Do you know how it feels like to have a name where you're constantly being told it’s a 'girl’s name'? Well, I am usually called John, but with my European heritage, my name is spelled Jean. I am now twenty-four years old, and it is no longer a big deal. It has probably helped me relate to women more closely.

I work in a corporate office complex. I graduated from college over a year ago, last May, and quickly got hired. However, as a junior in my department, I work in an office cubicle alongside the support staff. There are over half a dozen of us who often pal around after work and festively celebrate the holidays and weekends in ways our folks would not have.

This was going to be my second Halloween with this group. Lo and behold, I said yes to going to a Halloween party before I found out Rob and Hal opted out. I probably would have gone anyway.

We are even to stay at a hotel near the party, in case there’s too much drinking. In case, ha? We don’t drink to get drunk, but we drink enough that we don’t plan on driving or working the next day.

The hotel is a block away from the Blue Swan, the party site, in a good part of town. We suspect Rob and Hal might have chosen not to go with us because they see the Blue Swan as a gay/lesbian bar. While Jenn, Cara, Tess, and I know it as a friendly, open bar with a good reputation. I’m straight, and I think the others are, though I’m not sure, as it's no business of mine.

Jenn first suggested, “Hey John, since the rest of us going are women, why don’t you go to the Halloween Party as Little Bo Peep?” I said yes, thinking it would be funny. Besides, I never come up with an original idea like this. I guess my image of Little Bo Peep was not the same as Jenn’s adult version.

I took a vacation day for Friday as I was sure it would be hard to get up and get going after the Halloween party. Tess said we could continue at the hotel and make it a fun weekend. I wasn’t planning on that, but I had not made other plans, so it would be possible.

Come Thursday, we work until one in the afternoon, and the department boss allows us to take sick time for the remaining hours. The hotel rooms are available around 3:00, and Jenn asked me to be there shortly after 4:00 to get ready. The thought of women helping me to get ready with my costume was a bit exciting, to say the least.

Jenn greets me in our suite and tells me we’re sharing the same bathroom. She wanted me to hurry up so she could help me and still have time for herself. I flinched at the idea of shaving my legs, but Tess agrees with Jenn that it’s essential. I willingly, if begrudgingly, agree.

Utilizing a gaff upset me, but Jenn’s justification was, “If we drink too much, we don’t want to be back here and tomorrow morning find out we had sex with you. Besides keeping you flat down the front, it will give you the feeling of being one of us girls.” Needless to say, she got her way. I hesitated again upon seeing the adult version of Little Bo Peep. Jenn does apologize, “I thought the dress would be the traditional long dress.” But it wasn’t, with the frilly underpants, I was assured nothing showed. Tess said, “The cheerleader's costume would show more.”

I had checked the mirror and was surprised to see how nicely Jenn had made my face. The makeup and my complexion made me appear as an attractive woman. I didn't see myself as a funny-looking woman.

We ordered room service, but I was too nervous and couldn’t eat. I was becoming very nervous about how I looked as a woman. Come at 8:00 p.m., we’re making our final preparations. I have fixed myself a mixed drink using one of the little bottles in the room. Jenn redoes my makeup and even curls a few locks of my hair to drop precariously from around my bonnet. Cara said I make a convincing Little Bo Peep. A check in the mirror caused me to agree frighteningly. I only got to drink half of my second mixed drink as I was pulled along, and we’re on our way to the Blue Swan pub.

Jenn’s a Caribbean Pirate, Cara is Athena, and Tess is a hot female devil; they each have theater-grade costumes. Jenn does remind me as we go in, “Remember to eat some appetizers, you want to have food in your stomach.” All of us usually hold our alcohol quite well, so it was not a major concern to me.

I lost count of the number of women coaching me in having a feminine voice over the first hour and a half. They must have done a pretty good job, as in the next hour, I had at least three dances with men. Using the women’s room isn’t a big deal except for the need to relieve my bladder and having to struggle with the costume. Well, there was an exception.

Someone named ‘Nessie’ helped me with my makeup. I thought maybe we might be together after the party, as my next two dances are with her and my juices are flowing.

This period went a little fuzzy, then blank. The night was filled with warm feelings and a pair of hazel eyes.

