To Walk a Mile

Chapter 3

Ed sat next to Stephanie in the law office conference room listening to the ticking clock on the wall. There was no other sound in the room even though Stephanie's brother Jeff, his wife Jenny, and their five kids were sitting in the room with them.He and Stephanie had arrived first and were brought to the room to wait on the arrival of the lawyer. Maybe ten minutes passed before the door opened and a tall older man walked in with a sturdy and pretty blond woman at his heel. The big man froze two steps into the room when he saw his sister."Hello Jeff," Stephanie said with a quiet voice."What- what are you doing here?" he replied with incredulity."Mr. Carson found me and told me I needed to be here," she replied.Ed looked closer at Jeff and saw some family resemblance to Stephanie. They had the same eyes and chin but Jeff's face was deeply tanned and weathered from working outside. He was almost as tall as Ed though his body seemed to be lean and hard, especially his hands which looked rough and scarred. The only softness seemed to be the small bulge at his tummy.The woman behind him was only a few inches shorter though she was carrying more weight than her husband. She had sunny yellow hair going grey and a naturally open and friendly expression which contrasted with her husband's more closed-off glare.Ed saw the curious faces of his kids peer into the room around their mother's back. He smiled at them and the tallest, a blonde girl who was probably eighteen, smiled in return."Well, he didn't tell me you were going to be here!" Jeff barked."Jeff, who are they?" the woman at his elbow asked."I don't know who the kid is but this is Steph," he grunted angrily."Stephanie? Your sister?" the woman asked with wide eyes."Yes, I'm his sister.""You've got no right to use that term since you abandoned your family!" Jeff growled.Stephanie's temper flashed as memories of how he treated her resurfaced. "Abandoned? Jeff, you did your best to drive me out! Every day you found an excuse to hit me! You made my life at home a living hell and did your best to destroy any life I had away from home! Then I heard you plotting with Mama and Papa to marry me off to one of your buddies! Don't talk to me about family as if you cared for me at all!" Ed had his arm around her stomach to keep her from rounding the table to tear into her brother. He was wide-eyed himself at the words coming out of Stephanie's mouth.Jeff scowled at his sister but he didn't deny her words. The woman at his elbow looked between the siblings in surprise. "Jeff? Is what she said true?"The big man came back to the moment and realized his wife was there and heard his sister's words. His face scrunched up in distaste. "You have to realize how tough times were for the family back then and how disruptive she was. A regular trouble maker taking our parents through one crisis after another. Mama and Papa were too busy to keep her in check so I had to. Besides Duncan would have made a fine husband and we could have merged the two farms into one-""Duncan?" the woman gasped. "Duncan Nettleton? You were going to marry your sister to that creep?!? As a business deal?!?"Jeff's scowl got deeper. "Duncan wasn't always like he is today. Maybe with the right woman, he wouldn't have done... those things he did."The woman shook her head angrily and walked around the table to Stephanie. She held out her hand. "I'm Jenny Norris. I married your brother about six months after you left and we had our first child, Jillian, a year and a bit later." She gestured for the tall blond to come to meet her aunt. The other kids scurried after her. Jillian shook Stephanie's hand with a big smile on her face. The young woman was taller than her mom, almost as tall as her dad, and had her mother's long blond hair and curves though her younger body was carrying much less weight.Ed saw the next tallest was a boy who was probably sixteen or seventeen. He had his father's build and the lean muscles hard work had earned him."Jack is our second child who arrived a year later. He's almost all grown up now. Getting big and strong like his Papa." Stephanie smiled and shook the boy's hand as he smiled at her shyly."Jamie was next to arrive just eleven months later. She's becoming quite the beauty," Jenny said drawing an embarrassed groan from the girl."This is Josie. She's two years younger than Jamie, such a sweetie! And finally, we have our youngest, Joseph, who is two years younger than Josie. That's the brood." Jenny smiled happily at her kids then she looked at Ed.He was looking at the family in surprise. He'd never met a family whose initials all matched. So many 'J' names! He wondered what that would be like. He looked over at Stephanie but she appeared to be a little shell shocked from meeting so many new nieces and nephews. Ed took it upon himself to make his introduction."Hi, I'm Ed Walters. Stephanie's boyfriend."Jenny's face froze as she looked up at the young man she'd assumed to be Stephanie's son. She turned her eyes to the woman and saw the blush on her cheeks and the smile on her lips. "Boyfriend?" Jenny managed to squeak out.Jeff made a loud snort of disgust and walked over to a chair in the corner of the room to wait.Ed blinked at Jeff's response and took in Jenny's unease. He opened his mouth to ask what was wrong but stopped when Stephanie placed her hand on his arm."Yes, Ed is my boyfriend. I got married a few years after I left home and had four beautiful children. William, who's eleven, Katey who's ten, and the twins, Franklin and Gina, both eight. When I discovered my husband had multiple affairs and wouldn't stop I divorced him. The paperwork went through not too long ago. It was how Mr. Carson found me. I met Ed around the time the divorce was finalizing."Jenny nodded and smiled weakly then made her way to sit down next to her husband. She gestured for the kids to take the remaining chairs next to her. Jillian was looking at Ed with an expression he couldn't identify so he just allowed Stephanie to guide him down into the chair next to her.So here they sat, in silence, waiting for the lawyer.Ed needed to use the washroom so he whispered to Stephanie to let her know. He might as well have shouted as the silence made his words sound too loud anyway. She nodded and he made his way into the hall. He spotted the room in question down the hall and made quick use of the facilities. He washed and dried his hands and stepped out to come to an abrupt halt as Jillian was standing just outside the door."You're my aunt's boyfriend?" the young woman blurted.Ed blinked at her. "Yes. I think we were both pretty clear on that point.""What do you want from her? Is she paying you?" Jillian pushed as she scowled at him.Ed was struggling to understand where her animosity was coming from. He didn't even know her and until a few minutes ago she didn't know Stephanie."I don't want anything from Stephanie. She doesn't pay me. I have my job.""Let me guess, as a gigolo?""No, I work for Drakos Heating and Cooling. I'm certified to do installations, inspections, and maintenance on all sizes of heating and cooling system. What's a gigolo?" Ed asked curiously.Jillian was looking at him funny again and Ed didn't know what to do."Jilly! Mom wants you back in the room." Jack called out from down the hall as he approached.The young woman gave him a frustrated look. "Don't you hurt Stephanie!" she growled quietly then turned and rushed back to the conference room.Jack continued to approach and stopped at the washroom. He turned to look at Ed. "I think you'd better go back too." He stepped inside the washroom.Nervous, Ed hustled back to the conference room and when he opened the door he heard shouting.Stephanie was standing toe to toe with Jeff who