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It was one Friday afternoon and The Peaches had just got back to the house after another of Coach Shaws rigorous training sessions. Most of the team were just hanging together in the lounge or in their rooms, regaining their energy for their planned team outing later that night. Everyone had felt bad after not inviting Esti to go and see The Wizard of Oz with them, especially Lupe, so together they had decided to go again. None of them minded, for many a trip to see a coloured film was a rare treat so taking Esti was just a good excuse.
Carson was sat alone at the kitchen table, tapping her pen softly as she listened to the girls trying to teach Esti some phrases she should know for the film. The only one who didn't seem to be excited about going was Carson herself, but maybe that was because all she could think about was the fact the house was going to be entirely empty and to her that meant one thing. Time alone with Greta. But for that to happen she just had to find an excuse to convince Greta to stay. As she continued tapping her pen against her notepad she looks around the kitchen and caught sight of the basket of fresh apples by the back door. It suddenly hit her. The answer to everything was pie!
Once the thought was in her head that was it, she abruptly stands up from the table, leaving her note cards scattered across the surface and determindly marches upstairs. However, as she was already knocking on Gretas door she realised just how lacking her plan actually was, but by now it was too late, Jess was calling for her to go in.
Both Greta and Jess's heads swivel as Carson enters.
"Hey Shaw, what's up?"
Greta smiles, spinning around on Jess's bed where they had been chatting, to look at her properly.
"H..hi" Carson fumbles, "remember how you asked me to teach you how to make a pie?"
"A pie?"
Greta questions, what sort of excuse to sneak out was this. It was definitely a new one that was for sure. Carson shoots her a look, trying to get her to just go along with it.
"Yeah, one of my apple pies. And Beverly got some fresh ones in today. I thought.. I thought if you wanted to skip the movie I could teach you tonight."
At this point Jess bursts out laughing.
"You bake now do you Gill!"
"I only asked her because you know she makes a good pie."
She looks over at Carson who had now adopted her nervous stance with her arms wrapped around her body. She looked adorable, but Greta couldn't help but be hesitant.
"I don't know about tonight Shaw... we promised Esti.."
Being alone with Carson, and so obviously alone with her, that was breaking so many of her rules. It wasn't just to protect herself anymore it was about protecting her too and whatever this plan was, it was just too risky.
"Yeah.. I know.." she shakes her head, feeling defeated.
It had been a long shot asking Greta to be entirely alone with her, but it had been all she had been able to think about. That didn't make it hurt any less.
"Your right, we promised.. forget I asked, we can do it another time. Tonight's about Esti.."
She was about to turn to walk out when Jess chips in.
"Look at Rookies sad little face. Your breaking her heart Gill! Go on, bake with farm girl, nobody will mind. Plus you need the practice, remember your burnt toast incident!" She nudges her playfully.
Neither Carson nor Greta knew that Jess was totally aware of their relationship and secretly she was rooting for them. It wouldn't hurt for them to have some alone time without all those ridiculous excuses Carson made up. Who went to the library in the middle of the night! Plus she knew how hard it was, if she could help a fellow fruit out she would.
Greta rolls her eyes at Jess before looking back at Carson, her protective walls cracking a little with Jess's encouragement.
"Okay okay fine. Teach me how to bake a pie Shaw. As long as the team doesn't mind."
"Really?" Carson couldn't quite believe her ears. "Okay fantastic, I will go check we have all the right ingredients!
It took all of her restraint to not skip out of the room with elation! She couldn't believe this was actually happening! It was going to take all of her restraint to keep it together for the rest of the afternoon but it was going to be so totally worth it. Walking back downstairs with the most euphoric grin on her face, she slipped back into the kitchen. Now she just needed to come up with a way to tell the others without her terrible lying skills giving anything away. For now, she settled back at the table, finally able to concentrate better on her note cards.
The moment Carson left their room, Greta looks over at Jess who didn't seem the least bit phased by the interaction, looking more amused than anything.
"I guess I better go and tell Joey that I'm not coming out with you guys then..."
Hurriedly she stands up from the bed, that wasn't a total lie but she was freaking out and she needed an excuse to go and see her best friend.
"No worries Gill, you two are a package deal after all!"
She chuckles and picks up the magazine Greta had left on her bed, who was quickly hurrying out of their room. How these two thought she was unaware of their relationship she didn't know, but their silly little excuses were cute.
Knowing Jo was alone in her room, Greta charges through the door, completely ignoring the fact that Jo was halfway through getting changed, and starts pacing while anxiously playing with her fingers.
"Carson wants me to stay tonight! To not go to the movies and stay and bake a pie with her. Although that might just be her excuse I don't know. It's too close Joey, I can't be shown getting to close to her. But then Jess says I should and now I don't know what to do. I agreed but what if the team suspects something?"
She keeps pacing barely taking a breath.
Jo sighs softly listening to Greta and watching her twist Dana's ring around and around on her finger. She had never seen her so worked up over a girl before.
"Bird? Bird! Breath!"
Joey finishes buttoning up her shirt and sits on the bed, tapping the spot beside her for Greta to sit.
"So your telling me, Carson wants you to stay home, alone with her, under the excuse of making a pie, AND Jess backed you up to do it?! Don't take this the wrong way Bird but are you fucking crazy! For a second just forget about the rules. People like us, we never get this sort of opportunity. We never get to have a space like this. I mean it's rare enough to find what you and Shaw have going on here. Your letting the past stop your happiness now..."
She looks at Greta for a moment, letting her process.
"The rules are important, they've kept us safe for so long, but if the peaches have taught us anything it's that sometimes the rules are meant to be broken. Now, do you want to stay here with Carson?"
"Of course I do Joey.. having time alone with her... but... I..."
"No buts Bird, not this time. For once, here's your shot to live your life like the rest of the world does. Just for a night. Rules are for tomorrow."
Greta was silent for a moment as she thought about what Jo was saying.
"I guess your right Joey...The Peaches house is safer than out there.. especially alone, and we normally have to sneak around so much.. it would be nice."
She breaks into a soft smile as she thought about it more.
"Okay okay I guess I'm staying home tonight then."
Jo taps her knee and winks playfully, "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist a baking lesson with Mrs Shaw".
They laugh and plan out how Greta was going to tell the rest of the group.
Unbeknown to them, Jess was already downstairs, spreading the news that they would be two short for the movie. So by the time Jo and Greta finally made their way to join the team everyone already knew and was fine with it, even Shirley who was always pleased to see someone wanting to learn good housewife skills. It didn't even cross anyone's mind that Coach Shaw, the women married to a war hero, could have anything else on her mind other than making a pie. After all she was the farm girl!
As the afternoon rolled into evening, Greta found herself getting more and more excited about the prospect of a night with Carson. The last time they had been properly alone was at the convent and that had been a night to remember for them both. Finally, everyone started dispersing to go and get ready and Greta was able to slip into the kitchen to see Carson who was still sat at the table, finishing off her team notes.
"Hey"
Greta says softly pulling out a chair to sit down, causing the deliriously happy smile Carson had been trying to contain, to creep across her face.
"Hi, um I'm sorry I ambushed you like that earlier..."
She keeps her voice low, making sure nobody could over hear them.
"Just all I've been able to think about today is the house being empty... I know it's breaking your rules, to be one on one with me... you know you don't have to stay if you don't want to..."
Greta reaches across the table and briefly places her hand over Carson's, giving it a soft reassuring squeeze.
"I want to stay with you. Apparently nobody questions that you want to bake Shaw. And.. Well.. the only one here will be Sarge, I think we're safe. It will be nice not to have to sneak around for once."
She quickly pulls her hand away from Carsons hearing footsteps on the stairs. Standing she scrunched her nose and chuckles, loud enough for whoever was outside the door to hear.
"I just hope you know what your getting yourself Into Shaw."