It is now morning, and I’m waking up in a hotel bedroom, but as I stretch my arms, I hit the person next to me. I thought it would be Nessie. It’s a man, and as I bring my hand back, I feel he's an aroused man. I’m down to a bra and my panties, but the panties are the spare pair Jenn insisted upon.

“Hello,” the man says, “Welcome back to the world. Seemingly, you needed your rest.” One of his hands was inside my leg, seeking to pull me, pull me his way. He was being deliberate but not at all forceful as he gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek. It was when he moved to situate himself between my two legs and sought to lift my hips that an alarm went off.

Now I speak up, “What do you think you’re doing? Where am I?”

He says, “Last night I told you I would need to do this again. It’s to prove to you that you’re willing and enjoy it.” He applies some gel to my slightly sore butt, but alas, I’m not repulsed. As he begins to raise me, I raise my legs to go around his body.

‘How, why did I think to do something like that?’

He begins to push himself into me, and as I see his smiling face and his beautiful hazel eyes, I’m infatuated with him. I’m even remembering his name, Matthias. We kiss and we’re soon making love. Once, I feel all warm inside; Matt relaxes on me, and I speak up. “How can this be? I’m not gay. I don’t do these things.” I speak more strongly, “Where am I! Where have you lured me?”

Matt smiles, “You’re probably two floors above Jenn and the others. Jenn said, ‘Your sister Sheila should soon be here.’” I’m relieved by the thought that she would at least insist on my going to my room.

I say, “I need to get up and change, and before I go with her.”

Mathias says, “I’d suggest you shower first. Then you can use your costume, or you can use my robe. But I think your sister will be here before you get there.”

I begin to pull the sheet up around me as I seek to get up to make my way to the bathroom. There’s a knock at the door, it is Shelia saying, “John, open up, we need to talk. ...I know about you being there, please open up.”

Matthias opens the door, “Hi, I’m Matthias. Why don’t you come in and visit with Jean?”

My sister is caught off guard by me being called ‘Jean,’ and she looks to me. “I heard he dressed as a Jean and that he drank too much on an empty stomach.” She continued turning to Matt, but spoke to both of us. “No disrespect, but my brother doesn’t do this. I just felt a need to come up and make sure he wasn’t under any duress.”

Matt joked, “He has been under, but not in duress. I don’t regularly do this either, but we hit it off last night, and it has happened. Please don’t discount your brother or our being together.”

I never made it out of bed, and Sheila was now sitting on the edge, looking at me. I say, “Sheila, this is Matthias Strass. Matt, this is my sister Sheila Hulme. Thanks for caring, Sis, and I’m as surprised as you are. It was surprising to wake up this morning, and I didn’t plan it. But I confess I wasn’t under duress being Jeanne with him.”

Sheila asks, “I hear you went to the Blue Swan. What were you expecting? I didn’t think you’re… um. Well, liking men… um, or is it liking to be a girl?”

Finally, Matt suggested, “Why don’t you let Jeanne shower and get dressed, and then we can get some breakfast and visit over some coffee.”

Sheila gets up off the bed, turns her head, “Get going, I won’t look.” She stepped on the sheet and caused it to fall on my way to the bathroom.

Once I’m out of the shower, it’s awkward as the breast forms were still attached. 'How am I going to change into the clothes from Sheila?'

I’m the one surprised. The bag of clothes Sheila brought up from Jenn has a skirt and a top outfit, but not my clothes. Matt said, “I guess that was my fault. I asked Jenn if she had an outfit you could wear. I assumed that with your breasts, you need to dress this way. So I asked for a skirt outfit.”

I asked, “Sheila, please go back to the other room, my room, and get my clothes and the stuff to help get these off.”

Sheila grinned, “Jenn and the others were on their way out. After they gave me this bag, they asked if I needed anything else. I told them no, and they left. You will need to make do with being a regular girl or getting back into the Bo Peep costume that I'd like to see.”

She helped me with my makeup and hair. Neither she nor I could get over how much I look like our Mom. Sheila and I both have her fine features. I had to use the toilet, and because of the kind of gaff I’m wearing, I need to sit and wipe. I can’t believe how a simple act is a turn-on to me.

When I came back out, Matt asked Sheila to give us fifteen to twenty minutes. I wonder why we’d need that much time.

