Natural Instinct

by

Graysen Morgen

Natural Instinct © 2012 Graysen Morgen

Blue Turtle Press

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition – 2012

Editor: Melissa Strauss

Cover Design: Blue Turtle Press

Interior Design: Blue Turtle Press

Also by Graysen Morgen

Falling Snow

Fate vs. Destiny

Just Me

Secluded Heart

Submerged

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the two people in my life that simply are the reason I live and breathe every day. To my loving partner who puts up with my writing all hours of the night, and to my daughter who amazes me every day as I watch her grow up, I love you both so very much.

Chapter One

The topless blue Jeep with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Services, bright yellow logo magnets on both sides, careened into the pier parking lot and skidded to a stop in one of the twenty vacant spots. The driver quickly put the gearshift in neutral and set the parking brake, and then she grabbed a black neoprene backpack from the backseat and hopped out. She covered her short blond hair with a black ball cap sporting the same yellow logo as the magnets on the Jeep. The sun was barely coming up over the ocean so she wasn’t able to cover her gorgeous green eyes just yet. She hurried towards the awaiting dive boat at the end of the long dock, trying not to trip and break her neck because of the flip flops on her feet.

"Running a little late this morning Chan?" The driver of the boat called out to her as she untied the last dock line and jumped into the boat. “How’s Kaylie?” He asked when she ignored him. His shaggy brown hair stuck out from the sides of his matching hat, and his face could've used a shave two days ago. He was semi-muscular, but very lean for his almost six foot tall frame. His black swim trunks and white polo shirt matched the same outfit the blond woman was wearing. Both of their shirts and shorts had the NOAA NMFS yellow logo on them. His flip flops even matched hers, although they weren't company issued like the rest of their attire.

She stowed her backpack in the tiny cuddy cabin and sat on the captains’ chair next to him. "Don‘t start Blake." She huffed. “She’s fine.” Her five and a half foot tall frame had all the right feminine features mixed with well toned muscle. She was built like a swimmer, and had the tan to prove she spent a lot of time in the water.

"Did you at least stop for coffee?" He asked as he maneuvered the boat out into the open water.

"Shit!" She smacked her hand on the side of the boat. "I left it in the Jeep." She laughed and shook her head. This was turning out to be a wonderful day.

"Well, I'd say it could be worse, but knowing you Chan, if I say that, it will get worse." He smiled and kept chugging the boat along while she opened the waterproof charts and began going over her notes from the day before.

***

Chandler Scott was a Marine Biologist for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Services. She was given an assignment to do a Recovery Plan Project on Sea Turtles. Since sea turtles and dolphins were her specialty she jumped on the opportunity. She'd been working at Sea World helping out on a few dolphin projects that NOAA Fisheries had her assigned to for close to a year, so this was the break she was looking for. On top of that, the project was taking place out of the Florida Keys, so she could finally be close to the beach again. Since Sea World was in Orlando, Florida and in the center of the state she very rarely saw the beach. The whole purpose of taking the position with NOAA Fisheries in Orlando was to be close to the water again, instead of stuck in a lab in New York, where she'd been for the past three years since she graduated from college with her PHD in Marine Biology.

***

Blake Duncan stopped the boat when the GPS began beeping announcing that he'd arrived at his destination, a small reef a half mile off of the Southeastern tip of Key West, Florida. Blake was a Marine Life Researcher, meaning he only had a bachelor's degree. Therefore, he never actually became a biologist. The titled didn't suit him much anyway; neither did another four years of school. So, he took to being the biologist's assistant, or in his own terms, 'research bitch'. He was offered the position of Dr. Scott's assistant since he already lived in Key West and worked out of the local NOAA Marine Science Center.

***

Six month’s into the project they were rounding the most critical area of their research. The information-gathering stage was almost complete and Sea Turtle mating season was set to start in less than a week. Chandler and Blake spent all of March and April preparing underwater and land cameras in various reef and beach areas, as well as taking seaweed samples. The Mating Season ran from May to August, with June and July being the prime months. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle was the most common in their area and tended to lay eggs anywhere from one to seven different times and as close as fourteen days apart. Chandler and Blake needed to be ready to observe this entire phase and document as much of the event as they could, then they'd continue to watch the nests and the female turtles as they left the area. For the next year they were suppose to watch the hatchlings finally leave the beach and observe their movements once they reached the ocean. This entire three year assignment was to find the cause for the Sea Turtles becoming a Threatened Species and in some cases Endangered Species, and develop a plan to recover the Species in this area. Various projects of this stature were going on in other locations around the globe in a worldwide Recovery Act to save the Eight Species of Sea Turtles. Being able to head up a project of this magnitude was a major career boost for Chandler.

***

She stripped her polo shirt and swim trunks off and stuffed them in her back pack. She was wearing a two piece black bikini underneath. Chandler quickly put her skin-tight rash guard top on, then squirmed into her black shorty style wetsuit with short sleeves and half legs since the water was tropical she definitely didn’t have to worry about freezing. The only reason she wore the wetsuit to begin with was because of NOAA’s safety regulations. She tested her dive tank regulator and rinsed her face mask and snorkel in the water. She attached the small underwater camera to her weight belt, then put the dive mask over her eyes and nose and waved at Blake before tipping backwards off the side of the twenty foot boat. His job was to document everything that she told him and collect the specimens when she came back to the surface. Chandler would dive to the bottom of the twenty foot deep reef and take pictures first, then come up and exchange the camera for sample bottles and tongs, and then she’d go back down and retrieve bits and pieces of the seaweed and algae. They did this in various locations three days a week, the other two days were spent sitting in the research lab of the NOAA Marine Science Center.

***

An hour later Chandler popped up on the surface. She climbed up on the dive platform on the back of the boat and stripped her tank off. Blake took the camera and put it back in its case, then brought her a fresh oxygen tank so she could switch hers out since the one she was using was close to being empty.

“How’s it looking?” He asked. It had been two months since they were last at this particular reef collecting samples.

“Not bad, I saw some new growth I want to check out. This is definitely an eating spot. I got some good shots of the tracks on the bottom. It’s hard to tell how many or how often, I’m hoping the samples will show that.” She rinsed her mask.

“I saw you have 1822B marked for examination today.” He said.

“Yeah, remember me telling you about those odd lines in the sand on the bottom?”

“Oh yeah, that’s the day the camera quit on us. We couldn’t get the shots.”

“I know, luckily we have two now. Anyway, I want to check them out again. It’s only a hunch but it was very similar to chain drag lines. The fishermen aren’t supposed to be dragging this shallow, especially not over a reef.”

“Holy shit, that’s a major fine if they are.”

“I know.” She shrugged. “Either way, we need to photograph that reef anyway so I added it today.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him and put her dive mask back on. With a swift wave of her hand she tipped back off of the side and splashed into the water once more.

***

Chandler tossed her backpack in the backseat and climbed into her Jeep. Blake’s little Toyota truck was parked a few spaces away. They arrived at the dock just after three p.m., it was close to four by the time they rinsed off the boat and refueled it. Then, they had to stow their gear and lock everything up. Chandler would drop the film and the specimen bottles off at the lab to be processed the next morning and Blake would take the oxygen tanks to be refilled for their next trip.

Blake waved as he pulled out of the parking lot ahead of her. Chandler shifted gears and followed him towards Flagler Avenue. He turned off a side street just as her cell phone rang. She fumbled with answering the obnoxious device and down shifting to go around a turn at the same time.

Chapter Two

“Chandler Scott,” She accomplished her task without running anyone over.

“Hi Dr. Scott, this is Andrew Barnes with NOAA NMFS.”

“Hi Mr. Barnes, what can I do for you?” A call from headquarters was completely unexpected so she pulled off to the side of the road in case she needed to take notes or perhaps discuss the findings in the latest report she submitted.

“I’m calling to alert you of our latest development in your program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sending a biologist out to work with you. I was told to inform you as soon as possible. He should be arriving at the lab in the morning.”

She wanted to toss her phone on the black top and run it over. She held her temper. “Do you know his credentials?” She had every right to ask, this was her project, and had been for the past year and a half and would be for the next year and a half.

“Uh…” She heard the man fumbling with papers. “Corey Joslen. Dr. Joslen is a biologist working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He’s been heading up a research project on the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.”

“Okay? The Olive Ridley has nothing to do with us, we pretty much see only Loggerheads here.”

“That is very true however the U.S. FWS is funding part of the Recovery Plan Act….”

She cut him off. “Meaning they can send whoever they want to spy on me, am I right?” She didn’t hide the frustration in her tone.

“I know this is a slight damper to your routine, I’m sure he won’t be in your way, he’s simply being sent to help with the research.”

She blew out a deep breath. “NOAA NMFS is still the lead on this job, right?”

“Oh yes, of course.” He said. “Dr. Scott, you’re in charge of this Recovery Plan. Dr. Joslen is only coming aboard to help out because he’s familiar with Sea Turtle research, it may not be the same species, but I’m sure his expertise will be beneficial to your team.”

My team? She thought to herself. It’s me and Blake, that’s my god damn team. She was beyond irritated. Stupid ass pencil pusher sitting at a god damn desk wouldn’t know a turtle from a dolphin if I shoved it up his ass! “Okay Mr. Barnes, I’m looking forward to meeting him. I think he will definitely be an asset to me out here. Thanks.”

“No problem. He’ll be there at eight.” The line went dead. She slammed her phone closed.

“Eight! He’s lucky we’re not on the water tomorrow. Hmm...” She thought about calling Blake and changing their plans so she could drown the newbie. Instead, she shifted gears and got back on the main road headed towards the lab, and then to her two story beach house, which was more like an expensive shack. It did have everything she wanted though, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a tiny kitchen with an eat-in dining room, and a moderate sized living room. Bamboo hardwood floors ran from wall to wall throughout the house with various area rugs and runners in every room. The backyard had about ten square yards of sandy grass. The rest was white beach sand and ocean waves. The front driveway was a gravel and sand mix.

***

The next morning Chandler parked her Jeep in one of the open spots in front of the Marine Research Center’s main building and walked through the doors. Blake caught up with her as soon as she stepped in the lab.

“We…”

She cut him off and handed him a cup of coffee. “For yesterday,” She shrugged and smiled when he gave her a funny look and took the Starbuck’s cup. “Be on the lookout for some guy from Fish and Wildlife Services, he’s being sent to babysit. Barnes called me last night. Apparently, he’s some hotshot from California that’s been…” Chandler was cut off by another female voice coming from behind her. She turned around, almost into the arms of the beautiful brunette. She was taller than Chandler; close to five eight with shoulder length wavy black hair and steel blue eyes. She bore a hole in Chandler.

“I was sent here to help out with your research.” The woman extended her hand the mere six inches that were between them. “I’m Corey Joslen.” She flashed a half hearted smile and a slightly raised eyebrow. “I take my coffee black with two sugars.” She winked. “So you know for next time.” The brunette took just enough time to eye Chandler up one side and down the other before meeting her sea green eyes.

Chandler wanted to crawl into a hole and die, then slap that smirk off of the woman‘s face. She had to admit the gorgeous woman in front of her was in unbelievable shape and her tight green pants and khaki colored oxford shirt, the typical wildlife uniform complete with work boots, clung to her feminine curves. Chandler returned the handshake without doing what she really wanted to do, which was take a good hard, long look at the woman in front of her.

“Well, so now that we’ve all met, we should probably get started.” Blake didn’t want to wait around and watch these two scratch each others’ eyes out.

***

By the end of the day Chandler was finally retracting her claws, but only because she knew the day was over and she was heading home. That always brought the biggest smile to her face, especially since it was Friday. Corey had spent most of the day working with Blake. He showed her the process for logging and examining their findings. Chandler reviewed her films after Blake developed them, and studied the specimens that she brought in the day before. Then, she spent the second half of the day mapping out the plans for the next day as well as adding the new information to her record spreadsheets.

“I figured you’d be gone by now.” Corey said when she passed Chandler sitting behind the computer in her makeshift office.

“I’m not a banker Dr. Joslen.” She tipped her chin up so she could look into the blue eyes gazing down at her. She spoke as sarcastically as she could and still remain professional. “I’m a scientist and my work habits are none of your business.” She stood up and turned her computer off. “Now, if you will excuse me I have a prior engagement.” She stepped around the taller woman and headed towards the main door. Corey followed her into the parking lot. Blake was already outside and waved as he got into his truck. Corey walked towards her rental SUV.

“Hot date Dr. Scott?” She called back over her shoulder as she opened the door to the white Ford Escape.

“You could say that.” Chandler yelled back as she hopped into her Jeep, seconds later she drove off.

Chapter Three

Chandler parked her Jeep in the gravel driveway next to the black Honda Civic and went into the house.

“I’m home baby.” She called out as she walked through the empty living room.

“In the kitchen.” A sweet sounding young voice called out, along with squealing in the background.

Chandler rounded the corner just in time to witness a handful of green beans go flying across the room. She bit back a smile. “There’s my baby girl!” She stepped over the green mess on the floor and headed towards the highchair next to the table.

“Look Kaylie, there’s Mommy.” The blond next to the stove called out to the little blond haired toddler in the high chair. “Throw your dinner at her for a change.” She laughed.

Chandler picked up the squealing baby and held her against her hip. The two year old little girl had wavy blond hair and turquoise green eyes, she was a spitting image of Chandler. “Hey Stinky, did you have fun today?”

“Be Bird! Be Bird! Be Bird!” The little girl giggled.

“Oh, did we learn a new character today?” Chandler turned towards the slightly shorter blond across from her.

“Yeah, we watched Sesame Street close to fifteen times today.” She walked over to them. “Didn’t we Kaylie?” She said to the little girl as she tickled her.

“You’re spoiling my kid Jacey.” Chandler smiled and kissed the woman on the cheek.

“Well, why not? She’s the best niece in the world aren’t you angel?” Kaylie nodded her head.

“Yes.” She said.

“And see, she’s smart too!” Jacey laughed.

“Hmm…so what did you learn on Sesame Street Aunt Jacey?” Chandler asked as she sat Kaylie back in her high chair and then took the chair next to her.

“Well, smarty pants sister of mine, I learned that this kid doesn’t forget a thing she hears.” Jacey set Chandler’s plate down in front of her and took the other seat at the table. “I think we’ll watch Sponge Bob next week.”

“Ponge Bob! Ponge Bob!” The toddler threw her arms up in excitement.

“You and Aunt Jacey will watch that one next week baby.” Chandler said as she began eating her dinner.

“Kay.” Kaylie said and started eating her food just as her mother did. The little blond child mimicked her mother’s every move. If Chandler picked up her glass, Kaylie picked up her sippie cup. If Chandler took a bite of her pasta, Kaylie took a bite of her green beans or mashed sweet potatoes. Jacey couldn’t help watching the Mother Daughter exchange.

***

After dinner Chandler played on the floor with her daughter for a couple hours while Jacey cleaned the kitchen.

“Wanna go see ducky?” Chandler said to her daughter.

“Yeah Ducky! Mommy! Ducky!” The little blond girl jumped into Chandler’s arms.

“Hey Jace, I’m gonna give Stinky a bath.” She called towards the kitchen.

“All right.” Jacey yelled back. Chandler was already halfway up the stairs with her daughter in her arms.

As soon as she reached the bathroom and put Kaylie down she ran over to her potty chair. “Potty Mommy.” The little green eyes looked up at her.

“Okay baby, let Mommy help you.” Chandler helped her get her Muppet Babies underpants off and the little girl sat on the toilet all by herself. Chandler was more than glad she started potty training Kaylie when she was eighteen months. Now, she barely had to help her.

“Ducky!” The girl shouted when Chandler started filling up the bathtub. She added Johnson and Johnson baby bubbles, and then finished undressing Kaylie. As soon as the water was warm enough she set her into the tub. Kaylie splashed around her toy ducks and boats while Chandler washed her hair and body with the baby shampoo. “Mommy!”

“Yes Kaylie?” Chandler waited patiently. No matter what happened out in the field everyday or in the tiny cramped up lab, nothing ever compared to coming home to that thirty pound, three foot tall, ball of energy with blond hair and green eyes. “Splashy! Splashy!” The toddler said as she made one of her rubber ducky's dive into the tub causing a small splash of water to rise up.

Chandler let her play a little longer then let the water out of the tub as she dried Kaylie off with her yellow duck shaped towel. She quickly towel dried her fine blond hair and dressed her in her Mickey Mouse pajamas. “Come on, let’s go pick out a story to read.”

“Kay.” Kaylie took off walking towards her bedroom. Chandler hung her head over the railing to the staircase.

“Jace?”

“Yeah?”

“Come tell your niece goodnight.”

“Be right up. I’m folding clothes.”

Chandler went into the little room at the opposite end of the hall. Light blue paint covered the top half of the walls with seagull birds flying and the sun in one corner that was painted orange. The bottom half of the walls was a darker shade of blue that resembled the water. Ducks floated on the top with a boat off in the distance and various fish were painted in the water area, along with a couple large sea turtles and dolphins. Chandler spent three days alone painting her daughters room before they moved in. The rest of the house was pale pastel colors with off white trim. All in all, the little beach shack was actually a decent sized, nicely decorated beach house.

“Sorry, I was folding the last of my clothes. I did two loads today.”

“Cool, did you do any of mine?”

“Yeah, they’re on your bed. I put Kaylie’s in her drawers.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” She bent her head and kissed the little blond on the forehead. “What’s Mommy reading to you?”

“Snow ite.” She giggled.

“Uh…” Jacey turned to her sister.

Chandler laughed. “Snow White.”

“Gotcha.” She kissed her sister’s cheek. “You guys have a good weekend. I’ll see you dark and early Monday.”

“Uh huh, bright eyed and bushy tailed!” Chandler said sarcastically. “I’m liable to choke the life out of my new ‘researcher’ on Monday.”

“Hmm…that doesn’t sound good. What happened to Blake? I kind of thought he was cute.”

“Let me read to her and I’ll come down and tell you.”

“Okay. Want a beer or something?” Jacey said as she stood up.

“Sure.”

Chandler read four or five pages into the story and Kaylie was curled up against her sound asleep. “Mommy loves you my little angel.” Chandler whispered and kissed her forehead as she covered the sleeping toddler up and slipped off of her tiny Mickey Mouse bed. “God I’m getting too old to crawl in and out of this little bed.” Chandler whispered to herself as she turned out the light. A matching tiny Mickey Mouse nightlight gave the room a soft glow.

***

“Blake’s still there. I have some new hotshot biologist from California down here babysitting me. She arrived yesterday.” Chandler said as she stepped off of the last stair. Jacey was curled up on the couch with a Heineken in her hand. Another bottle sat on the coaster awaiting Chandler’s arrival.

“Damn! I thought you were heading up the research?”

“I am. It’s a long story. She works for Fish and Wildlife Services.”

“What does that have to do with sea turtles?” Jacey laughed and tucked a lone strand of blond hair behind her ear.

“That’s what I said. Apparently, she’s been working on a sea turtle project out there and could be beneficial for me here.”

“That sucks. Is she a bitch?”

“I don’t know, I pawned her off on Blake after she looked at me like a piece of meat hanging in a window and she hadn’t eaten in a few months.”

“Oh my god!” Jacey’s eyebrows shot up and she laughed.

“”I’m glad that amuses you.” Chandler spoke with a touch of edge in her voice.

“I…uh…I didn’t realize women did that.”

“I’ve been guilty of it, but I was barely twenty.”

Jacey bit back a laugh. “How old is she?”

“I don’t know. She looks younger than me, but I bet she’s a little older.”

“You say that like you’re old Chan, my god you’re only twenty nine.”

“I know that. If I had to guess I’d say she looks twenty six maybe, but is probably thirty one. Know what I mean?”

“Yeah, so is she hot?”

“Hot? Excuse me?” Chandler stared at her sister.

“Well? What does she look like?”

She’s gorgeous. Tall, dark, and egotistically dangerous, with razor sharp steel blue eyes that’ll cut you in half and watch you bleed to death. “She’s okay. Taller than me, probably five eight or five nine, definitely well toned. She has shoulder length wavy black hair and blue eyes.” Chandler drank half of her beer in one sip. Partly because she’d had a long week, ending with an extremely long day, and partly because she needed to put out the flames that woman ignited in her.

“Hmm…she sounds pretty. What’s her name?”

“Dr. Joslen. Uh…Corey I believe.”

“Her dad must’ve named her too.” Jacey smiled. Chandler was named after their father since she was the first born. “Not that I’m complaining about your name, or my own for that matter.” She laughed. Chandler raised her eyebrows in laughter and clinked her bottle against her sisters.

“Well, Chancellor and Jaclyn Scott had two girls so I guess we’re lucky we got Chandler and Jacey. It could be a hell of a lot worse.”

“No shit!” Jacey finished off her beer and took the bottle to the kitchen. “I’m going to take off.”

“I’ll see you Monday.” Chandler walked her sister out.

Chapter Four

Monday morning arrived all too quickly. Chandler spent the entire weekend watching TV and playing with her daughter. They swam in the ocean and built a sand castle behind the house, then baked cookies. Kaylie was a mess she had batter for the cookie dough all over her since she decided to stick her hands in it and play.

***

As soon as Jacey showed up Chandler kissed her daughter’s forehead and made sure she was still asleep. There was no need for the toddler to be up at four a.m. when her mother was leaving for work.

Chandler arrived at the pier at a four thirty. She careened the Jeep into one of the open spots and got out with her backpack. She swiftly made her way down to the end of the dock where the large dive boat was moored.

“Morning, Blakie!” She said as she climbed aboard.

“Sup Doc.” He called back to her, and then looked over her shoulder. She turned around to follow his eyes. “Did she ride with you?”

“Nope. I guess she’s just punctual.” Chandler shrugged and stowed her gear. Corey climbed aboard the boat wearing a Fish and Wildlife Service green polo shirt and khaki shorts. She had on a pair of flip flops that looked similar to Chandler’s and Blake’s.

“Good morning, Dr. Scott, Mr. Duncan.”

“Please, call me Blake.” He said. “Come on, I’ll show you where you can stow your bag.” Corey was carrying a small black duffle bag. Blake opened the storage compartment where Chandler always put her backpack.

“Is she always this well-behaved?” Corey said as she turned back towards Chandler who was untying the dock lines. She’d already pulled out the charts and started checking her dive gear.

“Yup, that’s Chan. She cuts no corners.”

“I see that.” Corey turned and walked towards the back of the boat and Blake piloted them out of the marina.

“Would you like some help?” Corey said as she grabbed a hold of the cleat on the side of the boat for stability.

“Have you ever been on a boat Dr. Joslen?”

“Yes, as a matter fact I have many times Dr. Scott. And for the last time, can you please call me Corey or CJ? My subordinates call me Dr. Joslen.”

Chandler choked back the laugh. “Okay, in that case call me Chandler.”

