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Click here"Don't toy with me, young lady." Dad sat forward. "Have you defiled yourself with that girl?"
That word made me angry, and my soul steeled inside me. "No, I have not. I have shared a bed with her for the last three years. We have been as intimate as two people can be, and none of it has defiled me. I am moving to Tampa with her, and we are going to start a life and a family together"
"A family!? It's not a family, it's an abomination, young lady. You are going to get your bags and forget this nonsense." He looked past me. "Charlotte! Back to your room!" I turned in time to see my sister vanish down the hall.
"Really. That's what you want? Your openly gay daughter living under your roof? Cause that's what I am, Dad." I put some spite into the word. "I'm not hiding any more. Now we're going to get my things from my room, and we're going to leave."
"We? She's here?"
"She's in her truck. She's going to help me pack. We'll be gone faster that way."
"That person is not allowed in my house! If she steps in the front door I'm calling the police."
"Fine, Dad, you do that, and I'll make sure the officer and everyone on the block knows exactly what's going on. We'll see how long the town rumor mill takes to grow this particular weed."
Dad thought for a second, weighing the unpleasant options. In the end he decided on a different attack. "If you walk out that door you are not welcome back, not until you've repented from this filth. This will take you to hell. You know that."
"If God doesn't want me to be happy, especially in an innocent, mutually healthy relationship, then he's not worth worshipping. "
Mom was crying, and there were tears in my eyes as well. I went to the front door, opening it and beckoning Mitch inside. She nodded and grabbed the flat boxes and the tape gun out of the back and headed my way.
A voice from behind me spoke, but I didn't turn. "You are not my daughter. You have no place in this family. Get your things and leave. Don't darken our doorstep again. I wash my hands of you and your filth." There was no sadness or regret, no trace of pain in his voice, just anger and hatred that made my blood run cold.
By the time Mitch got inside my dad was gone, probably retreating into his study. To be honest, that was as good as I could have hoped for, so I figured we should make hay. Mom was still sitting on the couch, now staring in unabashed horror at the tall butch now standing in her living room.
"Mom, this is Michelle Kirkpatrick. My girlfriend."
Mom didn't acknowledge her, even when Mitch nodded to her and said, "Ma'am."
I decided not to push it, and led Mitch back to my room. We packed quickly. I pulled out my Letterman's jacket and other clothes I hadn't brought to school while Mitch assembled boxes. I moved with a fire in me. I wasn't sure what my dad was planning, if anything, and I wanted to be gone and out of his reach as soon as possible. By some miracle, we didn't see him again. In less than an hour I had my clothes and sundries packed, and we were pulling away from my house. My mother hadn't said goodbye, not that I'd expected it.
As we pulled out of town the emotion of the thing started to catch up to me, and tears were rolling down my face.
"Sweetheart?" There was real concern in my girlfriend's voice, and I made myself look at her and smile.
"I'm okay, sweetie."
"I'm so sorry, baby."
It looked like she had something else to say. So I asked. "What?"
"You, um," she swallowed heavily, "you don't blame me, do you?"
"Blame you? For what?"
"Well, if you hadn't met me, none of this would have happened. I wouldn't be taking you away from your family."
This was very unlike Mitch. She was always confident to the point of cocky, in the most innocent and endearing way, of course. Seeing her vulnerable and scared was disconcerting, so I reached out and took her hand. "Sweetheart, don't. Remember when you told me I wasn't responsible for my parents actions?"
"Yeah."
"Neither are you." My thumb ran over the back of her hand, and I could feel the energy that was always present when we touched.
"I know, but still."
"I know too. I know it shouldn't be like this. I should be able to bring the person I love home to my family, regardless of who they are. I shouldn't have to choose. But I know I chose right. You know how I know?"
She turned her perfect blue eyes to mine, her gentle smile filling my soul. "How?"
"Because of the way that you're looking at me now. Because I know how much you love me." I smiled back at her. "Because I can't wait to start our life together."
A tear formed in Mitch's eye as she looked back to the road. "Our life. Sounds perfect."
It was a long trip, and it was well after ten before we pulled into the Kirkpatricks' driveway. But even though the sun was long down, Jack and Stacy were standing on the porch, and when I climbed down out of the passenger side of Mitch's truck, Stacy's arms were waiting for a much needed hug. I kind of broke down on her shoulder, and she just held me tight and let me cry.
"You always have a family here, dear. You know that, right?"
