Dawn and Diana - Our New Life - Part 5

Dawn and Diana – Our New Life – Part 5

By Kathi Jo Daniels

Chapter Eleven: Wine Tasting

Monday, November 29, 2004

We repeated our morning ritual of enthusiastic lovemaking. After showering together, I dressed as Dan, in a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and sneakers.

After breakfast, we took a copy of our marriage license to the Colorado DMV Golden Driver’s License office. Diana was issued a new driver’s license as Diana Burke. Nearby was the Jefferson County courthouse. We had our marriage license added to the county records.

We went to Applejack Wine & Spirits to buy a bottle of Australian Shiraz. Talking with the in-house wine sommelier, she recommended ‘Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 ’ Shiraz. It was rated at 5 stars, and only $31. We asked for a plain brown paper bag.

Diana asked me to stop at a Hallmark Gift Card shop. She bought a box of thank-you cards for the gifts we received at our wedding.

We went to King Soopers for a deli meat and cheese platter. Kristi wasn’t working this morning. We returned home for a lunch of tuna fish sandwiches, finishing the batch Diana had prepared on Thursday.

I texted Laura to find out what time we should arrive. She responded, ‘5 PM—Thank you for the flowers!’

I’ll talk with Rex the next time I see him!

Diana sat and wrote thank-you cards. She brought the cards for Mark & Nancy, Wanda, and Laura with us.

We changed clothes for the wine tasting. I put on slacks, a dress shirt, and loafers. Diana selected a short-sleeve pink flowered wrap dress with loafers. It was late November, and we were in the Denver suburbs, so we both wore winter coats.

Laura lives about 10 miles north of us. It should take about 20 minutes to drive there. We left at 4:30. Her home backs to a golf course with a double driveway. Laura answered the doorbell and greeted us with hugs and kisses. She showed me where to place the appetizer tray and pointed out the flowers Rex had brought.

“He wasn’t supposed to tell you anything about my involvement. I’ll talk with him the next time I see him. You’re a wonderful aunt.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you.” She was on the verge of tearing up. I gave her another hug and a kiss.

“Diana, where did you find this guy? I want one just like him!”

“Sorry, Laura. There’s only one of him that I know of. And I think that’s a good thing!”

Wanda was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. She gave both of us hugs and kisses. We placed our bottle of wine on the end of the kitchen counter. When Mark and Nancy arrived, Laura gave us a tour of the house.

The main floor has a living room, family room, kitchen, dining area, and office. There is access from the dining area and the office to a patio overlooking a pool. The master suite is on the upper level. The basement has four bedrooms, two full baths, and a recreation room. Outside is a covered patio with a grill and bar beside the pool. The backyard is completely fenced. All in all, a pretty nice place to hang out.

While we were on the tour, Wanda randomly numbered each of the wine bags.

After the tour, we returned to the kitchen. Laura poured wine for everyone, and we snacked on appetizers while the barbecued pork shoulder finished cooking.

Raising his wine glass, Mark proposed a toast: “Hear. Hear. We have newlyweds in our midst. Congratulations to Diana and Dan, and thank you for inviting us to the ceremony and dinner. Let me leave you with one piece of advice. Never laugh at your spouse’s choices. Remember: They also chose you. Cheers!”

“Diana, your dress was exquisite,” added Wanda. “Absolutely,” added Laura.

“Thank you. I have to thank Nancy for taking me shopping and helping me pick out the dress,” answered Diana.

“Honest. I closed my eyes and mixed up the bags of wine before numbering them,” Wanda declared.

Wanda ushered us into the dining area and served bread and salad. The oven timer indicated the entrée was done. Laura and Wanda prepared a serving platter and brought it to the table. During dinner, there was more discussion about the wedding.

“Again, thanks to Wanda for getting Judge Willox to officiate on short notice. There’s no question that his wife, Patti, and Wanda are sisters. Thanks to Laura for volunteering her nephew to take pictures,” I added.

“The wedding was the first time either Wanda or I had ever seen Dan. In the past, we only saw Dawn,” Laura observed.

