First, there was her husband Mac, Grandma, who had picked up Sheri from her home where Roni was watching her, and third, Jenn’s sister Barbara came and insisted she needed to see her next. My Mom wanted to pick up for Roni, though I thought Roni would be home by now.

It was 8:30 p.m. when Sami got a call from Jenn: “Sami, I wish you had gotten to see me back in my room. I understood the family being anxious to see me nd the babies. But you are such a part of our family. I liked you speaking to me; I know it had to hurt at times when I dug my fingers into your hand. My Mom couldn’t believe that I had a girl who was a boy with me. I was chided by her.”

Jenn paused, and I spoke up, “All I was worried about was if you thought I did well by you?”

“You did great, and I was glad Dr. Sands agreed with me that you were the one to be there for me. Hey Sami, I would like to name the girl for you.” Sami paused, and tears came to her. “Do you know what your mother would have named you if you had been a girl?

“My girlfriend Leslie says my girl name, not my nickname, should be Samantha. My Mom’s now calling me Samantha.”

Jenn says, “I like that, Samantha June Kinkaid, it will be. Come to the hospital tomorrow, and you can give Samantha a bottle while I nurse Jason. Will you do that?

Sami was home when the doorbell rang around 5:30; it was Leslie, ready to take Sami out on their date. Leslie looked at Sami and asked, “Are you ready for our date?”

Sami’s Mom walked into the room, and she asked, “Sami, why aren't you dressed and ready for your date?”

Sami said, “No one told me it was to be for tonight?

Mom said, “I did also, and I told you to call Leslie if you wanted to change it.” Sami remembered now.

“Can you give me twenty minutes to get ready? I could use the break. I’m sorry.”

Les said, “Hurry and get ready; we’re going to a nice restaurant.”

Sami hurries upstairs, “You look very nice, Les.”

Sami noticed she needed a shower, and was quickly in the shower, and soon out again. Sami had chosen a pretty dress that Jenn had bought her. She brushes out her hair into a relaxed style, does her makeup, and checks her appearance in a full-length mirror. She prepares a purse for the evening. When she walked back downstairs, she checked the time she had taken.

“I am sorry it took me so long to get ready.” Leslie extends her hand to Sami. They say goodbye to Sami’s Mom.

Walking out to Leslie’s car, Les says, “I’m impressed how well you got ready quickly.” Sami felt good with the compliment, and quickly gave Les a peck on Les’ cheek.

“I’m excited about going out with you, Samantha,” Les smiles. “I kind of like being the one choosing where we’re going and having you waiting to know what we are doing tonight.”

It dawned on Sami that she was at Leslie's beck and call. Les brings her to the jewelry department and shows her several friendship rings displayed there. A saleswoman came and said to Leslie, “I am glad to see you back. I take it that this is your special friend.”

Leslie turns to Sami, “I would like to give you one of these friendship rings. Would you please pick the one you would like? I want our friendship to embrace your many facets.”

There were several that Sami liked, but one that looked like two silver strands joined together in a simple loop is what Sami chose. She said, “Shouldn’t we have two, one for each of us?”

The saleswoman measured the ring finger on their right hands, and soon their friendship was displayed on their fingers. Samantha hugged Les.

They stopped for a nice dinner, and Leslie took them to tour the Nancy Stole Art Museum. A smaller museum that attracted mostly women and girls. Samantha soon became enthralled in art crafted by women, or especially pleasing to that part of her. “I love this Leslie; the birthing of a child is one thing I will not get to enjoy.”

Small cups of wine were offered as part of that night’s showing. Despite being a little young, they were both served. Samantha began to tear and then hugged Leslie. Leslie embraced Samantha, saying, “This caps a beautiful day.”

Sami apologized, “Sorry, this is all too much for me.”

Les said, “No apology is needed, both Jenn and I embrace a beautiful part of your being. May it only grow more.”

A woman from the Museum approached them to ensure they were well or to provide needed help. Marilyn visited with the two; she loved their story. She gave each of them a year’s membership as ‘Women of the Museum.’ Saying, We’re honored to receive both of you. I have given two hundred-dollar donations in each of your names.”

Sami asked, “How can the museum afford to do that?”

Marilyn responded, “I did it for two of my sisters. It does my heart good. Hopefully, I can have you as my guests, come the annual dinner.” The three hugged, agreeing to make it happen.

Leslie took Sami home and walked her to the front door, where she kissed Sami, saying, “I had a lovely time. I hope this solidifies our friendship for life.” She kissed Sami again and started to walk away. Sami started through the door where her mother said, “Invite Lesley in to talk.”

Sami called to Lesley, “Please come back; I haven’t told you how much I enjoyed everything.” Lesley stopped, not sure what she should do. “Please, with sugar on top.” They both started to laugh.

Once Lesley had complied, Amy Larsen came to the door, “Would you come in and tell me some of what you did tonight?”

Mom Larsen saw the rings and knew they were part of what she wanted to hear about. Amy was recalling some of her memories about being with her girlfriends. Happy that Sami was having her own experiences. But Amy was listening and celebrating that the two girls were still friends.

To be Continued…