was red-faced. The man's hand was up and he looked like he was going to hit Stephanie. Jillian was screaming at her father and Jenny was calling out to him as well."STOP!" Ed roared and everyone froze. "Mr. Norris, please sit down before you do something you will regret very much."Jeff lowered his hand and glared at Ed but the big man didn't blink. With a final snort, he returned to his chair. Ed made his way around the table to Stephanie's side and saw she was trembling with unspent adrenalin. She'd been very brave to face her tormentor from all those years ago."I'm very proud of you," he said quietly.Her eyes shot to his and a rush of love spread through her body as she saw he understood. She nodded, unable to speak at the moment.Jack returned to the conference room but this time Mr. Carson's secretary was with him. She addressed the group."I'm sorry for the delay but Mr. Carson was called to the bedside of an old friend and client. Mr. Patterson is dying and probably won't see the sunset the poor dear. He's called on Mr. Carson to do some last-minute adjustments to his will so Mr. Carson will not be able to do the will reading today. He's asked if you could come back tomorrow at 4 PM?" the older woman asked."This is bullshit! Jerking us around and ambushing me with her!" Jeff bellowed."Mr. Norris, no one is being 'jerked around' and I know nothing about any ambush. The situation is not in my control. Are you available to come back tomorrow or not?" the secretary said calmly.Jeff just scowled then nodded reluctantly. The woman turned to Stephanie who just nodded."Again, my apologies for the delay. Thank you for your patience and we will see you tomorrow at 4 PM," the woman said and left the room.Jeff turned his scowl on his sister and then stormed out of the room with his youngest kids following. Jack looked back at his mother."We'll be right out," she said to him and he rushed out after his father.Jenny turned her face towards Stephanie and her conflict was plain to see. She wanted to follow her husband but his behavior had left her confused."It's ok," Stephanie said to her. "What Jeff put me through is between him and me... unless he's been abusive to you as well?"She shook her head vehemently and Stephanie visibly relaxed. "Good.""We're so sorry! I've never seen him behave this way!" Jenny said."See you tomorrow," Stephanie said sinking back into her chair as her adrenalin ran out.Jenny gathered her daughter who looked like she wanted to protest and moved them out the door."I'm so sorry I left the room. I didn't think he'd do that with his whole family watching!" Ed apologized."It's fine Ed. You're not responsible for his behavior. That's my parent's doing. They pit us against each other. Made it impossible for us to behave like brother and sister. Always competing for their love." Stephanie shuddered as she remembered. "I finally clued in when I reached my teens and hung out with a few of my friends at their houses. I saw how normal families interacted and realized how broken our home life was. I tried to convince Jeff we didn't have to compete but he was too far gone. That's when he increased his hitting. I took years of that abuse. I think Jenny is keeping that from happening in their home. Maybe the cycle ends with Jeff."Ed took her hand and gently kissed her knuckles in sympathy. Stephanie smiled at him. "What do we do now?" he asked.She looked out the window and contemplated the endless blue sky of the hot spring morning for a moment. A mischievous smile appeared on her face. "Did you bring a swimsuit?"Ed blinked in surprise. "Uh, no.""That's ok. We'll pick one up at the dollar store." She stood up and pulled on Ed's hand. "Let's go swimmin' in the ol' swimmin' hole," she said with a grin.Ed was glad to see her spirit bounce back but her grin made him a little nervous.They stepped out of the building and spotted Jenny and Jillian standing in the shade next to the parking lot. They walked over to the two women. There was no sign of Jeff or the kids. Jenny's face was red with suppressed anger."What happened?" Stephanie asked."He left without us!" Jenny snipped. Jillian looked at Stephanie with an embarrassed expression."We'll give you a lift home," Stephanie said."No, it's fine. He'll come around-" she began."That would be very kind of you. Thank you!" Jillian interrupted and glared at her mother.Jenny looked at her daughter sharply then seemed to collapse a little. "I'm sorry. I'm just upset. It's been a trying day.""Not a problem. Let's go." Stephanie led them to the rental car and they piled in. She was driving once more and Jillian sat behind her with her mother behind Ed. Stephanie got directions from Jenny and they made their way out of town along a back road. Jenny continued to explain that Jeff got a deal on a house a few miles out of town in the direction of his parent's farm."What are your plans today now that the reading was postponed?" Jillian asked and received another sharp look from her mother."I'm taking Ed to the lake I used to swim in when I was just a little younger than you," Stephanie said glancing in the rearview mirror with a smile."That sounds wonderful!" Jillian said wistfully."If it's ok with your mother, you could join us.""I don't know-" Jenny began."Please, mama!" Jillian begged.Jenny pointed to the next lane and Stephanie pulled into the driveway of a large two-story farmhouse."Please!"The mother saw her son waiting on the front steps and saw his relief as he spotted her. Such a dependable young man. She turned to Stephanie. "Would it be ok if you took Jack as well?""Sure," Stephanie agreed.Jillian glanced at her mother to protest but held her tongue and hopped out of the car. She leaned against the driver's door. "I'll get my swimming stuff and be right out. Don't leave without me!" She received a nod and dashed back to the house collecting her brother on the way."I'm sorry it turned out like this," Jenny said as she reached Stephanie's door."It's not your fault. This was a long time coming. Jeff is right about one thing. I ran away. What he refuses to acknowledge is his part in the reason I did." Stephanie said sadly.Jillian rushed back out of the house carrying a small backpack and a beach towel. She was also crying."Where's Jack? What happened?" Jenny asked as Jillian just stormed past to get into the back seat of the car.The front door of the house opened and Jeff walked out to glare down on them.As Jillian wasn't talking, Jenny looked up at her husband. "Where's Jack?""He's not going but the bitch can leave if she wants. She can stay away for all I care. Now tell that whore and her boy toy to get off my property," Jeff yelled back.Jenny looked at Stephanie. "Maybe you should go." She looked in the window at her daughter. "Call the house later and I'll let you know when he's calmed down."Stephanie nodded grimly and backed out of the driveway. They got maybe fifty yards down the road when Jillian spun in her seat."STOP THE CAR!" she cried.Stephanie pulled over and they looked back to see Jack climb up out of the field behind them to run after the car. He was carrying a backpack and a towel as well and was breathing hard by the time he reached them. He got in and rested back against the seat as his sister smiled at him. Jillian gave his shoulder a little punch as Jack smiled back at her.They got back underway and Stephanie glanced in the mirror. "Where is the best spot we can go to pick up swimsuits, towels, and lotion?"Jillian looked at Stephanie in surprise. "Oh, well, there's a department store in town that has that stuff but they don't have a very good selection.""We're not picky. Just something to wear when we swim and lie out in the sun. Right, Ed?""Sure," he replied, worried that they wouldn't have his size.They followed