Originally posted to ASSM Sept 26, 2003


The following story is intended for adults only. If you can't
vote in your locality or sex stories are prohibited please go
away.

If you've read Girl Friday's Silver Clit winning story Reunion
</~Girl_Friday/reunion.html> this is a
mirror from Luke's point of view. All Characters are owned by
Girl Friday and used by Permission.

As always comments welcome at rod_ramsey@yahoo.com. 



Coming Home (M/F, rom)
	by Rod Ramsey


I opened the invitation and began to read, "Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin Reed request the pleasure of your company at the
marriage of their daughter Susan Anne to Mr. Michael Cunningham
Hastings."

That was as far as I needed to read before I knew I would be
going home to stay. The hustle and bustle of big city life had
taken it's toll and it was time for me to return to my roots. I
knew my parents would be happy to make my old room available
until I could find a place of my own. 

Two months later I hit the road for the drive home, my job and
apartment behind me. Thoughts and memories flooding back the
closer I got to home. 

I resisted the urge to look Cat up as soon as I hit town. I was
sure she would be Maid of Honor at Sue's wedding and I didn't
want to upset her with my presence before the ceremony. Not for
the first time I prayed that she would forgive me for what I had
done.  


It was an evening wedding, white canopies providing cover in
the Reed's huge backyard. Susan made the perfect bride, her
beauty only slightly tempered by the vision of Cat, standing by
her as she took her vows. I could not pull my eyes away from the
sight of Cat, as gorgeous as I remember, the green of her
bridesmaid dress matching her eyes. 

The reception followed the ceremony. I found trying to catch
Cat's eye proving difficult until Pop Reed took her out onto the
dance floor. Pop nodded in my direction and Cat glanced my way,
a look of shock passed over her face as our eyes connected. I
nodded my head in acknowledgement and headed their way.
Tapping Pop on the shoulder I asked if I could cut in. With a
grin and a wink he handed her over to me.


A spark of electricity flowed through us as I took Cat's hand
and pulled her to me. Her body molded to mine like it was made
for me, I led her around the dance floor.

"How have you been, Cat?" I asked quietly.

"Fine Luke and you?" she replied with a barely perceptible
tremor in her voice.

"That's a long story. You're still just as beautiful as I
remember."

The music ended and Cat pulled away from me. I resisted the
urge to hold on.

"Thanks for the dance, Luke. It was good seeing you again." she
said, turning to walk away.

"Cat, wait." I held her by the elbow, "I need to see you again.
We have some things to discuss." I tipped her chin up to look at
me, "Please?" Hoping she would let me explain that I never meant
to hurt her.

"No, Luke. It's no use digging up the past." 

Yes there was. She hadn't left my mind in 7 years. 

But I stopped myself. Now isn't the right time or place. I let
her go this time, watching her as she made her way across the
dance floor and into the house. After she disappeared I made my
way to the bar. Picking up two beers I walked down to the barn,
remembering the first time I realized Cat was truly lovely.



I've know Cat forever, she was my twin brother, Logan's, best
friend all through school. While I concentrated on sports and
girls, Logan concentrated on school and playing dirty little
tricks. 

We were at Sue's house for a graduation party. The big barn
perfect for a little carousing and horseplay. As the evening
progressed we gathered in a circle playing Truth or Dare. My
girlfriend, Chrissy, curled up next to me, resting her head in
my lap. I saw Logan looking up toward the loft when his turn
came around.

"Hey Luke," he called, "truth or dare?"

"Dare." I replied, expecting to swing from the hay lift rope
naked or something equally silly.

Logan was still looking up when he told me my dare, "Climb into
the hayloft and spend ten minutes making out with who ever you
find up there. I'll give a yell when time's up."

"Hey. That's not fair!"  Chrissy said in the whiney voice I was
starting to find annoying.

"Sorry Chris, you know the rules." I apologized as I made my
way toward the ladder.

"Well, who's up there?" Chrissy demanded of Logan.

"Cat." Logan replied. His voice taking on the smug tone that he
got when he had pulled a fast one. Logan never explained why he
hated Chrissy so much, but it was well known that Chris had
hated Cat ever since Cat had beaten her in a spelling bee way
back in third grade.

