That Summer

And Our Dreams That Still Live On...

September, 2014

Stevie looked down at the beautiful baby in her arms. Her blue eyes – identical to her mother's – shone in the sunlight that peered through the windows on that beautiful LA morning.

"Ava...what a gorgeous name for such a gorgeous little girl." Stevie cooed as she felt the baby wrap her tiny hand around her finger.

"I swear, she hasn't been this calm in weeks. Talia's been an angel taking the middle of the night shifts." Emma sat down next to them, admiring her baby's newfound calmness.

"I told you, I'm the baby whisperer!" Stevie gloated.

"I'd say...Em, can we leave her here and take her back in a year?" Her wife jokingly suggested.

"As much as I'd love to keep this little munchkin, I'm afraid Karen has her hands full enough taking care of me!" She readjusted Ava so her head was resting on her shoulder as she breathed in her newborn scent. "But she's welcome to visit her fairy godmother whenever she wants." She smiled surreptitiously at Emma.

"Oh, so she's the newest goddaughter?" Emma laughed.

"Why of course she is! She's a Gemini, isn't she? It's only fitting...we'll get her a moon necklace as soon as she's big enough...right, Sweet Girl?" She cooed into the baby's ear.

"Babe, I'm gonna use the bathroom real quick." Talia got up from the loveseat across from them.

"Oh, there's a powder room down the hall and to the left!" Stevie directed her with a free hand. Talia smiled and headed down the hall.

"So you really do make all your ex's kids your godchildren, huh?" Emma mocked. Stevie rolled her eyes.

"It's the least I can do for derailing their lives way back when..." She smiled. "Talia still doesn't know?" She asked.

Emma shook her head, "No. I don't think she's even thought about it. If she has, she's never brought it up to me. I guess most people don't fall in love with their bosses." She shrugged.

"Well, how boring are most people!" Stevie teased, leaning her head onto Emma's should lovingly. Emma rested hers on top, the two of them staying that way until they heard the bathroom door open.

Ava began to fuss, reaching for her mother. "Ugh, I think she wants the boob, babe." Talia observed as she sat back down. Stevie tried to keep her composure, desperately wanting to make a joke; Emma could sense it, gently kicking her foot.

"So, did you tell the fairy godmother the good news yet?" Talia asked.

"What more good news could there be besides this little angel?" Stevie raised her brow.

"I got transferred to another office," Emma started, "We're actually visiting LA to look at houses because we're moving in November."

Stevie was beaming. "Well I'd say that's extremely good news!" She wrapped her arms around Emma, planting a kiss on her temple and one gently on Ava's head. "You get over here too, Mama!" Stevie motioned at Talia, embracing her, as well.

"So this means you all are coming to Nicksmas this year? I'll tell Karen to add three to the list!" Stevie excitedly started pacing around the living room.

Emma and Talia both laughed. "If I turned down Nicksmas, I'd never forgive myself. Tell my family we're ditching, Em." Talia took the baby and started loading her into the carrier.

"I guess so then!" Emma smiled as she reached down for the diaper bag. She hoisted it over her shoulder. "You want to get her in the car first, love?" She asked.

Talia nodded, hugging Stevie goodbye before bringing the baby outside to the car, leaving the two of them to a moment alone.

"You don't call her 'babe?'" Stevie asked observantly.

Emma rolled her eyes, "Of course you noticed."

"No, no, no...it's just that 'love' is a new term of endearment. I guess that makes her special, right?" She smirked.

Emma groaned sarcastically, rolling her eyes again to shield her embarrassment, "Goodbye, Stevie..." She said in a sing-song voice, pulling her in for a hug.

"Bye, baby. I'll see you at Nicksmas," She squeezed her tightly, "Let me know what you think of the new record...and send me pictures of the new house." She whispered into the crook of her neck.

"I will." Emma didn't want to let go, and neither did Stevie. They stayed that way a few moments longer before Stevie finally pulled away, knowing she had to let her go.

"I love you, Take good care of my godbaby!"

"Oh, that little girl is well taken care of, don't you worry!" Emma started toward the door, pausing once Stevie held it open, "Love you...babe." She winked, giving her one last quick hug and walking toward the car.

Stevie looked on, waving as they pulled out of the driveway. It dawned on her that today was the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend.

Another summer comes to a close...she thought to herself. She walked back inside, scooping up Sulamith from the floor as she headed upstairs to her bedroom.

But this time, she felt content, excited for the months to follow. She was well into her 60's now, another six years wiser than where she was on that fateful day, but she didn't feel the same angst she felt six years ago.

Time makes you bolder, I wonder who came up with that crap...She thought as she got into bed, resting her dog at her feet.

She flipped on the television; Gone with the Wind was on the classics channel. She smiled, taking it as a sign.

She was happy, and she was exactly where she was supposed to be.