42

As always, a huge thanks to Kenjisato for his eyes and experience. I am learning! It's all the 'little' things he sees that make that much more readable. Well, at least to me. Thanks for taking the time to get involved with this whole saga. I'm desperately trying to tie up the loose ends and close this out. As you can tell, I haven't been too successful to date but...For all you budding writers out there, one could do worse than having Kenji look over your work.

This is another long one, but have broken it up into several chapters. Thanks for bearing with me!

Chapter 39

Maisie comes home and the Belle Quandary

We woke up early, packed up our clothes and assorted loose ends. Her dad was up before us, knowing we'd be making an early start. I cooked us all a huge breakfast, knowing it would be our last one here for quite a while. We cleaned up our mess and packed her car, ready to leave now. It was a tearful farewell, one that I was torn about. On the one hand, I'd have my Maisie back, but knew, too, that Ewan would miss her. We waved wildly to him, as we headed out of Edinburgh and south.

We made good time, so we stopped off in Keswick for a quick lunch, remembering how much dad and David loved spending time here. Maisie had the music on low, the gentle music easing us back to Richmond and our life together. Well, hopefully so.

"Thank you for last night, Chloe. You were right, of course! I...I needed that time with Jo, ya know? I know it was hard for you, okay, but thank you, hen," she smiled.

"It was tough for me, yeah," I said. "I dunno why, though. I knew you were coming back to me, but all the emotions just caught up with me. I know it's hard for you to come home for good now, 'kay? I know you'll miss your dad...and Jo," I said, hopefully not sounding too spoiled.

"Leannan, she knew the day would come, as did I. She's fine, though. We'll keep in touch and see where it goes. Sometimes absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder, though, and you just gradually lose touch. We'll see, though. I'm back where I belong, aye?" she explained, as I squeezed her leg in agreement.

"So," she said, and I just knew what she was going to ask. "What are we doing about Belle, hmm?" she asked, calmly.

"What...what do

you

want to do about, Belle, Maisie?" I asked, turning her question back to her.

"Not fair, hen," she chuckled. "I asked you first. Come on. Talk to me. I know you've been thinking about her. I understand, okay. Talk to me, aye?" she replied.

"I...I don't know how easy it will be to give her up, 'kay? I know that's what we agreed, but the reality is so fucking different. Can I really expect to just manage her garden and forget my feelings for her? Last night, I was thinking about what you said about this agreement we had, you know, that I needed to have my heart broken. Well, it happened, 'kay?" I said, unhappily.

"Ohhh, leannan. C'mon now. Let's talk this through, all right? Do you want to continue to, well, see her? You know, still be intimate with her? Tell me, darling. This'll only work if you talk with me," she said, determinedly.

"I...I don't want to hurt you, Maisie. God, you're everything I've ever wanted and now

this

has to crop up! I can be strong and just be her designer, 'kay? I know I can. I won't lose you, darling...

not

for anybody," I said, although I don't think she believed me. "This is what we both agreed, so I have to stick with my side of this, right? I'll...I'll be fine, 'kay? Just...give me some time to come to terms with it all, all right? You'll, uhm, bear with me?" I asked, hopefully.

"I have all the time in the world, hen. You'll be fine. We'll be fine," she soothingly said, and I did feel better.

"So, how do

you

feel about continuing our closeness with Belle, hmm?" I asked.

"Truthfully? Confused. Apprehensive. Even excited, if I'm honest. I'm not threatened by Belle, Chloe. I just don't know how it would work long-term, or if she'd even want that. Hell, this may be just a fling for her. God, she's married and twenty years older than us. Why would she want you...or

us

long-term, hmm?" she asked, bringing up some valid points.

"You're probably right. As always!" I giggled.

"I won't allow her to come between us, okay? I'm just glad we're not in a position to choose. I'd always choose you, Chloe, okay?" she sighed, and held my hand.

"And I'd always choose you, darling," I murmured, as the miles sped by.

I drove from Keswick to Heathrow, where I had to collect my car. I knew she was heading home, needing to get herself sorted. We found my car, and I transferred my bag. We hugged and kissed, and a certain pall hung over us. And the pall's name was Arabella.