I nodded, not letting go for what felt like several more minutes. The cold finality of my father's voice still echoed in my mind. But I also knew I'd done the right thing, standing up for who I was, and what Mitch and I were together.
We spent the whole of the next year living with Mitch's parents. I found a job quickly, at a locally owned fiduciary where I had real contact with investor accounts. I had a pretty good idea from before, but it didn't take me long to realize that was what I wanted to do, working with smaller accounts and helping them grow, so that real people could have the retirements they deserved.
Mitch did wonderfully at her student teaching, officially graduating in December and taking over her official teaching duties at the school, including being an assistant coach for the girl's tennis team. We spent, and still do spend, a lot of nights cuddled up on the couch breaking down film of her players and their upcoming opponents.
We moved into our own place that following summer, just renting to start. I'd put almost my entire salary away that first year, and being in the financial game has other perks. I was able to keep my ear to the ground on foreclosures and seizures, and we were able to buy a little place for a great deal.
It was just after two-thirty on a Tuesday afternoon, January 6th, 2015, exactly, when one of the ladies in my office poked her head into my cube.
"Are you excited?"
I looked up from the account I was working on. "About what?"
"You don't know? God, Cindy, look at your phone."
I gave a confused grin and pulled the device out of the drawer where I kept it. I didn't like it on my desk, where it had a tendency to distract me. Sure enough there was a news alert, which I pressed to open.
'Florida Supreme Court strikes down same-sex marriage ban."
My hand went to my mouth, covering it as I drew a shaky breath. "Oh, my god!"
Rachelle nodded. "Yeah, they're already giving out licenses in some counties. They expect all counties to start issuing them tomorrow."
I felt a sob escape my chest, and the commotion drew the attention of many others in the office. I'd never hid my sexuality here, I refused to, and there was a picture of Mitch and me on my desk, so everyone knew what this meant to me. I glanced at the clock. School should have ended for Mitch just a few minutes ago, and I was just about to call when my phone started buzzing in my hand.
"Hello?"
"Hi, sweetheart. Did you hear?"
Her voice was dancing with happiness, and tears were rolling down my face. "Yeah, people in the office just told me."
"So, what do you think? Cindy Spencer, will you marry me?"
"Yes, of course I'll marry you." With that my whole office cheered, and I cried. My boss sent me home for the day, and Mitch and I and her parents all went out for dinner that night to celebrate.
Mitch insisted that she be able to buy me a real ring, so I waited a year while she saved up the money before she proposed again. We got married in April, 2017, on a perfect Saturday afternoon. Carl gave me away, and Carrie and Bridget stood up as my bridesmaids.
Carl and Bridget had gotten married two summers prior, and at their wedding Dad and Mom completely ignored my existence, which left me an emotional mess afterwards. At my own wedding it was so hard, not having my mother or sister there, but I had total confidence in my choice of partner.
I've heard so many people, including Mitch, say that their wedding was a blur. I guess a lot of the day was, but I remember almost every second of the ceremony itself, the beauty of the garden, the color of the flowers, and the beaming gaze of Michelle as I walked towards her.
The minister invited us to speak our promises before he got to the traditional vows, and I can recall almost every word,
Mitch went first.
"Cindy, my love, I'll never forget the first time I met you, and how much you didn't like me." --laughter- "But even then, in those early moments, you were the only thing I could think about. As we got closer, teammates, doubles partners, friends, I kept telling myself not to get too excited, because if I did, if I indulged those fantasies, and they didn't come true, I'm not sure I'd have survived. Not that I listened to myself, of course. I dreamed of this moment so often, that when you told me you wanted to be mine, I didn't believe it was really happening. I still think it's a dream, some crazy, perfect dream that I never want to wake from. Cindy, I'm yours. My heart, body, soul, all yours, forever. I promise to be your best friend, biggest supporter, your wife, for every day God gives us together. I love you, always.
The minister turned to me, and I very much wanted to know how I was supposed to speak with the tears of joy rolling down my face. But all I had to do was look up into Mitch's eyes, those perfect blue eyes, where there was love, and peace.
"Michelle, you challenged everything I ever thought I knew from the first moments. I never told you this, but that first time, in the gym, I couldn't take my eyes off you. Your smile, your eyes, the way you moved, they captivated me in a way I didn't understand. But it wasn't just those things. Your relentless optimism, your passion for life, they brightened my world with colors I didn't know existed, and in your gentle arms, even when they were just the arms of a friend, I felt safe and happy in ways I'd never known. My heart understood it wanted to be yours for so long before my head caught up, but now I know. Every day with you is a joy and a gift, and every sacrifice is worth it if I get to be with you. I promise to be your friend, your lover, your cheerleader, and your critic. But mostly I promise to be your faithful wife and partner in all things. Now and forever. I love you, too."
