The Road is a Harsh Mistress

Author's note:

See part 1 for blurb. Also, if you haven't already read parts 1 & 2, I strongly recommend doing so before proceeding.

All sensuality (on page or otherwise) takes place between characters who are eighteen or older.

Twenty-Four

Mike awoke the next morning with an irrepressible smile on his face. He felt fully refreshed despite not having fallen to sleep until after three AM and having been awoken briefly when his father and the children departed (not to mention that he had slept on a couch which was older than at least one of his children). The kids had just returned triumphantly from their fishing expedition, having caught a few small mouth bass. The adoring smiles they were giving his father warmed Mike's heart.

Everyone else was soon awake as the house came alive. Mike headed to the kitchen to make breakfast for the family, since 'short order breakfast cook' was one of his 'things'. Leia came in to help, and soon the family was enjoying bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, French toast, and biscuits. With Leia's gleeful help, they made a glorious mess full of laughter and smiles. On a few occasions, Mike forgot that the previous night's rendezvous was meant to be a secret, and they exchanged a brief caress or kiss.

After breakfast, Mike's father caught his attention and beckoned him outside with his eyes. After they were seated, he began the conversation as he always did, "So, how are things at work?"

"Just fine, dad."

"They're still fine with you never coming to the office?"

"There isn't an office. The company is completely virtualized. It allows them to take advantage of a massive cost reduction by not paying for commercial space."

Jubal shook his head. After a lifetime working as an engineer in an office the size of a warehouse, he could not imagine a work environment that did not involve thousands of people co-mingling. "Any word from Connie?"

Mike only shook his head in reply.

"I see. Son, your mom and I have eyes. They work much better now after that miracle pill you gave us last night. I can't thank you enough for that, by the way. I can't remember the last time I didn't have any aches and pains in the morning. Not to mention the way it made your mother look. I swear she looks like she did when we were first married. But what I wanted to say was, we see you and Leia together. You tell us she's your friend and it's not our place to question you. But we can't remember seeing you this happy, and I'd bet my vintage book collection she's the reason."

"It's been great having her around. The kids love her, and she's really just a great person. Having someone around that I can actually talk to, and enjoy spending time with, has been a revelation."

Jubal pursed his lips and paused for a moment before continuing, "Son, I love you. I don't say that often enough, but I really do. And I'm proud of you. You've been dealing with a really tough situation ever since Connie left, and you've never complained. You just put your head down and solve the problem the way I taught you, one piece at a time and then re-evaluate. I can't imagine how much harder this would have been on your children if you weren't the man you are."

"Thanks dad. I love you too. And I really appreciate it. I try my best to do what's right. Hopefully, I succeed more than I screw up."

"Can I give you some advice."

"Sure. Always."

"Don't be a fool."

"What are you talking about?"

"She adores you, son. Her coming into your life is a gift. Embrace it."

"Would it surprise you to learn that I couldn't agree more?" Mike replied with a grin.

"Good," Jubal huffed as he got to his feet. "That's real good, son. Word of advice?"

"Always."

"Don't let Connie's shadow linger over your relationship with Leia. I know you won't be able to help but learn some lessons. You're an engineer. It's who we are. But don't make the mistake of letting the lies Connie told you be your guide you. Your marriage didn't end because of something you did, son. It ended because your wife broke her promise. More than one of them, unless I miss my guess. But that lady in there is nothing like Connie. She's one of the good ones. Never let yourself forget that."

"I don't intend to, Dad."

He grabbed Mike's shoulder affectionately and smiled before saying, "Good talk, son."

His father headed back inside, leaving Mike alone on the porch. He sipped his coffee and stared across the lake thoughtfully. After a few minutes of solitude, Leia stuck her head out the door and asked if he wanted some company. He made room for her and wrapped his arm around her affectionately so they could bask in the majesty of the lake and mountains.

