Blair spent much of November studying for the LSAT. One day, Jo arrived home and surprised her.

"I found this amazing LSAT study guide, Blair!"

"Let me see it," Blair reached out her hand skeptically, not looking up at Jo from her position on the couch. She thumbed through the pages and smiled up at her.

"This one is good," she smiled. "How thoughtful of you… as usual. Thanks, Jo."

"I want to make sure you get into the law school of your choice," Jo nodded determinedly. She eyed Blair curiously. "So… where are you thinking of applying?"

"It depends a lot on my LSAT score. But, I was thinking of Columbia and NYU. They're both top ten."

"So not California… Berkeley?"

"Um, I don't know," Blair gazed at her inquisitively. "You want to move to California?"

"Not particularly. I just was wondering because you had mentioned it before."

"I'd like to move back to New York City, Jo. How about you?"

"I'm all for that. But, where would we live? I don't want to take up permanent resident in your mother's penthouse."

"We could get our own place in Manhattan."

"Not sure I could afford that, Blair."

"I've been thinking about that," Blair closed the book and pulled Jo down to sit beside her. "I could lend you some money to invest. Once you make a profit, you could pay me back, so it's not charity. After that, your money would grow on its own and be totally yours."

"I don't know, Blair. The stock market is like gambling. What if we lose your initial investment?"

"There's a trick to investing. You gamble when you bet on companies to make a profit. The thing is to anticipate the next big thing and invest in the raw materials needed to make it grow. For example: I think cellular phones are going to take off. We find out what materials are needed to make cell phones and the infrastructure needed to support them and we invest in that!"

"I dunno', Blair. It still sounds risky. Besides, if you put money in the market, you have to let it stay and grow, right?"

"Most of the time."

"So, I don't see what good that does me. I'll need money immediately if we move to Manhattan."

"If we invest right, your shares will gain value. You can choose to sell some or buy more. But, it is kind of better if you let them grow in value."

"I don't see the market as a solution."

"Jo, my family owns whole buildings in Manhattan. We could live for free."

"I'd be mooching off you. What if we got into a fight?"

"What? We fight all the time!" Blair pointed out.

"Um, bicker… remember, Blair?"

"Right, bicker. Why is it you think, after all these years and everything we've been through, that there is anything that could tear us apart?"

"I don't want us to have a falling out, but you never know. We're both young… life happens."

"I'm kind of offended, Jo. First of all, I would never give up on you. Secondly, if we did have a huge falling out, I'm not the kind of person who would leave you high and dry. Don't you know that?"

"That's even worse! Not only would I be taking advantage of you financially, but I would be taking advantage of your kind nature, as well!"

"I'm never going to leave you, Jo. I feel that with every fiber of my being. I can't imagine ever loving another the way I love you."

Jo slid her hand into Blair's. They locked digits. "I feel the same way. That's why I always want to be on equal footing with you."

"Let's not let money come between us," Blair smiled sweetly. "I could be happy with you living in a box."

"Might get a little crowded," Jo laughed. She smiled at her lover. "How much of an initial loan are you thinking about?"

"We'll start small, Jo," Blair was suddenly excited. "Say… $10,000?"

"Ten thousand dollars?" Jo was shocked. "No way!"

"Five thousand?"

"Nope. Uh-uh."

"One thousand? C'mon, Jo!"

"What if we lose that?" Jo was still hesitant.

"We won't!" Blair was very sure of herself. "But if we lose it, I'll take it out in trade."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you'll be my sex slave."

"Shut up, Blair. I already am your sex slave."

"Jo?" Blair eyed her seriously. "We won't lose money on this, I promise."

"All right, then," Jo relented begrudgingly. If she was going to be with Blair, she would have to find a way to make her own money eventually. Although, she didn't like the stock market, Blair's family was kind of expert at it. Plus, the cell phone thing did make sense. She loved technology and had to agree that cell phones were probably the next big thing.

"You look lost in thought, Jo," Blair elbowed her.

"It's so hard for me to even take a short term loan from you, ya' know? I'm battling years of indoctrination here."

"Therapy, Jo," Blair smiled brightly. "It's done wonders for me!"

"I was thinking that maybe I could get my Master's Degree in Social Work. That would qualify me to actually be a therapist."

"I think you have to go through therapy to be a therapist," Blair conjectured.

"Probably. I can handle it," Jo smiled. "Might do me some good!"

"Good to know," Blair rested her hand on her knee. "What university?"

"I think Columbia will have more financial help, as it's Ivy League and heavily endowed."

"Plus, you're on track to be valedictorian… again," Blair shook her head and smiled proudly at Jo. "I think you could get a huge financial package from Columbia. We wouldn't have to worry about money and being on equal footing then!"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Jo cautioned. "But, I'll apply to both NYU and Columbia, just like you!" she beamed.

"Aw! That's so sweet!" Blair laid her head on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I figure if I get my Master's Degree in Social Work, I could help a lot of people, like Julie does."

"Or you could get a PhD. and hang a shingle, like Carolyn. There's a lot more money in that," Blair pointed out.

"Nah, I'm more interested in social causes than general psychology. I could also pursue software development. That interests me a lot."

"There's going to be huge money in that, Jo. I know you're going to do what you want, but I'd really like to encourage you to look into software development!"

"We'll see. That's kind of centered in California, right now."

"I can still apply to Cal, or Stanford!" Blair spoke up enthusiastically.

"Really, Blair? You'd follow me to California?"

"I'd follow you anywhere, silly. You know that!"

"Eh… they probably have lots of classes on software development at Columbia," Jo suddenly turned quiet.

"What is it, Jo?"

"I guess I haven't been really thinking about this enough, Blair. Our future is upon us. We need to make some decisions. Guess I should start researching," she grinned.

"Whatever you decide, I'll be right there with you."

"Promise?"

"Pinky swear," Blair held out her little finger. Jo locked fingers with her.

"So," Blair began slowly. "Are you still going to the prison with me next week?"

"Shit!" Jo spat out. "If we have to go!"

"I have to go, Jo. I have to find out why he wants to talk to me."

"I don't like it… meeting with one of your attackers."

"When I saw him in court, he mouthed I'm sorry. I need to know what he meant by that."

"And why he did it, Blair?"

"Yeah… that, too."

"What if there is no explanation? What then?"

"I move on," Blair looked at her with puppy dog eyes. "You are still coming, right?"

"You're not going without me!" Jo placed a protective arm around her shoulder. "I'd rather talk about investing, than this."

"I have a few more suggestions on that topic!" Blair brightened.