She shoots her a wink before walking out of the kitchen, swaying her hips as a little tease. Carson bites her lip watching Greta, it really was taking all of her restraint to hold it together until everyone was gone.
It wasn't long until all the Peaches were congregated in the loungeroom, waiting for Maybelle, who as always was the last to be ready. Beverly stood at the bottom of the stairs watching over the ladies and making sure they were all dressed appropriately to represent the league. She sighs as Jess walks over to hand her another pants fine.
"Miss Mcready, you could just change"
"We both know I'm not going to do that. Ah look," She looks up the stairs where a fully glamed up Maybelle was coming down.
"There she is, the bell of the ball" she winks at her.
"You know I'm going to take any excuse to dress up Jess. Now, are Carson and Greta sure they dont want to come with us?"
"Yeah, honestly I think Shaw could do with the break from us all! Plus it means we get pie and who's not going to accept free pie!"
Maybelle laughs shaking her head and tugs playfully on the brim Jess's cap.The pair then head to join the group. Off to one side, Jo's laughter rang out as she playfully nudged Greta.
“She will make a housewife of you yet bird!”
Greta scrunches her nose at Jo for teasing her, they both knew that that wasn’t on the cards for her but getting to play housewife with Carson, even for a little bit, was a bit like a dream.
"Oh shush, it's just a pie.."
She was going to continue but Esti rushes up to the best friends, interrupting the moment as she tried to shoo the Peaches out of the house.
“Vamos! Vamos!”
“She’s telling us we need to go guys and she isn’t wrong. We don’t want to miss the showing for Esti."
Lupe translates, feeling this urge to make tonight the way Esti deserved it to be.
A murmur of agreement tumbled through the team; they all felt bad for leaving her out the first time. There was a scuffle towards the door as they all hurried out, Maybelle throwing the jackets at everyone as they passed the hallway closet. She finally grabs her own before calling back to Carson and Greta who were both now stood in the kitchen doorway waving them off.
“Don’t Burn the house down you two!” She shuts the closet door and gives a little wave before leaving with the others.
Carson looks up at Greta with a smile before over at Bev who had finally stepped off of the staircase.
"If you ladies do not mind, I think I will retire to my quarters until the others come home. Have a good night Miss Gill, Mrs Shaw."
With that she leaves the pair and walks over to her part of the house, meaning that they were officially finally alone.
Watching the hallway still, Greta moves her hand over to Carsons, softly playing with the back of her fingers for a moment before grabbing them and tugging her gently into the kitchen.
"I'm impressed you managed to pull this off Shaw! First the away game and now this, are you sure your not secretly an evil genius."
She raises an eyebrow teasingly with her free hand on her hip, making Carson laugh and shyly rock back on her heels.
"I wouldn't say evil genius... more desperate to get you alone..." She bites her lip shyly as she said that out loud.
Typically she wasn’t this type, she wasn’t devious but there was something about how Greta made her feel that made sensible Carson go a little crazy. Truthfully she hadn’t even been expecting her plan to pay off but here they were, alone in the house for the first time ever.
Greta watches her nervousness and so wanted to wrap her arms around her but she was cautious, everyone had only just left, and the last thing she wanted was for them to get caught.
“You know we are actually going to have to bake a pie right?
“Yeah I know, we have to keep the cover, but it can be fun... plus it won’t take as long as the film...”
Carson looks at Greta desperately wanting her to relax. It was obvious that she was still on high alert and keeping her distance. However at her words she saw her soften a little, the corners of her mouth curling into a smile.
“You’ve got this all planned out haven’t you Shaw. How long have you been thinking about this?”
“A while...”
Greta wiggles her eyebrows her eyebrows playfully.
“Well I guess nobody’s better equipped to make this fun than you. In more ways than one....”
Carson’s cheeks brighten at the idea of what Greta’s definition of fun was. They had only been properly alone together once before and that had been incredible; the thought of having a whole house to themselves was almost enough to make her giddy with excitement but also rife with nerves. It was the same rush of emotions she felt before any game, but unlike baseball she was a still a complete novice in this world. More than anything though she wanted this, with Greta.
“Well we should start with getting the ingredients ready. Why dont you get the flour, sugar and cinnamon from the pantry and I’ll get the stuff from out here.”
“Yes chef!”
Greta salutes before turning and walking towards the pantry door. She too was having an internal battle, she wanted this so bad, but there was always that lingering fear and the last thing she wanted was for Carson to get hurt. Once inside the pantry she takes a momentary deep breath talking quietly to herself.
“Pull yourself together Gill, you want this, you want her. Stop being scared!”
She starts looking for the items Carson had asked for, mentally trying to quell her fear. What happened next however pulled her right out of her head and right into the moment.
Carson strides into the small room with a determined look in her eyes, she grabs Greta’s waist, turning her to fully face her and pulling her body close against hers. The action momentarily took Greta’s breath away, before they both fell into a deeply passionate kiss. Their mouths and bodies moved as one as Carson pulled one of her favourite moves and stepped forward a little, pushing Greta’s back against the shelves. Jars and tins rattled at contact, not that either of the pair noticed. Greta grips onto one of the lower shelves to support herself while Carson’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, fingers tangling in her hair.
There was this sense of urgency in the way they kissed, their lips melding together in perfect harmony. It wasn’t until they were desperate for air did their bodies part ways but even then Greta moves her free hand up to hold Carson’s face.
“Hmmm the confidence again Shaw. I like you like this.”
She smirks a little, completely relaxed now she was in Carson’s arms. All those fears evaporated from her mind, there was this magic between them which somehow, just for a moment, managed to wipe the rest of the world away.
They stayed like that for a moment, looking into each other’s eyes, before Carson takes a step back, releasing Greta from against the shelves. She turned to head into the kitchen but now it was Greta’s turn to grab her and pulls her back in for a intense kiss. Her hands tangling in her hair, loving the way Carson reacted to her every movement. She smiles against her lips, before letting her go almost as quickly as she grabbed her and turning back to the shelves like nothing had happened.
Carson stood there completely speechless for a moment while trying to catch her breath. She wasn’t used to someone making her feel the way Greta did. It was electric. Breaking into a grin she walks out of the pantry and back into the kitchen, starting to collect her elements for the pie.
Once everything had been gathered, the pair rejoined at the kitchen counter, ready to start baking.
“Okay, so our first job is to cut the apples. We want them into small enough pieces so they cook down nice and evenly.”
“Slicing an apple I can do.”
Greta says with a soft chuckle, moving to the sink to wash her hands before removing one of the ruby red apples from the wicket basket and tossing into the air, catching it with ease.
“They are not edible baseballs! No bruises in the pie please.”
Making the first incision Greta laughs at her phrasing, sometimes Carson was so awkward and it was one of the cutest things to witness.
“Edible baseballs?! That’s it their no longer apples! We are making an edible base pie! Your cute Shaw.”
Starting to cut up an apple too, Carson blushes shyly at both mild embarrassment and the compliment.
“Less teasing, more cutting. At this rate we won’t even be started by the time the others are home. And i like baking but honestly I don’t want to be doing it all night....”
“Well then we better get a move on and see what other activities we can fit in.”
With a wink she knuckles down, getting to work, pretending she didn’t notice how bashful Carson became at her insinuation.
They talked about everything and nothing while they chopped the apples. It was odd, they were so comfortable with each and yet there was this first date shyness that encompasses them. Normally they would sneak away for a moment and they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other but actually having the house to themselves was a little overwhelming. There was this air of apprehension, almost as if they didn’t fully trust that they were alone and were just waiting for their bubble to be burst. Both wanted to make a move, but it was almost like neither knew how to break this awkward ambience.
“Fuck this!”
Greta suddenly declares, breaking Carson’s train of thought as she retold a childhood story.
“I am not going to spend all night being scared!”
