As Harper pulls away from the kiss Shane stops her not ready to end the moment. “Wait. Come back.” Shane wraps her fist around the front of Harper’s shirt and pulls her back in. Shane takes her time letting her lips brush gently against Harper’s one at a time, repeatedly. Harper feels herself melting with every touch of her lips. Shane pulls back slightly and takes a moment to look at Harper, her eyes seem so intense, her expression so serious. “God, you are so beautiful.” She runs her thumb over Harper’s parted bottom lip before sucking it into her mouth. The kiss that follows is deep and soulful as both of their hearts race.

They manage to pry themselves apart long enough to enjoy their impromptu picnic and watch the sunset. The lower the sun goes the cooler the air gets. Harper wraps herself around Shane from behind, trying to keep her warm as they marvel at the light show nature is putting on.

Harper whispers into Shane’s ear, “Shane, you completely take my breath way.”

Shane just turns her head and smiles at her, holding her closer. Not another word is spoken until it is time to go.

***

Weeks turn into months as Harper and Shane continue to build a life together. Things are going so well for both of them personally and professionally. All seems well for the entire group of friends. Life is being kind and keeping drama at bay and allowing the girls to all be happy. Even Jenny seems to have found herself brooding less and smiling more. Because everyone has been so busy lately they’ve had to designate one evening a week where come hell or high water they all show up. On this particular November night Dana has big news.

“So, Dana’s got some big news.” Alice says beaming with pride as her embarrassed girlfriend hides her face behind Alice’s back. “Come on Baby, tell them.”

Dana gives her a little shove for announcing it like that. “Well, the HRC is having this big dinner thing to honor a bunch of people. And, uh, I am one of the people.” Dana is smiling ear to ear with excitement.

“Oh my God!” Tina jumps up to hug her.