The serenity stood in stark contrast to the speed of his thoughts. He had known Leia for less than a fortnight. It was illogical, perhaps even preposterous, for him to be falling for her in such a short period of time. Yet the truth was undeniable. In Leia, Mike had found the paradise he dared not dream existed. The mind, however, is a temperamental and delicate instrument, and it is disinclined to rapid changes in circumstances. Thus, even though he was seated next to the woman of his dreams gazing out at the beauty of a calm mountain lake, his mind was racing with thoughts of how everything could be, perhaps even likely would be, ruined in an instant. He felt a pull toward the Artifact, to build a wish which would inoculate him from the ruin his anxiety was certain was on the horizon.

The thoughts were silenced in an instant when Leia murmured, "I'm not going anywhere, babe."

"How did you know?"

"Because I know you," she soothed. "Just relax and enjoy the view."

"Gods, you're perfect," he whispered.

"So are you."

Zach stepped out onto the porch and tentatively sat down across from Mike and Leia, who's happiness together had been such that it never occurred to Mike that he was still sitting with his arm around her as she snuggled against him. He belatedly realized his oversight and sat up quickly, remaining close to Leia but no longer touching her.

Zach said, "Dad, can I talk to you about something."

"Perhaps I should leave you two alone," Leia said quietly before rising quickly and heading inside with the briefest of backward glances in Mike's direction.

"What's on your mind?" Mike asked softly, mindful of their peaceful surroundings.

"We're not blind, Dad."

"What do you mean?"

"I see how you are with Leia. And how she treats you."

"You noticed that, did you?"

"As I said, we're not blind. Listen, I know things were really hard on you after Mom left."

"Things were hard for everyone. I know this has been really tough for both you and your sister. I tried to keep everything going, to provide what's best for you and your sister."

"I know, Dad. And you've done an amazing job. But the truth is that you've always done that. Of course you kept everything going, because you've always done everything."

"Zach," Mike warned.

"Please, Dad. Not another lecture about how I talk about Mom. I haven't seen her, or spoken to her, in almost ten months. I think we can dispense with the bull crap at this point."

"Who taught you how to talk like that?" Mike groaned.

"Certainly not Mom," Zach retorted with a grin. "You know she wouldn't have censored herself. Look. All I'm saying is that we don't want you to make a horrible mistake by ignoring your feelings for Leia because you think it's not what we'd want. Or, even worse, because ofMom."

"I won't," Mike replied.

"Won't what?" Zach asked in confusion.

"Ignore my feelings for Leia. I swear I'll always put your sister and you first, but Leia's given me no reason to believe I have to choose one or the other."

"Well... awesome," Zach grinned.

"Perhaps we can double date some time. Assuming Quinn wouldn't mind being seen with an old man. And your sister."

"Perhaps we hold off on that for now," Zach replied with a horrified shudder. "Not because of you, or Leia. But I'm certain Quinn's not ready for the ice cream fiend in there."

Mike chuckled as he got to his feet. He reached out his hand and pulled his son from his seat and into a hug with a single motion. He embraced him for a long moment before murmuring, "I love you, son."

"I love you too, Dad."

The family spent another day having fun out on the lake, and on the hiking trails in the nearby mountains. There was a brief bit of drama when Mike's father, upon discovering that the gas tank on the boat was only at half full, accused his neighbor of stealing and started to storm off to make his accusation in person. Mike managed, with considerable difficulty, to convince him otherwise by telling him that he and Leia had gone for a late-night ride the night before. Mike caught his sister winking at him as his brother-in-law gave him a thumbs up from behind Leia's back.

That afternoon, his parents surprised them by setting up the camping equipment in the backyard. She said she wanted to give the children an adventure with a campfire; smores; the works. Her ruse was laid bare, however, when Mike heard her telling his sister that she wanted Leia to have the room to herself.

That evening, Leia once again joined Mike on the deck so they could enjoy the chill in the air as they watched the children stare entranced at the campfire. He wrapped an arm around her, and she pressed herself against him as though they had been purpose built for each other. He gently kissed her hair, and she caressed his chest in response.

She said, "You had some pretty serious looking conversations out on the porch this morning. It was like a parade of the generations. I assume they were ministering to you on the sins of premarital intercourse and the danger posed by fast women?"

"They love you," Mike whispered sincerely. "All of them. My dad told me not to screw things up with you, and Zach said I'd better not ignore my feelings for you on their account."

