Rating: NC-17 - for sexual context between consenting adult women.
            UBER J/7

Thanks to my good friends Glynis and Snowolf for helping me out betareading, and to Jay for helping me plot. I always appreciate your efforts and encouragement. This has been a fun, challenging and quite emotional roller coaster. I've learned a lot writing this story and I also want to thank my family members for being there for me.

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Back to "The Seven Women on Raven's Island" - part 10

The Seven Women of Raven’s Island

© GB

The silence, only interrupted by the sound of waves crashing into rocks and seagulls screaming as they dove towards the ocean, had a soothing effect on Janeway as she walked the narrow path around the island.

There was a refreshing breeze that made the hot day bearable. She was dressed in khaki shorts, a white tee shirt and sneakers and had begun to relax.

They had arrived later than planned the evening before and tumbled into bed, tightly wrapped in each other’s arms. After her first dreamless sleep in weeks, Janeway had woken up to this sunny day, feeling energised and free from all worries.

Seven had been seized by a sudden urge to do some baking and fired up the oven. When Janeway had left her, the blonde had whipped the batter like it was her worst enemy. The CEO hoped that this meant that her fiancée was getting things out of her system for good.

Reaching the place where she had sat crying not long ago, Janeway stopped and looked out over the ocean. She was happy they were here for a whole week. She reached for a small rock and was about to throw it over the cliff when the thought dawned on her.

She liked it here.

Having more or less gone out to Raven’s Island for Seven’s sake over the last two years, she for the first time felt at home. The remoteness had, until now, felt stressful and usually after a few days, she was itching to get back to the city and to Stellar.

Now she was looking at the serene scenery in a different way, as a refuge, a haven where she could recharge the batteries and be unavailable. Maybe her outlook on this had changed when she had almost lost everything.

It was still hard to believe that they were free to continue their lives now, without having to worry about Avery and any action he might take. It had been quite overwhelming to listen to the judge sentence the man to life plus thirty-five years in prison. He would never become a free man again.

Janeway sighed and rose to her feet. Continuing her walk, her mind went to Seven, to the way the younger woman had snuggled up to her last night before they fell asleep. Had there ever been a moment when she had not loved her? The way she felt now, it did not seem possible. Seven was as important to her as the air she breathed. Until the blonde came into her life, her work had meant everything. Now it only meant something because she could share her triumphs and achievements with Seven.

Suddenly unwilling to be away from her partner for a single moment longer, Janeway lengthened her stride as she headed towards the path that led back to the house.

*****

Seven looked up as Kathryn entered the house through the kitchen door. Walking up to the blonde, the older woman wrapped her arms around her from behind.

“What are you making?” she asked throatily.

“Oh, I just felt like baking something that we can have with our coffee later on. It will be a surprise.”

“Mmm … smells wonderful.” Kathryn nudged Seven around in her arms. “So do you.”

Seven dipped her head, capturing the red lips beneath her in a soft kiss. Keeping it soothing, rather than arousing, she enjoyed the closeness and warmth of the smaller woman.

“Did you have a nice walk?”

“Yes, I did. I walked out to the cliffs and back. It’s a beautiful day, but I missed you.”

Seven raised her hand and pushed back an auburn tress of hair that had escaped Kathryn’s ponytail. Looking down on the beloved face, she realised that she had not seen her fiancée this relaxed in a long time.

“How about something cool to drink?” the blonde suggested.

“Good idea, I’m thirsty. Do we have any lemonade?”

“We do.”

Carrying a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses on a tray, they walked out on the small kitchen porch. Soft cushions on a wooden swing made for a comfortable place to spend the morning together. There was a soft breeze coming from the ocean and leaving the hot kitchen made Seven feel refreshed.

She had worked both the batter for the short cake and then the dough for the large loafs of bread with a frenzy that had surprised her. Feeling a little tired, she now leaned back against the cushions, pulling Kathryn into her arms. The auburn haired woman gave a soft sigh and settled into the embrace while sipping her lemonade.

“Such a gorgeous day,” the older woman murmured. “It’s hard to imagine that just yesterday we were right in the midst of things. Out here, it’s like we’re the only two souls on the planet.”

