Bette and Tina arrived at Jenny and Marinas about a quarter to seven, Hi guys, we were wondering if it would be okay to take Amura shopping with us this evening.

Amura immediately ran up the steps to get her jacket, can we go to a movie too, she shouted out behind her.

Marina and Jenny just looked at each other, we guess its okay.

How about she spends the night, we can have her back tomorrow say around noon?

Marina and Jenny nodded to each other, then to Bette and Tina, okay Marina headed after her, Ill help her pack an overnight case.

Amura, do you want to spend the night at Bette and Tinas?

Amura stared off for a moment, will they bring me home tomorrow?

Of course, we wouldnt have it any other way, Marina hugged her close to her and kissed her head. Lets get your PJs and Teddy in a bag oh, and toothbrush

As they were leaving, Marina stepped out the door, call if she needs anything or decides she wants to come home tonight instead.

Jenny steps out just after her, well come get her.

They stared at the empty street for moments long after they pulled away, finally Jenny asks what do we do?

Marina replied with a distant sound to her voice, I dont know.

They both sat down on the steps, Jenny grabbed Marinas hand as Marina put her arm around her. Marina spoke softly, she should call home, I bet Temaru and Poema miss her terribly.

Jenny nodded, Yes She lays her head against Marinas shoulder, Im gonna miss her so much when she goes home, Marina agrees and lays her head against Jennys.

They sat for a long while considering quietly the emotions flowing through them. Realizing the importance Amura has come to hold in their lives, understanding the significance of the baby growing inside and the profound impact of loving one so innocent.

Suddenly Jenny jumped and gasped, straightening her back leaning hard against Marina. What is it? Jenny, whats wrong?

Jenny grabbed Marinas hand and pressed it tight against her side, wonder shining in her eyes, softly she whispers, can you feel it? She looks up into Marinas eyes as Marina turns her head from the street, as if to hide the sudden rush of love, unaccustomed to its intensity. Seeing her eyes tearing up, Jennys are quick to follow, oh Marina She brushes Marinas cheek with her hand, its very powerful isnt it?

Marinas head goes slightly back as she takes in a deep breath, and then nods her head. Jenny lifts her hand to her lips and gently kisses her palm. Marina presses her face to Jennys head, lets go inside. I want to be close to you, hold you close to me.

Most of the evening was spent on the floor leaning against the couch, lying on pillows, looking at pictures of Moorea, of their wedding, of Amura and her family, reliving the happy times spent there. The quiet soft music soothing them, comforting them, I guess she must be okay, they havent called and its after eleven.

No sooner had the words left Jennys mouth, the phone rings, Hello. Hi. Shes asleep? Good. Kiss her for us. Okay, goodnight Tina. Jenny leans into Marina, kissing her shoulder, I guess we could go to bed now, if you want? It is Thursday.

********************************

As the warm rays of dawn began to enter their bedroom, Marina stirred shifting closer against the form of her lover. She remembers the strange fulfillment in her heart, strange to her the need to hold her lover, without making love to her. The need to feel what was in her heart, without regard of her body, and the satisfaction she felt with it. Yet this morning her desire is warm and yearning for the feel of her beneath her fingertips, her lips. Strange to her is her knowing the distinction and her calm with each.

********************************

As they hung the ornaments on the Christmas tree, Jenny, I thought Amura should go to mass. I was thinking midnight mass at St. Victors in West Hollywood would be nice. Its only a few blocks from The Planet. I wondered if you would mind Maybe, you would even like to go

They had never really discussed religion, even amidst the disparity between theirs, Marina, I believe theres more than one path to God. I think you should take Amura. Although Ive never really actively participated in the Jewish tradition, Im not sure Id be comfortable going with you.

You dont have to pray as we do. You could just come to see, its a very beautiful ritual. Its an open minded church, accepting to all races, nationalities, and sexual orientations.

She sees that Jenny is uneasy with the idea, If youre uncomfortable, I understand. But I want you to know, I truly believe family transcends all religious boundaries. Someday, I would like to show you of mine and you show me of yours.