We went through the traditional vows, and Carl and Stacy lit the tapers we used to light our unity candle. Eventually the minister turned us toward the assembly.
"And now, I present to you, for the first time, Michelle and Cindy Kirkpatrick. Ladies, you may kiss your bride."
We held off on our honeymoon until Mitch was out of school, and then we were gone to Bermuda for a week, a gift from Mitch's grandparents. And that's basically where you met us, when Carrie brought Iryna to meet us that fall.
That's been a few years now. Oh, and I just felt the baby kick. I had some complications, and my OB put me on bed rest three weeks ago. It's driving me nuts, even if it did give me the chance to write this, but I could deliver any day now. I'm definitely ready to not be pregnant anymore, but more than that I just want to hold my daughter. We haven't actually been told the sex, but I remember the dream I had before Mitch and I got together, and I know it's a girl.
Carrie and Iryna helped us financially, as IVF is expensive and it took several attempts to get it right. Biologically Mitch is the mother, and Carl is the donor. I was honestly a little worried that I wouldn't feel connected to the baby, because she wasn't biologically mine, but that fear vanished the first moment I felt her move inside me.
I sent my mom a copy of the sonogram, along with a letter stating I would keep her updated about her granddaughter's life, and that she was always welcome to reach out. Carl says she's asked about me, how I'm doing. I'm hoping someday she'll find the courage to contact me. Charlotte was allowed to attend a small Christian college, but she dropped out after three semesters to get married. I wasn't invited to the wedding. I hope she's happy, and I think about her a lot.
Mitch has been adorable. She reads and talks to my belly every day, saying she wants our baby to know her voice. She's also insistent that she gets to carry next time. She tells everyone it's so that she can send me for pickles and ice cream at two AM (which only happened once, thank you very much), but I know she just wants to experience this. I don't blame her. Feeling your child grow inside you is indescribable.
I can hear the garage door opening, so Mitch is home. It still makes me smile every time. Thank you for reading, and God bless.
Twenty years later
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ladies final at Wimbledon, 2041. I'm James Blake, here with my partner, Bethanie Matttek-Sands, and Bethanie, this is the day the U.S. has been waiting for."
"Absolutely, James, since bursting onto the scene at Flushing Meadows as an eighteen year old prodigy, we've all been waiting for the day the Great American Hope, Hope Kirkpatrick, would reach a grand-slam final. She faces a stiff test in Russian world number two, Sofia Ivanova, but with the dominance she's shown on the grass this fortnight, James, no one is calling her an underdog."
"So true. As we wait for the player introductions, here's a shot of Hope's box. Her coach, there on the right, needs no introduction, nine time grand slam champion and former world number one Iryna Baraskova."
"Yeah, James, she's been coaching Hope since she was sixteen, and of course sitting next to Iryna is Carrie Mitchell, Iryna's wife and absolute fixture through every one of her major titles. We all remember seeing her cheering and urging Iryna on through every point of every slam, and, as Iryna would say, keeping both her body and mind in top condition for each. Next to them, the couple holding hands, are Hope's parents, Michelle and Cindy Kirkpatrick. I actually got to sit down with them earlier this week, and let me tell you, if anyone wonders where Hope gets both her passionate playing style and the poise and high tennis I.Q. everyone says is beyond her years, look no further.
"Michelle is outgoing, dynamic, but always smiling and friendly, while Cindy is much more reserved and analytical, a brilliant tennis mind. They were both standouts at the University of Georgia, along with Carrie Mitchell, where they all met. But what really struck me, James, was the way the two of them just seem to resonate off each other. The energy between them is palpable, how much a part of each other they are. It's no wonder Hope has been able to reach so high so soon, with that secure foundation at home. Honestly, James, being around them made me want to go home and hug my husband, Justin, and remind him how happy he makes me."
"That's sweet. I probably should shout out to my wife, Emily, back home, too. I love you. Anyway, we also see her brother, John, who competed in the boy's championships this year, making the quarters at age fifteen. A new addition to the box, behind Hope's mothers, is her uncle, Carl Spencer and his wife Bridget. This week Hope revealed to us that Uncle Carl is indeed her biological father, and she was asked after the semifinals about how it would feel to have her father there in the box. This is how she responded:"
"Uncle Carl isn't my father. He's a wonderful Uncle, and I love him and Aunt Bridget and all my cousins, and I'm forever grateful for how he helped my moms have me and my brother, but I already have two wonderful parents, who've shown me not only how to play tennis and chase my dreams, but also how to love without conditions, how to support your partner through everything, and how to be a woman of passion, poise, and grace.