I climbed into the loft and planted myself in the same pile
that Cat had snuggled herself into. Her auburn hair spilling
around the hay, framing her face.

"Hey, Cat. Sorry, but a dare's a dare."

"Yeah, I know. Just do it." 

I rolled to drape one side over her and brushed her hair back
from her face.  Leaning down I brushed her lips with my own. A
spark seemed to flow through us as our lips touched. This was
nothing like kissing Chrissy or any other girl I had dated. I
teased and nibbled on her lips, a burning desire building in the
pit of my being. My cock surging to life as Cat got into it,
gently tracing my lips with her tongue. I groaned, wrapping both
arms around Cat and pulled her on top of me. My tongue played
games with hers, my hands tangled in hair made of liquid fire
that felt like silk. I could feel her body pressing against my
hard cock, a sigh escaping my lips. I pulled her ass tighter to
me with one hand as I let my other explore her breast, my thumb
finding an aroused nipple to play with. She moaned her mouth
pressed against mine, our tongues dueling as our bodies squirmed
together. I settled back, getting lost in the delightful
sensations.

I was just reaching for the snap on Cat's jeans when Logan
called, "Time." I reluctantly broke our embrace. Cat rolling to
the side, her breath coming in gasps.

"Jesus, Cat. What the hell was that?" I asked, trying to
control my own breath. My mind reeling from the fervor of our
embrace.

"Like I know?  That's never happened to me before." she
replied, a look of lost confusion on her face.

"Never?" I asked, reaching to brush back a lock of hair from
her face.

"No."

"Luke! Get down here!" Chrissy called from the below, anger
audible in her voice. Yet I couldn't tear my eyes from Cat's
face.

"You had better go, the little woman calls."

"Shit, Cat. If she sees this lump, I'm a dead man." I replied,
knowing I would be cut off for the night and wanting to stay
with Cat instead.

"Well, I'd offer to help but you need Chrissy's permission
first."

I covered my disappointment by grumbling about insensitive
females and climbed down the ladder to Chrissy's iron grip. It
took all the will I had not to climb back up that ladder and
take Cat in front of the whole crowd. Instead I let Chrissy pull
me away from the party, requesting rather curtly that I take her
home. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was the first
real crack in my relationship with Chris.



I must have fallen asleep in the hay, waking stiff and sore in
the dark. I made my way back to where the reception was winding
down. I thanked Mr. Reed for his hospitality and then asked if
he would give me Cat's address. I could see he wanted to say
more after he gave it to me, but he changed the subject. I also
talked to Susan briefly before she left with Michael, again
getting vague answers to my questions. Shortly after that I
headed home. Sleep was slow in coming and I found myself waking
in the night, visions of Cat spinning in my mind.  It was light
outside when I next woke. I decided that I would walk the mile
or so to Cat's house. Hopefully, the cool morning air would
clear my head. 

I rang her doorbell then leaning against the rail. The need to
explain to her, to beg her forgiveness growing as I stood there.
I rubbed my hand along my chin, silently chiding myself for not
shaving. Cat opened the door her face immediately taking on a
look of displeasure. 

"What are you doing here?" she asked, the tone matching her look.

"Morning, Cat. Mind if I come in?" I asked, stepping past her
into the hallway. Determined not to leave until she at least
heard me out.

"Please do." was her sarcasm laced reply.

"I'm sorry, alright? I've had a rotten night. Do you have any
coffee?" I asked, silently begging for her to give me a chance. 

"Sure, come on into the kitchen."  

She poured me a cup and then sat down across the kitchen table
from me. "Now are you going to tell me why you're here? And
start with how you found out where I live."

"I asked Pop Reed. Then I talked with Susan for a few minutes
before she and Michael left."

"You talked to Susan? About what?" She seemed edgy and for the
first time I thought I saw fear cross her face. What was she
afraid of? What should've Pop Reed or Susan told me?

"You." I replied, slumping in the comfortable chair.

"What about me?" she asked, anger creeping into her voice.

"I wanted to know how you're doing. Susan told me you aren't
seeing anyone, that you haven't in a long time. Why is that
Cat?" 

"I've been busy. Why is this any business of yours?" She
snapped, her tone defiant.

I rubbed my face and smoothed back my hair, containing my
growing dismay at her attitude. Wishing she would just talk to
me like we used to.

