Trey tried to wait patiently for Jennifer to return home from tomehe clinic and yet he kept pacing looking at the clock. It had been a long time since she got home after him and the kids, and he just did not like being the one getting home first. While he had the kids work on ch.o.r.es, he began dinner. His thoughts raced to the idea of her dating again. Would this be different? He had doubts and did not know how to put them to rest. Trey had every right to doubt. Jennifer did not always think things through before acting them out.

Jennifer soon walked through the door, feeling worn out from the day of training on the EMR and getting to know everyone. She collapsed on the couch and knew sleep would come easy that night for her. Yet she also seemed to glow and have excitement about the new job.

"Jen, is that you? How was your day?"

"Yes, Trey, it is me, and the day was a bore at times since I am training on their system and yet exciting as I know, as soon as I get this down, I will be doing triage."

"That has always been your specialty."

Jennifer could tell that Trey had something on his mind and was just beating around the bush. She did not know if it was good or bad--just that it was driving her nuts to see him so disconnected. Jennifer figured that it had mostly to do with the whole Lexi thing, but she just wanted this night to not fight about it-to be able to revel in the fun of the day. She wanted to be able to enjoy her family. A peaceful evening, though, was not common in the Scoop house, and she knew her husband would soon burst if he did not speak.

"Trey, what is it? What is on your mind? You are moping around and beating that dead bush again. Spill before you explode."

"Nothing, honey. Really. It's just that I'm still figuring out how you know this will be different. I guess the problem is I don't know her and see what you see. I am trying to trust your judgment, but the past is making it hard to do that."

"Well, why not this then? We have a potluck Sat.u.r.day night, and I will invite her. You can meet her then. We have not had one since we moved in, and I do miss them. We could invite all the people we have met since the we got here. And I promise--even though you will not be with her like some in the past, you will like her. She really is something special."

"Well, I like the sound of this. I do like to entertain and would love to get to know more of our friends."

Jennifer saw this as her escape from having to tell him about the date and get the date at the same time. This would be exciting. She would put an invite out on Facebook and then tell all at work. What would be the cause, though? Every potluck had to have a theme in her eyes---even if it was a made-up one. Then it hit her--a housewarming, since they had not had one yet. Jennifer was getting excited at the idea. She loved planning things.

"That sounds good, Jen." And with that, the planning began!

"It should be a housewarming. You invite all on your friend list, and I will invite all on mine. I will also see if the kids have anyone that they would like to invite."

"We are having a potluck?" John David said as he came into the room looking for dinner.

"Yes, Sat.u.r.day night. Is therithght. Ise anyone you want to invite?"

"Can we invite Tommy?"

"Yes."

"Invite Tommy to what, Mom?" Tracy said as she and Gracie entered the room.

"To a potluck, and you two get to invite someone too."

"Sounds good. I just don't know who I want to invite." Tracy replied.

"It will be Sat.u.r.day, and I will need everyone's help in getting the boxes at least in the garage if not unpacked. That means everyone pitches in to get the house ready."

Everyone sighed at the thought and knew that soon Jennifer would be bossing them around to get the house done. Only half of the boxes had been unpacked as they had the essential items in them. Jennifer hoped that they could at least get the pictures out and some decor so it looked as though they had more than furniture.

Dinner was calm, and they went through all the good of the day. Then they all helped clean up afterwards. From there, Jennifer sent everyone to a room to unpack a box. She hoped that this would speed things along.

Trey went ahead and started getting the last of the kitchen boxes unpacked as it let him zone out and not think about things. Tracy used it also as a chance to get the last of the clothes out of her boxes. She also got out her prize trophies and put them out on her desk. The two little ones, on the other hand, needed help. Jennifer decided that their boxes would wait until after the potluck. Instead, she decided to work on the living room boxes.

Jennifer was feeling like things were getting accomplished around the house and pleased that the day no more boxes were lying around was soon approaching. She was getting tired of going to get something and only finding that it was not unpacked yet. She was also missing her books and knew those soon had to be next on her list to unpack.

When all were done with the boxes they were working on, Trey and Jennifer put the little kids down, kissed Tracy goodnight, and then went and crashed into bed. Exhaustion had set in. Jennifer fell asleep quickly thinking of Sat.u.r.day and wondering if this was going to be too much for Lexi. Trey went to sleep thinking it was nuts that he was going to let her introduce Lexi to the family so soon.

Chapter Seven.

"Lexi, can I change our plans on Sat.u.r.day?" Was all I heard when Jennifer entered the room. I could only think that my fears were true and she had changed her mind about going out. Maybe she knew that I was using this as a jumping off place to dating and did not want it to be that. Maybe she had decided that I was not what she wanted.

"What do you mean?" I questioned while whipping around to see my starburst beauty.

"Well, Trey would like to have a potluck as a housewarming, and I would like you two to meet to help put some fears to rest for him and you. I really want to see you and figured this would give you a look into my life. Then, afterwards, we could go out or something." Right there I realized my new fear--meeting the husband. This was not like past relationships where I met someone and stole them away. This was meet someone, meet the husband, and share.

"Really? Already? I don't know." My fears were way past bubbling up and must have been bubbling out of me. Fear had its firm grip on me now.

"It will all be good, and we could invite people you know too so you have some support structure. Take Kelly with you, and I will invite Billy and his partner. Please, will you do this for me?" With that she flashed the cutest puppy eyes at me. I melted all over.

"And how is a girl supposed to say no to that plea and look?"

"You're not!" she said, smiling and laughing while walking out to get on the modules. I was very impressed that she had got through ninety percent the day before and knew that in no time she would be done and on the floor after a test at the end.

The next couple days flew by and--before I knew it--it was Sat.u.r.day. I found myself walking through the grocery store with Kelly, trying to figure out what to bring to the potluck. I was not much of a cook and therefore decided I would bring cheesecake, figuring everyone loved desserts. Kelly decided that some beer would be good along with a cheese and cracker plate.

We soon left there and were on our way to the address that Jennifer had given me. I could not help but giggle when I realized her place was walking distance to my apartment complex. How could the fates have us this close and we not cater to it?

The house was packed with kids and adults running amok. As I ventured in with Kelly in tow, we spotted Jennifer in the kitchen, directing people. It was nice to see her away from the office and yet, at the same time, a part of me sank when it dawned on me that there were too many people around to have a nice moment for us.

"You made it!" Jennifer screamed across everyone. Her smile was glowing! I automatically got nervous on how to approach her. Could we kiss h.e.l.lo, or was that just when no one was around? I had my answer when she came up and hugged me and started pulling me elsewhere.

"Let me show you around the house. Also, I want to introduce you to some people, but I am sure there will be plenty you already know. Kelly, you can put the stuff over there on the table. Billy and his partner are here and were wondering when you were going to arrive." Jennifer then quickly led me past everyone, pointing out the kids' rooms, their restroom, then her restroom, and finally her bedroom. At this point, Jennifer shut the door and wrapped her arms around me, and our lips locked. Oh, this weak in the knee feeling she gave me! How wonderful it was! Just her and me--right there, right then, locked at the lips.

"Oh, thank you! I have been wanting nothing more than to do that!"

"Okay." Really, that was all I could get out. My starburst beauty kisses me, and I say okay?

"I could not do that out there because I don't know how many guests are truly okay with poly lifest th poly lyle and how comfortable you would be. Still got to talk all that out, and I promise soon we will get a chance to do so. You will see. It will be good, as long as we know things at the beginning." Jennifer was a ball of energy and driving me insane with this bouncing all around. I just wanted to stay where we were and get to know each other.

Jennifer had other plans and pulled me out of the room and back to the potluck. People were everywhere, and kids ran through house. I met people that worked with Trey, all the kids, and found some common friends. Even though I protested and claimed not to be hungry as my nerves were unsettled, I found a plate shoved my way full of a bite of everything. Then, before I knew it, I stood face to face with Trey. Both of us looked uncomfortable and just stood there.

"You must be Trey."

"Yes, and you must be Lexi."

"Oh good! You two are meeting! Please don't let me get in the way," Jennifer said while disappearing to run kids outside to play.

"She is sure this whole thing will work, huh?" I said nervously, joking.

"Yeah. Jen always has a way of making what she wants a reality. Just don't let her push you into something that you cannot handle or don't want. She has a way having you say yes before you have thought it through completely." I could see, as Trey said this, that he was hoping to deter my sights from going through with things. Or was I reading more into it? I was so questioning my motives and reality as it was and maybe I was pushing this onto his words so if I did not go through with this courtship, I could blame him.

"I won't, and please don't worry. I don't wish to take her from you and do not know what is happening yet."

"I know you don't want that. Neither did the ones before when they first arrived. It is hard to know for sure since neither I nor she really have known you and--I am sorry. I have said too much and am out of place."

"You have every right. You love her and want the best for her. I have not known her long, as you pointed out, but I do want her to be happy, and we both have to figure out what this is before things they get too far. This is something that cannot be undone without causing pain. She is something special and soon we will know if this will be a dating relationship, friendship with work, or just a working relationship. Just know that I need time to figure this out. It is all new to me."

"I understand. When we were to wed, she would not say yes until I agreed that she could date women and find a wife, if possible. I just hoped one day that things would change, but I knew I had to let her be her and let her have what she wanted or I would lose her. I hope that you are what she has looked for in a wife. I need just as much time as you because it is hard for me too--watching her fall for another and not doubt what we have. I knew what I was getting into and know that you need the same."

"Thank you and, if you don't mind, may I please take Jennifer out after this so we can talk about things?"

"Yes, it is ok with me, and please know, Lexi, that it is never my permission that you need to date Jennifer."

