It was still Heath working daily as a photographer, though on Tuesday he was at his studio dressed as Heather. Heather acted as a receptionist when a sandwich and iced tea were delivered. He was surprised by Darby to see how her husband would react.

Darby had come by Uber knowing they could ride home together. Heather showed his wife a big folder of pictures he was working up for a Pillsbery event presentation.

“That’s very nice Dear, I continue to be greatly impressed. You’ve been getting good recognition,” she said.

Heath says, “There’s a ‘but’ in your tone, what are you thinking?”

She says, “If Heather’s identity what will that do for you?”

She pulls out a package that came this morning. Heather takes it seeing it came to her from Victoria’s Secret. Two pairs of silk stockings that she had ordered.

“Thanks for bringing them. To answer your question, it will probably muddy the waters professionally. Some will enjoy bracing my truth, and in the artistic world, it could even add to my notoriety. My greatest concern is how it would play in our family dynamics.”

Heather excused herself and went to change into one of the stockings. Once she was back; Darby complimented her, “You did well in showing discretion, and I expect they even feel better than they look which is very nice indeed.” She pointed out to Heather she managed to change with no wrinkles or clothing dysfunction.

Heather walked into the photo gallery and looked out the window, but was taken back to see a woman looking in. She and the person, with her, soon came into the business. Heath whispered to Darby, “Could you please take this?”

Darby whispered back, “But if they want to come in here you are a captive audience and will need to face them anyway.”

Heather gathered her composure and went to greet them. The other person was the mayor, who knew Heath quite well. Mayor Jan Evans introduced her friend, “This is Marie Dubois Christiansen. She and her husband are bringing their business to town and have bought the old Barkley place.”

Heath knew the place, and said, “It has been a while since I’ve been there. It is a very nice design, and the inside should make for a nice home?”

Marie spoke up, “That is true to a point, but the property is overgrown, and the house from the outside looks it. I was hoping after things are taken care of I wanted a nice picture of it taken. Jan here suggested Heath Anders is such a good and experienced photographer that I should come and see his work. If he is here that he could even suggest some shrubs and dwarf trees to accent the house. Is he in or soon to be back?”

Heather looked at Jan and realized she had recognized him. Should he try to continue the charade or come honest? “He said, “I’m sorry… This is Darby Anders and I’m Heath. I’m sorry, but I never have done this before. I’ll understand if you don’t want to have any business with me.”

Jan caught herself before she said anything, looking at her smartphone. “I see the resemblance, and I’m taken that you present yourself well. Let’s see if your work can speak for itself.”

Heather thanked her for the comments and showed them to the photo studio. There were larger photos along with various size pictures of other pictures of houses, yards, and landscapes in general. Heather dared to say, “There is one great tree on your property that I hope won’t come down. There were some beautiful benches with carvings in them and some smaller statues that were very pleasing but I haven’t seen them in years.”

Marie says, “It seems you know the place quite well and have some feelings for it, does that mean you agree it is a place worth restoring? I have found the benches you mentioned and some statues, but I don’t know who could restore them to be showpieces again?”

Heather looks to Darby and they both look to Mayor Janette; they both begin to speak, but Darby acquiesces to Heather. “There are several who are specialists at it when given the opportunity, Darren Tubbs is especially good with wood but would be good to ask about the statues as well.”

“Pardon, but I’d like to talk about being your photographer,” said Heather. Marie took hold of Heather’s hands, “Thanks Dear; I am sure you’re our photographer. I so enjoy visiting with you.”

Heather says, “With the use of drones we could give you additional views that would have previously been too costly.”

The visit would end after talking for another thirty minutes.

Marie asked, “Am I truly the first to catch you in public?” When Heather and Darby confirmed it was; she promised, “This will be our secret; I look forward to when you can embrace this part of you.”

Marie stepped forward and took hold of Heather’s hands, and with a kiss on the cheek said, “I hope we become social friends Darby and Heath.”

Darby who knew her way around Heath’s photo drawers; handed a twenty-year-old photo of the old Barkley place. “Here you might enjoy this?” The expression on Marie’s face was priceless.

Jan in saying, her goodbyes, “I can see it now, but I had no idea. You know, you’re not our first, but you are warmly welcome when you come out.”

Home that evening Aubrey had showed up after being called, and the three visited over wine and bread. Darby had been insistent that her husband changed back to being Heath after they got home.

Aubrey said, “It looks like your guardian angel is looking after you. You probably wished your angel pushed you to have these years earlier.” Her parents almost in unison agreed the time is as it should be.

Aubrey said to her mother, “I’m surprised you let him out to work dressed like that?”
It became known Darby had an early breakfast out with others. Aubrey became critical of her Father, “This could have backfired and become an ugly problem within our family, as well as your business.”

She quickly mellowed out and wanted to see what new Heather had gotten since she last saw them. She knew about the silk stockings. They had to think about what else was new.

Aubrey announced she and Kevin would be announcing new information at the Father’s Day gathering.
=^-^=
Happy for Aubrey, but worried that Heather might have another critic. He was afraid his feminine side might hurt Aubrey’s happiness in the future.

Aubrey was glad that her father had a good meeting with the Mayor and Marie DuBois. “I think people are having enough friends and associates giving us good experiences to become familiar with people in positive ways. I know one of Kevin’s sisters has opened their family to new ways of seeing people. Their dad had caused a rift in the family over Roberta’s lover.”

Darby laughs, “Like your father collecting fatty flesh after he’s worn a bra for a while.” Aubrey was tempted to ask to see them but was mindful of her father’s feelings.

Darby said, asked, “Are you happy dear of the acceptance you’re now receiving?”

Hurt comes to Heather’s face, “I’d trade all the years of your being ill and suffering, and not be accepted. My time serving in Afghanistan was a different hell. But seeing you in pain and suffering and not seeing an end; no, my caring might have impressed you. I’d rather not gain acceptance through that.”

Heather was unsuccessful as she tried not to cry; Darby and Aubrey stepped forward and embraced her. Darby, “Oh you sweet thing, you’re more caring than I knew.” Aubrey whispered, “We love you Dad, your love for Mom was endless. But now it’s okay for you to be you.” The women hugged her and that was accompanied by their tears.

Heath/Heather never separated the love for Darby, nor the hope of acceptance. He felt the acceptance, but not that of being embraced and loved.

Two days later the family was getting ready to celebrate Father’s Day. Heath used nail polish remover to remove his feminine side's traces. He was disgruntled but suppressed his feelings when Calvin called. “Dad, I’m calling to avoid any scene. I want to make sure this is a traditional Father’s Day with no signs of your so-called feminine side.”

“Calvin, it is just me Heath, but if you want you can bypass me and have a traditional Father’s Day with Carla and Rose,” mentioned Heath. “I love you and your family very much. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you.”

“See you tomorrow Dad,” Calvin.

Heath decided to have a prayer time instead of going to church. They had reservations for Chester Abbey Inn at 1:00 p.m., all the family was to meet there. Kevin came with Aubrey, much to the delight of the whole family. Kent and Ann, Calvin, Carla, Rose, Darby, and Heath made a group of nine. Kent and Ann would also have an announcement, but Ann’s physique gave part of that away. They would be expecting a child in just over four months.

The wine was served to everyone except young Rose who raised a glass of white grape juice. Darby stood to give a toast. “To two fathers and the potential soon for Kent; to Fathers!”

Kevin was nervous as he stood, “With the blessing of her parents, I would like to announce my engagement to Aubrey. Our sight is on next spring, a date yet to be chosen. To Aubrey, my bride-to-be.”

The dinner was enjoyable and the conversation around the table was warm and cordial; but with a hint of coolness. Everyone returned to Mom and Dad’s house. Cards, gifts, and well wishes were shared. Calvin finally rose with a glass of iced tea, “Dad, I probably should let things be, but with the compliments, I’ve been hearing about the other you; seeing your complexion and well-groomed nails. I dare you to change and seek to win me over as you have others.”

