Lindsay had to nod. Greta had been surprisingly spectacular. Especially for a beginner.

"Shut up, Greta. You've had your turn," Angie said crossly. Lindsay laughed, not quite knowing how to deal with her sudden popularity. Maybe paying for it would have been easier. Sure would have been quicker. "Now, girls, no need for that."

Greta stuck her tongue out at Angie and tried not to think of the horrible sin she'd just committed. Of course, String Bean had been right. It was fun. Now she knew what all the boys had been grumbling about behind the school yard. If she'd only known then.

Lindsay rolled her eyes and focused on the taller girl."Are you ready, Angie? I'm playing for keeps here," she warned seriously."I don't want you do something you'll regret tomorrow." For all her bravado, it had been Greta not Angie who'd insisted on participating, even when she didn't know what to do. Angie had been content to stand back and watch.

Angie bit her lip then squealed delightedly."I can't believe I'm going to do it.Can you, Greta?" she asked her friend, her excitement practically bubbling over.

She gave Angie a bored look. "No."

An expression of steely determination swept over Angie and she tossed her coat onto the snow and began to unbutton her dress.

Lindsay smiled and started at the buttons on her trousers, the motion a little difficult with her hands in bandages.

"And this is how men do it?" Angie inquired curiously.

"Basically," Lindsay said.Greta had figured out that she was a woman almost immediately, so Lindsay came clean. To her surprise, instead of frightening the young women it intrigued them even more. Who knew the girls of Big Ugly were such rascals?

Greta finished buttoning her coat and stuffed her hands into her pocket."Ever done it with a woman before, String Bean?"

"Not before today," she admitted honestly.Then her thoughts turned to Ginny. "But damned if I haven't wanted to."

"Ready," Angie told her nervously, rubbing her hands together.

A predatory look washed over Lindsay's face."So am I, Angie. So am I."

"I'm sorry I don't recall which boy was which," Josephine told Ginny. The women were both seated and looking much calmer than they had only moments before."A couple approached one of the boys on stage," she paused to cluck her disapproval, "and right there in front of God and everyone the boy started screaming that he was a Catholic and that he wasn't going anyplace with or without his brother and sister."She felt uncomfortable telling Virginia this next part, but obligation was, after all, more important than comfort."After that, the poor boy burst into tears and I'm afraid we had to take him outside and calm him down."She sighed."While I'm sure there are plenty of Catholics in New York City, there are none in Big Ugly.The two families were no longer interested."

The words were said so matter-of-factly that she didn't take offense.Ginny was too tired to bother."That would have been Lewis." Her guts were churning full-force at the thought of her brother's tears.You little stinker. You're too smart for your own good. She knew, however, that it wouldn't take long for the Ward's employees to make certain he never did something like that again. No one had better lay a single finger on him, she thought darkly."And James?"

"Ahhh..." a heavy eyebrow arched."The second Robson brother also refused to be separated from his siblings. When one of the prospective parents didn't seem to be taking his request seriously, he...umm...well, he kicked him in the...You know," she murmured delicately, glancing down between her legs and waggling her eyebrows.

A tiny laugh exploded out of Ginny. Her hand flew to her mouth as more tears welled up, threatening to spill over. Her emotions were all over the place, confusing her even more. She couldn't tell whether to be glad that her brothers were fighting to stay together with each other and Jane or furious at them for being so stubborn. As it was, she was probably going to have to traipse across the entire nation before she'd find the family crazy enough to take them in. Despite herself, she chuckled, a sad smile on her face."That would definitely be my brother James."

Having told Ginny everything she knew, Josephine stood."We're not in the business of placing children in homes where they don't want to be. And it was clear your brothers wouldn't be happy with anyone here."She wiped her palms against her skirt, wondering what was keeping Greta. Surely the wedding was over by now."I'm sorry I couldn't have been more help."Her gaze softened."May God bless you and your journey, Virginia."

Ginny stood as well and gathered her bag. She sniffed a little as she backed towards the door."Thanks to you, I at least now know they're all right. And with or without God's blessing I intend on finding them."

The older woman inclined her head slightly."But a little help and a lot of luck never hurts."

"No," a genuine smile played at the edges of Ginny's mouth, "it never does. Thank you, Josephine."She was grateful for what little information she'd been able to glean and pushed open the door to be greeted by a blast of cold air. It would be dark soon and she needed to find Lindsay and a place for them to stay the night.

They had a train to catch early in the morning.

After asking a man on the street what her options in Big Ugly were, Ginny was directed to the local boarding house, a narrow, two-story home just off the main street. To her surprise, the plump proprietress told her that her friend had already paid for a room for the night.

