Hey, Aren't You....

"You are so beautiful," Olivia told her sincerely.

Their food arrived just then and the conversation returned to normal, typical stuff to include the house.

"So where do you two live?" Olivia asked Dax.

"You should come over to our house and see!" Alyssa said answering for her father.

"Honey, Olivia is probably getting tired of hanging out with us. Maybe we should...."

"Actually, I'm not," she replied smiling at them both. "But if you're getting tired of me...."

"I can't imagine that ever happening," Dax said returning her smile. "Would you like to maybe have a drink after dinner at our house?"

She looked at Alyssa who was looking at her with eyes that were pleading for her to say 'yes'.

"I'd love to," she said as Alyssa herself said, 'Yes!'

At his home Dax opened the door for her then said, "It isn't much, I'm afraid. My wife and I were getting ready to build our dream house when she got sick and well, I haven't done a thing since. At least not for myself anyway."

It was a smaller, cozy home that had been tastefully decorated, the obvious signs of a woman's touch.

Alyssa ran to her room giving Dax a chance to say, "It's hard, you know. Living here with her memories all around us. I'd love to move us into a new place, but until I get around to building it...."

Alyssa came running back into the room and said, "What do you want to do, Olivia?"

She looked at Dax who shrugged. "Um...whatever you want to do?"

"Come on!" she said taking her hand. She turned around as they walked away and said, "Sorry, Dad."

"It's okay, honey. Go have fun with Olivia."

It was well over an hour later when they came back out to the living room. Olivia had been shown every picture of every boy teen idol Alyssa 'loved', listened to many of her favorite songs, and looked at clothes and makeup on her laptop. While in her room, Alyssa wanted to bring something very important to her up with Olivia.

"My dad says I'm too young for makeup, but I think I'm ready," she said. There was a bit of a hint in her voice but it was very low key.

"Be patient, sweetheart. I'm sure he'll be okay with it before too much longer. But don't expect him to give in to everything all at once. Maybe just some mascara or light eye shadow first."

"Do you think he would let me do that?" she asked excitedly.

"I can't answer for him, honey. But you're a very mature, responsible young woman so he might just surprise you."

"Thank you," Alyssa said. "Sometimes, it's really hard, you know? I love my dad but he doesn't really get girl stuff."

Olivia smiled and saw her in-road.

"While it's just us girls, I have a question for you, too, okay?" Olivia very tactfully brought up the bra issue and could tell from Alyssa's response it was time.

"I'm the only girl in my grade who doesn't wear one yet," she said finally able to open up to someone who understood.

"I'll talk to you dad about that for when we go shopping, okay? And I think we should probably go very soon. Oh, and don't worry, I know how to handle stuff like that. I'd never embarrass you."

Alyssa put her arms around Olivia again and said, "I love you so much!"

She stroked the young girl's hair and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, too, sweetie."

"There you two are!" Dax said when they finally came back. He stared at Alyssa then said in his fake stern voice, "You were gone a long time! Were you two plotting against me?"

Alyssa giggled again then looked up at Olivia. "Well...maybe just a little bit."

When both girls laughed, Dax made another 'mean' face. "I knew it! It's a conspiracy!"

To the adults' surprise, Alyssa said, "I think I'll go listen to music so you two can spend some time alone together."

Once she left Dax asked if he could get Olivia a drink.

"Some wine maybe?" she suggested.

When he handed her her glass, Olivia said, "Dax? Can I talk to you about something?"

"Uh-oh, this sounds serious," he said taking a seat next to her on the couch.

She carefully explained her concerns and Dax understood.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that and quite honestly, dreading it. I mean, how does a dad even bring that up, you know?"

"Well, I was thinking she and I could go shopping tomorrow. We can do the nail thing, too, but because it's Sunday and things open later, we'll have to do the spa day another time. So are you okay with me doing that for her?" Olivia asked.

"More than okay," he told. "I'm very grateful, Olivia. Thank you. Thank you for being so kind to my daughter."

He was looking directly into her eyes as he spoke and she was doing the same to him.

"I like spending time with her, Dax. She's so sweet and so polite." She smiled then said, "I like spending time with her dad, too, in case you couldn't tell."

He set his glass down, then took hers, too.

He reached for her hand then said, "Be careful. I might try monopolizing all of your time unless you ask me to back off."

"Maybe I want you to monopolize my time," she said with a sweet smile.