Jillian's directions and made their way into the department store. The young woman was right. The selection was terrible but Ed was delighted to find a suit that looked like it had plenty of room in the areas he wished to hide. Stephanie pouted at the apparent looseness of the suit but couldn't argue with him. She found a bikini that wasn't too bad even if it was kind of plain.The towels and lotion were easier finds. Ed picked up an insulated duffle bag cooler, a twelve-pack of spring water, a six-pack of cola, and three bags of ice. Jillian and Jack were in charge of getting the snacks. Stephanie paid for the swimsuits, snacks, towels, and lotion and Ed paid for the cooler, ice, and drinks.They got back in the car after Ed arranged the drinks in the cooler with the ice poured on top.The lake was about a twenty-five-minute drive away.After they'd traveled half the distance Ed turned to look at Stephanie. "How did you get to this swimming hole when you were a kid?" Ed asked her and she smiled at the memory."We rode our bicycles. It's only twenty miles from town. I went everywhere on that bicycle." She glanced over the seat at Jillian and grinned. "I used to get home late and catch hell from your dad. I had to hide the bicycle but he eventually found it and drove over it with the tractor. He told our parents it was because I'd left it behind the wheels. Do you guys cycle?""No. Papa won't let us have bicycles," Jack said."Aww, I'm sorry. That's probably because of me. He saw how much freedom it gave me and he didn't like it. How do you get around then?" Stephanie asked."School bus during the week. On the weekends I walk into town if Mama isn't driving in." Jillian answered and Jack nodded."I'm getting a driver's license but we only have one car so I don't know when I'll get to drive," Jack explained."What about you Jillian? Are you getting your license too?" Stephanie asked."He won't let me take the test."Stephanie glanced in the mirror once more. The young woman was scowling out the side window and just for a second Stephanie saw herself.They drove on in silence until they reached the park. As they were just using the beach they paid a small fee and parked near the boat launch. There was a relatively sandy beach running beside the launch area.Grabbing the cooler from the trunk Ed followed the group down to the sand. He looked around and realized they had the place to themselves. The only sign of other people was a sailboat quite a distance across the lake.He laid out his towel and headed over to the washroom facilities with his new swimsuit in hand to get changed. Jillian walked with him carrying her bikini. He glanced at her uneasily as the bikini looked too small to contain her... gifts.They ducked into their respective washrooms and emerged shortly afterward dressed to swim. Ed tried not to stare but Jillian's bikini was struggling to contain her bounty, upstairs and down. Ed thought perhaps the suit was a few sizes too small. His face flushed and he looked away but not before he saw the smile on her face.As they walked back to the towels he thought back to their first interrupted conversation. "You never did tell me what a gigolo is.""It's a male prostitute."Ed's head whipped around to face Jillian. "NO! I'm NOT one of those!""A gold digger then?" she asked tilting her head to look at him quizzically.Ed blinked at her again. "What's a gold digger? I assume it's not someone who digs for gold in a mine."She smiled and shook her head. "It's someone who pretends to care about someone else to be rewarded with money and gifts.""No! I could never do that!" Ed said in shock."Well, you're young to be having an affair with my aunt," Jillian said with a frown.Ed smiled as he finally understood her confusion. "Ah, I'm not having an affair. I love Stephanie and she loves me!"She looked at Ed in confusion as Jack approached on his way to the washroom to get changed."Jilly! What are you doing wearing Jamie's swimsuit! It's too small for you! You're gonna wreck it!" Jack complained."Hush you! I- I couldn't find mine," Jillian said as her face flushed a little.Jack shook his head and rushed off to get his swimsuit on.When they got back to the towels they saw Stephanie was finishing tying her bikini straps."You got changed out in the open?" Jillian gasped and Stephanie snorted.The lovely brunette gestured to the wide-open spaces around them. "Do you see anyone who could be spying on us? When Jack headed off I had enough time to change with all the privacy I needed. Besides, that's how we did it when I was here the last time." She smiled at Ed's blush. "That's quite the revealing swimsuit you have on there.""It's her sisters. She couldn't find her own," Ed provided helpfully and it was Jillian's turn to blush at Stephanie's knowing smile.Ed pulled his shirt up and off and Stephanie's smile turned into a grin as Jillian's eyes widened in awe when she saw his muscular torso."I think I'd better help you with your lotion, Ed," Stephanie said and he smiled happily and nodded to her.Ed started with his face and ears as Stephanie worked on his back starting at his neck and moving over his broad shoulders. She worked the lotion into his thick muscles and felt herself begin to tingle in an intimate place. When she glanced over at her niece the young woman jumped as she'd been a little mesmerized. Jillian moved to put her lotion on but Stephanie saw she couldn't stop herself from looking over at Ed from time to time.While Ed moved to put lotion on his arms Stephanie finished his back so she ran her hands around his torso to rub the lotion over his hard stomach muscles. A tremor went through her body and she pulled her hands back reluctantly. She added more lotion to her hands and ran them down his legs as she knelt on the towel behind him. She bit her lips as his ass looked good, even in the relatively loose swim trunks. She pulled her hands back and began adding lotion to her own body."Can I return the favor?" Ed asked with a smile as he finished rubbing the lotion into his lower abdomen.Stephanie nodded and stretched out on the towel on her stomach. Ed knelt on his towel at her feet and began rubbing the lotion in deeply as he made his way up her legs. She was biting her tongue to keep from moaning as his hands felt so good on her body. So strong! He spent much too little time rubbing lotion on her ass but Stephanie forgave him because of their audience.She spared another glance over at Jillian who was struggling to put on her lotion with the distraction of Ed's muscles flexing and bunching only a few feet away. Stephanie turned her face away as she smiled in amusement. Her smile turned into a yelp as she felt Ed tug lose the knot in her bikini top."Ed! What are you doing?" she gasped, looking over her shoulder as she pressed herself flat against the towel."You don't want tan lines to do you?" he asked with a cheeky smile as he plucked the knot loose at the back of her neck, evoking another squeak. Before she could protest he began kneading her back muscles, working the lotion into her skin."Oh God Ed, that's goooood," she groaned as she felt her body relaxing under his ministrations.Jack returned and watched Ed massaging the lotion into Stephanie's back. He saw the blissful smile on her face and shared a smile with Ed. He was beginning to like the big man."How did you get so big?" Jack asked."I started to grow fast when I hit puberty and the gym teacher and my football coach pushed me toward bodybuilding to get bigger.""You played football? What position?" Jack asked curiously."Guard. I protected the quarterback," Ed replied as he worked the knots out of Stephanie's shoulder and neck muscles. He leaned down and kissed her cheek as she purred into a doze. He took another look and saw he