He opened his arms after she left, and I stepped into them, again mesmerized as I looked into his eyes and awaited his kiss. Matt stepped back and is holding my hands. “I can’t believe I am asking this, but I’ve fallen in love with you. Jeanne, will you please marry me?”

I can’t believe he asked, nor could I believe my hesitation in quickly answering him. I know, it should be a quick ‘No’. But the longer I paused, my feelings welled up inside of me, Jeanne. I say, “Yes, I love you too.” Did I say that? I must have, as the joy is overwhelming. Matt lifts me and whirls me around as we kiss.

I pick up my purse and look for my lipstick. My lipstick isn’t messed up as it was set to dry, and it's a good lipstick. We walk down to the lobby. I met with Sheila as Matt checked out. Sheila asked, “Have you ever met Matt before?”

I didn’t say anything because I remembered Matt and I had met at a conference a few weeks before. ‘I had been taken then by how well he spoke at the conference, carried himself, and how he looked. I hadn’t thought of it as anything special. I do remember I went out of my way to meet him. I didn’t know then he was gay until I heard a woman say to another, "I wouldn't mind being with him." And another woman replied, "I hear he's not your type. I hear he's into others like himself." Then again, I was surprised by my desire to meet and say hello to him.’

When we go out front, Sheila and I are both surprised to see a Jaguar awaiting us. All I know is Jaguars are expensive. I don’t know if this Jaguar XJ is special or not. Matt opens the door for both of us, and as we’re getting in, he asks me, “Did you tell her?”

Sheila quickly asks, “Tell me what?” I hesitated in saying anything, and once Matthias was in the car, he realized I hadn’t.

“We’ll tell you as we have one stop before the restaurant.” We stop in front of the best jewelry store in York. I quickly remembered something my Mom had said long before when I was a young boy. We didn’t stop at this jewelry store because it was much too expensive. Since the recession, it has catered to a broader range of customers, but it was still the elite jewelry store here.

Sheila’s eyes are like saucers as we go in. Matt finds the diamond rings. I look for prices, but they are not readily visible. Matt turns to Sheila, “I’ve asked Jeanne to marry me, and she has said yes. I hope you will help us in selecting an appropriate engagement ring.”

I am waiting for Sheila to scream or get angry. She takes her own time looking at me, and then Matthias, and back to me. I finally speak up, still using Jeanne’s voice, “He said he loves me and asked me to marry him.” I am trying to find better words, but finally said, “I love him too and I said, ‘Yes, I love you. Please don't be upset with me.”

She joyfully says, “Congratulations, Sis! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I am moved by how happy you two are.”

It took us some time to find the right ring, diamond, and have it sized. I have never really noticed rings before. Oh, several friends have gotten engaged or married, and I saw their rings. But as a guy, I hadn’t been very interested, and just complimented them that their ring was nice or beautiful. But as I look today, one is prettier than another until I know that I have found the most wonderful ring for me. It isn’t gaudy or the biggest diamond. I couldn’t believe Mathias was willing to pay nearly twenty thousand dollars for the ring. But I am tickled he does.

It was mentioned that we would need to bring it back to be properly sized, but Matthias wanted to show our parents. “Parents! My parents, what will they say?"

Matt said, “After my mother gets over the shock of hearing I’m getting married, I think she’ll love you and insist we get a better ring. What do you think your Mom will say?”

I say, “I’m not sure how to approach it. I’m afraid she’ll die of shock. I don’t know how to tell her and my Dad, that their son John is Jeanne, let alone that I’m engaged to be married to you.”

I look at Sheila. Sheila said, “It is a beautiful ring. While Mom is shocked, I think she’ll love the ring and have no trouble understanding why you love Matthias.”

Sheila paused, “I’m sorry, but I thought you showing up at the house unannounced would not be the wise way to go. Dad’s being gone might be helpful. But I called, and Mom is expecting us. She wants to meet her daughter as well as your fiancée.”

I am quite happy that Sheila called ahead. Still, I can’t believe we are on our way there. The neighbors notice the Jaguar driving up into our driveway. Our Dad is in upper management, so our house is quite nice. Mom greets the three of us at the door. I know she’s in shock, but she greets me with open arms and a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. It is almost like everything was normal.