"I have a few ideas of my own," Jo ventured. "I think we should throw some money at Apple Computers. I really like the personal computer and I noticed you had a Macintosh in your bedroom at the penthouse."

"Daddy and I already have Apple stock. I've researched their philosophy and I like it. It is risky, however. Microsoft does not have the same philosophy and may do better for that very reason. If we're investing in computers, we should look at the software aspect, as well. Maybe we should diversify and invest in both Microsoft and Apple," Blair suggested.

"Yeah," Jo rested her head on Blair's. "You could be right."

"It will mean a larger initial investment, as well," Blair added.

Jo sighed. "I feel my life as a an indentured sex servant beginning."

Blair was impatient as she waited for Patrick Sweeney to enter the room. She tapped her foot and eyed the clock on the wall.

"Calm down, Blair," Jo advised. "I'm right here with you. Relax, will ya'?"

"I just want this over with," Blair complained.

"We don't have to be here at all," Jo pointed out vehemently. "I'm good with getting out of here!"

"My client is very grateful that you agreed to meet with him, Ms. Warner," Patrick's lawyer lobbied.

Just then, the door opened and a shackled young man in prison garb was ushered into the room by a guard. He was younger than Blair and Jo. His blonde hair was shaved close to his head. His face was bruised. He sat down across the table from them.

"Thank you for coming," he began.

"There are rules here, Patrick, as we discussed," his lawyer advised. "You have to let Ms. Warner speak first."

"Sorry," he shrugged.

This? This was one of the boys who beat me? Blair wondered at the sight of him: so young, so innocent looking, so skinny… he couldn't have been more than 120 pounds soaking wet! This guy put me in the hospital?

"Ms. Warner?" his lawyer looked at her. "Do you have anything to say to my client?"

Blair gathered herself. She took a deep breath. Jo locked hands with her under the table.

"Why?" was all she could manage.

"I am so sorry," Patrick began. "I never meant to hurt you."

"Then… why?" Blair asked again.

"My cousin, Aaron, he's a hothead who drinks too much. I was with him that night. He just got out of control. Please know that I never touched you! I was there, but I never touched you… I'm so sorry!"

"So you didn't touch her?" Jo squeezed Blair's hand tighter as she tried to control herself.

"The police record verifies this," his lawyer reported.

"I watched. I should've stopped it, but I didn't."

"Meanwhile, Blair gets the crap kicked out of her!" Jo jumped up.

The guard took a step towards her. "Shall we end this, Mr. Stevens?" he asked Patrick's lawyer.

"Sit down, Jo," Blair exhaled calmly. "I want to hear his story."

"There is no story," his eyes filled with tears. "I was with the wrong people and didn't do anything to stop what happened. I'm so sorry."

"That's it?" Blair asked. She was fighting her own emotions. She was still very angry about the attack, but was starting to feel sympathy for the scrawny kid sitting across from her.

"I wanted to go to trade school," he began to cry, "be a carpenter. Now I'm here."

"Have you learned anything, at least?" Blair questioned.

"Yeah. Not to hang out with assholes! I should've stood up for what was right."

"Hell yes, you should have!" Jo blurted out. She had tried to maintain a lid on her emotions and let Blair talk. She had thought this whole idea of meeting with one of Blair's attackers a misguided notion in the first place. But Blair had thought it important to face those who had wronged her. She ultimately had supported Blair's decision, as usual, but with the caveat that she could only go to the prison if she was with her. She had promised to keep her mouth shut.

"What happened to your face?" Blair asked. "How did you get those bruises?"

Patrick eyed the guard. "It's better if I don't say."

"I see," Blair nodded.

"Thanks for meeting with me, Ms. Warner. I needed to apologize to you face-to-face. Thank you for coming." He began to get up.

"Patrick?" Blair said.

"Yeah?" he turned back to her.

"I'm going to make sure you get to go to a trade school."

"Why would you do that for me after what I did to you?" he was amazed.

"I want you to be a carpenter," Blair smiled sweetly at him as he was led away.

"Thank you," his voice trembled as he shuffled out the door.

Jo drove the Porsche back through the rain to Peekskill as Blair rested her head on the passenger side window. They had been silent since leaving the prison.

"What was that all about back there, eh Warner?" Jo finally ventured.

"Jesus, Jo… you and I are talking about Columbia and Cal. That poor kid just wanted a chance to go to trade school."

"That poor kid stood around and watched while you were almost beaten to death!"

"He made a mistake. Should he have to pay for it for the rest of his life?"

"It was a big mistake, Blair!"

"I know, but…" her voice trailed off.

"You're going to help him," Jo shook her head.

"I want to, Jo," she turned to her. "Did you see his face? What do you think is happening to him in there? I mean, you don't think…?"

"It's possible," Jo cut her off. "I'm not going to lie to you. It ain't ping pong prison, Blair."

"Your Dad was in prison. Mine could've gone for that insider trading my Grandfather did. I think we should look at what's going on with our prison population. I think resources need to be devoted to improving their lot. And, yes, I'm going to help Patrick."

"Patrick is it now? You're too soft hearted, Blair."

"Nevertheless, I'm going to have Daddy pull some strings with the governor and get him transferred to a safer prison."

"Okay, then," Jo sighed. She knew when to give up.

They were silent for the rest of the trip, both lost in thought. Blair rested her head against the window and absently twisted and untwisted a strand of golden hair. Jo would glance over at her periodically. Was there no end to her kindness, to her generosity, her compassion? She had thought that the well of her heart had been filled to overflowing with her love for Blair. But with each glance, she felt it expand even deeper.

When they arrived home, Jo made her dinner. Blair was still disturbed by what she had seen at the prison. She was not her usual chipper, feisty self. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky outside, accompanied by a loud crash of thunder.

"Oh Jo!" Blair came to life as she ran to the window. "Let's go outside and watch!"

"What? Are you nuts, Blair? It's about to pour down rain again!"

"But until it does…" she opened the door and ran out onto the deck.

Jo followed her out with a coat that she placed around Blair's shoulders. "You are nuts, girl."

Another flash of lightning streaked across the sky. Its reflection had barely disappeared from the river when a thunderclap roared through the night.

"This is amazing, Jo!" Blair leaned back into her.

"Uh, we're standing next to the woods here," Jo stated nervously. "Trees are kind of nature's lightning rods, right?"

"Oh look, Jo, another one!" Blair was excited.

"A little too close, Blair," Jo wrapped her in an embrace. "Let's go inside!"

After a few more lightning strikes, the rain began to fall… heavy. Blair turned her face up and let the rain wash over her.

"C'mon," Jo finally insisted as she pulled her inside. "We're all wet now," she complained.