The room was dark and cool and Ginny did nothing more than toss their bag on the bed before heading back down Main Street in search of Lindsay. As she walked, two young women approached her, too absorbed in their own conversation, which consisted mostly of shrieks of laughter and nervous giggles, to notice anyone in their path.

The redhead stepped out of their way and walked slowly backwards, her eyes going round as she noticed that one of the girls was wearing Lindsay's hat, and that the other was carrying "AHH!" A scream was torn from Ginny when a pair of hands shot out from the alley and dragged her inside."Ginny," was whispered in her ear, but her heart was pounding so loudly she couldn't hear it. Off balance, she began to fight and kick and the hands instantly fell away from her coat. She whirled around to fight back at her attacker and raised a fist. Eyes already the size of twin moons grew even larger."Lindsay?"

Lindsay backed up a step, panting."Jesus Christ!" she hissed under her breath."It's me, not the boogieman. And did you have to try and kill me?"Grimacing, she clutched one of her hands to her chest."I was just trying to get your attention without letting the entire town know I was here."

Ginny's mouth dropped open and her jaw dangled in the breeze. Now she knew what it was that one of the girls who'd passed her on the street was carrying. Her temper exploded as a tendril of white-hot jealousy intertwined with the anger she was still feeling over being ditched at the church. Together they formed a vise around her heart... and squeezed."What the hell happened to your pants?"

"Don't you swear at me!" Lindsay blinked a few times, startled by her own statement."Something is wrong with this entire conversation."

"What's wrong is that you're naked!"Ginny wanted to stamp her foot. Instead, with jerky, angry movements, she shrugged out of her coat and hurled it at Lindsay, hitting her squarely in the face.

Lindsay peeled it off her head, throwing Ginny an icy look of warning, which Ginny promptly ignored.

"Wrap it around your legs, Lindsay, before you catch your death."

Lindsay's teeth were starting to chatter and she prayed for it to get darker quicker. Still refusing to take Ginny's coat she said, "But-but what about you?"

Ginny hugged herself, already feeling the chill as snow pelted her dress and stuck to the thin cloth."My legs aren't blue and hanging out in the wind." Then she caught a good look at the snow-covered head and sighed, a little of her anger and hurt giving way to worry."You're just trying to get sick, aren't you?" she whispered thickly.

"'Course not," Lindsay protested feebly, shaking her head to dislodge the snow. There had been several times in her life when she wished the earth would open up and swallow her whole. Those times, however, paled in comparison to the misery and embarrassment she felt at this very moment. There was no use in praying for a tornado to come and scoop her away. She wasn't that lucky.

"Come on," Ginny said quickly."It's dark enough so that no one will see you."I hope."

Lindsay shook her head grimly."A few more minutes yet."She peered out onto the quiet street."I don't want to get thrown in jail."

Ginny crossed her arms and snorted.

"It's not what it looks like, Ginny."Brown eyes begged the younger woman to believe her.

Twin red eyebrows disappeared behind windblown bangs."It looks like you're standing in an alley half naked and somehow two pretty young twits ended up with your pants and cap."

"Oh. Okay, it's exactly what it looks like," Lindsay said glumly.

Ginny didn't bother to disguise her hurt or confusion. "Why? I don't understand. I thought...." She lifted a hand, then let it drop to her side. She closed her eyes."I don't know what I thought."

"Damn, Ginny, it's not like it was that horrible," Lindsay protested."The girls had fun."

"Well, in that case," Ginny shouted, not caring at that very moment if the entire town caught Lindsay in her underpants."Everything is just terrific!"

"I was shooting craps for a dress."

Ginny blinked."Wh-"

"And I lost," Lindsay added needlessly, not making eye contact.

Ginny looked at Lindsay as though the rail-rider had lost her mind. "I don't believe it," she murmured.

"I know!" Suddenly, Lindsay was inconsolable. "But, Jesus Christ, Ginny, the dresses in the store window were $3.00.THREE DOLLARS! For a dress. A pair of waist overalls only cost $.90 and denim is stronger!"

"You were playing craps for a dress?" Ginny clarified with exaggerated slowness, still quite sure she'd heard Lindsay wrong.

"Yes," Lindsay repeated, clearly frustrated at having to do so. It all seemed rather obvious to her."Don't make me mention the losing part again, all right?" she pleaded.

"You talked those girls out of their clothes?"

Lindsay kicked at the snow."They were ready to turn 'em over." Shit, here I go again."Only I'm the one who kept losing."

A tiny incredulous smile began to twitch at Ginny's lips as the weight of the world lifted from her shoulders and her upset stomach began to ease.

