeks.a As Allie walked outside, there stood Nick waiting with his bat on his shoulder. Allie placed Jocelyn in the sandbox and stood up with a groan.

aCamon, Mama!a Nick called out.

aOkay, okay, hold your water.a Allie mumbled as she picked up the plastic ball.

aThrow it,a Nick said.

Allie waited and looked at Nick, who grinned. aPleaseaa aOkay.a Allie tossed the ball, and Nick swung and missed. aAlmost, sweetie. Try again.a aThatas okay, Mama. Papa said itas acause youare a girl.a Nick handed her the ball, then dashed back to his spot.

Allie narrowed her eyes at him. aIs that what Papa said?a Nick nodded quickly. aGirls arenat as good as boys.a aIall have to have a talk with Papa,a she mumbled and tossed the ball again.

Later that day, Allie had that conversation with Paul when he got home from work.

aHe said that?a Paul laughed openly.

aI know itas not a big deal, but I donat want Nick thinking like that.a aAllie,a he started. aItas sports. Men are better equipped for sports than women.a aWhere do you get these things?aAllie raised an eyebrow and folded her arms across her chest. aAnd this comes from the voice of experience, oh, great athlete?a she asked, and he glared at her. aOr am I mistaken that your cousin Debbie has kicked your a.s.s whenever you challenge her to a game of golf or tennis or one-on-one basketball oraa aSheas a freak of nature that woman.a He turned on the television.

aAnd women should know their place, right?a Allie asked in a sad voice.

Paul sighed deeply as he flipped the channels. aI didnat say that, buta"a Allie held up her hand to silence him. aOur son will respect women, Paul Sanders.a aWait a minute, Allie. I want Nick to respect women, too.a aThen donat make girls out to be weaker than boys. Thereas more to it than brute strength.a Paul hid his grin. aYou sound like a lesbian feminist.a For some reason, Allie blushed. She saw Paulas lips twitch and shook her head. aShut up. You know what Iam saying.a aI do. Really. Iall talk to Nick. Now whereas my dinner?a Allie glared at him. aWeave already eaten. If you would get home at a decent hour, youad eat, too. I of the weaker s.e.x have laundry to do. Itas fend-for-yourself night, Mr. Sanders.a *******

The phone ringing shook Allie from her reverie. She let out a groan as she picked it up.

aAllie? Vicky. What are you doing? Rita and I are going to Market Days in Chicago, ya know, on Halsted Street. So come with us.a aI know where Halsted is. Market Days, whatas that?a Allie asked.

aItas a street fair on the North Side, the gay district.a Allie raised an eyebrow. aWow. Youare very progressive there, Mrs. Belden.a Allie chuckled. aWhy Market Days?a aBecause they have all the shops set up on the street, and there are a ton of vendors. Itas a beautiful day. Ritaas meeting a few friends there, and itas something different on a Sat.u.r.day. Mike is at the Cubs game with the kids.a Allie thought about it, looking at the closed door to Paulas office. aOkay. Come get me.a They strolled through the street shops and vendors. Allie ate a bratwurst while Vicky and Rita looked at jewelry.

aAllie, look at this!a Allie strolled over and nodded. aItas beautiful.a She looked around the busy Chicago street, now filled with vendors, and stopped when she caught the eye of a woman standing across the street, looking at her. The woman was tall with dark shoulder-length curly hair and smiling. Allie smiled, as well, and when the woman nodded, Allie did, too.

aAllie. What do you think?a Vicky was asking as she put the earrings up to her ears.

Allie turned her attention back to her friends. aWhat? Oh, great. Buy aem,a she said decisively.

Vicky laughed as she examined the earrings. aThatas why I bring you along, Al. You cut through the c.r.a.p and get to the important aspect. I will.a With that, someone roughly b.u.mped into all three of them. Allie felt her arm roughly pulled, and suddenly, she was on the ground and her purse gone. aHey!a she screamed from her sitting position, ahe stole my purse.a Vicky and Rita were at her side, and in a blur, someone leapt over Allie. Her friends let out a screech as they watched. Just as quickly, a patrolman helped her to her feet. aHe stole my purse,a Allie said quickly and pointed in the direction.

aStay put, maaam,a he ordered and took off.

aGeezus, Allie, are you all right?a Vicky asked, her brown eyes filled with concern and fear. as.h.i.t. You scared the h.e.l.l out of me.a Rita checked her for injuries. aStupid f.u.c.ker,a Allie mumbled, and both women laughed nervously.

People had been milling around and offering a.s.sistance. Allie thanked them and took the offered bottle of water. Her hands were shaking horribly as she unscrewed the top, taking a long drink. What seemed like hours later, Allie spotted the patrolman and a woman walking toward them. It was the woman from across the street; she was a sweaty mess.

aGeezus!a Rita hung on to Allie and Vicky.

aIs this your purse, maaam?a the patrolman asked and showed her the offering. Allie nodded mutely. aThis woman helped. She tackled the poor guy.a He motioned to the woman. aYouall have to come down to the station and fill out a report. Please check it and see if thereas anything missing.a Allie, standing very close to her friends, opened the purse with shaky hands. After examining the contents, she nodded. aAll here. Thank you.a She looked at the woman, who nodded.

She was about five-ten. Her black hair was damp now, accentuating the waves and curls. She absently brushed said curls off her brow. As Allie watched the woman run her fingers through her hair, she noticed the streaks of gray throughout. What Allie really noticed were her eyes; they were slate gray.

aYouare welcome,a the woman said, smiling.

Behind her, Allie heard Vicky sigh, which she ignored.

aWell, Miss...a the woman started.

aMrs. Allie Sanders,a Allie said quickly. She glanced at Vicky and Rita, who were gawking at the poor woman.

aMrs. Sanders, youall have to come to fill out a report,a the policeman repeated. Allie turned her attention to the policeman as he spoke. aYou can do it in the morning. Thereas no rush.a aThank you, officer.a When she looked back, the woman had disappeared. aI-I didnat even get her name.a Allie frantically looked through the crowd.

The patrolman shrugged and offered his hand and apology on behalf of the city of Chicago. Allie waved him off with a grateful smile.

aWe need a drink,a Vicky announced and dragged Allie by the arm.

They sat at the beer garden clutching their respective purses as they huddled together drinking beer.

Allie looked at Rita and Vicky and laughed. aMy G.o.d, are we pathetic. Weare grown women, and weare sitting here like scared rabbits.a Suddenly, they all burst into laughter. After a moment of hysteria, Vicky dried her eyes. aWell, your hero took off in a hurry. How about those eyes?a She fanned herself.

Rita agreed. aAnd that body. Holy s.h.i.t, she must work out every day. Did you see those muscles?a Allie nodded. aSheas probably a trainer of some sort. No one has a body that trim by accident.a She took a healthy drink from the plastic cup.

aShe was one hot-looking woman.a Vicky looked at both friends. aWhat? She was hot. Didnat you everaa Allie knew she was blushing and looked down at her cup of beer. aEver what?a Vicky rolled her eyes, and Rita gathered the empty cups and walked away. aEver think about being with another woman?a Allie did not answer. Instead, she leaned into Vicky. aHave you?a Vicky blushed horribly and nodded but eagerly continued. aAt the gym, thereas this blonde. I know sheas a lesbian. Sheas very aout.a Iave had fantasies about her andaa Allie laughed with delight. aYouare kidding! Does Mike know?a Vicky winced and nodded. Allie was now astonished. If she ever had told Paul anything like thata She thought for a moment and wondered what exactly Paul would say. aWhat did he say?a aWhat did who say?a Rita asked in full pout as she juggled three beers. aYou talked without me.a Allie and Vicky laughed as Rita sat next to them. aWhat were you talking about?a aI was telling Allie about my fantasy,a Vicky said with a shrug.

Rita looked relieved. aIs that all? I thought it was something juicy,a she grumbled and drank her beer.

Allie stared at both of them. aYou too?a aOh, no, I donat, but I think itas cool that Vicky does. I hear Mike likes it,a Rita said with a wink.

Vicky blushed and hid her face in her beer.

aWhat? What?a Allie begged like a kid in a candy store. aI definitely need to go out more.a aI told Mike about it and he got so turned on, we had to call my mother to come get the kids. He made some lame excuse, and G.o.d love her, she took them for the whole weekend,a Vicky said and drank her beer.

aAnd?a Allie asked quickly.

Vicky looked up over her beer mug. aI was sore for days,a she said happily.

Allie and Rita laughed as they drank. aI wonder what in the world Paul would do if I came home with a story like that,a Allie said absently. She immediately wished she hadnat said that out loud.

Both women watched for a moment as Allie contemplated the idea.

aPaul would freak,a Vicky said flatly. Allie nodded sadly.

Rita, however, was more optimistic. aI bet head be jealous and take you right there on the doorstep. Rip off your clothes and have his way with you.a Allie smiled gratefully. aThanks, Rita, but it ainat gonna happen.a She sipped her beer.

There was a time when Paul thought of her as a s.e.xual being, but that was long ago and far away. Money was his s.e.xual object now. He spent all his time at work making money. aWhen did he stop looking at me as a woman?a she thought. She was stunned to realize that unfortunately, she said that aloud. aI-Iam sorry, girls. I should never have said any of that. Paul is a good husband and father,a she said honestly.

aI know. I like Paul. Heasa"a Vicky stopped and took a drink. Rita didnat say a thing. aWell, I think Iad better head home,a Vicky said. aEnough excitement for one day, eh, ladies?a *******

Vicky pulled up to the brick bungalow. Allie glanced at her two younger friends.

aThis was certainly an interesting afternoon,a Allie said with a laugh, lightening the mood once again. aWhatall we do next Sat.u.r.day to top this?a She left both women laughing as they pulled away.

Paul was watching the Cubs game when Allie walked in. aHi, honey.a She sat on the edge of his chair.

aHi. How was the market? Get your hands on some good fruit?a Allie laughed so hard she almost fell off the arm of the chair.

aWhatas so funny?a he asked seriously.

Allie dried her eyes, shaking her head. aNothing. Whatas the score?a she asked, watching the game.

aItas the bottom of the eighth, and the stinking Cubs just might win a game. Camon.a He reached for the remote Allie had taken. aYou love them as much as I do.a aWould you like a beer?a She headed for the kitchen.

As she grabbed two bottles from the refrigerator, she thought of what had happened that afternoon. Between having her purse s.n.a.t.c.hed and Vickyas discussion of lesbians, her mind reeled with visions from long ago, visions Allie had tucked away since college. But now, she smiled slightly when she remembered the woman helping the policeman. Vicky was righta"she was gorgeous.

As they watched the Cubs lose, Allie told Paul about the purse s.n.a.t.c.hing. Paul nearly dropped his bottle of beer and looked up with concerned eyes.

aDid you get your purse back?a he asked in a worried tone.

Allie had the bottle to her mouth; she stopped and glared. aYes, and I wasnat hurt at all. In case you were wondering.a Paul reddened and took a drink of his beer. aI-I figured you werenat. Youad have told me when you first got home. How did you get it back, honey?a aA nice lesbian ran the thief down and tackled him. A perfect stranger risked her life. I wonder why.a aA lesbian?a Paul asked. aJust where were you today?a aAt Market Days on Halsted,a Allie said, drinking her beer.