"You never did answer my question," he told her as he ran a finger along her cheek.

"Oh?" she said her eyes locked on his.

"Uh-huh. Are you my girlfriend?" he asked moving closer to her.

"I haven't been a girlfriend for, well...many, many years, but...yes, I'd like that very much," she said as his lips pressed against hers.

She put her arm around his neck as his went around her back under her arm. This time they kissed for a very long time and for the first time, tongues touched and flicked, gently at first then deeper as the kissing intensified.

When it finally ended, Olivia sighed and said, "That was...very nice."

"Yes it was," Dax agreed. "You're the first woman I've kissed since my wife passed away, Olivia. And just like I said about you being the first woman I've been attracted to, you're the first woman I've wanted to kiss."

"Do you think we're moving too fast?" she asked not sure what she wanted to hear him say.

"I don't think so," he told her. "Why? Do you?" His question was kind and had no hint of any kind of negativity.

"No. Not at all," she told him. "I guess I should confess something, though."

She told Dax that she'd been on just a handful of dates and that she'd 'been' with one of those men.

"I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with me to tell me that, Olivia. I'm not a jealous man and whatever you've done in the past is your business. As beautiful as you are, I'm sure many men have wanted to be with you, too." He put his hand on her cheek, smiled, then told her, "I can't blame them, you know? What guy wouldn't find you that desirable?"

Their eyes were moving quickly back and forth as he spoke.

"Do you?" she asked. "Do you...find me that desirable?"

"Yes," he replied softly. "Very much so. You are so incredibly beautiful, Olivia."

She saw him lean toward him and this time she melted into his kiss. She was very aware Alyssa was in the house and yet she found herself feeling like she was in high school as she took his hand and placed it on her breast.

Dax cupped it gently as they kissed. Olivia moaned softly as their tongues played happily. Knowing they were still alone, Olivia's hand moved toward his legs then slowly made its way up his legs and toward his body. Dax groaned when it found its mark. The French kissing was deep and heavy as she gently stroked him through the material of his jeans while he softly kneaded her breast.

Olivia was thrilled when she realized there was no size issue to be concerned with. Dax was definitely not the kind of man who would tickle her should they get to that point. She pushed firmly against his hardness and moaned softly as he squeezed her gently. Both of them knew this had to end, and Dax moved his hand to her side as Olivia did the same.

He pulled back and said quietly, "I find you very desirable."

"And I desire you very much right now," she said just as quietly, a bright smile on her face.

"Maybe we should quit while we're still ahead," Dax suggested. He kissed her one more time then sat up and grabbed their glasses.

"To...desire?" he suggested.

"I'll drink to that," she said smiling happily.

It was just after 8 o'clock when Dax and Alyssa took her home.

"So...guess what you and I are doing tomorrow?" Olivia said to Alyssa.

"Are we going shopping?" she asked hopefully.

"Oh, yeah," Olivia assured her. "Shopping and the nail salon. We can do the spa another day and we'll do even more shopping. How does that sound?"

"Dad? Olivia is taking me shopping tomorrow!" she said as though he wasn't sitting two feet from Olivia when she said it.

"I know, honey. That is so awesome!" he said looking at her in the rearview mirror.

"It's just for girls, though okay, Dad?" she said making sure his feelings wouldn't be hurt.

"Oh, sure. Of course," he said. "I guess I'll have to stay home and do something boring like watch football and drink beer." He smiled and Alyssa laughed.

"You almost never drink beer, Dad," she said. "But he does watch football ALL the time." That was directed at Olivia.

"Yeah, that's just what men do, honey," she said turning around and smiling at her. "And we shop!"

"Yay for shopping!" she said.

Dax saw the smile on her face and it nearly choked him up. He reached over and took Olivia's hand and saw that Alyssa noticed. It was obvious she was very pleased and her father, in turn, was very relieved.

"Katie is still here," Olivia said as they drove up to Faith's home.

"Yeah, and so is Troy," he said pointing to his brother's car. "Do you want me to come inside with you?"

"Sure, if you'd like to. But if you're worried about me 'walking the gauntlet', I can handle myself," she said with a bright smile.

"I'm sure you can," he told her. "May I walk you to the door?"

He came around and let her out and said, "I'll be right back, honey," to Alyssa.

"Take your time, Dad!" she said still smiling.

They got to the porch and all the laughter and chatter inside stopped.

"Oh, my. I think we're being watched," Olivia said.