"Even after almost thirty years together, they're still the best of friends, and still deeply in love. They've taught me what I want in a partner someday. But today, I just want to win Wimbledon."
THE END
*******
Thank you all for taking this journey with me! I hope you enjoyed it. Please rate and comment. The comments keep me going. And if you have questions feel free to send feedback. I'll try to answer. Thanks again to rileyworks and ash_legend for editing. You both made the story and the reading so much better.
It may be a while before my next posting. I'm working on 'Unrequited', and starting a new project called 'Beautiful,' It's the story of a woman traded in for a younger, thinner model. Can she accept that someone new in her life loves her just the way she is? They are both highly emotional pieces for me, and I can't wait to share them with you all. It's such a joy writing for this community.
Take care and be safe.
- COMMENTS
This is truly a terrific story and well written. As a straight man, I can't imagine going through what so many queer people have to go through in their lives. This helped me understand it better, and it breaks my heart.
I hope that Cindy's Mom can get away from her husband, and that Charlotte is able to be free of her father eventually. I wanted so badly for Cindy and Mitch to show up when Charlotte turned eighteen to take her away from all that, but that's just me. No one should have live in a household like there. Family should be about love, not obedience.
Again, thank you for this wonderful story and I hope you continue writing for as long as possible. The world needs more stories like this.
What a fantastic story, well written, I like the epilogue at the end, so may don't do that and it leaves the story unresolved for the reader. I have read similar stories about so called "straight girls" coming to grips with their sexuality, and the reasons are virtually all the same, ingrained hatred, toward non hetro relationships, by the church and most religious organizations. As far as I'm concerned there the evil ones. Religion is responsible for most, if not all the worlds conflicts and problems today.
Incredible story which took me through all of the emotions in the past. Thank you so much for sharing your work and helping us who are living this
Second tile here and still the same happiness in the end. It could have been marred by the bigotry of Cindy's parents (which I find myself more and more allergic to with the years), but the purity of their relationship outshines even that.
Thanks you for sharing this with us.
In simple terms Wonderful. Brought tears to my eyes and I'm a 73 year old straight man. What a love story.....❤
Wonderful; I hope you don't mind that I'm male and straight, perhaps a little tg, (but getting old!). I have loved reading this series from this wonderful author; She writes brilliantly, creates a beautiful narratives, with love, compassion, and this story fits those narratives and more. Just goes to show that the best authors are the best authors whatever the category.
Thank you for sharing.
I stayed up waaay past my bedtime to finish reading this series, and it was so worth it. Absolutely wonderful!
Awesome work! Loved the emotion descriptions as they gave characters depth as well vivid images as I read. Thank You!!
Rich
Loved this story! It's magnificent and magical. Now we know how the world should be.
Absolutely magnificent. Works both as a love story and erotica. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Absolutely Outstanding!!! From beginning to end this has been a very worthwhile story to read and enjoy. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Not to compete with Purplefizz, but this is my fourth time, and I had also just finished The Tennis Star for the fourth time, so I just had to go back and experience the Mitch and Cindy story again, fully ready for all the tears and joy and outrage at Cindy's parents. Fifty years ago I grew up in a small conservative town filled with similar bigoted churches, so I understand the entirely NON-Christian views filled with scathing bigotry and ignorance (don't get me started). It was a pleasure and a privilege to again share the delicate dance that Mitch and Cindy went through for almost a year before they finally realized that they both deeply wanted the same things. Once that was "out there," they could surrender each into and unto the other. They were still destined for various trials and tribulations that they survived by being true to themselves and to each other and giving into the power and grace of Love.
Thank you again JC for these two marvelous related stories that are indeed timeless.
So, so, so good. I had tears streaming down my face. Such a wonderful story. Thank you JC, you are simply fantastic.
Purplefizz says it exactly. Like them, this reading is one of several from before. I fully second what purplefizz wrote.
Excellent. Reading the pre-match into it was obvious the bigoted parents never changed and I feel sorry for her younger sister. Probably trapped in a bigoted, loveless marriage.