"That's good advice," she observed playfully.

"And advice I intend to follow."

"You're not sick of me yet?" she teased.

"I thought that was my line."

"I guess we'll have to get used to sharing if we're going to be in a..."

"What?"

"Nothing," she murmured.

"It didn't sound like nothing," he countered gently.

"I'm not putting any pressure on you, babe."

"Honey," he pleaded. "What are you talking about?"

"I know your children come first."

"Leia?" Mike spoke gently. When she did not meet his eyes, he lowered his voice to barely more than a whisper. "My princess?" She looked up with a somber gaze, and he bent down to kiss her chastely, but he allowed his lips to linger until she sighed against him. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing. Everything since we came here has been absolutely perfect."

"Then what..." Mike began, then he reviewed both her words and her body language. "Is this because you think I'm reluctant to be with you?"

"I know you're a good man, Mike. Part of that means Zach and Alexis will always come first. Not only do I accept that, I expect it. And I know you'll give me what you can, when you can. I can be patient. You're the man I've been waiting my whole life for."

"You don't have to wait, princess. And I don't want to let another moment pass where you don't know right down to your soul that I want to be with you."

She stammered, "Mike... I... that makes me very happy."

"Same," he whispered.

"So does this mean we're going steady?"

"If you'll wait until we get back home, I can likely dig my letter jacket out of the attic."

"I don't need any such decorations," she replied warmly. "There is, however, one thing I hope you'll agree to."

"What's that?"

She glanced back toward the makeshift campground, noting that the children had already climbed into their tents before replying. "Follow me."

She led him to the room which had been set aside for her use, closing the door behind them with a demonstrative 'click'. She flowed into his arms, hugging him tightly as she turned her face up for a kiss which he gladly delivered. The kiss lingered as their hands slowly wandered across each other's bodies. But they were both exhausted after the previous night's adventure, so he led her to bed.

Just as Mike was climbing into bed, Leia said, "Hang on, babe. I know we're both tired and we need sleep tonight. But a long time ago, when I was a lonely high schooler learning about the birds and the bees from trashy romance novels, I made myself a promise. A solemn vow which I expected future-me to honor. I swore that if I ever found myself in a relationship with someone I truly cared about, and who I felt cared about me, that I would never make the foolish mistake of allowing clothes to come between us unless societal norms demanded it. And I intend to keep that promise. For as long as we share a bed, I will always sleep in the nude; and I sincerely hope you'll do the same."

"I think that's a lovely idea, honey. But why are you so passionate about it?"

She removed her clothing and climbed into bed before saying, "We both agreed that intimacy is a crucial part of a relationship. While making love is obviously the most intimate we can be, we will not always be able, or even want, to make love. On those nights it is crucial that we lie together, with nothing between us, and share in the natural intimacy of skin-on-skin contact."

Mike removed his clothing and joined her, saying, "I promise, princess. For so long as you'll have me, we will never go to bed with clothes on."

"Thank you, sir. I'm honored to be your girlfriend."

"And I'm amazed at how frequently, and effortlessly, you prove that you are what I've always wanted in a partner."

She curled up against him, sending a warm sensation through his body. "You make a pretty good partner yourself, handsome." She kissed him unhurriedly before resting her head on his chest. "Now sleep, and dream of starlit boat rides."

Twenty-Five

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" Leia asked with a chuckle from the door to Mike's office.

"I am working," he replied defensively.

"Then why could I hear racecars from another floor?"

Mike gestured at one of his monitors and said, "No reason I can't write code to the dulcet tones of free practice one. You have your podcasts, I have my racing."

"You can't possibly find this soothing. It just sounds like a bunch of British dudes arguing in the most British way possible."

"In other words, they're being more polite than Americans who've been married for ten years, yet you're somehow certain they're absolutely irate with each other?"

"Exactly. What are they so worked up about?"

"Something about an engine swap and whether or not it should incur a penalty. I honestly can't be bothered to pay attention because the driver in question hasn't scored a point all season. He could get a ten-minute head start and still manage to get lapped by the field."

