Caroline And Her Lovers Ch 11

Caroline and Her Lovers Ch. 11

New revelations and a work interview.

Written by Aoife

A/N - My deepest apologies for the delay in publishing this chapter. I do hope you understand that sometimes real life gets in the way of this fantasy world of mine.

Please enjoy this continuing Sapphic fictional series. As always I hope you enjoy the series.

***

I sat with Harley smiling at her and rocking her in My arms. Chloe set My coffee in front of Me and then kissed My cheek. When the bottle was ready she sat with a bib and a burping towel over her shoulder.

She took Harley in her arms and started with her bottle, feeding her slowly. I held My coffee in My hands and smiled looking at the two of them, Aunt Chloe and Harley.

I took a sip of coffee and set My cup on the table. I looked at Chloe, "You want a baby, don't you?"

Her smile was all that was needed.

***End of Chapter 10***

***

April - Two years later

I had just arranged the photos from our most recent trip to Sandbridge on my cubicle wall. We celebrated Harley Elizabeth's second birthday. Our celebration of her birthday was a bit late. At the last minute we had to change our reservation. Chloe had gotten really sick. The hormone shots were causing her significant side effects. It was almost enough for her to give up. We moved things back a month based on the recommendation of her doctor, celebrating in April.

Things actually worked in our favor as an April beach trip brought a few less challenges but even more rewards than a March trip. The crowds were still low and the wait times to do things such as eat out or stand in line at Piggly Wiggly weren't too long. The rentals weren't expensive which gave us the opportunity to save a bit of money for a few coming college education accounts.

The nights were still a bit cool for stargazing, and while we didn't wear normal beach clothes, we weren't deterred by the weather. We still played a bit on the beach with Harley and in the water, as much as this southern woman could handle. We had our love for each other. My girls, well My mature girls, tempted Me at each other every single moment that they could. Our baby girl Harley tempted me, her mama, and her Aunt's with her amazing love but she also kept us busy with other tasks.

We all joked that Harley Elizabeth and her terrible two's hadn't been so terrible... yet.

It was a perfect week and we found it was the getaway we needed. Well, I needed it after that week while Ken was out of the office for a few business trips and a convention.

Angela and Bev needed it as well. El told us she really enjoyed being away as it gave her time to think about her career.

Ken was walking past my desk and stopped, looked at the picture of the six of us, smiled and dropped a note on my desk. He held a finger to his lips in a

'Shh'

motion and walked away. I opened the note and read what was written. I read it a second time and paused momentarily. I gathered my notepad and a pen and followed the instructions of the note.

I walked into the conference room and saw John, Ken, Margaret, Jordan, and the HR Manager all sitting at the table. I was asked to have a seat. When I did, Ken slid a folder in front of me and John spoke.

"It has been communicated by

all

of your peers, including a specific person, that while Ken was away for his various trips, you very quietly and humbly, I might add, distinguished yourself in moving tasks and projects forward." He paused.

"Caroline, I shared with John that I have confidence in you." Ken paused and started again. "In front of you is an offer letter for your new position. We are officially offering you and asking you to accept the position as Team Lead for the Cyber Security and Network team."

I was shocked and very surprised. The HR Manager spoke up.

"This is still a contributor role; you will be expected to still produce your share of work but in addition to the title comes the primary responsibilities of checking all schematics and budgets prior to delivery to Ken or John in Ken's absence."

She rambled on about a pay raise and hours and exempt salary status. My ears perked up.

"Wait, excuse me exempt, salary? I get paid by the hour when I clock in and out." I said but also asked.

The HR Manager went on to explain the difference in my new status. My ears perked up when she mentioned a change in the additional and increased benefits which along with the promotion. She went on to say how I had only taken ten vacation days since coming to the company and I was going to lose my vacation time by the end of the calendar year if I didn't take at least ten more days.

John spoke, "I know you just came back from a week at the beach but I want you to consider taking a few days, a long weekend with pay, not being charged PTO." He looked at the HR Manager who nodded.

John continued. "Ken and I need you to be refreshed and sharp next month as the Nebraska project launches. You will be there with Ken. Then we need you for the Pennsylvania grocery store client's final schematics. They want their launch in the early fall with the idea of being live before the holiday season. They were very impressed with the team's work and came to us based on the referral from the Ohio chain."