“It used to make you restless,” Seven stated.

Kathryn glanced up at the blonde with a crooked smile.

“I know. I was so used to the fast pace at the office and in the city. I just didn’t know how to let go and relax. I freely admit that Stellar was my life.”

“And now?”

Seven smiled when she felt a soft kiss on her arm as Kathryn turned her head.

“Now I live for us. Stellar is still my pride, I won’t deny that. But you, my darling, are my joy.”

A soft glow warmed Seven’s midsection at the tender words. Pulling Kathryn closer, she kissed the other woman’s soft hair.

“I love you, my Kathryn.”

The swing rocked slowly as they dozed together. Seven listened to the sound of the waves and the seagulls. To be alone out here with Kathryn with nothing to disturb them was pure luxury.

She hoped the week would go by slowly.

*****

The only light came from the open area in the middle of the building. The cells were dark and the unfamiliar sounds were unsettling.

Avery had not realised that his papers would be processed so quickly. He could still feel the reverberation of the massive steel gate slamming shut behind him. Shuddering at the memory of the humiliating body search he had had to go through at his arrival, Avery pulled the blanket closer around him. The bunk above him was empty but the warden had assured him that it would not stay that way for long.

Another prisoner yelled something a few cells down the corridor. The rude remarks, some of the clearly directed towards him, the newest addition to the block, made Avery flinch. He wondered how he would ever get used to this. He had every intention to make an appeal, despite his lawyer’s assurance that as long as there was nothing new to add to the case, this would not happen.

Avery clenched his fists. If he could get an appeal, with a different judge, and perhaps choose a jury trial … his father would have a better opportunity to get him off the hook. The unfamiliar sounds from the other cells and from guards patrolling the corridors hammered at his senses, making him nervous. A nagging doubt lurked in the back of his mind. His father had not visited him once in while he was in custody, in fact, Sebastian Reymers had not responded to any of Max Darrell’s attempts at reaching him.

Curling up on his side, Avery huddled under the blanket. He was not ready to face it yet, but deep down he knew the truth. His father had abandoned him.

******

The library was Sebastian Reymers’ favourite room in the mansion he had called home for more than thirty years. A fire burned in the fireplace and his butler had just poured him a glass of Delamain Cognac. Twirling the content of the glass, he stared into the flames.

The fury that had stewed in him since his only son’s arrest had yet to fade away. He had performed damage control around the clock and he realised that his visit to Stellar Corporation and Kathryn Janeway had gone as well as could be expected. Sebastian Reymers knew that the CEO was both brilliant and shrewd. She had not given him an inch and definitely not been impressed by his power or background.

Clasping the glass of cognac tight, he frowned. As long as his companies and his good name had not been tarnished, everything would be all right. Soon, his son’s crimes would fall into oblivion.

Reymers’ mind shied away from where his son would spend his days and nights from now on. Sipping his cognac, he enjoyed the exclusive taste. He was a busy man. It simply would be pointless to dwell on it anymore.

*****

Janeway stirred, not sure what had woken her up. She moved her hand, searching for Seven and made contact with the other woman’s naked skin. Sliding her hand over the softness, Janeway realised that the blonde was sleeping on her stomach and that her large tee shirt had ridden up, baring her bottom.

Smiling lazily, the auburn haired woman let her hand move up along a silken thigh. She cupped the soft globe, squeezing it gently. Scooting closer, she nuzzled the shoulder closest to her. Seven stirred and turned her head, but did not wake up.

Janeway slid down under the covers, pressing her lips to the soft orb she was caressing. She pushed the tee shirt up some more, placing a trail of kisses up along the blonde’s spine. Seven stirred again and this time she woke up.

“Kathryn?” she murmured. “What …”

“Roll over, darling,” the older woman whispered. “Let me take care of you.”

“Mm,” Seven hummed and complied.

Janeway pushed the tee shirt up further.

“Yeah? You like this?” Janeway whispered, leaning down to kiss the plump nipples.

“Yes ...”

Seven arched into the eager mouth, wrapping one long leg around Janeway.

