“All I know is, I’m in love with the amazing, caring, big-hearted Debbie Pierce. And when you’re ready to start our lives together, I’ll be here waiting for you.”
“You and me?” Debbie turned away.
“Sure, why not? I know I look forward to every time we are together. Dee, I’m in love with you, have been for a while. But I’m sure you know that.”
“You’re aware, I’ll be living with Gini as long as she lives.” Debbie still felt a little uncomfortable with all of Kensy’s affection. But Kens was right, Debbie had had a feeling Kensy wanted to be a couple but she never came right out and asked, leaving Debbie unsure. Debbie had to admit she loved every minute they were together. Even in her grief, she always wanted to be with Kensy.
“I know. We both have private places. We can be together when we want.”
“Well… I say I’ll be with Gini. Once Robert finds out she was intimate with me, he’ll probably fire me.”
Kensy threw her arms open wide. “I have lots of space.”
“You have a beautiful home.”
“And it’s all yours too if you want. But that was a long time ago with Gini. He probably doesn’t need to know. That was a different time, a different life.”
Debbie was silent for a minute. Could she tell her? Yes, she had to tell someone. “Kensy, it was not so long ago, only a few weeks. She was trying to help me feel better about the loss of Micky. She’s childlike in that way, not worrying about what’s conventional or normal. I’m not sure I understand how she thinks about it. In my grief-stricken weakness, I let her touch me. I have too much love and respect for Robert not to tell him, for both their sakes.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No, this is my sword to take.”
Debbie texted Robert:
Do you need me tonight? I’m with Kensy, and we’re planning our evening.
You stay right where you are. Gini and I are settling in to listen to the Boston Pop Orchestra on TV.
Robert hugged Gini tight. He was so happy Debbie was with Kensy. He knew Kensy would help her.
Sunday morning when Robert, Gini, Aly, and Jessie left for church, Robert noticed Kensy’s Mercedes parked in front of the house. Shortly after they arrived at New Haven Christian Church, Debbie and Kensy walked in holding hands. Kensy was dressed in a long, double-breasted wool coat with spike high-heeled boots. Debbie was wearing a waisted navy-blue jacket and long, coordinated skirt and low-heeled shoes.
Two women greeted them. “Look, there’s a doubles tennis tournament at the Boston indoor stadium. All of us need to enter.”
Robert and Gini were standing together watching. Gini looked up at Robert with her eyes open and smiled brightly.
“Did I ever tell you I love your blue eyes and sweet dimples?”
“Oh, yes.”
“And what did I hear, Ms. Gini?” An older woman approached them. “You are with child.”
“Bay… be, boy. Rob… bie.”
Robert opened his mouth to say they didn’t know the sex yet but stopped before speaking. He knew from Gini they were going to have a boy, and his name would be Robert Joseph Young. Joseph after his adopted father.
Finally, the household was back to normal, somewhat of an organized chaos with everyone going different directions. But the evenings around the dinner table was the family time together with lively discussions about everyone’s day. They never knew who might be joining them: Kensy, Pastor Daniel, Jason, or any number of Jessica’s friends. It was, by far, Robert’s favorite part of the day.
Kensy and Debbie came in second place in the big tournament, and Debbie came first in singles.
When Debbie carried the trophies in, Robert announced they should build a large showcase in the foyer to display Debbie’s and Jessica’s many awards.
“For Jessie, not for me.”
“Why not, aren’t you proud of yourself? Look how talented you are.”
“Like a boy.”
“Debbie.” He laughed but then saw she was serious. “Why do you say like a boy? You’re very athletic. You should be delighted.”
“Delighted about my big thighs and mannish shoulders. Thrilled! I’ve been called butch, and I am.”
“Debbie, stop right now. You are an attractive woman. I don’t know who put you down, but you need to get all of that out of your head. You are loved.”
“I’m not as beautiful as Kensy.”
“You’re jealous of that? However, I don’t agree.”
“Of course I’m not jealous of Kensy. I love her beauty and grace.”
“And she loves yours; me too.”
“Robert, why are we having this discussion?”
“You’ve got me. All I wanted was to show your and Jessica’s trophies to everyone that walks in this house.”
He walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Let up on yourself, be happy with who you are.”
“I will…”
He turned and took a step.
“…try,” she said after a delay.
He turned back to her, and she smiled.
In May it was confirmed they were going to have a boy, due in August. Gini was full of life and happy. She’d wanted to give Robert a son for a long time but figured she’d never get pregnant again.
Debbie still had concern about the pregnancy and talked at great length with Linda and Maggie about it. Linda reassured her Gini was doing fine—at the age of thirty-four, she was still in her healthy baby-bearing years—and all eyes were on her constantly.
She still felt the heavy guilt about sleeping with Gini, but it never seemed like the
