Thread: Cousins (Cheshire Pup & HotTexasCowboy)

They talked of many things that day. Before dinner, tears had come, and Shauna had been quick to embrace Daphne and comfort her. As much as possible they'd tried to steer conversation away from the problem with her soon-to-be ex-husband and the chill with her father, but the issue was never far away. Shauna had tried to talk about the house. She laughed off the awkward subject of Milo and her sharing a bedroom. It's really huge, and, frankly, Milo and I have shared a bedroom since growing up, and it seems so natural, she explained with a shrug. So don't think you're putting anybody out. That bedroom has always been for guests, and now it's yours. Milo knew from their conversations over the years that Daphne had been loyal to her father's customs but not particularly about his religion. So he brought up her clothing as delicately as possible. Folks around here aren't going to be used to your full-body covering, he suggested lightly. The climate is warm and dry- Make that hot, Shauna corrected with a grin. So we all dress pretty casual. I hope you brought a swim suit or two. Once the sun goes down, it cools off rapidly, and a soak in our backyard hot tub can feel very relaxing. She and Milo enjoyed the hot tub for other reasons, as well, but Shauna wasn't about to move in that direction. And when it's hot, if Mister DIY can finally get the pool finished-- She ended with a very hard stare to her brother. My project, he explained and half apologized. I started it sixteen months ago, and it's nearly finished. I told you, Shauna, the paint has to dry for a week before it's guarenteed waterproof. Two more days and we can fill it. Then adjusting the chemicals, and it'll be ready to go. Milo had done it all himself dug the soil, build frames and poured the concrete, installed the pump and filtration system, painted the surfaces, installed the diving board and other fixtures. It had turned out to be twice as difficult as he's thought, but it was finally nearing completion. With your deep-tanned skin, you'll fit right in at poolside. Over the next two days, they'd worn her down. The hijab was the first to go, and Shauna helped her comb her long black hair while showering her with complements. Shauna tsk-tsked at her long sleeved clothes and encouraged her to try on a few of her short sleeve blouses. Milo added his own complements, telling her she had lovely skin and there was not reason in this area to hide it away. She had been standing in the back yard, watching Milo work on the pool a couple of days later. Milo was at last filling the pool, testing the purifying chemicals as the water level slowly rose. That's when she heard a greeting from the next yard. Well, hello gorgeous! the male voice said unexpectedly. Ralph Turlinger and his wife had lived in their house for eight years. He was in his late thirties, and his wife, Macie, a bit younger. Ralph had been friendly with the Daugherty's, and had even urged their neighbors to invite them into the 'club', but some were still a bit stand-offish about opening up to siblings instead of married couples or singles. But the new body in their house definitely attracted Ralph's attention. And who would you be? he asked with a suggestive smile.