Unexpected Consequences: A Willow and Tara novel.
Please read the Disclaimer before continuing to remain in the site or reading the stories. These stories contain adult material with scenes of women loving women. Consider this story to have an R rating. If this is illegal in your state or you are underage, please go to a more appropriate site now.
Please do not archive, link or reproduce without Author's Written Permission
Disclaimer: I don't own any Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters. No copyright infringement is intended. Original characters are mine.
Pairing: W/T... eventually
Angst Rating: Highest rating... buy stock in Kleenex
Rating: PG 13 for adult themes and eventual W/T goodness.
Unexpected Consequences
© December 2001
By Lisa Countryman
EPILOGUE:
The situation could not have turned out more perfectly. The committee stood by their oath, and oddly enough, the Keeper and his assistant were never heard from again. The guardians vetoed Willow’s suggestion that she continue helping Buffy on Patrol. A unit of guardians moved into a small house near the university and helped Buffy each night. The guardians also convinced Willow and Tara to move in with them. The two witches agreed, mainly because they felt sorry for Ceri and Brigh who insisted on sleeping in the hallway outside their bedroom in Buffy’s house. Willow and Tara ended up loving sharing a house with a group of other Wiccans. For the first time in her life, Willow grew to truly understand and love the religion of Wicca. Her temptation to use dark magic decreased as her understanding of Wicca increased.
Amy found that she actually liked living in a sanctuary just outside the city of Prague. She worked in the kitchen and she found her niche. Her potions may have never turned out, but her soups were almost divine. Her road to redemption was slowly paved through service to the followers of Brigit. She too came to understand Wicca, and it was nothing like the magic her mother had taught her.
It was five years before Willow and Tara could call Brianna back to them. When they did, both women kept the conception quiet for a few weeks. It was difficult because they both walked around with permanent grins plastered on their faces and half the time they missed what people said to them because they’d be looking at each other and just not hear a word anyone else was saying.
The second week after the conception, they told Diana and she made sure Tara and the baby were in perfect health, and then the doctor began walking around with a permanent grin. She’d come to adore Willow and Tara as well as the guardians. Brent had intervened and used her newfound pull with the Witches’ Committee. The governing body had decided to let Cassie and Diana have a child. Their daughter, Elizabeth Tara White, would be three years old by the time Brianna was due.
When a child is on the way, people change. For Willow Rosenberg, the change meant that every time she looked at Tara, she found her heart was so filled with love she could barely breathe.
For Tara, it meant much the same. She experienced the overwhelming love for her partner, but she was also terrified. Tara did not want to lose her precious child again.
For Willow and Tara’s friends, it meant added anxiety as well; no one wanted to see Tara get so much as a hangnail during the pregnancy. They were excited, but they also acted like a flock of mother hens.
Mistress Brent instantly began acting like a protective grandmother. The leader of the Imbolc guard loved Tara like a daughter, but she was furious that Tara hadn’t told her about the decision to get pregnant in the months before the conception. She was certain she wouldn’t have time to prepare for Brianna’s arrival.
The discussion with Brent was a short one. As soon as the elder heard Tara was pregnant, she respectfully requested that Willow and Tara move to the sanctuary. She made it clear the choice was theirs, but she then made it perfectly clear that if they chose to live outside the protected grounds, Brent would see to it that at least two dozen guardians would be with them everywhere they went … including their own bedroom.
Willow might have argued if she hadn’t seen the relieved look in Tara’s eyes. The mere mention of moving to the safety of the sanctuary made Tara's whole demeanor relax. The two witches spoke briefly and decided that at least as long as Tara was pregnant, staying with the guardians was the best option.
Willow and Tara moved to the Imbolc house and spent the next eight months getting into a happy routine. They loved the sanctuary, and the guardians loved having them there. The expectant mothers would take most of their meals alone, cooking as if they lived alone, but they made a point of sharing one meal a day with the others. It was a chance to get to know the guardians who weren’t in the Imbolc guard, and it was a chance to build a huge extended family of women who were already willing to die to protect Brianna.
Willow worked from home, so her routine didn’t changed much. The computer security company she worked for loved her and they didn’t care where she lived as long as she continued to be one of the best troubleshooters in the US and Europe.
Tara’s career had been put on hold. She was working on her masters in archeology, with a focus on ancient texts. She had spent two summers in England working with the British Museum on their demon texts. It was an area that could not be made known to the public, but Tara thought it was the right decision. Now she wondered if she had made the correct choice after all. When it had been just her and Willow, they could fly to Europe for a few months, but with Brianna on the way she wasn’t sure what they would do the next time she had to go to England.
For the moment, she was on a sabbatical, and she liked it more than she had expected. She loved being Willow’s wife. She loved watching her belly grow with the life she and Willow created, and now she wondered if she should even try to have it all. Suddenly her career seemed less and less important. What she did know was that she wanted to be with Willow and raise their daughter. Everything else would have to fit around that because she and Willow would not have their life suffer for any job.
*****
Willow rolled over and felt the cold sheets where Tara should have been. She inhaled deeply as she rose out of slumber and scooted across the bed in search of her lover. When she found only an empty bed, her eyes opened and she scanned the dark room. The moon outside was dipping behind the mountains but the night sky was still deep blue and morning was still hours away. Willow sat up. Concern filled her as she thought of the thousands of things that could go wrong with Tara’s pregnancy. Panic was setting in when she realized that she could hear the sound of the shower running.
Just as she was about to climb out of bed to go check on Tara, she heard the water shut off. She let out sigh and sat up at the side of the bed. The door to the master bathroom creaked open and Tara tiptoed into the room wearing only a loose-fitting tee shirt.
"Backache?" Willow asked quietly so she wouldn’t startle her lover.
"Hey, did I wake you?" Tara went to Willow’s side of the bed and caressed her cheek with one hand.
"I missed you," Willow admitted. "Can’t sleep without you beside me."
Tara leaned down and kissed Willow. "I’m sorry, darling. My back was killing me so I took a hot shower." She stood and stretched her back. Her swollen belly was huge, and the extra weight caused her back to spasm.
"You should have woken me." Willow took Tara’s hand and kissed her fingers. "I would have given you a backrub."
"I’m fine." Tara smiled. "The spasm went away after a few minutes under the hot water."
"Goddess, I love looking at you." Willow smiled and wrapped her hands around Tara’s waist and pulled her closer so Tara was standing between her legs. She rested her cheek on Tara’s belly while she reached around behind her lover and massaged Tara’s aching back. "Umm," she murmured happily. She lifted Tara’s tee shirt and peppered her belly with kisses, each one lingering on Tara’s warm skin. "How’s your back now?"