Fascinating story, Cindy is following her heart and completely changing her life to find a new foundation exclusively in a different subculture. The plot gives the justification that sometimes cutting many family ties is a necessary step to remain sane. The story of Bridget's brother is a great idea how an alternative ending could have looked like, but there, the change apparently came from the good people in his family rather than him driving for it. Could Cindy as such a strong independent woman with great support by her partner and new community not have impacted the whole small-town America environment she was brought up in? And please write a story about someone with less or no academic perspectives in a situation like Cindy's who doesn't have a choice to leave and who successfully transforms a redneck town.
What's wrong with me? I have tears in my eyes! I have to have my sister read this, to give her hope, because this is precisely what she has been seeking in life. Thanks for writing and sharing!
Just reread this for the third (?) time, it loses nothing at all in the rereading, as always with the best stories the secret is in the vivid, living and breathing characters, the setting is the icing on the cake! When reading stories when one characters family ostracises them and treat them as dead, my heart always breaks for them, it’s a terrible thing when a religion that preaches unconditional love can condone hatred for something as innocuous as the gender of the person you love; but as someone far wiser than I once said, “The best revenge is a long life well lived”. Amen.
Many thanks JC McNeilly, for both writing this and leaving it here on Lit for our continued enjoyment. Best wishes, Ppfzz.
Still the best story on the whole site. I've lost track of how many times I've read it.
At least my second time reading this tale. It’s beautiful. I have no trouble seeing and feeling the passion and love in my mind. Thank you for sharing ❤️
You're writing style is truly amazing. I laughed and cried so many times through all your stories. Thank you.
Absolutely beautifully written. A fantastic love story, so detailed and thought through with believable and relatable characters. Thank you!
Great story of true love between 2 people, everyone should enjoy such true love in their lives. I reminds me of my true love for my wife, I love her so much, she is the best thing that ever happened to me and I am so greatful that God brought her into my life, she has made me the happiest man in the world.
This is an AWESOME series!! It made me think about love, true real love and how people should be allowed to be happy no matter what. Thank you for writing this.
As usual, I have re-read this story of Mitch and Cindy so many times. I love it, JC, and I always seem to pick up on so many nuances that I may have missed since the last time I read it.
This is probably one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read on this site, hell, online and offline, and lemme tell ya I've read so much femslash fanfics over on ao3 and sapphic stories on literotica and sapphic books in print over the last ten years.
So when I say this is phenomenal, truly heartwarming, sexy and wholesome, it is all those things and more, it is everything my gay heart wants in a story, it is why I read femslash and sapphic stories. It deserves to be in print, in my bookcase, in a lot of our bookcases❤️
Now excuse me as I cry a lil bit🥺
it is a great pity that the site only allows for 5 stars as i would happily give each part 10 stars it is such a well written storyi informed my son when he was in his mid teens that it makes no difference who he falls in love with. he would have my love and respect always
Absolutely loved this series. I found myself cussing out Cindy's parents especially her father. Love the relationship between Mitch and Cindy.
Simply loved the story, made me smile, made me sad and even made me teary a number of times. It was a tough upbringing for Cindy to have such closed minded parents. A very enjoyable read, 5 stars.
After reading this a few times now, I’m still not quite sure why it resonates so strongly with me. It could be that Mitch is impossible not to fall for. Or maybe it’s Cindy falling in love but not recognizing it for what it is. Perhaps it’s the researching of lesbian sex techniques, which is hilarious and so completely in character. Or, is it I’m just a sucker for a great love story?
In any case, I know when I happen across it again in 3 or 6 or 9 months and read it again, I will still absolutely love it.
Came for my annual re-read of this story. I think Mitch might be one of my favorite characters I’ve ever gotten to know. She’s boisterous, sweet, funny, outrageous, sometimes bashful, outgoing, ride-or-die for her friends and surprisingly vulnerable. Cindy is great, but I can’t get enough Mitch.
Thank you for sharing her with us JC!
I binged this and "The Tennis Star" in about three days. I've grown so attached to all of these characters. Mitch reminds me so much of my wife, that strength of character and presence. When I came out as a transwoman a year and a half into our relationship, she didn't miss a beat. She accepted, supported, and cheered for me from day one, and her family has done the same. My family is... well, they're trying, but whatever happens, I've never felt lonely or unloved. When we got married after five years together, my father and none of my grandparents came, but her family was in the front row. I'm so lucky, I'm surrounded by so much love, and I hope that everyone will one day find their Mitch.
Thank you for this story. I loved every second.
I'm a 53 year old dad and the pain that exists in these beautiful stories breaks my heart. I don't understand how a parent could kick their kids out of their lives because of who they love. I've only ever wanted them to find someone they love as much as I love their mom. I've ugly cried at least once at each of your stories. The way you develope your characters is amazing.