With that John and Ken stood. "Oh, and have bags packed for Nebraska, I want you on site for the install, at least the first two weeks ensuring it goes smooth." He turned and walked out of the conference room.

Margaret and Jordan sat for a moment. As the door closed they both shared they would help me understand the changes in my pay and benefits. I wasn't to worry this was a well-deserved promotion. I was to focus on the Pennsylvania project yet I needed to know the Nebraska project for the launch.

I smiled when I confirmed with the HR Manager I would take Thursday and Friday off as directed by John.

I called Angela to have her arrange a weekend away.

***

February - Three years later

Ken was due back in the office tomorrow, Thursday. I had finished a few things while coordinating with John while Ken was out attending his wife's funeral and her affairs. As I prepared to leave the office, I called home, Chloe answered the phone as usual but there was something in her voice. I just couldn't figure it out.

"I would like to have dinner as soon as possible when coming home. I also needed to have a family meeting to discuss a few things." I paused.

That wasn't really true, I wanted to gather them all together and surprise them with their Valentine's Day gifts, which I had delivered to the office.

"Of course Miss I have everything under control and will have it handled." She paused, "Miss Caroline?" There was hesitation.

"Chloe love, what is it?" I asked softly.

"Miss, I had hoped to speak with you when you arrived first. If that is alright Miss."

"Of course my dear, of course. I will see you soon." I pressed 'End' disconnecting the call and made my way out to my car, gifts for My girls in hand.

I pulled into the driveway. It was a dark rainy evening, one of that dreadful Baltimore area winter days. It was only about 45 degrees and the cold rain made my bones sore. I gathered everything from my car including the gifts and made my way into the house.

I was surprised; El met me at the door with a warming hug and a warmer kiss. She took My coat.

"Miss I am not certain where Chloe puts your purse or satchel." She stammered and kissed My cheek again.

I set My purse and satchel down on the hall table. "And where is Chloe? Is she alright? She said she needed to speak with Me."

Angela appeared in the foyer with a wide smile on her face, I noticed a scarf in her hand. She kissed El and whispered in her ear.

"Angela?" I asked, looking at her. She reached out her hands and took mine, holding them with love and tenderness.

"Miss." She kissed My lips then whispered in My ear. "We love you and have a very special surprise for you." She lovingly kissed my lips. "Miss, I ask you to believe in and trust me."

She pulled back; she was looking at Me wanting an answer.

"Well of course I love and trust you Angela that is a silly question. Where is Chloe, this is unusual."

I wasn't getting worried, I was confused, and I was truly worried about Chloe. She placed her hands on my shoulders and turned Me slightly facing the door.

"She whispered in My ear, "Chloe is fine Miss, we have a surprise but I ask Your permission to blindfold You so You do not spoil

Your

surprise."

I nodded and watched as a scarf covered my eyes. I was turned back around. Angela took My hands and whispered in My ear that she would lead Me.

I have a decent sense of direction but I have been known to get lost in a parking lot, a parking garage or my own backyard. I knew we were walking forward down the hallway. We then turned right into the kitchen, it was then, and they tricked Me. I heard them giggle.

"Girls?" There was silence.

Then I heard Bev, "Harley and I love you Miss." she softly kissed My lips.

I heard El, and felt her firmer but magical touch as she whispered. "You complete my life; you are the woman who fills my heart." She then kissed Me deeply. "Miss, I truly love you."

Next I felt a delicate touch. I immediately knew that touch that was My baby doll, Chloe. That was the touch of her fingers taking mine. "Miss, you rescued me, I chased after You and found You! You lift my heart and soul with every moment we are together; I yearn for You even more when we are apart."

Wait, she didn't kiss me. "Chloe My kiss?" I felt My hands being lifted, then the softest kiss on the back of My hands.

"You won me over, heart, mind, body, and soul, Miss Caroline."

Then I felt a kiss on My lips, I knew immediately it was My Angela. Her lips grazed across My bottom lip, and then her lips closed on it, gently tugging and softly sucking on My lip.