"We're alive, Jo. I want to live every moment, feel every moment, embrace every possibility!"

"I'm right there with ya', Blair," Jo smiled lovingly at her. "But you remember what happened that time you insisted on sleeping with the window open so you could experience the moon unfettered?"

"I got a cold?"

"Yep! And that's what's going to happen now if you don't get upstairs, dry off and get under the covers. I'll bring us up some hot chocolate." She eyed her maternally. "Go on!"

Blair started up the steps. She turned back to Jo. "With Bailey's?"

"Is there any other way?" Jo grinned.

Blair was in bed when Jo came up with their hot chocolate. She got out of her wet things, dried her hair and snuggled in beside her. She pulled the comforter up about them and turned out the light. They drank their hot chocolate and watched the storm through the window.

"I just love nature, don't you?" Blair enthused.

"Uh… from a distance," Jo laughed.

"This is so romantic, Jo," Blair sighed as she took another sip from her mug.

"I'll give you that, Blair."

They finished their hot chocolate and held each other.

"Will you make love to me tonight, Jo?"

"Like you could get out of it," Jo joked.

"No. I mean deep, slow, passionate lovemaking, like you haven't seen me for weeks or months."

"Sometimes… it feels like I'm seeing you for the first time." Jo could make out the outline of her forehead, her high cheekbones, her upturned nose, the brilliant smile that was the crowning glory of her beauty.

Raindrops beat against the window plaintively, some running down a solitary path, others joining together to create a new course. Inside, two young lovers flowed seamlessly into a stream of bliss.

Tootie had been wonderful in her debut as a featured performer in a Langley production. Blair and Jo met her backstage along with Natalie and Mrs. Garrett. Blair presented her with a bouquet of roses.

"Oh! Thank you, Blair!" Tootie gushed.

"You were amazing!" Mrs. Garrett praised.

"Who is this person?" Natalie hugged her.

"Guys!" Tootie eyed them excitedly. "There is an opening night after-party! You want to come?"

"I'm down!" Natalie beamed.

"Okay," Blair and Jo shrugged at each other.

"I have to beg off, girls," Mrs. Garrett apologized. "It's a little late for me."

As Mrs. Garrett left, the other girls turned to Tootie.

"Let's go!" Natalie smiled.

"Okay," Tootie looked at them conspiratorially and whispered. "The party's upstairs!"

Jo absent-mindedly joined hands with Blair. "Lead the way!"

Tootie led them to a large room in the theatre building. It was completely theater. There were props and large scenery backdrops lining the walls. Two girls in gossamer gowns offered them drinks as they entered. Music was blaring as people danced randomly with each other. Others stretched out on couches or gathered around tables.

"Welcome to the world of theater!" Tootie smiled at them as she yelled over the music and flashing lights.

Jo took a sip of her drink. "Whoa! I thought alcohol wasn't allowed on campus!"

"It's not," Tootie smiled. "Don't tell, okay?"

"Check out the costumes on those two," Jo spoke in an aside to Blair as she nodded at the young women passing out drinks. "You can practically see right through them!"

"Don't get any ideas," Blair nudged her playfully.

One of them circled back around. She was very well endowed. Her sheer costume left little to the imagination. She bounced up against Jo, grabbed her head with both hands… and kissed her.

"Hey!" Blair called out as she snatched the girl's hair and yanked her away from Jo.

"What's your problem?" the young woman glared at Blair. "It's a party! Relax!"

"She's spoken for!"

"What? By you?" she eyed Blair up and down. "You don't look gay."

"Just what, exactly, is gay supposed to look like?" Blair fumed.

The girl stared at Jo standing in her suit with her hands shoved into her pants pockets.

"Like that," she nodded. She placed a piece of paper into Jo's breast pocket and patted it.

"Call me when you get bored!" She jerked her head towards Blair.

"Did you just give my girlfriend your number right in front of me?"

The young woman flounced away without answering.

"Is it her phone number?" Blair asked.

Jo looked at the slip of paper. "Yep."

"I'm going to kill her!" Blair started off after the girl.

Jo tackled her and held her steady.

"Calm down," she breathed into her ear.

"How can I when she went after you like that right in front of me?" Blair complained, still angry.

"What's going on?" Natalie ran up to them.

"That thing," Blair pointed to the young woman in question, "kissed Jo!"

"What?" Natalie glared at the woman. "Let's kick her ass!"

"My sentiments exactly," Blair narrowed her eyes as she put a mental target on the other girl's back.

"Hold on, the both of you!" Jo called out. "This isn't a back alley in the Bronx! Besides, you abhor violence, remember, Blair?"

"No one hits on my girlfriend in my presence! I have a reputation to protect!"

"She made a mistake," Jo continued, "She didn't know I was with you."

Blair exhaled deeply. "Jo, she put her phone number into your pocket and patted your breast right in front of me!"

"She did what?" Natalie was astonished.

"Let's just let this go," Jo sighed. She crumpled the slip of paper and tossed it over her shoulder.

"Blair?" Natalie eyed her friend. "If you want to have words with that girl, I've got your back!"

"No, Jo's right. I abhor violence and I don't know if I could be responsible for my actions if I faced off with her."

"Because another woman kissed your girlfriend? Totally justified. I still want to kick her ass, Blair."

"Yeah, I know. But I got an ass kicking a while ago, remember, Nat? Violence is not cool. Even if she does deserve it!"

Natalie reflected. "Right," she nodded.

"I don't know why I got so upset," Blair regained herself and laughed.

"That's my girl," Jo placed her arm around her. "But, it was almost worth a fight to watch Blair Warner transform into Conan the Barbarian right in front of my eyes," Jo chuckled.

"Conan the Barbarian? I think not!" Blair huffed. "I prefer Red Sonja!" she winked and smiled at Jo. "It's not like I was going to actually hit her, anyway. Tongue lashings are more my style."

"Don't I know it," Jo bit her lower lip and shook her head appreciatively. "Have you ever even been in an actual fight, Blair?"

"I grew up in all female boarding schools. I've been challenged, believe me."

"Remember that time those two girls tried to jump you in the bathroom, Blair?" Natalie's eyes grew wide.

"Those morons. One of them thought I was moving in on her boyfriend. Like I would have gone after their skanky losers, blech!"

"It was epic, Jo," Natalie beamed excitedly as she recalled the story. "Blair told them because it was two against one that they would probably win. But that she was going to get in one good shot before she let either of them mess up her face. Then she asked them who wants it first?"

"Yeah?" Jo was impressed. "So what happened?"

"They took one look at Blair's clenched fist and the look on her face and bolted!"