Fifth time through. Still brilliant. Many, many thanks JCMcC. Five super hypernaovas!
I gave a five star, being annoyed that there weren’t more. Being a male 54 year old and happily married, I feel such a dork for sitting here crying. I sort of fell in love in these two wonderful women. It is indeed a beatiful story. What upsets me though, is why on earth there are people who are in a position to label same sex relationship as a sin or an abomination. Both me and my wife have since our son was 10-12 years told him that whether his love of his life is Lisa or Achmed, they will always have our love and blessing, as long as their relationship makes him happy. In recent years I’ve come to think of myself as a feminist. But feminism, in it’s deepest sense, is not just about gender rights. It is in my view, also the right to be who you are and love the person you will. Another thing really don’t understand, is why any man would want a housewife, staying home and merely play the role as a house maid or breeding factory. To me, even the idea appears repulsive. She wouldn’t be my peer, my friend, my equal. I love my wife for being the strong woman she is, being the leader of the national board in quite a large organization in the country in which we live. Obviously, I love her for a dozen of other qualities as well. But my feminism is about that; leaving space to my wife’s success, accepting her qualities which I will never match.
Please! Never stop writing! Simply beatiful. I especially love the way you develop your characters. And the steaming, hot sex scenes, of course. Being a man, I can think of nothing more erotic than two women making out, respecting of course, that for me it only would remain a fantacy. And the issues you raise, all the bigotry you write about, they are important. I consider myself lucky to live in one of Europes most liberal countries with respect to gender eqality and legislation on sexual orientation. I feel equally sorry for what I perceive of as a negative development towards LGBT communities.
I've read this story several times and I have enjoyed it each time. I can relate very much to Cindy's character, so it's always an emotional read for me. Very, very good.
Ironically as I finished this, my second (or third?) time through, was on opening day of the 2023 US Open tennis championships, a bit of real-world synchronicity. It is one of my all-time favorites with a complex plot, rich characters, nerve wracking emotional challenges, and the author's unique way of weaving it all together in a rich story that brings tears of sadness as well as tears of joy. Absolutely brilliant. I urge anyone who like this story to read "The Tennis Star" by the same author which is Carrie's delightful tale of finding and coming together with her soul-mate Iryna, a lovely story also with a tennis backdrop. Enjoy.
Brilliant!
This story is so good! The way you describe and develope you characters, the emotion, the environment, the attitudes, everything has real substance, a real life.
You write so well and it makes reading your stories far more satisfying and enjoyable!
Thank you!
Magnificent writing as always! A heartwarming coming-of-age tale of maturing, evolving and finding oneself — and love — during one’s journey through young adulthood. A very interesting slice of Americana with its highs and its lows; it’s always depressing to see the damage that religion — or traditions in general — can do in the hands of the small-minded, ignorant or malicious.
Even though the CliffsNotes of the tale was already revealed in The Tennis Star the detailed story of Cindy and Michelle’s meeting, circumstances and relationship was still wonderful to follow and experience. After all, it’s rarely the end point but rather the journey there that makes any odyssey worth embarking.
I love all the nods to Buffy interwoven in the story; Hush (where Willow and Tara meet) marking the turning point in Cindy and Michelle’s relationship (I guessed season four would get things moving for them, but I am so glad that Cindy started thinking differently on her own before that point), Michelle channeling Willow to Oz (“some part of me will always be waiting for you”), Carrie reacting exactly like Willow finding out about Xander and Cordelia when she in turn finds out about Cindy and Michelle (“I knew it! Well, not in the sense of having the slightest idea, but I knew there was something I didn’t know!”). Willow has always been one of my absolute favourite characters in Buffy; she is delightful in every way.
I agree with your note about Whedon: I try to continue to enjoy the stories he created — along with excellent actors and production crews — even though he himself turned out to be a less than savoury figure.
Now I need to reread Tennis Star again, while waiting for the remaining chapters of Beautiful to be published.
May your muse always inspire you to continue your fantastic writing! 🙂
P.S.
Holy shit, this series was beyond amazing. The writing, plot, and above all the emotions were incredible and so relatable. I couldn't stop reading it and finished within a day. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
truely awesome story . Keep up your great writing. Am looking to jots more stories
It's still a joy reading this one again..
Love is the way to live the life in any good matters...
Tears come often in this story, and damn, I love that..