Janeway set out to devour the other woman, suddenly greedy for everything at once. Kissing her way down Seven’s stomach, she was unprepared for the other woman’s sudden movement when she rolled them over.

“Seven!”

The blonde was on all fours, hovering over Janeway, stroking the hair from her face as she dipped her head and kissed her. Parting the older woman’s lips, she slid her tongue inside, bringing as much passion as love into the kiss.

Janeway moaned helplessly into Seven’s mouth, meeting her tongue and wrapping both arms around her neck.

“So you woke up and wanted me,” Seven murmured against Janeway’s neck. “Was this what you desired?”

“Yes …”

Like Janeway had done just before, Seven lowered her head and let her lips surround the taut nipples beneath her. Bathing them in her mouth, she teased the aching tips mercilessly, making Janeway crazy with lust.

Trusting her lover completely, Janeway raised her arms above her head, looking at Seven’s body in the moonlight. The other woman resembled a beautiful, frail forest being and yet her strength was undisputable as she moved further down.

When Seven reached the apex of Janeway’s thighs, there was not one inch of skin not kissed above it. Gentle hands spread the older woman’s thighs and curious fingers parted the slick folds, revealing the source of the wetness.

“God, Seven …” Janeway managed. “Please …”

The soft sensation of Seven blowing on her drenched sex made Janeway jump. Kisses and nibbles showered along her sensitive inner thighs, adding to the fire burning between her legs.

Suddenly, two fingers entered her, pressing upwards until they found the collection of nerves that made her cry out in the night. Beginning a steady pace, Seven took her, over and over, rocking against her, all the time placing open mouth kisses on her fiancée’s soft stomach.

“Seven, yes, just like … that.”

Janeway’s voice was throatier than usual, she wanted to pull the younger woman closer, but could not bring herself to move her arms. Clutching at the pillow above her, she moaned out loud.

This made Seven add another finger, stretching her more. Janeway pulled her knees up further, spreading herself to accommodate the desired intrusion.

Seven dipped her head and flicked her tongue over the nubbin that were painfully erect between Janeway’s thighs. The orgasm hit her like a blow out of nowhere. Convulsing around the other woman’s fingers, she cried out again.

Seven rode the wave with her, keeping her moving towards yet another eruption before even the first one was over. Impossibly, the blonde added yet another finger, aided by the copious amount of moisture. Janeway was now whimpering, tossing her head back and forth on the pillow, already consumed by the onslaught of yet another climax.

“Oh, god, darling … please, please …”

She felt Seven slow down, but still the fingers were there, moving in a twisting movement, in and out, the relentless tongue making it impossible to come down from the plateau she was on.

“Seven … I can’t believe it,” Janeway breathed. “What are you doing to me?

*****

Seven was shivering, on the brink of orgasm, simply by listening to Kathryn’s husky voice as passion rode the compact body beneath her. The blonde’s heart raced as she gently cleared her throat.

“I am taking care of you ... loving you ... making you mine again.”

She moved, careful not to remove her fingers from her partner, straddling Janeway’s head with her thighs, trembling from arousal.

“I want you too,” Kathryn husked. “I want you so much … Yes, come here, darling … Let me taste you.“

Eager hands moved around her thighs, cupping her bottom and pulling her onto Kathryn’s mouth. Seven felt her lover bury her mouth between her folds, devouring her.

Trying to focus on Kathryn’s pleasure, Seven moved the fingers that were still trapped inside the older woman. To her surprise, her fiancée gave a muted whimper against Sevens’ own nubbin, wriggling her hips.

She repeated the motion and watched how the moisture trickled down Kathryn’s thighs. Nudging the other woman’s legs further apart with her elbows, she pressed her mouth against the overindulged sex.

“Ohhh,” Kathryn moaned out loud against Seven’s nubbin. “Yes, darling, yes …”

As if starving for her lover, the auburn haired woman fastened her mouth tightly over Seven, flicking her tongue mercilessly over the sensitive tissue. The blonde felt her own orgasm rush towards her, flooding her, and she moved her fingers faster, wanting Kathryn to come as well.