Mom asked, “Jeanne, come with me to my room. We need a private conversation first.” Mom pats the bed next to her, asking me to sit. “Your sister said you went to a costume party, so tell me about meeting Matthias and your becoming engaged to him. I didn’t know you’re gay, so this was quite a surprise.” She was still holding her composure, and I didn't see any anger.

“Mom, I know it’s hard to believe. I’m not gay, though Matthias is, and I’m engaged as Jeanne, not John. I went to the costume party with Jenn, Cara, and Tess from work. They talked me into going as Little Bo Peep. I had been drinking, but I wasn’t drunk. I am not quite sure when we started to dance together. Our group stayed pretty close together until later in the evening. I don’t think you want me to go into it more. I’d be embarrassed.”

Mom insists, “My child gets engaged, don’t worry, I’m interested in your story.”

“Well,” I say, “I woke up this morning in Matt’s room, not quite sure where I was or what happened. It felt strange when I realized I was in bed with Matt. He kissed me on the cheek and said he needed to do something we did the night before. Um… Um…”

I pause until my mother insists I go on. “Well, I told him I wasn’t like that, but when he was in between my legs, lifting my hips and um. Well, when he was in me and he was coming down on me, that's when I saw his eyes and smile.”

“You won’t understand, but I became infatuated with him and knew I loved him, and the feelings just burst inside of me. It was love at first sight, I’m taken with him, Mom. I know that sounds strange, and you won’t understand.”

Mom raises a finger to my lips for me to hush, “I do understand, but it’s a woman’s story, as are your feelings. Your response was that of a woman in love.”

She continues, “I agree, I don’t see you as being gay. It seems strange to me. I don’t understand how, but I think being Jeanne becomes you. Let’s go back out and visit with your fiancé.”

Mom asked me to pour cups of tea and to ask Matthias if he wanted coffee or tea. She’s putting some cookies on a plate. We are sitting in the living room talking. I’m on the love seat next to Mathias. Mathias tells how he wants my help to watch over some of the family businesses and do some investing.

Mom says, “You are a young man, not even thirty, I suspect. How much investing could you be doing?”

Matthias says, “I am twenty-eight and I started investing before I was fifteen. My record in the time since is better than any in the family, including our investors. I suspect you want to make sure I can properly support your daughter. I assure you, I will do that and more.”

He said, “My mother will like your protective nature. I cannot wait till you two meet.”

Mom looks at her watch, “Sheila, are you willing to take your sister shopping. She’ll need three dresses or outfits to get started. I doubt if she’ll know the extras and everything else she will need?”

I speak up, “Mom, we haven’t had anything to eat yet.”

Mom looks at Matthias, “Is that true, you haven’t gotten her breakfast. Sit down, and I will get something to eat for all of us.”

Matthias asks, “I will take all of us to get something to eat. Do you want something Asian or Italian?”

Sheila spoke up, “Mom, we need to go out to eat. You need to ride in his beautiful car. I let Mom have the front seat.” Mom says no, but the rest of us agree, and she sits up front.

We are soon at Bel Paese Italian Ristorante. Instead of remarking about the car, my Mom complimented me on how I got in and out of the car. I tell her that Sheila had already grilled me, as had my friends the night before.

The meal was great, but the need to get some clothes constantly comes up. I am very nervous as we go shopping. Mom takes my hand and squeezes it lightly, “Relax and enjoy, you present yourself quite well as a young woman. You will be fine.” The words and Mom’s attention were comforting to me.

Matthias suggests we get at least two very nice outfits, one for meeting his folks and another for dinner. Before we went looking for dresses, Matthias asked if there was any need for shape-wear I should be wearing. I’m surprised as mother and Sheila hurriedly trip, saying "Yes." Mom looks at me and says, “You’re not fat, but you could use losing ten pounds and have something bring in your waist.”

I had imagined getting some skirts and dresses to fit my new identity, but three pieces of shapewear were not part of it. Putting on my clothes over a camisole, a half-slip does wonders to change my mind. Mom guessed that I was now wondering about getting some nice breast forms. She said, “When you are home next, we will go looking to fill those cups, but we will be realistic.”

I get a black dinner dress, a dark blue satin skirt, and a beautiful white satin blouse with lace. That’s when Sheila comes carrying a gorgeous summer print dress, and Mother insists I model it. It is a beautiful dress, but it shows off my legs way too much. Sheila said, “Tell me you wouldn’t like to be in that cute number next to Matthias?”

