Chapter 38

Megan and Tasha apologized to the driver for not having cash for a tip, but he assured them that Maria tended to be very generous. They got out and walked hand-in-hand to Maria’s door, which promptly opened to allow them entrance. Maria saw their entwined hands and asked, “So, how was your evening?”

Tasha answered, “It was very good.”

Maria grinned at that. “Oh, really?”

“Stop prying, Maria. And thank you for meddling.”

“Of course, dear! I do enjoy spoiling my friends, especially when they need it.”

Megan jumped into the conversation, “How is Sophia? Did she behave alright?”

“She was an angel! She’s sleeping now, in case the two of you wish to extend your evening…”

“Thank you, Maria. That’s very kind, but I think we’ll be heading home now. Where is she?”

“She fell asleep on the couch over here. She dearly wanted to stay awake until you returned, but she couldn’t keep her eyes open.”

“Aw! Tasha, can you get her coat and things? I’ll get her up. You might have to drive.”

“Sure thing!”

“In the hall closet, dear.” Tasha walked away and Megan had to drag her eyes away from her girlfriend’s retreating form. Maria continued, “Now that she’s gone, how are you feeling, Megan?”

“I’m very happy. Thank you again, Maria. For watching Sophia and for all of this.” She gestured to her attire. “Oh, when should I return this?”

“You’re very welcome, and please, it’s yours. That dress is perfect for you.”

“I—”

“Spoiling my friends, dear. Enjoy!”

“Thank you.” Megan bent down to gently rouse Sophia. “Wake up, sweetheart. It’s time to go home now.”

“Hi, Mommy,” Sophia said sleepily.

“Make sure that you thank Ms. Rodriguez for watching you this evening.”

“Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez.”

“You are quite welcome, Sophia. You are welcome any time.” Maria looked at Megan. “I mean that.”

“That’s very kind of you. We may take you up on that. Okay, let’s get you home, sweetie.”

“There’s our sleepy angel!”

“Aunt Tasha! You look so pretty!”

Tasha is gorgeous. I always knew that she was pretty, but now I’m starting to feel just how pretty she is.

“Thank you, angel.”

“Aunt Tasha, doesn’t Mommy look like a princess?”

“She does. The most beautiful princess ever.”

Megan smiled at her over Sophia’s head. I’m your princess, and you are mine, Tasha. I feel like Sleeping Beauty, except I was woken up by the kiss of a beautiful princess.

They said their goodbyes to Maria and bundled Sophia into Megan’s Subaru. Once home, Megan put Sophia to bed while Tasha fed a very excited Nocturne. They both collapsed on the couch and helped each other remove their stilettos.

“Oh, that feels good.”

“Yes. I like the look, and holy shit, you were hot in those, but I’m so glad to take them off.”

“Me too.”

“Wow… what a night.”

“Yeah, it was. Tasha?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m really tired, but before tonight ends, I want one more dance with you.”

“That sounds perfect. Which song?”

“You pick. Something slow and sweet.”

“I know just the song.” Tasha quickly tapped into her phone as they stood up. They embraced and slowly swayed to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Megan murmured, “Perfect.”

“Are you crying?”

“Happy tears. I’ve never been so happy before. I love you, Tasha.”

“I love you too, and I love our family.”