hadn't missed any spots. He looked back at Jack."Do you play football?" Ed asked him."Before you answer that, Ed could you put lotion on my back too?" Jillian asked timidly."Uh, sure," he said and accepted the bottle from her.Jillian laid down on her towel and reached back to undo her ties. "I don't want the tan lines either."Jack rolled his eyes and looked to Ed who was beginning at her feet. He looked like he was just doing a massage and not groping his sister so Jack felt a little more comfortable about it. "I'm a wide receiver."Ed grinned at him. "Considering how quickly you caught up to the car I can see how that position would work well for you." Jack smiled in return.Jillian was in heaven. Ed's big hands were touching her all over and her body was tingling like mad! This was the first time a man had touched her so intimately. If she could just ignore the sound of her brother's voice she could begin to enjoy herself."Don't forget to put on lotion," Ed reminded Jack who picked up the bottle and began to apply it.Ed concentrated on rubbing the lotion over Jillian's body and did his best to not think about how nice her body felt under his hands. It helped that he remembered the therapeutic massage techniques he'd learned for Shirley.He was rubbing the lotion along the sides of her torso when his fingertips stroked across the sides of her rather squished yet exposed breasts.He yanked his hands back as she moaned aloud. "Oh! I'm sorry!"She shook her head as she couldn't speak. She'd felt that touch in every cell of her body! "It's ok!" she finally managed to say with a tight smile.Stephanie cracked her eyes open to look over at Jillian who caught her gaze. A worried expression passed over the young woman's face but Stephanie just smiled gently at her.Ed finished up quickly and decided he'd go for a swim. It was easier to hide his erection underwater. His discount bathing suit was turning out to be less baggy than he'd hoped. He stood and walked towards the shore. "I've never swum in a lake before. Just municipal pools when I was younger and recently in the ocean in Barbados," he remarked to Jack who had joined him at the edge of the lake. Ed looked at the sandy bottom and the lack of waves. "It's like a mix of both. The stillness of a pool but the sandy bottom of the ocean.""I've never been anywhere other than here. No one I know has a pool," Jack remarked.Ed nodded knowing that feeling. "It's only recently that I've gone anywhere. I've now been to Barbados which is a beautiful island and New York City which is..." Ed was momentarily at a loss for words. "...huge!" he finally blurted.Jack grinned at Ed's expression of wonder. "Maybe one day I'll visit those places too."Ed waded in and noticed another difference. The water was cold. He pushed himself to go further in and dove forward to get under the water in one sudden move. When he came up he was gasping and wide-eyed. He looked at Jack who'd matched his moves and was wiping the water from his eyes with a smile."It's COLD!" Ed gasped in shock."Yes, it is," Jack agreed with a nod.They swam for a bit just trying to get used to the water temperature. Then Ed got curious about what Jack intended to do once he graduated from such a small town. There didn't appear to be many places to find work. Maybe on a farm?"You graduate next year?" he asked and Jack nodded. "What then?"Jack frowned as he thought about it. "Papa wants me to work with him on the farm but... I don't see myself being a farmer. I- I have something else I'm interested in doing." He looked cautiously at Ed but the big man just looked back at him with an open expression.Ed waited for Jack to continue as the young man seemed to be struggling with something.Back on the sand, Jillian was having no trouble expressing herself."I'm not allowed to date. I'm not allowed to get a driver's license. I have to come home directly after school so I can't join any clubs or hang out with my friends. He has so many rules and most of them only apply to me! He's a tyrant!" she growled.Stephanie watched the young woman and realized how much they were alike. It was obvious Jeff was repeating how he treated his sister with his oldest child. She jolted. "He hasn't hit you, has he?"Jillian scowled and shook her head. "If he lays a hand on me he's going to prison. I told him as much the one time he raised his hand to me.""You've talked with Jenny about this?""Yes, Mom knows and she tries to get him to be more flexible but the older and more independent I get the harsher he becomes. You heard him, he called me a bitch!" Jillian exclaimed and tears were coming to her eyes.Stephanie saw the young woman's lower lip trembling. She hated her brother at that moment. She reigned in that rage and gave Jillian a sympathetic smile. "Your grandparents did a real number on us when we were growing up. They pitted us against each other. As a young teen, I rebelled from their treatment but Jeff went the other way. It sounds like he's treating you like he treated me."Jillian struggled to keep her tears at bay. It was such a relief to speak with someone who understood. "I can't take much more! I have to get away from him! How did you do it?""I got a job in town. Then I got a second one and a third. I worked as much as I could to stay away from the house and earn enough money to buy a ticket out and get myself established someplace else. When he began his campaign to get me married off I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I took all my money, packed the few things I had, hitched a ride in town, and bought a ticket for the first bus to New York City." Stephanie shook her head with a smile. "Thinking back on it now I realize how incredibly reckless my gamble was. The money I had was nowhere near what was needed to survive in that city. It was only by the sheerest luck I met someone I could rely on in those early years. If I hadn't met Victor on that bus I would have ended up homeless and starving within the first few weeks. We were both surprised by how expensive it was compared to our hometowns and he was going there for a new job and had income. I had no job and little training for anything that paid well. Without Victor's help, I would have failed and probably would have returned home to suffer whatever fate Jeff had in mind. Sadly, my husband became so unreliable at the end of our marriage. I love him for those early days."Jillian was listening intently and her face was red with frustration."There are no jobs in town. I have no money. If it wasn't for Mom I wouldn't be able to afford clothes. She's not going to pay for a ticket to New York and I'm sure it's even more expensive to live there now.""Heading to such an expensive place they live isn't the best option when you're just starting. You should target someplace smaller but large enough to have available jobs. You should be going to college and taking a part-time job or two to pay your way. Take courses to learn some skills you can put towards a higher paying job. How good are your grades?" she asked."Mostly A's. Two B's," Jillian replied.Sighing with relief Stephanie nodded. "Do you know what you'd want to do?"Jillian sniffed as she considered her aunt's words. "I wanted to get into nursing.""Have you spoken with your mother about this?" Stephanie asked.The young woman shook her head."You should. Find a moment to speak to her alone. Let her know you need to take control of your life. Tell her you have a goal and you need their help to get it started." Stephanie reached out and took the young woman's hand and squeezed it.Jillian seemed to be pulling herself together as she contemplated her next moves. She looked out at her brother and Ed who were making their way back to shore. When Ed's broad shoulders and big arms emerged from