"I’m suddenly not caring." Tara let out a sensual moan as Willow’s tongue teased her skin.
"Your tummy’s driving me insane," Willow said as she growled and continued her kisses.
"Do I have to worry about you cruising maternity wards checking out the chicks?" Tara asked as she ran her hands through Willow’s hair.
"Not unless you’re there." Willow squeezed Tara’s hips and glanced up at her with a steamy look. "Come to bed."
Tara laughed sensually and gave Willow a playful shove onto her back. She crawled onto Willow’s lap and straddled her. "Is this what you had in mind?" Tara peeled off her shirt and tossed it aside. She tried to lean down and kiss Willow, but her belly blocked her path. She let out a giggle and rolled onto her side next to Willow. "I’m as big as a house. How can you possibly be turned on by this?" She rested a hand on her stomach and stared into Willow’s eyes.
"Tara, you’re beautiful." Willow rested her palm on Tara’s bare belly. "This is our miracle, darling." She leaned closer and gently kissed Tara. She moaned as her hand slid over Tara’s tummy. "Our love created this little life." She eased Tara onto her back and scooted closer until she hovered above her blonde soul mate.
Tara whimpered as she buried her fingers in Willow’s hair. "I love you so much." She smiled demurely and tugged at Willow’s top. "Off," she ordered.
Willow laughed as she quickly disrobed. She leaned down and cradled Tara’s belly with both palms and brushed her cheek over the smooth skin. "Every day you just get more incredible."
"You mean bigger." Tara smiled as she watched Willow nuzzling her. "You better enjoy it, love. Two more weeks and that belly is outta here."
"And I’m gonna’ enjoy every second of it." Willow chuckled and moved higher so she could cup Tara’s enlarged breasts. "Goddess…" Willow feasted on Tara’s swollen flesh.
Tara gasped and arched her head back. "Oh, god … yes…" She whimpered and petted the back of Willow’s neck. She panted as Willow continued showering her body with loving attention.
"I could touch you all night long." Willow moved down and rested her cheek on Tara’s hip and caressed the belly that captivated her. "Look at you," her voice cracked. "Tara, this is our Brianna."
"I know, love." Tara reached down and brushed Willow’s auburn hair aside. "She’s been waking me up for the last eight and a half months."
"I thought that was my job." Willow lifted her head and nipped Tara’s belly. "I take pride in keeping you awake all night long." She slid her hand down and teased Tara’s thighs.
"Oh, you do an excellent job," Tara said with mock seriousness. She opened her legs and let out a sigh.
"Damn right." Willow giggled as she slowly traced patterns on the inside of Tara’s thighs. "Don’t you forget it." She lowered her face and inhaled the aroma of Tara’s rising desire and gently began loving her partner. "I swear, your body changes everyday," she said. Her voice was full of wonder. "I mean, usually, two fingers … pretty tight." She smirked wickedly.
"Oh, goddess!" Tara arched her back as Willow filled her.
"And now, well, three works quite nicely," Willow kissed her way closer to where her fingers were gently thrusting.
"Three’s nice. Oh, goddess. Three’s really nice." Tara laughed knowingly and then moaned as Willow demonstrated her favorite way of keeping Tara awake. Willow gently coaxed Tara to the height of her climax and then lovingly guided her through another peak.
"Willow, no more, honey." Tara giggled as she reached down and took Willow’s hand. "Come up here."
"Yes, ma’am." Willow climbed up Tara’s shaking body and snuggled next to her. "Gotta’ tell you, this belly, and these breasts, wow."
"You’re such a pervert." Tara let out a playful snicker. She ran her hand through Willow’s hair. "And I love it." She guided Willow higher and kissed her deeply. "Mmm, now scoot up here so I can make love to you." She had been forced to find creative ways to make love with Willow now that her belly tended to get in the way. At the moment, her back was aching, but she wasn’t about to stop until Willow was satisfied.
"What did you have in mind?" Willow rested on the pillows beside Tara. She smiled as she watched Tara slide down the bed. "Oh, that!" Willow sighed. "Talented Tara tongue."
Tara snorted and lost her tongue’s position. "You’re distracting me," she chided playfully. "Now hush." She dove in and focused on bringing Willow to her peak.
After a several minutes, Willow slipped over the edge and screamed her release. Tara followed her lover. Tara gasped and rested her cheek on Willow’s thigh. She shifted her weight and tried to find a comfortable position, but her back protested each one.
"You okay?" Willow asked with a sleepy, satisfied grin. "You’re kinda’ wiggly."
"My back’s stiff." Tara groaned and rolled onto her back and then whimpered.
Willow opened her eyes with considerable effort and rolled toward Tara. "On your side, honey," she whispered. "I know just where you get that kink."
Tara tried to roll over and then let out a frustrated growl. "Your child has me pinned to the bed."
"Oh, sweetie." Willow giggled at her beloved Tara. The blonde looked like a giant, naked, pregnant turtle trapped on her back.
"You’re laughing at me," Tara whined, but she was smiling. "Now shut up and push."
Willow helped Tara get into a comfortable position on her side. "See, this one muscle right here is always … huh. It’s not." She moved her hands further down Tara’s back and massaged her muscles. "No knots so far."
"Ouch." Tara cringed and pressed her hand to her side. "Okay, that backache is now a sideache."
"Tara?" Willow sat up and looked down at her lover with
a panicked expression. "Maybe we shouldn’t have …
you know. Are you okay?"
"Diana said we could make love right up until the last week," Tara reminded her lover. "That means one more week of loving. I’m just so huge my belly twists my back out of shape."
"Okay…" Willow said slowly. "But how about we take you for a checkup today, hmm?" Willow rubbed Tara’s side.
Tara scowled. She was tired of visiting Diana. As much as she loved the Wiccan doctor, seeing her over the last eight months had pushed Tara to the limit. Diana had even moved into the sanctuary. She left Cassie in charge of her regular practice and commuted one day a week to see patients. That meant Diana was on hand 24 hours a day to watch over Tara.
"Humor me?" Willow rested her hand on Tara’s hip.
"Fine," Tara said reluctantly. "Just keep rubbing my sides." She sighed when Willow’s fingers kneaded her flesh.
"See? This is good." Willow leaned forward and kissed Tara’s neck. "You make me happy by going to the doctor, and I make you happy." She playfully tickled Tara’s side.
Tara rolled toward Willow and pressed her onto her back. "I’ve warned you about tickling." Tara’s eyes sparkled. She ran her hands over Willow’s belly, but the touch was not meant to tickle, it was meant to inflame. It did exactly what Tara intended.
"If this is punishment, sign me up for more misbehavior." Willow arched her back and moaned as Tara’ kissed her breast. "Oh, yeah, I am a seriously bad girl."