She stopped thinking when the fire between her legs exploded for those precious seconds before she started her descent. Her fingers were locked into Kathryn’s third orgasm, buried deeper into her lover than she had intended.

Slowly, Seven removed her fingers, and then mustered the last of her strength to move one of her legs over Kathryn’s head, careful not to catch the auburn hair beneath it.

“I will be right back,” she said, moving off the bed after kissing the other woman’s damp forehead. After a quick trip to the bathroom, she returned with a warm washcloth and a glass of water. “Here, my Kathryn, drink,” she offered and held the glass to Kathryn’s lips. The other woman gulped down the entire content and then lied down again.

“Thanks, I needed that.”

“Which part?” Seven smiled, looking at the dishevelled woman. “The lovemaking or the water?”

“Both.” Kathryn’s voice was barely audible.

Seven raised an eyebrow as she moved between her fiancée’s legs. When Kathryn raised an inquisitive eyebrow, she held up the wash cloth. “You will feel better.” Gently she moved the warm cloth over the other woman’s overindulged sex. “There. Does that not feel nice?”

“Yes, you’re right,” Janeway yawned. “Now, come back here and bring the covers with you.”

Feeling warm still, Seven removed her tee shirt and climbed back into bed, pulling her lover close and making sure they were both covered by the sheet. She pulled Kathryn into her arms, feeling the other woman snuggle up to her, kissing along her jaw line.

“Seven, you amaze me. You seem to always know what I want. Maybe one day I’ll become as intuitive when it comes to you.”

“You are doing well already, Kathryn,” Seven offered. “I feel very loved.”

“And so you should, because I adore you, darling.” Janeway nuzzled the younger woman’s neck. “Mm … I’m so tired now.”

Seven rolled her eyes at the understatement and smiled into the darkness of the room as the other woman snuggled closer. Looking at the frail fragment of a new moon through the window, she lay awake for a while, listening to Kathryn’s even breathing.

*****

The sun shone in through the window, tickling Janeway’s eyelids as she tried to go back to sleep. Moving to get out of the bright light, she moaned when she noticed sore muscles of whose existence she had been unaware until now.

Groaning, she sat up, sending the barely visible blonde head a fond look. Leaning down, she placed a kiss on the tousled blonde hair.

“I’m dying for some coffee,” she informed her partner. “It looks as if it’s going to be a wonderful day. The sun’s out.”

“I will join you shortly,” Seven murmured and turned on her other side.

Janeway rose, absentmindedly scratching under her left breast. She heard what could have been mistaken for a giggle coming from Seven, but when she looked at the blonde, she seemed to have fallen back to sleep. Looking for her robe, she spotted Seven’s discarded tee shirt and pulled it over her head. Enjoying the fact that it still held the younger woman’s scent, she rolled her eyes when she noticed it reaching almost to her knees.

Janeway slowly walked down the stairs, feeling delightfully sore and dazed from the passionate lovemaking the night before. Janeway pictured herself in the tub with a large mug of steaming, black coffee; that ought to ease the stiffness in her muscles.

Gazing fondly at the elaborate coffee machine/espresso maker, she pulled down the jar of her favourite coffee. She pulled at the lid, muttering under her breath as it resisted her efforts. Suddenly it came off, sliding along the counter, ground coffee spilling everywhere.

“Oh, shit.”

As she was looking for something to clean the mess up with, there was an unexpected sound coming from the door. Still upset over the delay of her coffee, Janeway found the dishrag and wrung it out under the faucet before wiping the counter. Then she heard the noise again. Someone was knocking at the kitchen door.

Stunned, Janeway walked over to the door, the dishrag still in her hand, and opened it.

“Good morning, darling,” Gretchen Janeway said in a sing-song voice and stepped past her oldest daughter. “And such a beautiful morning, too!”

“What …”

“Good morning,” Marion echoed and entered, shortly followed by Julia.

“Good, you’re up,” Julia smiled as she passed the astounded CEO. “I was afraid we might be too early.”

Janeway found herself looking from one person to the next, feeling utterly perplexed at their unexpected presence.