"Catherine, please just drop the attitude and talk to me." I
begged, knowing the use of her proper name would let her know I
was serious. "Why did you leave me that morning? You could have
at least woke me up and said Goodbye."  

"Luke, you were headed back to UCLA. I was going back to Penn
State. You were still in love with Chrissy. What was the point?
It was just a one-time thing between friends. I understood that."

Her words cut like a knife. I fell in love with her that night
and now I find that it was nothing more than a one night stand.
I sighed, shoving my hands into my back pockets, lost in
thought. How to explain to her the truth?

"I was not still in love with Chrissy. If you had stuck around
a little longer I would have told you that. I tried to contact
you a couple of times, but you never called back. Why?"

"I've already answered that. Luke, what's going on here?" she
asked. 

I stood up, pacing the kitchen, "Why didn't you tell me you
were a virgin? I thought you were experienced. You should have
told me you weren't."

"Luke, it wasn't deliberate. It just wasn't important. I wasn't
exactly thinking rationally at the time." she gave me a small
smile that I'm sure was mirrored by my own. 

"Cat, for seven years I've been walking around with you in my
head. When I go to sleep at night, I hear your laugh. When I
dream, I see the way you looked when I made love to you that
night. I wake up in the morning and I can smell your scent, feel
your body wrapped up in mine. I'm haunted by the memory of the
night we shared together." 

She just sat there looking at me, her mouth open. I continued,
"When I got Susan's wedding invitation, I knew I had to come
here and see you again. I had to find out if what we had was
real or just some fantasy I built in my head."

"Luke, I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything at all." I replied, my voice hoarse
from fear and desire.  

Her green eyes locked on mine, searching my face. Without
conscious thought I pulled her to her feet. I pulled her
unresisting body against mine. Tentatively I brushed her lips
with mine, testing her reaction. She still offered no resistance
as I placed my mouth firmly on hers. As our lips met the old
feelings surged back and I could feel my cock swell. A spark of
electricity flowed through us as my tongue slipped between
parted lips. Cat moaned, pressing her body to mine. I could feel
her nipples harden as they pressed into my chest. 

"Oh, Cat." I groaned, bending my head to kiss her neck, feeling
the throb of her pulse. She responded by gripping my hair,
pulling my lips back to hers. Her mouth hungry for mine,
demanding more. 




"Momma, Momma, look what Grams got me!" 

At the sound of the child's voice, Cat pushed me away. She
stepped back to catch a blonde child that flew into her arms.
Cat picked the child up, covering her face with kisses as little
girl laughter filled the room. Cat buried her face in the
child's hair. 

I stood in shock, trying to comprehend the scene before me. Cat
has a child? With who? When? My hope began to fade as I wondered
who the man was in her life. I heard the front door slam and
turned to see Cat's mother appear holding a small overnight bag.

"Well, this is a surprise." Mrs. Thompson said, looking from
Cat to me, trying to decide what she had interrupted. The
tension in the room was palpable. Only the child appeared to be
unaffected.  

The girl squirmed against her mother. Cat set her on the floor
and watched as she walked over to me. Tiny fists on her hips,
she threw her head back and looked me over. 

"Who are you?" she demanded, in an echo of Cat's earlier tone.

I studied her face carefully, taking in the child's features.
Eyes as green as her mother's. The blonde hair. The shape of her
nose. High cheekbones reflecting my own. 

My child. 

I felt a rage like none I had ever known bubble up inside me.
Ruthlessly, I shoved it down. Now was not the time. My control
didn't extend to my face and I know I glared at Cat before
replying, fighting to keep the anger out of my voice, "I'm a
friend of your mom's." 


"My name's Emma. What's yours?" she said after a moment's
hesitation.

I kneeled down to bring my face closer to her's, "My name's
Luke. What were you showing your mom?"

Emma's smile lit up the room. She put one hand on my knee and
patted her chest with the other. "Grams bought me a new shirt. I
picked it out myself."   

"It's very pretty."  

"Yeah. Are you staying for lunch?" Evidently I had passed the
test. Emma's smile glowed, her green eyes sparkling. 

My look to Cat let her know that I would expect answers. "I'd
love to."

