Lindsay wondered if her wife was having a good experience with being with someone else, like Lindsay was. If so, what did it mean for their future? Then Ken hugged him, and in so doing aroused her feelings once again. He said, “You probably should wear leggings today. Lindsay thought she couldn’t take the chill in the air, and instead wore a long skirt that Liz had bought for her.

They rode off and finally pulled out onto a field amid the hills filled with the extravagant, colorful fall foliage. Ken pulled up to a hot air balloon that was fully expanded and ready to fly. A woman named Connie came and opened Lind’s door and helped her out. “I have a heavy sweater that I suggest you wear under your coat. It is going to be very cool once you’re up in the air. Ken must be trying to impress you. Fall flights come at a premium.”

Getting into the basket was a bit of work as Connie, Ken, and a man named Gary helped her to get in. It was mentioned that in was 18 feet in diameter, which sounded big until there were five adults in it. Ken and the other person were bundled up nicely. It happened that the balloon belonged to Connie, and she would be the pilot today, and Barry was the co-pilot. Once they were ready, Lindsay thought they were joking that they’d be flying thirty to forty-five minutes.

“You’re kidding me, aren’t we only going to be tethered to go up so high and be brought down again?” The balloon started to lift off, and a rope hung down for a while, and then it was cast over. Connie advised us to look out and take in the beauty of the scenery. It was mostly forest trees, then came a farm, and the horses and cattle looked like small toy animals I had as a child.

Lind was cuddled in Henry’s arms; between the view and the warmth of his hug and his breath, she was not mindful of any cold. It was well into the flight that Connie pointed at the shadow of the balloon. She pointed to several vehicles that were following us on the ground. Minutes later, she pointed to an open field further ahead as a possible landing site. Mostly, they flew as the wind took them. The landing spot at first looked like a postage stamp, but the field continued to grow in size as the balloon got closer.

Lindsay kissed Henry and then asked, “How did you ever think of something like this?”

Henry laughed, “There needs to be more to our relationship than what you’re used to. Even going out to eat and good sex get old after a while.”

Lind said, “I’d never have considered this as Leon.”

Connie joked, “Up here could be a good place for love making, but not usually the first time. I was happy that Ken asked if I’d take you up. I hope it was a wonderful experience.”

The balloon landed forty feet to the north of their landing spot. Our return vehicle stopped at a Pub on the way back. The food, drinks, and three tables of flyers, staff, and ground people made for the heat to warm everyone. Lind was moved by the warmth of the people and how no one seemed to mind who she was.

Connie had Lind’s hand as they headed for the women’s restroom. Once heading there, Connie let go and talked, “Lind, I’m glad Ken brought you up for a weekend. I know you make him happy by just being here. Have you allowed yourself to relax and enjoy being here? You make an attractive woman.” Connie went into a toilet stall, as did Lind, and the conversations stopped. Back to the mirrors and sinks, the conversation returned. “Was it like you thought to have a man inside you?” Connie asked? “We think you pleased him; The problem is he may have trouble sharing you.”

The last statement hit an uneasy chord that already concerned Lindsay. Lind tried not to tear, but Connie saw the wet tears that resisted falling. There was small talk as they went to their table. A slow song was playing, and Ken took Lind to dance with him. He held her close and nibbled on her ear, saying sweet things. She kissed his cheek, and then their lips met. “I have feelings for you, but I love Liz.”

“Let’s take today, and worry not,” Ken said. The song ended, and they kissed and went back to the table. Connie awarded a hot air balloon pendant to Lindsay, and others applauded boisterously.

Gary announced, “By the long skirt, you can’t tell she has nice legs. Lifting her into the balloon, I can verify they’re pretty.” Lind blushed.

There was another slow song, and Roger came and took Lind for a dance. “I’m not used to dancing with feminine men, but if you get tired of Ken, there are others of us who will bed you.”

Lind stopped there and went back to Ken. “I hope you know there is no sharing me with others.”

Ken said, “I am glad you made that clear. I didn’t know he’d try that. Please don’t credit that to me.” Between the balloon ride, the fresh air, and the meal, Lind was tired as they drove back to the cabin. A hot brandy warmed her and put her in a romantic mood before she drew tired. Ken had made love to her, and he placed himself behind her like a shadow as she fell asleep. She dreamed that he was making love to her again. Then she remembered Liz. Ken did not know what troubled Lindsay, but he held her and whispered she was okay.

Liz was on Lindsay’s mind when she woke in the morning. Their daughter Amy came to mind, and then a restless yet peace-filled thought, ‘There is no going back.’ Ken kissed her on the cheek as she fully awoke. Lindsay gazed into Ken’s eyes as she woke. Truly, it was beautiful to awaken with his kiss. Her arms stretched out to curl over his shoulders, and she raised herself up to kiss him and get up.

After breakfast and being awake with two cups of espresso, it was time to begin packing and loading up the car for the trip home. Connie came to see them off. It was nice to have a woman friend whom she could call and talk to.

Once on the road home, they had no shortage of memories to share, but there were also quiet moments. Her heart ached, not knowing how to reconcile her love for Liz and Ken.

They passed a familiar spot, indicating they were nearing home. It was noon as they drove up to the Purple Goose, where the time apart began and would end. Cassidy greeted them, announcing that Liz, my wife, and Erik Handsome were here.

Liz smiled and appeared happy; “Lindsay, you’re the same but somehow different.” Cassidy offered, “She looks content and happier.” Liz commented, “The time away appears to have been good. I like your complexion.”

There were the shots of rum that officially ended our time apart. When Lindsay got her belongings from Ken’s car there was more than she left with. Liz said, “I got a couple of new things but neither as much nor as substantial as you.”

We were soon home and Lindsay was unpacking; she hung up a few things, some things had been cleaned and were ready to be put away, but Lind didn’t have a place for her lingerie, and folded tops. Liz came to his chess drawers, taking out his regular clothes, and made space for Lindsay’s clothes.

Liz asked, “Please tell me about your long weekend with Ken. You don’t need to be shy; I can tell it was a good time for you. Did you enjoy being a woman 24/7?”

Lindsay was happy to tell about flying in the hot air balloon, the cruise on the large lake, and the dresses or outfits she wore. Without meaning to, Lindsay said they slept together every night. When she mentioned Ken sleeping close behind her, Liz used the term ‘spooning’.

Liz mentioned getting a new device she could use to penetrate him. Lindsay turned beet red, it was the thought that she’d enjoy it.

It was Monday when they were back together, but a surprise came on Wednesday evening when their daughter Amy came home on a mid-semester break. She mentioned having called and texted them the prior week and weekend, but got no response.

She said, “I finally contacted Mrs. Robinson, our next-door neighbor, making sure everyone was okay. It came out that your Dad was spending more time as Lindsay, and that you two were having time away? When I asked about you being together, she was silent.”

Liz and Leon were tripping over their tongues, trying not to answer directly. Amy finally stopped them and asked, “You two, stop. My friend Tina called and asked, ‘If it was true that my dad went away with Ken Davis for a long weekend?’ I was shocked by the question, but Amy said, “My therapist encouraged me to be open to what might come from it. If it’s true.”

She said, “I’ve been researching this and talking with my counselor. My Counsellor said, It is unrealistic for things to go back as they were.”

Liz cried, “I don’t want to divorce you, Leon!”

Amy embraced her Mom. When her crying calmed down and I was embracing her too. Amy asked, “Mom, do you think it is realistic for Lindsay to become celibate?”

Liz said, “No, nor do I expect I can fill all Lindsay’s needs.”

To Be Continued…