"You alone have captured the hearts of this family. We thrive, we love, and we are one, all because of you." She kissed Me again.

"I often think back to that night all those years ago when you and I first kissed. I knew you were the One. You are Our Miss."

She backed away; I was crying the tears and love flowed from their hearts and Mine.

"I need each of you more than you know but I want to see you!"

"In a moment, please Miss." The whispered voice was soft, I knew it was Chloe, but she was in the distance.

I was spun in a circle four times, one for each of My girls. I came to a stop then Angela took my hands and walked Me forward, four steps. I stopped and I could feel them gathering around Me. I heard Harley Elizabeth cooing.

Chloe spoke, "Miss this is a bit of a Valentine's Day gift for all of us but also a special gift for You, from me." She kissed My cheek, "Please wait to open Your eyes Miss until I ask, okay?"

I nodded as the scarf was lifted from My eyes. The room was bright; I could tell the lights were on. I heard Harley squeal and giggle again as Bev whispered to her.

"Miss, please open Your eyes!" Chloe spoke.

I slowly opened my eyes only to see Chloe holding a purple and silver picture frame with a black and white photo inside. There were smiles all around. I raised My eyes to meet the teary eyes of Chloe.

"Are you serious?" I squealed? "Oh Chloe!"

I wrapped My arms around her and we both cried, her dream came true, she was finally pregnant. I turned to El, she was smiling. I winked, she just shrugged her shoulders.

"El, it seems you will be busy with exercise, diet and nutrition plans for all of us again."

I pulled away as she handed Me the picture frame. I was in tears, tears of Joy for Chloe. I set the picture down and stepped forward hugging My baby doll tight. I held her firm knowing this is what she wanted for Me.

"So! This Valentine's Day surprise sure as hell out does Mine, which I am so glad for. Angela, in the foyer is small gift boxes, one for each of you, from Me. Go get them and set them in the family room, we will have dinner then open them."

I hugged Chloe once more. "Yours My baby doll might not fit for very much longer but that is okay, I will surely be happy in nine months when our family grows."

Chloe giggled, "Seven and a half Miss, I am officially six weeks pregnant."

***

Two weeks later, Ken called and asked to see me in his office. As I approached his office, Jordan looked up from her desk and smiled some and told me to wait a moment, he wasn't ready yet. She winked at me and told me not to worry, he was good, but his mind wandered at times.

"I hope you are helping him, Jordan. You seem to be very special to him." I commented. She blushed and lowered her head slightly.

Hmm I think I hit a nerve.

A few moments later, Ken opened his door and asked me in. I had a seat at his conference table. His desk looked like a good old southern hurricane hit, crap was spread everywhere.

"Caroline" he started, "These last few weeks haven't been my finest moments, as I gathered myself after my wife's funeral. I truly appreciate you quietly handling things these last weeks. But it is time for us to get back at it and I want you to know I have truly appreciated your work Caroline as my Director."

"Sir, it is my pleasure..." Then it hit me. "Sir?" He smiled and nodded.

"Yes, we are promoting you to a Director position. I need a good second to assist me as we grow.

"Sir, I just want you to know and I want John to know I can be counted on when needed."

"Good, because I will need you as we move forward with these new projects." He continued for a few minutes explaining a few things. Thankfully I took notes.

As I was ready to step from his office heading back to my desk he paused. "Something else Ken?" I asked.

"Yes, tomorrow, I am interviewing three people for new positions as we grow; I want you to sit in on all three. I want you to coordinate with Jordan." He paused, "Yes, I want you to interview all new candidates with me moving for."

I stood, "Of course Ken, anything you feel is necessary."

That night I got home, El met me at the door instead of Chloe. "Miss, she isn't feeling well. A bit of sickness in the late afternoon. We have a call out to her OB/GYN."

"What can I do?" I asked.

"She is in the spare bedroom Miss, maybe your soft loving touch?" I nodded to El and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you my dearest love. I will be upstairs with My baby doll. Please see to dinner for the family, as needed. Come check on us in a few minutes."

I turned quickly and moved up the steps. I almost ran, but I am not that athletic. I changed out of my work clothes and slipped on some flannel lounge pants and a warmer shirt. I walked to the second bedroom and knocked gently, turning the doorknob and I opened the door.