“Hi, sis,” Phoebe grinned, patting her older sister appreciatively on the cheek as she entered the kitchen that was quickly becoming crowded. “You look great!”

When her sister had passed her, Janeway closed the door, but before it was completely shut, it was pushed open from the other side, almost knocking her over, and Adriana de Leon stepped inside.

“Good morning, Kathryn,” the elegant ADA greeted her. “This is quite a place Seven and you have here.”

Janeway tried to speak, but her vocal cords would simply not cooperate. A thought struck her and she opened the door again, going out on the small kitchen porch. Further down in the garden she saw Jacob Henderson with wife and son approaching together with Martha.

“Oh, God.”

Pivoting so fast, she almost toppled over; Janeway bolted for the door, entered the kitchen and ran up the stairs.

“Hey, nice view,” her hateful little sister laughed as she was almost at the top.

An impeccably dressed and coiffed Seven had begun her descent. Janeway stopped and looked at her, feeling panic merge with bewilderment.

“All hell’s broken loose,” she hissed. “You deal with it.”

Throwing herself into the bathroom she turned the lock behind her and leaned against the door. What the hell was going on? She looked at her reflection in the mirror and had to clasp her hands over her mouth not to give a loud scream.

Her auburn hair was completely dishevelled, standing in all directions. Seven’s large tee shirt had slid off her left shoulder, displaying a hickey the size of Texas. Her lips were swollen, her face flushed and … She sniffed. Of course, she smelled of sex.

Taking one step forward, she grabbed the sink with both hands and thumped her head on the cool surface of the mirror.

After taking a scalding hot shower and blow drying her hair, she applied a light make up while her thoughts whirled. She tried to remember the last tumultuous days before she and Seven had arrived at the island. Had she invited these people and forgotten about it? She could have, during one of their many gatherings lately. God knew she had had her share of things to occupy her mind.

Dressed in khaki pants and a sleeveless light blue top, she gingerly walked down the stairs, in more dire need of coffee than ever. The scent reaching her before she entered the kitchen showed promise.

The kitchen was full of people. Janeway stopped and just stared at the many familiar faces as her mind tried to take it all in. Catching her mother’s attention, she saw Gretchen hold up a pot of steaming, black coffee.

“Coffee, got to have coffee,” Janeway murmured inaudibly to herself. “Everything will start to make sense if I just can get my hands on some coffee.”

With renewed strength, the CEO smiled and entered the kitchen, not willing to take her focus off the pot, but constantly becoming detained by friends wanting to talk to her about anything and everything.

Finally she reached her mother, and the pot. Gretchen had already poured her a large mug and Janeway sipped it gratefully as she listened in to the idle conversation, trying to gauge what was going on.

The feeling of surrealism stayed with her during the morning when nobody explained anything. Everybody seemed happy to be there and when enough time had passed without anyone volunteering information, Janeway decided to play along to see if she could figure it out without losing face.

Before she knew it, she was involved in getting the barbeque going, people were setting up a large garden table and everyone present seemed to really enjoy themselves.

“Where do you keep your table cloths, Seven?”

“In the wooden chest in the living room, Julia.”

“Are there any more chairs, Seven?”

“Yes, in the garden shed, Josh.”

Janeway looked furtively around her, not ready to jump to any conclusions just yet. When she turned towards the garden table, she saw beautiful flower arrangements that peaked her interest. She walked up and saw that they were designer centrepieces, making this whole thing even more of a mystery.

Jacob and his wife had been in charge of barbequing everything from steaks, to chicken and seafood. Obviously the guests had brought food, Janeway thought.

They sat down around the table and the CEO noticed that Seven and Gretchen had set the table with Seven’s mother’s best china and silverware. Crystal glasses, filled with excellent, expensive wine added to the mystery.

When they had finished and Janeway thought she could not manage one more bite of anything, Marion and Julia rose from the table.

“Time for dessert!”

Dessert? Janeway sipped her wine. They better have brought it, she thought, otherwise they would become sorely disappointed.