“See, we’re friends already.” Corey smiled.

“Hmm...” Chandler rolled her eyes, but grinned sheepishly before walking back to the captain’s chairs. Corey stood behind her and held onto her chair since there were only two chairs and Blake was sitting in one while driving the boat.

Minutes later they pulled up at their first stop. Blake explained how everything worked to Corey while Chandler stripped her polo and swimming trunks and put her wetsuit on. She caught Corey watching her out of the corner of her eye. Her skin tingled as she followed Corey’s eyes running down her body and back up. This is ridiculous, grow up Chandler.

***

Everything went as scheduled. Chandler dove and took pictures, then collected samples on all of the sites that she had marked out for that day. Corey helped Blake log the specimens, and then she helped Chandler change tanks when she needed to. Their hands brushed against one another only once. Chandler pulled away shyly. Corey seemed to enjoy the closeness.

The boat arrived back at the dock at four p.m. They quickly cleaned the boat up and headed for the parking lot. Blake had the empty tanks and Chandler took the specimen containers with her.

“See you guys in the lab. Hey CJ, we meet in the lab at six thirty.” Blake called out as he climbed into his truck.

“Sounds good. See you later.” She turned to speak to Chandler but she was already in her Jeep and talking on her cell phone. Corey simply waved at her.

***

Tuesday morning Chandler stopped at Starbuck’s on her way to the lab. She remembered Corey telling her how she took her coffee, so she ordered one for her as well. Of course, Corey’s SUV was already in the parking lot when Chandler arrived. She was thankful for a job where she didn’t have to dress up, especially since she was pushed for time as it was. A company issued polo shirt and swim trunks, and a pair of flip flops was the absolute perfect working attire. The hat only added to it, but her hair was actually too short to brush anyway so she always just put gooey stuff in it and left it styled messy.

“Morning Chan.” Blake took the offered cup of coffee.

“Where’s Doctor ‘I-know-everything’?” Chandler felt the warm body pressed up against her back. Her heart fluttered and her skin burned. Corey reached around her and took the extra cup of coffee. She whispered in Chandler’s ear at the same time.

“Right here.”

Chandler took a deep breath and forced herself to swallow as she moved forward to break the contact. Her skin froze in every place that Corey was just touching her. My god!

“So, what’s the plan for the day?” Corey asked as if nothing had just happened. Blake hadn’t even noticed the physical display that passed between them since he was reading the newspaper.

“Uh…I…” Chandler wanted to kick herself. “I’m going to check those specimens under the microscope and compare them to the ones from each sight. Blake’s going to develop the film and log all of the records.”

“What do you have in mind for me?”

I’d prefer you disappear. “I…well I guess you can work with him, or you can work with me. It’s your choice.”

“Are you always this uptight?” Corey said boldly.

She’s got guts. Blake thought as he looked up over his newspaper to see what Chandler was going to say.

“I guess cool, calm and collected really isn’t your style Dr. Joslen. I’m sorry if you have a problem with organization and structure.” Chandler raised her eyebrows and blew out a frustrated breath as she went over to the microscopes.

“We need to test the cams and sensors this coming weekend.” Blake said as he tossed the newspaper into the trash and headed towards the photo room.

“I know.” She said as she started preparing the slides and running tests on the bio matter. Corey stood next to her and began mixing the solution and setting up the chemicals to dilute portions of the seaweed in freshwater.

“So…you chose to work with me anyway?” Chandler said without looking up, she could feel the blue eyes cut through her.

Corey shrugged. “I like a good challenge.” She grinned, but just like Chandler, she never faltered what she was doing.

***

The three of them spent the next two weeks in and out of the lab part of the day and watching the cameras and sensors along the beach at night. They only went out to collect twice a week. Chandler let Corey dive with her twice to see how the specimens were collected and pictures were taken at the reefs. Most of their duties were put on hold until the turtles decided to lay their eggs. Then, all three of their worlds would turn upside down while they recorded every part of the egg laying and hatching ritual for the next five months.

Chapter Five

Wednesday night as Chandler was leaving Corey came up to her.

“Want to grab some dinner with me?”

“Uh…” Chandler spun around to face her. “I can’t…I’m sorry.”

***

Chandler jumped into her Jeep and drove off. She pulled up in her driveway twenty minutes later. The house was quiet when she walked in.

“Jace?” She set her backpack down by the door. “Kaylie, baby Mommy’s home.”

“Ssshh…” Jacey hung her head over the stairwell. Chandler cocked her head to the side and started up the stairs. Her sister met her halfway. “She’s asleep.” Jacey whispered.

“At seven o’clock at night?”

“We went to the park today, she’s worn slap out. She ran around and played with a bunch of kids most of the day.”

“Wow. That’s cool.” Chandler pushed the sadness aside. She hated missing those moments in her daughter’s life. “I hope she sleeps all night though, she never goes to bed this early.”

“She’ll probably be up in the morning when you leave.”

“I can handle that.”

***

When Jacey arrived the next morning Chandler was already ready to go.

“Hey, she’s been up and down for the past hour. She must’ve been dead tired, she woke up about three thirty, but then went back to sleep a little while ago.”

“Hmm…alright, I‘ll put her on the couch with me when she wakes up.”

“I’m on the boat today, but I have my cell as usual.” Chandler went into her daughter’s room. Kaylie was sound asleep. Chandler brushed the blond hair off of her forehead and kissed her goodbye. The toddler smiled in her sleep.

***

“Good morning slave drivers.” Corey said as she caught up with Chandler and Blake in the pier parking lot. The three of them walked down to the boat together. Chandler rolled her eyes at the comment and Blake laughed.

“I think it’s your turn to go skinny dipping today CJ.” Blake smacked her shoulder.

“I…well…I don’t mind skinny dipping, but that usually leads to things that frighten fish.” She looked over at Chandler as she spoke.

“Don’t look at me, I have a wetsuit.” Chandler said with raised eyebrows.

“How about I go swimming and you two stay in the boat and roast.” Blake said with a smirk.

“Nope. Sorry guys. Besides, Blakie the wetsuit won’t fit you.”

“Great.” He said as he began piloting the boat away from the dock.

“Good news Blake, I get to roast out here with you as usual.” Corey smiled.

***

Halfway into their day Chandler was coming back to the surface with her last specimen for that particular reef. Corey was helping her with the containers when she heard a loud ringing noise.

“What the hell is that?” She turned to Blake.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. The boat wasn’t running so it wasn’t anything to do with it. “Oh wait its Chan’s cell phone.”

“She’s coming out of the water. Answer it.” Corey said as she helped Chandler get into the boat. When she turned around he was right behind her.

“Chan it’s Kaylie…” He handed her the phone.

“Kaylie baby?” She answered questioningly, wondering why her daughter would be calling her in the middle of the day.

“Chandler it’s Jacey, we’re at the hospital…”

“What? What’s wrong with my girl? Why are you at the hospital?” Blake was already driving the boat towards the shore as Chandler striped out of her wetsuit and threw her clothes back on. She continued talking to her sister.

“I don’t know Chan. She woke up with a fever. I gave her baby Tylenol and a bath. I thought it would come down, but it kept spiking. Then she started puking so I called her doctor. He said to meet him here.”

“Okay, I’m on the way in. I’ll be there soon. Its okay Jacey don’t get scared, you’ll scare her. Tell her I love her and I’ll be there soon.”

As soon as the boat touched the dock Chandler jumped off with her backpack in one hand and her phone in the other against her ear. She turned back towards Blake and Corey.

“Go…you go be with her. We’ll run out and try to get a few more samples. Go Chandler, drive safe.” Blake waved her off. Chandler ran up the dock at full speed. Corey turned back towards him.

“Is that her girlfriend?” She asked patiently as they maneuvered the boat back towards the open water.

“Who? What?” Blake asked with a questioning look.

“Kaylie?”

“That’s her daughter.” He said as he turned back towards the front of the boat and gunned the throttle.

Daughter! She has a kid, oh my god. I never…so the person calling must be her partner, it sounded like a woman. Chandler called her something…it sounded like Jason…maybe it was a man. Her husband? Boyfriend? She sure doesn’t look like she gave birth to a child, her figure is pristine. Corey sat in the captain’s chair next to Blake and stared ahead.

***

Chandler parked the Jeep outside of the emergency room and ran inside. The nurse at the desk stopped her.

“My baby…she’s sick…”

“What’s her name ma’am?” The slender redhead asked.

“Kaylie, Kaylie Scott. I’m her mother…”

“Yes, Dr. Scott, Dr. Antonio is expecting you. I’ll take you back.” Chandler followed the woman down the hall towards the Pediatric Emergency Room. As soon as the woman pulled the curtain back Kaylie was lying in the bed with tubes and intravenous lines coming out of her. Jacey was in the chair next to the bed. She looked up at Chandler with tear filled eyes that matched her sisters.

“Oh my baby girl.” Chandler hurried to the side of the bed and kissed her daughter’s forehead and held her tiny hand. Kaylie was sound asleep.

“I’m so sorry Chandler…”

“Jacey it’s not your fault honey.” Chandler hugged her sister.

“What’s wrong with her?” Chandler asked Jacey, but the doctor walked in as she said it.

“Hi Dr. Scott.” He shook Chandler’s hand. “We’re still running tests, but I’m almost certain it’s Meningitis.”

Chandler felt her entire body stiffen. Having a career in biology, she learned about different viruses and bacteria while in med-school. This was serious, very serious, and too serious for her two year old baby girl. “Are you sure? I mean what tests have you run?” She met his brown eyes and asked the most important question. “Is it Bacterial or Viral?”

“Well, we just retracted some of her spinal fluid we’re running the test right now. Unfortunately, I cannot tell whether it’s viral or bacterial at this point, it’s still too early.” He could see the pain in her eyes as she choked back a tear.

Chandler nodded. “I’m not leaving this hospital Dr. Antonio, until my daughter is fully recovered. I’m not leaving her side.” She took her hat off and ran her shaking hand through her short blond hair. “Please let me know as soon as the tests results come back.”

“I will.” The tall gray-haired man grabbed her hand. He’d been Kaylie’s Pediatrician for the past six months, since they moved to Key West. “I’m going to do everything I can to ensure Kaylie leaves this hospital as the happy, healthy little girl that I know her to be.”

“Thank you.” She said as he left the room.

“What’s wrong with her Chandler?” Jacey asked. Her sister turned to her with tear-filled eyes.

“She has a very bad infection in her spinal cord fluid and brain fluid…”

“Oh my god!” Jacey stood up and walked towards her sister.

“There are two forms, one is called Viral, it’s basically a virus in the fluid and treated with antibiotics, it usually lasts ten days. Then there is Bacterial, it’s a bacterium in the fluid that is very severe, one in ten cases either die or have long term effects.” The tears slipped from her eyes faster than she could wipe them. Jacey flew into her arms and held her sister as they both cried together.

“She’s…oh…she’ll be okay Chan…she has to.”

“I…I know…” Chandler reached over and held onto her daughter’s tiny little hand. Her heart shattered into a million pieces. Jacey stood by her side and held her other hand.

***

In the middle of the night the hospital staff moved Kaylie to a closet-sized Intensive Care room on the second floor. Chandler refused to leave the hospital, so they put a reclining chair in there for her to sleep in. Jacey eventually went home, with the promise to return first thing in the morning with clean clothes for her sister.

At five a.m. Chandler was up pacing the floor of her daughter’s tiny room. She picked up the phone by the bed and dialed a number from memory.

“Blake Duncan.” The raspy male voice answered.

“It’s Chandler…”

“Hey how is she?”

“Uh…” She couldn’t very well lie about the situation, who knew when she’d be returning to work. The entire project was about to come to an abrupt end. “She’s very sick…”

“Oh that’s terrible.”

“Blake…I’m not sure when I’ll be returning…to work.” She said with almost a whisper.

“It’s pretty bad, huh? What’s wrong with her, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“She has an infection. I’m assuming she’ll be in the hospital for a few days.”

“I’m sorry. Chandler, don’t worry about the project, CJ dove two reefs yesterday with almost no problem. I’m sure I can talk her through most of your duties until you return.”
“I don’t know Blake.”

“She is a biologist too. I’m sure not all of this is foreign to her.”

She blew out a deep breath. “I guess you’re right.” She couldn’t think straight. Every single ounce of thought was on that little blond haired baby girl. Kaylie looked like she was sleeping peacefully, mostly because of the mild sedative used to keep her from moving around and feeling the discomfort. She was also given various antibiotics and medications to keep her fever down. Her body had tiny little red spots that were only visible on her stomach and chest.

“CJ just arrived, I’ll fill her in.”

“Blake?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks. If you need me we’re in the ICU at Memorial Hospital, room 201. I can’t use my cell up here so…”

“No problem.”

***

Blake hung up the phone and walked over to Corey. She was busy with lab reports from the day before and didn’t notice him hang up the phone.

“Hey.”

“Morning,” She said with a grin.

“Uh…Chan…Dr. Scott is going to be out for a few days, maybe a week or so.”

“Hmm…is her kid okay?”

“I really don’t know…she said it’s an infection…she’s in the ICU.”

“Wow, how old did you say she was?”

“Kaylie’s a baby, she’s only two.”

“God, I hope she’s okay.”

“Yeah, me too.” He raised his eyebrows and forced a smile. “So, she asked me to help you keep the project in line.”

“Really?” Corey’s surprise showed in her voice. As if she wasn’t already floored at the fact that Chandler had a child, now she wanted her to lead the project. Did I hit my head and I’m stuck in some kind of fucked-up dream? She thought to herself.

“Well, you’re the biologist, not me. But, I can pretty much help you with everything though.”

Chapter Six

Jacey walked into the ICU room that her niece was in. Chandler was standing next the bed holding her daughter’s hand. She looked up when she saw her come around the corner.

“Hey. I brought you some coffee and a muffin.” Jacey held up a Starbuck’s coffee carrier and a small bag.

“Thanks.” Chandler took the coffee with her free hand. “Dr. Antonio was in here about two hours ago. They want to move her up to Marathon. There’s a hospital there with a bigger ICU center.”

“What did you say?” Jacey asked as she sat in the recliner on the other side of the bed.

“It’s not my call. I told him I want the best possible care for her. He’s waiting for the culture results.”

“What the hell is taking so long?”

“I don’t know. Another doctor checked on her in the middle of the night, he said her condition hadn’t changed.”

“Did you call Marlee or Paul?”

Chandler looked her sister square in the eyes. “Nope,” She said flatly and went back to drinking her coffee.

***

By Monday afternoon Dr. Antonio concluded that Kaylie had Viral Meningitis, he started her on a series of Intravenous antibiotics and decided to keep her at Florida Keys Memorial Hospital instead of moving her an hour away. She would more than likely be in there for three or four more days, depending on how quickly she recovered. The toddler had been put through a number of tests, including X-rays, CAT Scans, and MRI’s. Not to mention daily blood tests and two more spinal cord fluid tests.

On Tuesday, the phone by the bed rang. Jacey answered it.

“Hello?”

“Dr. Scott?”

“Uh no, this is Jacey, she’s in the hallway talking to the doctor.”

“Oh, hi Jacey, this is Blake. How’s Kaylie?”

Before she could answer him Chandler came back into the room.

“Hello? Blake?”

“Hey, how is she?”

Chandler looked over and her sleeping angel, still covered with IV lines and tubes. “She has Viral Meningitis…”

“Oh my god!” He said. Corey was in the lab and knew who he was talking to, but she could only make out bits and pieces of what he was saying.

“She’s slowly recovering though.” Chandler said. “I just spoke to her doctor, they’re going to ease up on her sedative today and let her start moving around a little more. She’ll probably be in here for two more days.”

“Don’t hurry back here on our account. We’re holding down the fort.” He smiled. “CJ’s a handful, but she’s been able to at least keep up with everything.” He paused. “I’m really sorry Chandler. I hope she gets better soon.”

“Thanks. I’ll either call you or see you Friday.” She hung up the phone and sat in the little metal chair next to the recliner.

***

“She may be back on Friday.” Blake said when Corey walked over to him.
“That’s good.”

“Yeah,”

“So what does she have?”

He didn’t feel comfortable discussing Chandler’s personal life, especially to a stranger. “Uh…Viral Meningitis. She’s responding to the treatment and should be released in a couple of days.”

“My god, how did she get that?” Corey was floored when he said Meningitis, she knew from medical school that that was a very serious infection, including death in some cases.

“Who knows, probably a mosquito bite or something stupid.”

“So is she married?”

“Huh?” He looked surprisingly at her. “No…uh…I don’t feel comfortable talking about her.”

“Calm down Blake, I didn’t ask if you were the kid’s father, all I said was is she married.” Corey laughed at him. “Forget I said anything.”

Blake was happy for a subject change, Chandler Scott’s personal life wasn’t his business, and it damn sure wasn’t Corey Joslen’s either.

***

Friday morning Corey pulled into the parking lot of the lab. Chandler’s blue Jeep was sitting in one of the front spots next to Blake’s little pickup truck.

“Morning,” She said when she walked in. Blake was already in the photo lab and Chandler was on the phone in her little office. The blond nodded and hung up the phone as Corey walked past her doorway.

“Hi.” Chandler met up with her in the hallway. “Thanks for helping out…I appreciate it.”

“I’d say it was no problem, but then I’d be lying. But, Blake and I finally figured out how you do what you do.” She smiled. “It was no picnic the first day or two, but now its fine.”

Chandler nodded. “Well, thanks again.” She turned to go find Blake.

“How’s your daughter?” Corey asked. Chandler turned around and stared at her.

“Fine.” She said quickly, and then relaxed a little bit. “Better now.” Corey sensed the tension and let her keep walking.

***

The day went by slower than Chandler ever could have imagined. She’d been on the phone with NOAA headquarters for the first part of her day, and then she spent the rest of the day looking into a microscope and checking the sensor feedback on the beaches that they were watching. She tossed her backpack in the Jeep.

“It’s supposed to be the first phase of a full moon tomorrow night.” She called over her shoulder to Blake.

“I know, we may get some action.” He said as he opened the door to his truck.

“I’m going to go watch the hot spots.” She was referring to the place that had the most turtles come ashore the year before, according to the locals.

“Mind if I tag along?” Corey asked. She’d overheard their conversation.

“Uh…no, I guess not. I’ll be out there from about eleven to two or three.”

“What area?”

“The tall dunes over by the Navy base.”

“Okay, Blake showed me the equipment over there last week. I’ll see you tomorrow night at eleven.” She smiled. Chandler nodded and got into her Jeep.

***

Kaylie was up walking around when Chandler walked into the house. She quickly bent down and scooped her daughter up into her arms. A pair of tears escaped her eyes.

“Hey Stinky!”

“Hi Mommy.” Kaylie giggled. She was still recovering, but seemed to be getting better every day.

“Hey, how was work?” Jacey said as she came out of the kitchen.

“Typical day, except I was expecting to be a lot further behind than I actually am.”

“Blake must’ve been busting his as…butt.”

“Yeah he did a lot, but Dr. Joslen was a big help to him.”

“Hmm…”

“I can’t complain, she didn’t screw anything up. That’s all that matters to me.”

“Kaylie, tell Mommy what we did today?”

“Dooby Doo.” The little blond giggled.

“Scooby Doo.” Chandler laughed. Kaylie mimicked her with another giggle. Chandler naturally understood every word her daughter said to her, she was still learning how to make certain sounds when she spoke, but Doctor Antonio said in the hospital that she was speaking better than most of the kids her age that he had as patients. Chandler stood Kaylie up on the floor and took her fragile little hand as they walked into the kitchen together. Both of the toddler’s hands were black and blue from the IV lines being in them for seven days.

“We laid around and watched TV all day.”

“She’s getting better. By Sunday she’ll be tearing up the house again.” Chandler joked with her sister. “Hey, are you busy tomorrow night?”

“No why?”

“Full Moon, I think the turtles are going to start running. I need to scope out the beach. Can you watch her from like eleven to three for me?”

“Yeah, I’ll just come over for dinner and stay the night. You can cook for me for a change.” Jacey wiggled her eyebrows.

“Wow, my little sister, free on a Saturday night? What will the boys do with themselves?” Chandler mocked a southern draw and made a tsk tsk noise.

“I blame the turtles.” Jacey said as she sat down to eat the chicken and rice that she’d made for them.

“Hey! They have nothing to do with your after work activities.” Chandler grinned.

“Yeah, yeah. Eat your dinner before it gets cold.” Jacey shook her head.

***

Saturday night Chandler crept into her daughter’s room, she was sound asleep under her Donald Duck sheets and Mickey Mouse comforter. Chandler brushed the white blond strands of hair from her forehead and kissed her gently. “I love you baby girl.” She whispered, and then walked back out of the room.

Jacey was sitting on the couch in the living room when she came back downstairs. “You can have my bed if you want.”

“Nah, I’m fine out here. You have the most comfortable couch I’ve ever sat on. I think it’s softer than that hard ass bed in my apartment.” She smiled. “Go on, have fun lying in the sand with Blake watching the turtles.”

“Blake’s not going.”

“Really?” She sat up. “You’re not going alone are you?”

“No, the new biologist asked to come along, so Blake decided to get one last date night before the season really picks up.”

“Hmm…”

“Don’t even go there Jacey.” She shook her head and walked out of the house.

Fifteen minutes later Chandler pulled up at the beach area on the other side of the island. Corey was sitting on the ledge of the walkway leading down to the dunes. Chandler handed her a big cup of coffee.

“Evening,”

“Hi.” Chandler said as she walked past her. Corey hopped down and followed her through the sand. Both women were in thin windbreaker type pants, tee shirts, and flip flops. “Have you ever done this?”

“Yeah, two or three times. I spend most of my time in the lab trying to make heads or tails out of the samples that are brought in.”

“Hmm…I thought you worked on a turtle project?” Chandler found the perfect spot between two dunes. She laid a blanket down and sat on top of it. Then, set her video camera down next to her, along with a small pair of binoculars. Corey sat on her other side. When they folded their legs ‘Indian style’ their knees were touching.

“I assisted on the Recovery Plan for the Olive Ridley Species in Southern California last year.”

“How did that go?” Chandler asked as she scanned the beach with the binoculars.

“Not bad, I was only in the field four or five times. Fish and Wildlife do things a little differently.”

“I Suppose so.” The moon lit up the beach perfectly. They had enough light to see up and down the shore, but were still in a dark secluded place so they would be out of the turtle’s line of sight.

“How many nests were laid last year?” Corey asked as she leaned over to pick up the binoculars that Chandler set down. Their faces were inches apart. Chandler met her bright blue eyes and held them longer than she probably should have. Corey felt the heat and grinned. Chandler swallowed hard and backed away, breaking the eye contact.