Cheers
Belinda
Wow!!! You really banged that one out of the park right there! That was from start to finish and everything in between, a great story. I really enjoyed it. Thank you 😊 keep up the good work, you have a talent for this story tellin thang for sure!
I have just finished binge reading this story for a second time. I really do like your writing style, involving the reader in the emotional ups and down of the principals. Like others, I subscribe to the view that if this were published book, it would be 'unputdownable' This really is an excellent read, thank you so much for the effort put into creating it.
I reserved making a comment on this series until I finished it. Not because I had reservations, but because I couldn’t stop reading it.
How anyone could think a love like Mitch and Cindy’s could be wrong is just unfathomable.
, thank you.
Now it’s time to start checking out your other work.
Loved it. ❤️
Much love,
Raquel
Thanks for this wonderful story. My wife and I have been together for almost 28 years and have raised 2 boys. I loved reading about Mitch and Cindy are great characters!
Ein alter weißer Mann hat Tränen in den Augen. Na gut, 48 ist nicht alt, aber mir wurden ein Stück die Augen geöffnet um zu sehen wie meine Tochter sich manchmal fühlen muß. Ich bin recht liberal, meine Frau, obwohl sie viel jünger ist, sehr konservativ... .
Ich habe mich oft gefragt wieviel Realität hinter dieser schönen Erzählung steckt. Es ist in Deutschland nicht anders als irgendwo anders "Liebe deinen Nächsten wie dich selbst" ist nur ein Wort und obwohl es oft gepredigt wird, ist es meist nur eine Phrase.
DANKE
Incredible series from Avery talented author. Such emotion and humor in same wrapper. You are brilliant JCM!!!
This was my second time reading the series. It was even better than the first. Great characters immersed in their struggle to be who they are and love who they are, each through the other while overcoming the many obstacles in their path. I had to switch from tissues to paper towels when reading and experiencing their love and passion and courage. Well done; very well done. CS
I just finished this again, concluding my third total reread of the McNeilly-verse. I still laughed, I still cried, I still remained bowled over by the humanity and beauty you showcase.
But, this time, the epilogues stuck in my head. I’m furiously calculating dates. I’m scouring the timeline.
What happens a few decades from now when Hope Kirkpatrick meets Cece Walker?
i will never get tired reading this...nth time still making me weep and mooshy ;)
It’s a beautiful tale of Love. Thank you for sharing this epic journey with us.
Oh so very easily a five star story from start to finish, the characters have depth and personality and the emotions were real enough bring me to the edge of tears on occasion. The story is well paced and well justify's the four part format. At the end I felt I had been a privileged observer to Mitch and Cindy's story.
Just couldn't stop reading and i am so glad you didn't pull the she left her to go back to here parents and then thought better of it
This is an excellent piece and a great credit to the author. I would also like to commend the editor(s) for their help in making this story so easy to read. I very much look forward to reading more from this author and can without hesitation recommend it.
For context, I am a 66,year old straight man!
What a journey
The story was well paced and didn't feel like the sex was gratuitous
The characters had depth and real emotions
The story from start to finish was romantic and when she told her father who she really was it was so triumphant and brave
Magnificent work please keep writing
What a wonderful story. I❤ the characters. They were real people. Please keep writing these great stories.
Loved it so much i skipped through the sex scenes just so i could find out how it ended
This. Is. Absolutely. Beautiful!!!!
I'm from a small town in Georgia that easily could have been Cindy's home town. Racist,bigoted, homophobic. This series, along with your other series, has got to be in the top five series in this site's history!
You have told the story better than ever. Thank you 💖
Wonderful story. The writing and rendering of characters are way up there! Cindy's parents seem two dimensional, but I've encountered some folks like that.
A beautiful story! I've kept coming back and reading a few more pages, loving the writing and how it unfolds. It's a story of love and caring, and so much more than a list of sexual events.
I don't think that I have adequate words to describe how this series and Hero Worship made me feel. I literally have sat at my computer for the past few hours and not put my phone down for a moment. Tears have come to my eyes so many times through the past few hours, and I am humbled and grateful to have read these wonderful stories. I highly recommend them to anyone that wants an enjoyable read..
I really enjoyed the slow burn, and all the realistic and painful moments on both sides of them getting together. Really nice to see the sensitive treatment of Cindy's struggle with trying to be straight, and Carl was a freakin' light, in that family, yeesh... Anyway, lots of feelings, had a good time, thank you for sharing this. <3
This story was fantastic. Not only were the sex scenes well written, but the love story between the two leads was beautiful. I don't see that very often in erotic fiction. Keep up the good work!