"Where were you, Nat? How come you didn't have Blair's back?"

"Get in the middle of a big-girl fight? No way! I was hiding in the bathroom stall looking out the crack in the door, duh."

"You're a tiger, Blair," Jo nodded proudly. "And here I thought your fighting skills were limited to mopping up scum at drive-ins with a bucket of popcorn on your head!"

"Very funny," Blair grumbled. "If you had been protecting me, like you should have been, I wouldn't have had to deal with that girl at all!"

"Aah, you did fine. Put her in her place!"

"I would prefer not to fight. The whole idea is uncouth and unladylike!"

"Yeah, but you were about to kick some ass tonight. What gives?" Jo questioned.

"She kissed you, Jo," Blair stared at her incredulously.

"Oh," Jo smiled.

"What took you so long to disengage from that kiss, by the way?" Blair eyed her.

"She totally surprised me, Blair! And before I knew it, you had her by the hair!"

"Did you enjoy it?" Blair questioned.

"Of course not! I'm not enjoying any of this… except maybe for the part where you got so jealous," Jo grinned. "Look, it's a party. These are Tootie's friends. Can we stop making a scene and have a good time now?"

"Alright then," Blair sighed. "Besides, it's not like she's a threat, or anything, right?" She looked at Jo.

Jo shrugged and gave her a look as if to say of course not.

Blair wasn't satisfied. "Right, Jo?" She repeated with emphasis.

"Right, Blair," Jo responded.

As Blair led her away, Jo gave a look over shoulder. "I do like her outfit, Blair. You got anything like that at home?"

Blair gave her a look that could kill.

After the party, Jo still had some questions as she drove them home.

"So, that whole incident with the kiss girl…"

"Oh," Blair interrupted her indignantly, "the kiss girl? Is that what we're calling her now?"

"You know what I mean, the girl who kissed me. It just seemed so out of character for you to want to go after her like that."

"When I saw her touch you, I just flashed, Jo. I don't know what else to tell you."

"I know, I get that, but after everything we've been through, with you getting beat up and how you felt about the abuse Patrick is facing in prison, I just thought you were beyond any kind of physical aggression. Seems kind of out of place."

"After everything we've been through, I couldn't stand watching someone else touch you like that! You're mine and only mine, I have to know that, Jo!"

"Of course I'm yours, Blair. That's not even a question."

"I felt so intensely possessive when she touched you. I can't explain it. But, I wasn't going to kick her ass, anyway. You're right. I never have been in an actual girl fight. But, I was going to tell her off, big time!"

"Why did you act like you were going to kick her ass?"

"Natalie was there. I couldn't back down in front of Natalie, could I? I wanted to maintain my mystique in front of her."

"I'm not sure we have any mystique left, as far as Nat and Tootie are concerned," Jo offered. "I mean, between you talking about dildos in front of them and me leaving my handcuffs at Mrs. G's, I think the mystique is kind of gone."

"No way, Jo! You heard Nat tell the story of when I was jumped in the bathroom all those years ago. She called it epic! They still look up to us!"

"So… was that a true story about the bathroom?"

"It happened. I knew I was outnumbered. I figured if someone was going to mess up this face," Blair pointed to her face dramatically, "one of them was going to pay… even if I had to break a nail or two."

"I like that, Blair: the image of you as a tough girl!"

"I'm not a fighter, but I won't back down."

"I dunno'." Jo shook her head. "Since we came out, you've been more aggressive, like you won't take any crap off anyone."

"That's because I won't: not about you and me and the nature of our relationship. I've had to work on that, by the way. Antwoine pointed out that I was new at being part of an oppressed minority and that I had to pick my battles."

"Antwoine is wise," Jo nodded. "So? Tonight was a battle you thought was worth fighting?"

"I already told you I wasn't going to fight her, just tell her off."

"I wasn't worth fighting for?"

"You're being ridiculous. If anyone came after you, in any way, I would fight for you."

"Good to know."

"But now that I'm aware of my propensity for hot-bloodedness, I'm working to control it. The next time another woman kisses you, I'll try to keep my hands from pulling her hair out. Oh, and Jo?"

"Yes, Blair?"

"There better not be a next time."

"Yes ma'am," Jo grinned as she pulled into the driveway.

As she locked the door of the duplex behind them, Jo had one last question for her.

"So, Blair? Do you have a dress like kiss girl's?"

Blair shot her a dangerous look. Jo grinned at her.

"I mean, it was sexy, right?" Jo continued to tease.

Blair narrowed her eyes at her and clenched her fists.

"All see-through, with those big boobs bouncing underneath," Jo went on.

"Jo?" Blair moved towards her menacingly.

"I did find her attractive," Jo smiled mischievously.

"Jo?" Blair's eyes shot daggers.

"So glad you're working on your propensity for hot-bloodedness!" Jo suddenly bolted for the stairs.

"Oh, you better run!" Blair chased her.

It was raining on the day that Jo and Blair decided to decorate their Christmas tree. As the storm raged outside, they were safe and warm inside, with a fire in the fireplace and boxes of decorations spread before them. Jo handled the lights. They worked together to hang the strings of beads. Blair had purchased several delicate and beautiful ornaments that they placed gently on the branches. Jo had purchased nondescript ornaments at K-Mart.

"Really, Jo?" Blair complained.

"It's tradition, Blair. My Mom got ornaments like these. What's wrong with them?"

Blair gazed at her. She looked crestfallen.

"Of course these belong on our tree!" she smiled as she began arranging the K-Mart ornaments on the branches.

"Thanks, Blair," Jo smiled. "Hey, did you get the angel? The one we saw in the Christmas Boutique store?"

"I did," Blair rummaged through their decoration boxes until she produced it.

Jo climbed the stepladder and placed the angel on top of the tree. She climbed back down and sat next to Blair on the couch.

"Our first Christmas Tree," Blair laid her head on Jo's shoulder. "It's beautiful."

"It is," Jo placed her arm around her.

Suddenly, the noise of the rain stopped. There was silence outside. Jo and Blair gazed at each other, wide-eyed.

"Snow!" they both yelled at once.

They ran to the door and opened it. It was, indeed, snowing. Blair ran outside.

"Snow!" she danced in the snowflakes.

Jo rolled her eyes. "You're going to catch your death of cold, Warner!"

"C'mon, Jo! It's magical!"

Jo stepped out onto the deck with her. She tried to catch a few snowflakes on her tongue. Blair joined in her pursuit. They both laughed and delighted in the simple joy that was snow. Finally, Blair grabbed Jo and held her.

"I love this."