There was silence, Heath wasn’t sure if the request was genuine and remained seated. Little Rose heard her father and went to Grandpa, “Grampy would you play dress up with me?” She took hold of his hands and smiled in his face.

All Grandpa would say, “I love you very much Rose we’ll see.”

Calvin noticeably grew angry and told Rose to leave Grandpa alone. At three, Rose didn't understand, “Did I do something wrong?” Aubrey and Darby along with Carla quickly arose and assured her no. Carla turned to Calvin, “You hurt your daughter and she doesn’t understand she didn’t do anything wrong. We should be going.”

Kent quietly got up and talked to Calvin; whatever was said, didn’t initially go over well with Calvin. Aubrey was pushed away and Kevin stepped between her and Calvin. Rose went to Grandma crying. Once things calmed down and Calvin and family were leaving; it was noticed that Heath had retreated to his bedroom.

Darby half expected to see Heath weeping, instead he was enraged, “He couldn’t have left well enough alone. I didn’t expect much, but he set up his daughter and looked surprised that her feelings were hurt and she felt like she did something wrong. Where did I go wrong in raising him?”

Darby knew his thoughts were rhetorical and just embrace him...

To be continued…

Preparation for Heath/Heather’s Cruise in the Caribbean was now fully underway. A passport for Heather had been expedited; a costly affair, but it arrived in just over a month. It arrived right after July 4th.

Tanning in the backyard was a sensitive venture using two days a week working at home, where Heather could work around the tanning. Doing it during the day limited those neighbors who were working from seeing eyes. Cortney visiting her aunt and uncle became the only unwanted person to see Heather. Cortney’s silence was relatively inexpensive at $20, but Cortney also became an unexpected friend and fan of Heather’s.

Dancing and walking in heels became part of her training regimen.

Darby worked with Heather to hone her packing skills and ironing skills. Roxanne took one day for mapping out every two days on the ship or at ports. There were to be three full days at an all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia. Rosalyn, Darby, and Heather went out three times for dining experiences. Darby found the experiences more fun and less difficult than she expected.

Darby even spent two romantic evenings with Heather. The first was short as it bothered her. She spent the second time instructing Heather on pleasing Darby. On the 20th of July Heather and Rosalyn flew to Florida to begin their cruise the next day. It would take a day and a half at sea to reach their Caribbean destination.

Aubrey and her Fiancée would fly to St. Lucia on the third day. They would be spending a week there. Meeting with her Father and Rosalyn would be decided there at the convenience and interest of all parties. There was a storm possibly coming in on the 20th so they reserved two rooms at the hotel the night before. Darby was with Heather.

There were probably three crossdressers or transgender people on the flights to Florida. One crossdresser befriended Heather as they were waiting for their flight. Marie was going on the dignity cruise. She had been on other trips and was all too happy to share experiences awaiting Heather. Heather said, she did not intend to dance with men, as she was married. Marie tried to convince Heather that she would; then finally said, “We’ll see; it will be your decision?”

There was a table and then a section of tables at the hotel where many were staying. It was for those going on the Dignity Cruise and companions.

Rosalyn had reserved salon appointments for them. Rosalyn and Darby had decided to try and merge Heather into her feminine identity. Rosalyn knew Heather would be uptight and feeling guilty about being away from Darby and worried that Heather’s desires might stop her from being fully herself. While Darby did have some concerns; she knew Heather needed to confront them once and for all. If Heather needed to dance with men or women, or even become affectionate with someone this was the place and time. Darby even told Heather that Darby and Heath’s relationship could survive it.

The salon trip started with a massage, then a manicure and pedicure, and finally her hair and makeover. Knots loosened with the massage, muscles became like butter. The masseuse talked to Heather throughout her massage. The stress showing in her forehead and face smoothed out, soon replaced by a smile and eyes that soon glowed. She undressed and put on a terrycloth robe with only a pair of panties underneath.

The manicurist started with the pedicure and massaging her feet. It was Heather’s second pedicure and this one was like stepping into the clouds of heaven. She developed sensual feelings, but nothing like Heath had ever experienced. By the time Rosa had shaped the nails, used delicate scissors and other implements to clear away unwanted skin tissue. It was like a part of Heath disappeared. The nail polish and seal coat brought forward Heather. A cloth was used to rinse her feet with fragrant rose water and pat dry.

They were done in time to return to the hotel, get changed, and go down to eat with the group going on the cruise. Heather and Rosalyn Had given Heather the twice over to make sure Heather was making a good presentation for herself. There were now over twenty people identifying as the group and there would be another table full before orders were complete.

Their table of eight included Tim as Tammy, Braden as Brandi, Nick as Niki, and Mary introducing her husband Bob as Janet. Brandi and Janet were bigger women, but everyone had a genuine smile on their faces. Once Mary found out that Heather worked as a photographer; Rosalyn made it known the Dignity members had a photographer for the cruise.

Heather said she hadn’t brought her cameras on the cruise as the water, humidity, and sand weren’t good for the equipment. The unmentioned reason was Heather had left Heath and left the needs of others behind.

Voices, mannerisms, and flaws in appearance aside, a sorority of women was forming. Tips, suggestions, and positive feedback were given only if it appeared another was wanting something.

They were to begin boarding around ten and just before noon, they were casting off. It seemed that only a few passengers were surprised and upset to see so many crossdressers and transwomen on the cruise. Men and women were interested to visit and ask questions.

The first evening meal found Brandi, Mary, and Janet, Niki with Doug, Rosalyn, and Heather at the same table. There was a last-minute arrival of Christina at the table. She quickly acknowledged herself to be a conservative Christian and introduced herself to Heather. “I am not here to address everyone, but I’ve kind of been assigned to you, Heather.”

Almost like he had expected her, Heather said, “I’m happy to inform you that I too am a Christian.” Christina looked surprised but recovered and said, “Then you must know what you are doing is a sin and damnable.”

Heather said, “You probably quote Paul saying there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female in Christ Jesus.”

Christina again was surprised by what Heather said to her, nor was she ready for Heather to casually tap her hand. Heather said, “As far as I know we all come up short, and need the grace Jesus Christ extends to all. You seem to know my shortcoming, would you be willing to acknowledge that you too need his love and grace?”

The food was coming so Heather suggested they eat in peace and visit more later. Christina did seem to be a positive spirit and they ate in peace. Rosalyn identified herself as a friend of both Heather and his wife.

The captain welcomed everyone as they were eating dessert and gave basic information about the cruise and the amenities they offered. A steward had approached Heather and Christina and asked if their eating together was okay or if other arrangements needed to be made.

Heather said, “If it’s not me it will be someone else. We seem to be able together okay, if it’s not we’ll be in touch.” It was Sunday at noon when they were together again Heather said she was going to swim and named which pool and invited Christina to meet her there.

It was two o’clock when Heather arrived at the pool and Christy was soon there. Christina acknowledged that her chaperone was a bit concerned about allowing Christy to meet with Heather alone.

Christy asked numerous questions about Heather and when she thought she was a woman. Heather had mentioned times when he purged herself of her clothing and sought to be straight. It was after a heart episode and meeting with a psychologist that she came to grips with who she was. Heather even mentioned a Psychiatrist who said he could do away with Heath’s desire to be a woman in one visit. It was after the third appointment and a fourth and fifth scheduled that he was through with Dr. Cravats.

Heather was pleased she was visiting with a young woman of some intellect. They agreed to meet now and then but to also give each other some space.

It was on the second full day of the cruise that Heather stopped in her tracks upon seeing a particular person in front of her. It looked like Walter Bush a neighbor from a few blocks of where he lived. Walt said hello, and Heather knew it was him. They agreed to go have a drink and talk. Walt acknowledged he had followed Heather here. “I was glad when you came here going by Heather Anders. It was a companion who first noticed you had panty lines under your slacks at social gatherings. When I hired you for some special photography for our corporation; I began noticing some of the same, my secretary even told me of when you wore no-line panties. Then when word was out you were going on a cruise and I learned through gossip when your ship was leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale things added up.”