the water a tremble went through her body. She looked back at her aunt who was watching Ed with a satisfied smile.Stephanie caught her niece's look and shared her smile with her. "Yes, he's easy on the eyes, isn't he?"Jillian blushed but nodded."He's very strong but he has a gentle heart and his kisses..." Stephanie trailed off with a dreamy smile as she watched Ed approach."I've never been kissed," the young woman sighed quietly as she looked at Ed's mouth.Stephanie's eyes snapped back to the sad face of her niece. Once more her rage against her brother almost got the better of her. She realized she was holding onto the past too hard. She forced herself to breathe slowly. She watched Ed leave the water to distract herself from her angry thoughts.Jack was smiling at Ed. "Thanks!""For what?" Ed asked in surprise."For being so easy to talk to. For not judging me or freaking out," Jack replied.Ed shook his head. "I wouldn't do that. I had a hard time in school. I wasn't school smart. I struggled with almost every class and the teachers didn't like me much. The other kids weren't much better. If I hadn't been so big I think it would have been much worse for me. If I learned anything from that experience it's to be true to yourself. Live to your expectations. If you don't want to work on the farm then don't. If you want to be a fashion designer, if that's what makes you truly happy, then put all your energy into that and don't give up on your dream."Jack's smile brought one to Jillian's face as her brother dropped down on his towel. When he shook the water from his head she squawked as the chilly drops splashed her. "You little twerp!"He grinned back at her then flopped back to warm his chilled body in the sun.Jillian hadn't seen her brother so happy and at ease for... a long time, she realized. She looked curiously at Ed but he just smiled back at her. He sat down on his towel and laid back to bask in the hot sun. She looked more closely at his features. While they were closed now, he had beautiful pale blue eyes. His nose had a bump on it. Had it been broken? His mouth was what drew her attention the most. She imagined what it might be like being kissed by them as Stephanie hinted. She wanted to experience that. Very badly. She rested back on her towel and let her mind wander.Ed woke sometime later with the feeling of lips on his. His eyes opened to see Stephanie's smiling eyes looking lovingly into his. She pulled back from the kiss to grin down at him."Your stomach's groaning woke me up!" Stephanie said, poking him in the tummy.His offended stomach took that opportunity to grumble in response. The rest of the group chuckled and Jack lifted the bag of snacks over to the towels. He looked inside."We have some small assorted subs and some chips." He handed out the food and soon they all agreed the subs were inedible. They finished off the chips and opened the drinks."Is there still a Chinese food place in town?" Stephanie asked.Jillian's eyes lit up as she nodded."Why don't we go there for dinner tonight? My treat!""Yes, please!" Jillian and Jack said in unison.Stephanie laughed and basked in the happy smiles of her niece and nephew. Family, she didn't even know she had. If it hadn't been for Jeff she would love to get to know them better. As it was she and Jeff couldn't be in the same room together without heated words at the very least.Speaking of heat Stephanie needed to cool off from the intense sun. She climbed to her feet and Ed followed her up. They walked to the edge of the water and she dipped her toe in."Oh my god! That's cold!" she gasped."It's not too bad once you're in. You get used to it fast," Ed replied."I'll take too long to get in! It's too cold," she moaned."There's no help for it then," Ed sighed before he scooped Stephanie into his arms and began walking into the water. She shrieked and clung to him as he strode out into the lake.Jillian and Jack grinned at each other as they watched Ed carry their aunt into the cold water. She looked over at her brother."You seem happier, more relaxed today. Since you talked with Ed specifically," she probed.He looked over at her suspiciously."I'm happy to see it. You're too serious all the time," Jillian said with a compassionate look."You're not the only one Papa has expectations for." He held up his hands to hold off her outburst. "I know he's way harder on you. I don't understand why he's like that. It's not fair. I keep trying to talk to him about it but he shuts me down every time."Jillian didn't know Jack had been doing that. She looked at him in surprise and tears came to her eyes. Her brother was on her side!Jack continued, oblivious to her tears as he was looking down at the sand. "He wants me to work on the farm after I graduate. I don't want to be a farmer.""What- what do you want to be?" Jillian said, trying to get control over her emotions.Jack heard the wobble in her voice and looked over, noticing the pooling tears at last. "Why are you crying?"She shook her head but at his insistent look, she sighed. "I'm just so happy you're on my side.""Of course I am! You're my sister! I love you!" he said sternly and her happy tears could no longer be denied.Jillian threw her arms around her brother and hugged him.He hugged her in return then gently pushed her back. When she looked at him curiously she saw his face was red with embarrassment and he was looking away. "What's wrong?""I told you that swimsuit was too small for you!" he said, his eyes locked on the horizon.She looked down and one of her large breasts was no longer covered by the small triangle of fabric."Sorry Jack!" she said with a smile as she adjusted the fabric and he just nodded stiffly. She wiped her eyes and tried her question again. "What do you want to be?""I want to be a fashion designer!" he blurted.Her eyebrows rose and she stared at her brother. "You're-"He looked back with annoyance. "No, I'm not gay. I just like drawing designs for women's clothes!""When did this start?" she asked in surprise."Last year. I was doing homework and I heard you talking with Mom about how there was nothing pretty to wear in the shops in town. I started doodling and I found myself drawing some dresses I thought would look nice on you. I enjoyed it.""Do you still have the drawings?" she asked.He looked a little defensive but at his sister's eager look he just nodded."I want to see them!" she gushed."The early ones were very rough! I've done better work since those," he insisted."I want to see them all!" Jillian said with glee.Jack couldn't stop a smile from slipping onto his lips. He felt elated to have someone at home who was supportive of his passion."You need to sign up for a course on making clothes! They do that in Home Ec don't they?" she gasped."I can't sign up for Home Ec!" he exclaimed."Why not?""I'm on the football team! They'd eat me alive!" Jack barked.They heard a shriek and turned to see the huge splash as Stephanie went under. They watched Ed dive under the surface and come back up with her in his arms again. He turned and carried her back to the beach.Jillian turned to her brother. Her mind made the intuitive leap. "You've spoken to Ed about what you want to do?" He nodded.Ed was setting Stephanie down on her feet and she swatted him but she didn't look too upset."Ed, don't you think Jack should take Home Ec to learn how to make the clothes he designs?" Jillian blurted and heard Jack's protest die on his lips as the young man watched his aunt's delighted smile."His teammates would eat him alive," Ed replied. "That shouldn't stop you if you want to do it. You can always tell them it's just to get closer to the ladies."Jack's expression turned thoughtful as he considered that ploy."They'll still give you a hard time but if you treat their