"Me too," Jo kissed her.

"I love everything about this," Blair continued. "Our tree, a real Christmas, a fire in the fireplace, the snow!"

Jo gazed at her as she felt her heart fill with joy. Blair was finally going to experience what Christmas was all about… with her, here, in their house.

"Want to take this inside?" she kissed her again.

"What ever could you be suggesting?" Blair batted her eyes at her.

They made love on a blanket, in front of the fire, under their tree.

Their plan for Christmas Eve was to visit Mrs. Garrett for dinner and then return home for a night alone.

Mrs. G. had prepared her usual feast. Blair and Jo were happy to be with her again on this most special of holidays.

"This reminds me of the time you surprised us on Christmas Eve, Blair," Mrs. Garrett mentioned over dinner. "That was so lovely."

Jo and Blair eyed each other affectionately.

"It was my best Christmas ever, Mrs. Garrett," Blair smiled at her.

"I'm so glad you two girls could be here tonight!" Mrs. G. returned her smile. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"My Mother has decided to actually spend a Christmas at home," Blair informed. "We're going to drive over there tomorrow afternoon and spend a few days."

"We're going to see my Mom, too," Jo informed. "The day after Christmas. She invited us."

"She invited the both of you?" Edna asked curiously.

"Yeah, Mrs. G., she invited Blair, too," Jo smiled.

"Oh, that is wonderful! Good for Rose. I told you she'd come around! She just needed a little time."

"I still feel nervous about it," Blair admitted.

"It'll be fine, Blair," Jo reassured. "Mom always liked you."

"Until she found out about us!"

"It's like Mrs. G. said, she needed time to adjust to the idea. She's okay with it now, really Blair."

"I hope so," Blair bit her lower lip.

"Anyway," Jo moved on, "we'll spend a few days in the city, but come back here for New Year's Eve."

"What? You two don't want to be in the city for New Year's Eve? Times Square…" Mrs. Garrett waxed romantic. "The ball falling, the first kiss of the new year?"

"I've been there, done that," Blair reported. "Not the kissing thing, but the Times Square thing."

"Me, too," Jo added. "It's crowded, cold, and drunk."

"Plus, impossible to get a cab home!" Blair complained.

"Nah, we want to be in our new place, alone together on New Year's Eve, Mrs. G.," Jo said.

"I guess I can understand that," Mrs. Garrett nodded.

"Um, I've got to ask you guys something," Jo began nervously. "Feel free to say no, but I was wondering if you would attend Midnight Mass with me? I'd like to do it for my Ma and for everything we've been through this year. Just to give thanks, ya' know, that things turned out so well?"

"Oh!" Edna was surprised. "I haven't attended Midnight Mass for years! I would love to go with you!"

"Blair?" Jo eyed her anxiously.

"Church is not my thing, you know that, Jo."

"Blair?" Jo stated again expectantly.

"Of course I'll go to Midnight Mass with you! Duh!" Blair smiled her mega-watt smile.

"Thanks, you guys," Jo smiled sweetly.

Blair, Jo and Mrs. Garrett stood in a church pew. As the choir sang "Oh, Holy Night", tears began to fill Jo's eyes. Blair slid her hand into hers. They locked fingers. Mrs. Garrett took Jo's other hand. They all sang together.

"Fall on your knees," Blair's lovely voice suddenly soared above them. "Oh hear the angel voices!"

Mrs. Garrett and Jo looked at her in amazement. Blair smiled at them as they all giggled and began to sing together again.

After mass, they stood on the church steps. The choir was still singing Christmas carols and their voices echoed through the cold night air. Jo, Blair and Mrs. Garrett gazed at each other as their breath clouded before them.

"Merry Christmas, girls," Mrs. Garrett hugged them both. "I love you."

"Love you, too," Blair and Jo acknowledged as the hugged her back, Blair holding on especially tight.

"I am so proud of you!" Edna whispered before releasing her.

They had come in Mrs. Garrett's car.

"Ready to go?" she asked cheerfully. Blair and Jo looked at each other.

"You know, Mrs. G? I think we'll walk home. It's not far," Jo said.

"But what about Blair's car? It's parked at my house."

"It's already packed for our trip. I made Blair plan ahead, for once," Jo smiled at the blonde as Blair rolled her eyes. "We can take my bike down and pick it up in the morning, if that's okay with you. It will give us an excuse to see you on Christmas Day."

"Oh, girls, you don't ever need an excuse to see me, you know that."

"But, still," Jo nudged Blair. "I think we'd like to walk through the town, check out the Christmas lights again."

"Very well, then," Edna smiled. "See you tomorrow!"

Blair and Jo walked arm in arm through the town. There were Christmas lights and decorations everywhere. They both thought it quite charming and romantic.

"It's Christmas Day now, Blair," Jo pointed out as they entered their home. "Want to open presents?"

"Why not?" Blair agreed happily.

Jo unwrapped her first gift. It was a framed painting. It looked somewhat familiar. Finally, it dawned on her.

"The pussy painting!" she exclaimed.

"We have to quit calling it that, Jo. It's actually an abstract impression based upon your pussy," Blair informed.

"I love it, Blair! The colors are beautiful! It's like a flower or something: very erotic, without being specific. You can't tell this is me at all!"

"I call it Elation!"

"Huh. Okay. Well, let's hang this in the bedroom. We're the only ones who need to know it's a pussy painting!"

"Elation," Blair reiterated. "I want to do a series, Jo."

"Uh-uh. No way you're doing a series of pussy paintings."

"I need another inside and two outside."

"Ha! Forget it, Blair. I am not posing for you outside!"

"We could do it on the penthouse terrace or at the beach cottage when no one's there."

"Ain't happening," Jo shook her head. "Here. This is for you," Jo placed a present in her hand.

Blair unwrapped a carved cedar jewelry box.

"This is exquisite, Jo. Where ever did you find it?"

"Find it? I made it! I'm good with my hands, remember, Blair?"

"You made this?" Blair ran her hands over the box. "It's lovely!"

"Look inside," Jo stated excitedly.

Blair opened the box. She pulled out a vintage gold pocket watch. "This is beautiful," Blair turned it over in her hand. "It's like jewelry."

"I found it in a second hand store, picked it up for a song. It didn't work, but I took it over to Mr. Hamilton's repair shop and he helped me fix it. A little polishing and ta da! A shiny new watch!"

Blair was still examining it. "Jo, this watch is stamped with a karat symbol. It's solid gold."

"I know. It wasn't even visible until I cleaned it up. It's amazing what you can find at thrift stores!"

"I wouldn't know. I've never been to one."

"So? Do you like it?"