We got three more skirts, more blouses, and tops. Mom encourages Matt to sit down, as we will begin the tedious shopping of getting more panties, bras, sleepwear, shoes, stockings, pantyhose, makeup, and more.

I think I am home free when Sheila requested I sit upon a stool near the jewelry area. I begin to protest when she asks my preference in diamond ear studs.

I asked, “Am I just getting one pair to start, or do you think it would be alright to get two in each ear?”

The woman helping me comments, “That is a beautiful ring. When are you getting married?”

Sheila comments, “She doesn’t know; she just became engaged this morning.”

Bonnie steps away and is soon back. She pierces my ear and puts in a larger diamond stud. “It is humble with your ring, but this is more suitable to go with it.”

Mom says, “You can’t do that. That is fine jewelry.”

The woman turns to Mom, “Mrs. Hulmes, I am the manager of the jewelry department. It is my pleasure to celebrate your daughter’s engagement.” Mom can only say thank you.

Mom later tells me, “Bonnie knew I only had one daughter, and she saw Sheila there.” Mom did promise we would be back for more jewelry. Bonnie told my Mom, “Congratulations, and I compliment you on accepting her as your daughter. I can’t say I saw this coming, but it seems a natural fit.

Once we are back at the house, Mom asks Matthias, “Was it your hope to introduce my daughter to your parents yet tonight, or do I have her until morning?”

Matt said, “I would love to allow her to stay here tonight, but I do not want word of our engagement to reach them before I can introduce her. We have been to too many public places today, so I would rather go now than to wait and chance the news getting to them before I can tell them.”

Mom asked Sheila to help me pack. They send me to the shower with encouragement to freshen up especially well. Sheila checks on me while I’m in the shower, and she has me shave a few areas that my friends and I had missed. Sheila helped me to brush out my hair and showed me how to apply my makeup. “Please, tomorrow keep it simple and do not use too much makeup. I hope they love you as we do him.”

We are in the car by 6:00 p.m. and on our way to the Strass home in Brynn Mawr, west of Philadelphia. Matthias wakes me with a kiss five minutes before we arrive. It was shortly after seven-thirty that we drove through the beautiful wrought iron gates, driving up to the front steps of a mansion.

His mother, Ruth, and sister, Rebecca, come out to greet us. His mother was looking me up and down, and I was becoming more nervous by the second. She gave us a softening smile, "I apologize, young lady. Matthias, dear, will you introduce me to this young lady?”

He said, “Mother, I apologize for coming unannounced, but I wanted to introduce her in person. This is my fiancée, Jeanne Hulme. Jeanne, this is Ruth Anne Strass, my mother, and Rebecca Anne, my sister.” We are encouraged to follow them into the house. There's a large receiving room, where wine, cheese, and bread were offered to us. I take the lead from Rebecca as I sit straight up, not allowing my back to hit the back of my chair. I have seen this in other girls, and I’m determined to correct my posture and sit up properly.

Ruth Strass suggested that her son sit while she showed me through the house. “Ms. Hulme, may I show you the house. I have someone preparing a room for you next to Matthias. I hope you do not mind that we gave it a strong touch of femininity. I do like how you carry yourself. …Do you enjoy many of the finer things?”

I joyfully respond before I begin to turn shy, “Yes! From the way I see your son, to beautiful clothes, to the beautiful gardens, I see your touch in this house. I do confess, I have much to learn. I did not know Matthias had so much. When he said he invested, I thought I also had a savings account. I hope you can be patient with me. I’d love to be a daughter-in-law you can be proud of?” Most of the rooms are nearly three times what I am used to. My bed will have four high posts and the finery to make it look like a princess’s bed.

She said, “Once we announce your engagement, you might be asked to stay in the carriage house for propriety’s sake. I am not naive enough to think he won’t be with you. You might as well let him in; we would not want him to please himself elsewhere.”

My expressions must give away my discomfort. Rebecca speaks up, “We are not shy in speaking up around here when we’re by ourselves. We know my brother and I, for one, are tickled he has fallen in love with someone so much a woman. If you don’t mind, I will help you shop for clothes that are appropriate for society. Don’t worry, we’ll use Daddy’s money. My Mom and I will be happy to help you become a refined woman here. Would you enjoy that? We will not force you to be anyone other than who you are, as Matthias’ fiancée.”