“Uh…close to fifty were sighted or recorded.” Chandler continued when Corey was out of her face and no longer reaching across her body. She willed her heartbeat to slow its’ pace before the other woman heard it pounding out of her chest. “We believe it was probably more like seventy, maybe eighty.”

Corey searched up and down the shoreline. Chandler wanted to run down into the water to cool off, she chastised herself for getting so worked up over nothing. My god, I almost kissed her. I wanted to kiss her. What in the fuck was I thinking?! Wake up Scott! She was letting Corey’s little flirtatious gestures get to her, and that needed to stop now. Chandler wasn’t exactly use to women flirting with her, she did her best to stay out of the so called ‘gay area’, but a few women she came in contact with through work flirted with her once in a while. Various men made passes at her. Blake even tried when they first met. No one ever came onto her as strongly as Corey Joslen, and that bothered her. She wanted her safety back. The safety of knowing she didn’t have to worry about dating, or relationships, or explaining her past, or the fact that she had a child she was solely raising as a single parent. Safety, that’s what she lived by, no one in her bubble invading her space and asking unanswered probing questions.

“I see something.” Corey yelled. Chandler grabbed her and snatched the binoculars.

“SSHHH…..be quiet!” She said as she searched the beach. Then, she saw it, a female Loggerhead Sea Turtle had just come out of the surf and was slowly making its way to the sand dunes about twenty yards away from them.

“Wow.” Corey whispered. Chandler grabbed the video camera and zoomed in as they watched the turtle pick a spot, then dig a narrow and deep hole. She rested for a second then deposited her eggs and covered the hole, gently spreading the sand with her front flippers.

Minutes later the turtle slowly made her way back to the water. Chandler jumped up and tip toed softly to the spot and marked it with a little flag. Corey came up behind her and placed her hand in the small of Chandler’s back as if it were second nature. Chandler felt her skin burn where Corey’s hand rested.

“Do you think we’ll see more tonight?” Chandler pulled away from her and turned around. She wanted to tell her to keep her god damn hands to herself.

“I don’t know. This is the beginning of the season. In June and July you can see ten or fifteen in one night, sometimes up to ten or fifteen at one time.” Chandler began walking back to the blanket in their secluded area.

“Are we going to wait for more? It’s only midnight.”

“I was planning on staying until three. You can go if you want.”

Corey sat back down next to her. “No, I’ll stay, I‘d like to see more of them. Besides, you shouldn’t be out here alone anyway.”

Chandler met her blue eyes cautiously. “I am perfectly capable of defending myself Dr. Joslen.” She said with a mild tone of frustration in her voice.

“I’m sure you are. But, I’m staying anyway.”

Chandler shook her head and picked up the binoculars once again searching the shoreline.

“So, your daughter’s two right?” Corey asked nonchalantly.

Chandler didn’t bother looking at her as she continued watching the waves crash. “Yeah.”

“Are you married?”

“No.” Chandler pulled the binoculars away from her face and turned her head towards Corey. “I don’t want to talk about my personal life. Pick another subject, or be quiet. I‘d prefer the latter.” She went back to searching again.

***

The rest of their evening was uneventful. Chandler waved goodbye and got into her Jeep. Journey’s song ‘Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin’ was on the radio. She turned it up as loud as she could and drove off into the night singing her heart out.

A few minutes later she pulled up at her dark house. Jacey was asleep on the couch, so she quietly made her way up the stairs and took a shower.

Chapter Seven

Another month went by. Kaylie was finally back to normal, terrorizing the house daily. The turtles they were researching were slowing picking up the nesting season, although they were still early for the season. Chandler expected June and July to be non-stop nesting every night, but until then she had to keep an eye on the early birds, so to speak. Corey continued her probing questions every now and then, some of them as simple as ‘what’s your middle name?’ to almost boldly asking who Kaylie’s father was. Chandler avoided every one of them at all costs.

***

Friday afternoon Blake pulled the boat up against the dock. Chandler jumped ashore to tie up the craft while Corey began gathering up their gear.

“Here’s to the weekend.” Blake said as he handed the oxygen tanks to Chandler.

“I second that motion. Any big plans for Cinco De Mayo Blakie?” She asked. The big Mexican Holiday was Saturday. The entire island had non-stop weekend parties scheduled.

“Yeah, I’m going to hit a couple bars on Duval Street. A friend of mine’s throwing a party, so I may end up there.” He smiled. They started up the long dock towards the parking lot. Corey was behind them talking on her cell phone to someone in her main office in California they figured since she was very formal. Something they didn’t see from her. Usually, Chandler was the serious stick in the mud of their group.

“Hey be careful.” She called out to him as he got into his truck.

“Are you going out to stand watch?”

“No, I figured with the commotion they probably won’t come ashore. It seems everyone’s planning on shooting off fireworks and shit like that.”

“Hmm…all right. See you Monday.” He shouted as he drove off.

Chandler tossed her backpack in the back of the open Jeep.

“Hey.” Corey walked up behind her.

“What’s up?”

“Would you mind giving me a ride?” Chandler looked at her rental car sitting a few spaces away from them.

“Isn’t that your SUV?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, it’s a rental. I just talked to my office. Apparently, I’m going to be here for at least another six months, maybe longer. A three month long trip is probably going to turn into a year.”

“That sucks for you.”

“Yeah, so I need to turn the rental in and go pick up the SUV that they leased from the Ford dealership. From what they told me it’s just like the one I’ve been renting, except they can lease it a hell of a lot cheaper than the rental.”

“I see. Yeah I can take you. I just need to call home real quick. I’ll be right behind you.” Chandler hit speed dial 1 on her cell phone. Corey hesitated before going to her vehicle.

“Hey Jacey, I need to take one of the other biologists to run an errand so I’ll be late coming home…no…yeah that’s fine go ahead and eat without me. Okay…give Kaylie a kiss for me…okay you too…bye.” She closed her phone. “Let’s go.” She said as she smiled and hopped into her Jeep.

***

Corey was only in the rental office for a few minutes. She came out and opened the passenger Jeep door. Reality smacked her in the face when she turned to toss her little duffle bag into the back. Kaylie’s car seat was strapped in the center. Corey had never noticed it before. A baby seat. How sexy. NOT! Damn it CJ leave her alone. She has baggage…a family…a partner.

“Thanks for helping me with this.”

“No problem.” Chandler didn’t noticed the blood drain from Corey’s face when she saw the seat.

A few minutes later they pulled up at the Ford Dealership. Chandler downshifted the gears and parked in the front. Corey’s questions began once again. Damn it! Chandler wanted to stuff a sock in her mouth.

“So, any plans for tomorrow?” Corey asked easily.

“Just hanging out at my house, we may cookout or something.”

“Oh, do you live alone? I mean you and Kaylie, wasn’t that her name?”

Chandler raised an eyebrow and turned to face her. Corey saw the turquoise green eyes grow dark. “We’ve already been down this road…I don’t like discussing my personal life.” Chandler tried not to let her tone change, but she couldn’t help being irritated.

“You sure are feisty.” Corey shot back. “I was just trying to be friendly, forgive me for being curious.”

“Fine! If you’re so god damn curious about my life…my address is twenty-four Seashore Drive...feel free to examine my world with a fine toothed comb, jackass.” Chandler yelled. “Just don’t be surprised at what you see.” She yelled again as Corey slid out of the Jeep with a shocked look on her face. Chandler peeled out as she left the parking lot. Corey stood there completely stunned. It wasn’t until a salesman came up to her, when she realized where she was.

***

Late Saturday afternoon Jacey came over in an old pair of short shorts and a little tee shirt. She tossed her beach bag in the corner and patted her niece on the head as she went into the kitchen.

“Hey Sis, what’s up?”

“Not a whole lot.”

“I see that.” Jacey said with raised eyebrows as she scanned her sister’s attire. Chandler was in a tiny pair of cotton shorts and a tee shirt that left about an inch of stomach showing. “Did you bother to brush your hair this morning?” Jacey asked sarcastically.

“What hair? It’s practically too short to brush. I did put stuff in it though, why does it look bad?”

“No, you always wear it in that ‘I just got out of bed’ look. It’s hot! I could never do that, I’d look ridiculous. Anyway, I didn’t ask you to dress up on my account.” She laughed and stepped aside when a dish towel went sailing towards her face. “Shame on you, you’re going to teach her it’s okay to throw things. You know she mimics everything you do.” Jacey chastised.
“As long as she’s throwing it at you and not me I don’t give a sh…poop.” She smiled and looked down at the tiny blond staring up at her. “Hey mini-me.” She said.

It was like looking into a mirror almost every time she looked at her daughter, the resemblance was flawless, except for the fact that Kaylie had very wavy almost curly hair, it was the same color as Chandler‘s though, white blond. If Chandler’s hair was grown out it would more than likely look like her sisters, which, was practically straight.

“Me-me.” Kaylie tried to say mini-me. Jacey and Chandler laughed.

“You see…god forbid you cuss in front of her.” Jacey shook her head. “Go start the grill.” She playfully smacked her sister’s arm. They had planned on grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and drinking a few beers while they picnicked on the tiny deck leading out to the sand.

Chandler was out back messing around when the doorbell rang. Jacey was coming down the stairs with Kaylie in her arms so she grabbed the door. Chandler had turned the outside deck radio on. Don Henley’s ‘All She Wants to Do Is Dance’ was blaring out back. Chandler was dancing to the music as she poured the charcoal in the grill.

Jacey looked questioningly at the figure standing at the door. She was a good six inches taller than Jacey with shoulder length black wavy hair and the brightest blue eyes she’d ever seen. The woman was in khaki shorts that showed off muscular tanned legs all the way down to her brown flip flops and a yellow polo shirt. “Can I help you?” Jacey finally squeaked out.

“Uh…hi…I’m looking for Dr. Scott?” The brunette said. Corey nodded for her to come inside.

“Kaylie!” Chandler called out. “Your songs on the radio Stinky!” Chandler came back into the house looking for her sister and daughter. “Jace?” She yelled as she walked through the kitchen. As soon as she reached the living room she stopped dead in her tracks.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Kaylie called out and Jacey set her down. Kaylie ran to her Mom and Chandler picked her up.

“Corey? Wha…”

Corey blew out the breath that she was holding. Shit! Reality slapped her across the face. “You sort of invited me…”

“I…” Chandler recalled their conversation. “I guess I kind of did. Um…” She motioned toward her sister. “This is Jacey Scott. Jacey this is Dr. Corey Joslen.” They briefly shook hands. “And this is my daughter Kaylie Gillian Scott.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Kaylie, can you say hi to Corey?”

“Hi.” The toddler giggled.

Corey couldn’t stop herself from eyeballing Chandler’s vigorous body. She looked sexy as hell in the little clothing that barely covered her precious parts. Corey squeezed her eyes closed and swallowed hard enough for both of them to hear her. She obviously walked into a very domesticated home, one that she definitely didn’t fit in, or so she thought. She was startled by the similarity between Chandler and the child she was holding. There was no denying that baby for sure. She was a spitting image of her mother. Corey wondered if Chandler had wavy, slightly curly hair like her daughter. Since Chandler’s hair was pretty short it was hard to tell.

“Hi.” Corey finally said back to Kaylie. Chandler set Kaylie down and she took off into the kitchen. Jacey followed her to make sure she didn’t go out back in case the door was open. Of course to offer some privacy on the awkward situation in the living room as well.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose…I’ll go…” Corey turned towards the door.

“No, it’s not a big deal. Besides, I told you not to be surprised. This is my life.” She waved her arms around in a mock circle.

“Your little girl is adorable, my god she looks just like you.” Corey smiled. “I would’ve never pictured you having a child, not after seeing you in a bathing suit on the boat anyway.”

Chandler smiled and blushed slightly. “I didn’t give birth to her.” Corey’s jaw hit the floor. “It’s a long story, one that I’m very private about. She is my biological daughter though.” Chandler smiled. “I guess that’s obvious.”

“So, how long have you and Jacey been together?” Corey asked as they walked towards the kitchen. Chandler stopped and Corey ran into the back of her. Chandler turned around to face her. That’s when Jacey came out of the kitchen and saw how close they were standing.

Chandler called over her shoulder to her sister. “Hey Jace, how long have we been together?” She grinned. Jacey smiled.

“Well, since you were seven. So, close to twenty two years.” She smiled again and offered a beer to both of them. Corey took a drink and swallowed half of the contents in one sip. She was white as a sheet. Chandler bit her lip trying not to choke.

Jacey chuckled. “Chandler you’re scaring the woman half to death!”

“I…uh…fine…” Corey tried to make a sentence. She wanted to run out of there and never look back.

Chandler grabbed her hand. “Corey, Jacey is my sister. She takes after Mom and I look like Dad, we’re seven years apart.” Corey nodded as the blood flowed back into her face. The three of them laughed.

“Mommy! Ponge Bob Ponge Bob.” Kaylie reached up and tugged on Chandler’s short shorts, almost pulling them down.

“I don’t think Sponge Bob is on today baby.” She walked over to the TV and turned on the cartoon channel. Sure enough, the cartoon was running a marathon. “Yes!” Chandler called out.

“Yes!” Kaylie mocked her and ran over to the couch. Corey grinned.

“She’ll be sitting here for at least an hour.” Jacey laughed.

“Keep an eye on her Jace, I’m going to go finish lighting the grill.” Corey followed her outside.

“You sure had me fooled, shame on you Dr. Scott.”

“Yeah well, I’m a very private person, if you hadn’t noticed.”

“Oh I noticed.” Corey said as she took a long hard look at Chandler’s butt when she bent down to pick up one of Kaylie‘s toys and toss it away from the flaming grill.

“Stop looking at me like I’m a piece of meat.”

“I…what?”

“You heard me, I don’t have to see you do it. I can feel it.”

“Oh.” Corey sat down in one of the two plastic deck chairs. Chandler sat in the other chair and nursed the beer she was holding.

“I know you’re curious. I can hear the gears turning in your head.” The blond said as she crossed her legs at her ankles and leaned back.

“That obvious huh?” Corey said shyly.

“Yeah,” Chandler said with raised eyebrows.

“I’m sorry. I just expected…hell I don’t know what I expected honestly…I mean…”

“It’s okay. I’m a single mom that’s raising a toddler. My sister has an apartment in town. She watches Kaylie for me every day so she doesn’t have to go to daycare. That’s about it.”

“About it?” Corey laughed. “You left out a hell of a lot!”

“I know. It’s not like I have some huge dark secret, I just don’t like to talk about that part of my life. It’s in the past. I prefer to keep it there.”

The radio changed to U2’s ‘With or Without You’. How fucking ironic! Corey thought. Chandler didn’t flinch. A few minutes later Kaylie came running out of the house and jumped into Chandler’s lap.

“Hey Stinky!” Jacey came out of the house behind her. “Uh oh…what did you do Kaylie?” Chandler asked her with authority.

“I went to bathroom for two seconds. I came out and she drank half of my beer!” Jacey yelled with a smile.

“Oh…bad Kaylie.” Chandler couldn’t help but laugh. “What do you want me to do Jace, spank her? She’ll be fine.”

“She’s definitely your kid, I swear.” She grinned. “I’m going to bring the burgers and hot dogs out for you.”

“Dot dog! Dot dog!” Kaylie was very excited about eating a hot dog. Corey was laughing.

“She’s too cute!”

“Yeah, wait ‘til she throws her dinner at you. Then we’ll see if you still think she’s cute.” Jacey said with a smile.

***

After a few more hours of sunshine, and a few burgers and hot dogs, Kaylie was worn out. Jacey volunteered to give the toddler a bath and read her a bed time story while Corey helped Chandler clean the kitchen. The sun had just gone down behind the ocean.

“You have a nice life Chandler. You shouldn’t hide it so much.”

“Thanks.” Chandler said as she finished putting away the last of the dishes. “Hey, would you like to walk down the beach?” She quickly added. “We don’t really see any nesting on this side, but we could still check it out…if you want.”

“Sure.” Corey sensed the hesitation.

“Let me run up and tell Jacey. Did you want to see the rest of the house? It’s not big by any means, but I forgot to show you around earlier. I’m a horrible host.”

Corey smiled. “Sure. And you’re not a bad host, a little forgetful maybe.” She winked. “I love your house though. It’s perfect for you guys, and much bigger than the tiny studio apartment that I’m renting.”

Chandler stopped in the bathroom to talk to Jacey. Kaylie was playing with her boats and rubber ducky. She was yelling, “Ducky plash” and slamming the duck into the water to make the water splash up. She showed Corey Kaylie’s room, and then walked to the end of the hallway trying to remember what state of disaster she left her own room in. Luckily, when she opened the door it wasn’t as bad as she thought. At least, she remembered to make up the queen-sized bed. The furniture was all dark cherry wood that contrasted nicely against the light colored Bamboo wood floors. Two area rugs covered part of the hard floor on either side of the bed. A stand up armoire and a dresser with a mirror were across the room, and two matching nightstands sat on either side of the bed.

“This is nice.” Corey said as she examined the furniture. A baby blue colored sheet stuck out from behind the dark and light blue mixed pattern bedspread.

“It suits me I guess.” The entire house had a very beachy, tropical feel to it. Corey really liked that. It was very different from her modern two story condo in California.

The radio was still playing outside with the volume turned down a little. ‘RESPECT’ was playing when they walked outside. Chandler turned around to face Corey. She started singing along like it was karaoke.

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me!” She spun around dancing. “I love that song.”

“I can tell!” Corey laughed. “Do you do karaoke much?”

“Hell no!”

“Ha ha, that was a quick answer.” Corey laughed and stepped out into the sandy grass. They walked along the sandy beach side by side, bumping into each other only once before Chandler added some additional space between them.

“So, what about you?” Chandler asked, breaking the silence of the waves crashing.

“What about me?” Corey turned her head to meet the green eyes looking back at her.

“Are you married? Any kids? How old are you? Where do you live? Where did you go to school? You know, the same shit you’ve been asking me for months.” Chandler smiled.

“Hmm…okay. No, no, thirty two, Huntington Beach, UCLA.” She grinned. “I know you’re not married. You only have one kid right?”

“Yes, as far as I know.” Chandler laughed. “Yes one and only one, she’s enough all by herself.”

“How old are you?”

“Who said we were playing twenty questions?”

“You started it.” Corey playing bumped into her. They were walking very slowly, as if there was no hurry, no destination, in all reality there really wasn’t.

“I guess I did, but I was only getting back at you.” She shrugged. “I turned twenty-nine a couple months ago.”

“Where did you go to school?”

“NYU.”

“Wow, you’re from New York? I would’ve never thought so.”

“Why?”

“You fit in down here.”

“Hmm…I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not.” Chandler laughed.

Corey winked. “Did you grow up in New York?”

“Yeah, I lived in the city for a while. Kaylie was born there.”

“Really? When did you move down here?”

Chandler walked along in silence. She wasn’t ready to go into that part of her life, especially with a stranger. Even though, she and Corey were slowly becoming friends, she just didn’t want to go down that road. She preferred to leave the past in the past.

“Okay?” Corey sensed Chandler’s silence. “What’s your degree in?” She asked as she tested the water with her foot when the tide rushed in.

“My PHD is in Marine Biology, with my Masters in Biology being built around Sea Turtles and Dolphins, and I minored for my Masters in Oceanography. I also have a Bachelors in Marine Conservation.”

“Holy shit, you were busy. How long did all of that take you?” Corey asked as she splashed water on Chandler.

“Ahh!” Chandler jumped back. “I graduated high school a year early and was accepted to NYU immediately. It took six full years from start to finish.” Chandler smacked her arm for the splash incident. “What about you?”

“Well, my PHD is in Marine Biology, my Masters focus was more on Ocean Life Conservation. My Bachelor’s is in Marine Science.”

“Hmm…so we shouldn’t start talking about work, we’re liable to let our ego’s swallow each other.” Chandler smiled.

“You’re probably right. Besides, I talk about Marine Life close to sixty hours a week. This is my day off. I refuse to talk about fish.”

“What about turtles?” Chandler grinned sheepishly. Corey tried to splash her again, but she got away too quickly.

“Turtles included! Everything in the damn water included, how about that?!” Corey said as she ran up the beach and grabbed the blond that was playfully running away from her to keep from being splashed again. Corey was caught up in the moment, the sound of the surf crashing against the shore, the moonlight illuminating them, the heat radiating from the body in her arms. Corey gently pressed her lips to Chandler’s. The kiss was soft and inviting at first. Corey teased Chandler’s lips with her tongue, probing the kiss to go further. At first Chandler welcomed the contact, kissing back with equal passion and force, her lips melting with Corey’s, their bodies infused together as they stood on the beach wrapped in each other’s arms.

Then, as if she woke up from a dream, Chandler pushed Corey off of her. The brunette stumbled back, barely keeping her balance as she wiped the remnants of their kiss from her lips. “Wha…I…”

“I can’t Corey. I’m sorry, I just can’t do this.” Chandler ran up the beach towards her house. Corey stood in the darkness drowning in the memory of the pain she saw in Chandler’s eyes when she pushed her away.

Chapter Eight

Chandler spent the rest of her weekend in a fog. She never meant for anything to happen with Corey, hell she never even wanted to be friends with the woman. Her life was too complicated as it was, she didn’t need some gorgeous single hotshot from California using her as her play toy for a few months until she went back home. Chandler didn’t deserve that, and neither did her child, the one and only thing that kept her grounded was Kaylie. Chandler spent time playing with her until Monday morning. She acted as if nothing happened when her sister gave her the third degree about her time on the beach with Corey. It was the most amazing kiss I’ve ever felt, so sensual. I wanted to crawl inside of her, my god.

***

Corey walked the beach until she was sick of the sand between her toes, then she sat in her tiny apartment staring at the walls until she thought she was going insane. She really hadn’t meant to kiss Chandler. She had a momentary lapse of judgment. Chandler was a mother for Christ’s sake. There was no way in hell she was getting involved in that situation. Besides that, nothing seemed to point in the direction of Chandler even being a lesbian too. Yes, her hair was short, and she was a little tomboyish, but so are a lot of very straight women. Also, she was flirtatious, but not enough to warrant her actually being physically attracted to another woman. Corey was confused, perplexed at her actions, and angry with herself for misjudging the signals that were sent to her. Maybe there weren’t any signals sent at all. Either way, that was a path she did not want to go back down. The kiss, oh my god the way she kissed me back, as if that were the only way she could breath, through our contact.

***

Monday was awkward, not exactly embarrassing, but definitely odd. Chandler tiptoed around Corey the entire day. She was thankful they’d be on the boat the next day. She would be twenty feet under the water most of the day. That was the one place where she seemed to be in her own little world, her space, the one area Corey could not invade. Corey simply played the incident off as if it were common. Chandler figured that sort of thing probably was normal for her. Blake didn’t notice the two women, or in particular Chandler’s behavior.