Mrs. Thompson interrupted. "Emma, why don't you take Luke
outside and show him your new swing-set? I need to talk to your
mom a minute."

Emma took my hand and led me into the back yard, chattering
about how much fun her swing-set was. Emma showed me to the
swing, asking if I could push her for a few minutes. I
consented, taking pleasure in the simple act of play, alowing it
to calm my inner turmoil. 

Emma's explanation of who had built the swing was Poppy and
Uncle Michael; although she was quick to explain that her mom
and Aunt Susan had helped. I verified that Poppy was in fact Pop
Reed. My inquiry as to her birthday confirmed what I already
knew, almost nine months to the day. Emma teased me when I got
stuck at the top of her small slide. She cried out with glee as
I pushed her higher and higher on the swing. Her infectious
laugh soon had me falling in love with her. Cat came out to lay
in the hammock, her face relaxed now. I continued to push my
daughter on the swing as my mind wandered.



Remembering the one night I spent with her mother brought a
smile to my face. It was two years after the truth or dare game.
Logan and I were hosting this year's end of summer party, before
we headed back to college.  Like Susan, we lived on a big farm
in the country. Logan had built a huge bonfire to provide light
and warmth. I had snuck in some beer and some of the others were
getting pretty loud. 

I watched Cat as she sat quietly by the fire, her red hair
glowing in the firelight. Did she know how I had watched her
whenever Chrissy wasn't latched onto my arm. Chrissy had already
left to return to school, leaving me the day before saying that
we should take a break and see other people. After watching Cat
for a while I wandered over and sat down beside her. 

"You're pretty quiet tonight. You okay?" I asked, knowing she
had been sick.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired. The strep throat really wore me
out." she replied.

"Where's Susan? I'm not used to seeing you on your own."

She gave me a dejected smile and explained, "I gave her the
strep. We shared a soda before I knew I was sick. She's not
happy with me." I had to laugh at that. Those two shared
everything, why not an illness too?

"Where's Chrissy? I'm not used to seeing you on your own." Her
question catching me off guard. Maybe she did think about me the
way I had been thinking of her?

"We're taking a break." I replied, "It hasn't been working for
some time now. We've decided to date other people for awhile and
see how it goes." Not filling in that it was Chrissy's decision.

She apologized for bringing it up and I laughed it off. Cat
tried to get me to join the others but I declined. I could see
she was confused by my actions, trying to decide why I was
sitting there with her. I almost told her the truth about
Chrissy and me, but pride made me keep my mouth shut.

As the fire burned we talked quietly, Cat told me about Penn
State and the incredible graphic arts program. I told her about
UCLA and the prospect of Stanford Law School. Sitting side by
side as the others got drunk and acted like fools. Evidently,
the long day had caught up with Cat her eyelids drooping with
fatigue. I decided it was time to let Cat get some sleep and
pulled her to her feet.

"C'mon. You need to get some sleep."  

I started leading her to house. My firm grip on her hand
insuring she would follow.

"Luke, wait. What about your parents?" Cat asked.  

"They're cool. Chrissy used to stay here all the time." I
regretted the words the moment they left my mouth. "Besides,
your honor is safe with me."  

"Damn, and I was sooo hoping."  Her tone was joking, but I
don't think she knew how I longed for it not to be. For two
years I'd been wanting kiss her again.  Spending time with her
tonight had made me realize I wanted more than a kiss.  

I gave her curious glance and headed into the house. Cat called
her parents so they wouldn't worry and followed me upstairs to
my room. I rummaged around in the dresser and finding her my
favorite UCLA tee shirt.

"Here, you can wear this. Why don't you get changed and I'll
turn the bed down for you."  

She took the shirt and went to the bathroom to change. I turned
down the sheets, folding the heavy bedspread out of the way.
Knowing she was still recovering from the Strep, I fetched a
glass of water, placing it on the night stand. Cat returned,
looking incredible in my shirt. My gaze traveled up her satiny
legs, over her small pert breasts and up to her incredible
auburn hair. She gave me a shy smile and I turned to leave,
planning to crash in Logan's room.

"Luke? Where are you going to sleep?" she asked. 

"I'm gonna crash in Logan's room." I explained, turning to face
her.