“I had never seen Dan until then as well,” responded Mark. “Nancy met Dan when she took Diana shopping.”

“Do you remember Kristi? Early thirties, blonde. She works at King Soopers. Diana’s daughter, Rebecca, struck up a friendship with her. At some point Friday night, Kristi let it slip about Dawn. Kristi was in tears when she told me what happened on Saturday morning. I addressed the issue with everyone at breakfast. Both daughters accepted Dawn. Deborah even told us that James is sometimes Janice,” I explained.

“Everyone knows about Dan and Dawn, and there have been no objections,” added Diana.

“That’s wonderful. We’re all accepting and have no objections, either,” replied Wanda.

I decided not to mention that Kristi is Kevin with a boob job.

The dessert brought by Mark and Nancy was devoured before we began our wine tasting.

After we finished dessert, Wanda and Laura cleared the table. They then set twenty-four wine glasses at one end of the table. I numbered them 1 through 4 with a non-permanent marker. Mark uncorked the four bottles of wine and poured an ounce of each into our glasses. We distributed the glasses to each place setting. Laura passed out score sheets and pencils for each of us to individually rate the four wines.

We looked at the color, swirled, sniffed, and tasted each wine. After everyone had tasted and rated each wine, Mark took the sheets and calculated the score. He emphasized that there was no winner or loser. Just like belly buttons, everyone has different taste preferences.

It was determined that the wine brought by Wanda was the group's favorite. “Oh, my goodness. You aren’t going to believe this. I bought this Serafino Shiraz on sale for only $18.99. It was rated with 4 ½ stars,” she exclaimed.

“It’s not how expensive, it’s do you like the wine,” explained Mark. We continued sampling each wine until all four bottles were emptied.

“Thanks to Laura for hosting this party. And to Wanda for helping with dinner. This was a wonderful evening. I volunteer Diana and me to host in January. I’m perfectly fine with a Monday. We can email back and forth to find an agreeable night.”

“That sounds wonderful!” declared Nancy. “Tell us when and we’ll be there!”

“Thank each of you for making this a wonderful evening. What a great group we have,” declared Laura.

Diana handed the Thank You cards to Nancy, Wanda, and Laura with hugs to each.

With hugs and kisses around, Mark, Nancy, Diana, and I departed.

Diana and I returned home, undressed, and went to bed, drifting off to sleep almost immediately.

Chapter Twelve: Lifestyle Updates and Work

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

We had nothing planned for the day and snoozed well past sunrise. I began caressing Diana. She rolled over to hug me. I peeled her nightgown over her head and began nuzzling her ears, neck, and down to her nipples. “That feels wonderful,” she moaned.

I moved on between her legs and buried my face in her pussy, swirling my tongue around her sensitive clit. Her breath became short and rapid. She pulled me deeper into the warmth between her thighs. “You’re magnificent,” she whimpered, her back slightly lifting off the bed as she pressed herself into my face. I alternated between long, slow licks and quick, pointed thrusts of my tongue, finding a rhythm that left her writhing beneath me. Finally, she came with a loud cry, her legs trembled and shook, the muscles in her thighs contracting and releasing in an uncontrollable rhythm. I continued to lap at her, teasing her through the orgasm until she gently pushed me away, completely spent.

“Thank you, Sweetie. What a wonderful way to start the day!”

She hugged me and brought me on top of her, allowing me to penetrate and make love to her in the old-fashioned missionary position. Once I climaxed, we held each other until she relaxed.

I got up, showered, shaved, and dressed as Dawn in an empire-waist floral print dress and loafers. I went to the kitchen, started a pot of coffee, retrieved the paper, and put on my new apron before fixing breakfast.

Diana came out for coffee and breakfast. “That’s a cute apron. You impressed Rebecca.”

“I hope she’ll be a frequent visitor.”

After we finished cleaning up from breakfast, Diana returned to the table. “Have you got a minute? I’d like to talk about something. I sat and looked into her eyes. She was smiling. “Do you remember when we discussed your issues with swinging?”