With that we thanked each other and parted ways. The potluck took lonnd uck tooger than I had hoped, but by the time it was over, I was ready to steal my starburst beauty away. I found her and soon found myself asking her for a walk. I sent Kelly off, telling her I would call her in the morning. Jennifer and I were soon able to set out for our walk after she said goodnight to Trey and the kids. It was beautiful and clear out. I felt like the luckiest person in the world next to her and felt myself swelling with joy. We walked for several minutes just holding hands. Then we stopped at a bench in the park that was nearby.

"Now that you have seen the home and met Trey and the kids, what are you thinking, Lexi?"

"I know I want to try to do this. I know that I feel the pull for you in many ways. I just don't know how willing I will be to share. I don't want to split you two up, but I have been so jealous in the past with just dating others and seeing them just talk to others. I don't want to mess things up, and I don't know..."

"Stop right there! You are a strong woman! We will take things slowly and talk things out. Communication of feelings is the key. I have faith. You will see this will be good." And with that, we kissed. I was starting to become addicted to these kisses, no matter how long or quick they were. A part of me wanted to invite her to my place, and another part of me wanted to stay right where we were.

"You keep saying this will be good. So, how does this work? Do I just ask you out on a date? Are there any rules I need to know? And, if I do go through with this, what, in your eyes, does this look like?"

"Oh my, you do have so many questions! I tell you what. Let's go back and get a car and go somewhere that has warmth and coffee. We can talk and split some pie as we get to know each other."

"Very well. My place and my car are just around the corner. We are now closer to mine than yours. I found out tonight that we are walking distance from each other."

"Oh, how convenient that is!"

As we walked to my place, I kept thinking of what we would talk about and how much would be about us and what we were becoming or how much would be about my past or her past. I craved to know about her and hoped that nothing she asked would be embarra.s.sing for me to answer. I also wondered if it was too much to just ask her in for coffee and tea instead of going out. I really did not want to be anywhere that could contain interruptions.

"Would you rather come..."

"YES!" She let out before I could even finish my sentence.

"Not too soon to ask you in?"

"Not at all. I like the idea of being somewhere a little more private and without interruptions."

"Those were my thoughts exactly. Some place where no one would be interrupting us as we talked and got to know each other."

With that, I led her to my apartment, showing her around. Then I went to the kitchen to get our drinks. I started the tea kettle and coffee pot as she looked around the place. I found myself nervous, wondering what she was judging about me with my simple apartment. I hoped she did not find it too simple.

We sat down with our cups inv h our cu the living room and just looked at each other. I could get so lost in those eyes. I found so much beauty in this woman--both inside and out. How did this woman so quickly take my breath away and intrigue me beyond measure?. I did not know what to say or how to start this conversation. I was happy just being there with her. The conversational part was the cherry on top.

"Is your tea all right?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"You have barely taken a sip."

"I was just admiring you and your beauty. It is so easy to get lost in you. Please tell me now. What are we doing?"

"Well, we will date once or twice a week and get to know each other. We will take things slowly and see what will happen. We are dating."

"Oh, Jennifer! You are my starburst beauty. Why are we pulled so closely together? I can only think of being with you."

"I don't know. I just know that I feel it too and am excited to find out what is to come with us!"

As she said this, she leaned into me and kissed me ever so sweetly on my lips. I felt my control slipping away as I wanted more than anything to feel her skin and taste her sweetness. I a.s.sumed she heard my thoughts as she shifted just enough to where I could feel her heat. She drove me crazy inside and out with the feel of her so close.

"Lexi, could I spend the night? Or is that too forward and quick?"

"I don't know what to say. What will Trey say about it tomorrow? And are you expecting anything?"

"Don't worry about it, dear. I already took care of that before we left when I said, 'Don't wait up as I may not be back in 'til late or morning.' I just did not expect you to agree. And no, we don't have to do anything; I just want to be close to you."

Well, this was an amazing surprise for me! I would soon be lying next to her in my bed. My body shook at this thought. I did not see how I was going to sleep at all. Her scent was enough to intoxicate me and drive me insane. Though I did not feel tonight was the night to act on the urges in my mind.

"Would you mind if we sat up and talked, then slept? I just want to make sure that things are right before going to bed to do other things beside sleep."

"That is fine. We don't have to do anything until you are ready."

"Are you sure?" I was pushing this for some reason and did not know why. I just really needed to make sure it was okay with her that I was not ready for us to have s.e.x.

"Yes Lexi. I am sure. Now what to talk about?"

We sat up until 3 a.m., talking about all sorts of matters from childhood to personal religions. I found we had much in common and that it was very easy to talk to her. Finally Mrs. Sandwoman came to take us away, even though I still had so much to learn about her, and we crawled into bed. First time in a long time that I had someone next to me, and I did not know what to do. I found us each a t-shirt to wear, blankets, and a few extra pillows for Jennifer to use.

ou.="13"> When I woke up, I found her arm around me and leg across me. I also found my arm was holding her and her head was on my chest. I did not wish to move as I did not want right now to end. I did not want her to wake up. I found myself in bliss and knew I was falling quickly for this starburst beauty.

Chapter Eight.