"I believe you're right," Dax said putting his arms around her.

"So...shall we put on a show for them?" Olivia said sweetly.

"Bold. I like that in a woman," he told her smiling back. "Bold and beautiful. That's an irresistible combination."

"Then stop resisting and start kissing," she said leaning in for a kiss.

It ended abruptly when Olivia heard Katie's voice from inside. "Oh, my God!!!" she called out.

"You sure you don't want me to go in with you?" he asked her again.

"It's not that I wouldn't mind spending more time with you," she began. "It's just that I find you so desirable it might be hard to behave myself."

"Right. Yes, that would be very bad, wouldn't it? Okay, I guess I'll let you go then." He kissed her again then wished her luck.

"Good night, handsome," she purred.

"Good night, gorgeous," he replied before letting go of her and walking down the steps.

"Oh, is noon a good time to come by for Alyssa?" she asked.

"Anytime is a good time for you come for any reason," he said as he turned and waved. He watched her walk inside and couldn't help but smile and wonder how bad the third degree would be.

When he got back in the car, Alyssa asked him almost immediately, "Dad? Are you and Olivia in love?"

He looked at his daughter in the mirror then turned around.

"Why do you ask, honey?"

"Well, you guys were kissing. Don't you have to be in love to kiss someone?"

"Um, no. Not always. Does it bother you that I kissed Olivia?"

"No," she said. She waited for a second then said matter of factly, "I was just hoping that you were."

He sat up then said, "I don't know yet, but that seems...possible at this point. Oh, and Olivia said she's coming by at noon tomorrow to take you shopping."

"Dad?" she said as he was backing up. "I wish you would marry Olivia."

Inside, Olivia walked in to a roomful of stares.

"What? Why is everyone staring?" she asked pretending not to know.

"When were you planning on telling us, Mom?" Katie asked in a way that said she felt slighted.

Troy said, "I knew." His comment drew a stare from his new fiancee.

"I knew," Faith said as Katie whipped her head around to look at her sister.

"Is there anyone who didn't know? Besides me, of course."

David raised his hand sheepishly.

"I was going to tell you, Katie," Olivia said.

"Oh? And when were planning on doing that...Mom?" she said indignantly.

"Soon," she said. "Very soon."

"Well I think it's wonderful, Mom," Faith said putting her arm around her mother.

"I'm kinda happy about this, too," Troy said getting ready to duck. "I mean, Dax hasn't even gone on a date since...you know and he said he really likes your mom."

"Am I the only one who thinks this is just a little bit weird?" Katie said. She looked to David for more support but only got a shrug.

"Mom? He's only like ten years older than me," Katie said.

"Way to put those math skills to work, sis," Faith said enjoying this a little too much.

"Um, hel-looo! If Mom marries Dax, my brother-in-law will also be my stepfather."

"Married?" Olivia said. "We went to the zoo and had dinner. What do you mean 'married'?"

"Mom! We all saw you kissing. On the porch! That means Alyssa must have seen you, too."

"I think she's on our side, honey," Troy said putting his hands up again. Faith laughed and Katie shot Troy and then her another look.

"Mom's hot. So is Dax. Mom's single. So is Dax. They both lost the love of their life. I say...go for it!" Faith said.

"Thank you, Faith," her mom said. "Katie, I'm so happy for you and Troy. And Troy? Congratulations, by the way!"

"Thank you," he said smiling happily.

"So can't you maybe be happy for me? Just a little?" Olivia said using her thumb and index finger to indicate a small amount.

"I guess," she said with a phony-sounding resignation. "But if you guys kiss again, could you maybe find someplace private? You know, as in not our porch?"

"It's actually our porch," David said pointing to Faith and himself.

"You're such a dick!" she said.

"No, I'm a David not a Richard." David so rarely said anything funny it made everyone (except Katie) laugh.

"I wanna go home," Katie said in a way everyone knew wasn't serious.

"Anyway, I had a wonderful time today, thank you for asking," Olivia said before smiling. "And I'm taking Alyssa shopping tomorrow. Poor girl is twelve and doesn't even own a bra."

Faith and Katie looked at each other and gasped.

"Seriously? Oh, my goodness," Faith said. "Mom, you're a lifesaver, but I wish she'd asked me."

"I'm sure she was too embarrassed, honey. I had to bring up when we were alone in her room. Same thing with makeup and I'm assuming her period. Not having a mom is hard at any age, but when you're twelve?"