Marina stepped up to her, wrapping her arms gently around her waist, I think your planning a Christmas dinner for everyone was a kind and thoughtful thing to do. Im not sure they realize that youre Jewish and the gesture youre making. But, I want you to know that I do.

Jenny leaned and kissed her chest just above her shirt, I love you too.

********************************

Amura had fallen asleep as soon as theyd gotten in the car after mass. Marina slipped quietly in behind her holding Jenny secure against her as they slept that night.

The early morning hour broke and Marina began to wake as she felt them being gently pried apart. A soft voice whispered in her ear, Joyeux Nol, Marina.

Slowly her eyes opened to see Amura turn and whisper into Jennys ear, Merry Christmas, Jenny.

Marina reached up, stroked the hair back from her face, Joyeux Nol, Amura. Now give me a big hug, so I can kiss you good morning. Amura plopped on top of her hugging her tight, as Jenny turned over onto her side watching them.

Amura gave Marina a big kiss then turned to Jenny and gave her one, Santa left presents. They both gave her a big smile, He did, did he? Wed better go see then.

Amura climbed out of their bed, running to the door, Ill pour us some orange juice and wait for you on the couch.

Jenny whispered softly, Joyeux Nol, Marina, as she tried to scoot closer.

Marina chuckled at her attempt, scooting down in the bed and closer to Jenny, Merry Christmas, ma cherie.

Marina gently pressed Jenny onto her back as she leaned and kissed her. Instinctively Jenny slid her fingers into Marinas hair, pulling her tenderly to her.

The combination of the season and her increasingly growing love for her new family caused her affections towards the raven next to her to run high. Irresistible to her, she reached for the end of her gown and slipped her hand under and up cupping Jennys breast. The candid reaction from her lover encouraged her to lift the cloth and take the warm nipple into her mouth. Jenny brushed back Marinas hair and watched with heated eyes.

A mischievous grin spread across her face as she slid her hand in a circle around the tight protruding belly, I want to give you my present now. She slipped her hand into the fold, gently massaging the warm wet spot welcoming her. Kissing Jenny softly, reveling in her response, she slowly moved the small cloth aside and slipped inside her.

They heard Amura call out from below, Guys, Im waiting.

Marina continued her motion as she strained to answer in a calm tone, Well be right there. Returning her lips to Jennys, she kissed her hard, tongue tracing her lovers lips as Jenny began to shudder beneath her touch.

Marina rose back, smiling, watching her. As Jenny melted, lost in her touch, her moans grew steadily louder. Marina covered her mouth with her own, muffling the sounds of her lovers pleasure, grinning all the while.

Slowly the wave subsided, leaving Jenny drugged and breathless, Marina warned her, I will make love to you all day. Youll not be safe from my touch. Every second were alone, I will ravish you.

********************************

Everyone is chattering about the Christmas tree, the wrappings, Amuras new outfit shes wearing, the festive air contagious in them all. Kit puts her casserole in the top oven to stay warm, everyones here, we should open gifts, its got to be driving poor Amura crazy.

Marina stirs the punch, speaking back over her shoulder, no, not everyone, we are expecting one more. The doorbell chimes, that must be her. She rinses her hands from the sticky of the punch, grabbing a towel she heads for the door.

Shane jumps up, Ill get it, as she looks about just as shes opening it, whos missing?

She turns and freezes, Marina smiles and steps to the door, Merry Christmas, Vee, Im glad you could make it. Now, if we can just get Shane to move, you can come inside.

Shane startles at hearing her name, glancing first to Marina then back to Vee, oh sorry

As she steps out of the way, she stumbles on the rug, Marina grabs her arm, steady there Don Juan. She shoots Marina a look begging her to lay off the humor, Shane why dont you get Vee something to drink. Vee you can put your gifts under the tree and sit here close to the tree.