teasing as a joke you can survive it," Ed suggested."They do things other than sewing. You'll learn how to cook as well," Stephanie said. She saw Jack's expression twist into distaste. "Ed is an amazing chef! He makes the most delicious marinade for steaks! A friend of ours has a restaurant which specializes in steak and she now uses his marinade exclusively and is working on getting it sold commercially!"Jillian and Jack were looking at Ed with wide eyes. "Did you take Home Ec?" Jack asked."No, I learned how to cook by watching my adoptive mom Shirley. She was an amazing cook! Then I just experimented on my own. We didn't have much money so I learned how to make cheaper cuts of meat tenderer and tastier by marinating them," he said with a shrug. He always felt a little sad when he talked about Shirley.Stephanie saw the look in his eye and hugged him to pull him back from the funk. She tilted her face up and he kissed her tenderly. She felt something waking up and press against her before he pulled away with a nervous glance at the others. She sat back on her towel with a smile and watched Ed stretch out on his towel on his stomach to hide the beginnings of the bulge. She rested back and let the soft breeze dry her skin as she soaked in the sun.They spent the afternoon alternating between baking in the sun and jumping in the frigid water. They also talked and got to know each other.It was late afternoon when they'd finally had enough of the beach and packed up. They were ready for an early dinner.They used the washrooms to change back into their clothes and then made their way back to the car. This time Ed drove and got directions from Jillian to the Chinese food restaurant. They got a table for four.Jack made a quick call home and got the all-clear from his mom. Jeff had taken some headache medication and went to bed early. He informed his sister when he got back to the table.Jillian and Jack ordered their favorites and Ed added to that as he was really hungry. The food arrived quickly and they dug in. Jillian mentioned the kids in the family all loved the chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce and the chicken fried rice. Stephanie flagged down the waitress and ordered two containers of each to go for Jillian to take home."If he asks tell your Dad you two paid for it," Stephanie suggested as she placed the bag on the edge of the table beside Jillian.Jack nodded.Feeling pleasantly full Ed drove them back to the farmhouse but stopped at the end of the driveway as he remembered the lack of welcome the last time they were there. Jillian and Jack slid out carrying their backpacks, towels, and take-out food."Thank you so much for taking us to the beach and out to dinner tonight!" Jillian said at Stephanie's window."You're most welcome!" Stephanie replied. "We'll see you tomorrow at 4 PM?""Yes!""Don't forget what I said about talking to your Mom. Maybe tonight would be a good opportunity since Jeff went to bed.Jillian smiled and nodded.Ed leaned over to look at the two through the window. "Have a good night!""You too Ed!" they called. They stood back as he backed out onto the road and headed back to town."It's still early. Would you like to go bowling?" Stephanie asked Ed with a grin.He looked at her with a smile. "I've never bowled before.""I worked at the alley when I was younger. It's probably a lot different from when I was last there."They drove to the bowling alley and went inside. The lighting was subdued and colorful. "I was right, it looks nothing like it did when I worked here," Stephanie said with a smile. She was pretty happy about that as she hated the fluorescent lighting they used back then.The far six lanes appeared to be busy with some kind of tournament. Teams wearing colorful shirts commanded those lanes and had a large audience behind them. There was a fair amount of noise coming from the group who were cheering and jeering in equal amounts.Stephanie led them to the shoe rental desk and smiled at the young man behind the counter."Can I help you?" the man asked."We'd like a lane and to rent some shoes, please."He looked over and saw most of the lanes on the left side were empty. "I'll put you in lane three. What size shoes?"Stephanie looked back at Ed. "Size twelve," he said."Size twelve for him and seven and a half for me."Ed looked at the odd red and blue shoes and tried one on but it was too tight."Uh, it doesn't fit."He gave the shoes back and the clerk brought him a pair of thirteens. He slipped one on and nodded. "Are bowling shoes normally one size larger than regular shoes?" he asked.The clerk stared at Ed. "No, they use the same sizes."Ed looked at his boots and sure they were looking pretty rough but they didn't pinch."Maybe your feet got bigger too," Stephanie smiled poking him in the chest.His eyebrows went up. "I thought I was finished growing!" he replied."I think feet continue to grow as needed to support the rest," she said with a smile, continuing to run her fingers over his muscular chest before pulling them away and biting her lower lip.They made their way over to the lane and stood before a rack of bowling balls. "You'll need to find one that fits your fingers. The holes are drilled in different sizes. Find one that your fingers fit into easily when you hold it like this." Stephanie picked up a sparkling purple ball with her thumb and two middle fingers, showing Ed where her hand gripped the ball. He nodded and made his way down the rack trying ball after ball. He finally found one at the end of the rack. It had bright orange stripes like a tiger and Stephanie grinned with delight thinking the tiger theme suited him as he returned with it."You've never bowled before?" she asked and he shook his head. "Ok, I've only done this casually with the kids but here is how you play in its simplest terms. You roll the ball down the lane to knock down all the pins. You get two tries unless you knock them all down on your first roll. Try not to put your ball in the gutters which run along beside the lane. I'll bowl first so you can watch how I move and release the ball. Alright?" He nodded once more.Stephanie entered her name then Ed's in the computer on the little desk and her name popped up on the TV screen above the lane. She got up and Ed followed her. "See how I'm holding it? I'm going to take three steps, not going past the line drawn on the floor there, swinging the ball back then forward, and releasing it only when it's moving towards the pins. I'm aiming just to the right side of the first pin. Got it? OK, here I go."Ed watched Stephanie's moves and saw the smooth release. The ball rushed down the lane to crash through the pins but two were left standing."I get one more try to knock these two down. If I do it's called a spare and I get extra points with my first bowl in my next turn. If I don't I only get the points for the pins I did knockdown." She looked at Ed and saw he was beginning to look confused. "You know what? Let's leave the scoring to the machines and just have fun."Ed sighed with relief and smiled at her.Stephanie managed to get the remaining pins and squeaked with glee as she danced back to the desk. He clapped for her and watched the pins being reset.The TV showed Ed's name and he positioned himself as he'd seen Stephanie do he took the steps and released the ball on the forward swing. The ball sailed down the lane and didn't land for eight feet. It hit with a heavy thump and Ed knew he'd done something wrong. The ball was moving towards the right side gutter but he did get the ten-pin at least. He walked back with an embarrassed look on his face. He looked over at the scowling clerk and pantomimed an apology. The man turned away."That's ok Ed. You just released the ball a little late. You get another