By Wednesday Corey attempted to make small talk as they worked together comparing photographs on some of the reefs. It had been three months since one particular reef had been photographed, yet the same tracks Chandler saw last time were still in the sand on the reef bottom. She pulled all of the photos for that reef and began examining them under infrared lighting. Corey offered her professional opinion, then after that the women decided to make a special dive in a few weeks together to check on it again she tried to change the subject.

“How’s Kaylie?”

“She’s none of your business.” Chandler snarled with a raised eyebrow. Corey stepped back as if she’d just been slapped. She felt the sting even though there was no physical contact.

“Whoa, all I did was ask a simple question. You don’t have to bite my head off.”

“It’s not just water under the bridge Corey, I don’t operate that way.” She still sounded very hostile.

“Look, I know now is not the time, nor the place, but Chandler we need to talk.” Corey tried to reason with her.

“What’s there to talk about?” Chandler walked away. Corey followed her into the tiny little office space with no door that Chandler used as her desk area.

“Damn it! I can think of a few things.” Corey slammed her hand on the desk for effect.

“I’d appreciate it if you would just drop it Corey.” She said as she sat in the squeaky little metal chair behind the clunky metal desk.

“I’m not letting this go, not until you at least talk to me Chandler.” Corey glared at the sitting woman, her usually cool blue eyes were almost black.

“It was a mistake, a major mistake. Forget about it. I did.” Chandler said as frigidly as she could. Corey slammed her hand on the desk again and left the room, she let her hotheaded temper get the best of her.

***

When Chandler finally left for the night she saw Corey leaning against her Jeep in the parking lot, she had her hands in her front pockets of her khaki shorts. Chandler was furious, but couldn’t help smiling at the gorgeous brunette surrounded by the moonlight. Her blue eyes sparkled and the slight breeze made her black hair dance along her shoulders.

“What do you want now?” Chandler asked as she tossed her backpack in the back and opened the driver side door. Corey stepped out of her way.

“I want you to talk to me, then if you never want to speak to me again that’s fine.”

“Okay!” Chandler slammed the door shut and folded her arms. “Talk!”

“I…We…” Corey fumbled. She wasn’t use to seeing someone go toe to toe with her.

“Damn it Corey, you’re cutting into my personal time. Whatever it is you want to say, say it already!”

Corey moved forward to kiss Chandler, but the blond was in no mood to play games. She pushed Corey back away from her.

“I like you. I like you… a lot.” Corey stared into Chandler’s eyes. They’d gone from turquoise green to almost black in the blink of an eye.

“That’s nice.” She retorted.

“Listen to me Chandler,…”

“I’ve listened long enough. Corey nothing is ever going to happen between us. I’m sorry. Look, you and I both know it would never work out anyway. We should just be friends.”

“What makes you so sure it wouldn’t work?”

“For one, I have a child, you don‘t look like the motherly type. Two, you live in California, I live in Florida. Three, we are polar opposites, we’d probably kill each other.”

Corey grinned. “Your daughter is adorable, and yes you’re right, I never thought about having kids. People change Chandler. Besides, jobs can transfer. And as far as opposites, that would be a challenge that I think we’d both enjoy.”

“God Corey, all of this overnight? It’s just too much, I can’t, I’m sorry. We really should just be friends.”

“You are so stubborn. I swear I’ve met my match.” Corey ran a hand through her hair. “Fine, I’ll let you have your way. But, don’t blame me when you change your mind, because I’m not planning on going anywhere.”

“Good, we’re in agreement to just be friends then.” Chandler stuck her hand out, she ignored the rush of excitement she felt when Corey’s hand touched hers. The heat from Corey’s body passed from her hand to Chandler’s. The fine blond hair stood up on Chandler’s arm, as she felt the warmth rise from her finger tips she let go.

Chapter Nine

Another week went by. Chandler parked her Jeep in the lot in front of the portion of the beach she was supposed to stake out for the night. Nesting season was edging closer to full swing and the amount of turtles that were seen nesting was picking up. Blake joined her for a couple of hours to video tape the event. Afterwards, she went home to get some sleep.

The next morning, the boat was about to pull away from the dock when Chandler jumped aboard. She slid right into Corey’s arms as Blake put the boat in drive and motored forward.

“Damn it.” She said as she peeled herself off of Corey.

“Long night Dr. Scott?” Blake teased. Corey raised an eyebrow.

“I was with you until three. Then I had to…” She paused. “You know what, I was running late, end of conversation!” She growled.

Corey laughed and shook her head. Someone needs to get laid. She thought to herself.

Chandler immediately opened her charts and started going over her plans for the day as Blake piloted the boat along at full speed. Corey stood behind her holding onto the chair she was sitting in.

When the boat slowed Chandler put the charts away and pulled her shirt over her head, her black bikini blended perfectly with her tanned skin. Corey couldn’t peel her eyes off of the blond as she watched Chandler squeeze into her wetsuit. Blake finally helped her back to reality when he tossed another wetsuit at her face.

“Wha…” She looked puzzled. Chandler also gave him a funny look.

“You told me last time you could use a second pair of eyes on this one.” He made a fish swimming gesture with his hand.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” She turned towards Corey. “I had a three foot baby shark sniff me the last time I dove this reef. I think I scared him more than he scared me.” Corey raised an eyebrow. “It’s really not a big deal.”

“I’m going down with you.” Corey said as she quickly put her wetsuit on.

“You don’t have to…”

“Someone has to watch your back. Besides, Blake won’t fit in this thing. He’ll definitely look like a seal.” Both of them laughed. Blake shot her a ‘go to hell’ look. Then he smiled.

“She might as well get in the water now. She’s going down with you on the next reef anyway.” Blake said. Chandler nodded, she’d forgotten about asking Corey to help her examine the drag marks on the outer reef. Chandler was sure a boat was consistently trawling for shrimp over that reef. She was bound and determined to prove it first, and then catch the bastard.

“Fine, Come on.” She said as she tested her regulator, then put her mask on and flipped backwards off of the boat. Corey rushed to finish putting on her equipment, and then she followed her into the water.

Chandler took pictures and made mental notes before she resurfaced to trade the camera for specimen containers. When she swam back to the bottom she saw a baby shark that was only a foot shorter than one she saw on her previous dive at the location. He was slowly zeroing in on Corey. She had her back to it while she watched a school of damselfish swim by. Chandler swam as quickly as she could and grabbed Corey’s back. She spun around in time to see the shark coming with his mouth open, Chandler shoved her specimen container in his mouth and punched his head when he closed his jaws. The shark took off as quickly as he appeared. Corey grabbed Chandler’s hand and pointed up. They swam to the surface together. When her head popped out of the water Corey tore her mask off, Chandler’s was already off. Blake stood back watching in amusement as the two women wrestle each other over the side of the boat and then fell to the ground with a thud.

“Holy shit!” Corey yelled. Her blue eyes were as big as baseballs. Chandler’s weren’t far behind. Both women, who were amazingly tan from being outside all summer, looked as white as Albino’s. Chandler silently counted her fingers and toes and checked her limbs.

“What the hell happened to you two?” Blake asked.

“Her god damn shark was back! He came after me this time!” Corey yelled. “Chandler saved my life, thank god.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, it wasn’t the same shark, unless it shrunk.” She grinned. “He was coming after you though.”

“Well?” Blake wanted the rest of the story. “How did you get rid of it?”

“Chandler made him eat the specimen containers instead of us, and then she pounded his head!” Corey was almost animated as she described the scene to Blake. Chandler stood behind her shaking her head.

“Damn! You guys are lucky.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…start the boat Blakie, we have another reef to visit today.” If I can get my scared ass back into the water. She thought to herself. It wasn’t the first time she’d encounter a shark face to face, and more than likely, it wouldn’t be the last. At least, she knew how to fight off the attack. The first thing her college instructor told her was ‘always have eyes in the back of your head, anticipate the sneak attack’.

***

The second reef went according to plan. Chandler and Corey hurriedly took their pictures and collected the samples. The drag marks were fresh on the sandy bottom. Chandler swam away to see how far the tracks went, she popped up fifty yards from the boat. Corey was already inside and taking her gear off. Blake started the boat and motored over to her.

“They go on for at least a hundred yards or more.” She said as she climbed over the side of the boat. “It’s almost impossible to catch whoever is doing this. They obviously aren’t going to do it with us here. More than likely they’re trawling at night or in the very early morning.”

“Someone’s definitely trawling, those drag marks are from a shrimp net with no release.” She was talking about the catch release on the back of the net that would release a turtle if it were to get caught up. All nets used within fifty miles of the shore were required to have a catch release. Not to mention the fact that net trawling was illegal over or around any of the natural and artificial reefs.

“We need to come up with a way to scope out the scene.” Blake said as he motored the boat along. Chandler stowed her wetsuit and dive gear. She was looking forward to going home to her daughter, especially after the run in with the shark.

***

Chandler tossed her backpack in the back of the Jeep and waved as she hopped in. Corey looked as if she wanted her to wait, but Chandler wasn’t in the mood to stroll down memory lane, whether it be about the shark or the kiss they shared, she didn’t care. Chandler shifted gears and barked the tires as she took off out of the parking lot with Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ blaring on the stereo. She was in a good mood since it was Friday and she didn‘t have to go near the reefs for a few days, so she sang louder than a drunk in a karaoke bar as she turned onto Florida Avenue and headed home.

Minutes later the Jeep pulled into the gravel driveway in front of the two story beach cottage. The radio was still booming, this time Aretha Franklin’s, ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ was on. Chandler went into the house still singing, she tossed her backpack by the door and sang her way into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Jacey walked in from out back with Kaylie right next to her. The blond haired toddler ran to Chandler.

“Mommy! Mommy!” She held her arms out and Chandler picked her up and danced around the kitchen with the little girl in her arms, she was still singing the song. Jacey looked at her sister like she’d lost her mind.

“Did we have a good day?” She asked. Chandler smiled and spun around with Kaylie giggling in her arms. “Get laid maybe?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow. Chandler stopped in her tracks and turned to face her sister. She stood a few inches taller than Jacey.

“You know me better than that Jacey! I can’t just be happy for a change?” She didn’t get loud because she was holding her baby, but she did use her facial expression to prove her point. Jacey shrugged, she’d noticed Chandler’s distance in the past couple of weeks and chalked it up to the Turtle Nesting Season when Chandler denied it had anything to do with Corey. Now, she seemed happy again.

In all honesty, her mood had everything to do with Corey. She couldn’t get rid of the way it felt to hold her and kiss her. She was reminded of it daily since she had to work closely with the woman. The heat of her body and softness of her touch were branded into Chandler’s memory, whether she wanted it there or not wasn’t the question, this was permanent and Chandler knew it. She needed a quick fix, and a quick fix to get over someone meant having a one night stand or a fling with someone else, both of which she had no desire to ever do. So, she did the next best thing, she pushed it as far into the back of her mind as she possibly could. Her daughter Kaylie was her one and only priority.

“I’m glad you’re happy, I was just wondering what the cause was, that’s all.” Jacey said with a crooked smile. Chandler stood Kaylie up on the floor, and then sat on the couch with her beer. Her sister sat down next to her.

“I…” She drank a couple sips of the beer. “Jace a shark came after us today…”

“Oh my god!”

“It was actually going after Corey, but I got to her first.”

“Holy crap, is she okay?”

“Yeah she’s fine.” Chandler finished off the beer and set the bottle on the table. Kaylie was playing with her blocks on the floor.

“How did you guys get away from it?” Jacey folded her legs up underneath herself and turned to face her sister.

“I was about to collect some samples, we use these special containers to save the specimens in and I had a net bag full of them, anyway I shoved that in its mouth when it opened its jaws to bite her. Then, when it clamped down on the wade of plastic and titanium containers I started pounding the sucker in the head. Eventually, it got the point and left.”

“Jesus Chandler, you could’ve been killed!”

“Don’t you think I know that? Hel…Heck Corey was almost in its mouth! I had to do something!”

“You saved her life.”

“I wouldn’t quite go that far…”

“Chandler, come on…it’s okay to take credit for something once in a while.” She patted her sister’s hand.

“I was scared to death, Jace I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared. All I wanted to do was beat the…” She looked down at her child playing and whispered, “Hell out of that thing.”

“I bet. God, I don’t know how you’re sitting here now like it was no big deal.”

“Well, it’s not the first time I’ve run into a shark, probably not the last either. Corey was pretty shook up though.” Chandler’s cell phone began vibrating and ringing loudly from her backpack. She walked over to answer it. “Chandler Scott.”

“It’s me. You took off so fast I didn’t get a chance to thank you for what you did today.” Corey spoke softly.

“You would’ve done the same thing.” She said easily.

“It’s not the same. Chandler you have a daughter, a real family, if something would’ve happened to you I…”

“Hey…” Chandler whispered. “Danger is a part of our job, tell me that’s not the first time you’ve seen a shark.”

“No, of course not, but still…”

“Case closed. You can buy me lunch or something one day, and then we’ll be even.” Chandler joked.

“Or, you could come outside…”

“What?” Chandler jumped off of the couch and ran over to the front door. Corey was leaning against Chandler’s Jeep. She hung up the phone and smiled as she walked outside and waved for her to come in.

“Hey.” Corey said as she walked inside. Chandler shook her head, but continued to smile. Jacey jumped off of the couch.

“Hey, I’m so glad you guys are okay, Chandler was just telling me what happened.”

“Yeah, it was a little scary. Although, I’m sure Chandler sugarcoated it.” She grinned; her steel blue eyes played on Chandler’s green ones and held them.

“She’s my sister, I can’t sugarcoat anything with her, she knows me too well.” Chandler didn’t break the mutual gaze.

Jacey sensed the tension in the room, she patted Chandler’s back. “You want me to bathe Kaylie?”

Chandler finally broke the warm stare to look down at the bundle of joy running around the floor. “Nah, I’ll do it.”

“You sure?” Jacey was trying to give them some alone time, but Chandler wasn’t buying it.

“Yeah, besides I like to play with ducky too!” On that note Kaylie ran over to her and started tugging on her shorts.

“Ducky! Ducky!” She yelled and giggled at the same time.

“Uh oh, look what you started.” Jacey laughed. “Come here munchkin, give me a kiss.” Kaylie ran over and kissed her Aunt’s cheek, and then she giggled again. Chandler bent down and picked her up.

“I love you silly goose.” Chandler said to her. Kaylie did her best to repeat her mother.

“Lub you sill we goose…” Then she giggled again.

“She’s so cute!” Corey said.

“Come on, you can help me give her a bath, I’ll show you how cute she is.” Chandler said with a sarcastic grin.

“Have fun, oh and wear a poncho.” Jacey smiled. “I’ll call you tomorrow Chan.”

***

Kaylie splashed her rubber ducks in and out of the tub as she pushed her plastic boats through the bubbles. Chandler washed her thoroughly with the baby soap and shampooed her hair. Corey sat on the toilet, out of splashing range and watched in awe. Chandler was an amazing person to begin with, but she was an incredible Mother to that little girl. One thing was clear Kaylie is and always will be number one in her life. Could Corey handle being second? Could she live with it, say all of her life, because, if Chandler were to get involved with someone it would have to be forever. She definitely wasn’t interested in a one night stand. The more Corey thought about it, the more she wasn’t either.

“Come on baby girl, time to let the ducky’s dry off.” Chandler helped her daughter climb out of the tub and dry off. She dressed her in Donald Duck pajamas and blow dried her hair enough for her to go to bed without it being wet. Then, they went to her little room and Kaylie climbed into her Disney covered bed. Chandler grabbed the book she picked out and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I’ll wait downstairs for you.” Corey said from the doorway.

“No, you don’t have to do that. She’ll be out in a few minutes anyway.”

“Are you sure? I didn’t want to intrude.”

“If I didn’t want you here I’d politely ask you to wait for me downstairs.”

Corey smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Anymore straightforward Chandler Scott and you might have to pull that stick out of your butt.” Chandler laughed and started reading one of the Scooby Doo Mysteries, complete with the voices of Scooby, which Kaylie loved. Every time Chandler would do the dog’s voice Kaylie’s face would light up and her turquoise eyes would sparkle just like her Mother’s.

***

Kaylie was out within three pages of the book. Chandler and Corey sat on the couch downstairs. The TV was playing a rerun of The Munsters and the recessed lighting over the bar separating the living room and kitchen were the only other lighting. Chandler fixed a couple cups of decafe coffee for them and they relaxed into the soft cushions of the sofa.

“What a day huh?” Chandler gave a half-hearted grin.

“No kidding.” She reached over and squeezed Chandler’s hand. “Thank you…for everything.” She smiled inside when Chandler didn’t pull away from her.

“You’re welcome…thank you too, for thinking of my daughter…”

“She’s a part of you Chandler. I know how you work, all or nothing.”

“Why doesn’t that bother you?”

“What?”

“The fact that nothing comes before my child, or the fact that I can never totally match everything you give me.”

“I would never want to come between you and her, that’s not my place. And I believe if you ever fall in love with someone, they won’t have to worry about how much you love them. You’re the most passionate, tender person that I have ever met. Whether I’m the one that wins your heart or not, I’m privileged to know you, you’ve taught me a lot.” Steel blue eyes met turquoise green ones. Their faces were inches apart, and their hands still intertwined.

Corey closed the distance and kissed Chandler softly, teasing with her tongue until Chandler opened her mouth to allow deeper exploration. Slowly they wrapped their arms around each other and laid back together. Corey was slightly on top of Chandler.

Gradually, they ran their hands over each other, pressing the kiss further. Chandler bit back a moan when Corey’s hand slipped under her shirt. She pulled away from the kiss and looked into Corey’s eyes.

“This is a package deal…I’m giving you an easy out if this isn’t for you…”

Corey kissed her lips once more. “I want you Chandler, I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you. Now that I know you better, I really want you.” She smiled. “And I want everything that comes with you.” She leaned down and pressed her lips against the mouth of the women underneath her. Chandler moaned into the kiss as she pulled Corey tightly against her and ran her hands across the soft skin under her shirt. It had been over a year since she felt the touch of another woman, and almost a year and a half since she made love to another woman. Chandler’s nerves were firing in every direction. She steadied her breathing and let her body receive the attention Corey was selflessly giving it.

Little by little, their clothes came off. They moved together as one, touching and feeling their way around each other’s body. Corey ran her tongue around the outside of the blonde’s lips, teasing her as she gradually kissed her way down Chandler’s body.

“God Corey…” Chandler whispered breathlessly. “You’re…driving me crazy.”

Corey continued the sensual kisses back up, stopping to pull a taut nipple into her mouth. She parted her lips and blew lightly across the tip of it. Chandler arched her back and rolled Corey towards the back of the couch so that she could lay half on top of the brunette. Chandler grabbed Corey’s hands and held her wrists above her head as she teased her lips with her tongue. Corey wasn’t use to having someone else in charge, she liked it, but wanted to be in control at the same time, the tension was building faster as Chandler worked her lips lower, playfully sucking and releasing her nipples, alternating back and forth.

“Jesus Chandler! I’m gonna come before you even touch me!” Chandler paused and grinned at the panting woman. It was apparent that this was a first for the brunette, being overtaken and submissive. Chandler wasn’t used to holding another woman down and taking what she wanted, so in a way it was unique for both of them.

Chandler released Corey’s wrists and ran her hand down the brunette’s silky smooth skin. Chandler moaned from the pleasure she felt when their firm nipples grazed each other as their breasts rubbed together. Corey could feel the wetness between her legs. Chandler easily worked her way down to the throbbing clit that was awaiting her touch. She squeezed it between her fingers gently, then she stroked her fingers over it. Corey’s entire body stiffened, her back arched completely off of the couch. The teasing of Chandler’s fingers as she slipped them in and out of her was driving Corey insane. She quickly slid her hand down Chandler’s body and slipped it between the blonde’s legs. Chandler rocked against the fingers that were grazing the wet folds around her clit then she spread her legs further over Corey so she could go inside.

Both women rocked back and forth building their climax together. They kissed each other as if there last breath depended on it. Corey’s free hand was tangled in Chandler’s short hair, tugging gently as the orgasm started. Chandler held onto Corey as tightly as she could while her body jerked and fluttered against the woman under her. They rode the peak as desire and passion crashed together. Both women panted, their hearts beating wildly, urging the powerful climax to continue.

Eventually, it did slow to a stop. Neither woman removed her hand. They simply laid there in each other’s arms, sweat dripping off of their faces and the scent of pleasure in the air. Corey felt the tears hit her check and looked up to meet the moist green eyes above her.

“What’s wrong baby?” She whispered.

Chandler squeezed her eyes closed, then opened them again. Corey’s steel blue eyes were sparkling in the dim light. “I…” Chandler let out the breath she was holding then she whispered. “It’s been a long time since I was with anyone.”

Corey kissed her lips softly, lingering until Chandler parted her lips to allow Corey’s tongue to trace her own. Corey cradled Chandler in her arms and rolled the blond onto her side so that she could extract herself. Then, she placed tender kisses along Chandler’s body from her breasts to her firm stomach. Chandler felt like she was on fire in every spot that Corey’s lips touched her. She was close to holding her breath when Corey’s mouth dipped lower. Her entire body quivered when Corey’s tongue grazed across the top of her sensitive clit.

Corey teased the mound of nerves as it hardened under her tongue. Chandler reached down and grasped Corey’s hands, squeezing them slightly when Corey’s tongue eased inside of her. She threw her head back and swallowed hard to keep from screaming as the intense orgasm tore through her body. Chandler’s pulse raced wildly, perspiration ran down her face.

“Come here.” Chandler whispered breathlessly. Corey grinned and slid her body against the blonde’s as she moved up to kiss her. Chandler tasted herself on Corey’s lips, that alone, mixed with the sensual feeling of Corey’s tongue against hers, made her wet once again. Chandler ran her hands down Corey’s back and squeezed her firm butt cheeks. Corey moaned against her mouth. Chandler rolled Corey towards the back of the couch so she could get out from under her. She kissed her salty lips again and met her cobalt colored eyes.

“Stay the night with me.” Chandler’s voice was shaky. She was scared and unbelievably happy at the same time.

Corey’s eyebrows rose. “Uh…are you…sure? What about Kaylie?” She was terrified. Being with Chandler wasn’t a mistake, in fact, everything about it felt right, including spending the night in Chandler’s bed.

Chandler smiled. “Corey she’s a baby, it’s perfectly fine.” The brunette sat up and kissed her.

“I’d love to spend the night with you in my arms.”

“Me too.” Chandler got off of the couch and led Corey up the stairs to her bedroom.

Chapter Ten

Saturday morning Corey’s eyes popped open when the sunlight hit her face. She tried to stretch, but stopped when she felt the warm body against her move. She looked down at the sleeping blond. Reality slapped her across the face. She wanted to jump up and run like hell. What was she thinking going to bed with this woman who had a child and an entire life she knew nothing about? A long term relationship was not her style, hell, a long term anything was not her style.