We have walked into Rebecca’s room, which is nicely kept, except for an extravagant gown that had been worn and was lying on a chair. I pick up the dress, holding it out, and I danced in a circle, hugging the dress. “Oooh, I see you have much to teach me that I will love.”

Ruth speaks up, “Would you mind becoming a little better endowed?”

“Um, my mother, sister, and Matthias have already spoken about that, and I agreed. I do want to be a lady and not one overly endowed for his pleasure.”

Ruth and Rebecca nod, “That is without saying. You will be a beautiful young woman that both of your mothers can be proud of. Less than that demeans first you and then us. I hope you are mature enough not to allow it to be otherwise. This will be a change for Matthias, but if he loves anyone enough to change, it seems to be you.”

We walk through a large kitchen, and Ruth speaks up again. “We like family to know their way around a kitchen, how to care for the home, and their guests. If you love the garden, do not think yourself above a little dirt or hair blown out of place. We think it is as important as knowing how to present oneself. We don’t particularly like pretentious women who can’t do anything.”

I sighed and let out a big breath. "It sounds like there is much to live up to, but I'm thankful perfection isn’t it."

There is a reception room where hot tea was present, but so are also three tall glasses and wine. It was just us, and a simple conversation. Mrs. Strass asks, “Would you mind if you were to give up your present work and work with the Strass Foundation and be active in doing some projects and causes you would enjoy doing?”

Joyfully, a new world is opening up for the good, but it is coming so fast. It was hard to take it all in joyfully without giggling.

We are back to Matthias, and he hugs me. “Did you enjoy the tour? You seem to have enough estrogen that my mother and sister like you already.”

I look at him, “Yes, I am enjoying this. Do you still love me?” He draws me close, gives me a big hug, and kisses me. Whispering, “Yes, it feels great for both of us. It is extra nice that Mom and Becky are coming under your magic charm.”

Rebecca interrupts and asks, “I hope you’re going to stay for a few days? We’d like to help the future Mrs. Strass get acclimated with some of a woman’s necessities.”

Jean Joseph (Joe) Strass and his wife, Claudette, and the senior Mr. Henri Joseph Strass as they come into the house. All are cordial and warm, though maybe with some reservations, they welcome Matthias and me. Everyone takes their cue from Ruth. “Henri, Claudette, and Joe, with joy, I introduce you to Matthias’s fiancée, Jeanne Hulme. I think she will become a precious addition to the family... Claudette, are our grandchildren here?”

Ruth said, “Jeanne, I hope you like children. We love to hear their voices and activity fill the house when we are a family.”

Claudette welcomes me with an air kiss to each cheek. She whispers her welcome. She and Rebecca take me off with them. “If I did not know Matthias, I would naturally see you as a woman. I don’t want to be rude or to make assumptions, but I see you as a transgender woman. Am I accurate?”

“Since I fell in love with Matthias, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.”

Rebecca asks, “You look tired. Has it been a long day?”

"We shared our engagement with my family, and did a lot of shopping. Including this beautiful ring, but Matthias wanted to make sure we got here to share our news with his parents and family.”

Claudette asks, “And when did he propose to you. I hope this is not a Halloween stunt.”

“He asked me after he wooed me off my feet this morning. His eyes mesmerized me as we kissed. I could not believe he was proposing to me. It is not a Halloween stunt, nor did I know he or his family were wealthy.”

I begin to cry at the thought of what they might think of me. Claudette and Rebecca hug me as they take me to my room. Someone asks, “It would be good for you to shower and freshen up. Do you have a nightgown and robe you can change to?”

I say, “I can’t, what will everyone think?”

Claudette’s voice is light, “The women already understand that your emotions and all this activity have caught up to you. I suspect you have eaten only a little to go with the wine. Did you have a glass or two at noon?”

I try to comply as I walk toward my bathroom, but the buttons of my blouse give me difficulty. “They are small and on the wrong side.” Rebecca comes and helps me. “Don’t worry, Sis, I am comfortable helping you.” She is happy and remarks first about how slim I am.

“But I needed the shapewear, and others say I need to lose weight.”

“You are already attractive. I promise you, as you look for wedding gowns, you are the one who will insist on dropping the pounds. Be reasonable with yourself.” She looks as the shapewear peels away, “You present your girl-self well. I like this, it will allow us to sun together as well as enjoy some other times.”

