Sweet Carolina Girls Part 30

Harper hugged Lauren tight to her, whispering in her ear, "I was having s.e.x with you all over the house. I am remembering that as reality, not a dream, right?"

"No, honey, you weren't dreaming." Lauren kissed Harper's cheek.

J.R. arrived with the b.l.o.o.d.y Marys complete with lime slice and celery stick. He was right they were delicious and Harper started to feel better the more she drank. When she was finished with the drink, Harper went upstairs to change into sweatpants and a tee shirt so she could let the dogs out. She went out in her bare feet. The cool wet gra.s.s felt good against her skin that was hot and dehydrated.

Harper reentered the house to find Lauren, now dressed, and J.R. seated at the table, drinking coffee. A pot on the stove steamed and a few pots with lids simmered on the other burners. There was a mixture of tomato sauce, onions and oranges in the air. Harper could only imagine what they were about to be served. She kept the pantry stocked with the basics so he could be making almost anything. She could see that he was making use of the left over grilled chicken from last night.

That's right. They grilled chicken b.r.e.a.s.t.s at like two in the morning. They ended up not eating very much of it and Harper remembered putting it away. She also remembered Lauren naked on the deck. She wished she could remember more detail because evidently she had quite a lot of fun last night.

J.R. served pasta, steamed and then sauteed in a very light b.u.t.ter covered in fresh roasted tomatoes and a light garlic sauce. The chicken was cut up in a green salad with mandarin oranges and a sweet vinegar dressing. This man was going to make a wonderful husband.

Lauren had a mouth full of salad when she asked, "You found all this in our kitchen?"

"My buddy says you have to eat a green thing, an orange thing, a red thing, and some pasta with some protein. He swears by it. I just look for the colors and see what I can come up with," J.R. said proudly.

Harper was actually starting to feel human again. She wasn't sure if it was really the meal or the gallons of water she must have consumed by now. She finally thought to ask an obvious question, "Why are you here on a Sat.u.r.day, in the middle of your season?"

J.R. reacted by jumping up to get a letter from his jacket pocket. He handed it to Harper, "I'm going back to the show. The team is in Kansas City. I'm meeting up with them in Seattle on Tuesday so I came to party with my girls one more time before I go."

Lauren grinned at him, "So that's why you're trying to get us moving, so we can be your play toys for the evening."

J.R., his face plastered with his best charming farm boy grin, said "Why, yes m'am, you'd be correct."

Harper suggested they go on a run while J.R. was around to help with the labs and they needed to sweat the alcohol out of their bodies, if they were ever going to feel good enough to party. They hooked up the dogs and ran for an hour before returning home. They filled J.R. in on all the recent events and showed off their rings.

J.R. stayed up late and watched reruns of the Dog Whisperer, so he worked hard to get the labs to understand their role in the pack. He was trying to help Lauren learn to control them. In the middle of a failed attempt to have the dogs sit while another dog ran by, Lauren said, "Why does Jasper do what he's told to do? He's not even on a lead."

Harper answered, "Because he's not a dog, he's a boy."

J.R. had a different reason, "Because Harper has had that dog by her side since he was six weeks old. He learned his boundaries and expectations early and he knows his role in the pack, Harper is his leader."

Lauren bent over to catch her breath, "Okay, I'm a terrible parent. I have neglected my role as the pack leader."

Harper tried to help, but was having a hard time not laughing, "Lauren, you have to feel empowered. They have to know you are in charge and they should just relax and wait for the pack leader to determine how they should respond to things."

Lauren looked at Harper like she was crazy, "They outweigh me by at least a hundred pounds. You be their pack leader!"

J.R. took the leads from Lauren. He said, "I'll be right back," and took off with all three dogs.

Lauren and Harper took a water break. Lauren smiled up at Harper, squinting her eyes against the sun, "Oh, my G.o.d, my t.w.a.t is still vibrating from last night. It's like it woke up while we were running and is taking a trip down memory lane without me."

Harper grinned at Lauren, "I know what you mean. I need a cold shower."

Lauren laughed, "I have never had this much s.e.x in my life and I could have more. This is so unlike me. I'm used to once every two months or so."

Harper laughed, "If I'm only having s.e.x with you every two months you need to check my pulse."

Lauren laughed with Harper, "Is that a promise?"

"Yes, I don't think we'll need any s.e.x therapy." Harper began to stretch; they'd been standing in one spot too long.

"What about kids? We haven't talked about kids," Lauren's voice had grown serious.

Harper stopped bouncing on her toes, "I would love to have children with you, but I'd like to be at least thirty before we have them. That would make you thirty-five. Can you wait that long?"

J.R. was drawing near with the dogs running at full speed. Lauren turned to Harper, "I think that's a grand idea and I know who I want the donor to be." She looked at J.R.

Harper said, "Excellent choice, but we better get the goods now before some woman latches on to him and doesn't want him to share his boys."

The labs were much easier for Lauren to control on the way home. She made progress in her relationship to the dogs. They were beginning to get it. Harper kept smiling at J.R. and he finally said, "What?"

Harper just said, "You're a good friend and I love you."

Lauren's phone was ringing when they entered the house. J.R. put the labs outside and made sure they had food and water. All three dogs were so tired; they lay on the deck and panted after they drank water like they hadn't had any in days. Harper listened as Lauren spoke on the phone. She heard Lauren say, "h.e.l.lo Molly."

Lauren spoke again, "That is great news. I guess you spoke with my Mother."

Harper knew the lawsuits had been dropped without being told. Shelby bowed to the wrath of Martha Anne. Harper thought she would have too.

She listened as Lauren said, "I'm sorry, but we have plans tonight, it's our annual poker party. It's a blast. You should come. We wear western costumes and party like its 1875... It's at the Tarr Barr in the back room. Just say you're looking for Jane, they'll send you back...Please do come, bring a friend; I know you would have a good time... I hope you come. Bye."

Harper waited for Lauren to hang up the phone, but only a split second, "The lawsuits went away, didn't they?"

Lauren shook her head up and down, indicating yes, and jumped into Harper's arms.

J.R. who came in on the tail end of the phone conversation said, "That's cool!"

Harper pulled back from her hug with Lauren so she could see her face, "When were you going to tell me this was a costume party?"

"I thought I did," Lauren said. "I'm sorry honey; I thought you probably had some western wear, being from Oklahoma."

"Yes, I do, but I feel like shopping." Harper was ecstatic that she no longer had to deal with Shelby and her bulls.h.i.t.

Freshly showered and dressed, the three friends headed for Northgate Mall in Durham where they found a western store. Harper bought a white pleated western dress shirt, added a silk and lace cravat, a paisley dark blue and black vest and a black ankle length rifle frock coat, like Wyatt Earp would have worn. She had black jeans and boots at home. J.R. bought a dark blue side b.u.t.ton western dress shirt, new boots and a coat just like Harper's. They also both bought black old west style felt hats.

Lauren approved of their purchases and laughed as they modeled different selections. Harper finally asked Lauren what she was going to wear. She just smiled and said, "You'll see."

After returning from shopping, they cooked steaks on the grill and played with the dogs until it was time to dress for the party. Lauren requested that Harper dress first because she wanted to surprise her when she came down the steps in her party clothes. J.R. slipped into the guest room to shower and change. Harper went upstairs, showered, and dressed. She did her makeup quickly, fixed her hair and headed downstairs. She and J.R. emerged at the same time to raucous applause from Lauren and barks from Jasper, who got excited because Lauren did.

Lauren smiled broadly, taking them both in, "You guys look great. I can't wait to see you with the coats and hats on."

Lauren left the two cowboys downstairs and went upstairs. Harper called Max, arranging for a pickup and then she and J.R. went out on the deck to wait for Lauren. The sun was setting and the sky was turning shades of reds and purples.

"So, how's the arm?" Harper asked.

"It feels better than it has ever felt. I probably should have had the surgery a long time ago," J.R. said moving his arm in a big circle. "I've got more speed and control."

"I'm so happy for you. I know how hard you rehabbed." Harper grinned at J.R., "Don't you go off to the bigs and forget us little people."

"Harper, I have a feeling we'll be friends forever," J.R. engulfed her in a bear hug.

Harper heard the French doors open behind her. When she turned toward the sound she saw something totally amazing. Lauren was standing there, or maybe it was some alter ego from the past, but the woman posing in the doorway was spectacular. Harper's father had loved "Gunsmoke" and bought the series on VHF, so she had watched many episodes. She recognized the red dress Lauren was wearing as something Miss Kitty would have worn. Only, Miss Kitty never looked this good in it. Lauren had her hair up with a large black feather jutting out the top of the twist. The fitted red jacket trimmed in black lace and the full length bustled skirt looked absolutely authentic on Lauren. She even added the painted on black mole Miss Kitty always wore. She was gorgeous.

J.R. said it best, "Wow!"

Lauren twirled, "Isn't it great! I found it at an estate sale. The lady had all these costumes and I saw this and had to have it."

Harper was still speechless. Lauren stopped twirling and looked at her, "Honey, are you struck dumb?"

Harper managed to get out, "You look fantastic."

Lauren twirled some more, "I'm glad you approve."

J.R. repeated, "Wow!"

Lauren laughed at the two of them gawking at her, "Come on cowboys, close your mouths and get going. Max is waiting out front."

J.R. and Harper put on their coats and hats and out the door the three went. When Max saw them he took a step back, "On no, Wyatt Earp and his gang."

Harper chuckled at him, "Don't worry Max, Wyatt Earp was a good guy."

"Oh, okay. You going to a costume party?" Max inquired.

Harper resisted a smart-a.s.s answer and just said, "Yes, at the Tarr Barr."

The sign on the Tarr Barr door said, "Private Party." Tonight only Jane's closest friends and family were allowed in. J.R. opened the door for Harper and Lauren. The entered into the foyer and immediately saw that the decorations had been altered with a purely western flair. There were bra.s.s spittoons at the bar and the bartenders were wearing white shirts with rounded tab collars, complete with garters on their arms and suspenders.

All the waitresses were in multicolored can-can girl costumes. There were ropes and saddles and bales of hay scattered about. The band was playing "San Antonio Rose" and the female singer was pretty good. The twin fiddles made the authentic Bob Wills sounds resonate through the bar. Everyone appeared to be having a magnificent time.

Harper didn't see anyone that she knew although Lauren did. She waved at a few people, but kept her left arm tucked tightly in the crook of Harper's arm as they made their way toward the back room. The double doors to the back room were propped open so they entered, all three of them, arm in arm. It had the desired effect. The room broke into hoots and hollers with a few whistles thrown in.

Jane was the first person to meet them. She was dressed in jeans and a blue plaid western shirt with a yellow bandana tied around her neck. She grabbed Harper's arm, "I'll be d.a.m.ned if you three don't look like you stepped off a movie set. Lauren, where did you get that dress?"

Lauren shouted over the band starting up another song, "Estate sale."

"And who is this handsome man?" Jane said, looking up at J.R.

Harper did the introductions as best she could over the rendition of "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys." They hung up their coats and moved further into the room where it was easier to hear. The whole team, their husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends and other friends of Jane's were all packed into the poker room. More tables had been added and the seats were all occupied. When one player fell out another would buy in. That way everyone would get a shot at playing if they wanted to.

Abby and Sandy had on matching plaid shirts with western pearl b.u.t.tons, jeans and cowboy boots. Julie went for the parlor girl look and it worked for her, she pulled off the high-cla.s.s wh.o.r.e really well. Alicia, Dee, Chita, Shy Lynn and Becky dressed in the same type of costume Harper was wearing, the basic differences being shirt color and the style of tie. Jordan and Ellen had on more lady-like apparel resembling Laura Ingalls more than bar girls. B.J. was too pregnant to be in costume and looked about to bust. Their husbands were in standard cowboy attire.

Lauren's dress was definitely the talk of the party. Harper was so proud to be with her. Of course, the single ladies in the room were checking out J.R., who made his way over to the guys and put his name in for a seat at a table. Harper looked around the room at all the different kinds of people Jane had a.s.sembled. There were straight, gay and lesbian folks in a rainbow of colors; all mingled together in the bar and everyone was having a great time. A waitress came by with mugs of beer and Harper grabbed one for both she and Lauren.

Harper handed the mug to Lauren and whispered in her ear, "You're the most beautiful woman in the room."

Lauren's dimples showed, as she looked at Harper, "Thank you, honey. I'm glad you think so."

Julie walked over to them, "Hey, hey, get over the honeymoon, why don't you."

Lauren stepped in front of Harper and leaned against her. Harper put her arms around Lauren's waist. Lauren replied to Julie, "We haven't even had the wedding yet, so it's okay if we coo over each other in public a little longer."

"I'm putting my vote in for Vermont or Ma.s.sachusetts in the fall so we can see the leaves change," Julie said flatly, as if it didn't really matter, it was just a statement.

Harper taunted her, but was really serious, "I'm partial to Nova Scotia."

Lauren turned her head to look at Harper, "I thought you wanted to go to Mexico."

Harper had spent some time on the internet since she decided to ask Lauren to marry her and had discovered, "Mexico declared only a few days this past March for gays to marry, so Canada looks good or Sweden."

"We'll talk and get back to you, Julie, and your suggestions will be considered." Lauren said with a smile.

"Alright, but don't take too long. I have to clear my calendar," Julie added in her monotone voice. Harper knew she pretended not to care, but this was Julie's way of saying congratulations.

Lauren told Jane she needed to tell the team something important, so Jane called a break for the poker players and slowly cleared out the non-team members. Then she shut the doors to drown out the music so they could all hear what Lauren had to say.

When everyone was quiet Lauren started, "I know that my break up with Shelby caused a lot of turmoil in the last couple of months and I'm sorry for any problems it may have caused you individually. However, I do have good news. All of the lawsuits filed by Shelby have been dropped."

There was a general round of applause and high fives, and then somebody yelled, "Let's get this party started." The doors were reopened, the poker resumed, the band played "Poncho and Lefty" and the beer flowed freely.

Lauren stood on her tiptoes, because Harper's boots made her taller, and kissed Harper. She smiled at her and then with her sideways grin and dimples melting Harper's heart, she said, "Do you think that band knows, aYou're the Reason G.o.d Made Oklahoma'?"

"I don't know." Harper grinned.

At that moment, a scream came from the other side of the room. Everyone looked at B.J. She stood with a hand on her mouth looking down at the floor. Her water had broken. Once it dawned on everybody what had happened, the room flew into action. Her contractions timed, she was whisked away to the hospital.

Of course the entire team had to follow her to the hospital, including J.R. and three hours later little Carolina Abigail Hunt was born. The newest member of the Tarr Barr softball team had arrived.

Lauren and Harper peered through the nursery window, smiling down at the new baby. Then they looked at each other and turned to J.R.

Harper smiled at him and said, "Hey, we have a favor to ask."

The plans for another sweet Carolina baby were hatched right then and there.

end.