try."Ed's ball popped up in the ball return and he positioned himself again. As his throw went right last time he angled his body a little to the left. He made his approach and release and this time the ball landed just two feet out and rolled quickly down the lane to pick off the seven-pin. He got two pins. He turned back to Stephanie and shrugged with a smile.Stephanie was left with a split on the next frame with just the seven and ten pins left."Hey! Those are the pins I can hit! I can get them for you if you like," Ed joked then raised his hands in defeat as the machine reset the pins.His next attempt was better and he thought he might be getting the hang of it. Stephanie was still beating him but he gradually started to catch up.Aside from the tournament at the other end of the building their lane was the only one in use. Stephanie noticed they'd drawn some attention as she saw heads turned in their direction when she looked in theirs. She put it down to small-town curiosity and concentrated on her own game.Then she got a strike followed by a second one while Ed got five pins then seven. She was all grins as she returned to the chairs to kiss Ed. When she pulled back he smiled at her and saw her expression stiffen as she looked over his head. He turned and saw a group of people walking by. The tournament was over. Then he noticed they were frowning in their direction."Do you know these people?" Ed asked as he watched them leave."No, I don't recognize any of them."Two men in bowling shirts were following the others past their lane. They also had scowls on their faces. One worked up the nerve to speak. "Isn't it bad enough you broke up Kenneth's marriage, now you're going after kids?"Ed stood up to face the man. "Excuse me, what are you talking about?""She made Nancy go queer and leave her husband!" the man barked.Ed blinked at the man's statement. "It doesn't work that way, sir. People can't make other people gay. Either you're gay or you're not. Stephanie's friend Nancy is gay but was trying to live like she wasn't. She wasn't happy so she decided to stop lying to herself."The man was pouting belligerently. "Nancy didn't decide to do it until she showed up!"Ed looked at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't understand why you're mad. Stephanie had nothing to do with Nancy's being gay or her decision to leave. Nancy could have made the decision tomorrow or the day after that for any number of reasons. I think the fact that she made it so quickly meant it was just a matter of time. The why of it doesn't matter.""It does matter because Kenneth's now on his own with the restaurant and two daughters to raise!" the second man growled.Stephanie had had enough. "We're both sad Kenneth and Nancy's marriage failed but it's sadder that Nancy married him in the first place for the wrong reasons. It's too bad she couldn't have been honest with herself from the beginning." Both of the men looked uncomfortable about that. "We met their daughters last night. Lovely young women. They're both adults. The raising part of their lives is done. Now it's their turn to help their dad until he can hire someone to help out in the restaurant."Unhappy about how they seemed to be losing the argument, the first man focused a sneer on Stephanie. "That doesn't excuse you from robbing the cradle!"Ed felt Stephanie bristling so he put his arm around her shoulders and addressed the men once more."I don't understand why you're angry about something that can't affect you in any way," he said."Come on, Burt. It's clear they have no sense of propriety.""Oh, but judging us makes you morally superior somehow?" Stephanie barked.The two men frowned and left. Stephanie was breathing hard and trembling.Feeling her tremble he hugged her and decided they'd probably had enough bowling for the night. He kicked off the funny shoes and put on his boots once more. Stephanie saw what he was doing and nodded as she struggled to compose herself. She changed her shoes, dropped off the rentals with the clerk, and headed outside.Ed drove them back to the motel. Stephanie stopped by reception to arrange for an extra night. When they got back to the room she used her tablet to connect to the airline and adjusted their flight home as well.Ed called home to let them know he would be away an extra day. When he hung up he turned and saw Stephanie sitting on the edge of the bed with a sad expression on her face."Hey, what's wrong?" he asked.Blue eyes looked up at him and he saw her lower lip begin to tremble. He sat on the bed next to her and put his arm around her, resting her head against him. "Please talk to me," he asked gently."Are they right?" she asked faintly.Ed didn't follow. "Are who right?""Those men at the bowling alley. Am I being ridiculous for trying to have a relationship with a man so much younger than me?""Hey! We're in a relationship! There is no try!" he teased but he saw from her frown she was really upset. He took her chin in his fingers and tilted her face up so he could look into her beautiful eyes."In my heart, I have so much love for you. You are my Stephanie. The woman who is mischievous, playful, and makes me happy. You are beautiful and dazzle me with your smile. You are unique and it may be completely selfish of me but I want you in my life. Grace and the others have welcomed you so as long as you will have me I'm yours as well. I seriously don't care what some ignorant strangers think. Yours is the only opinion that matters... on that... matter," he finished awkwardly but it didn't seem to matter as Stephanie no longer looked sad.She pushed him back onto the bed and climbed on top. Then her lips were on his, hungry for his kiss and he gave himself over to her passion. Their tongues stroked across each other and Ed's hands slid down her back to squeeze her ass.Stephanie moaned into Ed's mouth as the feel of his big hands on her ass sent waves of pleasure through her. She kissed him more aggressively and began frantically pulling at his clothes to get him naked.Ed moved his hands up and pulled her top up and over her head. He looked at her sexy black bra and the delightfully perky tits it contained. She reached back and undid the clasp, yanking the garment off and tossing it aside. His hands went immediately to her breasts and held the modest orbs in his palms.Stephanie sighed in bliss as he gently squeezed her tits and felt the tingles rush from her nipples to between her legs."I need you naked!" she gasped and he smiled. As she was on top of him getting undressed would be a challenge.He released her tits and arched his back with his head pressing back against the mattress so he could pull his shirt up. He got his arms free and relaxed his back so he could get the shirt up and over his head. He felt Stephanie's hands on his chest caressing, squeezing, and kneading his thick chest muscles. When the shirt came free of his head he looked at the lovely brunette and saw the joy and lust in her eyes. He reached up and pulled her face to his so he could caress her lower lip with his and feel the softness of her mouth. They both felt the charge from that and soon they were kissing deeply, her tongue in his mouth as he sucked on it.He loved the feel of her stiff nipples rubbing across his chest and he pulled her tighter against his body, feeling her breasts squeeze flat against his chest.Stephanie cooed, enjoying the power of his arms around her. Her coo turned into a squeak as he suddenly rolled over putting her beneath his large body. Her pelvis was trapped beneath his, pressed down into the mattress and she felt his cock becoming harder against her. She moaned in primal bliss feeling it pulse and move against her."I want you, Stephanie," he growled quietly against her cheek as he rocked his