Briskly she turns away from the chopping board and starts moving around the kitchen pulling all the curtains closed to shut the outside world out. They had been alone long enough to prove that nobody was coming back, why were they still acting on tenterhooks! She strides back over to Carson and without missing a beat, span her around, sweeping her off her feet and lifting her onto the worktop.
“I’m going to make the most of tonight, with you.”
Standing between her legs she looks up at a dumbfounded Carson, who was now on her level, and tenderly kisses her. There was this slow sweetness about the action, it wasn’t about being hot and heavy, it was a moment to break the tension. Greta would never normally kiss someone so openly, they were always sneaking around somewhere, but kissing Carson here, right in the middle of the kitchen, it was her ultimate show of trust in the situation.
Carson smiles softly against her lips knowing this was a big deal. It was that crack in the atmosphere they both needed to just relax and let the rules fall away.
There was also something about the way Greta held her in place on the counter, she was normally the one to be held against something; her way of giving Carson a way to escape if she needed it, but after the way she masterminded tonight, she was sure she could handle it.
With a final lingering movement, they parted lips, looking deeply into each other’s eyes. They didn’t need words to discuss the relief they both felt at the weight being lifted from the air. It was like they could breath again, be completely free from having to pretend just for a little while.
Carson reaches her hand up to Greta’s face, using the back of her knuckles to gently caress across the ridge of her temple and down her cheek. She wanted to touch her, run her fingers through her hair, but she was also fully aware of the tacky apple juice residue on her fingertips. This would do for now.
“Mmm, you know I could get use to this.”
“The kissing or being the same height as me?”
Greta chuckles softly,
“Well both, because up here I can..” she leans in pressing a soft kiss against Greta’s nose.
“Your too cute, but I like my little Shaw just the way she is. The perfect size for cuddling!”
“Well if cuddles are being offered?”
With a cute little squeal Carson jumps off of the counter and cuddles close into Greta’s chest who wraps arm around around her.
“See, perfect!”
She kisses the top of her head gently. All that previous tentativeness had disappeared and they had slipped into this comfortable partnership that was so natural yet so rarely achieved.
Finally Carson pulls back from the cuddle, her face filled with visible joy.
“I could stay like this all night... but if we don’t get this pie started we will still be baking when everyone gets home.”
“Well then Chef we better get cracking!! Do we have enough apples cut?”
She shows her the pot where they had been putting them ready to go on the stove.
“Looks about right, we just need to add the sugar, water and cinnamon then we can put it on heat to simmer down into an apple sauce type consistency.”
“Yes chef!”
With a playful wink she picks up the pot of cinnamon getting ready to pour it in.
“Woah, not that much! Just four good sprinklings should be absolutely plenty.”
She chuckles as she carefully measures out the sugar, a perfect example of their contrasting personalities that worked so well together. Adding it to the pot after Greta’s addition she finishes getting it ready before placing lighting the gas ring and placing it on top.
“We have to stir it for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and then we can leave it to cook out.”
Picking up her wooden spoon she starts carefully moving the apples around so they didn’t burn.
“Well then, since we have a moment I want to hear the rest of your story Shaw. You said your dad dressed you up as a boy for a baseball event?!”
Carson laughing, continuing telling her about how her father.
A few minutes later, and with the apples happily simmering away, the pair clean up so they could start on preparing the pastry. The aura of the space was a completely different one now the couple had relaxed. Every time they were close their bodies would brush up against each other, every opportunity they got, their hands were placing lingering touches. They just couldn’t stay away from each other.
Together they start measuring out the ingredients and pouring them into the bowl until everything was added.
“Okay, time for the messy part. We have to combine everything together with our fingers to create a soft crumbly texture.”
Greta wiggles her fingers, giving an audacious wink and hoping Carson picked up on the sensual undertone of her words.
“My hands are at your service”
A slight flush crossed Carson’s cheeks, the phrase having the desired effect. A few weeks ago she would have been none the wiser to Greta’s flirting, but she was in a whole new world now, her knowledge of what she could do with those fingers went far beyond what she could have imagined. The very idea of which making butterflies swarm in her stomach.
Greta smirks to herself, watching a flustered Carson trying to pull herself together. How was this women so damn adorable?
Finally Carson was able to regain her composure enough to quip back,
“I will remind you of that later...”
It seemed Greta’s flirtatious influence was starting to rub off on her.
“Well we will just have to wait and see won’t we, Shaw.”
The slight bite of her lip followed by a soft smile gave Carson the true answer. Just the idea made her heart pound faster but right now they had to focus on finishing the pie or all this teasing would never come to fruition.
“Do you want to mix it up?”
Carson asks, trying to get them back on track, even though she would much rather being doing something else with Greta.
“Sure, just stick my hands in the bowl and get it all together?”
“Yeah, but I would recommend taking your rings off first. They can get all gooey and gross if you don’t.”
“Good call Shaw.”
Greta had just been about to stick her hands in when Carson had stopped her. Moving to the clear side of the counter she carefully takes her rings off and places them down. She felt a little naked without them, especially Dana’s but it wasn’t for long. Once they were removed she goes back to stand beside Carson and just goes for it, sticking her hands in. She grimaced slightly at the cold, gloopy sensation but just gets to work.
“No, no, no!” Carson exclaims watching her basically mashing the ingredients together with her fingers. “Gently. It’s more like handling a baby than a baseball.”
Without even thinking she moves behind Greta, wrapping her hands around from behind to hand over hand guide her.
“Just use your finger tips...” she moves their hands together in the bowl, combining it all.
“So imagine it’s you...”
Greta says her smirk evident in her voice, causing Carson to blush violently and bury her face into her back. She chuckles knowing full well just how bright Carson’s cheeks were without even seeing them.
They continued moving their hands as one, as Carson regains her composure, it wasn’t until she tried to see how the mixture was looking did she realise just how ridiculous this was. She couldn’t see a thing! Greta was so tall and she was so short in comparison that it was impossible.
“Are you okay back there Shaw?” Greta could feel her moving her body awkwardly against hers, having no clue that it was actually Carson trying to stand on her tiptoes.
“Yeah, I didn’t think this through, I can’t see the bowl from behind you!” Carson breaks into laughter, making Greta laugh too. Trapping Carson’s arms to her side she giggles playfully.
“Shaw? Carson? I can’t find you. Oh no she’s too small! How will I ever find her?!” She moves around the kitchen a little, making Carson move with her who was basically in hysterics at this point. Her adorable laughter made Greta break too, letting her arms go so she could move out from behind her. The sound that filled the kitchen was one of pure happiness, a reflection of their mood.
“Let’s try this a different way so you can actually see.”
It was her turn to wrap her arms around Carson from behind, making sure her dough covered hands didn’t touch her. Their bodies fit perfectly together, like two pieces of a jigsaw, Greta cradling her between the counter top and her body. Carson cuddles into her chest, linking her hands back with Greta’s in the mixture to finish combining it together. This warm fuzzy feeling rose within her as she felt so at home in her loves arms, especially as Greta leans down a little resting her chin on Carson’s shoulder.
“Mmmm, that’s better isn’t it my little Shaw.”
“Much” She agrees, momentarily turning her head to press a soft kiss against Greta’s cheek. That was how they stayed, the pair cuddled together until the pastry was at the desired consistency.
“That looks perfect to me.”
“Now you can see it.” Greta giggles.
“Yes now I can see it. We need to leave it to chill for a little while so we can finish off the apples.”
“Yes chef. But first,” she starts playfully trying to attack Carson with her dough covered hands, causing her to squeal and try to escape. Ducking out from between her arms Carson smirks and spins around.
“Your not the only dough monster!”
Greta gasps,
“You wouldn’t!”
“I would!”