"Willow … you’re not a girl." Tara lifted her head and kissed her lover. She eased back and locked eyes with her soul mate. "You are all woman." She dipped her head to Willow’s breast and tenderly kissed Willow’s erect nipple.
"Oh goddess!" Willow almost sat up as a sensation flashed through her breast. It felt like warm oil moving through her chest and surging out the end of her nipple.
"What the…!" Tara sat up and looked down at Willow. "Honey?"
"That felt really weird." Willow sat up and looked at her nipple. "Um, what is that?"
Tara smirked. "Honey, your milk just came in." She traced the tip of Willow’s nipple. A bead of milk covered her fingertip.
"No, it’s not supposed to come in for two more weeks." She pointed at Tara’s belly. "Baby… inside…. Not much need for milk."
"Sorry." Tara shrugged and stared at Willow’s chest. "Wow, you’re making milk for our baby," her voice suddenly cracked with emotion.
"Diana did say we’d both get milk, but I thought she meant after Brianna got here." Willow stared at her chest with a mixture of fear and awe covering her features.
"Well, you have been tender." Tara kissed the edge of Willow’s nipple. She smirked and licked the bead of milk.
"Tara!" Willow’s eyes widened. "What are you doing?"
"Well…" Tara shrugged. "I’m curious." She saw Willow’s eyebrow shoot high onto her forehead. "It’s natural," she said gently. "This will feed our child. I just wondered what it tastes like."
Willow furrowed her brow. Her scientific side was kicking in. "Well?" she asked with a crooked grin.
"It’s sweet." Tara leaned down and caught another bead of milk with her finger and tasted it. "But not too strong. Almost fruity."
"What kind of fruit?" Willow asked. Her curiosity was now fully peaked.
"Here." Tara smirked mischievously and leaned down and sucked on Willow’s nipple.
"Hey!" Willow giggled at her lover.
Tara lifted her head and passed the tiny bit of milk to Willow with a kiss.
"Hmm, fruity," Willow agreed. "Though, I don’t think I really want to associate nursing with getting turned on." She cupped Tara’s jaw and caressed her chin with her thumb. "And any time to put your lips on me, well, getting turned on is a given."
"I’m thinking that isn’t a good thing in this case." Tara snickered. "I guess leaking breasts are off limits." She climbed higher on the bed and leaned over Willow and began kissing her intently. They lost themselves in the exchange but then Willow squirmed and cleared her throat.
"What is it?" Tara asked.
"Leakage." Willow nodded toward her chest. The contact was causing her breasts to express the milk.
"Oh…" Tara scrunched her brow and then her eyes lit up. "Oh!" She slowly rolled over and crawled from the bed and made her way to the closet.
"Hey…" Willow frowned. "I wasn’t saying we should stop." She used the sheet to dry her chest. The rough contact only made it worse. More milk leaked out. "I’m voting no on stopping."
"I know." Tara dug through the shelves behind her dresses. She winced as another muscle spasm in her back twinged.
"Tara? It’s a little late to go back into the closet," Willow called out. She sat up and sighed as she looked at her mutinous breasts. "Great," she muttered. "I’m a beverage dispenser … a defective beverage dispenser."
"Got it!" Tara yelled. She came out of the closet with a large box in her hands.
"Got what?" Willow smiled at the sight of Tara. She loved seeing her pregnant lover naked. She looked like one of the goddess statues from ancient Greece.
"Tada!" Tara handed Willow the box and bounced up and down excitedly.
Willow read the package and scowled. "A breast pump?" She looked at Tara with a bored expression. "Oh, honey, you shouldn’t have," she said in a sarcastic monotone.
"You want leakage?" Tara climbed onto the bed next to Willow.
They opened the box and quickly put the device together but Willow was hesitant to try it. "Um, are these things safe?"
"Of course." Tara studied the contraption and pressed it over Willow’s nipple. "Here," she flicked on the pump.
"Oh my god!" Willow said as she backed away from the device. "Is that a breast pump or a vacuum?"
Tara giggled and moved closer. "Honey, you just have to get used to it."
Willow took the pump and raised both eyebrows. "Really?" She reached over and pressed it onto Tara’s breast and switched it on.
"Good god, that’s a freakin’ Shop-vac!" She pushed it away as if it were a snake.
"You just have to get used to it," Willow said smugly. "Isn’t that what you said?" She smiled sweetly.
"Yeah, well, I think it was invented by escaped Nazi war criminals." Tara scowled at the device.
"Oh, hey…" Willow blushed. "It’s got settings. It’s on high." She adjusted it and then carefully put it over her breast and switched it on. "Okay, now it’s only mildly torturous."
"Oh, milk." Tara watched in rapt fascination.
They managed to express both of Willow’s breasts with only minimal problems and one spilled container of milk, but it took them more than twenty minutes. After putting away the pump, Willow was more than happy to return to what the milk fiasco had interrupted.
"Now, where were we?" Willow reached over and kissed Tara.
"Oh, ouch…" Tara inhaled sharply through her teeth. She rolled onto her side. "Backache. Bad one."
"Tara, maybe we should call Diana." Willow rested a hand on Tara’s hip.
"Willow…" Tara curled around her belly and cringed as the spasm moved around her sides and across her belly. "Willow, get me to Diana, right now."
"What is it?" Willow sat up tried to roll Tara toward her.
"I think I’m in labor," Tara said between gritted teeth.
"What? No. No, no, no." Willow shook her head and jumped off the bed. "You still have two more weeks. Honey, no. You can’t be in labor." Willow backed away from the bed. "Stop it. Stop it right now."
"Willow…" Tara’s voice took on a frantic tone as a contraction ripped through her belly. She groaned and her face went pale.
"Oh, goddess, you really are in labor!" Willow spun and sprinted from the room, pausing only to grab the small bag of Tara’s things for the hospital. "Ceri!" she bellowed as she ran naked down the hall.
Ceridwen and Brigh had moved into the Imbolc house when Tara entered her eighth month. Brent wanted someone with Tara at all times as her pregnancy progressed.
"Ceri! Brigh!" Willow stumbled down the hall and then pounded on the door to the guest bedroom.
"She left me here," Tara said as she struggled to sit up. "She … left … me." Tara had to roll onto her side before she could manage to get off the bed. The contraction had ended but she was still in a great deal of pain. "Uhh…"she moaned as she looked for something to wear.
Ceri stumbled out of her bedroom with her sword drawn. She was warrior, and she was trained to respond to any situation with calm decorum. "What the hell?" Ceri said as soon as she saw Willow sprinting up and down the hallway like a naked rat in a very simple maze.