"Yes. It's beautiful, Jo! But, um, why a watch? I have about ten of them."

"And you're still always late. I figured with this one in your purse, it would make you think of me and how hard I worked on it and inspire you to be on time!"

Blair gave her an ironic smile. "Don't get your hopes up. But, I love it anyway. It's completely unique. I will always think of you when I look at it."

"I'm glad," Jo smiled back.

"So, one more gift," Blair reached behind her and handed Jo another box. Jo opened it and stared apprehensively.

"You made cookies," she tried to smile.

"Try one!" Blair suggested expectantly.

Jo took a small bite of a cookie. Her face lit up. "Hey! These are good!"

"I've been taking a cooking class! Do you really think they're good?"

"Yeah, Blair! They're delicious! How come you didn't tell me you were taking a cooking class?"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"You have! When did you make these?"

"When you went out this morning."

"When you sent me out on errands for you this morning, you mean," Jo said.

"It would hardly be a surprise if I baked them right in front of you!"

"Well, these are great, Blair!"

Blair fetched two glasses of milk. They snuggled up together and ate cookies.

"Milk and cookies on Christmas Eve," Jo nodded. "We're just a couple of wild and crazy girls!"

"It doesn't get any better than this, Jo," Blair looked at her tenderly.

"You're so cute, Blair," Jo sighed as she kissed her cheek.

"Besides, we've still got time for wild and crazy," Blair smiled suggestively. "You know what to do?"

"I think so," Jo said. "I'll go upstairs first?"

"I'll clean up down here and be there in a few minutes."

Jo put on a nightshirt and crawled under the covers. She turned out the lights. A few minutes later, she heard the door open. Blair crawled in beside her. She didn't say anything, but reached up under Jo's nightshirt and fondled her breasts.

"Is that you, Blair?" Jo whispered.

They both laughed.

"Are you going to kick me out?" Blair breathed into her ear. "Please don't, Jo. I've waited so long for this. I've loved you forever."

"I'm scared, Blair. I've never done anything like this before."

"But doesn't it feel good?" Blair ran her hand down beneath Jo's underpants.

"Blair!" Jo turned and looked at her. "You wouldn't have done that back then!"

"I might have!" Blair defended herself. "If you hadn't pretended to be asleep!"

"We're supposed to be recreating that Christmas Eve as it could have happened."

"That's what I'm doing," Blair teased.

Jo parted her legs to grant Blair access. "Maybe if you had done this a few years ago, I wouldn't have resisted," Jo sighed. "Maybe I would have made love to you instead of pretending I was asleep. God knows, I wanted too."

Blair slid her fingers along her slick folds. "I guess we'll never know…"

"Oh God, Blair," Jo moaned.

"Merry Christmas, Jo."

The holidays had passed. Jo and Blair fell back into their regular school routine. Jo thumbed through a textbook and checked the clock. Blair was late… again. Apparently the watch she had given her for Christmas hadn't positively affected her sense of time as Jo had hoped it would. They were supposed to go out to lunch together. She said she'd be home early, but it was already one o'clock and she wasn't home yet. Jo was upstairs, lying on the bed, studying. As she heard Blair's car in the driveway, she jumped up and ran to the window. Finally, what's with her and time management anyway?

Blair exited her car with a large assortment of balloons. She almost slipped on the snow as she gazed up at the window and spied Jo. An embarrassed smile crossed her lips as she tilted her head adorably and shrugged. Jo couldn't help but smile back. I guess I'll forgive her.

She ran down the stairs to greet her.

"What's with the balloons?" Jo asked.

"You got me balloons once, remember?"

"Yeah…" Jo drew out, "but that was for a special occasion."

"This is a special occasion, too," Blair was mysterious. "I got you a present, but you'll have to find it!"

"Oooh, I like the sound of that," Jo walked over to her and kissed her.

"Here, hold the balloons," Blair handed them to her as she walked around to the front of her car. She was about to open the trunk, when she heard Jo yell.

"Oops! Some balloons got away!"

Blair looked at two golden balloons sailing up high into the gray sky.

"Shit, Jo! That's where I put the present!"

"What?" Jo looked confused. "You put a present in the balloons?"

"No! I tied it to the golden ones! Quick! We have to chase them!" she began to run in the direction of the balloons.

Jo released the rest of the balloons and grabbed her bike. She rode up beside Blair. "Jump on!" she called out.

They turned the corner from the driveway and rode down the street, following the runaway balloons.

"They're not getting as high as the others," Jo called back to her.

"That's because they're weighed down! Keep following them, Jo!"

The balloons took a turn into the woods. Jo's bike almost skidded out of control on the slick street as she made a hard left onto a muddy path. Blair tightened her hold on Jo's waist as she righted the bike. The path had been cleared of snow. But after a while, it became too treacherous for a motorcycle. They had to get off the bike and follow on foot. The balloons had become lodged in a tree.

"Look, Blair! There they are! Um… way high up in that tree," Jo's voice trailed off as she glanced at the height of the tree.

"Let's get over there!" Blair grabbed her hand.

As they hurried down an embankment, Blair slipped, dragging Jo with her. They were covered in mud.

"Nice one, Warner," Jo complained.

"They're still up there," Blair was undeterred. She got up and started slip-sliding across the snow.

"Hey, wait up!" Jo clamored after her.

Blair's enthusiastic pursuit caused her to slip again. This time she slid down a snow bank and landed near a stream.

"Blair!" Jo yelled as she glided down the snowy ridge and joined her.

They lay on their backs in the snow, staring up at the tree.

"I just don't get you sometimes," Jo complained. "You can ride a horse, play tennis, swim… but somehow the simple act of running is fraught with danger for you!"

"They're still up there," Blair smiled sheepishly as she pointed up at the two balloons.

"Fat lot of good it's going to do us," Jo smirked.

They were both muddy and covered with snow.

Blair smiled over at her. "You look pretty cute, all messy."

"Back at ya'," Jo grinned.

They lay quiet for a few moments, their eyes fixed on each other.

"What now?" Jo turned her glance back up to the tree. "It's a little cold out here," she shivered.

"Have faith, Jo," Blair stated calmly.

A gust of wind came up, popping both balloons against a branch. A small jewelry bag landed squarely on Jo's chest.

"Surprise," Blair laughed.

"Ah, for me?" Jo feigned shock. "You shouldn't have! Nice piece of luck, having your gift land right on me."

"Not luck, Jo, providence," Blair propped herself up on an elbow. "Open it!"

Jo opened the bag. Her jaw dropped and her face registered a look of true astonishment as she peered inside. "Blair?" she questioned.