They start chasing each other around the kitchen trying to get the other with their mucky hands. Neither was actually trying hard to catch the other, they were just enjoying the game, getting to be completely carefree for once.
Finally Greta holds her hands up in surrender.
“Truce! Truce!”
She laughs, making Carson stop too and scrunch her nose.
“I’m so glad you said that because I hate the feeling of this stuff on my fingers! It’s the worse part of baking!!”
Without pausing she rushes to the sink and starts washing the sticky texture off of her hands, making Greta laugh once again at how cute she was. As soon her hands were clean she moves to the side to dry them on the towel, allowing Greta to step in and wash hers too. While she did Carson takes the dough and places it in the fridge, letting it chill while they finished off the apples.
Greta was about to start putting her rings back on when she stopped, suddenly getting an idea and looks over at Carson.
“Give me your hand."
“What?”
“Trust me, just give me your hand.”
Thoroughly confused Carson places her right hand in the one Greta had outstretched to her.
“Not that one”
She shoots her a cute half smirk as Carson switched hands.
"Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just....”
Much to Carson’s surprise Greta slowly slides one of her rings onto her ring finger before pressing a soft kiss against it.
“I...I...” Carson stumbles, just looking down at the ring now on her finger.
Her mind was reeling with the intense rush of emotions she was feeling. The only ring she had ever worn was from Charlie. For a brief second she was struck by a pang of guilt; that was however, until she looked into the face of the women she had fallen so hard for. The moment Carson looked up into her loves face, all those feelings washed away and she was overcome with this sense of happiness, a like she had never felt before. To be honest her marriage to Charlie had never felt real, more like she was playing this game of happy families where she didn't quite fit but didn't know why. But having Gretas ring on her finger, that felt entirely different.
Carson didn't even realise how long she had been silent, just stood there, until Greta finally spoke, a small furrow creasing her brow.
"I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have done that.. your married..."
She goes to quickly take the ring back but Carson closed her fingers around it, before running her opposite thumb over the smooth metal.
"No no, please, I just wasn't expecting it.. its perfect."
She shyly bits her lip, holding her hand up to look at the ring that was slightly too big for her. Greta watches her carefully, her concern turning to a soft, scrunch nose smile.
"Really? I've always wanted to do that.. to see what if feels like to put a ring on my womens finger. I know it's not real but..."
"I don't care if its real or not," Carson interrupts, "it feels more real than my real ring.."
She meets Gretas gaze who couldn't hide the pink blush colouring her cheeks.
"Imagine if I could make you my wife Shaw. I wish I could see you walk down the isle, to have a home with you, a family... to call you mine."
These were all thoughts she often considered in private but suddenly she couldn't stop herself saying them outloud, the image of actually seeing Carson wearing her ring brought everything bubbling to the surface.
"You deserve all that Greta and more.. if only things were different..."
Carson reaches her hand up to gently cup Gretas cheek, just taking a moment to admire this incredible women who made her feel so very special.
"We may not have all that in the world, but we have it here, in this moment. Our own little world where theres no eyes watching us, no sneaking around, no rules to follow... I could make a wife of you and nobody would know."
Gretas blush continued to get brighter as she listened to Carsons words, she was used to being the one say that sort of thing, she wasn't usually the one being made blush. Her heart pounded in her chest and she knew what Carson was like, she genuinely meant every word she said. In this unique moment of shyness Greta could only do one thing and that was to kiss Carson with every ounce of passion she had in her body. But yet somehow, the way their lips fell into sink and their bodies melded together, it became a kiss of more than passion, it became a kiss of love.
Finally both women pull away, resting their foreheads together as they caught their breath.
"We're pie wives"
Carson suddenly giggled unable to hold in the thought that had abruptly popped into her head. Greta shakes her head a little, unable to help herself giggling too at Carsons cute awkwardness.
"We're peach pie wives.."
They both fall Into laugher, finding each other too cute, and breaking the deep moment they had been having. It took them a few minutes until they finally caught their breath again, at which point Carson remembered the apples which were stewing on the stove top.
"Well I guess we better continue..."
She turns walking over towards the oven but as she does she waves her hand, wearing the ring, over her shoulder.
"You should know I'm keeping this on till the others get home."
Greta smiles softly to herself trying to contain all the feeling she had seeing how much Carson was loving wearing her ring.
"My wife for the night."
Replacing the rest of her rings, Greta follows Carson over to the stove where she was now stirring the apples. Once again they slip into an easy conversation without a care in the world.
What they didn’t know, as they stood talking over the stove top, Greta’s hand tucked into the back pocket of Carson’s pants, was that Beverly was stood outside the door having come to check in on them. Bev couldn't help but smile to herself as she took in the scene before her for a seconds. Then without making her presence known, she makes her way back to her quarters.
Her job was to make sure that The Peaches were presentable and palatable for the outside gaze, to make them positive representatives of the league, but most of all she was here to protect these women. She wasn’t naive; she knew everything that happened in the house. The world was tough enough for these ladies, for herself, she was not about to make them feel that way under their own roof. They were obviously being careful, and to be honest she liked seeing them happy. They were safe and that was all Bev cared about.
Still completely unaware that they had been seen, the couple was flirting heavily with each other. It seemed the more the night went on the easier they slipped into this domesticated lifestyle, the lifestyle of wife and wife. Carson had always been comfortable with Charlie, they were best friends, but it wasn’t like this. They had never been touchy feely, where as her and Greta couldn’t keep their hands off each other, just keeping that contact between them. She loved the way Greta’s hand sat in her back pocket, the way she would laugh and gently touch her arm, it made every second with her magical, and her heart race just a little faster. Nothing could beat this feeling.
After a while of stirring and listening to Greta talk in an animated fashion about one of her famous “Joey and Bird” stories, she finally turns the stove off.
“That seems about done to me.”
Carson takes the pot off the heat.
“It just needs to cool a little before we can add it to our pastry case.”
“You mean the case we haven’t made yet?”
“That’s our next job.”
She laughs scrunching her nose littleness at her cheekiness before going over to the fridge, retrieving the dough that had now chilled. Calling over her shoulder, Carson asks,
“Can you sprinkle some of the flour over the counter? We don’t want it to get stuck while we’re rolling it out.”
Greta nods and picks up the tin of flour which they were yet to put away. Opening it up she starts strewing it around before using her hand to spread it out, creating a thin non stick layer across the top of the work surface. With her hand now covered with the power, she impulsively brings it round and smacks Carson’s arse, leaving a flawless white handprint on her pants.
With a slight gasp of surprise, Carson turns to look over her shoulder at the perfectly formed print before looking up at Greta who simply gives a small shrug, obviously biting back a smirk at what she had just done.
“Oh that’s how your playing is it?! Just you wait Miss Gill! I will get you when you least expect it!”
A crinkle formed across the bridge of Greta’s nose, the corners of her mouth starting to turn up as she could no longer disguise her mischievous smirk.
“Game on Shaw!”
Grabbing the dough out of the bowl Carson throws it down onto the counter, causing a small plume of flour to kick up.
“Just for that you can start rolling it out. I want it between 1 and 2 cm thick and big enough to fit in that pan.”
She gestures to the tin that had been sat next to the oven waiting to be used.
“Yes ma’am!”
Greta gives a playful salute before picking up the rolling pin and starting to roll it over the lump of pastry. She couldn’t help but get a little giddy whenever Carson took charge, it was really hot. Even watching her as Coach Shaw always got a her a little hot and bothered.
The couple worked in unison, Carson preparing the tin as Greta rolled out the pastry, shooting the occasional look over to check out her, and her new handprint accessory.
It wasn’t long until the tin was lined and the dough was thin enough to be laid within it.
“I would say that’s about done.”
Carson says, sprinkling a small layer of flour over the butter coated pan. For a split second Greta flinches, ready for the cloud to hit her but it never did. The action didn’t go unnoticed, leaving Carson unable to hide the cheeky grin that spread from ear to ear across her face.