"What is it?" Brigh came out of the room ready for battle. She had a dagger in one hand and a sword in the other. The menacing effect was mitigated by the fact that she was wearing a skimpy tank top and a pair of pink boxers. "Lady Willow?"
"It’s time! Come on," Willow yelled as she shook the overnight bag at the two stunned guardians. "We have to get to the infirmary." She grabbed Ceri and began tugging her toward the living room.
"Lady Tara’s in labor?" Ceri asked. She dropped her sword to her side and looked at Brigh.
"She’s fifteen days early," Brigh said as she remembered everything she had read about pregnancy. "It’s okay, the baby’s lungs should be fully developed."
"Hello?" Willow rested both hands on her hips. The overnight bag dangled at her side. "We need to get moving."
Ceri stared at Willow and then cleared her throat. "Lady Willow?" She smiled sweetly. "You might want to bring some clothes."
"Wh—" She looked down at her naked body and squeaked.
"And you might want to bring Lady Tara," Brigh added helpfully.
"Tara!" Willow’s eyes shot open even wider and she spun and sprinted down the hall. "Tara! Oh, god, baby…"
"This should be fun," Ceri commented and she turned to go get dressed.
"Oh, yeah." Brigh snickered and followed her lover.
*****
Diana yawned as she came into the birthing center. All the lights were on and there was a flurry of activity. She saw Brent come in and she shook her head. "This is probably false labor," she told the elder guardian.
"And if it isn’t?" Brent snapped.
"She’ll be fine," Diana said. "Wait out here. I don’t need you reminding Tara of Brianna’s destiny right now." She knew that Brent was deeply concerned for Tara, but with the raging hormones, Tara sometimes took Brent’s concerns the wrong way. Tara had snapped at Brent on several occasions when the elder commented on Tara’s eating habits.
Diana went into the brightly lit birthing room and saw Tara sitting on the delivery bed with Willow clinging to her hand. "Tara, how are you?"
"She’s in labor!" Willow said as she rushed forward. "Do something. It’s not time yet."
"Tara?" Diana asked as she went over to the table.
"It hurts," Tara said. "Brianna’s coming right now."
"Let’s have a peek." Diana rested one hand on Tara’s belly and the other on her back. "Did your water break?"
Tara and Willow both shook their heads.
"Are the contractions strong?" Diana guided Tara across the bed as she pulled out a pair of stirrups.
"Oh, yes," Tara said.
"Very strong. She’s in pain. Do something," Willow insisted as she hovered behind Diana’s shoulder. "Now would be nice."
"How far apart?" Diana asked as she waited for Tara to scoot down to the edge of the birthing bed.
Tara looked to Willow.
"Well, I don’t know," Willow said plaintively. "Too close. She’s in pain. And it’s too early. Can you make the labor stop?"
"I’ll do what I can, but two weeks early shouldn’t cause any problems." Diana lifted Tara’s gown and scooted closer. "Hmm…" Diana furrowed her brow.
"What?" Willow and Tara asked in unison.
"You’re barely dilated," Diana said with a frown.
"She’s plenty dilated," Willow said. "She’s like completely…"She blushed beet red. "I mean, well, I…"
"She may feel … looser," Diana said delicately. "But she’s not ready to give birth." She turned toward the nurse at the edge of the room. "Cathy, get me the Terbutaline. We’ll start with an IV injection and if labor stops, she can go on tablets."
"What is that?" Willow asked.
"Oh, goddess." Tara winced and cradled her belly.
"I want to give Tara something to stop the contractions," Diana said as the nurse brought over a syringe.
"You s-said Brianna wasn’t in any danger." Tara inhaled and squeezed her eyes shut.
"Brianna would be fine," Diana said. "Tara, I need you to not push. Do you understand? Do not push."
Tara’s eyes shot open and she glared at Diana. "You try not pushing," she groaned.
"Honey, just breathe," Willow offered helpfully. "And don’t push."
"I’m not the one pushing." Tara tried to relax but her body had other ideas. "My body has been possessed, damn it!"
Diana went to the sink and scrubbed her hands. "Tara, I’m gonna’ make sure your water hasn’t broken, and if it hasn’t, we’re gonna’ try to stop your labor." She dried her hands and put on a pair of latex gloves.
Tara nodded as her body continued trying to push. Her eyes widened. "Oh, god…"
"Tara?" Willow clung to her lover’s hand.
"Diana?" Tara’s eyes widened as she felt a rush of liquid between her legs. "I think maybe my water just broke."
"Think?" Diana rushed over and looked under Tara’s gown. "Sweetie, that isn’t a maybe." She looked at her nurse. "We need to set up for a possible C section."
"C section?" Willow said in a panic. "What?"
Tara shook her head.
"Just in case," Diana said. "Tara, sweetie, you need to be dilated to 10 centimeters. You’re at maybe three."
Diana looked over at the nurse. "Put her on a fetal heart monitor." She rested a hand on Tara’s leg. "As a precaution. I’ll let you try to do this naturally, but if Brianna’s heart-rate drops, we’re getting you to the OR." She smiled warmly. "That’s why we have the surgical team on standby."
"Okay," Tara agreed. She rested against the pillows and waited for the next contraction.
*****
Dawn pulled up at the sanctuary infirmary. She had taken the first flight out, but between waiting for the next available flight and getting through security, she hadn’t left San Francisco until four hours after Ceri called to tell her about Tara. The flight down, and the drive from LAX added another two hours.
She jumped out of her rental car and rushed up the steps. "Bre!" she yelled when she saw her long-time friend. "Well? Where is she? What does she look like?" She jogged up the last few steps. "Where’s Brianna? Is she ready to see her auntie Dawn?"
"Tara's still in labor," Bre said grimly. She pulled Dawn into a hug. "How was your flight?"
"Fine. Is Tara okay?" Dawn asked. She was in her first year of pre-med, so she didn't know much about delivery, but she did know that six hours of labor would not be pleasant.
"Lady Tara's exhausted." Bre was nervous, so she went back to her formal title for Tara.
"Can I see her?" Dawn tucked her hand around Bre's arm as they walked into the infirmary.
"Buffy was in there, but Diana made her leave. Anya too." Bre shivered. "I think she's having a rough time," she added quietly.
"What did Cassie say?" Dawn felt like the air had been sucked from her chest. She couldn't seem to get a full breath of air.
"Cassie's still at her folk's." Bre rubbed the back of her neck. "In Florida."
"Damn." Dawn pushed open the door and saw Buffy pacing in the hallway. "Buffy!"
"Dawn?" Buffy turned and her face lit up. "Dawnie!" She ran down the hall and scooped Dawn into a hug, lifting her younger sister off the floor even though Dawn was now at least six inches taller than Buffy. "I'm so glad you're here." She released Dawn and took a step back.