pelvis side to side. She moaned and shook as her body spasmed with the strong sensations."Oh fuck! That feels so good! Take me Ed! Take me... like you take Zoe!" Ed pulled his face back to look at Stephanie in surprise. She was looking up at him timidly."Are you sure?" he asked hesitantly. He wasn't sure if he could... do that with Stephanie as she was so different from Zoe."I- I just want to know what it feels like. Just this once.""It... can get rough," he warned her.She bit her lip nervously but didn't give in. "Please," she begged, her blue eyes looking deeply into his pale ones.He couldn't speak so he just nodded. He slid the fingers of his left hand into the hair on the back of her head. Her pixie-cut hair was so much shorter than Zoe's long locks but he was still able to get a grip. Her eyes widened and she gasped before he kissed her hard. She squeaked then moaned into the kiss as he sucked on her tongue and caressed her mouth with his. He controlled the kiss with his grip and she began to paint.He released her, pushing himself up to stand at the end of the bed. He shoved his pants and boxers down and kicked them off. Stephanie lifted her head and her eyes widened as she saw his thickness bobbing between his legs. He undid her pants and lifted her legs to pull them off. Off came her panties as well as she gasped at his rough tugs.Ed flipped Stephanie over onto her stomach and ran his hands up the back of her legs until he reached her ass."Oh yes!" Stephanie gasped as she looked over her shoulder at him.He squeezed her cheeks and parted them with his thumbs as he lifted her hips. He dipped his face down to stroke his tongue strongly across her pussy."AAAAAAHHHH! FUCK! OH GOD!" she cried.Ed fucked her with his tongue and sucked on her pussy as she clung to the sheets and thrashed from the strong sensations.Stephanie was dazed by how fierce Ed was being with her. When his tongue stroked across her puckered ass she squealed and jolted. He returned to tease it and she tried twisting out of his grip but his hands were too strong."WHAT! WHA- ED! MMMMFUCK! MMMMMNNAAHHH! NONONONO!" Her cries took on a desperate tone but her juices were running down her legs.With a final flick of the tip of his tongue across her rosebud, he knelt behind her and rubbed his hard shaft against her slick pussy then pushed the fat head of his cock between the swollen lips."OH ED! FUCK!"He dipped the head in a few inches and pumped himself rapidly but shallowly in and out until the head of his cock was well lubricated.Then he drove himself deep."AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHNNNNN!" Stephanie howled as she felt his cock stretch her wide open, so deep. Ed pulled out slowly the drove himself in again, slapping her ass with his pelvis. He set up a steady rhythm of the thrusting."UUUHHHH! UUUHHHH! UUUHHHH!" Stephanie grunted with each thrust as her ass took slap after slap. She felt like some wild animal rutting with her mate. His need drove him to take her hard and fast. She accepted his thrusts and even forced herself back to meet them. He filled her so deliciously. Her ass was on fire from the spanking his hips were giving it. His heavy balls were swinging up to slap against her clit and these impacts were causing her to lose her mind. The explosions of sparks that arrived with each strike destroyed her ability to think. She was racing upon her release and it was going to be huge.Ed suddenly pulled her upright on her knees in front of himself and wrapped his right arm around her, his hand moving to her pussy. His left arm went around her chest taking one tit into his big hand and pressing the other under a thick forearm. Her arms were pinned to her sides and he tilted back slightly forcing his cock deeper into her and slightly lifting her from her knees.Now she was completely at his mercy. He growled quietly into her ear and felt her tremble. "You're mine, Stephanie. Body and soul. Say it."She felt herself whiting out from the incredible heat of his cock buried so deep and the glow of her ass cheeks pressed so hard against his body. Her head was thrown back, resting against his chest. She was on the precipice of her orgasm, balancing on the razor's edge of bliss. "I'm- I'm yours. Body... and soul.""That's my girl."She felt herself tipping over into heaven when he began bouncing her up and down against his body, his fingers rubbing against her clit and her nipple."FFFFFFAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"Stephanie wailed as she went into convulsions when her orgasm exploded. The bouncing became more and more rapid as his cock made quick but shallow thrusts deep inside. Suddenly he was growling and shaking as well as his cock fired his hot cum up inside her body. She was dimly aware of this additional blissful feeling as she rode the waves of pleasure. Peak after peak rolled over her in a seemingly endless series. Ed's jolts and trembles kept her release rolling along. It was a feedback loop between them.When she became too sensitive she whimpered and he gently lowered them to the bed. He slipped his semi-rigid cock from her tingling and aching pussy and she whimpered once more. She felt empty without him inside her forcing her open. She knew the sensation would subside but for now, she wanted him back. He lowered himself the rest of the way down to the mattress behind her and kissed her ear.Shivers shot through her body from his gentle kiss and she gasped."GOD! Stop! I'm too sensitive!" she pleaded."Your ears?" he said with a smile."My whole body," she gasped."I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked."No... well, I'm a little sore but I'm glad we did it. I can see the thrill. It's a little too much for me but I'm so glad we did it!" She gave him a brilliant smile which made her eyes sparkle.Ed saw she was truly happy which made him happy. He didn't tell her that for him it had felt different than when he was with Zoe. Not worse or less in any way, just different. He... really couldn't explain it.So he didn't.She purred as she rolled over and tucked herself against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and she tilted her face back for a real kiss. He caressed her mouth with his and she sighed. Then yawned. He grinned at her."Ok, maybe I'm a little wiped out after that," she said with a blush."I'm going to get ready for bed," Ed said and climbed out of bed."Ed?""Yes," he said looking back."Could... could you help me get to the washroom? I'm in a little more pain than I thought," she asked with an embarrassed smile."Oh, Stephanie! I'm so sorry!" he gushed but she held up her hand."No, you don't have to apologize. You warned me and I was aware there were risks. It's just a small cramp. It will go away. But I need to use the washroom."Ed scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom. He set her gently on the toilet and stepped outside for her to do her thing.When she called him back in he helped her stand and they brushed their teeth together. He quickly cleaned himself off then he carried her to the bed and got her under the covers to snuggle in behind her.Stephanie could feel his flaccid but still dauntingly heavy cock resting against her ass cheek and she flashed back to the moment when he was teasing her bum with his tongue. She was convinced he was preparing her ass for his cock and the thought terrified her. She was confused by how wet he'd made her when he'd done that. A shiver went through her body as she recalled the illicit thrill. She gasped when Ed wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer, his cock now resting between her cheeks. She held her breath but soon she heard Ed's soft breathing as he slipped into sleep.It took Stephanie much longer to find relief from her spinning thoughts.