"Well?" Blair gazed at her expectantly.

"I don't know what to say," Jo shook her head.

Blair took the bag from her and dropped two rings into the palm of her hand.

"Say yes. Say you'll wear my ring."

Jo smiled brilliantly. "Yes, Blair."

Blair slid one of the rings onto Jo's finger.

"I can't believe you got us rings, Blair," Jo said as she began to slip the other ring onto Blair's finger.

"Wait, Jo!" she stopped her.

"What?"

"You haven't asked me yet," Blair batted her eyes.

"I'm not sure what I'm asking here, Blair. You know we can't get married, right?"

"I know that, silly. Just think of this as a promise ring."

"A promise ring?"

"Yeah, you know, as in I promise to commit myself to this relationship, forsaking all others, holding dearly to only you, being true to you, loving you forever."

"That kinda' sounds like a marriage, Blair."

"You mean… you wouldn't marry me?" Blair looked hurt.

"No! I didn't say that!"

"So then you would marry me!"

"If we could get married, and that's a big if, Blair, I would only marry you. But, we're kind of young for marriage anyway."

"What?" Blair was clearly upset. "That is the most unromantic proposal ever!"

"That's because it wasn't a proposal!"

"So, you don't want to marry me!" Blair huffed as she jumped up.

"Aw c'mon, Blair. Don't be a brat."

"Forget it, Jo! I wanted this to be beautiful and you've gone and ruined it!"

"How did I ruin it, huh? We're out here soaking wet and muddy, with twigs in our hair. What was there to ruin?"

"Because I wanted this to be so romantic! I had it all planned!"

"It's not my fault that you didn't plan better, Blair," Jo was irritated that she was being held to blame for Blair's mistake.

"I hate you right now!" Blair fired back at her. "Go get on your bike! I'm walking home!"

Uh-oh! Blair was much more upset than Jo had gauged. She needed to do something… fast! She grabbed her hands and knelt before her.

"Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me."

"Jo?" Blair looked down at her.

Jo got on one knee. "Blair Warner, will you marry me?"

She looked up to her for some sign of approval. A tear ran down Blair's cheek as she nodded and smiled brilliantly back down at her. Jo slid the ring onto her finger. Blair dabbed her teary eyes and sniffled.

"Hey, why you are crying?"

"Because I've waited so long for this moment. I've dreamed of it, Jo!"

"Was it everything you expected?"

Blair thought for a moment. "Well, I didn't expect to be standing all muddy in the snow with twigs in my hair, as you pointed out. But, yes, it actually felt better than I expected."

"I guess that means I'm stuck with you," Jo smiled charmingly. "Now that you've agreed to marry me."

"Don't be silly, Jo. We can't get married," Blair teased.

"I'm gonna' kill you, Blair," Jo pulled her back down into the snow and kissed her.

"I really liked the Bible quote. Book of Ruth?"

"Yeah! How'd you know that?"

"It's like the gayest book in the Bible, Jo, duh."

"You crack me up, Blair," Jo chuckled.

"Oh, Jo! I almost forgot… there's an inscription!"

Jo removed her ring and looked inside. Blair and Jo was written in script.

"I like it, Blair. Not too flowery, ya' know? Just says it all in three words."

"I thought you'd like it that way," Blair nodded.

"What does yours say?" Jo asked.

"Oh, mines a little more effusive," Blair smiled.

She took off her ring and handed it to her. Jo and Blair read the simple inscription. Jo shook her head appreciatively.

"Now, put it back on," Blair demanded. "My hand already feels naked without it!"

They replaced their rings.

"We'll never take these off again!" Blair stated emphatically.

"Because, we've made a commitment to each other," Jo eyed her lovingly. "I didn't need a ring, you know. I was already committed to you. But, it is a nice gesture. Very romantic." Jo eyed her ring. It was silver, inlaid with a gold pattern: the infinity symbol surrounding a small, heart-shaped diamond. "I like these, Blair. Very tasteful."

"I wanted to get something you wouldn't mind wearing, so I kept it simple."

"You know me well," Jo replied. "So, what prompted this, Blair?"

"I just wanted you to remember that your spoken for, the next time you see a sexy thing at a theater party or large breasted woman on the beach."

"Maybe you're the one who needs the reminder the next time you start drooling over Katie Flanagan."

"I do not drool, Jo."

"Sure you do. Sometimes at night, your lying there, asleep, and a little drool forms on the corner of your lip and runs down your cheek."

"No way, Jo! That doesn't happen, does it?"

Jo laughed. "Relax, Blair. It only happened once."

"It's still disgusting."

"So what was your plan, Blair? For the rings, I mean."

"Oh, Jo!" Blair stated enthusiastically. "It was going to be so awesome! I had written all these clues for you to search for the gift. Each clue had a hint about what it was."

"So why did you hand me the balloons?"

"I thought it would be amusing if I had you searching for a present that you had actually carried into the house. I guess I should've remembered the two strings tied to the rings were shorter."

"That was the flaw in your plan," Jo nodded.

"All's well, that ends well," Blair held her hand.

Another gust of wind passed through the trees. A branch, which had been holding way too much snow, snapped. It clung precariously to the trunk, but sent its load of snow hurtling down towards Blair and Jo. It hit them in the face.

"That hurt," Blair mumbled as she cleared snow from her eyes and mouth.

"You know the colleges you're thinking of applying to?" Jo wiped snow from her face. "Is California still on the list?"

Blair laughed.

"C'mon," she rose and pulled Jo up with her. "Let's go home."

"So, Blair," Jo asked as they trudged through the snow. "Do you think there will ever come a time when we'll be able to get married for real?"

"I don't know, Jo. A lot would have to change. I can't really see it in our lifetimes."

"Me neither," Jo sighed sadly.

Epilogue

Saturday, August 13, 2011, South Hampton, New York:

"Look at this place," Blair gazed out the window at the new deck.

"Patrick's crew did a great job," Jo agreed as she slipped her arms around her from behind and kissed her neck.

"I'm so glad he made his contractor's business a success."

"He owes that to you, Blair."

"All our closest friends and family are here," Blair leaned back into her.

Probably about 100 people were sitting in chairs on the deck, chatting and laughing. There was a latticework trellis at the end of the deck with flowers strewn over it. The ocean provided a sweeping backdrop for the scene.

"Look at the kids," Jo rested her head against Blair's.