"You don't have to do that. It's a queen-size bed. There's
plenty of room.  I don't want to kick you out of your own bed."
she said, biting her lower lip in a way I found extremely erotic.

I sat down next to her and sighed. I could already feel my cock
firming up at the thought, "Cat, I really don't think that's a
good idea." 

She looked me straight in the eye as she asked, "Why not?"

I had to look away and stare at a spot on the wall, lest I
drown in her incredible green eyes. With a tremble in my voice I
answered her question. "You're my brother's best friend and I
don't think I can trust myself to leave you alone. I still
remember the fireworks that went off when I kissed you after
graduation. If I join you, I'm going to kiss you again. You and
I both know it wouldn't end there."

She slid her hand along my jaw, turning me to face her once
more. Her touch setting my skin on fire. Gently she replied,
"Then lock the door and come to bed. No strings, no regrets."

What could I say? I'd been wanting this for two years. My cock
swelled with anticipation. Without a word I got up and locked
the door. Cat sat on the bed watching as I pulled my clothes
off. My cock springing free, fully erect as I slipped my boxers
off. Cat licked her lips and started to pull the shirt off.

"Let me do it." my voice coming out in a hoarse whisper. 

Cat let go of the shirt as I sat on the edge of the bed. I kept
my touch gentle, slowly letting my fingers follow the contours
of her face. The first kiss was a mere whisper of contact, the
spark of passion strong. I gripped her hair gently using it to
tip her head back, giving me access to kiss the hollow of her
neck. She made a quiet whimper of protest when I broke contact.
I slipped my hands under the shirt, exploring her body. Another
moan came from her lips as my fingers played across her hard
nipples. My palms slid along her supple skin as I lifted the
shirt off Cat's body, revealing her awesome features to my gaze.
I licked my lips as her breasts came into view. I could hardly
contain my passion as I peeled the shirt from her body. It was
everything I had imagined and more, the scent of her arousal
pulling me deeper into the depths of desire. 

"I have never seen anyone more beautiful." I whispered, unable
to tear my eyes from her form.

Her reply was to grip my neck and pull me to her, our mouths
locked with one another. I groaned with passion as my tongue
forced it's way into her mouth, her hands dancing wildly over my
body. Her hand found my cock and began to stroke it gently. I
trailed kisses down her body to kiss and suck on her breasts, my
own hand finding her warm moist slit. She hissed loudly when I
touched her clit, her free hand pulling my mouth back to her's.
I let my body slide between her spread legs, her wordless plea
easy to recognize as she ground against me. 

I hesitated, sanity seeping in for a brief second, "Cat, are
you protected?" 

She nodded and I thrust into her, her legs wrapping around me.
I felt her maidenhead give way as I tore through it. 'Oh my
God.' flashed through my mind, 'She's not? I'm not her first?
Surely she's been with others?' 

"Cat?" my voice soft with disbelief. My eyes looking into hers.

"Luke. Please don't stop." she begged.

"Oh Cat." I moaned, slowly beginning to pump my cock into her.

She moaned with soft whimpers as I pressed my pelvis against
her. Grinding my body against her clit. I could feel her body
tense, her breathing coming in tiny gasps.

"Now Luke. NOW." she cried.  

I pounded into her, over and over. Her legs wrapped around me
pulling me tight as her climax sent me over the edge. 

"Oh God Cat. YES!" I shouted, pounding into her as we climaxed
together.  

Exhausted and gasping, I collapsed next to her. Pulling her
closer and stroking her body as our breathing slowed.

"Cat? Why?" I asked when I had regained my breath and my sanity.

"Because I wanted you." was her reply.

We laid there in each other's arms fading to sleep. I think she
was already asleep when I whispered softly, "I love you Cat."
Knowing in my heart that it was true.

Cat's moving stirred me to wakefulness. Her arms reaching for
me in the dark, my lips finding hers. This time was gentle and
slow as we made love. Cat's body mating to mine like we were
made for each other.

I woke up alone. 

Cat, her clothes and my UCLA shirt were gone. I ran downstairs,
stopping only to throw on my shorts. Her car was gone, my dad
watering Mom's roses saying she was gone when he had come
downstairs 30 minutes earlier. I made a phone call to the
Thompson house, finding that Cat had already left for the drive
back to Penn State. After leaving a message at the dorm for her
to call me I sat down to think about why she had left so
suddenly. In the cold light of dawn I had begun to wonder if she
hated me for taking advantage of her, for taking her virginity.