“Something wrong Miss Gill?”
A teasing tone lacing her words. She wasn’t going to make her move the next time she had flour in her hands, that would be a rookie mistake.
Slightly scrunching her nose, Greta pokes her tongue out at the taunt.
“You said I wouldn’t expect it! You could attack at any moment!”
“Well I’ve got to keep you on your toes”
“Oh do you now?” Greta raises an eyebrow, “we will have to see about that, won’t we Shaw.”
Intently she watched what Carson did next, it was obvious how many times she had made pies, and it brought out that perfectionist side in her, even while distracted by their flirting.
“Nope; because you have no idea when I’m going to make my move. Therefore you are on your toes!”
Taking the rolling pin in her hand Carson made sure there was a sufficient amount of flour on it before rolling the flattened pastry around the wooden tool. Moving it carefully she lays the sheet over the prepared tin and starts ever so carefully pressing it against the sides to create a nice, neat, even crust. Once that was done she takes a knife and trims off the excess pastry, before meticulous starting to crimp the edges. As she does she keeps dipping her fingers into a palm-full of flour to make sure they don’t stick.
Greta watched the whole process, just enjoying the way she was totally in her element. The way her fingers handled the pastry was surprisingly sensual, it was almost hypnotic to watch. So much so it didn’t even register with her what was about to happen as Carson suddenly stops finessing the crust.
Without missing a beat Carson takes the remainder of the flour in her hand and flicks it at her. Greta gasps, but was prepared. She had been collecting a small amount of flour off the counter so the moment the flour splattered across her dress she grabs the pile and throws it back at her. Feeling pleased with herself, a cheeky grin was plastered across Carson’s face, she most definitely had not been expecting to suddenly be encased in a cloud of flour. It caught her by surprise for a moment, then without even thinking, she rubs her hands over the counter top coating them in flour, before lunging towards a now laughing Greta. Completely accidentally her hands landed perfectly on her breasts, leaving two, Carson sized white hand prints blazon across her chest. Greta’s mouth fell open with surprise at the action, her eyebrows raising as she locked eyes with Carson through the haze of flour dust.
“Hmm, are you trying to mark which parts of me are yours Shaw?”
A bright, shy blush crosses Carson’s cheeks. She had been caught completely off guard by her hand placement and was now finding it very hard not to stare at her highlighted breasts. Biting her lip, she didn’t know how to answer Greta, who had this innate ability to leave her lost for words.
Watching Carson stumbling over herself Greta moves slightly closer, not breaking her gaze while putting her hands back into the flour.
“Well if I’m yours... your mine”
Her words hung in the air as she reached out and with intent placed her hands directly over Carson’s breasts. Leaving them there for a moment she presses a lingering kiss to her lips before stepping back, removing her hands to reveal a set of identical prints across the front of Carson’s shirt. She smirks, impressed with her handiwork.
“Suits you.”
Finally regaining her composure but with the blush still colouring her cheeks, Carson flirts back.
“Is that all you own?”
Greta’s lips purse at the question, her eyebrows raising as if pondering her next move before turning abruptly starting to collect as much flour as she could into the palm of her hand. A second of silence passed before she turned back with a purpose.
In a low slow tone, Greta commands the situation, looking directly into Carsons eyes as she raises her hand above her head.
“I own every part of you.”
She starts slowly sprinkling it over her as if it was raining flour. “Do I have to prove it to you?”
Carson couldn’t help the small squeal that escaped her lips as Greta dusted her with flour like she was a baked good.
“Ahh! Okay! Okay! I’m yours! All of me is yours! I don’t need a flour shower.”
Cracking a mischievous grin Greta pauses her hand, stopping the flour from falling for a second.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to take any risks.”
She lets a little more fall through her fingers.
“I promise!”
Carson squeals again, partly giggling too. Accepting her admission Greta leans over and empties the remaining contents of her hand into the sink. Holding her palms flat she displays that she was no longer armed,
“Hmm I’m glad to hear it. Your safe. For now.”
By this point Carson was in full blown stitches, her shoulders shaking as she tried to control her contagious laughter which was soon effecting Greta too. It took a good few minutes before they were able to regain their composure and catch their breath. Still plagued with the occasional giggle, Carson splutters,
“I bet I look like a disaster!”
“A cute disaster.”
Greta scrunches her nose adorably, helping shake some of the flour from her hair, but leaving both of their handprint marks untouched.
“It’s like I’ve been in a snow storm!”
Closing her eyes for a second Carson lets her women help her out, smiling at the feeling of her fingers in her hair.
“The others may be watching a movie but we’re living it...”
Carson’s eyes instantly flicker open, butterflies fluttering in her chest as she looked into the gorgeous chestnut eyes looking right back at her.
“Who knew Greta Gill was a romantic softie?”
A rare blush crept across Greta’s cheeks, which she instantly tried to disguise.
“Oh Shush!!”
She pauses, her fingers still loosely tangled in Carson’s curls; momentarily letting her defences fall.
“Maybe you make me want to be a romantic...”
She was used to batting away the idea of even getting to a romantic place with someone, but behind the walls Greta had created to protect herself, she was a hopeless romantic at heart. It was easier to disguise those feelings with humour then let herself get hurt again. But there was something about Carson, without even trying she had this ability to pierce the walls of her jaded heart and let that affectionate side shine through.
Softly the pair lean their foreheads together, taking a moment to just be present with each other. Finally, Carson moves her head a little to let the tips of their noses touch.
“I love it when you say things like that...”
“Only for you Shaw... only for you..”
With each word she let her lips graze across her loves lip, the sexual tension growing between them.
Wanting so badly for Greta to kiss her, Carson reaches her hand to her side to grip onto the edge of the counter. However what she grabbed was soft, almost a little sticky, and it took her a second to register what she had just done.
“Oh no!”
The sudden exclamation caused Greta to jump back a little in surprise, dropping her hold on Carson.
“Are you okay?! What happened?!”
The moment she had realised what she had done Carson quickly yanks her hand back, but the damage had been done. Her fingers hadn’t been curling into the counter at all, instead her grasp had been right in the centre of the dough lined pie tin.
“I ruined it...”
Looking down Greta observes the four jagged grooves in the base of the pastry case where her had dug her fingers into it. Raising her gaze she noticed Carson’s head was hung with embarrassment.
“You haven’t ruined it, there’s some dough left, I’m sure we can patch it up and nobody will know any difference.”
“I guess... I just... I got carried away and forgot the pie was there...”
Greta places a reassuring hand against Carson’s arm, she could be so hard on herself sometimes.
“I forgot it was too. I promise it’s going to be okay. Look I will help you.”
She grabs some of the spare pastry that had been cut away and shares it between them to start repairing the base. With a slight nod, Carson gets to work trying to mend her mistake, she felt so bad for ruining all of their hard work, and was self conscious about the fact all this came from how flustered Greta made her. They hadn’t even been kissing and yet she couldn’t contain her desire for this incredible women she got to call her own.
With the sexual tension broken, Greta couldn’t keep her jocular nature at bay, especially when it came to cheering Carson up.
“You know you can’t tell anyone I’m a softie, I have a reputation to keep.”
“A reputation? You have a reputation Miss Gill?”
Carson giggles teasingly, relaxing a little while trying desperately trying to to patch up the holes where her fingers had pierced the dough.
“Hey!” She gasps giggling a little too. “I will have you know I do have a reputation. I’m cool and mysterious, not mushy. What are you doing to me Shaw!”
Her fingers briefly brush against Carson’s as they mender the final hole together.
“Okay, i wont tell anyone that your actually a romantic. Your reputation is safe with me.”
She tangled the tips of their fingers together , lifting their hands away from the pie.