"Okay, now I feel bad," Katie said. "Faith is right. You are a lifesaver, Mom." She got up and hugged her mom then said, "But dating someone fifteen years younger is weird. Sorry. It just is." She couldn't help but smile when she finished talking, a fact not lost on anyone.

Alyssa was so excited about going shopping she had a hard time falling asleep and was up by 7am and dressed by 7:30. Finally, noon rolled around and she jumped up and ran to the door as soon as she saw Olivia's car.

The girls hugged and went inside where her dad was waiting and smiling.

They hugged, too, then looked at Alyssa.

"It's okay. You can kiss my dad," she said with a big smile.

The kiss lasted for a couple of seconds and Alyssa cleared her throat loudly.

"Just not all day, okay?" she said causing the adults to laugh.

"I missed your dad," Olivia said.

"But you just saw him last night," she parried.

"True, but I still missed him."

"Hmmm. I missed you, too," he said before kissing her again.

"Okay, okay!" Alyssa said.

"You ready?" Olivia asked.

"She's been ready since 7:30 this morning. Here, let me give you my credit card for whatever she wants, okay?"

"You don't have to do that, Dax. I was hoping this would be my treat."

"Olivia, you don't have to spend your money on my daughter. I'm not exactly poor, you know."

He could see the hurt in her eyes and realized she was doing this out of love, not obligation.

"I'm sorry," he said. "That was rude of me. I...I didn't mean it like that. Really. What I...."

"I understand," she said. "You felt like I was taking care of you or something. I'm not. But I do love this little...this...girl, you know."

"If you're sure," Dax said.

"I'm sure. About both things," Olivia said.

He moved closer then said, "That was really out of line. Are you mad at me?"

"No. Not at all," she told him.

"Good. I'd feel terrible if you were. I'm really sorry."

"No need. This is your baby girl. I really do get it. Now...I'm gonna take her shopping if that's okay," she said pushing his credit card away.

"Thank you, Olivia," he said.

"You can thank me later, okay?" she said before kissing him one more time.

"Okay, young lady! Let's do this!" Olivia said to Alyssa.

It was after 6:30 when they finally got back and Dax didn't want to admit it, but he started getting worried around 3 o'clock until he remembered that woman could quite literally shop 'til they dropped.

When they came inside, Dax got up to meet them and Alyssa seemed...different. She was more subdued or something. She said hello but went straight to her room.

"Is she okay?" Dax asked.

"Sit down, Dad," Olivia said politely then explained what they'd done.

"Oh, wow. Talk about...clueless," he said.

"You're little girl is becoming a woman," Olivia said. "I asked about buying the bras first, but I didn't ask about something else. So...now I'm asking."

"Shoot," Dax said.

"She really wants to start wearing makeup and I said I'd ask you. I didn't let her know, but I bought her a tube of mascara just in case. If you're okay with this, it might be nice if you gave it to her and told her you can see she's growing up."

"You're good at this, aren't you? Then again, you raised two daughters, so you should be." Olivia laughed then let him continue. "How about we both talk to her? I'll tell her I know she's growing up and that I'm okay with mascara—but just mascara," he emphasized but smiled as he did so. "Then perhaps you could give it to her.

"Teamwork! I like that...Dad," she said. "I'd like to kiss you again, too, Dad," she told him before doing just that.

"Wow. I like working as a team," he told her as it ended. "Ao...are you ready to talk to...our...little girl?"

Olivia was visibly touched by his words but didn't respond to them. She did however, say, "Oh, we got our nails done, too, so don't forget to tell her how pretty they look, okay?"

"Man, guys are so clueless, huh?" he said not having noticed. He got up then told her, "Don't answer that, okay?"

Dax knocked on his daughter's door and waited.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Your father?" he replied not aware she might have assumed it was Olivia.

"Okay. Hold on, Dad," she said.

The discussion was frank, sincere, and short. When it was over, Dax felt...sad.

"Can you come sit on my lap one more time?" he asked.

Alyssa did so and he said, "You really are growing up, honey. I guess I didn't want to admit it because I love my little girl so much. But Olivia helped me understand and well, I'm really glad she was able to take you shopping today. For...you know...stuff."

"Dad!" she said feeling happy and very grown up and just a little bit embarrassed knowing her father knew.

"How about you let Olivia show you how to put on your mascara so you don't use too much? Is that okay?" he said looking at Olivia.