A tug on my shirt brought me out of my reverie, "I think it's
lunch time." Emma said. Her sweet smile being returned by one of
mine. 

"Yeah, Kiddo I think it is."

I looked over at Cat, who looked to be sleeping in the hammock.
Emma walked over to her mother tugging on her shirt. "Momma,
when's lunch? We're hungry." 

Cat ruffled Emma's hair as she stood up. Glancing my way she
took Emma's hand, "Come on in and help me make it." 

I followed Cat and Emma into the kitchen, sitting at the table
as Emma did her best to help with the meal. I struggled to keep
from saying something angry to Cat while Emma talked and made
little girl jokes. After cleaning up Cat pulled out some
crayons. I joined Emma laying on the floor coloring the pictures
as her mother sat quietly at the table. As we worked Emma's head
began to nod and her mother came over to carry her away, quietly
telling me it was nap time. 

While she was putting Emma down I looked around the kitchen
finding some of Emma's painting on the refrigerator. Looking at
my daughter's art, I found my rage growing with the thought of
losing all this time with her and Cat. I was still there when
Cat returned. 

"When, exactly, were you planning on telling me I had a
daughter?" I asked, struggling to keep my anger under control.

"What makes you think she's yours?" Cat replied angrily.   

"God damn it! Don't even try to deny it. She may have your
green eyes Cat, but the rest of her face is mine." I yelled
back, coming close to losing control. Never had I been so angry,
"I thought you said you were protected.  How the hell did this
happen?" I regretted the words as soon as they had left my lips,
yet anger refused to let me take them back.

"It was my fault." Her soft words, almost whispered taking me
by surprise. "Remember that I had been sick?"  

I nodded, expecting her to place some of the blame on me. I
kept my mouth shut when it looked like she was going to
continue. 

"The antibiotics I was on decreased the effectiveness of my
birth control pills. There was a warning label on the bottle. I
just ignored it because I didn't think I'd be having sex. I got
pregnant because I didn't pay attention. It was my fault and I
take full responsibility."

I managed to contain myself while she talked. I sat at the
table searching her face for answers. Trying to frame my next
question. "Why didn't you call me when you found out you were
pregnant? Cat, I had a right to know. What did I do to make you
afraid?"

"Honestly, Luke, I was scared. I had told you no strings and I
meant it. I wasn't about to mess up UCLA and Stanford Law
because I was stupid. I wanted you to have the chance to live
your life without the burden of a child holding you back. I
cared about you too much to let that happen." the words flowed
from her, the pain evident on her face.

"That should have been my choice. If you cared, you would have
called. You know that I would have stood by you, married you,
given Emma my name. She's six years old now! Look at all I've
missed. I should have been there when she was born and every day
after that." I paused to take a breath, "I would have been if I
had known."

"I know that you would have, Luke. That's why I didn't tell
you. I didn't want you to be with me because you felt obligated.
Damn it, don't you get it? I was in love with you! But, I was
not going to use my pregnancy to trap you into being with me.
You had just broken up with Chrissy. You guys were together for
four years. I knew you still loved her and I wasn't going to
stand in your way." 

"Jesus, Cat, for the last time. I was not in love with Chrissy.
Get that through your head right now. I broke up with her. I
fell in love with you that night we spent together, but when you
wouldn't return my calls I thought you didn't feel the same way
I did. For seven years I've tried to move on. I came here today
to try to convince you to give us another chance.  Now I don't
know what I want. Emma changes everything. I guess I just need
some time to think and get this all straight in my head." The
anger and confusion causing my head to spin. Did Cat hate me for
what I had done to her or was she serious about loving me. I
didn't know what to think.

"I can understand that Luke. Take all the time you need."  

Without another word I turned and walked out her door. My eyes
fogging with tears. My mind reeling with mixed thoughts of hurt
and betrayal. I walked back to the house. Climbing into my car I
tore out of town, the radio loud hoping the sound would block
the memories from my mind. The scent of Cat on my pillow.
Chrissy's haughty laugh when I told her it was really over.
Waking in the night with Cat's name on my lips. 