"Have you heard anything?" Dawn tucked a stray strand of hair behind Buffy's ear.
"Nothing I understand." Buffy rolled her eyes. "Good thing we have a doctor in the family."
"I'm pre-med, Buffy," Dawn reminded her sister.
"Whatever." Buffy tugged Dawn down the hall. "Diana said Tara's water broke, but last I heard, she still wasn't dialing properly, only six meters."
"She's only dilated six centimeters?" Dawn understood Buffy’s unique wording. "After six hours of labor?" She sighed. "God, she must be miserable."
"She sounds miserable," Anya said as she stood and went to Dawn's side. "Hey." She waved at Dawn.
"I'm gonna' go stand guard," Bre said. She squeezed Dawn's arm and then backed away.
Dawn nodded. "I'll see you later?" She watched her friend back away.
Bre smiled and nodded, then she spun and trotted down the hallway.
"We don't need more guards," Anya commented. "We need someone to go yank that baby out." She eyed dawn. "You know about medicine. Go get the baby."
"Pre," Dawn said. "Pre-med. What part of ‘pre’ do you guys not get?" She moved closer to the door and paused.
"Go in," Buffy said. "Tara was asking about you earlier."
Dawn nodded and went through the door not knowing what to expect. She froze when she saw Tara.
Tara was exhausted. She was leaning back on the bed with her eyes closed. She was covered in sweat and her hair was matted to her face. Willow was at her side holding her hand.
"Hey, look who’s here," Willow said as she used a towel to wipe Tara’s forehead. "It’s not-so-little Dawnie."
Tara groaned and her eyes fluttered open but she didn’t lift her head. She smiled weakly and swallowed with a gulp. "Hey," her voice was hoarse.
Willow grabbed a cup of ice-chips and gave Tara a spoonful. She waited until the blonde swallowed and offered her another bite. Tara smiled and shook her head so Willow put the cup aside.
"How are you doing?" Dawn asked as she edged closer.
"She’s doing great," Willow said proudly. She leaned over and gave Dawn a one armed hug.
"Of course she is." Dawn leaned down and hugged Tara.
"Didn’t know it would take this long," Tara admitted.
Dawn looked over at Diana. "How much longer?"
"She’s finally dilated to nine centimeters." Diana patted Tara’s knee.
Tara groaned and squeezed her eyes shut.
"Here comes another contraction," Diana said as she looked at the monitor nearby. "Dawn, you staying?"
"Oh, goddess." Tara squeezed Willow’s hand and inhaled sharply. She whimpered and took a gulp of air.
"What’s the problem?" Dawn asked. Even with her limited experience, she knew that Diana and the nurse seemed agitated.
"Easy, honey. You can do this," Willow brushed Tara’s sweat soaked bangs out of her eyes.
Diana had one hand on Tara’s belly under the lightweight sheet and the other between Tara’s legs. She glanced over at Dawn who was standing behind Willow. "Brianna’s early. She hasn’t had time to turn around," the nervous doctor explained.
"She’s breech?" Dawn asked quietly.
Willow nodded as she gripped Tara’s hand.
"Yeah," Diana said. "We’ve been letting Tara’s labor progress. There’s a chance Brianna will turn, but she’s not even budging." Diana moved her hand on Tara’s belly and sighed. "She’s coming backwards. I can feel her head clear up here by Tara’s belly button."
"Ugh!" Tara lifted her back off the bed and curled over her belly. Tears welled up in her eyes and she clenched her jaw. "Will?" She grunted as her muscles contracted.
"I’m so sorry, baby." Tears ran down Willow’s cheeks. Seeing Tara in pain was breaking her heart.
"Easy," Diana said. "This isn’t working, sweetie." She shook her head.
"Well, no shit!" Tara yelled. "Ahh!" She screamed as the contraction intensified.
"I need you to stop pushing," Diana said as she moved her hand lower on Tara’s belly.
Tara’s eyes snapped open and she gave Diana a deadly glare.
"Breathe," Diana tried. "Like you practiced."
"Like this," Willow coached as she breathed through her mouth.
Tara mimicked Willow’s breathing even as her body felt like it was turning inside out. After a few minutes, the contraction stopped.
Diana studied the fetal heart monitor and then looked at the monitor with Tara’s vitals. "Tara, sweetie, we’ve given her all the time we can." She gentled her voice. "I need to turn her."
Tara was panting. She opened her eyes and looked at Diana. "How?"
"I’m gonna’ move her." Diana waited as the contraction ended. She went to Tara’s side and rested a hand on her stomach. "I’ll push on your belly and move her head so she’s pointing the right way."
"W-will it h-hurt her?" Tara stuttered.
Willow edged closer and squeezed Tara’s hand. She hadn’t heard her lover stutter in years.
"Babies are tough," Diana promised. "You’re the one who’s going to be uncomfortable."
"What happens if we don’t do this?" Willow asked. She caressed Tara’s hand as she spoke, needing the contact to calm them both.
"Willow, Brianna’s backwards. Tara can’t deliver her like this." Diana rubbed Tara’s belly. "The pain’s just going to get worse and I’m worried about Brianna. Tara’s contractions are pushing, but there’s nowhere for Brianna to go." She looked over at her nurse. "Cathy, can you help me?"
Cathy hurried over and waited beside Tara.
"Tara, you need to relax as much as possible." Diana pulled the sheet down and then edged Tara’s gown up to reveal her belly. "This is her head." Diana rubbed high on Tara’s belly. "I need to move her, encourage her to turn around."
"Do it." Tara nodded.
Diana took a deep breath and then pressed on Tara’s belly. Her hands applied firm pressure. She was persistent, painfully so, and her muscles shook with the power she was exerting.
Tara’s eyes widened and she gritted her teeth and cried out.
"I’m sorry," Diana said as she continued shoving Brianna to the opposite side. "She’s not turning."
Tara arched her back and continued groaning. The pain was worse than anything she’d experienced all day. "Ouch…" She inhaled deeply and tears fell. She gripped Willow’s hand mercilessly, but Diana wasn’t stopping.
"Don’t let her shift," Diana told Cathy.
"She’s not cooperating," Cathy noted. She was pushing from the other side, trying to move Brianna’s body so the baby wasn’t just shoved sideways.
Tara’s face went white and she began sweating even more heavily.
"You’re hurting her." Willow’s heart was breaking as she watched the pain Tara was forced to endure.
Tara squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She groaned until her tolerance for the pain reached its maximum. She let out an agonized scream and her eyes popped open wide, but she held still so Diana could continue helping Brianna. She gripped Willow’s hand between both of hers and closed her eyes and her chest shook. She fought back sobs.