Everyone was surprised when I trundled through the front door. Surprised, but happy to see me. After a welcome-home glass of wine, I explained what had happened. Moms and dad couldn't be happier, now that Maisie was back. Tentatively, I asked if Arabella could come by next weekend, so they could finally meet her. I figured I would take the next step, which may, or may not, help me decide what I was going to do with this woman, who had entered my orbit so unsuspectingly. They were all excited at the prospect of finally meeting this enigmatic woman. Cheekily, I asked if she could possibly spend the evening, perhaps using the annexe to sleep in. I explained that she had a long drive home and wondered if it wouldn't be better for her to stay the weekend. They looked at one another, then back at me and smiled.

"Of course," mom said. "We couldn't possibly have her driving all that

way

home in the dark, eh?" she smirked, then burst into laughter.

I hugged and thanked them all, my heart leaping with joy.

"You'll love her," I sighed. "I just know it."

"Will, uh, Maisie be with us, too?" mum asked.

"She will...if that's okay?" I replied.

"And will she be staying in your room or the annexe?" mum teased me.

"Mine, of course!" I blushed.

"Let's hope so," she murmured, and hugged me.

"So," dad said. "What are you three getting yourselves into, hmm? Are you even considering a, dare I say, throuple?" he softly asked.

"I...we just don't know yet, dad. Maisie and I haven't gotten that far yet. We have only just begun to discuss how we're going to deal with this whole thing. We had intended to go back to how we were when she finally came back home. But we've both become extremely close to Belle, and we're just not sure how to move forward. We talked about this for hours on the way down. We like her, sure, but we're just not sure how and if it would work," I tried to explain. "Any advice from the throuple in the house?" I giggled.

"My God, Chloe. What have you gotten yourselves into, hmm?" mom said. "You and Maisie need to figure out what you both need, right? I mean, what does Belle need or want? We don't have to tell you that her age alone poses all sorts of hurdles. Take your time, darling. Talk with each other...honestly. Those will be the toughest conversations. Trust us, we've been through that, okay? Just...take your time, all right?" she sighed, and hugged me. "You've got it bad, don't you, darling?" she whispered in my ear.

"I do, Mom," I murmured back.

"My poor, Chloe," she sighed, and hugged me. "Why is it you're so decisive with your work, but when it comes to your heart, well..." she chuckled, and kissed me.

I finished my wine, hugged and kissed them, and then made it upstairs to my room. My head was a swirl of different 'what-ifs' and 'perhaps' and 'hows.'

I unpacked, then changed into my pyjamas and called Maisie. She was tired, which was to be expected. I told her that I was going to invite Belle down next weekend and insisted she be here. Her response was an emphatic 'yes, yes, yes!' which thrilled me. We said our goodnights, knowing we'd see each other in the morning. Half-heartedly, I finally drifted off.

Monday was filled with meetings, but was able to load my car with the necessary tools for the first day at Arabella's. I talked with Stephan, who headed our actual landscaping crew, telling him the rooms had been booked at a local B&B and hoped his people liked the location, as well as the house itself. Maisie and I had a not-so-sneaky lunch together, each feeling the other out on the looming 'Belle Question,' which hung over both of us. Words still needed to be said, before we come to an agreed decision. I had a feeling that she was as reticent as I was, and knew it would be down to me. Fuck!

Our lives had been so easy, so certain, 'til Arabella opened her door that one spring morning. We both knew we wanted her in our lives, but to what extent? My mind wandered to my moms and dad, wondering how they came to such a life-changing and momentous decision. Theirs was, perhaps easier, given their ages and life experiences. Could Maisie and I

really

see us in ten, twenty years' time in an intimate, close relationship with her? Was I seriously considering a polyamorous relationship with Belle, or was it just an itch that needed scratching? Wasn't Maisie 'enough' for me?

Just what the fuck is wrong with me, I thought!

I knew I'd have to press my moms a bit more...soon. When they see the angst in my eyes, they'd help, wouldn't they?

'Til then, I was left with my overthinking mind. Great, huh?

Maisie and I had a quick drink after work, joined by the others in my group that would be assisting us. Nothing like a little team bonding, eh? It was a raucous gang outside the confines of work, and I knew we'd work well together.

Maisie and I left a bit early, slowly walking arm-in-arm along the brightly lit streets, both of us finding comfort and solace in our company.

"So? Belle? What do you thin--" and she stopped me, a finger to my lips, shushing me.