Within a few minutes, Marion and Julia came back, carrying the well lit dessert. Janeway’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the cake, decorated with more candles than could possibly be called for, and at the same time, everybody rose and started singing “Happy Birthday”.

Janeway’s mind reeled. Quickly calculating today’s date, she wanted to slap her forehead. Of course; her forty-sixth birthday.

Strong arms hugged her from behind. “Happy birthday, Kathryn,” Seven whispered and kissed her cheek. “Were you surprised?”

“Surprised?” the CEO croaked. “Of course not, I have my birthday on this date every year.”

“Liar,” the blonde accused in a soft tone of voice, squeezing her gently.

Now they were all waiting to hug her, to congratulate her and not until her mother wrapped her up in a warm embrace, did Janeway allow any tears to show.

“Thank you, all of you,” she husked. “You really did surprise me. How on earth did you arrange this?”

“We had a lot of time to plan when we were in the witness room,” Marion grinned. “Then of course it took some creative last minute planning since you sprung this trip to Raven’s Island on us.”

Janeway reached for Seven’s hand. “You were the lead planner, weren’t you?”

“I confess.”

“Thank you, darling, this was a wonderful surprise, if a little startling this morning.” Janeway gave a lopsided grin when everybody laughed.

“Oh, it’s not over yet,” Julia beamed. “Here comes the best part – the presents!” The interior designer handed over a small, beautifully wrapped box. “This is from me and Marion.”

Janeway realised that the surprises were not over and accepted the gift, thanking her friends. Unwrapping it, she froze when she saw the content. Inside an antique silver frame sat a picture that she well remembered when it was taken. Marion had used her digital camera and taken a picture of Janeway, Seven, Phoebe and Gretchen in front of the Christmas tree. It brought back memories of how she had found a way back to her mother and sister after years of self inflicted alienation.

“Oh, I adore it. It’s a lovely frame too. I will treasure this picture. Marion, Julia, it’s the perfect gift.”

Her friends smiled towards her, looking delighted that she appreciated the gift. Janeway let her fingers slide over the beloved faces in the picture.

One after the other, the guests handed over their presents. Janeway, still feeling a bit dazed, opened a large box from the Henderson’s containing a large blue glass vase from a local glass artist.

“Seven, we’ll need one of the big boxes in the basement to bring this home with us,” Janeway said.

“So you’re not going to keep this here on the island?”

“No, this is such a lovely piece; I want to take it with me. It deserves to go on the mantelpiece.”

Janeway looked up in time to catch Mrs Henderson’s happy smile.

“Here’s a little something I made when I was in that excellent rehab clinic,” Jacob offered and handed over a smaller package, wrapped in an old newspaper page.

“Jacob, what an awful job you did of wrapping it!” Mrs Henderson exclaimed, shaking her head.

Janeway only laughed and unpacked the gift. Her jaw dropped when she was looking at an expertly carved wooden boat. It was meticulously painted and held a very good likeness to Jacob’s fishing boat.

“You’re such a craftsman,” Janeway insisted, holding the boat up for everyone to see. “I will keep this right here, on the island, because this is part of the relaxation coming here. The whole adventure begins with the journey on your boat, Jacob.”

“Thank you, Kathryn, it is my pleasure,” the fisherman smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”

Adriana had brought a small case of three expensive wine bottles and Martha gave her a first edition science fiction novel. She looked down at the rare book from the early fifties. Very few people knew she collected them.

“It’s wonderful,” she praised. “It can’t have been easy to find.”

“Julia and Marion came with me to the bookstores. We had fun browsing together,” Martha said.

“It was great,” Julia agreed. “I found some vintage designer books in the process.”

Gretchen handed over a small box, giving her oldest daughter a broad smile. “I know you will love this.”

Slowly unwrapping the golden paper, a familiar velvet box came into view. “Mom?” Janeway looked at her mother, tears welling up in her eyes. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Yes, Kathryn.”

With unsteady fingers, Janeway opened it and a small gold locket came into view. “Grandma’s locket,” the CEO managed. “I can’t believe it. It’s been ages since I saw it.”

“Open it.”