Then, she heard a faint noise and looked down to meet the brightest turquoise green eyes that she’d ever seen, smiling up at her. That’s all it took, Corey knew right then and there, her world as she knew it had drastically changed overnight.

“You’re glowing.” Corey said to the smiling blond. Chandler’s face flushed.

“I woke up with a beautiful blue eyed brunette in my bed.”

“Hmm…something new?”

“In this bed, yes.” Chandler teased. Corey playfully smacked her arm.

“Player!” Corey grinned and raised an eyebrow.

“Ha…I hope you know me better than that by now.” Chandler leaned over and pressed her lips against Corey’s. Corey slid her tongue against Chandler’s and rolled her onto her back.

Slowly, they ran their hands over each other’s silky smooth skin as their passionate kiss penetrated the depths of the desire burning just below the surface between them. Corey ran her fingers through the wet folds between Chandler’s legs. The blond moaned and arched her hips, silently begging for more. Corey’s fingers squeezed her throbbing clit then slid inside of her. Chandler mirrored Corey’s motion with her hips, riding the ambient wave of pleasure as the orgasm began. Chandler choked back a loud moan, her body was screaming inside. When her climax peaked she grabbed Corey and held her as tightly as she could against her body. The tiny aftershocks of the explosive orgasm finally subsided.

“Oh my god…” Chandler tried to catch her breath. “You destroy me Corey…” Her green eyes were glazed over. Corey thought she looked absolutely beautiful with the sun shining on her ash blond hair and a light shimmer of sweat glistening on her tan skin.

“I can’t get enough of you.” She paused. “You’re amazing Chandler, unbelievably amazing.” Corey smiled, her blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

Chandler rolled over on top of Corey, kissing her way down her chest she stopped to tease a mocha colored nipple with her tongue, sucking it between her lips, then letting go. Corey tangled her hands in Chandler’s short hair, tugging lightly as she arched her back, urging Chandler to suck harder. Chandler slid one hand across Corey’s stomach and down into the wetness. She ran her finger over Corey’s pulsating clit then brought it up to her face. Corey watched with hungry eyes as Chandler licked her own finger suggestively.

“God I want you…Lick me Chandler…I want to feel your tongue inside me…” Corey’s eyes were almost black with desire as she spoke, every cell in her body was wide awake and heavily aroused.

Chandler teased her way down with soft kisses until she reached the wet folds with her lips. Corey continued to tug gently on Chandler’s blond hair as her tongue traced a circular path around the mound of nerves, then she quickly slid her tongue in and out of her in teasing strokes. Corey let go of Chandler’s hair and grasped the sheets when she felt the first wave of orgasm flutter through her body, she swallowed a moan and held her breath as her entire body quivered. Her climax was incredible, Corey’s body jerked and thrashed, Chandler held her hips still and continued the light thrusts of her tongue until the brunette collapsed against the bed breathlessly. Then, she crawled up and kissed her gently. Blue eyes met green softly.

“You’re…unbelievable.” Corey said with a smile and wrapped her arms around the slightly smaller woman.

They lay tangled together in each other’s arms. Corey finally broke the silence. “Want to share a shower?”

“I don’t know, we may drown each other if we keep this up.” Chandler laughed.

“True.” Corey wiggled her eye brows. “But, it’ll be fun.”

“Mommy! Mommy!” Kaylie yelled from down the hall. The blood drained from Corey’s face as if reality just slapped her across it.

“Hold that thought. I believe I’ll have to take a rain check.” Chandler half-heartedly smiled.

“It’s okay…I should probably go anyway.” Corey jumped out of the bed searching for her clothes. Chandler stood up and grabbed her hand.

“Hey?” Corey turned towards her with the most frightening look in her blue eyes. “It’s okay…she doesn’t understand honey.” Chandler put her hands on Corey’s face and kissed her lips. “Go ahead and take a shower, I’ll tend to her.” Corey nodded with a light smile and turned towards the bathroom. Chandler pulled on a clean t-shirt and a pair of shorts. “Help yourself to a shirt and shorts when you come out.”

“Thanks.”

***

“Hey Stinky!” Chandler said when she walked into her daughter’s room. She was sitting in the floor playing with her stuffed Sesame Street characters.

“Be Bird! Mommy!” The toddler said as she stood up and ran over to her mother.

“Come on, let’s go potty.” She bent down and gave her baby a hug, then grabbed her tiny little hand and led her down the hall to the bathroom. Kaylie walked along holding her stuffed Big Bird in her other hand.

***

Corey turned the water as hot as it would possibly go and stuck her head under it for a good two or three minutes. Wow, I just spent the best night of my entire life with an adorable woman…who has a child. A little child, but it’s still a CHILD! Holy shit! I’ve broken every one of my personal rules since I’ve been here. She shook her head and began shampooing her hair. She is a really cute kid though. And Chandler is an incredible Mom. She rinsed the shampoo and lathered the conditioner into her shoulder length thick black hair. She’s an amazing woman. I could fall for her…She rinsed her hair and stared blankly at the wall. I am falling for her! She smacked herself in the forehead. Way to go Joslen, what the hell are you going to do now? She questioned herself as she squirted the soap on the washcloth and began washing the rest of her body. Then, she rinsed off and climbed out.

***

Chandler was at the stove flipping the pancakes in the pan. Kaylie was sitting at the table with her stuffed Big Bird, talking to her mom. Corey felt a small tug on her heart. I’m going to make this work, for once I’m my life I’m going to do what’s right for me. That’s what I’m going to do, be happy. Corey smiled and walked into the kitchen.

“Be Bird!” Kaylie called out and pointed to the stuff yellow character sitting next to her.

“I see him.” Corey said with a smile. “Hi Big Bird.” She shook the stuffed toys hand and walked towards the stove. Kaylie got out of her chair and walked over to Corey with her hands in the air.

“What’s she doing?”

Chandler looked down then, cocked her head to the side in amazement. “She wants you to pick her up.” Chandler shook her head. “She doesn’t ask anyone to pick her up except me and Jacey. That’s odd.” Chandler nodded. “You can pick her up if you want. I’ll warn you, she may not let you put her down.”

Corey bent down and the toddler wrapped her arms around Corey’s neck and she stood up with the child in her arms. Chandler felt her heart skip a beat. “It looks like she likes you.”Oh Kaylie, that’s my girl. It’s also the sign I’ve been looking for. She ignored the tear rolling down her cheek.

Corey was stiff as a board, holding Kaylie as if she were as fragile as a raw egg. Chandler smiled. “You don’t have to be so restrained, she’s a tough kid.” Chandler saw the terrified look in Corey’s eyes. “Is this the first time you’ve held a child Corey?”

“Uh…yeah…Why?” She hesitated.

“Just asking, you look a little nervous.”

“Oh.” Corey tried to loosen up. “I’m new at this.” She smiled and walked over to the table. “You ready for pancakes?” She asked Kaylie as she sat her back in her chair.

“Yeah. Pakes!” She giggled.

“Pakes?” Corey looked at Chandler.

She laughed. “That’s what she calls pancakes.” She flipped the last one then, brought the full plate over to the table. She’d already cut Kaylie’s up into tiny pieces for her. “I asked her what she wanted for breakfast. She said ‘pakes’.”

“She has good taste.” Corey said as she filled her plate with a few fluffy pancakes and maple syrup.

“I’d say she does.” Chandler grinned. “She’s never gone to anyone like that.”

“What do you mean?”

Chandler took a couple bites and checked on Kaylie, who was sitting next to her, to make sure she was eating and not playing in her food. “When she wanted you to pick her up, I mean she lets people hold her if they pick her up, but she immediately wants down. She only comes to me and Jacey with her arms out.”

“Oh. What made her come to me?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m glad she likes you though. I have the feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of you.” She winked.

“I hope so.” Corey smiled.

Chapter Eleven

Monday morning came up very quickly. Corey had spent most of Saturday with Chandler and Kaylie. They walked on the beach together with Kaylie between them holding both of their hands. She would jump up every time the surf ran towards her feet. They spent the rest of the time watching a movie on TV while Kaylie played with her toys on the floor. Corey didn’t push, but she was anxious to know Chandler’s story, the past that she was guarding so closely. Chandler kept the conversation light, now was not the time, nor the place to go any deeper.

***

The Jeep pulled into the lab parking lot. Blake’s truck was already there in its usual spot and Corey’s SUV was in one of the other occupied spots. Chandler stepped out with a smile on her face and walked through the double glass doors. She had her backpack hanging loosely over one shoulder and a cup tray with three coffees in her hand.

“Morning,” Blake said as he grabbed a coffee form her and kept walking towards the photo lab. She smiled and continued towards her tiny make-shift office. Corey met her at the doorway.

“Hey.” Corey’s blue eyes sparkled at her. Chandler handed her one of the remaining coffee cups and tossed the tray in the trash.

“Hi there.” Chandler winked.

“How was the rest of your weekend?” Corey asked as she leaned her hip against the corner of Chandler’s desk and sipped her coffee.

“Good, Kaylie and I cleaned the house. More like I cleaned the house and Kaylie drug out as many toys as I could put away in an hour. We did go sock skating though!” Chandler grinned.

“Sock skating?” Corey looked curiously at her.

“Yeah, that’s how we dust the hardwood floors. We put on old socks and literally skate around.”

Corey chuckled. “You guys are crazy. I would’ve loved to see that though.”

“Hmm…I was going to call you, but I figured you had enough of us Saturday.”
Corey grabbed Chandler’s hand and pulled her into her arms. She kissed the blonde’s lips softly. “I’ll never have enough of you, and spending time with Kaylie is an added bonus. She’s like your own personal ‘mini-me’.”

Chandler kissed Corey passionately. Then, she leaned back in her arms and smiled at the gorgeous ice blue eyes staring back at her. Blake walked directly into the tiny office before he noticed the two women locked in an affectionate embrace against Chandler’s desk.

His eyes grew as round as saucers. “Uh...excuse me…I…uh…sorry.” He turned and walked across the lab’s main floor as quickly as he could.

“Shit!”

“Damn!”

The women spoke at the same time and released their hold on each other.

“I should go after him.” Chandler said.

“Wait, maybe I should. I know he sort of has a thing for you.” Corey suggested.

“What? Since when?” Chandler’s eyebrows rose up. “He knows I’m gay Corey.”

“He does?”

“Yes. I’ve been working with him for a little over six months. After the third time he asked me out I introduced him to Kaylie. Then, he asked me out a good four more times before I told him I was a lesbian.”

“Hmm…I could’ve sworn he was into you. He kept talking about you all the time. He even talked about taking you out fishing and stuff. Honestly, I thought you were dating him when I first met you.”

Chandler was laughing so hard she was close to having tears on her face. “We actually did go fishing a few times, we never dated. I’ve been a lesbian since I was fifteen.” She finally stopped laughing. “He was protecting me Corey. He’s a great assistant. We became pretty good friends since I really didn’t know anyone when I practically moved here over night. He and Jacey dated a few times, but they felt more like brother and sister, or at least that’s what they said.”

“Wow, he totally had me fooled.” She shook her head.

“He knows how private my life is, especially when it comes to Kaylie. I’m sure it was only because he doesn’t want to see me hurt.” She stared at the floor, then back up at Corey. “I’m going to go talk to him. Go ahead and start checking our samples from Friday. I’ll catch up with you later.” She quickly kissed Corey’s lips and left the room.

***

Blake was leaning against his truck drinking the last of his coffee. Chandler stopped next to him and mimicked his position.

“I didn’t mean to barge in on you like that.” He finally said.

“Blake, it’s not your fault. Nothing was happening.”

“It sure looked like it to me.”

“We shared a kiss.”

“So, I guess it’s safe to say you two are together.” He looked over at her and smiled. She grinned back at him. “It’s about damn time. I thought I was going to have to beat her off of you with a stick. All CJ talks about is you.”

“Really?”

“God yes. While you were out when Kaylie was sick, she kept asking me about you. She wanted to know everything, where you were from, if you had ever been married, whether or not you had brothers or sisters, and she really wanted to know about Kaylie.”

“Huh.” Chandler smiled.

“I didn’t say anything to her, just so you know. But, damn she drove me nuts!” He laughed and playfully smacked her arm. “So how long has this been going on?”

“Not long, honestly only a few days.” She finished her coffee. “We’re taking it slow.”

“Has she met Kaylie?” He asked.

“Yes. They get along really well. Corey’s a remarkable woman.” She paused. “Blake, Jacey doesn’t know yet. In fact, I’m planning on telling her tonight.”

He threw his hands up. “I won’t say a word. Your secret is safe with me.” They smiled at each other.

“Thanks.” She pushed off of his truck. “Come on, we have work to do.” She turned towards him. “Corey thought you wanted me for yourself. She feels terrible.”

He grinned sheepishly and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Don’t you dare fuck with her Blakie!” Chandler shot him a look that reminded him of green daggers flying from her eyes. She also smacked his arm.

“I won’t mess with your girl.”

***

Corey had her nose in a microscope when they came back in. Blake nonchalantly threw his arm around Chandler just before Corey looked up at them. She raised one eyebrow and looked from one to the other.

“Chandler explained the little mishap to me. She’s sorry if she misled you.” Blake said as he squeezed Chandler against him. She quickly pushed him away and laughed.

“You ass!” She said as she walked around the table to Corey. “I told him about us, and the fact that we’re taking it slow. And it’s none of anyone’s business but ours. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some important calls to make.” Chandler headed down the hall to her office.

Blake walked up to the microscope table and sat down next to Corey.

“CJ, she’s a very private person. No one knows a thing about her except me. Hell, the only reason I found out about her daughter was because I’d asked her out and one night Jacey picked her up from the pier with Kaylie in the car. As soon as that little girl saw Chandler her face lit up and she was yelling ‘Mommy’. Then, I figured I still had a chance, until she finally looked at me one night and said, ‘Blakie, I’m a lesbian. You can’t change me, you have nothing I want, either you remain professional with me or ask for a transfer.” He shrugged. “After that, we kind of hit it off. She’s a great person and that little girl is her entire world.”

“I know you care about her.” She patted his arm. “Don’t worry, she’s in good hands. I care about her a lot.”

He nodded and smiled, then stood up and went back to work.

***

Corey met Chandler in the parking lot when they were leaving for the day. Blake beeped the horn and drove off in his little truck. Chandler tossed her backpack into her open Jeep, and leaned back against it. She blew out a long breath and stared into the pair of eyes that seemed to always get her attention. “You’re dangerous with those stunning blue eyes.” She said with a smile.

“Hmm…is that so Doctor?” Corey leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. Chandler parted her lips to allow Corey’s tongue to tease her own. She felt her body go weak when Corey wrapped her arms around her.

Chandler finally pulled away before she wound up having sex in the back of a vehicle like a horny teenager. “I need to get going.”

“I’d invite you over, but my apartment isn’t anything to shake a stick at.”

“No, it’s okay. Jacey usually cooks dinner during the week so that Kaylie can eat if I’m running late, and I can spend time with her before she goes to bed.”

“That’s sweet of her. Your sister seems like a big help to you.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without her. Speaking of Jacey, I’m going to tell her about us when I get home.”

“Ah ha, that’s why you seem so nervous. Here I thought it was because of what happened with Blake.”

Chandler laughed at first, then, became very serious. “Well, there’s still a lot you don’t know about me Corey.” She took a deep breath and stared at the ground. “A whole lifetime in fact.”

“I know, and I hope you’re able to tell me one day, but until then I will respect your privacy.”

“Thank you.” Chandler kissed her gently.

“Go on.” Corey winked. “Have a good night. Call me if you feel like talking.” She kissed her again and turned to walk away. Keeping her hands of off the blond was almost impossible. She’d never wanted to touch another human being so much.

Chandler got into the Jeep and watched her new lover get into her SUV. All she wanted to do was make love to her until the sun came up, and then start all over again. That’s all she thought about all the way home as drove through the streets of Key West.

***

The Jeep skidded slightly on the gravel driveway when Chandler pulled up next to her sisters little car. She grabbed her backpack and walked into the house. Kaylie came running out of the kitchen.

“Mommy! Mommy!”

“Hey Stinky!” Chandler bent down and picked her up. She spun her around doing the mock airplane as the toddler giggled wildly.

“She’s going to puke on you!” Jacey called form the kitchen doorway.

“Nah…I do seem to recall you puking on me though when you were about her age and I did this with you.” She chuckled.

“Yeah, and you deserved it too, no doubt.” She shook her head and went back to the stove.

Chandler put her daughter down and walked hand-in-hand with her to the kitchen. “What’s for dinner?”

“I made shrimp stir fry and white rice.”

“Sounds good, I’m starving. I had sort of a slow start this morning and spent half of the day on the phone. I skipped lunch, but Corey brought me back a bowl of soup from the deli around the corner from the lab.”

“Oh, how’s that going?” Jacey asked as she set the food on the table. Chandler helped Kaylie climb into the chair she always sat in next to her mom.

“How’s what going?” Chandler questioned as she refilled Kaylie’s Sponge Bob sippie cup.

“You and Corey?”

“Uh…”

“God you are so naive. I knew about the two of you before you guys did. She’s head over heels for you, I could see it in her eyes the first day I met her. And you, Chandler, you fall all over yourself trying to be cool, calm, and collected around her, when what you really want to do is tear her clothes off.”

“Holy Shi…crap Jacey!” Chandler’s eyebrows shot up into the air. “My god!”

“It’s true though.”

“Yeah, we got together over the weekend.” Chandler smiled shyly.

“So? How was it?” Jacey asked with a smirk as she took a bite of her food.

“I’m not discussing my sexual liaisons with you?”

“So you slept with her!”

“Uh huh.” Chandler said as she stopped Kaylie from tossing food across the room. “I’m glad she only throws food at you, and not me.”

“That’s nice! Butthead! So, seriously, you haven’t…I mean it’s been…”

“A while? Yes.” She nodded. “It was astounding, bewildering, breathtaking…indescribable.” She smiled. “It started after you left Friday, she stayed until late Saturday.”

“Wow! So you really like her huh.”

“Yeah, but Jace, I wasn’t about to do anything with her, you know how I feel about getting involved, especially with Kaylie being so young. I don’t want people floating in and out of her life. Anyway, Kaylie asked Corey to pick her up. She actually raised her arms to her.”

“No way!” Jacey almost choked on her food.

“I’m serious!” Chandler said with raised eyebrows. “Kaylie likes her. They seem to get along really well.”

“That’s good. I’m happy for you Chandler. I could tell you were different this morning, but I didn’t want to spoil your anticipation of telling me.” She laughed. “Though, I do have to say it’s about time you found someone again. It’s definitely been a long time.”

“Yeah, you can say that again.” Chandler grinned and shook her head. “It’s still new though, god it’s been so long since I had butterflies in my stomach, you know. Besides, I haven’t told her much about me, and she knows nothing about Kaylie.”

“When are you planning on telling her?”

“I don’t know.”

Chapter Twelve

Another month quickly went by. Sea Turtle Nesting Season was in full swing for the Loggerhead Species. Chandler, Blake and Corey had their hands full collecting data on the turtles laying the eggs, as well as watching the reef with the mysterious drag marks. Chandler and Corey spent at least two nights a week together and most of the weekends. Jacey had dinner with them a few times, she really enjoyed seeing her sister happy again, and it was hard not to notice how happy Chandler was. Corey brought out a side of her that even she hadn’t seen for a year and a half. In fact, Chandler was tossing the L-word around in the back of her mind, definitely something she hadn’t done in a year and a half, but she knew she was feeling it. Maybe the time would come one day when she would say it again. Maybe.

Chandler heard the doorbell ring. She was expecting Corey in about an hour so she figured she was probably early for their afternoon cookout that was clearly becoming a Saturday event for them. Kaylie was watching Scooby Doo on the couch. Chandler didn’t bother looking through the peep hole as she pulled the door open. As soon as she saw the lithe blond standing on the other side of the door she felt the blood drain from her face and her hands go clammy.

“How’s our daughter?” The woman asked and pushed her way in. Chandler was still trying to pick her jaw up off of the floor.

“Marlee, what the hell are you doing here?” Chandler said through gritted teeth. The slightly shorter woman standing across from her stared through hazel eyes. Her shoulder length light blond hair was wavy, slightly curly, and very similar to Kaylie’s. She looked thinner than the last time Chandler saw her. The Armani business suit she was wearing definitely did her justice. She was very pretty, and extremely high class. Standing next to Chandler, they looked like day and night, one with short hair, the other with long, one in shorts and a tee shirt, the other in a thousand dollar black suit and light pink silk blouse.

“It’s good to see you again too Chandler.” She said sarcastically.

“You heard me!” Chandler winced at herself for raising her voice. Then she stepped close to the shorter woman. “What gives you the right to show up here? What the hell do you want Marlee?”

She stepped around Chandler and walked over to the toddler on the couch. “I wanted to see my daughter. She is my child too.” Marlee sat down next to the little blond baby and tried to hold her. Kaylie looked at her, then jumped up and ran over to Chandler.

“Mommy! Mommy!” She held her arms open and Chandler picked her up.

“What do you expect after a year and a half? She doesn’t know you Marlee.” Chandler shook her head. “You’re not here to see her, so, don’t try to BS me.”

“I heard Kaylie was sick, I came down to see her.”

“Sick!” Chandler shot daggers out of her green eyes towards the other woman. “She could’ve died! But, you’re two months late!” She was angry and wanted to toss the woman out on her ass, but she kept her cool because of her daughter being in her arms.

“I couldn’t leave work. Besides, I’m here now.”

“That’s not good enough, it was never good enough! Not for me, and…” She covered her daughter’s ears. “Damn sure not good enough for her! Our child needed you and all you cared about was that stupid office, and now all of a sudden you think you can waltz back into our lives claiming you want to see her…well, I have news for you…you Marlee Gillian can kiss my ass.” She let go of her daughter’s ears and kissed her forehead.

“Dooby Doo!” She giggled.

“I know you’re watching TV.” The doorbell rang again and Chandler walked over to it with Kaylie still in her arms. Corey was standing there when she opened the door.

“Hey.” Corey leaned in and kissed her lips gently. Kaylie held her arms up to the dark-haired woman.

“Coey!” She giggled and did her best to say Corey’s name, Corey and Chandler were teaching her how to say it.

Corey smiled and kissed her cheek. “Hey silly goose!”

Marlee stood up and walked towards the door. Corey was halfway inside, she stopped in her tracks. Chandler took a deep breath and held it for as long as she could, willing her past to disappear as quickly as it had arrived a half hour ago.

Corey stared at the attractive blond that looked surprisingly similar to Chandler’s daughter, almost too similar, but not as close as Chandler‘s features to her daughter‘s. The other woman was also staring back at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Hi…” Marlee started to speak and Chandler cut her off.