"Not now, leannan, okay? Let's just walk and enjoy the evening, hmm? I'm not there yet, okay? Let's give this a few days, at the very least. We need to behave until then, all right? No seductions, no teasing and definitely no flirting with her. Got it? This is huge, Chloe. I...I just don't know as yet. Just give me a few more days. Have you, uhm, decided what you...want?" she asked.

"Fuck, no," I giggled. "I had hoped you'd make it easier on me!" I chuckled.

Maisie swatted my arm, looked at me sternly, and we continued our slow walk.

"You're going first, Chloe," she laughed. "This is

all

down to you, you know? I need to know what you

really

feel about this, aye?"

Thanks, is all I thought!

We circled back and headed to our cars, hugging and kissing then saying our goodnights.

"See you at six, hmm? It all starts for us now, doesn't it?" I smiled, knowing this project could be a significant step in my career.

"You're going to be great, hen. I just know it, all right?" she replied, and hugged me again.

Considering the pressure I was under to deliver, I slept well, waking fit and optimistic for the day. Maisie showed up early, my sisters still sleeping, but the parents were up and getting ready for their day. We made it to Sussex by half-eight, eager to get the scale and balance worked out. The groundwork came first, though. Belle's car was still there when we arrived, so pulled the heavy knocker. When she opened the door, we all smiled. I looked at Maisie and knew she could read my mind. As she closed the door behind us, we all embraced, tender, sweet kisses exchanged and our connection back. It was that simple. And complicated. She giggled at what we were wearing. Maisie and I always opted for the more functional dungarees and boots when out in the field, and a dressier, more professional look in the office. This was an eye-opener for her, as she always saw us dressed fairly casually, never in our gardening garb.

I smiled and said, "Well,

this

is me!" and laughed with a flourish.

"For some reason, Chloe, you still look fabulous!" she chuckled, and chastely kissed me. "As do you, Maisie. I wouldn't have thought you two were the manual-labour type of girls," she laughed.

"Hmmm," Maisie sniggered. "It's one thing to design, quite another to make it happen. We both love this part, if truth be told. This is going to look wonderful...darling," she sighed, the word 'darling' slipping so easily from her lips, even if she tried to hold back.

We had a quick cuppa, and then Maisie and I got to work. I pulled the bags of twine lines, open-reeled tape measures, and our surveying station for laying out our pegs. One by one, the groundsmen showed up, Belle pouring cup after cup of hot tea and a tray of biscuits to get them started. She had them all at the first cup.

Maisie and I walked with Stephan, our plans in hand and showing where everything should be laid out. Maisie and I had already roughly outlined the areas in chalk, just to get a real-time scale. He quickly understood the design, having more than a few years on me. He seemed to be impressed by what I had come up with, and began the excavations.

I set up the surveying machine and began directing Maisie to where the physical lines should be. We then began laying out the pegs and string lines, rechecking the design every ten minutes. The first of the heavy machinery arrived, and we went through the shapes and contours again; Maisie and I laying out the different areas to be dug out or elevated.

Then they began their demolition of Belle's garden, digging out the old flower beds and uprooting shrubs and bushes. I wanted my blank canvas, as nothing that was already here was suitable for my design.

I had Maisie and Stephen recheck my lines every so often, after I set up the surveying tool. Everything was spot on, as I thought it would be, but valued their assurance. Hours later, we broke for lunch, Belle providing sandwiches and plenty of tea for the gang. She was spoiling them.

Maisie and I walked through the French doors, purportedly to recheck the drawings, but it was actually to see Belle. We sat her down and laid out the plans, Maisie standing on one side, and I on the other. Our hands were on her shoulder, as our fingers crawled along her neck. We could feel her shiver under our tender touches, my fingers surreptitiously wrapped in her hair. We kept one eye on the garden, the other down at Belle.

I leaned over, pointing at nothing, and whispered, "You smell heavenly, Belle," and squeezed her shoulder. I looked at Maisie and knew we were lost.

"Ohhhh, Chloe. Please...jus--" she groaned, her head tilted back and her blue eyes looking at us. "Aren't you...working?" she reluctantly sighed.

I came to my senses and looked at Maisie. She was as caught up as I, but had more resolve, as her scared eyes looked at mine.

"Come, Chloe. I...I think Stephan's calling you," she falteringly said.

I leaned over and kissed Belle's head, Maisie doing the same and we walked through the French doors and back into the garden.

I had the plans in my shaking hand.