Two teenagers leant against the trellis. They were both elegantly dressed. Eddie was short for Edna Monica Rose. There had been much discussion about her name, as both women wanted to name her after Mrs. Garrett, but neither wanted to call her Edna. Blair, however, had not been comfortable with the Eddie nickname: Jo's old boyfriend's name. Jo had finally prevailed as she reminded Blair that her old boyfriend had actually been a catalyst in helping her identify her true sexual nature and leading her to Blair. Eddie wore a stylish green dress, which set off her sea green eyes. She punched Joey in the arm and shook her dark, wavy hair dramatically. Her smile was electric, just as her mother's. Joey postured defensively in a dramatic manner. They both laughed. Joey's first name had been a no-brainer for both women. It was his last name that had created tension. It seemed David Warner was desperate for a male heir to carry on the Warner name. Blair was good with this; Jo felt she was giving up her own heritage. It was Jo's father, Charlie, who finally prevailed: convincing his daughter that having grandchildren with the Warner name wasn't exactly objectionable to him. "Having offspring with the Warner last name? You could do a lot worse kid," he had winked. Joey's light brown hair was cut very short. He sported a well-fitted tux, his large brown eyes with flecks of green and gold and brilliant smile leaving little doubt as to his maternal heritage. Antwoine walked up and embraced them both.

"They do love their Daddy," Blair nudged Jo.

"He's been a great Dad," Jo agreed.

"Look at Tootie's kids," Blair remarked. "They're so grown!"

"Nat's new husband is as handsome as the last," Jo commented.

"Our parents look a little nervous, Jo."

"Correction, your parents look nervous. My parents look drunk."

"Yeah. Maybe we shouldn't have opened the bar until after the ceremony."

They both laughed.

"I'm just glad they all lived long enough to see this," Jo sighed.

"We've had quite the life, Polniaczek."

"I wouldn't trade a minute of it," Jo whispered into her ear.

"Hey you two!" A beautiful, blonde young woman interrupted them. "Everything's set to go! Are you ready?"

"Coming, Bailey!" Blair called back.

"So," Jo took both her hands and looked her in the eyes. "Are you ready for this?"

"I've been ready for this for twenty-five years," Blair kissed her.

A string quartet began playing on a signal from Bailey. Everyone rose and glanced back as Blair and Jo walked each other down the isle. Blair was dressed in an elegant, mid-knee, cream-colored dress with her hair swept up by an understated flower arrangement. Jo wore a tux.

"Blair just keeps getting more beautiful," Tootie whispered to Natalie. "It's like she has a painting aging in an attic somewhere."

"I know, right?" Nat shook her head. "Jo looks good, too. I like how her hair is up with the little bangs in front. She almost looks like she did when we were kids! Do you think Blair did her hair and make-up?"

"I think Blair paid to have someone do both their hair and makeup!" Tootie replied.

"Of course, duh!" Natalie slapped herself in the forehead. The two longtime friends became silent, linked arms and beamed as Jo and Blair smiled at them on their way to the altar.

Mrs. Garrett, retired from the Peace Corp and single again, was crying as they nodded at her. She was seated with their parents. They all beamed with pride. As they approached the trellis, their children were waiting for them. They were each given a kiss by both of them, before they stepped to the side. Jo and Blair faced each other under the trellis. The music stopped and there was hush as the representative for the State of New York appeared between them.

"As a duly licensed wedding officiant of the State of New York, it is my privilege and honor to preside over the wedding of my big sisters, Blair and Jo," Bailey could barely contain her joy. "The brides have written their own vows," she stepped back.

"We've travelled a long path to get to this point," Blair began. "It didn't start out stellar for us. We had many disagreements and fights."

The assembled laughed.

"She said fights," Natalie whispered to Tootie.

"I knew that," Tootie spoke quietly out of the side of her mouth. "Bickering… ha!"

"But all that was merely subterfuge for the passion that burned so bright just below the surface. It's been said that the soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. All those years ago, my soul stood ajar and you walked in. When I found you, I found my voice, my purpose, myself. I am who I am, because of you. Any good I do in this world, has its foundation in my love for you. Jo Polniaczek, you are my love, my light, my heart and soul, my life. You are the air that I breathe. I could not love you more. This is the proudest moment of my life to be able to stand here and voice my commitment to you before all our friends and family, before the world and without reservation. I love you."

Jo cleared her throat, choking back tears.

"Blair, I didn't like it when my Mom sent me to Eastland. I didn't want to attend some prissy girl's school upstate."

Again, there was laughter from the attendees.

"But, now I know there was a reason for me being there. You were that reason. You took my breath away from the first time we met and you still do. Your capacity for kindness, compassion, and generosity, your innate goodness, has taught me to be a better person. I am who I am today because of you. I used to rail at the world, with fist clenched, angry at the sky. You took that anger away, not with words, but by you being you. I no longer shake my fist and curse at the heavens. Now, I walk in the shoes of others, see the world through their eyes. And, you know what? It's a great view. A long time ago, I made you a vow in private. I would like to renew that vow, publicly, at this time.

Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me. I love you, Blair."

Bailey stepped forward. "The rings?" she looked at Eddie and Joey. Eddie stepped forward and handed Blair her ring. Joey handed Jo her ring. They slipped off their promise rings, from so long ago, and handed them to their children. They replaced them with wedding rings.

Bailey cleared tears from her eyes as she began.

"Do you, Blair Warner, take Jo to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cling to her only, forsaking all others?"

"I do," Blair smiled her most radiant smile as tears streamed down her face.

"Do you, Joanna Polniaczek, take Blair to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cling to her only, forsaking all others?"

"I do," Jo smiled back at Blair, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Bailey put her hand on Blair's arm. "I'm so excited, Blair!" she whispered breathlessly. "I can't believe we're really doing this!" she enthused.

"Bailey?" Blair smiled back at her and chuckled a little. "We have to finish this, okay, sweetheart?"

"Oh, um, right!"

"By the power vested in me by the State of New York," Bailey beamed enthusiastically, "I now pronounce you married!"

Everyone cheered.

"You may kiss, brides!" Bailey added.

They did.

A photographer jumped up and snapped a photo.

Bishop O'Brien sat behind his desk, a Papal encyclical and The Weekly World News spread before him. What to read, what to read, he pondered.

"Hillary Clinton's E-mail's to Alien Lover Revealed!" screamed the headline of one. He flipped through the pages. Something caught his eye. Two women he had known from long ago were in a photo… kissing.

"Warner CEO Jilts Bat Boy to Wed Lezzy Software Designer!" the caption read.

He remembered his conversation with Jo and her mother from years past as he smiled at the photo. "Good for Jo and Blair," he nodded. "I'm glad they're happy."

He continued to thumb through the rag: "Now… for the truth about those mischievous aliens interfering with our political process!"

The End