Janeway managed to get a nail in and open the old piece of jewellery that her grandmother had worn every day for as long as she could remember. Inside were two pictures, not the faded ones of her grandparents, but of her and Seven. “Oh, mom.”

“I knew you would love it, and just so you know, the pictures of your grandparents are still there, behind yours and Seven’s.”

“As if they are with us …” A thought struck her. “But what about Phoebe … it’s not fair to her.”

“Don’t worry, Kathryn,” Phoebe grinned, returning from the house with a large, flat package. “Mom promised me grandpa’s watch for Christmas. Now, this is from me. Happy birthday.”

Reassured, Janeway reached for the large present, realising that it must be a Phoebe Janeway original. She carefully unwrapped it, expecting that it might be one from her last exhibition. When the last of the protective cover was removed, she could only stare. Looking back at her, with love shining from those familiar ice-blue eyes, it was a portrait of Seven, sitting in her favourite corner of the couch in the living room.

“Oh, God, Phoebe … Seven … When did you have time to do this?”

“She has not been sitting for me,” Phoebe explained. “I’ve seen Seven sit there and look at you precisely like that, so many times, it was not hard to paint from memory.”

“Thank you, it is simply wonderful. You’ve outdone yourself, Phoebe. It’s just how I see, Seven, just how she looks at me when …” Choking on her words, the auburn haired woman felt slender arms embrace her from behind again.

“That only leaves my gift,” Seven said and handed over yet another small box. “Happy birthday, my Kathryn.”

Tears still blurred Janeway’s vision as he began to unwrap her last present. When she finally reached the content, she was stunned to see the beautiful watch. Knowing that she would find an inscription, she turned it over, reading on the back.

“I’m not going to cry again,” Janeway vowed, blinking new tears away. “Let me guess … Toulaine’s, huh?”

Seven nodded.

Throwing her arms up around her partner’s neck, Janeway hugged her close. “Thank you, darling, it’s beyond beautiful … and the inscription is so true. You are my heart.”

“And you are mine, Kathryn. Here, let me put it on for you.”

Seven took the watch and snapped it around Janeway’s left wrist. The other guests flocked around them to look at it.

“So this is why you and Julia were at that mall in the first place?” Gretchen deducted. “What a strange coincidence.”

“Yes, I agree,” Marion said. “Julia and Seven are the most reserved and low key among us … and I guess that proves the adage about ‘still waters’ and so on.”

Julia rolled her eyes, making everyone laugh.

Janeway took the opportunity to rise from the chair and give each and everyone an appreciative hug. “Thank you. I will never forget this birthday.”

“Neither will we,” her sister piped in. “It’s not often we get to see the CEO of Stellar Corporation run around half naked and …”

“Phoebe!” Gretchen admonished, but a crooked grin played at the corners of her mouth. “Behave.”

“I propose a toast,” Seven suddenly said and raised her glass. “To Kathryn.”

Everybody walked back to their seats and followed suit. Raising their glasses, they looked at the emotional CEO heading the table. “To Kathryn!”

*****

Martha and the Henderson’s had returned to Brimmerton several hours ago. Janeway and the others had walked them down to the natural harbour where Jacob’s boat was moored. Mrs Henderson and Martha had found they had many things in common and Janeway’s assistant had accepted to stay over at the Henderson residence until the Sunday.

Seven had fought the urge to raise an eyebrow when Phoebe, blushing profusely all of a sudden, had announced that she could share the attic guest room with Adriana, leaving the small guestroom to Gretchen.

Marion and Julia shared the room they normally used when they visited on the island.

After making a fire in the living room when darkness fell, the seven women sat on the couches, and on the soft rug in front of it, not talking much, merely enjoying the sound of the crackling fire.

Suddenly feeling exhausted after a long day, Seven did not object when Janeway rose, extending a hand to the blonde.

“How about going to bed, darling? I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m bushed.” Seven nodded and Janeway waved to the other women as she walked towards the door to the hallway. “We’ll see you all at breakfast.”

“Good idea,” Gretchen agreed and said goodnight as well, following them upstairs to the small guestroom at the far end of the upper hallway.