"What the fuck did we almost do, leannan? God! I thought...Jesus, Chloe! We need to talk with her tonight, okay? We probably shouldn't even be staying here! If, and I mean if, we're going to do this, it has to be done properly, hmm? Fuck's sake, Chloe," Maisie mumbled, her resoluteness completely skewered now.

"I'm...I'm sorry, darling. Fuck, is right! We...we won't do anything, 'kay? We'll talk with her, hmm? But...you want this, don't you?" I asked, pointedly.

"Do you?" she studiously asked right back.

"Fuck, Maisie. You wanna do this right

now

? Okay? Yes, dammit. I do, all right," trying my best to keep my voice down. "I'm sorry, but I do, darling. I want her like I want you, 'kay? Happy now?" I stammered, hoping Maisie hadn't taken my revelation the wrong way, and tears threatened to pour down my dirt-streaked face.

Maisie's breathing calmed down, her once-agitated face softening and practically glowing.

"As do I, leannan. I want you completely...but I want her, too. What the fuck are we going to do, hmm? This is so bloody stupid, Chloe! She's twenty years older than us. What can we feasibly offer her, hmm? What a frickin' mess, darling. Come on, let's get back to work, all right? I...I can't deal with this right now. We'll get it sorted, hen. We will," she said, her determination in full flow.

I cleared my head and went back to laying out the string lines, pounding the pegs in with renewed and frustrated force. I walked through the large plot, seeing where the other lines were and was pleased with the outline...so far.

Belle sauntered out to the garden and walked towards me. I thought my heart would burst. She was wearing knee-high, black boots, a tight-ish white blouse and her bloody jodhpurs. I half expected her to have her riding crop in hand, ready to chide someone!

"I'm going out for a quick ride, darlings. I'll leave the front door key on the table, in case you need to go out, okay? You're still...staying the night?" she asked, hopefully.

"That's grand, Belle. And yes, if you'll still have us, hmm?" I said, trying not to be too suggestive with my answer, my eyes raping her with every soft word she uttered.

"Wonderful!" she beamed. "I...I can't wait to...have you...both," she smiled, and I swear I creamed my panties.

She turned and walked back to the kitchen, her tight ass enveloped and swaying in her form-fitting, tan jodhpurs. She calmly looked over her shoulder, and smirked at me, catching my eyes following her.

Fuck me...

I walked slowly now, my squishy panties rubbing my lively labia with every tentative step. All those 'hows' and 'what-ifs,' came flooding back, distracting me from what was I supposed to be supervising. I checked my works schedule and we were doing fine, albeit it was the first day!

A few hours later, having returned from her ride, Belle came out onto the patio area with more tea and biccies for everyone. She had, unfortunately, changed into an equally tight pair of jeans. The guys flitted around her like the proverbial flies to honey. I gave her a few disparaging looks, but whether it was out of jealousy or decorum, I wasn't sure.

Maisie and I were covered in loose dirt by the end of the day, our faces smeared with dry mud and grass. It was just after four, so we cut everyone loose, thanking them and saying we'd see them in the morning. When they had gone, we took a slow walk around the grounds, seeing if anything needed adjusting yet. After forty-five minutes, we were happy, so we trundled up the now beat-up lawn to the French doors.

As we were about to step in, Belle turned to us.

"Shoes, girls! Off. Now," she smiled sternly. "You both look shattered...but lovely," she smiled.

We shed our shoes and stepped into the kitchen. She looked at us and giggled.

"I never thought I'd see you two as urchins, but here you are!" she chuckled, and pointed to the butler sink.

I walked over, whilst Maisie waited her turn, and began to wash my hands. Belle came behind me, her arms around my body and grasped my hands. She busily soaped them up and washed them in hers, as if I was a child who had just come in from a muddy playground.

She grabbed a tea towel, wetted it in her mouth, and wiped my face, the streaks of sweat and dirt embedded in the cloth now. She moved me back two steps and said, "Stay, darling," then motioned for Maisie to come over and repeated her cleaning, taking Maisie's hands and gently soaping them up, then cleaning them. She turned the tap off and dried Maisie's hands, then came to me. I was shocked by Maisie's willingness to be indulged in such a sensuous way, but she knew exactly what Belle needed.

Belle stood in front of me, and with an unusually practised flair, undid the clasps on my dungarees, the front bib falling down.

"Did you enjoy your, uhm, ride, Belle?" I smiled at her glowing face.