I headed for the batting cages. My old friend whenever I needed
to work out some anger and think. Hitting balls till my arms
ached. Naming each one for every wrong that had taken place and
the people who should have told me that I had a child. Even my
own parents had to know. Exhausted I sat down and thought about
the conversation I had just had with Cat. Replaying her words in
my mind. She cared about me too much to interfere with my life.
She loved me, not loves me. I could say even through my anger
that I love Cat.



It was dark when I returned to Cat's house. The lights were on
yet no answer came from my ringing of her doorbell. I cursed
under my breath at finding the front door unlocked. My time in
California causing me to be dismayed at how could Cat be so
cavalier about my child's safety. 

Cautiously I opened the door calling Cat's name. I found her
and Emma sleeping in the hammock on the back porch. Sitting in
the dark watching them sleep all confusion faded from my mind. I
still loved Cat and I loved my daughter. I resolved that I would
take an active roll in Emma's life.


Cat stirred and woke up, moving her shoulders to ease some
discomfort. Her eyes fell on me and I smiled.

"Hey." she called out her voice scratchy with sleep.

"Do you still love me, Cat?" I asked, my eyes still locked on
hers.

"Huh?" she replied, confusion crossing her face.

"You said earlier today that you were, past tense, in love with
me. I want to know how you feel now. Do you still love me?"   

"Yes." she replied without hesitation.

"I spent all afternoon driving around. Listening to loud rock
and roll on the radio." I frowned, "Just thinking. I'm angry,
Cat. I'm not going to deny it. I look at that beautiful little
girl snuggled in your arms, knowing she's mine, knowing I missed
six years of her life-- and I'm angry. I cursed you with every
curse known to man and made up a few new ones while I was at it.
I went to the batting cages and hit balls until I was too tired
to be angry."  

The look on Cat's face caused me to quiet my tone a little.  

"Once I got over being mad, I could think a little more
clearly. I understand why you did what you did. I don't like it
one little bit and I'm still pretty upset about it, but I
understand. You did what you thought was best."

I paused to organize my thoughts and to give Cat an opportunity
to say something before continuing. 

"I realized it really doesn't matter. I came back here to find
you. I found you and Emma. The only thing that really matters is
this. I love you. I have for a long time now. I don't know if we
can make this work or not. But I want to try. I want to be with
you. I want to raise our daughter together. Not because I feel
obligated to, but because I love you and I love Emma; more than
I thought was possible in such a short time."

"I'd like that, Luke, but how? Emma's in school here; don't you
still live in California?"

"Actually, no. I missed my family. I missed small town life. I
missed you.  When Susan's invitation showed up in the mail, I
decided it was time for a change. I quit my job out there and
I've been staying with my parents while I house hunt. I've
already got a job with one of the small law firms here in town."

I couldn't read the look on her face. Cat opened her mouth to
say something then closed it again. A small tentative smile
played across her lips.

"It's kind of small, but I think there's room in this house.
Why don't we talk with Emma tomorrow? If she agrees, maybe you
could move in here?"

The fear, anger and confusion melted away; my face returning
the smile that filled hers.

"I thought you'd never ask. In the morning we're going to have
a talk about locking that front door, but for now why don't we
put our daughter to bed?" 

I picked up my daughter and carried Emma upstairs. Cat stopped
to lock the front door, finding it already locked. After getting
Emma settled in her room, she took me by the hand, leading me to
her bedroom.

"I have something I want to give to you." she said. Opening her
dresser she pulled out my old UCLA tee shirt. I let the hem drop
trying to figure out what the brown stains on it were. Surely
Cat wouldn't have used it for painting.

"I knew you kept this. I liked knowing you had it, but what's
the stuff all over it?"

"I was wearing it when Emma was born. I had to fight everyone
in the hospital, but I wore that shirt. The brown stains are
from when they put her on my tummy right after she was born.  So
in a small way, you were there with me when she was born."

"Cat, I don't know what to say. I'll treasure it always."  

I refolded the shirt and carefully placed it on top of the
dresser. I turned back to Cat sensing her hesitancy, knowing
that she could feel mine. When she put her hand in mine I lifted
it to my lips, kissing each finger in turn. Fatigue was starting
to catch up to me and I pulled Cat into the bathroom. 