“But I know, and I think it makes you even more beautiful. Just promise me I will always get to see this side of you.”
Bringing their joined hands to her lips, Greta shyly presses a tender kiss against her knuckles.
“I promise.”
“Good,” Carson smiles, “now we better get this filled and in the oven before you distract me again and i damage it beyond repair.”
With a soft giggle Greta kisses the back of her hand again before releasing it from her grasp.
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
Moving over to the stove top she picks up the pan of stewed apples and brings them back to Carson who was finishing the edge decoration she had started earlier.
“There all done. You can go ahead and pour in the apples.”
With a nod she starts carefully tipping the pan creating a waterfall of apple sauce. Her tongue poked between her lips a little as she concentrated, making Carson smile to herself at the cuteness.
Finally the flow slowed to a trickle before coming to a stop, sitting at the perfect level just below the brim of the pie crust. Getting a spoon Carson scrapes the final bit of the filling out of the pan before Greta placed it in the sink.
“Perfect! Straight into the oven it goes.”
Carefully she picks it up and moved slowly across the kitchen to the already preheated oven. Greta, who was already stood near it, pulled the door open before taking a step back giving Carson the space to slide the tin onto one of shelves. Stepping back, glad she hadn’t spilt any, she shuts the door and grins up at her women.
“Your first ever pie is officially baking!”
“Yay!”
Greta giggles, moving to one side so Carson can wash her hands.
“This was actually fun Shaw.”
“See I told you it would be.”
Once cleaned up, she positions herself right in front of her a flirtatious smile curling at the edges of her mouth.
"Well the pies baking and everyone won't be home for nearly an hour... What should we do now?"
Greta smirks to herself leaning in until she's right next to Carsons ear and whispers,
"I think we need a shower..."
Bringing a finger up she softly brushes some flour off of Carsons cheek before starting to walk towards the door.
"T..together?"
Carson stutters, watching as Greta just keeps seductively walking out of the room. Throwing her apron onto the work top, she quickly follows up the stairs, her heart pounding out of her chest. Her feet barely touched each a step as she raced to catch up with Greta not wanting to miss a second of her tantalising movements.
Reaching the landing Greta spins round on her heels to face Carson beckoning her closer.
The world felt like it had stopped spinning as she basically leapt up the top few steps to get to her women. Now standing right in front of her, Carson wanted nothing more than to have Greta, to kiss her, to hold her, to make love to her.
This was what she had been waiting for all night, this was the reason they were here. She had never experienced desire like this, never wanted anyone this badly.
Greta pauses, her tongue slowly running over her rouge lips as she stares into the face of lover. Every rule, every reservation fell away in that moment. The only things that existed were her and Carson.
They were alone, they were together and they were safe. Those were all things she didn’t get to say very often and she wanted them to enjoy every second.
Reaching her hand up she strokes her lower lip with the pad of her index finger, building the growing tension between them before making her move.
Taking ahold of the collar of her shirt, she gently tugs Carson towards her, leading her backwards into the bathroom. Feeling the cool tile against her bare feet she keeps stepping back until both of them were over the threshold. Tightening her grip on her material Greta pulls her even closer, their lips just inches away from each other. She could feel Carson’s hitched warm breath as she leans close enough
Their desire filled every corner of the room but Greta wanted to take her time, they didn’t get to be alone often, she wanted to make the most of every second. She wanted Carson to feel like she never had before, wanted her to fantasise about this moment between them. And with this not being their first time together she felt more confident that she could handle it.
Leaning in as if she was about to kiss her, she lets go of one collar and reaches over her shoulder, pushing the door closes enough to be able to press Carson up against it. They moved with the door until it stopped and Greta finally captured her lips in passionate kiss. Her other hand dropped from its tight grip on her collar, fumbling across the door until her fingers discovered the latch, locking it shut with a click.
Forcing herself to break it off, not wanting to give too much too soon, Greta takes a step back, ready to put on a show.
The women’s eyes do no leave each other as Greta slowly, teasingly, undoes the buttons down the front of her flowing red dress. She takes her time, making sure Carson saw every one, before finally, with a soft gasp, shrugging her shoulders and letting the material pool at her feet.
Without saying a word, she takes a step out of her dress and towards Carson, their eyes never once breaking contact. The tension was palpable and the only sound between them was their hitched breathing.
She brings her hands up to the collar of Carson’s blouse, moving her fingers along the edge of the collar until they reached the top button. With a slow purposeful movement, Greta sensually undoes it, making sure her fingertips grazed against her now exposed skin as she moved down the front of her shirt, taking her time with every button. This wasn’t about getting undressed quickly, it was about the moment between them, the pure electric chemistry that was coursing through the air around them.
Reaching the bottom, she lets her hands drop down to Carson’s belt, she wanted everything undone all at once so she had easy access to her love. She had to drop her eyes for a second to get it loosened, but she quickly resumed the intense eye contact the moment it was done. With Carson’s shirt now hanging open Greta slides her hands around her now bare waist and gently pulls her closer. Carsons soft gasp at the sudden action broke the intense silence around them.
She had felt her stomach flip with every move Greta made, every touch was electric and she was just absolutely enthralled by the gorgeous women, stood partially naked before her. She could feel her hands travelling across her back, tracing patterns against her skin, it was all she could do to stop herself leaping seizing the moment but she also didn’t want this intimate moment between them to end.
Greta kept moving her hands up Carson’s back until she was finally high enough to give her shirt a little tug and send it tumbling off of her shoulders. A little encouragement on Carson’s part and it fell to the bathroom floor alongside Greta’s long discarded dress. She had never experienced anything like this in her life before, she was complete putty in her hands.
Her fingers glide down the sun kisses skin of her arms, across to follow the curvature of her hips and dropping to the already loosened waistband of her pants. Hooking her thumbs under the material she starts wiggling them down her legs, gradually exposing more of her bare skin. Greta drops to her knees, her fingers still encouraging the pants down her legs, the whole while keeping their eyes locked together, only breaking it every now and then to place the occasional kiss against her newly revealed thighs.
Even from her position on the floor, Greta could feel the rising shudder in Carson’s breathing, the way it caught in her throat at every touch of her lips and the way she shifted on her feet trying to control herself. There was no better feeling than making her women feel good.
Once her hands met the ground, the trousers gathering around Carson’s feet, she swiftly releases her thumbs, before making a little up gesture with her hand to indicate for her to step out of the material. Without hesitating Carson gets the silent message and does just that, kicking them to one side so she could stand back in her position in front of her women still on her knees. The image made heart race, her whole body felt electrified with anticipation of what was to come.
Greta however wasn’t ready to stop the games just yet. She presses a few more kisses across her upper thighs, all the while her fingertips traced up the back of shins, behind her knees and rising higher up all the way to the top of her legs.
As her hands continued their ascent Greta rose from the ground, pausing the movement momentarily while she regained her footing before continuing the journey over the curvature of Carson’s rear, and traversing up her back, before reaching their final destination and tangling into the hair at the back of her head. The sensation made a shiver run down Carson’s spine, she wanted her so badly, more than she had ever wanted anyone.
Keeping her hand in her hair Greta captures her lips in a deep and heated kiss, her other hand curls around her waist, digging her nails into Carson’s skin to leave little idents. She knew she couldn’t leave permanent marks on her, nothing that indicated there had been anything going on, but in the heat of the moment she wanted to leave some evidence that she was hers.
Time stood still as their bodies melded as one, the intense kiss providing some of the relief the pair desperately desired. Carson’s arms loosely fall around Greta’s neck, partially in an attempt to keep her as close as possible.
If only the Carson from just a few months ago could see her now. She would hardly believe it. This was how intimacy was supposed to feel, it wasn’t just the stuff of fiction, it was real and it was exhilarating.