Everyone brought Amura something, for the rest they had drawn names, with the exception of Vee. Jenny had given Vee the name she had drawn and taken Vees as hers. Shane sat on the floor by the tree, next to Vee, prepared to help Amura read the tags as she handed out the gifts.

Amura pulled a small square package snuggled within the branches of the tree, this has to be the first one, I cant wait anymore, I am a little kid you know. She walks over to Jenny and Marina, giving Marina her two-eyed wink, then smiling broadly to Jenny, this is from Marina. She let me help her pick it out.

Jenny pulls the gold string and carefully pulls back the paper. Opening the box slowly doesnt delay her instant reaction. Her hand swiftly covers her gaping mouth, oh my God These are from Tahiti.

Marina is almost shy about her smile, too intimate too intense, this feeling rushing through her. Jenny senses her reaction and reaches for her, kissing Marina tenderly, I love you so much. Marina leans her face next to Jennys away from everyone else, whispering, I love you too Jenny.

Shane too senses Marinas vulnerable state, claps her hands, as everyone suddenly turns to her, well. I think that was a great first choice. Vee smiles to her, as a warm fondness floats through her, realizing Shane had been intentional in diverting everyones attention away from her friend.

Al looks at her flabbergasted, Shane, we dont even know what it is yet. Could you give us a minute?

Sure, Al.

Jenny holds up the small box, inside a pair of earrings, earrings with three Tahitian Peacock pearls each hanging delicately from a white gold stud with a clear colorless diamond on each. Marina helps her to put them on, tenderly running her fingertips along the soft edges of her lovers ears, you make them look lovely.

Slowly and happily they exchange their gifts, warm thoughts behind each in their giving, all but one has been handed out. Amura exclaims, Marina, Shane didnt get hers.

Marina points to the tree, its leaning on the wall, towards the back of the tree on the other side. Bette sitting closest gets up and pulls it out carefully handing it to Shane with Amuras help.

Its apparent to all based on the shape, its a drawing or painting, but none had been prepared for what they would see. Shane rips the paper back, stopping with it only partially exposed she shuts her eyes for a moment. Finally, she rips the remaining paper off and leans the painting against the corner table so all can see.

Its an image of Shane, standing with her hands in her pockets, her head slightly tilted with round open eyes, smiling softly at the painter. As they rest their gaze upon the soft gentle strokes, they begin to see each other, themselves, blended softly into the background around her.

********************************

Shane helps Amura setup the Xbox with Vees help, Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup, that sounds like fun. Have you seen the latest movie? Amura shakes her head, as if in disbelief no one has taken her. Vee chuckles at her animated response, well, maybe Shane and I could take you. Surprised at the invitation, Shane cant help but smile as she continues to hookup the system. Vee notices her reaction, Im sure its playing somewhere today.

Al, ever curious, So, how did you meet Vee? Wheres she from? Does she know how much Shane likes her? Al watches as Shane helps Amura play the game, noticing how careful she is to be close to the redhead but not touch her, unusually cautious with her attentions.

I think Shane is starting to settle down. Who knows maybe shes ready to fall in love. Marinas voice is warm and caring as she speaks of her special friend. She picks up some leftover plates and saucers moving them to the kitchen. Stepping away into her studio, she pauses looking out over the ocean taking in its soothing serenity. Jenny follows not far behind her, slipping her arms around her waist, leaning into her back and resting her face against Marinas shoulder.

They stand for moment, looking out, relaxed in the quiet of their moment. Jenny looks up at her, taking one hand and brushing a strand of hair back away from Marinas face. Jenny cant take her eyes off her, so exquisite and elegant is her beauty, soft and warm is her skin, youre so beautiful Marina.

Marina turns around facing her, I cant control how I feel today. I am so so full up inside it takes my breath again and again you you take my breath Jenny lifts her face to her and Marina kisses her, warm then hungry, devouring her.

Vee sees them in the reflection of the large mirror on the wall, I want that someday. I want to feel that way, have someone feel that way about me.

Shane glances at the mirror then back at Vee, watching her watching them, just go with the flow who knows maybe itll find you where you least expect it.