I love this story so much, I sat with tears in my eyes when they were at Cindy's parents.
A very warm and wonderful story, I could easily give you 10 stars if I could
Thank you
Wow….great story. Thanks for the awesome read. Really enjoyed the build up to the end. Please keep writing.
Again, thank you.
I don't think I could say enough about this story. I loved it from the very first lines until the end. Well written... I do have one last thought, or question I might add.... ' Where do ghost's play tennis.'
Just read this series for a second time. Enjoyed it just as much S I did the first time around
Your writing style is easy to read and follow, interesting to read and follows joy and inspirational those questions their feelings. I hope in the future you have both time and motivation to continue as you are a great writer.
I didn't want this story to end but end it must eventually. It was moving and beautiful! Good work and I will look for other stories from you.
I love love love this. I've been desperate for real, genuine yuri. I'm an anime and manga fan, especially of yuri (lesbians, in case you don't know haha). I can't tell you how much I wanna see this story as an anime or manga, to see how badass the 2 mc's would be on the court. But aside from that, you made me remember just how much I also love novels and ebooks. You're writing is just so engaging and immersive hehe <3
I have read all of your stories 2 times each ( some more than twice), and have just one problem. How do I choose the best one? They are all so well done and all are very moving in many ways. Thank you for sharing these stories with us. 5*
Second time reading this wonderful story. You make the characters come to life in my head. You are so incredibly blessed with writing and story telling talent.
If I had to pick a favorite of all your stories thus far I'd have to honest and say.... ALL OF THEM!
Hoping to read more of your amazing work soon.
This story was absolutely breathtaking especially at the end the way you drew the readers attention to many years later and how the couple had had 2 children and both were tennis stars as well and one of the most beautiful statements that could've been spoken by a child about their parents...... OMG I hope my children can look at me like that many years from now ❤❤❤❤❤
Oh, thank you for a beautiful story. For the beauty of their love, the joy of their story, the consummation of their love, their commitment and joyous life of love together. My heart lept when I read "Hope Kirkpatrick." I even thank you for the reality of the hatred and abuse so many have suffered. May some of the haters.(especially the ones who say they follow a God of love!), one day all, be "turned from their wicked ways" and welcome love in all its joyfilled, life-giving forms. I even smiled with delight when I read the grammar of the insternships "for which to apply."
Again thank you!
If I could write like that, I would have filed it under "romance". Sweet, affectionate, and gentle. Brava!
Very well done. Thank you for another great story. 5* but it deserves so many more.
Once again, the author has given us both an erotic and romantic tale. One of life, love, and happiness. Keep up the great work.
Absolutely great ending to a great series! I could really connect to a number of things as parents that were very supportive of our daughter’s wedding to her wife. We were all competing together on the same pool team at the time.
I tried to find something in this series to help you improve. I am sorry to say that I didn’t identify anything for you to improve on other than possibly more stories like you have been doing.
Damn, woman, you sure can write. I love your characterizations, especially Cindy's imperviousness to praise about her physical beauty. We should teach our children early in life that attractiveness and repulsiveness have nothing to do with a person's worth.
Barry
Beautiful story, one of my new favorites on here. I binge-read it over the course of only a few days. A lovely tale of love between two women. It’s a shame Cindy’s parents never came around, but it’s sadly realistic.
My only criticism of the story is that I’d like to hear what became of Charlotte, Cindy’s little sister, at least by the epilogue. I also think it would have been nice for Cindy to have said goodbye to Charlotte when she moved out of her parent’s house with Mitch. But other than that, I’m just awed by how sweet this story was.
I finished reading this amazing, beautiful series tonight. I've been sitting here trying and failing to capture all of my feelings into words for this comment. I've finally accepted that it's not possible. Nothing I write here can fully communicate how much it affected me. The characters were painfully real in the best possible way. It was heartbreakingly wonderful taking their journey with them, rooting for them, crying with them, and grinning like a fool at each of their revelations and triumphs. You are such an amazingly brilliant writer. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing this.
The most beautiful and lovely story, one of the best I’ve ever read. And I love how you mentioned Carrie and Iryna which made me so happy.
I’m an old straight man. I loved this story so much! I’ve lived my life married to one woman who does not understand the nuances of physical intimacy. Your words here either point to the same with your relationships, or that you have found that special person. I couldn’t tell which. You also write with the wisdom of older, wiser, more experienced person. I wish I was a lesbian!