"Stop," Willow begged. "Diana, please stop."
Diana eased back and sighed. "She’s not moving." She rubbed Tara’s belly. "Sweetie, I’m sorry."
"Doctor, I think one of her feet is over here," the nurse said grimly. "As I was holding her from coming this way, I could distinctly feel a foot."
Diana looked worried. "You’re sure it wasn’t a hand?"
"I can’t be absolutely sure," Cathy said. "But it felt like a foot. Should I get the ultrasound?"
Dawn backed away and sighed.
"What?" Tara asked. She was breathing deeply as the pain subsided.
"If her foot is up here…" Diana touched Tara’s side. "That means she’s not just backwards. It means her butt is coming first, not her feet. If that is the case, there’s no way you can deliver her. I have to twist her."
Tara nodded and then let her head fall into the pillow. "Do it," she whispered.
"I can’t do it this way," Diana said. She was amazed by Tara’s courage. She was willing to endure the pain of a manual repositioning rather than even consider risking Brianna.
"How?" Tara didn’t lift her head.
Willow grabbed the towel and wiped Tara’s sweating brow and waited for Diana to explain.
"I want to deliver her while you’re both still strong." Diana went to the sink and peeled off her gloves and began lathering her hands. "I have to go in and twist her."
"In?" Tara sat up. "Surgery?"
"Um… no." Diana glanced over her shoulder and then went back to scrubbing. She scrubbed her hands, her wrists and her arms.
"Then … how…" Willow’s eyes widened. "Oh."
"I’m gonna’ wait with the others," Dawn said. She did not want to see that particular procedure on performed Tara. It was like watching her mother get a pelvic examine, a pelvic exam in hell.
Cathy went to Diana’s side and handed her a sterile towel. She helped her into a gown and then snapped on a pair of long surgical gloves. "Are you going to wait until after the next contraction?" Cathy asked.
"I’m hoping I can get her turned before then." Diana turned and went back to Tara. "Okay, sweetie, this is going to be rather uncomfortable."
Tara nodded. She looked up at Willow and gave her a half grin. "Uncomfortable? Ya’ think?"
Willow laughed nervously. "I’m right here, okay?"
Tara nodded as Cathy pulled back the sheet so Diana could keep her hands sterile.
"Okay, you’re fully dilated now, so this shouldn’t hurt." Diana waited as Cathy applied a great deal of sterile lubricant. "Just breathe slow and steady and I’m gonna’ get her twisted so she can come out on the next contraction."
Tara bit her lip as she felt Diana move inside her. She closed her eyes and felt Willow’s comforting hand rubbing her neck.
"Okay, good." Diana rested one hand on Tara’s belly as she felt Brianna inside Tara’s body. "Yep, here’s her little bum."
"I haven’t felt her move," Tara said as she looked up to Willow for comfort.
"She under a lot of stress," Diana said. "She’s hanging on while you try to shoot her outta here." Diana squinted as she concentrated. "There we go." She smiled. "I’ve got a foot."
"Great." Tara was blushing. She’d been examined many times by the doctor, but this was beyond anything Tara had ever considered.
"A foot’s good." Willow leaned down and kissed Tara’s forehead.
Brianna’s cord stretched tight as it went up and over her chest. Diana shifted her hand. "Two feet," Diana said. She frowned as she felt the cord. "Tara, I think we should take her breech. You’re dilated, and I don’t want to risk her getting the cord around her neck if I spin her." She sighed as Brianna yanked one foot out of her grip.
"Fine," Tara said testily. "Can we just do it?" She groaned. "Uh oh…"
"Ouch!" Diana gritted her teeth as Tara’s contraction squeezed her entire hand. "Don’t push, damn it."
Tara actually growled. "You keep saying that like I have some fucking choice in the matter!"
Diana winced as Tara’s body continued crushing her hand. There was nothing she could do. If she pulled out with only one of Brianna’s feet, the baby would get stuck and she’d have to go back in and move her, so Diana kept gentle pressure on Brianna’s butt throughout the contraction. Finally the contraction ended.
"Good god, that felt weird," Tara said as she flopped back into the pillows. She panted and rubbed her face with both hands.
"You okay, baby?" Willow asked. She was oddly fascinated by the fact that Diana was actually reaching inside Tara’s body.
Tara nodded.
"I have both feet." Diana gently shifted Brianna’s position.
"Whoa," Tara said. "Okay, that was weird."
"We’re set," Diana said as she felt her hand cramping. "As soon as the next contraction hits, I’ll slowly remove my hand and guide Brianna out, but I can’t pull her. I can only make sure her feet come first."
"So you’re just gonna’ stand there with your hand … in there?" Willow asked. She leaned down and tried to see what was going on.
"Pretty much," Diana said. She shrugged.
"Well, modesty is certainly a thing of the past," Tara said with a sigh.
"I think that ship sailed months ago, sweetie." Diana snickered. "Willow, when the next contraction hits, you need to help Tara sit up, support her back so she can really bear down, okay?" Diana wanted both women ready. She wanted Brianna out.
"Okay." Willow scooted into place beside Tara’s head.
"Here we go," Tara said as she felt her body beginning to push.
Diana gently withdrew, guiding Brianna’s feet with her. Once that was done, she could only wait for Tara to do the rest. "Push, Tara," Diana said gently.
Tara grunted as she pushed. It felt odd, different than it had before, and thankfully, much less painful. Willow kept one hand on Tara’s back as she coaxed her along.
Twenty minutes later, Tara was exhausted and Brianna was not any closer to being born.
"I can’t do this," Tara said as her contraction ended. She collapsed on the bed and let out a sigh.
"You’re doing great," Willow assured her. She wiped Tara’s brow and then kissed her cheek. "It won’t be much longer."
Tara’s body shook with fatigue. "Will, I can’t," she said wearily.
"Tara, I need you focus on pushing." Diana patted Tara’s leg. "The worst is over, now you can have your little girl."
"I’m so tired." Tara’s eyes were closed and her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I don’t think I can."
Willow looked over at the nurse. "Cathy, can you help me?" As soon as Cathy came over to the bed, Willow lifted Tara by the shoulders. "Sit up, baby."
The nurse helped Willow guide Tara forward.
"I’m gonna’ help you, Tara." Willow grabbed the side of the bed and climbed onto it. She slid down in back of Tara, spooning her from behind. "I’ve got you." She rubbed Tara’s back soothingly. "I’ll never leave you."
Tara leaned against Willow and nodded her head. She winced as the next contraction hit.
"Push, Tara." Diana moved between Tara’s legs and watched as Brianna’s toes finally appeared. "Good. Keep pushing."
Tara groaned, but she continued pushing.