Greta’s hand which had been gripping onto her waist, slowly starts gliding up her back coming to rest just beneath the clasp of her bra. Her fingers tugged at the material a little, acting as if she was about to undress her entirely.
Without warning Greta suddenly lets go of Carson and turns her back towards her. She takes a few slow, steps away from her, making sure she kept Carson’s focus the entire time with the soft swaying of her hips. Once close enough to the shower she turns it on; giving the water a chance to warm up.
The gentle patter of the now falling water only added to the atmosphere in the room, the anticipation growing. Still keeping her back to Carson, Greta slowly unhooks her bra, removing it dropping it to the floor beside her. Even against the sound of the shower she could hear the way Carson’s breathing got heavier as she watched the show. Smirking to herself, she tosses her hair back over her now entirely bare shoulders, letting her red locks caress her back. Moments like this, with someone as important as Carson were rare; and she was going to make the most of it, for the both of them.
Once she felt the water was warm enough she lets her underwear fall and finally looks back over her shoulder at the women who was staring, mouth ajar, at her. She extends her hand back, offering it for Carson to take, and finally speaks for the first time since they entered the bathroom.
“Are you ready?”
Carson can only nod, completely dumbfounded by the utter beauty of this women. She quickly removes her own undergarments before taking Gretas hand who leads her under the now warm water. The feeling as it hit her already electrified skin was intense, and it only got more so as Greta leans back against the wall, pulling her in as close as possible. She pauses for a moment, just looking at Carson, looking at the way the water fell on droplets her soft skin, feeling the way her slightly calloused hands caressed against her sides, listening to the heavy breathing and running water that filled the space around them.
After what felt like an age of just taking in the beauty of the women who had chosen her, she finally brings her lips down to meet Carson’s. The passion was intense; it was like nothing either had experienced before; but it was also tender, gentle, and filled with the true feelings the pair had for each other. It wasn’t long before things started heating up between them, and in that moment, as the sound of the running water covered the no longer silence of The Peaches house, it felt like they were the only two people in that world. There was nothing else, there was nobody else, it was just them and the feeling of each other bodies mingling as one.
It was a while later and the deliriously happy couple were making the most of the last little bit of alone time they had left before everyone else came home. Since it was obvious they had showered they had decided to change into their pyjamas and had made their way downstairs to cuddle on the couch.
Greta slowly twirled her fingers in her loves still damp hair, as Carson lay with her head and left hand resting against her chest. She watched herself slowly spinning Greta’s ring around and around on her finger, lost deep in thought.
“I don’t want to give this up.”
“Give what up? My ring?”
“Your ring, us, The Peaches, what we’ve created here..”
She tears up, the evenings events emotionally catching up with her.
“Tonight’s been perfect... it’s been the most... “ she pauses trying to find the right word, “real, Ive ever felt with someone...”
Greta catches sight of the tears in her eyes and slowly sits them up so she could cup Carson’s face, softly stroking the tears off her cheeks with her thumbs. She leans in to rest their forehand’s together as she spoke softly.
“This is real, we are real. Tonight has been a dream. Better than one I could have ever imagined... I know the seasons short; and we don’t know where we’re going from here, but this can never be taken away from us.”
She looks deeply into Carson’s eyes, wanting to sweep her away and never look back.
“We don’t need a wedding or rings for us to know we’re real. We know it is. In here...”
Pulling back she softly taps Carson’s chest above her heart.
She wasn’t the only one that the night had been perfect for. It wasn’t usually something Greta even let herself think or feel, but she felt for Carson in a way she hadn’t for anyone else before. Listening to the way Carson spoke about them, her innocence, the ideas of their future, it made her think that maybe one day this wouldn’t just be a dream.
“Nobody can take that away from us...”
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Carson mimics Greta’s action, gently placing her hand above her heart. Then, she quietly removes the ring, holding it for a second before taking Gretas hand and pulling the same move she had pulled earlier. She slowly slides it onto her ring finger, holding it for a second before pressing a soft kiss against it.
“Tonight will always be the night I had a wife...”
She looks up at her with a soft smile.
“I’m sorry I got emotional...”
“You do not need to apologise Shaw, tonight’s been intense, the best sort of intense but intense none the less. Whatever happens, however things go from here, we will always have tonight. And right now you don’t have to think about giving anything up, let’s enjoy the moment. Our moment....”
She was about to continue when the kitchen timer chirped into life, making both women jump out of their skin. They hold their breath for a second before dissolving into soft giggles. Reluctantly Carson slowly climbs off of Greta’s lap and holds her hand out to her.
“I guess that’s our cue... let’s go check on your first ever pie.”
She smiles as Greta takes her hand and together they go to the kitchen. Once there Carson releases their entwined fingers to retrieve the now perfectly cooked pie out of the oven and set it on the stove top to cool.
“Its our child! Our pie child!”
Greta watches, leaning back against the worktop, unable to stop herself laughing at Carson’s cuteness. It was her favourite thing when she was just being her adorable weird self.
“We’re proud pie parents!”
She walks up behind Carson, wrapping her arms around her and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.
“It actually looks really good! And you can most definitely say it was baked with love.”
It was Carson’s turn to laugh at the cuteness as she turns within her arms, just in time to catch the cheeky half smirk Greta had on her face.
“Your too cute Miss Gill.”
“Me? Your the cute one Mrs Shaw. You and your dimple.”
She presses a soft kiss against it.
Just as she was pulling back, the large clock in the hallway suddenly stuck the hour, sending it’s chimes throughout the house. The pair look at each other, before Greta slowly releases Carson from her arms.
“I guess that means everyone will be back soon... a..and we shouldn’t be together when they come back... mainly because after tonight I don’t trust myself around you...”
Carson sighs softly, seeing her Greta, who had been so relaxed and at home with it just being them, start to close up again and put on her protective mask.
“Okay... to be honest I don’t trust myself either... but before we do...”
She takes a step towards Greta, making her lean back against the counter again, and curls her fingers into her robe. Greta eagerly obliged as she bent her head down enough to capture Carson’s lips. The moment was an accumulation of everything that had happened that evening, it was soft yet passionate, quick yet lingering.
Neither wanted to be the one to break it off but eventually they both needed to come up for air. Taking a moment to catch their breath, they lean their foreheads together, softly bumping noses in almost a butterfly kiss. They stay like that for as long as they could before with much reluctance Carson takes a step back.
“I...I will stay here and finish up the pie..”
“And I will go watch for the team to get back... Carson?”
She turns while making her way out the kitchen door.
“Thank you for convincing me to stay tonight.”
With a last soft smile she heads to the lounge area to look out for the rest of The Peaches to get home. It really was taking every ounce of her resolve to not run back into that kitchen but that carefree time was over. The rules had to stay in place to protect them both.
It was a good thing they separated when they did, as only a few minutes later the front door bursts open and the sound of laughter once again fills the house. Lupe comes barrelling in, spinning Esti over the threshold as she repeated in her broken English, “there no place like home, there no place like home.”
The others quickly follow in behind the pair, all happily chatting about the film. Jo’s first thought however was to shout out to Greta, she had to protect her sister from anyone walking in on her and Carson.
“Bird! We’re back!”
Greta stands up from the couch and walks over to her, she felt so lucky to have a best friend who’s first thought was her safety.
“Did you have a good time Joey?”
She leans her arm on Jo’s shoulder, watching Esti dancing around like an excitable little kid.
“Yeah it was fun, Esti’s been like this the whole time!” She laughs “and what about you? It actually smells really good in here!”
“And You didn’t burn the house down!”
Maybelle chips in, walking past on her way to find Carson with Shirley.
“Wait there was a possibility they could have?!”
“It’s a joke Shirl, relax. Farm girl wouldn’t let her burn the place down!”
Maybelle raises her eyebrows at Carson as they walked into the kitchen, chuckling at her typical “I’m not a farm girl” response.
