Donna's sniffling eased. The music also slowed, got quieter. Why have we never had music before? I really like that.
Eric lay back on the bed beside her as the next movement of a symphony sounded its opening notes, a more soothing melody. "Donna?" he whispered.
"Yes," she said.
He sat up again so that he could kiss her. "Just tell me. I've been selfish, thinking only of pleasing myself. Tonight, was it—"
"A gift to me," she whispered. "Let's spend the rest of our lives giving each other gifts like this, never holding back, never assuming. Telling each other exactly what we need and want—"
"And meeting that need or want completely. Any time—" he continued.
"Any place," Donna whispered.
"Any way."
They said the last line in unison, "Only you."
Halloween News
Autumn may have painted the leaves outside a thousand shades of red, orange, brown and gold, but inside Worth and Jessica's house on a hill overlooking both city and river, the fireplace roared, banishing any chill in the air that had managed to enter whenever a new guest arrived. Eric's handiwork had been one of his favorite jobs. He and Donna had spent many a happy Saturday with the Vincents, talking and laughing as they worked. Donna had become a helpful assistant, making his weekend jobs fly by.
The house was built to the Vincents' specs. First-time guests oohed and ahhed over the fireplace as they sampled appetizers and drank wine. Jessica had decorated subtly for the party, but the food was appropriately Halloween-themed, much to the delight of the children present. Paul and Skip had adopted a little boy from China. A few of the magazine staff had brought their kids. Angela Henderson toddled around in a mermaid outfit whenever she wasn't on Grandma Carol or Poppa Chet's lap.
Three years earlier, Carol had managed to change her daughter's mind about choosing a wedding date that commemorated her first encounter with Worth at a Halloween party, wisely pointing out that they would soon tire of spending every anniversary handing out candy to neighborhood children. They had been married on November first, instead. Tonight's party celebrated both All Hallowed Eve and their third anniversary.
Jessica wore the same costume each year—the same style, anyway. Wonder Woman had given birth to precious Lily eighteen months ago—now playing blocks happily in one corner with her Chinese buddy as his proud daddies supervised. She was pregnant again with what the doctor advised would be a son. She had given up finding a ready-made costume that would fit and sewed one herself. "At least my old boots fit," she laughed as she waddled happily around the room.
"Hey, Kristina called to tell me that she and hubby may make it for Christmas," Layla said as she adjusted little Angela's "tail". "She said the mountains are beautiful in the winter. Maybe we'll go there instead."
"How is she doing, really?" Kayla had raved about the transformation she saw in her little sister. Everyone had been concerned about the shy young woman when she came to help with the baby, but since then, her life, her job, her attitude, even her appearance, had completely changed. Visits since then had been filled with exuberance, with joy. And why not? After some trials and tribulations, she'd married the man of her dreams, just as Jessica had.
Jessica waved across the room to Darth Vader, also known as her husband. He liked to pop his helmet on as he dispensed candy at the door, but otherwise left it on the foyer table. After motioning for sister-in-law Kari to take over candy duties, he threw his arms around Jessica for a quick kiss. Rubbing her prominent belly, he smiled. "My arms won't be able to reach around you for much longer. You really are a wonder, Wonder Woman."
Jessica patted her stomach. "We have living proof that the force is with you." She giggled.
Overhearing the exchange, Donna, newly arrived with Eric, groaned loudly. "So corny!" she exclaimed. Dressed as a dominatrix, she confided to Jessica that she hadn't had time to look for an actual costume. "But looky here—I want to give you something. It's an anniversary present."
Jessica hugged her friend as she took the oblong box, festive in Halloween colors. The Browns had moved into the development first, a few blocks over, about the time Lily was born. Last summer, they'd moved into their own home. She loved being so close, able to share meals, watch movies together occasionally. "Shall I unwrap it now?"
"Not yet. In here." Donna led her into the kitchen area, where they would have more privacy. "The traditional gift for third anniversaries is leather, so I am dressed appropriately for the occasion."
Jessica squealed with laughter as she pulled out a leather riding crop. "I may have to hide this for a few months," she said, "or little Greg in here might wonder what in the world is going on!"
The women hugged again before Jessica retrieved a fresh bottle of Chardonnay from the refrigerator. She was having juice, of course, doctor's orders, but their other guests could partake. Holding it up, she asked, "Is Chardonnay okay with you? There's Merlot in the living room, if you'd prefer."
Donna blushed. "Just juice for me, thank you," she said quietly.
The unspoken meaning of her answer hung in the air as Donna beamed. Jessica's eyes grew wide. "What the what? Are you and Eric—"
"As a matter of fact, I'm due about three months after you," Donna exclaimed as Jessica led the way back to the party. "I'm counting on lots of hand-me-downs." She laughed. "You've got me covered, since you've got one of each."
Donna held back, enjoying the festive scene. Bits of mica in the river rock fireplace she had helped Eric build glittered in the firelight. She nodded across the room at Carol and Chet, like parents to her now, understanding, always lending an ear when needed. They had entered a second chapter of life together after losing their spouses to