"Good." Willow pressed both hands against Tara’s back, offering physical support along with all of her love. "Push, honey."
Tara cried out as she felt Brianna move.
"I’m here," Willow whispered in Tara’s ear. "You can do this."
"Agh!" Tara squeezed her eyes closed and leaned back against Willow’s hands.
"Good," Diana said as she used her hand to support Brianna’s lower body.
"Will?" Tara’s voice was pained and she was scared.
"Keep going," she urged. She kissed Tara’s cheek.
"Almost," Diana said. "One more good push, sweetie."
"You can do one more." Willow rubbed Tara’s back. "We can do this." Willow was suffering as much as Tara. Seeing her lover in pain was torture.
Tara nodded and let out a guttural groan. "Oh, ouch."
"Easy," Diana said. She carefully turned Brianna slightly so her shoulders could clear Tara’s pelvis. "Just a bit more." She reached out and took a sterile towel and wrapped it around Brianna’s belly as her head emerged. "She’s out." Diana smiled and turned Brianna over and began suctioning her nose and mouth.
"How is she?" Tara asked as she slumped against Willow.
"Is she okay?" Willow wrapped her arms around Tara and caressed her belly.
"She looks good," Diana assured them. She was already assessing the tiny child. Brianna’s color and reflexes were perfect and her chest moved up and down in steady breaths. The child looked up at her curiously, shaking in the chill of the room. Diana yanked her stethoscope from her neck and listened to Brianna’s heart. It was perfect.
"She’s not crying," Tara said in a panic. "Willow, go see what’s wrong."
"Nothing’s wrong," Diana said as she watched Brianna take tiny breaths.
Willow climbed out of the bed and rushed to Diana’s side. "Oh, goddess…" She felt lightheaded and had to grab the end of the bed to steady herself.
"What’s wrong?" Tara cried.
"She’s … she’s…" Willow looked over at Tara and smiled. "She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen."
Tara grinned and relaxed back into the pillows.
Brianna kicked her feet and frowned as Diana rubbed her with the towel. She grimaced and began to cry.
"Oh…" Willow wiggled closer.
"Here you go, mom," Diana said as she tucked the towel around Brianna.
"Hey, sweetie." Willow’s voice cracked and she took her child in her arms. She looked back at Tara and beamed proudly. "She’s really here. She’s tiny and perfect and she’s here."
Tara bent forward, wanting to see their daughter.
"Tara…" Willow moved toward her lover but Diana grabbed her leg.
"Whoa, don’t run off." Diana pointed at Brianna’s cord, still firmly attached. "Let’s pass her to Tara this way." She stood and carefully placed Brianna on Tara’s chest.
"She looks just like you," Tara said as she burst into happy tears. She held Brianna with both hands, terrified she’d drop her. "Will?" She looked up and smiled at her lover. Willow had already moved to the side of the bed.
"She has your eyes," Willow said. She ran her hand over Brianna’s bright red hair. "Look at her." She leaned down and kissed Tara. "We have our little girl back."
Tara was overcome. She couldn’t speak. She lifted one hand and pulled Willow closer until their foreheads were pressed together. Brianna squeaked and began kicking both feet.
"You did good, darling," Willow whispered as she caressed Tara’s cheek. "I’m so proud of you." She kept one hand carefully wrapped around Brianna’s waist. Her fingers intertwined with Tara’s.
"You want me to get the others?" Cathy asked.
"Not yet," Tara said. She bit her lip and lost herself in Willow’s gaze. "Come back up here." She nodded to the bed.
Willow crawled into the small bed beside Tara and they snuggled together. Brianna’s blue eyes were wide with wonder as she looked around the room. She cooed and made tiny gurgles.
Tara kept looking back and forth from Willow’s widow peak to Brianna’s matching hairline. She smiled as Brianna’s cooing continued. "Babbling already. Good god, what have I gotten myself into?"
Willow smiled broadly.
"I’ll never have a quiet moment again," Tara joked.
"Nope," Willow agreed. She couldn’t stop smiling. Brianna’s deep blue eyes were shaped exactly like Tara’s. Willow prayed they ended up the same color as Tara’s.
Diana was hesitant to interrupt. "As soon as you pass the placenta you’ll be done," she whispered. She rested a hand on Tara’s shoulder. "Just relax and get to know your little one."
Tara and Willow nodded mutely. They were too engrossed in watching Brianna to reply.
*****
"Shh," Buffy said as she and Dawn snuck into the room.
"Ahh…" Dawn grinned and pointed at the bed.
Willow and Tara were stretched out on the bed side by side. Brianna was sleeping between them and Willow was staring at Tara. The exhausted blonde was sound asleep with one hand protectively draped around Brianna.
"Hey," Willow whispered as she lifted her head and smiled at her friends. She let out a contented sigh and went back to staring at Brianna.
"She’s so tiny," Buffy whispered. She leaned over Willow to look at Brianna.
Anya came into the room and headed straight for the bed. "Can I hold her?" she asked impatiently.
Willow’s eyes widened as if Anya had suggested selling Brianna to the circus.
"Come on, you’ll have forever to hold her." Anya reached over Tara’s back to grab Brianna.
Tara’s eyes didn’t open, but her hand shot out and gripped Anya’s wrist like a vice. "Brianna?" Her eyes flickered open and darted around. She only relaxed when she saw that Brianna was sleeping soundly next to her.
"Excellent deadly maternal instincts," Anya complimented. She yanked her hand loose and rubbed her wrist.
"Sorry." Tara yawned and then smiled as she reached down and stroked Brianna’s tiny head.
"So, can I hold her?" Anya asked.
"Oh…" Tara’s expression fell.
"They’re not done bonding yet," Buffy said with a snicker.
"Fine, whatever." Anya backed away from the bed.
"Well, we just barely got her," Willow rationalized. "And, well, hello? She is our first and only child."
Tara giggled and sat up. "Honey, our first child kinda’ has to be our only child."
"Well, yeah, there’s that." Willow smiled as she stared down at Brianna.
"Man, how long are you two gonna’ be this goofy?" Buffy shook her head and laughed.
Brianna let out a squeak and yawned.
"Oh, look at her!" Tara wiggled and edged closer as Brianna’s eyes opened.
"She yawned!" Willow said excitedly. "Did you see that? She yawned and she’s making noises." She smiled proudly, as if the infant had just split the atom.
"Yeah … a yawn," Dawn said slowly.
"That was a yawn. Yep," Buffy agreed. "And those were … noises." The Slayer looked confused.
"Yeah, a yawn." Anya rolled her eyes. "Woo hoo," she added sarcastically. "She’s probably bored. Maybe she needs someone new to hold her. Someone like her aunt Anya."