"Harsh."

Mike shrugged and said, "What do you want me to say? He crashed out trying to pass air last year and ruined the last race of the season."

Mike clicked off the program and rose to refill his coffee. She followed him and sheepishly said, "You needn't have turned it off on my account."

"It was basically over anyway. I typically only turn it on as background noise."

"No podcasts for you?"

He shrugged and said, "Sometimes, if I'm doing something that is just procedural. But if its more hard-core coding, I tend to find that I get to the end of an episode and can't recall anything that was said."

"Hard-core coding?" she asked coquettishly.

He snickered and said, "Also a great term for making a baby."

"Is that what you want?" she asked, suddenly serious.

He opened and closed his mouth several times before saying, "I'm not sure I'm prepared to answer that."

"Seems a simple enough question."

"Perhaps. But so much has changed recently. If you'd asked me that question a year ago, I'd have said, 'no way in hell!'. But that was when I was a middle-aged fat guy stuck in an unhappy marriage. None of those things are true anymore. What about you?"

She sat down and took a long sip of her coffee before speaking. "I never wanted to be a mom growing up. My folks did as well as they could, but they never managed to hide how hard it was to be a parent. When I lost them, it sort of cemented the idea in my head that life was too fragile to assume the personal responsibility for creating, absent a damned good reason to do so. I grew comfortable with the idea that I'd definitely screw up any kid I brought into the world. Most people I know that flung themselves headlong into having children had great parents themselves. Yourself, for example."

"You're not wrong. I always wanted to be a dad, and Connie was on board with the idea so we started trying right after we got married."

"Exactly. I never had that feeling. At least, not until recently. Maybe Zach and Alexis are unicorns, but they really opened my eyes to why people would want to have kids. So, I guess my answer would be, maybe?"

"I think that's my answer too. The fact that we're both basically in our mid-twenties, at least biologically, kind of changes things... as does being with someone who never fails to make me happy."

She smiled shyly and said, "You make me happy too, babe."

He bent over and kissed the top of your head before asking, "What's on your agenda for today?"

"You're looking at it," she announced. "I've got a couple of feelings out with nonprofits who might align with what I'm looking for, but they're trying to decide if they want to meet me. How about you?"

"I'm blocked on my two primary initiatives at work. I think a few of my teammates might have started their weekend a bit prematurely on Friday. So, I thought I'd run a little errand this morning. You interested in coming along?"

"Will there be coffee?"

He chuckled and said, "For you... thebestcoffee."

She smiled brilliantly and hopped to her feet. "Then I'm your girl."

"This is not what I thought you meant by errand," Leia chortled at Mike's side.

"Do I sense disappointment?" he replied with a twinge of concern.

"No. Just mild surprise. I admit, however, that I'm intrigued. I assume you didn't ask me to come along because you need service."

"You would be correct."

"But you love your car," she observed as he shut down the aforementioned coupe and they climbed out. "Why would you get a new one?"

"Because this car was a compromise. It was what I could afford, and what I could hope Connie wouldn't pitch too much of a fuss about. But it wasn't the dream."

"Well I believe I've made my position on the issue of your dreams coming true quite clear."

Visions of their slow, tender lovemaking from the previous night, after they had returned from his parents' house and gotten the children in bed, sprang without effort into the forefront of his mind. He managed, not without effort, to shove those memories back where they belonged before his arousal became plain for all to see.

"Indeed you have, my dear. And you're brilliant at it."

"So what's the dream car for my super-handsome racecar driver of a boyfriend?"

"We'll get to that," he replied with a squeeze of her hand. "But first, we have to find something practical."

"How do you mean?"

"A grand-tourer, which is the best way to describe what I'm ultimately searching for, doesn't possess a whiff of practicality. My coupe can seat four comfortably, five in a pinch, along with room for all their luggage. Or, alternatively, I can make a trip to S-Mart without worrying if my purchases will fit (so long I'm not buying dimensional lumber). The new car, by way of comparison, technically seats four, but I wouldn't use it to take the kids anywhere further away than their schools. So, we'll actually need to purchasetwocars."