Lindsay noticed the change immediately and breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

"They won your pants off you, eh? Oh, Lindsay."Ginny began to laugh."That's pitiful."

Brown eyes narrowed."If you breathe a word of this to anyone...I'll...I'll," a triumphant look finally swept across her face, "I'll tell everyone we meet that you kissed your sister."

Ginny gasped, then her mouth formed a tiny O."What crap game?"

"Smart girl."

By the time they both darted out of the shadows, Lindsay was reasonably sure that she wasn't going to be sleeping in the local livery stable.

A small box of matches sat next to a kerosene lamp and Ginny picked it up with fingers that were clumsy from the cold.

"I'll light the stove next-next," Lindsay chattered."Damn." She began jumping up and down a little."This floor is like ice."She tossed Ginny's coat over a small chair in the corner of the room before heading straight for their bag and the blankets inside. She grabbed them both and dropped one onto the bed as she shook the other out and began to wrap it around Ginny's shoulders.

Ginny fitted the globe over the lit wick and back into its holder, illuminating the room in a golden glow that caused the ice crystals in her hair and eyebrows to glitter like diamonds.

Lindsay's hands froze mid-motion as she stared, utterly transfixed.

"There."Ginny flicked her gaze sideways and saw Lindsay standing with the blanket held open for her."Oh, yesss."She would have smiled gratefully, had her cheeks not been blocks of ice."Brrr.... Hold that thought, okay?" Her hands set to work on the buttons that went up the top half of her dress."I don't want to get the blanket wet."

Lindsay nodded and remained stock-still, torn between looking away and staring at Ginny. Her heart began to beat a little faster, sending a rush of warm blood through her.

Ginny removed her dress, shoes, and underclothes in a matter of seconds. Any nervousness about being naked in front of Lindsay had long since faded as the trust between them grew. When she was finished, she kicked away the wet clothes and steadily met Lindsay's penetrating gaze. "Lindsay?"She began to rub her arms.

"Oh," Lindsay murmured, as Ginny's voice pulled her from her thoughts. She wrapped the blanket around the shivering body and pulled it close, pressing her cold cheek against Ginny's."I'm sorry I stink so bad at craps."

Ginny laughed at the unexpected apology that was just... so Lindsay."Me too. Tomorrow we'll b-buy you a dress and a p-pa-pair of pants."She felt Lindsay draw in a breath to speak and cut her off by simply saying, "We will."

Lindsay's protest died on her lips and she tightened her hold, absorbing the comfort of having Ginny in her arms. "I'll put on your trousers and light the fire then. I can go down to the kitchen and bring up some food. The room comes with bread and soup."

Ginny's stomach grumbled again at the mere thought of food, but her chilled skin demanded more immediate attention. Her hand snaked out from behind the blanket and she gave a sharp tug on Lindsay's shirt. "Nuh uh." She shook her head, scattering a few drops of water onto Lindsay."Too cold. Take this off and come to bed first."

"Bu-"

"Please."

And as easy as that Lindsay willingly gave in again. Unfortunately, now was also the time to face the music."I shouldn't have left you this afternoon."

No hesitation."I needed you."

Lindsay's heart ached from the beautiful, awful words. And I wasn't there."I'm so sorry. I won't do it again. I promise."She felt Ginny's answering nod against the side of her face and pulled back, but not before long arms gave a final, heartfelt squeeze. She quickly stripped out of her coat, shirt, stockings, and underpants, leaving her as naked and exposed as the day she was born.

Ginny reached out and pinched her, relieving the tension in the room and letting Lindsay know that she was forgiven. Again.

Both women scurried into bed and under the blankets, giggling a little as they wiggled around, settling in. They stopped moving with their bodies facing each other, less than a foot apart, with the blankets pulled up to their ears.

Lindsay reached out and placed her hand on Ginny's forearm. The bandages wrapping her fingers were cool to the touch but not wet, and only the tips of her fingers peeked out to feel soft skin."Better?" she burred, low and concerned.

"Mmm."Ginny nodded a little."Much."

They shared slightly nervous, expectant smiles. The night before leaving New York, when they were alone like this, safe and warm, had been filled with soft, tender kisses, increasingly bold touches, and gently murmured words of hope and healing that burrowed deep into each woman's soul and found a home. It was something they both desperately wanted to continue.

Lindsay lifted the fingers that were now grazing Ginny's arm to the fairer woman's face. She traced her jaw and cheekbones and pushed back a lock of silky hair. Ginny sighed and leaned into the touch. She was calm and yet at the same time alive with sensation, as the slightly rough woolen blanket peeked out from behind heavy cotton sheets and brushed against her bare skin. The tips of soft fingers left goosebumps in their wake as they skimmed her face.

"What about your brothers and sisters?" Lindsay whispered, half-knowing the answer by the simple fact that Ginny hadn't said anything about them sooner. I should have asked earlier. .

Pale eyes closed and Ginny gave her head a tiny, pained shake.

"Aww... Ginny. I'm so sorry." Her voice was the barest of whispers. "Soon."

"Soon," Ginny agreed, not opening her eyes. Licking flames, broken promises, and crying children still invaded her dreams. It was time to reclaim her waking hours. She consciously let herself feel the warm rush of Lindsay's breath against her face as she spoke and imagined that she could hear the strong heart beating so close to her own.

The quiet moment between them lengthened, and Lindsay found herself mesmerized by the feeling of Ginny's skin and the deep, almost overwhelming sense of longing that gripped her. Suddenly, she wanted more of everything. More of the gentle passion she so often saw lurking behind soft blue eyes. More of what they could be to each other if they only knew what to do or what to say.

Lindsay leaned forward, bridging the small gap between them and brushing her mouth against Ginny's. As the sweet contact grew firmer, lips parted easily and eager tongues explored and mapped, drawing breathy moans and sighs from each woman as the kiss stretched on endlessly. With her entire body, she leaned closer still, until Ginny was on her back and Lindsay was perched carefully atop her, using her forearms to support most of her weight.

Ginny gasped at the unexpected sensation of bare skin on bare skin as they touched with the entire length of their bodies. Her eyes flew open as a searing bolt of desire tore through her and settled in her groin...to smolder."Lindsay," she breathed hotly, scarcely knowing what else to say, her eyes darkened with arousal. She opened her mouth, unsure of what was going to come out, only to be stopped by the slightly rough pads of two fingers pressed against her lips. She's so soft!

"I'll move if you want me to," Lindsay whispered, willing Ginny to want this more intimate connection between them as much as she did."I don't want to frighten you."

There was an urgency to Lindsay's voice that captured Ginny so completely she forgot how to breathe.

"I-I love you and I just wanted to be closer to you." Brown eyes gone amber in the lamplight anxiously searched the youthful face below hers."I wanted to feel you. To feel us, Ginny."She paused and swallowed hard, waiting for the lump that had grown in her throat to ease, and passed the time by placing feather light kisses full of affection and wistfulness on Ginny's eyebrows and cheeks."I don't think this is wrong. At least it's not for me."

Lindsay's heart was thumping wildly against Ginny's chest and the other woman knew that hers was pounding just as fiercely. Helpless to do anything but respond to the spirit calling out to hers, Ginny pushed down her momentary panic and allowed herself to fully experience the sensation of soft breasts and firm nipples that tickled when pressed against hers. An involuntary moan was wrung from her. There was instant heat as smooth bellies met and legs tangled together."I knew you loved me," Ginny explained quietly, a look of wonder shimmering in her eyes."I could feel it in my heart."

Lindsay nodded as her vision swam.

Ginny smiled as she whispered, "I love you too."

Simultaneously, they let out deep breaths. Tiny smiles made a surprise showing through the tears when they each relaxed a little, and their bodies melted into each other a little more firmly, making it hard to tell where one ended and the other began. They memorized the precious moment, tucking it safely away in deep inside themselves to be taken out later and savored slowly.

"Do you really think it's," Ginny paused and lifted her head to brush her lips across Lindsay's, "...all right for two woman to feel this way. To want this?" she asked softly, not quite understanding how she could know something deep in her bones but still feel the need to question it.

Lindsay thought about that for a few seconds before she answered, knowing how important her answer was to her companion. A sigh."I...I don't know what's right for other folks. And except for how it makes you feel, I don't care."She watched as Ginny's brow furrowed."I don't have anyone to disappoint," she reminded her gently. "Anyone except you."

The urge was too strong to deny, and Ginny leaned up and kissed Lindsay again. This time with a gentle intensity that decimated the darker woman's ability to think. "Mmm..." she hummed a little as they separated, utterly entranced by this sometimes crazy, funny, tough and tender woman."I'm far from disappointed in you, Lindsay. You mean everything to me."

They kissed again, slowly, deeply, asking time to stand still as they greedily indulged in each other."And you mean everything to me," Lindsay finally murmured against moist lips, her body thrumming with excitement. "I don't think being together this way..." she trailed her fingertips over Ginny's lips, "is wrong." Her voice grew steely."Even if they try, other people can't tell me the right way to feel about you, Ginny. It...it..." she searched for the words to express what being with Ginny meant to her, how her life now felt different and happy and whole. Finally, she simply settled on, "It just is."