“Yes. I still have no desire to give a guy a blowjob or have him fuck me in the ass.”

“While I do enjoy girl-on-girl sex, the sexual interaction of swinging doesn’t appeal to me anymore. I did enjoy meeting and socializing with everyone. It was an experience. Yes, I did enjoy the moment, but unless you have a reason to continue, I’d like to quit swinging. I love having sex with you. You satisfy me, whether you’re Dan or Dawn.”

“Wow. How amazing. I’ve been thinking about the same subject. I agree with you. I’ll send an email to everyone explaining our decision. I do want to continue with the wine-tasting dinner. That was more enjoyable. We’ll have to find another activity to include Roger and Lisa since they aren’t winos.”

“Yes, to the email. Yes, to the wine tasting. You and I are on the same page on so many subjects. I’m so happy we’re together.” She gave me a big hug and kiss. “Do Roger and Lisa play any card games? Maybe we look into something like that.”

I composed an email to Roger & Lisa, Mark & Nancy, Wanda, and Laura, and John & Megan explaining our decision to discontinue participating with the swinging group.

“XXX and YYY.
Diana and I would like to thank you for introducing us to swinging and allowing us to participate in the group. Much like skydiving, it was thrilling at the moment, but we have decided not to continue. We have enjoyed socializing with everyone and hope that will continue. Thank you.”

After a couple of re-writes and editorial updates, I asked Diana to review the message before sending it. She read through it twice and approved it. I sent a separate message to each recipient.

I composed a second email for Mark & Nancy, Wanda, and Laura outlining our plans for the next wine-tasting dinner.

“Mark, Nancy, Wanda & Laura.
We would like to thank Laura and Wanda for preparing a wonderful dinner and hosting a fantastic wine-tasting experience. We look forward to hosting and would like to propose either January 17 or 24. A slight change to the tasting, I’m suggesting we taste the wines with dinner. Sauvignon Blanc, paired with lemony scallops with angel hair pasta. Your comments and suggestions are invited and welcome. Thanks! The Newlyweds!”

It had been more than two months since I’d heard anything from my venture capital partners. Today there was an email announcing that Brenda’s property had sold, so a check for my commission and share of profits would arrive shortly. Since I was now in Colorado, there was a request for me to appraise an estate near Glenwood Springs.

I called the property owner, Chuck Crossan, and discussed the property and how soon he wanted to liquidate. He was in no hurry. I explained that my wife’s daughter and her family lived near Aspen, and asked if he was going to be in the area for the Christmas holidays. We agreed to meet on December 22nd at 10 AM at the ranch house. I began online research.

“Would you like to spend Christmas in Aspen?” I asked Diana.

“Sure. What’s happening?”

“I have an appointment to meet a landowner on Wednesday, December 22nd, at a ranch outside Glenwood Springs. We could spend Christmas with Deborah and James.”

“Yes. I’ll call Deborah and make sure they’re not going anywhere. Remember, they asked you to come as Dawn.”

“Much like Steamboat, I’ll be Dan when I meet with the landowner. I can change when I get back to their house. December in Aspen – Dawn needs some new clothes, especially a coat and winter shoes.”

“We still have plenty of time. Start looking online to see if you find any deals. Kohl’s is always having a sale. The after-Thanksgiving sales should still be going on.”

Diana called to make sure we could visit over Christmas. Deborah was ecstatic and restated that she wanted Dawn to be there. Diana asked if James would be dressed. Deborah assured her that Janice would work from home while we were visiting.

Following Diana’s suggestion, I visited Kohl’s website and shopped for dresses appropriate for cold weather. I found seven long-sleeve dresses, three pairs of shoes, and a winter coat. Diana reviewed my selections and approved them. I placed an order to be delivered.

We had more Thanksgiving leftovers for dinner. After watching a movie, we called it a day and went to bed.

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

After waking up, we satisfied each other, showered together, and dressed. I put on ‘Dan clothes’ for the day: a flannel shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Diana put on a peasant blouse, a denim skirt, and loafers.

After breakfast, we drove to downtown Denver. We met with the jewelry designer to craft our wedding set. Diana selected a Celtic-style platinum woven band with two 1-carat diamonds on top and smaller diamonds on the sides. The designer suggested a similar Celtic-style platinum ring with no stones for Dan. She would have these ready in a week.

Since we were out and about, we decided to shop for Christmas gifts. For our wino friends, we found microfiber wine glass polishing cloths. There were three different patterns: Basic Wine Guide, Types of Wine, and Wine and Cheese Pairing. We added three different color sommelier corkscrews. For Roger and Lisa, Diana found a martini recipe book.

For Rebecca, I recommended a customized apron, similar to the one she gave me. Diana said that blue was Rebecca’s favorite color. We found one and had REBECCA added to the embroidery to read “No Bitchin’ in REBECCA’S Kitchen”. Diana said she would shop for Deborah, James, and the baby another day.

I would shop for Diana from the comfort of my computer, once I decided what to get her! Still need to find something for John & Megan, and Kristi.

We returned home to more of the leftover Thanksgiving dinner. We did finish the pies and ice cream. After watching our evening movie, we retired to bed.

Friday, December 3, 2004

We started the morning with more mad passionate lovemaking. “Thank you, Sweetie. I love starting the day this way!” Exclaimed Diana.

After showering together, I shaved and dressed as Dawn in an empire-waist gray dress and loafers. To the kitchen, started a pot of coffee, outside for the paper, and back to put on my cute apron before fixing breakfast.

Diana joined me for coffee and breakfast.

I continued researching the property near Glenwood Springs.

Reply emails came in from the members of the swinging group. John & Megan were very appreciative of our decision. They decided not to continue as well. Laura and Wanda sent separate responses, expressing their disappointment only because they would miss Dawn’s oral talents! Roger & Lisa and Mark & Nancy were also disappointed but felt that if we weren’t ecstatic, then we shouldn’t continue.

There were also reply emails from the wine-tasting group. All were very supportive of the suggestion to taste wine with the meal. All were available on either January 17th or 24th and asked that we pick a date. I double-checked with Diana and sent a reply recommending the 17th. If something were to come up before then, we could slip to the next week. I asked Mark & Nancy to bring an appetizer, and Wanda & Laura a dessert.

At about 2 PM, the UPS driver delivered a box to the front porch. It was the order from Kohl’s. I unpacked everything and began a fashion show for Diana. “We should have waited until after dinner for the fashion show. We would have martinis like we did at Brenda’s Dress Shop.” She approved all seven dresses and three pairs of shoes.

“Speaking of Brenda. Have you called to tell her we got married?”

“No. I can do that now.”

While I put my new dresses and shoes in the closet, Diana called Brenda. She wasn’t surprised, wished she could have attended, but understood. Diana told her that Dan and Dawn had been accepted by her daughters. She also mentioned that we had decided to discontinue swinging. Again, Brenda wasn’t surprised and understood.

We finally finished Thanksgiving leftovers. Watching a movie after dinner had become routine. We would cuddle on the sofa during the movie and then go to bed.

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

After our morning exercise, I showered, dressed as Dan, fixed breakfast, brought the paper in, and worked the crossword and Sudoku puzzles together.

After breakfast, we drove to downtown Denver. The jewelry designer had called to tell us our rings were ready. She had already taken our ring sizes but carefully fitted the rings to our fingers to make sure. We exchanged the stock rings we had used for the wedding, and I paid the difference. Back home for a rousing afternoon movie time.

Nothing significant to report for a few days. Just an old retired couple relaxing through the day. Most days, we start with unbridled sex, sometimes showering together, before getting dressed.

I finally decided on a Christmas gift for Diana. I told her I had some errands to run. I drove to the jewelry store, purchased her gift, had it wrapped, and returned home.

Chapter Thirteen: Christmas Trip

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

After our morning workout, shower, and breakfast, Diana and I packed our clothes for the trip. I added two ‘Dan outfits’ to wear when meeting with the landowner. For the drive to Glenwood Springs, I dressed as Dawn in my new rust-colored long-sleeve midi dress. Diana wore a red fit-and-flare sweater dress. We had plenty of time, so we didn’t leave until 1 PM.

The price of real estate in Aspen is prohibitive. Deborah and James live on the outskirts of Glenwood Springs, near the airport. Traffic on I-70 was steady. It took a full three hours to get to their driveway.

Deborah answered the doorbell and welcomed us into their home with hugs and kisses. She was wearing a form-fitting white ribbed long-sleeve Henley with a geometric print skirt and heels. “Please come in. I’d like you to meet Janice.”

Janice was wearing a very pretty pink floral babydoll dress with white sandals.

“Very nice to meet you, Janice. You look beautiful. Relax. You know we’re accepting.” Diana hugged her son-in-law.

“That’s an adorable dress, Janice,” I hugged her.

“Please make yourselves comfortable. Thank you. Would you like anything to drink?” Janice found her voice.

“I’d like a glass of white wine,” answered Diana.

“Make that two,” I replied.

Janice went to the kitchen, poured two glasses of Chardonnay, and brought them to the living room. “How was the traffic?” she asked.

“Heavy, but it kept moving at a steady pace. It took three hours from our house.” I answered.

“The baby is sleeping. He’ll wake up when it’s feeding time.” Deborah stated.

“Dinner will be salad and pot roast with vegetables. Let’s get your luggage,” suggested Janice.

Janice and I unloaded the car, taking everything to the guest bedroom. While I hung our dresses, Janice went to the kitchen and began preparing dinner. I finished and went to the kitchen to chat. Deborah and Diana were chatting in the living room.

“Is this time of year busy for you?”

“Not really. There’s a surge mid-month, and heavy at month-end. Of course, year-end will be busy until mid-March when corporate tax returns are due. Most of our accounts are pretty good about getting their receipts to us in a timely fashion.”

I helped set the table, uncorked a bottle of Shiraz, and put out the serving bowl of salad. Deborah went to feed the baby. Diana came and sat at the table while the vegetables were put in a serving dish. The pot roast was put on a serving platter and brought to the table.

Deborah brought the baby and put him in a carrier beside the table while we dined. After dinner, I helped Janice clear the table, put away the leftovers, and load the dishwasher. We each took a glass of wine to the living room while Diana and Deborah took care of the baby.

“I hope you’re relaxed now, as Janice. I remember how nervous I was the first time anyone saw me dressed. That’s only been just over three months ago, the day before I reconnected with Diana. With her help and encouragement, I’m now comfortable going out in public. You look really good. What’s the story behind your crossdressing?”

“Thanks. My older sister used me as her doll when we had to play inside because of bad weather. Mom thought it was cute, but she always made me change before Dad got home from work. When Susan went away to college, I didn’t dress anymore.”

“After Deborah and I married, she teased me into dressing for a party one time, and I liked it. She had me wear a nightie a few times. We are similar in size, so I can wear her dresses and blouses. I’m wearing one of her old bras. She had to get new ones when the baby came. Once in a while, she would dress me and do my makeup. With my curly hair, I didn’t need to wear a wig to be passable.”

“Yes. I might let my hair grow out and ditch the wig. I have male-pattern baldness and thin hair on top, so I’ll probably have to take hair growth hormones.”

Deborah and Diana came back to the living room. “How are you two girls doing? You both look beautiful.” Deborah asked.

“Just fine. We’ve been chatting about our crossdressing experiences. You did a wonderful job with Janice’s makeup.” I answered.

“Thanks. Mom said you do your own now. It looks perfect as well. Do you go out in public?”

“Yes. With Diana’s help and encouragement, I’ve been out in public quite a bit. She made me go out in Steamboat. I spent two solid weeks as Dawn in McPherson. We moved to Denver two months ago. I switch back and forth between Dan and Dawn.”

“Will you be okay wandering around Aspen to see the lights tomorrow?”

“No problem. In the morning, I have to be Dan to meet with a landowner. I can change when I get back.”

“Great. Would you like to go see the lights in Glenwood Springs right now?”

“I’m fine with that. Let’s get our coats. I’ll drive.”

Deborah bundled the baby into a front-pack carrier, wrapped a blanket around and tucked it under her coat. Janice, Diana, and I put on our coats and went out to the car. Janice sat in front and gave me directions up Midland Avenue to the 27th Street bridge, across the Roaring Fork River to S. Glen Avenue. This took us into downtown Glenwood Springs. We cruised through town looking at the decorations for about an hour, then returned home.

It had been a long day. The guest bath had a single sink. We had to take turns removing makeup and brushing our teeth before getting undressed, into our nighties, and crawling into bed.

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

I woke, left Diana sleeping, took a shower, shaved, and dressed as Dan. Janice was preparing breakfast. “You look great, Janice. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“You could grab the paper. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and have a seat.”

Deborah came out with the baby. “Good morning, Dan. Where do you have to go today?”

“The Cedar Ridge Ranch outside of Carbondale. It should only take about half an hour to drive there. I’m scheduled to meet the property manager at 10 AM.”

“Is the property manager Chuck Crossan?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“He has a business in Aspen. We take care of his books. I’ve seen records for the ranch for a long time.”

“It’s a small world.”

Diana came out as breakfast was being served. After we ate, I helped Janice clean the kitchen. I took a travel mug of coffee, kissed Diana, and departed.

After meeting with Chuck at the Cedar Ridge Ranch and evaluating the property, I returned to James and Deborah’s home at 3 PM. I changed back to ‘Dawn’ clothes in time for dinner.

After dinner, we drove to Aspen to see the lights and stroll through downtown. Even though we were wearing winter coats, Aspen gets pretty nippy after dark in December. It didn’t take long before we’d seen enough on foot. We got back in the car and cruised for a while, then returned home.

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Janice and I spent the next two days working and chatting about cross-dressing. She was getting more comfortable in a dress and heels. Her makeup application improved remarkably. Diana, Deborah, and the baby did Grandmother and Mother things. We saw them for breakfast, dinner, and a movie.

Friday, December 24, 2004

After breakfast, Janice and I worked until noon, then shut down our computers. Diana and Deborah, with the baby, joined us for lunch.

Deborah showed a notice in the paper for a Christmas Eve service at the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – The Mormons. She emphasized that while they were not Mormon, the service was open to all and had been phenomenal in the past. There were multiple services scheduled. The next one started at 3 PM.

We bundled up and drove to the church. Janice was nervous. Diana and I kept her between us and tried to calm her. There were no issues at the church. The service was wonderful. We returned home for dinner. After dinner, we opened Christmas presents.

I gave Diana matching earrings and a necklace.

Diana was thrilled, smothering me with kisses.

Deborah was impressed. “Somebody’s getting laid tonight!” she laughed.

Saturday, December 25, 2004

No surprise. Christmas morning was cold and windy. We stayed inside and watched a couple of movies. Janice was much more relaxed.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

After breakfast, I chatted with Janice. “We would like to thank you for a wonderful visit. It was very nice getting to meet Janice. I hope when you visit us, you’ll bring Janice. You know she’s welcome. There are times I go out as Dawn and other times I feel it would be better to be Dan. I hope you can be comfortable as well.”

“Thank you for making me feel comfortable and accepted. I know Deborah wants me to express myself without restrictions. I know there are certain situations where Janice isn’t appropriate. I’m fine with that.”

Diana and I packed up and returned to our home.

We didn’t do anything significant for a few days. The weather was cold and windy, so we relaxed throughout the day. To make sure Diana doesn’t want to trade me in on a new model, we start most mornings with unbridled sex, sometimes showering together, before getting dressed. It depends on how I feel whether I dress as Dan or Dawn.

Chapter Fourteen: Another Wine Tasting

Sunday, January 16, 2005

After breakfast, I sent a reminder email to our wine-tasting group for tomorrow at 5 PM. Everyone replied that they were looking forward to the evening. I debated whether to dress as Dan or Dawn for the tasting. Diana was non-committal, assuring me that she would support either choice.

I put together a shopping list for lemony scallops with angel hair pasta and salad with avocado.

The recipes are found at:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemony-scallops-with-ang...
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/my-favorite-avocado-salad/

The list was arranged according to the grocery store aisles. Diana shook her head.

We went to Applejack Wine & Spirits for our bottle of wine. The in-house wine sommelier recommended ‘Astrolabe’ Sauvignon Blanc. Wine Spectator magazine rated it 93 points, at only $21. We asked for a plain brown paper bag.

After going through the grocery store only once, we checked out with Kristi. “Great to see you two again. It’s been a while. How is married life treating you?”

“Wonderful to see you again, Kristi. Married life is good. Diana hasn’t kicked me out yet. How are your classes going? When do you graduate?”

“This final semester is pretty easy. All the tough classes are done. Graduation will be in mid-May. I’ll certainly send you an invitation.”

“We’d be honored to attend. Give us a call some evening. We can whip up cocktails and dinner. That’d give us a chance to catch up,” I suggested.

“I’d love to come over. Maybe Friday around 5 PM?”

“We’ll see you then,” Diana answered.

Kristi came out from behind the checkout stand to hug and kiss us.

Monday, January 17, 2005

After a wonderful start to the morning in bed with Diana, followed by a shower and shave, I decided today I would be Dawn. I applied makeup, put on breast forms, panties, and a bra, and chose my blue and white Henley sweater dress with loafers.

After breakfast and reading the paper, we began preparing for our wine-tasting evening. We set the table for 6. I brought out 24 wine glasses. Using a non-permanent marker, I numbered glasses 1-4 and placed them on one end of the table. As a surprise, I brought out 6 Martini glasses and put them in the refrigerator.

Mid-afternoon, I put together the salad with avocado. When the salad was in the refrigerator, I prepared everything for the entrée.

Once that was done, I undressed, took another shower, shaved, applied makeup, and put on a mauve shirt dress with 2-inch sling-back heels. Nothing different than many times before, but for some reason, I felt very feminine. Diana chose a powder blue A-line dress with heels.

Following the directions (Who does that?), I filled the Martini shaker with ice and added 9 ounces of Vodka, 3 ounces of Green Apple Schnapps, and 1 and ½ ounces of lemon juice. I sliced a green apple for garnish and put everything in the refrigerator.

The doorbell rang. Diana greeted Wanda and Laura with hugs and cheek kisses. They gave their coats to Diana and revealed they were dressed for a night on the town! Laura was wearing a crème and blue flowered sheath dress with a blue tie and 3-inch blue heels. Wanda was wearing a sequin stripe V-neck sheath dress, with 3-inch black heels. Diana took their two bottles of wine and showed Wanda where to set the dessert tray.

“You two look magnificent. Are you going clubbing after wine tasting?” I asked.

“No, Sweetie. We just wanted to look special for our friends,” answered Laura as she gave me a hug and a kiss.

“You certainly succeeded. Both of your dresses are WOW!” I returned her hug and kiss.

“Thank you, Miss Dawn. You look pretty wonderful yourself,” replied Wanda as she gave me a hug and a kiss, which I returned.

The doorbell rang again. I answered and greeted Mark and Nancy. I hung their coats in the entrance closet. Mark was wearing a casual shirt and slacks. Nancy was wearing a form-fitting blue and white polka-dot top with a white skirt, bright red lip gloss, and heels. Diana took their bottle of wine and showed Mark where to set the tray of appetizers.

“Oh, my goodness. Laura and Wanda look ready to go partying. You ladies both look fantastic,” exclaimed Nancy, hugging and kissing both.

“Thanks, Nancy. We just wanted to look good for our friends,” answered Laura.

“You two look beautiful. What wonderful dresses,” said Nancy as she gave Diana and me hugs and kisses. Mark also hugged and kissed all four ladies.

“You two look pretty spiffy as well,” I countered.

It was Diana’s task to mix up the bags of wine and randomly number them.