“Corey this is Marlee Gillian…”

“Scott! Marlee Scott, Chandler‘s wife.” Marlee stated proudly and extended her hand to the tall brunette. Corey returned the shake questioningly.

“Ex-Wife! You still haven’t changed your name?!” Chandler was beyond furious at this point. “Never mind…” She shook her head. “Marlee this is Dr. Corey Joslen.”

Corey stood in silence. What the hell was she supposed to say or do? She walked into hell and the flames were growing closer and closer to her. “Uh…”

“I’m sorry,” was all Chandler could say.

“No, I’m sorry. I had no idea you were married.” Corey turned and opened the door. Chandler moved to stop her.

“Let her go Chan, it’s obvious you never told your new girlfriend that you had a wife back home.” Marlee said sarcastically.

“I’ll call you.” Chandler said to Corey. Her normally bright blue eyes were dark, almost black.

“Don’t bother, I’ll see you in the lab Monday as usual Dr. Scott.” Corey left the house as quickly as she could, she knew she was about to cry and she was not about to let Chandler see her tears.

Chandler turned towards Marlee. “You’re very lucky that my child is in this room right now!” She said through gritted teeth.

“It’s not my fault your little girlfriend left.” Marlee shrugged and picked up Kaylie. “Give Mommy a kiss goodbye honey.” She said to the toddler. Kaylie shied away from her and Marlee kissed her cheek and set her back on the couch.

“I’m her Mommy, Marlee, don’t even try it. Would you please hurry up and get out of my house. I should’ve known you weren’t going to be civil when I opened the door.”

The slender blond shook her head as she walked toward the door. “You haven’t changed at all Chandler Scott. You’re still stuck in the back of the line.” She laughed.

“And you’re still a bitch.” Chandler sneered. “Get out of my house.”

“I’m staying at the Hilton.” She handed Chandler one of her personal business cards. “Call me if my daughter needs me, I’ll be back tomorrow to see her.” She got back into her rental Lexus and drove off.

Chandler slammed the door out of frustration and startled Kaylie. She immediately went over to the little blond on the couch and sat down next to her. “I love you baby girl.”

“Lub you too!” She giggled and climbed into her mom’s lap. Chandler held her and watched cartoons for a few minutes. She felt horrible about Corey. She never meant to hurt her. Chandler left Kaylie on the couch and went into the kitchen with the phone, she could still see Kaylie on the couch, but she was able to talk without the toddler picking up on everything she said.

***

Jacey used her own key on the front door of the cottage. Chandler was sitting on the floor playing the alphabet game with Kaylie. She’d name a letter and then Kaylie would pick up the letter off of the floor and point to the picture that started with that letter. Sponge Bob was on the TV.

“Hey.” Jacey said as she sat on the couch close by. Kaylie ran up and gave her a hug, then went back to her toys.

“Thanks for coming over. I’m ready to choke her.”

“I know. Man Chandler, I can’t believe she just showed up here like that.”

“Yeah, me either.” Chandler shook her head. “The look on Corey’s face was…god she was so hurt. Marlee still hasn’t changed her name she introduced herself as my wife!”

“No way!”

“Yes, I’m dead serious!”

“Oh my god that bitc…butthead!” She wanted to raise hell, but she knew better. They never cursed in front of Kaylie. “Have you called Corey?”

“No, I figured I’d just go over to her apartment.”

“Good luck, she’s a smart women, she cares about you a lot Chandler, I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“Thanks again for coming over, I hope you’re right.” Chandler changed into a t-shirt and jeans. “I’m not sure what time I’ll be back.”

“Don’t worry about it, I brought my overnight bag.”

***

Corey’s SUV wasn’t parked at her apartment complex, so Chandler decided to drive around the island looking for her. She finally found the white SUV in the parking lot of one of the beaches they had their equipment set up on. Chandler parked her Jeep and walked between the dunes. Corey was sitting in the sand with her knees against her chest watching the surf.

“Hey.” Chandler said as she sat down next to the brunette.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m very sorry Corey. I owe you an explanation.”

Corey stared at the ocean, ignoring her.

“Ironically, I was planning on telling you about my past today, but not like this.” Chandler stretched her legs out in front of her and folded her fists in her lap. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I was born in Albany, New York and moved to New York City as a child. You know my sister Jacey. I was seven when she was born. We were already living in the city then. Ten years later, I graduated from high school and went to NYU. I met Marlee Gillian there, she was studying business. She has an identical twin brother named Paul. Anyway, one thing led to another, we graduated and continued on with our Master’s Degrees and were married in a formal ceremony not long after that. She took my last name as hers and things were great for a while. She became a stock broker for a major company on Wall Street right out of college. I’d always wanted a child, so we decided to have a baby. We used my egg and Paul’s sperm since he was her twin. Marlee carried the baby like a surrogate mother would.” Chandler paused. “Kaylie Gillian Scott was born nine months later. She was beautiful, even as a baby she looked like both of us. It was the closest we could possibly get to having a baby together. Marlee and I were completely happy for the first month. After that things slowly went downhill. I was the only one caring for the baby. Marlee worked god awful hours and was never home. When Kaylie was six months old Marlee told me she couldn’t do it anymore. She honestly wanted her million dollar life style instead of her wife and child. So, I packed all of mine and Kaylie’s stuff and had my lawyer draw up ‘lesbian’ divorce papers to separate our life together and everything in it, and I left. I haven’t had contact with her in a year and a half Corey. I didn’t even know she decided to keep my last name. I know you don’t trust me right now, but I do care about you.”

Corey turned towards her. “Why couldn’t you tell me all of this before now?”

“I wanted to forget about her and that part of me. I was once married to a rich, self-centered bitch. I don’t care to tell anyone about it. I did love her for a long time, and I have a beautiful child that she gave birth to for me, a child that carries both of our genes, but she has never been a mother to Kaylie, and she never will be.”

Corey shook her head. “You know, it doesn’t bother me that you were married, I mean I figured you were with someone if you had a child, but I’m very upset with you for not trusting me enough to tell me. The worst thing in the world is to find out your new girlfriend has a wife!”

“Ex-wife!” Chandler added.

“Well, she introduced herself as your god damn wife, what was I suppose to do?”

“I know. I’m sorry. She’s such a bitch!”

“I really don’t want to be in the middle of this Chandler. You need to work this out with her first. she’s the other mother of your child.”

“She hasn’t had anything to do with Kaylie in a year and a half. I honestly have no idea why she’s here. I’m assuming my mother ran into her and mentioned that Kaylie was really sick not long ago.”

“Well either way, maybe she’s trying to be a mother finally. You should give her a chance for Kaylie’s sake.”

“What are you saying Corey?” Chandler reached out to her but Corey backed away.

“I’m saying we need some time apart…all of this…it’s too much for me Chandler.” Corey stood up quickly to hide the tears in her eyes. Chandler looked back in time to see the brunette walking towards the parking lot.

Great Chandler, just fucking great. Chandler waited for Corey to disappear, and then she stood up and began walking down the beach.

***

Monday morning Jacey woke up just before Chandler was about to wake her up. Her sister sat a steaming cup of coffee on the table next to her.

“Hey, Kaylie’s still asleep. Thanks for staying the night.”

“No problem, I hope Marlee got her rich ass back on a plane this morning.”

“Me too, but I doubt it. I’ll call Mom later and see if she knows why she’s here. Be on the lookout for her today. If she comes by don’t answer the door, I only want her to see Kaylie when I’m there.”

“Maybe you should call your attorney too. You never know what she has up her sleeve. Especially now that she knows you have a new girlfriend.”

“Not anymore.” Chandler said with sad eyes.

“Don’t be so sure, Corey was hit hard with all of this. I’m sure she’s just confused and angry, she’ll come around, give her some time.” Jacey leaned over and grabbed the mug of coffee and took a few sips.

“How did you get to be so grown up?” Chandler grinned half-heartedly. “You remind me so much of Mom.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing coming from you.” Jacey smiled. “You better get going.”

“Call me if she shows up.” Chandler said as she headed out the door to start her day. She wasn’t particularly happy about spending a day in the lab next to Corey knowing how uncomfortable the situation would be.

When she pulled up in front of the lab Blake’s truck was next to Corey’s white SUV. Chandler parked her blue Jeep on the other side of the SUV and got out. She grabbed her backpack and went inside the grey building. Corey’s nose was in a microscope and Blake was standing next to her when Chandler walked by them towards her tiny office.

“Morning,” Blake said as the blond walked by.

“Hey.” She said as she kept walking. Corey didn’t bother looking up at her. She knew that face and those turqoise eyes like the back of her hand. The image was permanently burned into her memory.

Chandler took her conference call with NOAA Headquarters to update them on her project, and then she returned a few more calls before walking back into the lab area.

“Blake, can you pull up all of the photos on the fifteenth reef? I also need all of the specimen samples as well, Corey if you could, please help him get all of that together for me. Thanks.” She turned to go back into her office.

“What’s with all of the secrecy?” Blake asked to her back.

“Everything is a secret with her, you didn’t know that Blake? It’s because it was a secret.” Corey said sarcastically with her eyebrows raised.

“Dr. Joslen, I don’t appreciate the personal comments,” Chandler turned to face both of them as she continued, “especially not from you.” The blond finished and went into her office. Chandler wanted to put her head in her hands and cry. Instead, she picked up the pile of papers that were lying in the fax basket.

***

Blake started to get the photos together and Corey worked on gathering up the specimen containers.

“I wonder what’s got her so uptight.” Blake said.

“I don’t know.” Corey lied.

“Hmm…I figured it had to do with you.”

“Why?” Corey’s voice rose. “Just because we were dating doesn’t mean I know everything about her, or that I’m the cause of her bad mood. Go to hell Blake, I don’t need shit from you too.” She turned and stormed off. Chandler came out of her office in time to see Corey walk away in a hurry.

“What’s going on?” Chandler turned to Blake and began spreading the photos out over the white light to examine them.

“I pissed her off.”

“What did you say to her?”

“I asked her why you were in such a weird mood, I figured she knew.” He shrugged. “She flipped out and told me off.”

“Damn it Blake. Finish spreading these out, I’ll be right back.” Chandler walked out the back door in the direction that Corey went.

She found the brunette leaning against a tree watching the clouds. Chandler leaned against the tree next to her, careful not to touch her.

“We need to get this under control Corey. We can’t have our problems surfacing here.”

“I know, he just pissed me off when he assumed I knew what was wrong with you, I felt like he blamed me.”

“Well, after the way you talked to me earlier I’m sure he knew something was wrong with us. Look, I don’t know what to say to you to fix this, but we need to be professional and go back in there. I have entirely too much work to do to be sitting out here apologizing for something that I’ve already apologized for. Trust me, I’m beating myself up enough over this situation, I don’t need you on my back doing it too.” Chandler blew out a breath of frustration. Her cell phone rang before Corey could comment.

“Hey.” She answered quickly since the caller ID was her home number. Corey decided to hang out and eavesdrop.

“She just showed up here demanding to see Kaylie. When I said no she said she was going to find you. I thought I’d warn you.” Jacey said.

“Thanks, you did the right thing. Don’t worry about me. She won’t show up here, Marlee’s too professional to show her ass in front of a stranger. I talked to Mom she said she saw Paul at the bank the first day Kaylie was in the hospital. Anyway, he must’ve told Marlee and she decided to use this as her excuse to track me down six weeks later.”

“I don’t like this Chandler, have you called your lawyer yet?”

“Yeah, he’s suppose to call me back, he was heading into court. I don’t like this either, it doesn’t make sense. Marlee’s just trying to worm her way back into my life, and using Kaylie is her only way. Now that she knows about Corey, I’m sure she’s going to keep playing games. Marlee is not the kind to show her hand until she’s sure she beat you.”

“I know. God, she used to be such a sweetheart. Even after Kaylie was born you guys were so perfect, I still can’t believe how fucked up your relationship really was behind closed doors.”

“Yeah, I’ll always love her, but I gave up on her and her rich bitch lifestyle a long time ago.” Chandler’s phone beeped and she noticed she had another call coming in. “Hey Jace, let me go, my lawyer’s on the other line.” She hung up and answered the other call.

“Dr. Scott, I was surprised to hear from you this morning. How is everything in Florida?”

“Well, it was wonderful until Hurricane Marlee appeared on my doorstep yesterday.” Chandler leaned back against the tree. Corey met her eyes and held them briefly.

“Hmm…I didn’t think she knew where you moved to.”

“She knew I went to Florida, but I’m not hard to find. Anyway, why is she down here?”

“I don’t know.” He said. “What did she say to you?”

“Kaylie was sick not long ago, she almost died actually.”

“Oh my god, is she okay now?”

“Yeah, anyway, my mother told Paul about Kaylie being sick, he told Marlee and six weeks later she showed up at my house wanting to see our daughter.”

“Have you had any prior contact with her?”

“No, I haven’t seen nor spoken to her in a little over a year and a half. Not since you witnessed our divorce actually.”

“Alright, let me do some digging. It’s in your best interest to let her see the child, but only with you supervising for now. She has no custodial rights to the child according to your ‘civil separation’. My only guess is that she’s going after that now.”

“She can’t possibly do that can she?”

“Honestly Chandler, I don’t know. I’ve seen some judges make questionable decisions in similar cases.”

“She’s not taking my daughter from me Gabriel.” Chandler said through clenched teeth.

“I know, calm down. Let’s just see what she’s up to first. I’ll call you as soon as I have something.”

“Okay.” Chandler closed her phone and leaned back against the tree. Corey swore she could see the steam coming from the blonde’s ears. She walked back over to her.

“I had no idea Chandler, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Chandler said as she walked back inside. All she could think about at this point was that little blond bundle of energy that was waiting for her at home, that alone made her day go by faster.

Chapter Thirteen

Three days later Chandler got the call she was dreading. Marlee’s lawyer forwarded paperwork to her lawyer asking for a court appeal to grant her custody of Kaylie since she was considered the child’s surrogate mother from birth. Chandler wanted to take Kaylie and leave the country, but at the same time she wanted to knock Marlee out. Chandler didn’t leave work since there wasn’t much she could do anyway. Her fate lay in the hands of her powerful New York Attorney, Gabriel Svarta.

On top of everything happening in her personal life, she was about to bring charges to a shrimp boat Captain that was trawling in a secure restricted area. Chandler had proof that the this particular boat had been scraping across the outer reef at least once a month for the past several months, causing reef damage and possible death to the sea turtles that feed on the reef’s vegetation.

***

“I’m sorry you have to go through that.” Corey had just heard the story from Chandler.

“Thanks. I’m sorry for everything that’s happened between us. I should’ve just told you in the beginning.”

“Don’t beat yourself up over it Chandler, you hid it from me for a reason.” Corey wrapped her arms around the blond, not caring who would see them in the lab parking lot. She bit back the urge to kiss her, then gave in and pressed her soft lips against Chandler’s. The kiss was slow and gentle at first. Then, the ever-present passion between them took over. Chandler backed Corey up against her SUV. Their hands wandered over each other’s body as the breathless kiss continued and their tongues battled. Both women knew they were nearing the threshold; soon they’d be naked in the back of a vehicle if they didn’t stop.

Minutes later Chandler peeled herself out of Corey’s arms.

“I should go.”

“I’m falling for you Chandler…hell I fell for you a long time ago.”

“What’s that suppose to mean Corey? I really don’t have time for anymore games right now.” Chandler snorted.

“I’m not…”

“I really need to get home to my daughter.” Chandler said as she walked away.

“I’m not playing games.” Corey whispered. “I’m in love with you.” Chandler never heard her as she got into her Jeep and drove away. Tears were flowing down her face before she was out of the parking lot.

***

Chandler felt the tears sting her face. She’d thought her life was turned upside down when everything fell apart with her and Marlee, then she thought maybe, just maybe her life was getting back to normal when she started seeing Corey. Now, she felt like her life was in a blender and someone on the outside was pushing the puree’ button.

“God damn you Marlee. This will end this time.” Chandler spoke to herself as she continued on her short drive home. Part of her wanted to go to the hotel and knock Marlee into next year. She still couldn’t believe how much she once loved that woman, enough to give her heart and soul to her, only to have it crushed and thrown back in her face.

A few minutes later she arrived at her beach cottage and sat in the driveway clearing her head. Her time with her daughter was precious, too precious to be interrupted by bullshit.

***

“I’m home baby girl!” Chandler walked into the house towards the kitchen. Kaylie ran up to her with her arms wide open.

“Mommy! Mommy!” She giggled when Chandler picked her up.

“Hey Stinky.” Chandler kissed the top of her daughter’s blond head. “What did you and Aunt Jacey do today?”

“Sand casa.” She giggled trying to say sand castle.

“After Cruella Deville left, I decided to work on my tan so we played outside and built a sand castle, then we came in and both passed out watching ‘Lady and the Tramp’.” Jacey stated as she finished putting the spaghetti dinner on the table.

“I see. Gabriel Svarta called today. Its official, she’s going after custody of Kaylie. She’s saying I abandoned our marriage and ran off with the child she gave birth to. She’s also saying that I’m after Kaylie’s trust fund that her family set up.”

“That’s a load of crap!” Jacey voiced her anger. “I’m sorry Kaylie. I didn’t mean to scare you.” She hugged the baby before she sat down and ate dinner with her sister and niece. “What gives her the right to come here with all of these allegations? And, why now?”

“Who knows, personally I don’t care. Oh and by the way, she also said I have Kaylie calling another woman Mommy.” Chandler said as she helped Kaylie eat her dinner.

“What? That’s ridiculous. She calls Corey by her name.”

“I know.” Chandler shrugged.

“I’m so sorry she’s done this to you. Have you and Corey talked at all?”

“Yeah we did today.” Chandler sighed. “I don’t know what to do Jace. Everything is so mixed up right now.”

“I think you should be true to your heart Chan, Corey is an amazing person and she cares deeply for you. I can see it in the way she handles Kaylie and looks at you like there has never been anyone like you in her life.”

“I got burned the last time I fell in love. The only good thing that came out of that was my daughter. Granted, the first years of my marriage were wonderful, I’d go through all of the pain and heartache again just because we had Kaylie together. But, I don’t want to go through that with Corey. I don’t think I could handle it.”

“I know you guys were trying to take it slow. You weren’t expecting your past to appear out of the blue and she wasn’t expecting you to dump your ex-wife on her shoulders either. But, I’ve seen you two together Chan, you can get through this.”

Chandler sat quietly and ate the remainder of her dinner. Then she spoke without looking across the table at her sister. “I’ve fallen for her, and I’m scared to death.”

“Aww…” Jacey stood up and walked over to her sister and hugged her when she saw the tears in her eyes. “I believe in my heart that she feels the same way. You guys are strong and you can work this out. You’re going to need her more than you think Chandler, you know how a battle with Marlee wears you down to nothing. If it wasn’t for Kaylie, I think you may have withered away last time. It took everything you had to stand up to that bimbo, now it’s going to take even more.”

“I know, god my life is so screwed up. Please tell me you haven’t told Mom how bad this is.” Chandler hesitated.

“Hel…heck no! She’d choke the life out of Marlee.”

Chandler snickered. “Maybe that would be a good thing. Anyway, I plan on telling her as soon as I get myself together.”

Jacey cleared the plates from the table and started the dishes while Chandler wiped up the food that Kaylie had tossed on the floor while she ate.

“Gabriel said for now he can do everything on his own, but I’ll need to go to New York in a few weeks. I was hoping you’d go with us so we can see Mom and Dad.”

“That sounds good.”

“I’ll have to go to a hearing in front of a judge and then he or she will make the decision of whether or not Marlee has a case.”

"What are you going to do about work?

"I need to clear a few things up first. I'm probably going to have to take my vacation time."

"That sucks. But, you were planning on using it to go home anyway. I still can't believe she's doing this. She better hope I don't run into her. I'm liable to push her in front of a taxi." Jacey scowled. Chandler grinned. Her little sister was just as feisty, if not feistier than she was.

"Trust me, I've thought about going to that hotel a few times, and only one of us would've made it out alive." Chandler sat Kaylie on the floor with her pile of toys. "I'm thinking her lawyer will pull some strings and have this in front of a judge as soon as possible. We should be ready to hop on a plane when Gabriel calls."

"You want me to call mom, or are you going to do it?" Jacey asked, knowing it was a call her sister dreaded.

"I'll do it. I think I'll just tell her we're coming up for vacation. There's no need to worry her." Kaylie climbed up on the couch and settled in her mother's lap with her stuffed Scooby doo.

"You look tired kiddo." Jacey said as she reached over to tickle Kaylie's feet. "I'll see you girls in the morning." She said as she stood up and stretched. "Get some sleep Chan, things will work out. They always do, eventually." She smiled and hugged her sister.

***

Chandler had an uneventfully restless night. Jacey caught her yawning before she left the house. After two strong cups of coffee she headed down to the dock. Blake and Corey were already there.

"Good morning sunshine." Blake called out as she stepped aboard with her third cup of coffee for the day. She stored her backpack and grinned weakly at him.

"I need to go into the office this afternoon, so I changed our schedule a little bit." She pulled out the chart and showed him the reefs she wanted to take samples from. "Also, can you watch the turtles tonight?"

"Sure. Is everything okay?" He asked as he put the boat in gear and motored away from the dock.

"Yeah,"

"I'm here if you need to talk." He met her eyes. She trusted him, but didn't feel like airing her dirty laundry.

"Thanks." She turned to see Corey sitting towards the back of the boat adjusting a snorkel and mask. She seemed occupied, either that or she was trying to distract her mind and stay out of Chandler's way.

Twenty minutes later they pulled up at the sight and Chandler donned her wetsuit. Corey handed her the specimen containers and she jumped over the side with a small splash. This was the time Chandler loved. She always seemed to lose herself under the water. She treated the ocean like her private sanctuary. She was free to open her mind for the thirty or so minutes it took her to check out the reef and collect the specimens.

This particular time her mind wandered over the past few months. Her life had changed so much. She wasn't sure which way was up anymore. She still couldn't swallow the fact that Marlee was trying to steal her daughter from her, or the fact that she fell in love with Corey, then let her walk right out of her life.

"Look, it's none of my business, but over the past week Chandler hasn't been herself. She looks lost." Blake sat on the stern of the boat and looked over at Corey who stood against the gunwale. "She usually talks to me."

"It's her place to tell you Blake, not mine." She said as she looked out over the rippling water. The sun was warm on her face and it was barely eight o'clock.

"Then you know what's bothering her."

"Not necessarily. I just respect her privacy, and you should too."

Silence passed between them until a small blond head popped up out of the water a few feet away ten minutes later. Chandler swam over to the boat and handed the containers to Blake when he leaned over the side. Corey stepped towards the dive platform on the back of the boat to pull Chandler up into the boat when she started up the ladder.