Back in the lounge the girls were all settling back in, most kicking off their shoes and curling up on the couches. Jess wraps her arm around Esti’s shoulder to stop her bouncing all over her.
“Calm Chica.”
She kisses her head before looking over at Greta.
“I can’t believe you actually baked! Are you sure you didn’t get Shaw to do It all for you?”
“You know Shaw, she didn’t let me slack off that easily!”
She chuckles trying not to blush as she thought back to all the things that had happened over the course of making it.
Jo catches the slight turn up at the corner of Gretas mouth, she knew that they hadn’t just made pie and had so many questions for when she could get her out for a smoke.
“Well then I think it’s only right the peaches are your first customers. What do you ladies say? Late night Shaw and Gill pie?”
“Yeah!” Lupe chips in, “I could kill for a slice right now!”
“Come on bird!”
Jo nudges her playfully as a chorus of agreement rings around the room.
“Okay okay fine!” Greta laughs, “Joey come help me cut anyone a slice.”
She loops their arms together and goes with her to the kitchen. As they got closer they could hear Carson talking to Maybelle and Shirley, only catching the end of their conversation.
“...so we both had to shower. We took the lid off and the flour went everywhere!”
Jo elbows her in the side trying to keep her voice low.
“You showered?! Together?!”
Greta shushes her.
“Not here Joey. Later... but yes...”
She quickly walks into the kitchen to stop any more questions and to save her awkward girl from having to explain anymore.
“Hi fruit, everyone’s just about to have a late night snack of the pie. You want some?”
Shirley pulls a face that everyone knew by now meant she had some random paranoia about it.
“I shouldn’t, pie before bed. That will definitely turn. I trust your baking Carson but I also don’t. I think I will just go up to bed.”
“Are you sure Shirl? Okay okay. Well you might not but i certainly am! A movie and pie! Boy is it a good day!”
Everyone laughs at Maybelle’s response, she was always so upbeat about everything and down for a good time.
“Pie for everyone but Shirley then.”
Greta says, sliding past Carson as she went to get the plates.
As she did she purposely brushed the backs of their hands together just for a second in what looked like an accidental move. Just because she couldn’t show her affection, didn’t mean that wasn’t all she could think about. She passes the plates over to Jo before finding a knife to cut it into slices.
With the everyone’s help they soon had the pie carved up and onto the plates to be served to The Peaches. They carried them through, following Jo who exclaims loudly,
“Let’s get this pie party started!”
A laugh ripples through the group and the plates get passed around until everyone had one. Carson sits down with Maybelle at the chairs while Jo sits down on the couch, Greta sitting on the floor at her feet. This arrangement meant completely accidentally the lovers were sat within direct eye contact of each other.
A contented quietness fell over the room as The Peaches family sat eating their pie, some on the floor, some at the tables, others on the couches, they were all there together, well everyone accept Shirley. Quiet conversations between friends broke out as the excitement of the night wore off and everyone relaxed.
Well everyone asides from Carson, she still felt like she was buzzing and honestly she didn’t think that would ever wear off after the night she had just had. She finds herself looking over at Greta who momentarily catches her eye. They share a look, a knowing look of what had truly happened over the creation of the pie that The Peaches family were consuming. Greta flashes her a quick wink before looking back at Jo and Jess who were discussing the movies impractical outfits.
Carson tries to refocus on her groups conversation but she finds herself zoning out, subconsciously rubbing her finger, already missing Greta’s ring and everything that meant. She couldn’t stop thinking about how amazing being her wife for the night had been. It wasn’t until Ana repeated her name that she snapped out of her trace, trying to tune back into the conversation they had been having. She takes a bite of the pie so she didn’t have to answer instantly before trying to pretend like nothing else was on her mind.
The Peaches contented happiness continued, everyone eating their slice of pie, until finally they all started dispersing, many heading to bed, especially after Jess and Lupe basically have to carry an exhausted Esti up to her room. Greta steals Jo away, going outside for a smoke and a break down of her evening with Carson. She needed to tell someone about how amazing things had been and of course Joey was her safe person.
Meanwhile in typical Carson fashion, she cleans up everyone’s plates, leaving the kitchen how they had found it, asides from the slice of pie left on the counter top, a note indicating it was for Beverly.
She didn’t want to admit that she was lingering, putting off going upstairs, waiting to say goodnight to Greta. She knew the rules were now back in place and this action was breaking quite a few of them, but she couldn’t help it after the evening they had had together.
After hovering in the kitchen for way to long Carson lets out a soft sigh, there was no way to know how long they would be and she couldn’t stand here all night waiting for her. With a reluctance in her step, she finally makes her way upstairs.
First off she went into the bathroom as she did every night, but the moment she entered, memories of all the things her and Greta had done in there came flooding back. Her heart started pounding faster as she quickly brushes her teeth, trying to ignore the hot blush that was spreading across her cheeks. It was one of those experiences she was going to think about for a long time to come, with every time making her heart flutter and her stomach flip.
Quickly finishing up she leaves, going over to her room.
She pauses outside for a second to catch her breath before quietly opening the door.
Being careful not to wake Shirley she turns on her bedside table light, she needed to read for a bit, try and calm all these feelings which were consuming her every thought.
She pulls back her covers to climb into bed but was surprised to find a small white parcel that had been laying under it. In the dim light she picks it up, slowly sitting while trying to work out what this could be and how it ending up in her bed. She certainly hadn’t left it there.
Laying it on her lap she realised it was a cloth napkin, like the ones The Peaches used at mealtimes, and there was definitely something wrapped inside.
Cautiously she starts to unwrap the neatly folded parcel, being careful not to loose whatever was inside.
It wouldn’t surprise her if it was one of Shirley’s charms for luck or protection or something like that. But what she found took her breath away.
Greta’s ring!
Happy tears sprung to her eyes. She was dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe Greta had done this. For her! It was breaking so many rules. But yet she had left her the ring, left her with a piece of their night, and it made Carson’s heart flutter. She was so unbelievably in love with this women in a way she hadn’t even imagined was possible.
Smiling to herself she went to gently pick up the ring, but her finger caught against a small piece of paper below it. She leaves the ring where it was for a moment and lifts the corner of paper which had obviously been hurriedly torn from something. Turning it over in the palm of her hand she felt her heart skip a beat.
Draw on it was a cute little heart, in the centre of which was written C+G. Carson + Greta.
It took every ounce of her self control to not flop back on her bed and squeal like a school girl with a crush.
She stared at it for a moment, tracing her fingers over the letters, before grabbing her book, and slipping it in with her bookmark. She would find a safer place for it in the morning but right now she was too buzzing to think of anything other than her women. How was it possible she felt more over a little doodle from Greta, than any of the letters Charlie had sent her from war. She didn’t dwell on that thought though as she picks up the ring from her lap and closed her hand around it for a second. This was really happening.
Unable to stop the ear to ear smile that spread across her face, she takes the ring and slowly slides it onto her right ring finger. She knew she couldn’t put it on her left, especially not in front of The Peaches, questions might be asked about where her wedding ring was. But Greta’s ring was just as perfect on her right hand.
She stares at it in the dim light for a while, just taking in the fact that she could have a little piece of her women with her at all times.
Finally she turns off the light and lays down under the covers. Wanting to keep the ring close, she places her hand over her heart and cuddles it to herself. If she couldn’t cuddle Greta this was a pretty decent substitute to have her close.
Everything in this moment was perfect, she had never felt this happy, never been this content, and she may not know what tomorrow was going to bring but with Greta by her side everything felt like it was going to be okay. Carson had never felt so sure about anything.
Greta had changed her life and with her ring on her finger, she felt whole. She thought about the night they had spent together, reliving every moment, as slowly, with the smile still plastered across her face, she fell asleep, her dreams filled with a potential future with Greta and many more perfect night like this.