“Before we get to the wine and dinner, I have a surprise cocktail.” I retrieved the Martini glasses from the refrigerator and placed them on the kitchen bar. I shook the Martini shaker mixture and strained it into the six glasses, adding the sliced apple for garnish. Everyone picked up a glass, we touched the rims. Mark proposed a toast. “Hear, Hear. I call this meeting of the wine-tasting dinner party to order!” We sipped our Martinis. You can find the recipe at: ‘
https://www.thespruceeats.com/apple-martini-recipe-759579

Everyone took their remaining Martini and sat at the dining table. Diana and I at opposite ends, Mark and Nancy on one side, with Wanda and Laura across from them. I opened the bottle of wine labeled ‘1’ and poured an ounce into the six glasses numbered ‘1’. I repeated this process for the other three bottles of wine and their corresponding numbered glasses. Diana handed out score sheets and pencils.

While everyone began tasting their wines, I served bread and salad. We continued evaluating each wine while eating. Mark refreshed glasses with more wine while I cooked the scallops and pasta. Everything was prepared, and the cooking time was only 15 minutes. I served the entrée. We looked at the color, swirled, sniffed, and tasted each wine with bites of dinner.

“Dawn. I think this is a great idea to taste the wine while eating a complimentary meal. The flavor of the wine is enhanced by the food,” said Nancy.

“I agree,” added Wanda, with nods and “Yes” from the others. We finished dinner and continued sampling the wines. I cleared the table, and we rated our wines. Diana served dessert while Mark took the sheets to calculate the favorite.

Once again, the wine Wanda brought was the favorite. “You have to be kidding me. This Jules Taylor was on sale for $20. Wine Spectator gave it 91 points.”

“We know who to go wine shopping with next time!” declared Nancy.

“Thanks to Diana and Dawn for hosting tonight. I agree that tasting the wine with dinner is a great idea. This was a wonderful evening. What a great group we have. I suggest that Nancy and I host in February. Monday works just fine unless someone has a conflict. I suggest the 7th or 21st. Nancy and I have plans for Valentine’s Day.”

“We do?” questioned Nancy with a laugh. “I wasn’t aware, until just now.”

“Thank each of you for contributing to this wonderful evening. Every one of you is special to us,” declared Diana.

With hugs and kisses around, the guests departed. Diana and I cleaned the kitchen, undressed, scrubbed off makeup, put on nighties, and went to sleep.

Chapter Fifteen: In Conclusion

In later days, Diana and I reminded ourselves that friends and family were our motivation. We hosted cocktails and dinner with Kristi. Rebecca drove from Colorado Springs and joined us for Kristi’s college graduation. We also hosted a celebratory dinner. Deborah and Janice visited with the baby. Diana drove to Glenwood Springs to spend time with Deborah, the baby, and Janice. We entertained and socialized with Roger and Lisa. Laura and then Wanda began dating different men, and we joined them for dinners. The wine-tasting dinner group, now expanded to eight participants, continued to meet. We concluded that the swinging group had dissolved.

I think about the whirlwind of nonstop changes since introducing Dawn to Roger and Lisa, less than five months ago. Diana went with me to Steamboat Springs, where our amazing relationship began. I was introduced to sex as a woman and swinging. Living as Dawn for two weeks in Kansas. Committing to a relationship with Diana. Selling my home, moving to Denver, and living with Diana. We had participated in swinging and decided it wasn’t something we wanted to continue. Meeting many wonderful people, including Diana’s family. Getting married was a big deal! So many events in such a short time.

By default, I dress as Dawn most days. Dan comes out when I have to deal with outsiders. Diana is happy with either persona. As she told me in Steamboat Springs (See Dan Becomes Dawn - Part 2), she wants me to be Dawn because I prefer being Dawn. She knows I enjoy wearing dresses and pretty lingerie, which makes me relaxed, happier, and more content.

Now that we’re married, Diana and I have settled into living a much calmer, normal life.

******** Thus ends the Saga, which began with Dan Becomes Dawn ********