Chloe was curled up on the bed; her head was to the side. I could smell the bitterness in the air, the poor dear was sick. I pulled the door closed and went right to her sitting on the bed. She wrapped her arms around Me immediately and sobbed.

"It's okay My dearest baby doll. I am here for you now. I am here to care for you." I softly whispered, caressing her back.

"Miss, I hope I am alright, I just haven't... I feel I am shrugging my duties."

"Chloe dear, we will see what your OB says but sickness can occur at any time. As for the duties in the house, we are a family. Just like when Bev was pregnant."

I immediately lay down with her. I kissed her cheek and whispered My love, comfort and love. I explained that as a family, "We" I stressed,

We

all chipped in to assist when the ones We love are in need."

I kissed her forehead and reminded her of how amazing she was when Bev was pregnant with Harley Elizabeth. Chloe went to speak but I kissed her lips softly.

"Shh My baby doll. Your Miss has you until this sickness passes and every day thereafter. We, your family will care for you but do not be concerned, I know who truly runs everything in My home, and I know it is you My dearest."

Chloe melted into My arms. "I love you Miss, I truly love you Miss."

***

That next afternoon, Jordan came to my cubicle asking if I was ready, I shared I was. She smiled. "Good, this one candidate is super cute. I love her smile."

"Oh goodness, now I am super nervous."

Jordan just winked. "Well she isn't as cute as your wife Bev, but she is a cutie." She paused again, "Okay let go Caroline we will get you ready for these interviews."

I was impressed with all three candidates but Jordan was correct, the one cyber security engineer, Nicole, was very cute. She had a bright smile and a bright personality. She was super intelligent.

Edward was a slight bit timid, but was very skilled. The other candidate, Nathan, was less than capable in my opinion.

As the third interview ended, Ken asked my opinion and I gave it to him. He thanked me and told me we would discuss more later.

I was exhausted when I got home that night and for the next three nights, when I came home from work El met Me at the door. I would go change and lay with Chloe for a few minutes. We would just chat about her life, and how much she loved her place in the family. It was an honest and quiet time with her. It was loving and it was special.

On Friday when I pulled in the driveway and looked to the front door, I saw Chloe standing there; she was peering out and holding the curtains to the side. My heart burst with joy as I moved quickly grabbing My things and walked up the sidewalk.

When Chloe opened the door, she wrapped her arms around Me. Hugging Me tighter than ever. She whispered in My ear her love, affection and devotion to not only Me but the family.

***

We were all sitting around one Saturday morning having finished breakfast just watching Harley Elizabeth as she played. Five year olds can be very cute and fun to play with as well. I saw El get up leaving the room, I heard the basement door open then close, she made her way downstairs.

It was several minutes later when she hadn't returned, I stood telling the girls I would be back. I made my way down the stairs to check on El. When I turned the corner at the bottom of the steps, My heart immediately broke.

El was sitting on her yoga mat sobbing.

I didn't react too assertively, I simply walked over and sat on her mat and wrapped my arms around her holding her. At one point, El started to say something. I just kissed her cheek and told her to relax, I had her and I was here for her. I wanted to understand.

"Let's just relax and spend this time together." I whispered in her ear.

El and I lay down and pulled her into me. I heard her breath then she finally kissed my cheek.

"I am in a career crisis, Miss Caroline." I listened to her and let her talk things out. "I worry about my financial responsibilities to the family. I am truly worried Miss."

She shared with me that her job as a realtor is enjoyable but she has done that for four or five years ever since she graduated college. Her passion wasn't in it like it was with her fitness and personal trainer career. She wanted to put her college education and passion to good use.

She went on to tell me that dedicating the hours needed for the fitness and personal trainer business even though she had the certificates and skills was interfering with her real estate work and vice versa.

"I can't build the fitness business like I want Miss. I need my weekends away from being a Realtor."

I hugged her tighter just letting her voice her thoughts, feelings and emotions. As I was hugging her, I softly caressed her back.

"Miss, do you know how amazing you feel? Do you know how I love this time with you? Are you truly aware how much I crave You?"