CountryCore Series: Her Lady of the Lake (WLW)

Everything Comes Together, Always

Leah was led into Trin's workshop by Buddy and felt him jumping by her side each step of the way. He was definitely excited to be home, as any seven year old would be after time away, and it had been long enough. Upon finding out his real age and that his development skills weren't at the same level as his peers, Leah felt yet another kindred spirit. It also helped that he was adorable and seemed attached to her hip lately. Leah grinned and walked toward where she assumed the workbench sat, but felt nothing there.

She stumbled, but Buddy didn't seem to notice, continuing to lead her deeper into the workshop. "Um...Buddy?"

"Yes'm!" He tugged on her hand, still jumping excitedly.

Leah smiled and asked, "Where are we headed exactly?"

"Trin has a surprise! A super surprise!" He halted her movements with his free hand on her stomach, then poked it while blowing a raspberry.

Leah tried to contain her laughter at what was now his trademark way of telling her to stay put as she asked, "More of a surprise than you being home?"

Buddy giggled and let go of her hand. "Trin! Trin!"

"I'm just in the cupboard, Buddy. I'll be right there." Trin's voice carried from the other side of the garage.

Leah waited for a bit and heard something heavy being moved, sensing the vibrations it left along the cement floor. Buddy grunted as if in exasperation and Trin chuckled, only making Leah more expectant. She shifted a bit and jolted when two hands came to rest on her hips.

"Ready for your surprise? This is just the first part, by the way." Trin kissed her cheek and it only amped her excitement up all the more.

"What is it?" Trinity led Leah's hands to something she found vaguely familiar and she ran her hands along it. She eventually found the silhouette of a woman she knew and gasped. "You're... You're giving this to me...?"

Trin rubbed her side as she moved behind her with Buddy on her other side, grasping her shirt. "Yes, but only on one condition." Trin's words tickled her ear as she rested her chin on her shoulder.

"But it's the wardrobe you began with your grandfather. I can't--" Leah tried turning around, but Trin held her in place.

"I can give it to anyone I'd like. Even sell it. But I want you to have it."

"Are you sure, Trin?" Leah ran her hands down her arms and held onto her hands, wrapping her more fully around herself. She felt Buddy tapping her hand and held it out with a smile. As he took it, Leah turned her head sideways adding, "Completely?"

"Without a doubt." She took Leah's hand and she let herself be guided in the direction of the workshop doors.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise!" Buddy exclaimed as he let go of her hand. She listened to him running past them and the door to Trin's truck opening seconds later. "A picnic surprise!"

"Buddy! You aren't supposed to tell her that part either!" Trin fussed with a laugh and Leah covered her mouth to hide her balk. Trin let her hand go and she heard Buddy giggling with the soft undertones of Trin's laugh beside him. "No more slip-ups, kid! My revenge has a mean tickle monster in its arsenal!"

"Okay! Okay!" He replied between scratchy giggles.

Leah heard him getting into the truck as another of its doors was opened. Trin took her hand again and she quickly pulled her in and kissed her cheek. She shivered and grasped Leah's hips.

"What was that for, Leah?"

"Nothing in particular. You're just really lovely." She ran her hand down from Trin's neck and gave her shoulder a squeeze before she was lifted into the truck.