I stepped into the shower that Becky had already started. The shower door closes behind me, and she says, “It is a joy to be here for you. Jeanne, you have not only won my brother’s heart, but you have also won me as your sister.”

My emotions and feelings wash over me like the shower water. I stand under the water, crying, and I cannot stop. I know Claudette has entered the bathroom to see if I’m hurt or in trouble. Becky announces, “She just needs to cry; I hope you’re in no hurry, Claudia.” It becomes like a girls’ time as they assure me it is normal and that both of them have learned to enjoy a good cry at times.

I shampooed and conditioned my hair as suggested, but Claudette wants proof that I rinse my hair sufficiently. When I let her check, she’s pleasantly amused, “Oh, you are going to make such a beautiful bride for Matthias and sister to us. That is, if he allows you to obtain some additional assets and to be made over for your self-image.”

“It shouldn’t be his decision about my body, should it? I agree with your thinking. He might not want my little guy to change. He and I can talk about how I love him dearly.” Claudia and Rebecca’s eyes indicate I’m sharing more than they’re ready for.

It was a few days later. And we were together watching a football game. Becky and I are wearing the new NFL jerseys for women. Matthias pulls me down on top of him. I continue to love his attention as our relationship is hot, and the romance is deepening. I’m uncomfortable with how he shows it around the family. We have been to several LGBT places where it is expressed overtly, but I don’t like that around his family or mine.

I slap Matt’s hands and tell him to stop. I get up and walk out, and Claudia follows me. “Jeanne, you need to know that we’ve come to accept Matthias and his ways as being different. I hope you can relax and accept that. We don’t want that tearing you apart.”

“Claudia, I love him and I like his attention, but if our engagement is going to hold, he needs to have respect for our families and me. I'm used to that kind of attention being between him and me. Nieces and nephews, our parents, and your understanding shouldn’t have to be stretched that far.”

Becky heard us and asked, “What if he can’t or is unwilling?”

“Matt’s as intelligent as well as a very passionate romantic. I don’t intend to lose him or walk away. If I’m wrong that he and I can’t have healthier boundaries around family and friends, I probably would pull away.”

I lift my eyes back to Claudia, and she’s looking past me. I just said, "Mathias is there, isn’t he?” I’m worried because he doesn’t like being embarrassed in front of others. I turn to Mathias, and he gives me a warm hug, drawing me to him.

“You’re right, I’m passionate about what I want. I’ve also become accustomed to how I go about things. But as you say, I’m intelligent and I know enough that you’re different from the other guys I have liked. I like the mix you bring to our relationship, and I love you.”

His voice is soft, uncertain, “I’m having trouble changing; you’re not like my other friends. You’re right, I pushed boundaries with my parents and the family. I wanted to be accepted on unconditional terms. I am comfortable with their love for me, and I love their acceptance of you.”

Matthias speaks up, “When we're at our places with friends, I will push you to realize not only me but many in the LGBT community are different. Yes, we tend to be different from others. I hope you can see it that way.”

I’m growing, getting comfortable in being part of the LGBT community, after all, I’m a trans woman. Matt’s not interested in other trans women. His preference apart from me is men, and when he’s out with the guys, he’s out with people he’s attracted to that share common interests like sports and good cars.

It is the Sunday before Christmas, and we’re at my parents’ house with both families when Matt goes to his knees to propose to me again. He takes off my ring and gives me another that is even more beautiful. “Jeanne, you know I love you, and you know who I am. Will you marry me and be my love for life?”

“I do.”

Matthias speaks again, “Mom and Dad Hulme, we plan to get married at my folks' place early in June. We have bought a home here in York, as I’ve let go of my apartment here. We’ll usually stay at my folks’ carriage house when we’re in the Philly area before we get a place there.”

I speak up, “Mom and Dad, most are going to see us as a gay couple, and I see myself as your daughter.” I am the one most people will wonder about in my engagement with Matthias." I think my folks hoped it would be a passing moment and that I couldn’t be a girl. “My being in a gay relationship may still be hard for some to accept. It is no longer a question for me, and I think family and friends need to accept me and our engagement.”

This is a different story for me. I will appreciate kudos, comments and personal messages.