***

At the end of the day Chandler sat at her desk in the lab. She'd talked to her lawyer, then her mother, and finally her boss. Gabriel Svarta updated her on the case and told her to expect a call within the next few days and a trial date within the next two weeks more than likely. Her mother was excited that her daughters and granddaughter were coming home for a visit. She had no clue about the extreme circumstances. Chandler didn't want to put her mother through that kind of worry. She planned to tell her once they arrived. Derrick Barnes, her boss at NOAA Headquarters wasn't thrilled about her abrupt vacation, and he could deny it if he wanted to since she was in the middle of major assignment. He knew she went through a major ordeal with her daughter recently and had to take some family emergency time off, so he signed off for her to take her vacation time as long as Dr. Joslen and their assistant were able to continue the project during her absence.

Chandler leaned back in her chair and squeezed her eyes closed. She wondered what the hell had happened to the happy little life that she'd built over the past year. Her heart ached for a woman and a relationship that was impossible. Her mind raced with scenarios of the upcoming fight over her daughter. She was burnt out, tired, running on empty, and had no idea had to bring herself back. A tiny tear trickled down her left check. She jumped a foot off of the chair when a warm hand caressed her cheek to wipe away the tear. She met piercing blue eyes staring down at her. No words were said as Corey pulled Chandler up into her arms. Their lips met softly at first, neither woman pushing to go further until Corey parted Chandler's lips with her tongue. The kiss deepened as their mouths molded together. Chandler felt the familiar burning in her chest and the rush of heat between her legs. God she wanted this woman. She always wanted this woman. But this wasn't right. She pulled away breathlessly and took a step back. Her body was screaming to let this woman take her right there on top of that desk, but her mind was completely against it.

"Corey, we can't...I can't. I'm sorry." She turned to step passed her and Corey grabbed her arm softly.

"Why? I don't understand Chandler."

"You told me you didn't want to get mixed up in this mess I'm dealing with. I don't blame you. But, I can't continue to mess around with you when you forget I have an ex-wife that's trying to take my child from me." She took a deep breath and continued. "Besides, this was never going to work out anyway. You'll be leaving soon."

"What? Leaving?" Corey raised an eyebrow.

"You have a life in California Corey. When your assignment is over you'll be going back. I'm sure the FWS isn't going to keep you here any longer than they have to. Once they're satisfied that NOAA knows what they're doing you will get pulled away and sent back home."

"I..." She didn't want to go, she hadn't thought about going back to California in months. "Chandler..."

"Corey..." Chandler put her hand in the middle of Corey's chest. "I care about you, a lot." Too much. "It's best if we end all of this now and go on with the project. I don't have the time or the energy. Please." When she met crystal blue eyes looking down at her she swore she saw tears and she was sure the tears in her own eyes were visible as well. She pushed slightly off of Corey's chest and walked out of the office.

Chapter Fourteen

Three days later Chandler got the call from her lawyer. She needed to be back in New York in a little over a week. She planned to go two days early so that she could spend time with her family. She was a little shocked to see that the hearing was scheduled for a Friday considering it would probably go on for a couple of days. At least they did on TV. Her lawyer told her to expect to be away for up to a week just in case.

Now, she sat at her desk drawing up a plan to catch the trawler that had been dragging over the reef in the restricted area. She still wasn't sure which one it was and planned to stake out the scene if she had to. Blake even told her he'd rent a cruiser for them to stay the night on if they needed to. At least it would make them look like regular tourists. She'd given the Marine patrol close to two weeks and so far they'd done nothing, so she was taking matters into her own hands. This boat had to be stopped.

Blake knocked on her door when he walked in. She grinned when he handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

"Morning, what were our shelled friends up to last night?" She asked. He'd spent part of his night watching the baby turtles as they started hatching. Turtle season would be over in another two months and she'd have six weeks after that to put her report together. Their two year assignment was halfway over.

"I got some good video of some hatchlings coming up and heading into the water. Those little suckers are so cute." He smiled.

"I remember the first time I saw them. I wanted to take one home with me." She said.

He laughed. "What are you working on?"

"A plan to catch that god damn shrimp boat."

"It's about time." He looked down at the small map she was working on.

"I figured we could rent that boat you were talking about and stay out there. A hundred or so yards is probably a good distance, maybe a little more. But, we need to be able to mark the area so that we can show proof."

"I have perfect idea." he said as he pulled a chair up and sat across from her. He pointed at an area of the map. "First, we set up some underwater cameras on the reef. Then, we drop anchor out here. When we see the boat we start the cameras that we have with us and film him dropping the nets and pulling them in. As long as we get the shoreline lined up correctly it'll be impossible for him to say he was outside of the restricted area. The underwater cameras should film him as he drags his stupid nets over the reef. That is, as long as he doesn't snag one of our cameras."

"That sounds like it just might work Blakie. You've put some thought into this." She smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Well..." he shrugged."I just want to see this asshole caught."

"Me too."

Neither of them heard Corey walk up to the open doorway. She heard most of their conversation. Chandler looked up in time to meet her eyes. "Good, you're here. Did you catch any of that?"

"Yeah, most of it. So you guys are doing a stake out on the reef to catch the shrimp trawler? I'm assuming."

"Yeah, he seems to be doing this in the middle of the week so we'll start tomorrow."

"Sounds good." Corey said as she sipped the remainder of the coffee that she picked up from the gas station on her way in.

"We'll be staying out on a rented cabin cruiser, but we'll come back in the morning and won’t go out until almost dark. So, we'll both be in the office. This means we'll have to bump our collection day back to Friday. That shouldn't be a problem though."

***

"Are you sure this is safe?" Jacey asked as she watched Chandler pack an overnight back pack.

"Yeah, we'll be fine. I have to catch this bastard." She looked over at her daughter who was sitting on the couch engrossed in an episode of Sponge Bob. She smiled. "Take care of her. I'll be back tomorrow for dinner. If we don't catch him tonight then we'll have to go back tomorrow."

"All right. Just be careful. You'll have your cell with you right?"

"Yes. But, in case you can't get me..." She handed her a piece of paper with Corey's number on it. "My phone usually works out there since we're not too far offshore, but if for some reason you don't get me, call her. Corey knows exactly where we'll be. She can get to us within five minutes by boat if it's an emergency."

"Okay." Jacey hugged her sister. Chandler walked around the couch and sat down next to her daughter. Kaylie crawled into her lap.

"What are you watching baby girl?"

"Ponge Bob." She giggled. Chandler held her tight, inhaling the scent of her baby shampoo.

"I love you Kaylie." She kissed the top of her head.

"Lub you Mommy." She smiled.

"Give me a kiss." She waited for the little bundle to smack her lips. Then she slid her back over next to her. "You be good for Aunt Jacey. I'll see you tomorrow night."

***

Chandler met Blake at the dock. They took the dive boat out first and set the camera equipment up. Then they got the cruiser situated and headed out just as the sun was setting. They anchored a good distance away from the reef. Once they settled down they grilled chicken on the outside grill and drank a beer a piece as they sat on the deck waiting. They kept all of the lights out on the boat except for the anchor light. It was only a quarter moon and the sky was a little cloudy so most of the stars weren't visible.

It's the perfect night. Chandler thought.

"So, how are things going?" Blake asked.

"What do you mean?" She looked over at him as she sipped her beer. She hadn't really talked to Blake since Corey had started working with them.

"How's Kaylie? Jacey?"

"Oh. Fine. Kaylie's terrorizing the house as usual and Jacey's the same as always."

"What about Corey?" He asked quietly.

"There's nothing to tell there. You see her when I do." He sensed the subject was off limits, but he pushed anyway.

"Lately, I could cut the tension between you two with a knife."

"Maybe we've been a little short with each other, but we've all been working extremely hard over the past few weeks. I'm sure we're all tired."

"Are you sure that's all it is? I mean one minute you're dating, the next you're at each other’s throats."

"Blake, I...all of that is over. Can we talk about something else please?"

"Okay. I'm here if..."

"I know. Thanks."

At midnight she heard a motor in the distance and adjusted her position and peered through the binoculars. "Yes!"

"What?" Blake practically fell off of the cushion he was laying against.

"There they are." Chandler handed him the binoculars as she gathered the camera equipment.

Within minutes they had everything zoomed in on the boat with the land in its background as the trawler made about three passes over the reef. Chandler felt her blood boil. She pondered pulling up the anchor and confronting the asshole, but she didn't need any trouble.

***

By three a.m. the boat disappeared and they had all of the cameras pulled up. They pulled up at the dock and tied the boat up. Once they hauled all of the equipment off of the boat Blake locked it up.

"I'll take care returning this boat before I come into the lab." He said.

"That's fine. Go get some sleep. I'll see you about ten." Chandler said as she climbed into her Jeep. She was almost too tired to keep her eyes open and she desperately wanted to view the film. She drove straight to the lab and set up the projector. She hooked the cameras up to her computer and watched the action from every angle as the projector enlarged the image from her computer screen.

Corey found her at seven a.m. with her arms folded on the desk and her head down on her arms. The projector was flashing her screensaver up on the wall a few feet away. The imagine of the sleeping woman tugged at her heart. It was obvious that she was worn slap out. Corey didn't want to wake her. She wasn't sure how long she'd been like that. But, she didn't want her to have a kink in her neck or back. Chandler deserved to sleep in her own bed, not sitting at her desk. She'd been running herself ragged over the past two weeks. Corey wasn't sure how she was functioning. She stepped over to the sleeping blond and ran her fingers along her cheek as she spoke softly to her.

"Chandler? Sweetheart wake up."

"Huh?" Chandler said groggily as she pried her eyes open. She sat straight up when she took in her surroundings and the woman standing next to her with her hand on her face.

"Are you okay?" Corey asked as she pulled her hand away.

"Yeah, Yeah, I must've fallen asleep. We got some pretty good footage of the trawler last night." She sat back trying to stretch her back. Her entire body ached.

"That's great. Why don't you go home and get some sleep? You look like you just got here."

"What time is it?"

"About seven fifteen."

"I did. About three thirty I think."

"Wow. You probably watched the film for an hour or so. Chandler you haven't slept in two days. Go home. I can take of things here."

"I'm fine." She said as she stood. "I need to run home and shower real quick though and grab some coffee. I'll be back by nine. Blake should be here about ten."

***

Chandler was glad she went home to sleep for a few hours. She was exhausted from being stressed to her limit. She honestly wondered how much more she could take. When Blake met her at the door with a fresh cup of coffee she wanted to kiss him.

“Corey said she found you passed out at your desk this morning.” He said with a smile.

She shrugged and gulped the coffee. She wasn’t perfect, but who the hell was anymore? “Have you seen the film?”

“I have.” Corey said from across the room. “You guys did great. You managed to film him dragging his net line right over the entire reef and you got very good footage of the boat with the name and hull number. That’s a hell of a video camera you have Blake.”

“It’s actually a ridiculously expensive camera with HD video and I added a huge zoom lens.”

“Well, I think it has definitely paid you back.” She grinned at Chandler. “I see you found the doughnuts I brought in hours ago.”

Chandler’s mouth was full cheek to cheek as she tried to eat the doughnut without them noticing. She rolled her eyes at Corey and chased it with coffee. She was starving after skipping dinner the night before and breakfast twice that morning.

“Save me a crème filled one.” Corey said to her retreating back as Chandler headed towards her office.

“Don’t worry, she only eats the powdered ones.” Blake said.

“If you two are done, we need to work that film it into a timeline with all of the photos we have taken over the last few months.” Chandler growled.

“Yes ma’am.” Corey stood at attention and saluted like a soldier. She tried desperately to hide the grin forming on her face. Blake shook his head.

“You sure do like to push her buttons don’t you?”

“Oh she’ll be fine. She’s just tired.”

“Yeah and you’re poking the hornets next with a big stick. I’d prefer to have her in a good mood. You two are already feuding and I don’t want to be invited into that conversation.”

“Too late Blakie, you take sides with her and you’re fired. Now, get your asses in here so we can get some work done.” Chandler said from her doorway.

Chapter Fifteen

Chandler and Corey wrapped up the case on the illegal shrimp trawler and sent it both of their company headquarters so that their lawyers could take the case to federal court. The captain of the vessel would probably face huge fines and possibly jail time for his blatant defamation of the environment. People like that made Chandler’s blood boil. She wanted to punch him in the face the night she physically caught him. That was over a week ago and she was now packed and boarding a plane in less than fifteen hours to handle the second stressful situation in her life. If she made it to the end of the month without exploding in an overloaded rage she would be happy. Maybe she needed a vacation, not a supposed vacation to see her family and fight the court battle of her life. No, maybe she really did need to just go to a remote location and relax, possibly a resort on a white sandy beach, or a lodge on a snow covered mountain. That would be next to impossible with a toddler, but it was still nice to think about.

Chandler walked towards her Jeep in her usual spot in front of their small building and was surprised to see Corey standing by her SUV waiting for her.

“I know you’re leaving for vacation tomorrow and I don’t exactly know when you’ll be back and I’m tired of this riff between us.” Corey said as she pushed off the vehicle she was leaning against.

“This is no vacation Corey. I’m going to fight for my life to keep my child. I don’t expect you to understand.” Chandler said.

Corey reached out and grabbed her arm pulling Chandler against her as she tried to walk by. “I want to understand. Damn it Chandler I want to be a part of your life. I want to be there with you.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Corey.”

“I can’t let you go Chandler. You’re like an old pair of jeans that no matter what just fit right every time. It feels so natural being with you and I don’t want to lose that.”

Chandler raised her eyebrows. “An old pair of jeans huh?” She grinned. “That’s a metaphor I’ve never heard before.”

“Yeah well, new things are happening with me constantly since you’ve been in my life.”

Chandler backed up a step and looked up into her steel blue eyes. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t get this woman out of her heart, her mind, she was buried so deep it hurt just thinking about it. She was almost too far gone to pull back and she was scared of being hurt again. “Our season is almost over Corey, you’ll be leaving eventually. Your life is in California.”

“Not anymore. I put in for a transfer to the East Coast Division.”

Chandler’s brow furled. “When did you do that?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yeah, as a matter of fact it does. Did you do when we got together, or after you found out about my sordid ex-wife?”

“All that matters is I did it.”

“Answer me Corey.”

She huffed. “I did it the day after the first night we slept together.”

“A hell of a lot has changed since then. Maybe you can call and get it reversed.”

“It hasn’t gone through, but even if it has I’m where I want to be Chandler.”

“What do you want from me?”

“You Chandler. I want you and everything that comes with you, your family, everything.”

Chandler leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Corey’s neck drawing her down for a long searing kiss that left them both breathless. It felt so good to be held by Corey again and taste her sweet lips. Chandler was lost in the moment, if only for a second, she savored every ounce of contact and burned it into her memory. When she pulled away she put her hand on Corey’s cheek and ran her thumb over Corey’s soft lips that were still damp from their kiss.

“I need to go.”

“Come back to me.” Corey said under her breath as she watched Chandler drive off.

***

Chandler wasn’t happy about flying home to New York, but she knew her parents would be happy to see them. Kaylie only cried briefly after their plane from Key West took off. By the time they landed in Miami and re-boarded the plane that would take them to JFK Kaylie was sound asleep in Chandler’s lap.

“How long do you think we’ll be gone?” Jacey said from the aisle seat.

Chandler was looking out the window at the cloudless sky. “I don’t know. That’s why I only bought one-way tickets. I’m not letting that bitch take my kid. If for some reason this thing goes all wrong I’ll go to Canada and head to Europe from there.”

Jacey laughed.

“I’m very serious Jacey.” Chandler stared at her.

“I’m sure this whole mess will be over soon. There is no way in hell that judge is going to give custody of Kaylie to that crazy bitch. Besides, Mom would kill her before she got out of the courtroom.”

Chandler laughed when she pictured her mom physically strangling her ex-wife. “Wouldn’t that be hilarious?” She adjusted the sleeping toddler in her lap and checked her watch. They would be arriving soon.

“Have you talked to Corey?” Jacey asked cautiously. She knew the subject was off limits, but they needed a new conversation and hopefully a mood change.

“As a matter of fact, she cornered me in the parking lot before I left yesterday.”

Jacey raised her eyebrows. “And,”

“And she told me she wants a relationship with me. She wants to be a part of my life and Kaylie’s. I just don’t know.”

“You have to do what’s right for you and Kaylie. I’ve just never seen you so complete. During that short time you actually dated her you were a totally different person Chan. At first, I was a little leery, but she’s a great woman and Kaylie adores her.”

“It’s very hard to get past everything that happened with us in such a short time. The last time I fell in love I got burned badly. I don’t know if I can do that to myself again, and I don’t want to do that to Kaylie. She doesn’t deserve to have someone walk out of her life again.”

“I’m not saying move in together, get married, have more babies.” Jacey laughed. “Just maybe give it a chance to see if it grows into something.”

“I have a feeling Corey wants that.”

“Wants what?”

“Marriage, babies, all of that. She’s never had a very serious relationship and I think it scared her when everything was thrown in her face, I figured it would be a nice little fling and be over when she left. Apparently, she’s not leaving and she wants a lot more than a simple fling. If I want that too then I have to trust her, and that’s asking a lot from me.”

“Do you want all of that?”

“What? A relationship?”

“To get married again and have more kids?”

“I haven’t even thought about it honestly. Jacey, Kaylie is my life, and having you with me has been a blessing. I really didn’t care if I ever dated again, at least until she came along. Right now, the only thing I want is to get this over with and go back home to Florida with my daughter. I think Corey could be a wonderful partner, to the right person.”

“You’re in love with her aren’t you?”

Chandler grinned at her sister. “It’s hard not to fall for her, trust me I’ve been fighting it every step of the way and I’m scared to death.”

When the pilot came on the intercom announcing their arrival in the next twenty minutes Kaylie stirred to life and Chandler buckled her into the seat between them.

Chapter Sixteen

Chancellor and Jaclyn Scott were waiting patiently for their family to appear in the hoards of passengers in the baggage claim area. They had only seen them twice since they moved to Florida and that was a trip they had traveled on. Jaclyn wondered why her daughters and granddaughter were all of a sudden coming home to New York for a visit. Chandler swore she’d never step foot in New York again when she left and had so far kept that promise. Her mother didn’t fault her for being bitter. She still spit nails when she thought of Marlee Gillian. Thanks to technology they were able to keep in touch through Skype on the computer every couple of weeks.

“There they are!” Chancellor grabbed his wife’s hand and took off towards the three blondes headed their way. He grabbed Kaylie from Chandler’s arms and hugged her tight as Jaclyn hugged her daughters.

“I’m so glad you girls are here.” Jaclyn said as she hugged them again. “And you,” She bent down to Kaylie’s eye level when Chancellor put her down. “You’re getting big.” She said as she wrapped her arms around her granddaughter. “Chance we need to visit these girls way more than we do damn it.” She said as she stood up.

“Mom!” Chandler said with her eyebrows raised.

“Oh dear, I’m sorry. We forget there are little ears around sometimes.” She looked at her husband. “I mean it. We’re retired, there’s nothing stopping us.”

“I agree one hundred percent.” He said as he hugged his daughters. “Let’s get out of here. Your mom’s got something going in the crock pot that has the entire house smelling like a bistro.” He grinned.

***

Chancellor wasn’t lying, the smell inside the large two story house in the suburbs made Chandler and Jacey’s stomachs growl. The each ate two bowls of the beef stew and fed Kaylie a small bowl of her own before getting settled in their old bedrooms.

“It’s going to be so weird sleeping in my old bed.” Jacey said when she walked into Chandler’s room across the hall.

“Yeah, no kidding. The last time I slept in this bed I was barely an adult. Look at me now, all grown up with my own little girl sleeping in the bed with me.”

Jacey smiled. “They sure were happy to see us.”

“I figured they would be. I wish they didn’t live so close to her.”

“Well, technically they don’t. She’s in the city somewhere, probably the same condo you shared with her.”

“Good, maybe she will get caught in the elevator shaft.”

“Chandler!” Jacey tried to keep a stern face but the grin slipped through. Before they knew it they were both hysterical.

“That bitch deserves it.” Chandler said as she wiped the tears from her laughter.

“What bitch deserves what?” Jaclyn said from the doorway.

“I’m going to go watch Kaylie. I’ll send dad this way.” Jacey said as she walked out of the room.

“Okay Chandler, spit it out. I’m happy you girls are here, but what’s wrong? You despise the state of New York.”

“What’s going on?” Chancellor said as he stepped into the room.

Chandler sighed and ran her hand through her short blond hair. “Jacey and I had to come back with Kaylie because Marlee is suing me for custody of Kaylie.” Chandler waited while her parents ranted and raved and cussed and carried on.

“Over my dead body!” her father said.

“Gabriel Svarta, you probably remember him as my divorce lawyer, anyway he’s representing me again and we have to be in court in two days to let the judge hear our case. He says there are some gray areas and that’s the reason she’s able to do this, but we should win with no problem.”

“Damn right you’ll win. Who’s the judge?” Her father asked.

“I’m not sure dad.” The Scott family had some political pull in the state after years of moving in the same circles. Chandler had no doubt that her father could probably pull some strings, but she didn’t need anything coming back on her. “Let’s wait and see what Gabriel says after the hearing.”

“The nerve of that bitch.” Her mother spat as she sat on the edge of the bed. “What the hell brought this on?”

“Paul told her about Kaylie being sick a while back and she showed up at my house two months ago.”

“Oh my god. What did you do? Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Mom, I didn’t want to worry you guys. I can handle hurricane Marlee. I threw her out. She wasn’t too pleased to see that I was dating someone and that may have added fuel to the fire.”

“Dating someone? Since when?”

“Well, technically we broke up when the shit hit the fan. I never told her about Marlee and Marlee being the arrogant bitch that she is introduced herself as my wife. Oh and she is still using our last name as her own.”

“Chance, do we know anyone connected to the mob? Maybe we should have her taken out.”

“No. Not anymore.” He said seriously.

“So, this girl, what’s she like?”

“Nothing like Marlee that’s for sure, she’s actually in my field. I met her at work. She’s beautiful, long dark hair, blue eyes, a little taller than me.”

“Sounds like a looker.” Chancellor said with a grin.

“Does Kaylie like her?” Jaclyn asked.

“Yeah, they get along so well. She hasn’t been around kids much and has never been married.”

“If it’s meant to be honey it will work itself out. You deserve to be happy and if she’s the right girl she will make you happy.”

“Thanks mom.” Chandler hugged her parents.

“We love you Chandler. We love all three of our girls and we will damn sure be in the courtroom with you. Next time something happens damn it Chandler tell us. We’re adults we can handle it.”