Tara and Willow gave Anya matching glares.
"Hey, she was yawning," Anya reminded them.
Brianna frowned and squinted against the overhead light, then inhaled a long breath and let out a pitiful cry.
"What is it, honey?" Willow asked. She patted her daughter’s belly as Brianna cried even harder.
"Get Diana!" Tara said in a panic. "Something’s wrong with her."
"Well, duh." Anya rolled her eyes. "Have you fed her yet?"
"Fed?" Tara stared down at her own breasts. Diana had told her it would take a few hours for her body to produce milk.
"Well, if she’s hungry, I’ll just feed her," Willow whispered as she leaned down and kissed Brianna’s forehead. "Shh, sweetie, I’ll just get you some lunch."
Brianna’s cries intensified to a deafening level.
"Y-you should wait outside." Tara pointed at the door. She wasn’t about to have Buffy and the others gawking at Willow’s breasts, plus, she wanted Brianna’s first feeding to be a private, family affair.
Willow nodded as her cheeks reddened at just the thought of exposing herself.
"I’ll bet they never let us hold her." Anya sighed and left the room.
"She’s adorable," Buffy said over Brianna’s howls. She hurried out of the room as quickly as possible, dragging Dawn with her.
"I think we offended Anya," Willow said as she tried to balance Brianna and figure out how to lift her blouse without dropping the squirming, screaming bundle.
"Hold still," Tara quickly unbuttoned Willow’s blouse. She’d had plenty of experience. She stared at her lover’s breasts as if she’d never seen them in her life. "Honey, were they this big before?"
"Huh?" Willow looked down. "Wow. Those
weren’t there before." Her breasts were rounded and
full and much bigger than they had been when she had used the
breast pump.
Brianna took a shaking breath and screeched like a car alarm at three am.
"Okay, okay, just admiring the new view," Willow said as she moved Brianna next to her breast.
Brianna turned her head away from Willow and screamed louder.
"Maybe she wants yours?" Willow said over Brianna’s cries.
"Mine are empty," Tara reminded her lover. She cupped Brianna’s head and turned her toward Willow. "Here, sweetie, eat."
Brianna scrunched her face and sobbed. Her tiny back shook pathetically.
Brent came bursting through the door. The look on her face made it clear that she’d heard Brianna’s cries and wasn’t going to just standby and listen any longer. "Sweet Brigit, feed this poor child."
"We’re trying," Willow said. She blushed as she realized that her breast was hanging out in the breeze giving Brent a perfect view. She lifted Brianna closer but the child turned away again and whimpered pitifully.
"You have to teach her how to eat." Brent rolled her eyes and moved next to Tara. She reached across the blonde for Willow’s exposed breast.
"Hey!" Tara said as she grabbed Brent’s hand.
"And might I add … hey!" Willow twisted away from the grabby elder.
"Do you want her to eat?" Brent asked calmly.
"Well, yeah, but you don’t have to get all Mistress grabby hands," Willow said. She looked down at her miserable daughter. "Ohh, honey. Eat."
Brent sighed. "Willow, you have to put your nipple in her mouth. She’s never seen one before. It’s just some fleshy blob to her."
"Again with the ‘hey!’ Blob?" Willow said indignantly.
"Let me see." Tara took Willow by the shoulders and turned her around.
"Sure, give Brent a free peek," Willow grumbled. She scowled just as Brianna made the exact expression of displeasure.
"She looks just like you!" Tara said excitedly.
"Sweet goddess, feed the poor thing," Brent begged. She raised an eyebrow. "I’ll do it myself if I have to," she threatened.
"Here," Tara steadied Willow and then moved Brianna’s head back into position. She frowned as she took Willow’s breast awkwardly and tried to maneuver the nipple to the child’s mouth.
"Sweet Brigit, are you this clumsy in bed?" Brent asked. "Goddess knows how you ever conceived her in the first place."
"Hey!" Willow and Tara yelled.
"Just poke it in there," Brent said as Brianna sobbed.
"Easy, sweetie," Willow said as Brianna arched her back and screamed. It was taking both hands to hold the jumpy child.
"You act like it’s the first time you’ve touched her breast," Brent complained.
"And just how many children have you breast fed?" Tara spun and asked.
"I have six sisters and three brothers," Brent replied. "I’m the oldest." She lifted one eyebrow in challenge. "I watched my mother teach every one of them to nurse."
"Well help us," Tara whined.
"Hey, my breasts, remember?" Willow complained.
"Honey, you don’t have anything I haven’t seen before." Brent gently lifted Willow’s breast with one hand and shifted Brianna’s face with the other. "Support her neck," she whispered. "She can’t hold her head up yet."
Brianna whimpered and her lips parted. She made a tiny squeak as Brent paused.
"What?" Willow asked. She could plainly see that Brent was having more luck than she had.
"Um, well…" She looked up at Willow. "You need to … uh … stimulate your nipple so she can latch on."
"Stimulate?" Tara’s eyebrows rose almost to her hairline.
"Not like that," Brent said. The elder actually blushed. "Just, you know, tweak it."
"You’re standing there holding my boob in your hand and suddenly you get embarrassed?" Willow began to chuckle.
"Here…" Tara smiled as she reached past Brent and began circling Willow’s nipple with two fingertips.
"I said tweak it," Brent complained as she continued. "I didn’t say you should cop a feel."
Willow began to giggle uncontrollably. Her nipple pebbled instantly under Tara’s skilled touch. "Well, it worked," she pointed out.
"Yeah," Tara said with a smug smirk. "I know what works," she added wickedly.
"I’ll just bet you do," Brent said under her breath. She tilted Brianna’s face and smiled. "There," she said as Brianna nuzzled Willow’s nipple and then tentatively sucked.
"Hey, look at that." Willow nodded for Brent to back away. "Can I have my breast back now?"
Brent jumped back and cleared her throat. "Um, well, yeah. She should get the hang of it now."
"She’s definitely getting the hang of it." Tara smiled as she watched Brianna’s cheeks dimple with each hungry suck. "Look at her go."
"Thanks," Willow said sincerely. She was blushing slightly as she watched her daughter eat.
"You’re welcome," Brent said. "Anything you need, just ask."
"I’ll handle the stimulating," Tara said with an innocent expression.
"Something tells me you always will," Brent said as she backed away from the two young mothers. She snuck out of the room as they were staring at their daughter.
Their family was complete now, and no matter what the future held for the two witches, they would face it together. Brianna had a sanctuary full of women who would love and protect her, and she had two mothers who would shower her with love and support. No matter what the goddess had in store for the future Imbolc mage, that future would be full of love.
*****
The End. Thank you reading. I hope you enjoyed it.
End Epilogue