Walt said, “This is a long way to come for a dance, but it would have been very costly if I were wrong.”

Heather said, “I guess it’s expected that I will dance with a man or two on my vacation, but I assure you It won’t be going further than dancing.”

Walter said, “I’m comfortable starting with that. I won’t lie, I’m hoping for more of the kiss, a little foreplay, wherever it goes.”

Walt complimented Heather that she looked as good as he had hoped. It was that night many stayed around after dinner and danced. Walter had come over to Heather’s table and asked Rosalyn if it was okay to take Heather for a dance.”

“That’s one of the things she came on the cruise for. Doesn’t she look good?”

Walter spoke to Heather, “My Dear you are the prettiest woman I see here.” He offered his hand and helped her to stand. She was wearing two-and-a-half inch heels, a half in higher than recommended. There would be more than one person who’d sprain their ankles wearing higher shoes. Heather had them but was saving them for St. Lucia.

Heather was more nervous than others knew. The first dance was a little fast and they were a part. It was the second and third dances being slow and close together that made Heather nervous. She could tell that Walter was becoming aroused during the second dance. Walt had mentioned Marie Dubois and asked about the rumor that she had hired him to do some landscaping as well as photography.

Heather said, “Yes, it was an interesting request, to say the least. My interest was in saving the great tree in the back, and the legend of it not being a successful hanging tree. The old Barkly place where the first old man Barkley came out with a shotgun and shot down the hanging rope before the victim could be hung.”

Walt acknowledged he knew there was a legend, but not what it was about. “You take interest in those things like you’re one of the women in the historical society. That’s one of the things I’ve come to like about you.”

They sat and talked some more. Brandi finally came and encouraged Heather and her friend to dance again. “After this, we’re going to the Night Sky Lounge around 10:00.”

Walt stood up with Heather, “I have a better idea, why don’t you relax a little and change into a little black dress and I’ll meet you up at the Night Sky Lounge.” Walt hugged her and stole a kiss. Heather knew she closed her eyes and savored the kiss a little.

“Could you walk me to my cabin, that way if you’re serious about going up there I won’t be going alone.” Once back in her room, she was surprised that Rosalyn was not back yet.

‘What am I doing,’ thought Heather herself as she dropped back on her bed. Heath was happy he came on the cruise. He’d never been around other crossdressers or transwomen except when he went away to a conference and explored some off-beat night spots. And never to visit others like himself as friends.

He had never expected to see someone he knew or liked that they kissed him.

He was in the act of sitting up when the key latch was triggered and Rosalyn was opening the door. Rosalyn was talking from the start. “You’d never believe how much fun a regular woman could have here.” She said, “Most thought I was your wife or companion like we’re an item… Several women asked if we had kinky sex. Others wanted to know why I let you loose among all the others; weren’t I afraid of losing you?”

She went on, “I danced with Tammy; she was fun to dance with. It reminded me of dances where women danced with other women until the guys finally loosened up.”

Finally, she asked, “So how did you like dancing with that guy; I hope you didn’t mind I pushed you to dance with him?”

I was standing by the time she asked me about dancing with Walter, though she didn’t know it.

“I don’t know what you’ll think of me if I said I liked it or not?” I watched her eyes, for a clue to what she thought.

“Well did you or didn’t you,” she asked. “We expected that deep down you needed the experience.”

“Yes, I liked it, especially when the music slowed down. I didn’t expect to like it, but you had gotten me to experience the day as Heather. And it was nice to be away from Christina.”

Rosalyn interrupted, “You should have seen Christina’s face when you were walking away to dance with him. She soon left herself. Did you know she’s finished her first year in college and she says you’re an interesting person? She asked me if you indeed thought you were a Christian.”

I soon broke off our conversation, saying, “I’m going to the Night Sky Longue, and I only have enough time to change and clean up.”

She reminded me, “You know you only have one visit up there as we travel to the islands?”

“Yes, I know. I was wondering if you could help me with evening makeup?”

Rosalyn said, “Can I put out something for you, for dancing?”

“If you’ll help me with makeup and my hair?” She pushed me to take a quick shower, reminding me not to get my hair wet.

Once I was out of the shower and dried off, I saw that she had a glittering red and silver dress lying there for me. I said, “I didn’t remember getting that.”

“But you tried it on and liked it; Aubrey thought it would be a surprise, hoping you’d relax and have some fun.”

Rosalyn said she needed to use the washroom and suggested I get changed into the dress while she was in there. I put on fresh panties and a lace bra and then squeezed into the dress and moved it until it lay properly. I was happy about how it looked on me.

I brushed out my hair to how I liked it. I was in front of the mirror, going as light as possible on the foundation makeup. I shaved the little facial hair I had while in the shower. My complexion had color from being in the sun and just needed some help to set my eyes and lips off.

I thought I was done until I thought about shoes and realized I didn’t have stockings on either. Rosalyn pointed to a small package of stockings that had been under the dress. They were a pair of shimmering white silverfish stockings. There was a knock on the door, and I eked out, “Wait, I need to get on my stockings and shoes.”

Rosalyn turned away laughing, while I shimmied up the skirt of my dress, rolled up the stockings, and one by one brought them up my legs. I stepped into my shoes, grabbed my purse, and was out the door saying “Goodbye” to Rosalyn.

The hug that greeted me on the other side of the door, was both a surprise and felt good.

Walt is five inches taller and I felt comfortable in his presence. His hand was warm, and I was anxious. I mumbled to myself, “I shouldn’t be here, but I like him.”

Walt said, “I’m glad that you’re here, and I’m glad you like me?”

I stuttered, “I didn’t mean to say that.” He had pushed the elevator button to take us to the upper deck. Walt said, “You make a better-looking woman than I had hoped.” He leaned toward me and sniffed, “That is a nice fragrance on you.” The doors opened and we were joined by another couple. Niceties were exchanged; Rodney introduced Rachel and Walter introduced me. Walter was looking for someone as we got off of the elevator, and a couple was waving to him. Robert something introduced Nicki to us and soon realized that Nicki and I already knew each other. Nicki and I both ordered regular-size Margaritas. I was sitting on a barstool facing Walter and he was standing close to me, with one of his legs between mine. My eyes caught on his lips as he slowly and gently moved to kiss me. “I shouldn’t…” he kissed me and quickly asked me to dance.

“I said, “Walter, we shouldn’t be kissing.”

He asked, “Why did you come on the cruise? I thought it would be for experiences like we’re having.”

“Kind of, but it’s happening too fast and so soon already.”

“You mean you didn’t expect an admirer?”

I asked, “Why did you follow me here; Do you like girly…” I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to say. But he said it, “Because it is something I thought of a long time, and when I thought it could be you I knew I had to try.”

We were dancing and I liked being in his arms and the way he was looking at me. But I kept telling myself it wasn’t right.

He pressed against me; he was aroused and I didn’t push him away. We kissed again, and I became lost in my feelings.”

It was after 1:00 and we found ourselves in his room. I looked for my phone in my purse but found condoms. Rosalyn had to have put them in there. I lifted them and whispered, “I didn’t plan on this?”

Walter saw and took them, “It looks like Darby gave you permission.”

Heather thought, ‘Could that be true? Would Rosalyn do it on her own….

To be continued…

Heather said, “I should have had something to change into?”

Walter pulled out from a drawer next to his bed, “I bought this nightie thinking it would be near enough to your size. They’ll leave your other clothes unsoiled.”

Suddenly, I jerked away, ‘what am I going?’ I spoke up, “What am I doing here; we’ve just met. Darby’s permission or not, I’d hope she wasn’t wanting me just to jump in bed. And you, Walt, this is a tad far for the first time. No, I’m not just looking to be poked and enjoy the experience.”

Walt said, “Well, we don’t have all the time in the world.”

“It’s a ten-day cruise, there’s time, but not tonight.”

Walt said, “But you don’t have all that time. Darby plans to join you at St. Lucia.”

I was stunned that Walt knew something that I didn’t. “Darby on the trip? She didn’t tell me.” My voice changes, “There are a few things she didn’t tell me.”

Walt was straightforward, “She wanted you Heather to do what you’ve longed for. And she wanted to surprise you and keep your romance burning.”

I grabbed my purse; made sure I had everything and left. I was in the hallway trying to remember what deck and where I was on the ship. I made it to a floor and out to the outside deck where I got my bearings. I made my way back to my suite from there. It was late, and I was quiet as I entered the room. Rosalyn sat up, “Oh, you’re back. I wasn’t expecting you.”

I said, “Everyone was expecting more than I did. I don’t like that. Someone could have asked me what I’d like.”

Rosalyn, “You’re upset, we thought you would like the cruise. The chance to dance and more.”

Heather was near tears, “I have romantic feelings, not just a guy wanting to check off experiences.”

Rosalyn said, “No one planned on Walter, but he’s good and clean. It seemed strangely good.”

“But he said, Darby is meeting me at St. Lucia.” Heath/Heather felt mixed up, “I thought Aubrey and Kevin might be there in case I needed Aubrey’s help.” Heather, “I like being me. I thought it would be a good time; I came back because I needed to slow down.”

Rosalyn saw the time somewhere and said, “Well, let’s get some sleep and we think things out later.”

I took some hangers and stepped into the bathroom for a shower. My dress was hung properly and I started to take my makeup off before the shower. I stepped into the shower water and relaxed, letting the shower take my worries away. I patted myself dry and put on a nice nightie. I drifted to sleep and I dreamt I didn’t remember.

I was up and to the dining area for breakfast, where Christina awaited me. “I saw you dancing with that man. It appeared he knew you and liked you.”

I said, “My time here isn’t your business.”

She said, “School and church kind of made it my business, but don’t worry. I kind of felt happy for you. You’re mature and think for yourself… That’s what I’m trying to do.” Christina got another cup of coffee and stayed.

She asked, “Do you get out and do things like this much?”

I felt comfortable talking to her. With a slight giggle, I said, “No, this is my first big outing, but it was my wife’s idea. She hadn’t much to do with this side of me; until I saw her through years of illness. She thought it was very special and humiliating for me, how much personal care I gave her.”

Christina said, “Sound like it might have been; didn’t you think so?”

“It was one time, and then another. I wasn’t willing to quit. Our daughter Aubrey did much of the women’s stuff at first, but as it went on, I did more. I love my wife; it wasn’t that hard. When we first thought we got on top of her illness other problems cropped up.” I turned the question around, seeing that Christina was caring. “Wouldn’t you have been willing to help your mother?”

Christina began to cry, “I was too small when my mother got sick.” She sniffled as she tried to stop, “My mom died, I wished I got to care for her like you did Darby.” She knew my wife’s name; she must have talked to Rosalyn.

We were finishing breakfast, I said, “I’m going for a swim and then to read at the poolside. I could use a friend would you be willing?”

She said, “I’d be missing a meeting time, but sure it will be good. I’m the one responsible for how I relate to you. I don’t know what makes a man tick like this?”

It was my turn to laugh, “I have no idea either, but somehow this is the way I’m wired.”

We went in two directions to get ready for swimming and our books. We swam a while and then were sunning for half an hour. Once we were ready to read Christina’s conversation with me inserted a question now and then. “Why did you warry your wife, if this is the way you are wired?”

“One, I fell in love with Darby, and I’m neither the first nor last to try to be a regular guy. I did pretty we but with each child came the desire to be on the other side. I suppressed it, but each child and each year after that made it harder. My mother had warned Darby, but I swore I loved her which I did.”

We left the subject and read some.

I said, “It was before my wife got sick that she and Darby had found some of my clothes. I had stopped a few times. Later, after I was helping my wife, Aubrey challenged me about what was motivating me to take good care of her mom. I broke down crying. Even after I convinced Aubrey, I could see her questioning eyes.

Once I was on the phone with my mother and Aubrey overheard me talking to her. Aubrey was the one embarrassed and cried asking me to forgive her. There wasn’t anything to forgive, though I had been hurt.

Aubrey started learning about my other side after that and since then we’ve been great with each other.

When Walter came over to ask me to lunch, Christina listened closely. She even suggested he take it slow, but not too slow. Walt and I both laughed.

I knew Tammy and Brandi were both close by; when Walt took me back into the pool, where we could talk in some privacy.

I asked him to make our date for dinner and one of the better restaurants on the ship. We had made port at Martinique, but would still sleep onboard. I hinted to Walter that we might be together tonight.

It was after lunch that I received an internet connection with Darby. She complimented me on how nice I looked. Then when I confronted her about talking with Walter and making some decisions without talking to me, her feelings became hurt; I became sympathetic, but I didn’t back off. “I’m sorry, but it’s all about me, Rosalyn and Walter knew and I did not.”

“I’m sorry. You’re so understanding that I took you for granted.” We talked about several things, but we didn’t yet back to talk about Walter. I guessed we were both uncomfortable.

Rosalyn and I found a boutique at Martinique that had an outfit that I thought would be good for being with Walter. I bought a small tube of KY Jelly and the salesperson wished me a good night.

Rosalyn spoke up, “If she bought that negligée, I think it would be something she’d enjoy being talked out of.”

The saleswoman spoke with a Caribbean accent; I could hear a French sound in some of her speech. The woman told us it was known in the past as the French West Indies.

She asked, “Are you interested? I am sure we have your size.” She led tme o show me their various colors and images. Finally, I was shown a long white negligee with a pastel pink lace undergarment. The woman said, as I chose it, “You need to get a pedicure now with French tip nails.”

We were walking out of the boutique when Christina and a friend were walking in. Christina and her friend were embarrassed and ready to walk back out. Rosalyn said, “You do not need to worry about us saying anything to anyone. We’re friends.”
=^-^=
I told Rosalyn, “I’m not interested in getting a pedicure, but wanted a simple manicure, but back on the ship. We enjoyed our walk and seeing the island and the water.

Getting ready for the evening was like a seven-course meal with the preparation being a time to itself. I chose a red evening dress for the social hour, it sparkled but left enough to the imagination. It was said at noon that we’d have a special guest at our table.

Christina was surprised that I didn’t know the provocative singer. She was a very good singer, who sang in French as well as English and only two songs each. Anjeneu said, “The Captain said this is your first cruise, but surely not your first time out.

“I haven’t been to the Captain’s Table, and his sources are not very good. I have had a few admirers, but I only have one in my sights for tonight. Do you have any suggestions?”

Anjeneu whispered loud enough for the table but not others. “Keep him as the one intrigued for as long as you can. Then lead him to where you want him, and keep control of the timing.” She said, “I see you as a sly mink. He’s very desirous of you, no?”

Rosalyn said, “He’s followed her from thousands of miles away.”

Anjeneu turned to face Christina, “I’ve been told there are some aboard, who think our lives are wrong, sinful as they might say. Some of us might not argue that we’re broken or out of the norm. You young woman, I hear you have befriended the one I call Mink.”

The main course was being served and the conversation became general table talk. Walter had joined our table and he asked Rosalyn if he could sit next to me. I blushed at his sitting next to me, but my body tingled that he was next to me.

My first attempts at conversation showed that I was flustered, which made Walter happy. The Captain stood at his table and invited us to make a toast with him. I tapped my glass against Christiana’s, though hers had a glorified grape juice. When I turned toward Walt he tapped my glass and then extended his glass to my lips. I followed what he did. We took a sip of the other’s drink. It was very romantic to my thinking. After we finished our main course; Walt invited me to dance with him. Many others got up and danced as well. Christina was dancing with another young woman from her group, which hit me as strange.

Before the second dance was over, Walt’s arousal was very evident to me. He whispered, “It will be your second dessert, ‘Hot Pants’.” I knew my bottom had become warm. But I hadn’t thought it wasn’t that warm.

We were served a cold sherbet with a hard pastry rolled and stuck in the sherbet. Christina nudged for my attention. She suggested that I scoop a little sherbet on my rolled pastry, and act sexy as I licked it in front of Walter. I couldn’t believe she was suggesting that. And there was no way I would do it, but then I found myself slowly doing it. I even put my lips around it and did a slow sucking of the ice cream.

Christina leaned toward me, “You’ve sealed your fate, this is the night.”

I asked her, “Why are you doing this?”

Her answer was, “You’ve put it off long enough, you want it; quit being a tease.” Suddenly, I felt as if I was Heather the young woman who had put off making love to Walter.

Rosalyn passed around a satin bag with a nice cloth handle. I looked inside and there was a negligée. I looked at Walter, as it was only 9:00 o’clock. I said, “It was much too early.”

He got up and took hold of my chair to pull it out. He whispered, “It gives us more time to enjoy our evening.” There was no restraint on my part, as I stood up and took his hand.

We said goodbye to the others; who gave their blessings.

I was surprised as we got to Walter’s room that it had been cleaned, a flower was on the bed, along with two chocolate kisses. One towel had been made into a heart, and another into a swan.

Walt was behind me and gave a kiss on my neck as he began to unhook and zip down my dress zipper. He stopped and I knew enough to go into his bathroom to change. There was a fresh toothbrush that I unwrapped and used, mouthwash to freshen my breath, my makeup to freshen my look, and nicely placed drops of perfume. Ready to leave, I saw a pink changing robe that I put on and left the bathroom. Walt was down to boxer shorts to greet me and to use the bathroom.

I saw and used a long-neck vase on my side of a queen bed. I unwrapped my chocolate kiss and placed it back in its wrapper waiting for Walter.

When he came out of the bathroom; he was in dark blue shiny boxers. His younger body glistened in the dim light. Heather was in love with the man before her. We both nibbled on our kiss until it was warm and gooey and then kissed. We savored the sexy kiss with which we greeted each other.

Then came the foreplay of kisses, touches, rubs, and more as we warmed up to each other. I had taken off my breast forms and he was delighted he could freely suck on my nipples. I hadn’t expected the sensations I got from his nibbles, not his touch on my back. I did not see when he reached for the KY jelly, but I felt its application.

It felt like our foreplay had gone on a long time and wouldn’t stop. That was until Walter worked his way between my legs and lifted my hips. I knew to help raise my hips and to guide him to penetrate him.

I was fearful of the pain but pushed myself against him as he pushed into me. The pain was something I had never felt, but then he rubbed against inside and joy was erupting inside of me. The more he moved back and forth the sensations grew beyond my imaging. He slowed now and then to let the sensation increase as we continued to kiss one another. I could hear myself groan. And it brought back memories, of when I made love with my wife. There was a short sense of guilt, but thankfully Walter’s lovemaking took me past the guilt. We were both now groaning as we came to orgasms together. I felt the warmth of a cream gushing into my body. It added to my joy. I wrapped my legs around him and wasn’t ready to let go.

He laid on me and I unwrapped my legs some, but wrapped my arms around him as I kissed him ever more passionately.

He had mad love to me again, before I got up to wash his privates well. I knew I wanted to have him orally, and though he said I didn’t need to, he was on the bottom. My nipples were hot and aroused as my lips and tongue aroused his penis again. I took my time kissing his head and long thick shaft to make it big and solid again. I grabbed it like a microphone, but instead of speaking I first took in the tip, came out, and then swallowed the whole head. How many times, I neither knew nor cared? He was long enough I wasn’t swallowing him all the way, but I took him to the point I needed to breathe through my nose, not to gasp. I came halfway off of him when he was ready to explode in my mouth. The feel and taste of his cum in my mouth was new, yet exciting. I soon fell in love with the sensation.

Part of me wanted to take some of him up to his mouth and kiss him with it, but I resisted. We lay together for the longest time before he took me to the shower and we hhelpedwash each other.

I’d have thought the joy of the night was over, but I got to lay and fall asleep with him.

To be continued…

It was the first full day at St. Lucia and Heather knew his wife Darby would be here. Rosalyn and Darby agreed that Heather should not be surprised, so she was told last evening that Darby was coming. Heather had known her daughter Aubrey was coming to explore if it was a good location for her honeymoon with Kevin Barnes. Aubrey would be there for moral support for her mother and her father. She had flown in the night before from New Orleans, where she had been for business.

Aubrey saw her father Heather at the breakfast table with Rosalyn and Christina. Aubrey had already heard about Christina and was happy about the strange friendship of Christy and Heather.

Christy greeted Aubrey warmly, if not with some bewilderment, “How is it that you embrace your father being like this?”

Aubrey said, “I could ask the same about you as an evangelical Christian, but like you, we’ve discovered there’s more to Heather, my father. I guess a lot of things changed as he helped take care of my mother who was critically ill for over six years. When my mother decided to accept and love him back, instead of just putting up with him; the whole family dynamics changed.”

Christina said, “But what about Walter liking Heather too?”

Aubrey said, “I accepted my father before the others did. When my mother thought about paying for this trip; we knew there would be another person. Mom and Walter talked before my father knew about Walter; though he knew him from where we lived. My Mom is trying to see Heather as very different from my father and her husband. But enough with that, I’m a daughter to see her cross-dressing dad.” Heather was already standing and they hugged saying “Hello.” A place had been saved in the hope that Aubrey would be there.

“Dad, you look quite attractive this morning. Have you enjoyed dressing up and pampering yourself?” Aubrey said, “I heard Mom’s flight coming from New York to Florida to here will be here mid-afternoon.”

Aubrey announced that she had a room at another resort and would see them on a hit-and-miss occasion. The cost of a meal there for Aubrey was exorbitant. The next time hopefully would be at a nightspot. She asked, “Daddy, you could come and swim at the pool at my resort one time for free. And you could change in my room.” The breakfasts on land were modest in comparison to all one could eat aboard the ship.

It was after breakfast that Aubrey and Heather got together privately, about what Aubrey saw as acceptable. It would be the first time she saw her father as Heather dressed in a women’s bathing suit.

The swimming went well, as Heather had waterproof makeup that matched the tan that Heather was now sporting. There was an amusing moment where Heather had hugged Aubrey as she had as her dad. Aubrey let her dad know it was alright; “I’m thankful you still know you’re my father.”

Aubrey waited for a private moment and then asked, “How were you when you realized who Walter was? You know Mom is going to talk with you openly about your relationship with him. She wants to talk about some understanding about you continuing to have a social relationship.” That led to an interesting discussion that went up to Darby’s arrival at his hotel.

Aubrey was scheduled for a tour of the resort and island and wouldn’t see them again until tomorrow.

Heather was wearing her favorite sundress as she met Darby getting off her shuttle. Heather had a luggage trolley and was kind of the man in women’s clothing picking up the luggage. Cute.

A person would take up her luggage, but Darby wanted a drink with Heather. She forthrightly said, “You look relaxed and very attractive the way you present yourself.” They were both drinking wine, when Darby said, “I hope you won’t mind, but I reserved a table for the three of us. That is to include Walter Bush.”

Heather was surprised, and asked, “Is that wise?”

Darby said, “After you walked away from him the first time I expected you to experience a time with him. I believe that whetted an appetite that either needs to happen openly, or things would get messy.”

“My suggestion is that you meet someplace monthly or every other month and quarterly overnight. I don’t want Walter to be with others, so I believe we need to be reasonable about meeting his needs and yearly, probably celebrating his birthday or your anniversary when you will be more intimate.”

“I expect you to be Heath and I will continue as your wife and first love. How does that seem to you?”

Like, a bell rang, Walt appeared in the lounge. Darby stood up and then Heather. It was Darby who suggested Heather and Walter should at least hug. Walt helped with both of our chairs. Walter and Darby seemed more comfortable talking about the relationships of the three of them. Walter agreed trying to live within the parameters of the relationship with Heather.

Walter said, “More people are going to know of Heather, because of Mayor Jan Evans and Marie Dubois Christiansen. Marie intends to invite the two of you to her house for dinner and hopes you and Heather will sometime make an appearance there socially. She thinks for you not to be open about it would be like a time bomb waiting to go off. My relationship with Heather will not be for in our community or vicinity.”

Darby said, “We’ll need to think about that.”

Heather asked, “What about what I think?”

Darby asked, “Let me first ask, ‘Am I still going to be your wife and first love? And can you honestly tell me, you wouldn’t want Walter or some man in Heather’s life?”

Heather said, “The first is easy, ‘You will always be my wife and the love of my heart. About Heather, I can’t imagine having or not having feelings and desires for someone. But I don’t see how I can do it.”

Walter and Darby started at about the same time, Darby gave way to Walt. “I wouldn’t even consider something like this except with Darby being part of it. And Heather, I know you would be quite disciplined about anything you agreed to. My feelings for you are quite strong. The idea that I could have a monogamous relationship with you, within the bounds that Darby has laid out is attractive to me. I would ask that we could consummate our relationship at least three times a year would be allowed.”

Darby’s eyes brighten, “I have no problem with your desire to make love at least three times a year. I intend to try to make love with Heather as well… When the ship docks at Barbados, I suggest you allow me to go explore Barbados and you two have another intimate time together and talk about your future. Would that be agreeable with you two?”

Walt asked, “How can you be so gracious about my having time with Heather?”

Darby said, “I would have died or become an invalid if it were not for Heather being there for me. There were two times when Heath interceded insisting on better treatment. He encouraged me to stay the course; and promised I was getting better. There were times I knew Heath was Heather and knew about caring for me as a woman.”
She said, “I remembered those times when I started to get better. I had a setback and I thought I was no longer a precious woman. He gave me a massage and did my makeup, and I felt well enough to live again.”

Darby came over to Heather, “Do you remember the time I’m talking about?” She paused, “Of course you didn’t you did it many times.”

I spoke, “Was it when your friends were coming over. Cheryl your best friend would be there, and you were afraid you were dying? I knew you were better than you thought, but I couldn’t let your spirit lose hope.”

“You did remember. I thought it was the last time I would see Cheryl, She doesn’t handle stress or dying very well. Since then all the issues about who you are seem small and insignificant.”

“I’ve been recovering for a year and a half; I’m going to see my daughter get married; and Heath even said I could be the one to walk her down the aisle. Since I’ve relaxed, I enjoy seeing Heather and I hope to make out with her sometime.” Heather’s eyes brightened with that revelation. And yes, I guess the word is going to get out about Heath’s other side.”

“Heather, could you sit on Walt’s lap? I’d like to have a picture of you two together.”
She asked once we were sitting together and had a picture taken. “Walt, could you please nibble at her neck or earlobe?”

Darby asked, “Do we need to change anything or can we agree with what we decided?”

Walt asked, “Are we agreeing on the number of intimate times being changed?”

Heath/Heather said, “I’m not very comfortable with it, but I’m willing to agree if, after a few months or half a year, we either agree to something more permanent or end it completely.”

Walter and Darby both liked the idea of a temporary agreement and then decide where they’d go after that.” Darby and Heather went for a nighttime swim in the adult pool. They showered together and Darby had her only her second intimate time with Heather. And she brought both of them into an orgasm.

It was a few nights later, during their second day in Barbados, that Darby bowed out only after making sure Heather was going to be with Walt. Heather didn’t confess to being sore or having enjoyed herself with Walt, but Darby could tell Heather had. Darby had asked, “Heather how have you found relating to a younger man?”

Heather blushed, not expecting to be asked such a question.

During the cruise back to Florida, Heather had spent more time visiting with the other cross-dressers and the trans people. Darby became friends with some trans people, men, and women, and exchanged contact information with some.

Walter, Heather, and Darby had physicals and blood work tested to be sure each person was clean.

Darby had exchanged her air ticket for the cruise and a cabin back. She mingled only twice with her parents; and chose instead to visit with a variety of people to better the community that her father saw himself part of.

Two nights before Heather and Darby called and visited with their son Kent and his wife Ann via a live internet connection. Ann commented, “It looks like you may be going for an evening out. Darby, you look as attractive as usual. Heather, may I say you make an attractive woman? That is a sharp evening dress.”

They checked with Ann and heard her bouts of morning sickness were light. Kent joked with his Dad; “I still hope I can still seek your advice on being a Dad.” There was some sharing of some memories from the past; and family stories of Ann’s upbringing.

Ann and Darby had a moment to themselves, where Heath and Kent were out of the rooms. Ann had asked Darby, “Did you know Kent/Kendra had her moments like his father?”

Once they were home Darby was the first one to notice and play the message from Marie Dubois Christiansen. She was inviting them for a private dinner with her, her husband William, and their daughter Sophia a graduate student home from Yale. Our daughter is quite liberal and Heather will be nothing new to someone from the New Haven community.” Marie left her contact information with the hope they had a good time away.

“When we go,” Darby said, “I will need to drive as I do not want others recognizing you yet?”

Heath said, “So you decided for us that we are going?”

Darby said, “You should be thankful most of those coming to know of you are women. We tend to be more accepting, unless they think you are eyeing their men, then cover your eyes.”

Heather’s wardrobe came home in a vintage trunk that allowed her dresses, gowns, and intimates to be treated delicately once it was introduced as part of her declared luggage on the ship. It was like daydreaming as I opened the trunk to put the dresses away. Each dress came with a memory; then the dress I wore to Walt’s room. Goosebumps ran up my arm, and to avoid dropping the dress; I hugged it and twirled down onto my bed. My body was running on emotions. I could have sworn that I felt Walt’s touch as he unclasped the top hook and kissed it and my back. I used the small hoops inside the dress to make sure they would remain on the hanger

My lap notebook came on and Walt asked what I was doing. When I explained I was hanging up dresses and gowns from the trip; he mentioned the one I wore the first night we were to be together. “That is the one I’m holding now, and it is filled with fond memories.”

“You should use the perfume you wore that night. It drove me crazy until we allowed our passions to lead us to a wonderful night.” He said, “I would like our first night to dinner to be at Princeton, they have a beautiful women’s dress shop. I would like you to find something elegant that would be great for our first weekend together.” He paused and then asked, “Do I have you getting hot and in need of a shower?”

“Walter, that’s mean of you. I am hanging up.” I touched my phone, but didn’t mean to disconnect the call, but I did. Here I was dressed in a dressing gown to put my clothes away and I was getting hot and sultry.

Darby was passing my second bedroom and knocked, “Who are you talking to?”

“I wasn’t, I’m taking my clothes out of the trunk and hanging them up. Memories were coming as I lifted various dresses and remembered an occasion associated with each.” Darby asked, “Then that was Walt you must have been talking to as the emotions were carrying you away. I can remember such feelings. Are you surprised by how vivid the memories can get and the feelings, well you don’t need me to tell you, I heard your voice. I am sorry I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

She said, “I’m sorry for you, and here you are forty-five years old, and you are having the experiences that are usually those of a sixteen to twenty-year-old young woman. And the hunk doing it to you is what thirty-four?”

To be continued…

Heath was getting back into the swing of things intertwined with the experiences and memories of the Caribbean cruise. Two nights in a row Darby and he had passionate times. The second night, Darby wanted Heather, and surprisingly it was almost as passionate as the first. Darby’s years of distancing herself from Heather was now seeing the light of a new day.

The dinner with Marie Dubois Christiansen and her family was the first time out as Heather in their community. Marie had called and said it would be a formal seven-course dinner and everyone was asked to dress and be in their finest. Darby was insistent that meant a trip to Guinevere’s Salon and even paid owner Gwen to give Heather her attention, which meant confidential treatment. Gwen greeted Heather, “Ms. Anders will it be all right if I address you as Heather? I’m Gwen owner and your attendant today. And it is my understanding that we’ll give you the full treatment including pedicure/manicure, facial, and hair extensions, and reopening your ear piercings.”

“Stacy will be doing your nails and taking care of your ear piercings. Stacy and I know who you are Ms. Anders and hope you can become relaxed as more people I’m told will come to know this side of you. Your reputation as a serious and gifted photographer is even known here.”

“Thanks for being open with me,” Heath said, though keeping in character as Heather. Heath had kept his nails get a little long again and Stacy complimented how well he’d taken care of his hands and nails. She asked, “It is our understanding that Marie Dubois said she knows you. She is quite taken with your work and sees you as a true artist.”

Heather opens up and confesses, “My wife and I are having dinner with them tonight. They have a grand home that they’re bringing to new splendor. Being called a true artist doesn’t often happen with a photographer, I feel honored”

Heather says, “I’m intrigued by how you can do your work and visit so well. That is something that I like about being in fellowship with women.”

Gwen overhears and says, “I suspect the same can be true that women wish we could talk to men in regular conversations and not hear them discounting what we say, or making some sexual innuendo. I’m guessing if you come out there will be a chance to do that, if women can be comfortable with that… What would your wife say?”

“My eyebrows are just a smidgen fuller than what they were on the cruise.” Heather hadn’t planned to let it be known that she had been on a cruise. Gwen’s and Stacy’s eyes brightened up. “Say more,” Gwen asks.

Heather tried not to say anything, but Gwen said, “The salon is where a woman can unload her secrets and they stay with her beautician.”

Heather told her about dancing, having dinner, and even swimming but nothing more intimate. Erin thought she was home free; until she paid for her appointment and with a nice tip, and Gwen said, “I hope during your next appointment you will be willing to tell us more?”
=^_^=
Instead of Darby picking Heather up, it was their daughter Aubrey; she said, “I just had to see this side of you again. You look more comfortable and very attractive.” Aubrey tells me, “Sophia may want to visit with you alone. Your lifestyle coincides with research for her doctoral dissertation.”

When we get to our house, Heather sees that Darby went to her salon and looks beautiful as well. So beautiful, Heather saw her as a nicely wrapped present that wanted to unwrap and spoil her right there. “No, you don’t Heather, you’ll have to wait for another time. We are not canceling the evening; plus, your daughter is downstairs.”

As Darby insisted, she drove Christiansen’s, and when they arrived at the house Marie and Sophia were on the top step of the porch to receive them. Marie introduced her daughter Sophia and then she offered her arm to Darby and Sophia offered her arm to Heather. Darby’s talk with Marie was light talk about nice nothings.

Sophia said, “It is nice to meet you, I would enjoy getting to know you better.” Heather knowing what she might want, stumbled with her speech, and they said, “That would be nice.” She was unhappy with herself knowing Sophia might take it as an agreement to talk, and indeed she did.

Sophie looked to her parents, “I hope you won’t mind, but Heather agreed we might talk after dinner. It shouldn’t be longer than half an hour.”

The dinner was more eloquent than anything on the cruise and indeed it was a full seven-course dinner. Numerous times Sophia or his wife would give him guidance on which utensil to use.

William DuBois was quite the gentleman; he saw no mistakes and complimented Heath on his strength and ability to present himself so well. “It has been suggested by Marie that you might present yourself as Heather in your vocation. It might even be found as a blessing in the art world.”

Heather said, “Thank you. It is more relaxing to do this here with you being relatively new to our community. A young woman who’s getting married in the spring must have heard that same rumor. She’s messaged me that she would be happy to have Heather as her wedding photographer.”

Heather shared, “We’ve known her since she was a young friend of our youngest Aubrey. I need to know that I could do it without being a distraction.”

Sophia suggested, “I’d just recommend you look nice and just blend in with all the other women who will be looking their best. It would be interesting if you would see the wedding any differently from Heather’s perspective?”

It was a short while after the dinner was over and they had made their way to lounge and waited for dessert. Sophia stepped over to Heather, “May I show you the grounds? I hear you have had some input into what mother and dad are doing out here.”

Sophia guided Heather outside to a bench underneath a grand tree, where they sat to talk. Sophia spread her shawl on the bench and waved to sit. Sophia asked, “Would you please tell me more about yourself and how Heather has finally emerged?”

Heather took a breath, “I probably have always been, at least I can’t remember a time I wasn’t. If I hadn’t met and fallen in love with Darby; I might have surfaced long ago. My life would have been very different. But my love for Darby has always been strong; she’s still the love of my life.”

“Darby had been deathly sick and my daughter and I took care of her. I think Darby at first, lived to see our son Calvin and Carla get married and then it was for Kent and Ann. After that, she became quite poor and many others thought she’d die. I thought she might, but I couldn’t let go. Her heart did stop once or twice, but she said I was an angel and told her she’d live. She knew I was transgender; she credited my being so sensitive and caring as part of her recovery.”

Sophia asked when Heather paused, “Heather, were you there to care for her?”

“There was a day she was doing well, and I needed a time as Heather. Then all of a sudden she fell and I raced to her, and she pressed an alert for Aubrey. Darby was more shocked by the fall than badly hurt. But she was very weak as I cradled her until she was all right and carried her back to bed as Aubrey came back in. Aubrey knew about me and was okay with what happened. I changed and was soon back there. Not much was said after that until earlier in spring. Darby and Aubrey became more vocal and accepting of Heather.”

Come Mother’s Day, we made it a special day for Darby, as well as our two daughters-in-law. Come that night Darby asked what I wanted of Father’s Day. I had let my hair down and said, I wanted a special dress. Come Memorial Day that dress became a Dignity Cruise to the Caribbean for transwomen and cross-dressers. She sent her best friend with me, and insisted I have an intimate time as Heather with a man.”

Sophia blushed but a little. Sophia said, “A mutual friend of Mom and yours said he was going on a similar cruise. Was it Walter Bush who became your friend?”

Heather stopped the conversation, “That’s enough. I won’t reveal any particulars other than my wife knows.”

Sophia asked, “Could I be your confidant whom you tell what you’re unable to tell others?”

Heather was holding back, and Sophia wouldn’t push her. Heather tried to talk about other things, such as the grand tree, and make small talk. She couldn’t go back to the group yet. Finally, she said, “Darby acknowledged my experience to be like a sixteen to twenty-year-old girl’s first time. What she didn’t say, it would be like a switch that had been flicked on; but doesn’t go off. I know and can’t take it back and won’t say anything.”

Sophia calmly took a breath, and said, “Thanks for trusting me.” She said, “I shouldn’t hug you, but if you want to hug me and collect yourself, please do.” Heather without hesitation hugged Sophia and did not let go for a good minute.

“Thanks,” she said.
=^_^=
It was now mid-October and Heath/Heather had been busy. Things had set to a new normal. It had been Labor Day when Heather came out. Today wasn’t the first day Heather was working, but it was the first time she would see Laura face to face. Aubrey’s friend since childhood. Heather insisted that Laura bring her Fiancée Chad. Heather welcomed the two and said, “Laura, I needed to make sure Chad would be comfortable with me being your photographer.”

Chad spoke up, “You need not worry, Laura told me about you, but at the university, we have become quite accepting of a wide variety of people. You remind me of a professor Laudon we have in women’s studies. I’ve even taken a course from her.”

Laura said, “I’ve taken him around town and shown him some of your work as well as shown him my cousin Audra’s wedding album. You took the pictures for her wedding. I’m just tickled to see you face to face. Aubrey used to laugh when I told her you could have been one of Barbie’s friends. Did she already know about this side of you?”

Laura asked, “Would you be open to taking a picture of me when I’ve selected my wedding gown and I’m being fitted? I feel like I can trust you to get a little closer than I’d allow you as Heath. I hope that doesn’t offend Heath.”

