Real Love

  Rhea lifted Alicia’s left hand and kissed the glistening gold band reverently. “You and I are married.”

  Alicia heard the wonder in Rhea’s voice and her heart pounded. She picked up Rhea’s left hand and placed a kiss on her ring. “Yes, we are, forever and ever.”

  “I feel so lucky, just to be with you.” Rhea hugged Alicia to her, staring down into her loving eyes.

  “You should feel lucky, cowgirl, because if you hadn’t shown up for the wedding, I would have had to shoot you,” Alicia promised, pressing her body to Rhea’s.

  Rhea laughed as she picked up her petite wife and happily spun her around. “I wouldn’t have missed our wedding for the world. Besides, I know how well you can shoot.”

  Both women laughed as Rhea slowly released Alicia down her body, still tightly held in her arms. Rhea’s fingers began to work free the buttons on Alicia’s dress, as Alicia’s found the zipper on Rhea’s. They were both out of their clothes and naked on the bed in minutes. They were going to take their time making love for the first time after formally committing themselves to one another. It was going to be a special night for both of them.

  “Rhea, before we make love, I have something for you,” Alicia’s voice was soft and a little nervous.

  “You do?”

  Alicia moved off the bed and went to her closet, pulling a framed picture from behind her clothes. She went back to Rhea who watched her from their bed. Alicia handed it to her without a word, and Rhea stared at the piece of art. It was one of Alicia’s illustrations. She had captured Rhea on her horse, a big smile on her face, her cowboy hat lying on her back, her black hair streaming behind her. She was wearing her usual jeans, tee shirt, and her duster. It was one of those perfect moments that depicted Rhea as a joyful rancher, and it also portrayed her beauty as only Alicia could interpret it. Rhea’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up at her nervous partner.

  “This is perfect, so very perfect.” Rhea couldn’t stop the tears from spilling.

  “I’m glad you like it.” Alicia leaned over, her face inches from Rhea, a smile lighting her eyes. “I called it ‘Cowgirl’!’

  Rhea laughed as she placed the picture alongside the bed and pulled Alicia down on top of her. “Come here, I need to make love with you.”

  Alicia lay on top of Rhea, their hands locked together as they stared into each other’s eyes. There was no need to speak as they slowly moved closer until

  their lips met and they shared a kiss, one that made them both tremble. Their life was complete, full of family, passion, and love, honest-to-God real love.

  The End