“I know dad. I just hate dragging you guys through this bullshit with me. I thought it was all over. Hopefully, it ends here. She’s not getting my daughter. And she’s not getting visitation or shared custody or any of that shit.”

“Our ties with the Gillian family will end right here with this for sure. I’ll see to it if I have to. That little bitch is not hurting our family again.”

“Gama. Papa.” Kaylie called from the staircase. Jacey was right behind her.

Both of Kaylie’s grandparents stepped into the hall to meet her as she ran towards them. “Don’t think you’re off the hook on this little lady. You need to stop doing what Chandler tells you to do. If you girls need us then you darn well call us. Stop hiding things like we’re old and decrepit.” Jaclyn said to Jacey before bending down to play with Kaylie.

Chapter Seventeen

Chandler decided to call Marlee’s brother Paul, who happened to be Kaylie’s sperm donor, since she hadn’t really talked to him since she left and she wanted the inside scoop on what Marlee’s real reason was for dredging up the past. He was happy to hear from her and they decided to meet at a neutral location so he could see Kaylie.

“I can’t believe you’re going to the lion’s den.” Jacey said an hour later when she found out Chandler was meeting up with Paul.

“Jace, he’s not on her side. He was pretty shocked when I told him I was in town. If you’re so worried about then why don’t you come with us?” Chandler countered.

“I’m suppose to go grocery shopping with mom later.”

“Oh what fun, what are you, five?”

Jacey laughed. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”

“Hey, I didn’t twist your arm. I hear grocery shopping is all the rave these days.” Chandler ducked when Jacey threw a pillow at her.

“Mommy!” Kaylie came running around the corner in time to get snatched off the floor and swung in the air like a plane which was quickly becoming one of her favorite games.

“You’re going to throw your back out Chandler.” Her mother said from the doorway.

“I’m okay mom.” Chandler set the toddler back down. “We have to hurry up and get dressed Kaylie. We have a lunch date.”

“Lunch date?”

“Yeah, we’re going to see Paul. Apparently, his wonderful sister hasn’t told him of her plans to steal my child. Oh by the way, Jacey doesn’t want to go shopping with you so she’s going with me.”

“Oh you ass!” Jacey threw the other couch pillow at her.

“Girls.” Their mother chided. They both laughed.

“Paul seems pretty genuine. I run into him every now and then. Take your father’s truck. I need my car for the groceries.” She started to walk out of the den and turned back around. “Jacey, you’re going to miss out. I was going to get the bakery lady to give you a cookie and everything.” She teased. She knew her youngest daughter didn’t want to go to the store with her, she was just trying to give her a way to get out of the house.

***

Chandler parked the crew cab truck in the only space available which happened to be the smallest space. She let out the breath she was holding when she got out and still had enough room to get Kaylie out of her car seat in the backseat of the truck.

“Man if you scratch this thing dad will kill you.” Jacey said from the other side.

“That’s why I didn’t scratch it. Come on, he’s probably already here.”

They walked inside the small restaurant easily spotting the guy they were looking for. Paul’s blond hair had gotten a little darker, but he still looked at like his sister. He stood and hugged Chandler and Jacey.

“It’s good to see you guys. Oh my god she’s so big!” He bent down to Kaylie’s eye level. “Hi.”

“Kaylie this is Uncle Paul.” Chandler said to her.

Kaylie shyly grabbed Chandler’s leg and tried to climb up her side. Chandler laughed and picked her up. “She’s shy.”

“I got you a present.” He said to her as he stood up and retrieved the bag from the chair next to him.

Kaylie tore into the bag and pulled out a big pink and purple stuffed turtle. She hugged it tight and gave it a quick kiss.

“What do we say?” Chandler raised her eyebrows and waited.

“Thant you.” Kaylie did her best to say thank you.

“You’re very welcome. Now, you need to give her a name.”

“That turtle is adorable Paul. Where did you get it?”

“FAO, I was down in the city for work last week and I was going to send it to you for her birthday in a few months, but since you’re here this is even better. I figured she probably loves turtles as much as you do.”

“She does like turtles, but Sponge Bob is her current obsession. That was very nice of you though. Thank you.”

When he smiled Chandler saw so much of Marlee in his face. She was thankful Kaylie looked like her so she didn’t have to stare at her ex’s face every day in the one person she loved more than life.

“I can’t get over how much she’s grown. She’s a spitting image of you Chandler. She’s a beautiful little girl.”

“Thanks.”

“So, what’s my sister done this time?”

“She’s suing me for custody of Kaylie.”

“What the hell? Since when?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. She showed up at my door a couple months ago and all of a sudden a few weeks later I get served with a lawsuit claiming I took Kaylie from her and I’m an unfit mother because of my job and I wont let her in Kaylie’s life.”

“God Chandler, I’m sorry. I had no idea. She’s so stuck up her own ass I barely talk to her anymore.”

Jacey took Kaylie to the bathroom to go potty and Chandler turned back to Paul. “She’s not getting anywhere near my daughter Paul. She fucked that up a long time ago.”

“I told her so many times how stupid she was. She had the perfect life and fucked it all up. All she cares about is herself, I have no idea why she would all of a sudden want Kaylie.”

“She claims she came down to Florida because she heard Kaylie was sick, but that was over two months after she got out of the hospital so it wasn’t like she rushed to her side.”

“I’m afraid that’s my fault. I told my mom and she must have told her.”

“She’s just using this to get back at me. She thinks I’m after money or something. She can have the trust fund she set up for Kaylie. I don’t want it and she doesn’t need it. My family isn’t exactly broke either and I do pretty well with my job.”

“She needs to get her head out of her ass. I’m so sorry you are have to go through all of this because of her.”

“Mommy, went potty.” Kaylie said when they got back to the table.

“That’s great big girl.” Chandler gave her a hug and helped her get back in the booster seat.

“Chandler, I know I signed away my paternal rights, but if you need me to speak to your lawyer or the judge I will. I want her to be with you. I signed my rights over to you, that’s how I saw it then and still see it now. You are her parent, and it needs to stay that way. I’ll do whatever I can for you.”

“Thanks Paul, that may just help. I’m going to go call my lawyer and see what he says. Our hearing is tomorrow.”

***

Chandler was sitting on the couch in the study with her father later that night after everyone went to bed. He poured her a glass of aged single malt whiskey to match the one he was sipping on.

“How the hell did I get myself into this situation dad? I thought I met the perfect woman, we had a great life, a daughter, everything. Then, all of a sudden she turned into this cruel bitch that has been nothing but a thorn in my side every since.”

“Life’s not all rainbows and sunshine kiddo. Unfortunately, you met the craziest bitch this side of the Mississippi and had a kid with her.”

Chandler laughed. “She’s crazy all right. Crazy if she thinks she’s going to win this.”

“Look at it like this, up until now it was battles you were fighting. This time she raged an all out war and once you win this it will all be over for good.”

“Yeah, it will sure be nice to have her completely out of my life for good this time.”

“It’ll all work out.” He said with a smile.

“Gabriel Svarta seems to think we have nothing to worry about, especially after he met with Paul and took his deposition. Supposedly, tomorrow each side will go over their evidence in which time Gabriel will enter the deposition as evidence and give a copy to her attorney. Then, we probably have a couple of days before he makes a ruling.”

“Hopefully, it doesn’t take him days to realize that woman is crazy lunatic bitch that needs her ass kicked across the Hudson.”

“Here’s to good luck…” She said as she raised the remainder of her glass.

“And good health,” He added before clinking his glass to her and downing the rest of the whiskey in one swallow just as she did.

Chapter Eighteen

Chandler sat in the courtroom next to Gabriel with her parents in the row behind them. Jacey stayed at the house with Kaylie. No one looked up when Marlee made her entrance seconds before the judge was supposed to take the stand. Chandler straightened her suit jacket and rolled her shoulders back.

“This should be a piece of cake.” Gabriel said. He had already met with the judge and Marlee’s attorney to go over Paul’s deposition. The judge decided to allow the deposition. Since Marlee was late, she was furious when she found out her brother had sided against her.

“She looks pissed.” Chandler said when she snuck a glance at the opposing table.

“I’m sure she is. She probably just found out her brother handed you an ace.” He smiled.

Once the judge finally came into the room it was over pretty quickly. Gabriel and Marlee’s attorney both approached the bench separately to present their evidence to the judge. He planned to read over everything and give them their ruling the next day. Thankfully, they were the first custody case of the day and didn’t need to sit around waiting for their case to be heard.

***

Chandler was playing on the floor with Kaylie and telling Jacey about everything that happened in the courtroom during their whole five minutes when her cell phone rang. When she saw Blake’s name she answered it immediately.

“Tell me you haven’t burned the building down in three days.” She said.

“No,” He laughed. “I know you’re itching to call in, so I thought I’d update you.”

“I see. So, what’s the damage?”

“Corey’s doing really well, she’s not you, but she’s efficient and works her ass off like you do. I think she’s just using work to kill the time until you get back. She’s kind of working and moping around at the same time.”

“Blake, I hope you called to tell me about more than Corey moping around doing my job just as good I do it.” She chided.

“We pulled some samples yesterday, that was funny. You definitely have her beat there, no doubt. Anyway, our samples looked good and everything is in order here. I’m sure Corey will call you later, she got some news today and told me she’d drown me if I told you.”

“It sounds like everything is under control. I’ll be back this weekend so I will see you Monday.” She hung up and quickly scrolled for Corey’s name in her phone. When Jacey appeared in the den she had her watch Kaylie so she could go out back.

Corey’s phone rang and Chandler wished she could see her face instead of waiting for her to pick up. She didn’t want to admit she missed her, but she did. In fact, she thought about her lot since she’d been in New York. She wondered what her parents would think of her. She couldn’t help comparing to the bitch standing across from her in the courtroom that morning.

“Blake said you have some news for me.”

“Hi. I miss you too.”

“Corey…”

“My boss called, the trawler captain and the company that owns the boat have been brought up on federal charges. It looks like the E.P.A. is all over this case. It could politically motivated, who knows. Either way, these guys are toast, thanks to you and Blake of course.”

“That is great news! I hope the fry their asses.” Chandler smiled. If there was one thing she was passionate about it was her work, and watching someone blatantly disrespect endangered species really pissed her off.

“Speaking of court cases, how did it go today?”

“It was fine. The judge is deliberating for twenty-four hours.” She sighed. “My attorney says there is no way he will side with her. I met up with her brother the other day and he had no idea what she was doing so he agreed to a deposition and my guess is she didn’t know because she just about had smoke coming from her ears in the courtroom this morning. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her that mad. So anyway, it’s now a waiting game from hell.”

“I wish I was there with you.”

“Thanks. I’m fine. My parents adore Kaylie, she’s going to be so spoiled when we get back home.”

“I bet she loves all of the attention.”

“Oh definitely, she’s eating it up.” Chandler laughed.

Corey looked up at the cloudless sky and wiped the sweat from her brow. She was looking forward to the end of the summer when the temperature hovered in the seventies instead of the hundreds. “I miss you.” She said softly.

“I know.” Chandler closed her eyes. She wanted to tell her she missed her too.

“I miss you both actually, you and the munchkin. Maybe we can all do something when you get back.”

“We’ll see. I wanted to take her to see the dolphins in Isla Marada. Maybe we can all go do that.”

“That’s sounds like fun.” Corey said. “I really want to make this work Chandler. Whatever it takes, I want you both in my life.”

“I know. We’ll talk about it when I get back. Right now, my focus is on this judge’s ruling in two days. My daughter is my world and I’m not letting anyone take her from me. You can bet when this is all over my ex-wife will be completely out of my life for good this time. If I could force her to drop my fucking last name I’d do that to.”

Corey could hear the pain and frustration in Chandler’s voice. She wished she was there to hold her. “I’m sure it will all be over in a few days.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you soon. I told Blake I would be back sometime over the weekend, so I’ll be there on Monday.”

“Don’t rush back on account of this place, it runs like a well oiled machine. You’re a hell of an operations manager that’s for sure. I barely had to ask Blake about anything.”

Chandler smiled. “He did say you were almost as good as me and working efficiently. If that’s true then I need a raise.”

Corey loved to hear her laugh. “I’ll put in a good word for you with the brass the next time they call. I’ll tell them your system is so perfect here that an oaf is running the show with ease.”

“Oaf, that’s a good word for you.” Chandler laughed. “Oh, I gotta go my parents are back from their mysterious outing. After court they took off and we haven’t seen them in hours. I can only imagine what they’ve been up to.”

“They probably snuck off to do it since you guys have taken over their house.”

“Oh Corey that’s just gross, I don’t want to picture my parents in the sack.” She hung up while she was still laughing.

***

Chancellor and Jaclyn were standing in the middle of the den with huge smiles on their faces. Chandler looked at Jacey who just shrugged. Kaylie ran up to them with her arms out.

“Gama, Papa.” She squealed.

“What have you two been doing?” Jacey said.

“Oh nothing,” Chancellor said with a grin.

Chandler cringed, she wanted to smack Corey for putting the idea in her head. “Gross.” She said under her breath.

“What’s gross, honey?” Jaclyn said to her.

“Nothing mom.” Chandler forced a smile. “What time is dinner?”

“Why haven’t you learned to cook?” Her mother raised an eyebrow and waited. “Jacey you need to quit cooking for her and maybe she’d learn.”

“I know how to cook mom, I just don’t do it often.”

“Uh huh, sure you do.”

“I can make anything on the grill. Jacey tell her.”

“It’s true mom, she can grill like it’s nobody’s business, but in her defense she is getting better in the kitchen. Although, I give some of that credit to Corey, she can’t cook worth a shit either, so they were kind of learning together.”

“Corey? Is this the mysterious woman you’re head over heels for and wont talk about?”

“Thanks Jace.” Chandler rolled her eyes. “Mom, she and I aren’t together anymore.”

“If she’s smart she’ll be back.” Her mother said.

“She never left.” Jacey added.

“Seriously? Since when do the two of you know so much about my love life? Buzz off, both of you.” She flopped down on the overstuffed chair and Kaylie ran across the room and dove into her lap.

“Fine.” Jaclyn threw her hands up and laughed at Chandler. She winked at Jacey as she walked out of the room.

“Dad, do you want to go play golf Friday?” Chandler asked.

“Oh Chan, I’d love to, but I can’t, how about Saturday or Sunday?” He said.

“We are going back this weekend. I need to be back at work on Monday. I was planning on booking the flight after the hearing.”

“I wish you girls didn’t need to leave so soon.”

“Me too dad, but my job is very important and being away during the busiest part of my season is not a good idea. I don’t want my research to suffer.”

“I know kiddo.” He patted her shoulder. “Your mom and I couldn’t be prouder of either of you girls. We know how hard you worked to get where you are Chandler. We will just have to take more trips down to see you. I hear there is a nice golf course down there where you guys live.”

“Yes there is. Actually, my assistant Blake and I played there with the mayor a few years back when he was trying to get re-elected and supposedly getting involved in the environment and endangered species. What a joke that turned out to be, but we still got to play there for free so it was nice. You’d like it.”

Chapter Nineteen

Chandler was sitting at the breakfast table staring at the bowl of cereal in front of her. The Cheerios floating in the milk reminded of her tiny life rings. Her stomach was doing back flips and her head was pounding. She felt like she was sinking and needed a life ring of her own.

“Those things aren’t going to eat themselves you know.” Her dad said as he walked by and sat down next to her with a bagel and a glass of orange juice.

“I’m doing just fine watching them float.” She replied without looking up.

“It’ll be okay.” He checked his watch. They needed to be in the courtroom in just over an hour. “Before you know it this will all be over and we can celebrate.”

“I want Kaylie to stay here with Jacey. If for some reason things take a turn I don’t want that bitch getting her hands on Kaylie.”

“I know. I’ve already talked to some friends across the border, you wont have to worry.”

Chandler knew her father had connections in odd places and around the world. He served as a City Councilman, then as a State Representative, and various other political positions over the years. He refused to go any higher because he didn’t want his family involved in the corruption he saw every day. Instead, he happily served his state to the best of his ability and retired quietly. She looked up at the bright green eyes staring at her, eyes that matched her own, and nodded.

“Chance, you didn’t blow our secret did you?” Jaclyn said as she walked into the kitchen.

“No dear.” He smiled at Chandler.

“Good.” She said as she continued into the den to round up Jacey and Kaylie who were watching Sponge Bob. As soon as everyone was in the kitchen she stood next to Chancellor’s seat. “So, yesterday we decided we need to see all of you more than we do, so we met with the bank and a realtor and began looking at pictures of vacation homes and condos in Florida.”

“Wow, that’s crazy. Are you serious?” Jacey said.

“Yes. We have our agent looking all over the keys as we speak. We were hoping you might get a few extra vacation days so when we find a place you guys can come see it with us before we actually close.”

“This is great.” Chandler smiled.

“Depending on where it is, because we are looking for the best deal, if it’s close enough to Chandler maybe you can live there Jacey and just pay us rent and we can stay with you when we come down there if you don’t mind. Otherwise, it will just sit empty for months at a time.”

“Oh dad, that would be awesome. The apartment I’m in now is the size of a postage stamp and the price of a house. It’s like living in the city here. I would love to move. As long as you’re not on the other side of the bridge, the rest of the keys are pretty close so the drive wouldn’t be bad either.”

“Well, that’s all settled then.” Jaclyn smiled and rubbed her hand across her husband’s shoulders.

“We should know something soon. He already showed us about fifteen properties yesterday, but we didn’t really care for any of them. We aren’t in a huge hurry, so we are just going to wait until the right place jumps out at us. When is your lease up Jacey?”

“Four months, I was about to resign too, I’m glad I waited.” She said.

“That’s plenty of time.” Her dad said.

“Oh, and we have some other news for you girls. As soon as we close on a place we’ll come down there and you girls can go shopping with us to furnish the place with anything else it will need after we get Jacey all moved in. Also, we plan to take everyone to Disney World for a few days to celebrate this lawsuit being over and our new vacation home. How does that sound?”

“That definitely sounds like a plan. I’m so excited I can’t wait. I still can’t believe you guys are buying a vacation home in Florida.”

“Me either.” Chandler added as she and Jacey hugged their parents. “We definitely needed this good news.”

“We need to get on the road. Jacey, Chandler doesn’t want Kaylie to be there…”

“I planned to stay here with her anyway.”

***

Chandler found herself once again sitting with her attorney Gabriel Svarta waiting for the judge to enter the room. Surprisingly, Marlee was early and already in the courtroom when they arrived. Chandler unconsciously adjusted her suit jacket and shifted in her seat trying to calm the racing heart in her chest. The only time she had ever been this nervous was the day Kaylie was born.

Everyone quickly stood for the judge to enter the room. Chandler watched out the corner of her eye as Marlee blatantly looked at her and then around the back of the courtroom, no doubt looking for Kaylie.

“I’m not going to lie to you. This case was difficult to rule on. Ms. Chandler Scott being the biological mother and current guardian and Ms. Marlee Scott being the surrogate mother is the kind of case that doesn’t exactly have a right or wrong ruling, it’s more of a cut and dry situation.” The judge looked at both tables as he spoke. Then, he picked up a piece of paper and read the ruling. “In the case of parental custody and guardianship of Kaylie Gillian Scott, I hereby award full custodial rights to Chandler Scott. Marlee Scott you have no actual paternal rights to this child, therefore, you will not be awarded any type of custodial rights at this, nor will you be eligible to apply for those rights in the future. However, if Chandler Scott would like to work out an arrangement on her own accord for both of you, then that shall be of her doing and not the State of New York.” He hit the gavel on the stand and the bailiff called for everyone to rise again.

“Holy shit.” Chandler said to Gabriel. She quickly hugged him and turned around to face her parents. That’s when she thought she noticed a familiar face in the back of the courtroom, but she dismissed the thought. She quickly thanked Gabriel for his services and moved up the aisle towards her parents as Marlee stormed out of the room.

“Congratulations.” A voice said from close by.

Chandler knew the voice without turning around. Her eyes weren’t deceiving her. Corey was standing a few feet away in a black pants suit with a light purple button down blouse under the jacket. Chandler had never seen her in anything but shorts and a polo shirt. She did a double take and smiled. “You clean up nice.” Chandler said as she walked over to her.

Corey gave her the once over. Chandler was wearing a charcoal gray pants suit with a crème colored button down blouse under her jacket. “You look nice.” Corey said, then she leaned down close to her ear. “I like you better in the little black bikini.”

Chandler playfully smacked her, then threw her arms around Corey’s neck and pulled her close. Corey wrapped her arms around Chandler and held her tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Chandler said.

“I was going crazy. I couldn’t be without you anymore. I love you Chandler.”

Chandler smiled and slowly pressed her lips against Corey’s. Their kiss was soft and gentle, but definitely a kiss lovers would share. Chandler missed kissing Corey, she silently vowed to never stop again.

“I’ve been fighting my feelings for you for what seems like forever. Corey I fell in love with you the first night we made love. I’m taking a huge risk here, but if you’re sure about all of this, I really want to make it work.”

“I want you for the rest of my life, and I want Kaylie too. She deserves to have two loving parents and I know I don’t have any experience, but I’m willing to learn everything I can about being a parent. I love you so much Chandler.”

Chandler pulled her down for another kiss that was rudely interrupted by her father clearing his throat from a few feet away.

“Care to let us in on the conversation?” He said.

Chandler quickly let go of Corey and spun around. She couldn’t be more embarrassed. She completely forgot where they were. Half of the people that were in the small courtroom were watching them with curious eyes. She grinned sheepishly at her parents.

“Mom, dad, this is Dr. Corey Joslen. She works with me.”

Her mom smiled. “So, this is the infamous woman you’re supposedly not dating I’m assuming.”

“Yes.” Chandler smiled.

“I see.” Jaclyn stepped closer and held her hand out. “I’m Jaclyn Scott and this is my husband Chancellor Scott. We’ve heard a lot about you over the last few days.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Corey shook their hands.

“By the way, mom, we’re definitely dating again.” Chandler said. “Actually, we’re a lot more than dating.”

“Well, by the looks of your display, I’d hope so.” Jaclyn laughed.

“So, Chandler, what else haven’t you told us?” Chancellor said.

“You’re getting a grandson.” Chandler said seriously. Her mother’s face lit up and she quickly said, “Mom, mom wait, I’m kidding.”

Corey squeezed Chandler’s hand. “Maybe you’re not kidding.”

Chandler looked at Corey with raised eyebrows. “What’s gotten into you?”

“I don’t know.” Corey shrugged. “This love stuff is making me do all kinds of out of the blue things.”

“Good, we would love a grandson, sooner than later if possible.” Jaclyn smiled at the deer in the headlights look on Jacey’s face and patted Corey on the arm.

“I second that motion.” Chancellor said with a grin. “Welcome to the family Corey.”

Table of Contents

copyright

Also by Graysen Morgen

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen