"That's not true," Ginny disagreed gently."You came up with a solution that none of us thought of. You kept me from having to steal Lewis away and helped give him a future that I could have never given him on my own." She bit her bottom lip and fought off tears that were still lurking dangerously close to the surface."You saved us." She stopped walking and turned to regard Lindsay's profile. Intelligent brown eyes glinted in the moonlight and white teeth showed faintly when soft lips curled into a genuine smile. Ginny's heart skipped a beat. She's smart and beautiful. I'm so lucky.

Lindsay's brow creased, and she couldn't stop herself from squirming a little."Ginny?"

"Mmm?" Ginny's said, eyes, glossy with unshed tears, turning dreamy.

"You're staring."

"I know."

Lindsay gave her a fond look and shook her head, chuckling."I think you're on about to blow and it's making you crazy."Not that I mind.

The metal door handle felt cold against Lindsay's palm as she gingerly wrapped her fingers around it and twisted. It wasn't much darker inside, but the smell of the animals and sweet grass was much stronger. The door rattled on its hinges when she pushed it closed, using her weight to secure it tightly as she slid a plank into the brackets that served as a lock.

Ginny began to look for their bag."Lindsay, I- Yow!" she squealed when Lindsay hugged her from behind, causing the pair of black horses and the milk-cow to snort and stir in their stalls.

The darker woman rested her chin on Ginny's shoulder and pressed her cheek into the soft shaggy hair above Ginny's ear. "When you look at me like you did outside," she whispered, emotion gripping her heart, "it feels. I mean, I feel like..." She paused, unable to put voice to the emotions churning inside herein frustration, she shook her head and closed her eyes."Ugh."

"S'okay, Lindsay," Ginny soothed. She let the pillows drop from her hands and covered the arms wrapped around her waist with her own, giving them a comforting squeeze and feeling the scratchy wool of the coats Lindsay was still holding poke through the material dress. "I know just what you mean."And deep in her heart she did.

They stood that way for a long time, each absorbed in their own thoughts and letting the rhythmic breathing of the animals, the light sound of the breeze rustling nearby branches, and the warmth of their bodies pressed tightly together, lull them into a relaxed haze.

Suddenly, Lindsay jerked backwards and Ginny grasped the arms around her waist tightly."Careful." She unconsciously widened her feet for better balance."Don't fall."

On unsteady feet, Lindsay straightened and rolled her eyes at herself."I haven't fallen asleep standing up in forever."

Ginny turned and studied her seriously. Lindsay's face looked pale in the silvery light. She sighed."You're tired and need to rest."Latent resentment flared unexpectedly. "If you had been in a pay regular hospital instead of the Charity Hospital they never would have released you so early. You weren't ready, Lindsay."She left because of me. They probably would have kept her longer. Her stitches and ribs weren't even healed all the way.

"I'm fine, Ginny. I'm just tired from traveling in a way that I'm not used to. I'm not accustomed to keeping any sort of schedule at all."And getting my ass kicked twice took more out of me than I realized.

"You needed more time."

"We didn't have more time," Lindsay pointed out gently.

Ginny's jaw worked. She knew Lindsay was right. But she still didn't like it."You're worn out."

Lindsay cocked her head slightly to the side and reached up to trace dark circles that were visible even now."Yes. And so are you," she reminded her.

Ginny closed her eyes."I know. But I'm so happy too. Something with my family finally went right." The feeling was so foreign she almost didn't know how to process it. In the last handful of hours she'd experienced the full spectrum of emotions and was nearly to the boiling point. Her body and mind were at war, neither one knowing whether to be giddy or pass out from exhaustion. "I don't know what to think or do," she admitted, rubbing her eyes.

"I do." Lindsay leaned over and brushed her lips across Ginny's. Her actions were immediately rewarded by a breathy sigh from her companion."C'mon, it's bedtime."Lindsay padded over to their bag, which was propped up against a bale of hay near the barn wall. Careful to give the big mare in the stall next to it a wide berth, she passed quickly in front of it, barely taking the time to bend and snatch up the bag before she was on her way back.

Ginny watched in mild surprise."You're afraid of horses? Why?"

Lindsay scowled as she crossed the barn and extracted their blankets and nightshirts from the dirty cotton sack."I just like trains better is all," she said a little defensively."They rarely bite. Horses are okay... I guess... if they're tied to one end of the wagon and I'm at the other."

"Uh huh." Ginny raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"So I wouldn't say I'm afraid... exactly."

"What would you say then?" Ginny moved to help her, spreading one of the blankets on a pile of fragrant, loose hay. Then she set to work removing her dress.

Lindsay smirked as she began untying her shoes."Nothing."

Ginny stuck out her tongue."Smarty pants."

"I'm wearing a dress."

"Smartass then," Ginny corrected boldly. Though some of the effect was lost when she blushed despite herself.

Lindsay snorted in surprise but didn't dare disagree. But she couldn't resist a tiny jibe."Tch. Ginny, don't you know that girls don't cuss?"

Their eyes met and they both dissolved into tired laughter. It was already an old joke between them, one that they would happily carry on for two lifetimes.

It wasn't long before both were tucked under their blanket, heads on pillows, snuggled closely together.

"Shit!"

Ginny jumped."What?"She sat up and looked around, her eyes darting wildly."What's wrong?"

"I have to use the outhouse and I just got comfortable," Lindsay admitted sheepishly.

Ginny blew out a disgusted breath. Then, unexpectedly, a devilish grin twitched at her lips. "And here I thought that big bad horse gave you a scary look." Her smile grew."But I could use the outhouse too."

Brown eyes turned to slits."Just for that I'm using the last of the Sears & Roebuck Catalog." Lindsay got up as quickly as her ribs would allow and stuffed still-socked feet into her shoes. She began to chuckle wickedly.

"What?"Ginny gasped, mortified. Her fatigue vanished as she delighted in the rare moment of pure play."And leave me with none?"She jumped up and began wrestling on her own shoes, groaning when Lindsay snatched up the blanket, wrapped it around herself, and headed for the barn door. A chill swept over her, causing goosebumps to erupt over her bare legs."Get back here, Brussel Sprout!'

Ginny's giggles mingled with Lindsay's until both sets of laughter faded away into the night.

If Ginny had known what would happen the next morning, this would have been the last time she let her partner out of her sight.

Chapter Twelve.

It was just before sunrise when Ginny opened her eyes. The inside of the barn was cast in grayish-blue hues. She blinked a few times to clear her vision. They couldn't have gotten more than four or five hours of sleep and her body protested that fact when she tentatively stretched. She could feel Lindsay's side pressed firmly against her back and she smiled. She'd been right. She wasn't cold...all except for her toes, which despite being covered with socks felt like ten tiny lumps of ice, attached to two bigger lumps of ice.

Ginny carefully scooted away from Lindsay and rolled over so that she could face the sleeping woman. She propped herself up on one elbow and ran her fingers through sleep-tousled brown hair, enjoying the feeling as coarse strands tickled the sensitive skin. Lindsay, she had learned, usually slept like a rock, not waking up until she, or something else very loud, prodded her. Today, however, Ginny was especially loath to wake her. She needs this rest. She looks pale. But she also figured that it was likely the Bergquists would be up within the next half-hour or so and that someone would be coming into the barn to relieve the cow of her bulging supply of fresh milk.

Just a few more minutes. Then we'll get going, Ginny promised herself. Something, she wasn't exactly sure what, compelled her to touch Lindsay. And Ginny wasn't of a mind to even try and curb that urge.

"Mmm..."Lindsay shifted a little under the blanket and her hand brushed against Ginny's. Feeling the warm body, she let out a small sigh, and the corners of her lips shaped the barest of smiles before going slack again.

Ginny gave her a fond look, feeling a rush of affection for the woman sharing her journey. Her eyes swept over the relaxed face so close to her own, admiring its strong lines and the way light played off the peaceful features. She looks younger when she's asleep. Perhaps it was the now-familiar scent of warm skin that she found more intoxicating than any liquor she'd ever tasted. Or maybe it was the tranquil sound of deep even breaths that lulled her into slumber every night. Or maybe it was just that she felt safe and happy and loved. Whatever the reason, a good portion of the lingering nervousness she felt over their budding physical relationship melted away.

Ginny dragged her fingers lightly down Lindsay's cheek and across a section of collarbone, which was exposed by the 'V' in the front of the nightshirt, amazed, once again, at how soft and inviting Lindsay's skin was. The word 'addictive' came to mind and suddenly she wanted to touch her everywhere. She snuggled closer and dropped her hand down to the hem of Lindsay's nightshirt, which had worked its way up her hips in the night. A tentative smile crawled across Ginny's face and settled there. This was going to be good.

She gently pushed the blanket down to Lindsay's knees, feeling a rush of cool morning air sweep across her skin. She touched a bare hipbone, admiring its lean shape. Several bands of muscles crisscrossed Lindsay's stomach, though in this position a soft layer of flesh hid them. She traced the pink scar on Lindsay's abdomen, and her eyebrows contracted. But she forced her thoughts past that and onto happier things. Ginny recalled what a shock it had been to learn that Lindsay didn't own any underclothes. Her smile shifted into a faint smirk and she admitted to herself, that even then, she'd been more intrigued than anything else. And now she knew why.

Her hand moved lower still, and her entire body shifted along with it until she was lying with her head pillowed on Lindsay's shoulder, stroking the silky skin of a slender, naked thigh with idle pleasure. I could get used to this. Oh, yeah. I really could.

Lindsay groaned in her sleep, clearly enjoying the delicate, phantom caresses. Instinctively, she spread her legs a little, inviting further exploration.

The primal sound flashed through Ginny and her innocent affection gave way to arousal. Emboldened by the sound and her own desires, she allowed her fingers to dance across an inner thigh and dangerously close to the apex of Lindsay's legs. The heat seared her fingertips and caused her lower belly to twist in anticipation, though she wasn't quite sure what she was waiting for.

"What are you doing?" Lindsay burred, her voice low and rough with sleep.

For a split second Ginny's hand froze, but by the next heartbeat it was moving again, continuing its gentle, sensual tracing."Touching you."

Lindsay sighed."Good. Keep it up."

"Okay."Ginny laughed, relieved there was no awkwardness between them, even after being caught with her hand someplace a little more intimate than a cookie jar. Lindsay cupped her chin, tilting her head upward and capturing her mouth in an enthusiastic kiss.

They paused and pulled far enough away to look at each other. Ginny's pupils, dark and glassy, were dilated with desire. She licked suddenly dry lips when she looked into Lindsay's half-lidded eyes. Lindsay grabbed hold of Ginny's bottom and carefully settled her gently atop her. The motion caused Ginny's hand to slide up to where Lindsay was all moisture and heat, trapping it there. Two sets of eyes widened and both women gasped, then groaned at the unexpected, exquisite feeling.

Ginny's eyes darkened further and she hesitantly allowed her fingers to rake through soft, damp curls."Does that feel good?" she whispered, a little taken aback by her own body's devastating response to what she was doing. There was a vague aching in her breasts and a not so vague ache between her legs.

Lindsay could hardly speak. Of their own accord, her hips arched upwards, trying to force more contact. Her heart was threatening to pound out of her chest."Very," she finally croaked.

Ginny grinned and dropped her lips to Lindsay's neck where she began to nibble, intent on pulling a few more moans out of her partner before she was through.

Then there was a banging on the barn door.

Lindsay couldn't believe her ears. She nearly burst into tears. Ginny's irritated groan mixed with hers.

"Are you girls coming?" Mrs. Barguest called."It's nearly time for breakfast."

Ginny bit her tongue to keep from saying something awful.

At the moment Lindsay wasn't inclined to mind her manners, and she whimpered when Ginny gave her one last, regretful kiss and rolled off of her to begin rooting for their clothes."If I had a gun..." she murmured darkly.

Ginny laughed. "You'd shoot yourself in the foot or wet your pants."

Lindsay scowled and pinched Ginny hard on the bottom, earning an indignant squawk.

Mrs. Barguest tried the door again, giving it a slightly annoyed shake. Why would they lock the barn door? "Virginia? Lindsay?"

When did the sun come up? Ginny blinked at the golden light pouring through the dirty windows above the stalls."We'll be out in a minute," she called, noting that her hands were trembling. She crawled back over to a dejected-looking Lindsay, who had just sat up. Their eyes met and held."I want more time with you," Ginny told her earnestly.

Lindsay sighed and pulled Ginny into a heartfelt hug."I want that, too."She buried her nose in soft red hair and softly murmured, "I love you."It still felt a little new and odd to say, but she found it falling from her lips so naturally she didn't stop to think about it.

"I love you, too." Ginny closed her eyes and held on to Lindsay as tightly as she dared. My life is meant to be with you, her mind whispered, though her heart had reconciled itself to that happy fact quite a while ago."We'll get more time...like this. We just have to be patient."

Lindsay managed to smile through her frustration."You know," she began wryly, "I'm really beginning to hate that word."The body in her arms shook with silent laughter.

Ginny turned back and pressed her forehead to Lindsay. Unable to stop herself, she kissed her again, uttering quietly against moist, slightly parted lips, "Me too."

The trio was walking down the road towards town. Jon and Lana had offered them a ride but Ginny, hoping to avoid a teary scene at the train station, had suggested they walk off their breakfast instead. The Bergquists had been livid over the Wards' nonexistent attempts to reunite Lewis with Ginny before adopting him out. And the look on Lana's face after she kissed Lewis goodbye and told him she'd see him again this summer told Ginny that Jeremiah and Isabelle had angered the wrong Southern woman. There would be hell to pay. Ginny's mouth twitched in a malicious grin just thinking about it. Couldn't happen to a more rotten couple of swindlers.

It was beginning to cloud over, and the Farmer's Almanac predicted rain for the rest of the week, but they were certain they could make it into town well before it began to fall. It was colder than the day before. Their coats were buttoned to the top, and frost covered the dry grass. They had walked nearly the first mile in silence, and it was Ginny who tried to break them out of their funk.

"Oh, my God," Ginny groaned, patting her stomach."That was incredible."

Lewis and Lindsay could only nod.

"I'm as full as a tick. One more bite and I'd have exploded right on the spot." Lindsay made an explosion sound just to see Lewis smile. Casually, she reached down to the waist of her pants, wondering if she could undo the top button without anyone noticing.

Ginny, who was thinking the very same thing about her trousers, and who was holding one of Lewis' hands as they walked, turned to her brother."Do you eat that well everyday?" They'd enjoyed hotcakes and maple syrup, along with eggs, thick slices of ham, and hot coffee. It had truly been a feast.

"Mmm Hmm..." Lewis smiled."It's great."

"No shit," Lindsay mumbled, receiving an elbow jab to her arm from Ginny. "Ouch!"

Lewis got a far off look in his eyes."I'll miss the food."

Lindsay frowned."What do you mean...miss it?" She gestured sideways to the boy's sister."Can't she cook?"

Lewis covered his mouth with one hand and snorted wildly, sounding amazingly like a piglet when he did.

"Thanks a lot," Ginny muttered good-naturedly to her brother, her eyes narrowing with fake menace.

"But I sold three doorstoppers, I mean biscuits, to the neighbors," the boy sassed back.

The siblings looked at each other and grinned, happy to be back together.

Lindsay, however, was still nonplussed."That was joke, right?"

Lewis' eyebrows jumped."A joke?"

"The part about her not being able to cook, I mean."

He shook his head sadly."Noemi really wish it was."

Lindsay's mouth dropped open in horror."Well, Gouda-"

"Lindsay..." Ginny's voice was filled with warning. She smiled inwardly when the darker woman's mouth snapped shut with an audible click.

Lewis laughed again.

Lindsay resettled their traveling bag on her shoulder, her face a picture of confusion."But you lived with your parents and had a mother." She gestured wildly with one hand. This was serious. There were no delis around here!"You're, well, supposed to know how to cook," she explained somewhat petulantly."Everyone knows that!"

"Everyone knows that I'm supposed to be able to cook?" Ginny clarified in a slow, incredulous voice.

Lewis nodded and kicked a rock out of his path."She's right, Ginny. Alice and Mama could cook. You're the only one who can't."