Heather’s reply was simply put, “That is fine, I am getting more requests; like yours most are simple and it is nice to the accepted as a female photographer.

Heather was to rendezvous with Walter, she’d been with him once since the cruise but this was their first overnight. Heather still has mixed feelings about being with Walt, but she likes having dinner and then retreating to have an intimate night with him. The foreplay and oral sex took some time as they agreed to enjoy their evening. Walt responded to how things we going. “You seem more assured of yourself, and it seems more agreeable to you.” She had taken more delight as she pleased Walter and herself. His semen had filled her mouth and she took her time to enjoy him and was looking forward to having intercourse and reaching an orgasm.

Heather had awakened at 4:00 a.m. and Walt pleased her again, but this time she was to be on top of him.

Darby had made appointments for her and Heather to see a gynecologist in a larger community. Dr. Jennifer Reid was older than Heath, and she had hospital rights as well as her practice. Though Dr. Reid had a good size staff in her private practice with other doctors and personnel. It was she who met with Darby and Heather Anders. Darby was asking about reassignment surgery for Heather.

Dr. Jennifer agreed that the surgery was better the younger she was and the more time she had to enjoy it. “There are several surgeries Heather can have, but there is no guarantee she will find her relationship with you any more enjoyable.”

Dr. Jennifer was upfront and asked, “Darby have you told Heather one of the reasons, you want to discuss this now?” She turned to Heather, “Do you know why Darby feels the need that this be talked about now?” When Heather shook her head ‘no’ like it was a surprise. Dr. Jennifer said, “She wants to tell you to go on with your life, her personal physician has seen signs that her cancer might be coming back.”

It was Heath who broke down in the doctor’s office. He was upset that Darby chose this way to tell him. But he knew she needed to have control over how she was to face this possibility. They had talked about it, but Darby had only learned of her cancer having come back.

Darby’s cancer was already at level three and showed it was in an aggressive form this time.

All the family was together to hear about the return of her cancer; once again with a poor prognosis of three to six months of life expected. It was as Heath that he presented himself. Darby, however, made it known there would be times that she wanted Heather to attend and be with her.

Calvin spoke up, “While everyone knows what I think; I will have no problem with any of us being there for Mother and one another. Carla has agreed to remind me if I get out of line. We’re a family in this.”

It was Kent who asked if there was to be someone else involved. And with that question, he turned to their father.

It was a week later that Heath received and call from Sophia Christiansen. “I heard about your wife’s cancer coming back, and mother suggested I call you. Besides how she is doing; I want to find out how you are doing. That includes the needs of Heather as well.”

He said, “I am deeply touched by the thoughtfulness of you and your mother. Darby is quite sick already, but we’re rallying around her. I can’t separate being Heath and Heather at a time like this. But first and foremost I’m her husband and here for her twenty-four, seven.

Sophia asked, “Have others heard from you, and how you’re doing?”

Heath said, “Sorry for my frankness, but I don’t have time for complications at this point. I’m putting all my love and energy into being there for Darby and to beat this. Where I’ll be and if others will be there when she is well again, I don’t have the foggiest.”

Sophia being about nine years older than Aubrey, and understanding of things was a help in being there. We would talk now and then.

Darby’s cancer had slowed in its progression.

Carla gave birth to a son named Caleb, and Ann and Kent were expecting their first child come the first of the year.

Heath/Heather was in charge of foot and back rubs almost every day for Darby, with a few for Ann as the baby’s birth neared. Heather was there twice when Calvin came by, once little Rose, Caleb, and Carla with him. Heather was caught by surprise when Calvin went and hugged Heather.

Rose had asked where Grandpa was and was surprised that Grandpa looked like a grandma. Heather was wondering if this was a show for Darby but decided to warmly accept things for the present and Darby’s sake.

Come February, Darby had rallied a little, and both the new grandchildren were being baptized in private ceremonies as Darby was being kept away from crowds with the flu and a virus going around.

Two days later, Darby’s health took a turn, and was back in the hospital…

To be continued…

Laura and Chad’s wedding was the one project that meant a lot to Heath in the late spring. Darby was pacing herself so that she too could attend the wedding of their daughter’s childhood friend, Laura. But Darby insisted that Heather needed to be in her best appearance for the wedding. She and Heather agreed Heather would not dress up to compete with the wedding party, but to dress in good taste, she needed a nice dress and another salon appointment.

Heather had chosen a darker red dress for the wedding and a simpler dress when she met Laura as she was trying on her gown for her last fitting. Laura got what she wanted as she flirted with the camera during her fitting. Two shots were reserved for Laura in the lingerie she would wear on her wedding night. Laura’s mother was not allowed to be around, only her Maid of Honor and her photographer. Laura was happy that she got Aubrey’s father as Heather to blush to a crimson red.

Heather’s appointment at Guinevere’s Salon this time would take up a good part of Heather’s day. It would include the steam room, a massage, time in the spa’s flowing pool, a brunch, and only then would it include the pedicure, manicure, and her hair and a makeover. How much Heath/Heather had been doing and the toll it had taken, became obvious with her massage. The massage took extra time as her muscles were tight and she needed to unwind.

Gwen dared to whisper to Heather, “Thanks for coming in, you are in great need of someone taking care of you. Do not put it off too long.” Heather did not answer, but to say, “In time, but not yet. Thanks.”

Being at the rehearsal would be short but important for Heather. She would identify the participants and decide where she could station herself during the course of the wedding. This particular pastor officiating the wedding was cool to Heather, but both were professional and would make do.

The Bridal party was beautiful and the Groom was very good, the groomsmen were characters to say something kind. Fortunately, the Bridegroom talked to a groomsman just before he got carried away too far. There was no shortage of good times. The wedding was memorable. Laura and Chad gave Darby and me time for a dance.

A week later Darby’s health took another turn that would send her back to the hospital. Earlier the day before Darby went back into the hospital, Marie DuBois had called asking to speak to Heather. Heath was, in fact, in Heather mode at Darby’s request.

Darby, not feeling well, often wanted the attention of another woman over the image of Heath taking care of her. Come evening and when they were sleeping it was usually when Heath was wanted.

Heather and Marie talked; it was about Heather’s significant other, Walter. Walt had a need to talk to Heather; not about getting together, he was sensitive to knowing that wasn’t going to happen soon. Could Walt call and talk to Heather?

That transpired and Walt was asking to be let go from their agreement to be exclusive. The emotionally charged talk of Walter confirmed he still cared for Heather, but that he too had needs for another person in his life. It was now June and it had been October since they were last with one another.

Heather had dreamt of Walt’s loving presence with her, and it was a source of help, but she wouldn’t mention that as she cared for Walter as well as Darby. They congenially agreed to separate despite their love for the other.

Heather went to the hospital with Darby, Aubrey came soon after and was followed by her brothers Kent and Calvin. Darby was stable but not well. Kent had pictures of grandson Brett and it did bring a smile to Darby’s face.

Darby made it home with hospice care, and even Heath accepted that Darby wasn’t likely to get better or live long. It became a matter of two months; in August Darby died. One picture of Darby and Heath showed his other side in a picture of Darby and Heather dancing at Laura’s wedding.

It was late October before Heather called Walt to see if a date was possible. Walt had misgivings about getting together, but that was before their first dance, and Heather’s passion for him, had them together for the night. They would date the coming year and Heath was now looking more like a male version of Heather.

Aubrey and Kevin would marry in spring with Heath as the father of the bride with a picture of her mother present. Kevin and Aubrey were given the homestead as a wedding present. It would allow a third warm place for family gatherings. Heather had bought a bungalow a block behind the Anders Photography Studios

Calvin and Carla Anders warmed up to Heath being Heather. And when it came time for family gatherings Heather was now usually preferred as she looked more natural. Heath in a suit coat did not fit with Heather’s body.

It was another year before the extended family became comfortable with Heather and Walter as an item.

The End