"It's been a long day. How about a bath?" I asked, then without
waiting for an answer started filling the large tub. "Got any
bubbles?"  

With a tilt of her head she indicated a shelf on the wall and
watched me as I drizzled the bubble soap into the bath. When the
tub was full I shut the water off and approached Cat. I gently
tilted her head back softly kissing her sweet lips.

"C'mon Cat, let's get in the tub." 

Cat just stood there with that little smile on her lips as I
undressed. I turned away from her so she couldn't see my hands
shaking with nervous anticipation as I pulled the buttons loose
on my jeans. I could hear her draw in a sharp breath when I
turned to climb into the tub. 

After lowering myself into the tub I looked up at her lovely
face, "Cat, the water won't stay warm forever."  

Cat stopped staring at me when I spoke, the soft smile still on
her lips. I watched with bated breath as she slowly removed her
clothing, each piece revealing her body to me. She had matured
during the last seven years, her body fuller, rounder. Just as
glorious. When she let her bra fall to the floor her breasts
still retained some of their youthful firmness. I licked my lips
when she slid her panties down her long legs, her fine red pubid
hairs glistening with wetness. She twisted her hair into a knot
on top of her head and step into the tub. 

Settling her body between my thighs, she leaned back to rest
against my chest. A sigh escaped her lips as she relaxed in the
warm water. I squeezed some liquid soap onto my hand, the room
filling with the scent of orange blossoms as I began lathering
up her arms and shoulders.

"Mmmm, that feels nice." she said, her eyes closed, a peaceful
look on her face.

"Sit up a sec so I can do your back." I said. 

She slid forward giving me access. I could feel the tension
easing in her muscles as I worked the soap into her skin.
Scooping handfuls of water over her back and shoulders to rinse
off the soap. I leaned forward and pull her soft body back to
me. 

As she settled against me I recalled how our bodies mated so
perfectly. Slowly I let my hands begin to wash her front. Again
the soft sigh as my hands spread the lather over her belly
working my way to her breasts. I teased her ear with my lips
kissing my way down to nuzzle her neck. My hands circling her
breasts, caressing the soap into her hard nipples. She moaned in
response as I rolled one gently between my fingers. She wiggled
her butt against my stiff cock. I let my hand slide down her
belly, causing her to jump in surprise when I slid it along her
pussy. I caught her lips with my own when she turned to face me,
our passion making me harder. I slipped my finger inside as our
tongues entwined. Cat's body shook as she turned to straddle me,
slowly sliding down my shaft. 

"Oh God, Luke," she whispered, "it feels so good."

"I know, Baby, for me too." I murmured. 

It felt like coming home.

I raised my legs, bending them at the knee to give her more
support as she moved her body up and down. The soap on her
breasts letting her slide against my chest. As she moved I
placed one hand on the back of her neck pulling her into a kiss
I never wanted to end. My hand slid up into her hair pulling the
clip loose and tossing it out of the way as her hair spilled
around us. Cat picked up the pace and I moaned with urgency,
flicking her clit with my finger as my need forced it's way to
the surface. Cat started to shake, her body clenching my cock in
its velvet vise. We groaned in unison as our climax's flowed
over us, my seed filling her womb. I held her to me in the
cooling water as she collapsed against me, my body trembling
with joy.

"I love you." she whispered, her lips just brushing my ear. 

"I love you too, Catherine. I always have." I replied, loving
the sound of her name on my lips.


              *****


The sun was just beginning to set, turning the sky a mixture of
pink, yellow, and orange. Music drifting on the breeze as
couples swayed on the dance floor.  

Holding Emma to me in her pink satin dress, I carried her
around the dance floor. Her head rested on my shoulder, the long
day having taken it's toll. I could see Susan, her belly
swelling with Michael's child, talking to Mrs. Thompson. Nearby,
under the lilac tree Cat stood talking to Pop, his hand
extending to pull her onto the dance floor for one final dance.
The gold band resting on her hand glinted in the fading light,
reminding me of the weight of it's match on mine. I watched my
lovely wife dance with the only father she had ever known. Emma
snuggled tighter to me, her breath warm on my neck.

I knew I was finally home. As Emma faded, her last words before
falling asleep, "I love you Papa."

The End.