Marion and Julia followed their example, leaving Phoebe and Adriana alone on the couch.

*****

“Your sister seemed to enjoy her day,” Adriana said, holding Phoebe closer. “I certainly did.”

“Me too. I’m glad she loved the portrait.”

“You’ve been very quiet this evening,” the ADA said, pulling back to look into the other woman’s eyes. “Something wrong?”

There was a pause before Phoebe continued. With her hair loose around her face, the artist looked younger and more vulnerable.

“I know it’s a long time from now, and I shouldn’t jump ahead and worry about something that will be months away … but sooner or later, I’ll be going back to Indiana, and I’m sure your workload will keep you busy here. I just wonder if we’re setting ourselves up for heartache.”

Adriana took a handful of Phoebe’s hair, enjoying the silky texture. She looked closely at the other woman.

“I want to be honest with you,” she offered, clearing her throat gently before continuing. “I am falling in love with you, Phoebe. I think about you all the time, whether I should or not. I have never allowed myself to feel this way before. I’ve lived my life as a fairly closeted person and now … I don’t think I can let you go.”

Phoebe frowned and Adriana wondered what she was thinking.

“I have definitely never felt this way,” the artist confessed. “Man or woman, I have never met anyone I have been so attracted to and who has captivated me so completely. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m falling head over heels in love with you too.”

Adriana leaned forward and kissed Phoebe’s lips. “Then trust me when I say we will work it out. I know we both have commitments where we normally reside, but I firmly believe that we can make this work. The thought of losing you is not appealing at all.”

Phoebe gave a half-hearted laugh, shaking her head. “That’s putting it mildly.”

“Try not to worry ahead of time,” Adriana begged. “I want to spend as much time together as possible, as long as you work in the city. In the meantime, we will come up with a plan.”

Phoebe tossed her arms around the dark haired woman and clung to her, her body trembling. “Regardless of how this may appear, I’m really not the clingy type,” she husked.

Adriana smiled, burying her face in the auburn hair.

“Feel free to cling any time you want.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

*****

Janeway and Seven lay snuggled up in the centre of the large bed, the covers pulled up over their shoulders, creating a warm nest.

“Some day,” Janeway sighed. “Wonderful day.”

“So you have forgiven me for throwing a surprise party of sorts?”

Janeway laughed, a low gurgle at the base of her throat. “If you had any idea how I felt when they all started marching into the kitchen … and there I was, in your tee shirt … Oh, God, Phoebe is going to needle me about this forever.”

“You looked wonderful to me,” Seven assured her, kissing the softness of her partner’s neck.

“I did?” Janeway arched into the touch, only to find some aching muscles reminding her of their existence. “Oh, ouch … I really would love to make love … but I can hardly move.”

There was a definite giggle emanating from Seven as the blonde hid her face against Janeway’s neck.

“I’ll get even with you, woman,” the auburn haired woman muttered. “You just wait.”

“Not for long, I hope.”

They kept the gentle banter up until sleep almost overtook the CEO. She was about to drift off, experiencing the nice feeling of floating. Seven felt wonderful in her arms and Janeway allowed herself to relax completely, knowing that the blonde would be there in the morning, and every morning after that.

“We should start planning our wedding.” Seven’s voice was clear in the dark room.

Janeway’s eyes snapped wide open, suddenly she was wide awake.

“What? Yes. The wedding.” Her voice was hardly recognisable.

“Not too long from now,” the blonde suggested.

“Not too long,” Janeway echoed, trying to wrap her brain around the topic.

“It is something we have been looking forward to and I do not think we should put it off any longer.” Seven’s voice was soft as she wrapped her arms closer around Janeway. “I love you, Kathryn.”

Melting inside, overwhelmed by the love she felt for this incredible young woman she was fortunate to have in her life, Janeway nodded.

“I love you, too, Seven,” she whispered. “We can start making definite plans tomorrow.” She raised her left arm, looking at the beautiful watch. “As you so eloquently put it, darling; our hearts are entwined. I can’t wait to make it official.”

“Soon, then.”

Janeway made herself comfortable in Seven’s arms again.

“Very soon.”

*****

The End