Chapter Twelve
A knock sounded on Lara’s door at exactly 6:59 p.m. She glanced through the door and saw Ken standing there with a bouquet in his hand. Lara wore a new pair of jeans with a bright yellow cotton blouse. She wore her hair away from her face, exposing her long graceful neck. A necklace of silver links with matching earrings completed her look.
When the door opened Ken handed her the flowers. “Wow, you look amazing!”
Lara replied, blushing, “Thank you. I’ll just put these in some water. They’re beautiful! Make yourself at home.”
Lara headed into her kitchen while Ken sat down to wait.
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Lara’s home was an eclectic mix. Items that he could tell came from around the world were on her shelves amid pictures of her family and the farm where she grew up. Ken got up and walked over to the shelves, perusing the family photos. The ones that intrigued him the most were the ones of Lara as a child with her grandparents at various venues. Her father was in only a few of them, probably because he had been taking the pictures rather than being the subject of them.
Ken thought that they seemed like a very loving family. The love they had for each other shone through every picture, their smiles were honest and open. Except for the lack of siblings, Lara’s family reminded him of his own. Just then, Lara returned to the living room and Ken turned to greet her.
“Your family is lovely, Lara. I can see why you spoke so glowingly about them.”
“Thank you, Ken. Like I told you before, they’re the best people in the world and I love them with all my heart.” Lara took his hand and led him to the door. “So, where are we going to eat?”
Ken smiled. “You’ll see.” After locking the door behind them Lara grasped Ken’s hand again and they rode the elevator to the ground floor. Once out on the sidewalk, he directed her to a car parked at the curb.
“Normally on a nice night like this we could walk, but with this cast, I can’t walk too far. Luckily I broke my left leg!” he chuckled. He held the door of his Accord open for her and she climbed in. After taking his seat, he started the car and pulled smoothly into traffic.
Ken navigated through the light evening traffic and asked, “Do you like Italian?”
“Love it! Where did you have in mind?”
“Viaggio, over on Madison, I’ve heard it’s great.”
Ken drove skillfully and pulled in for valet parking. He handed his keys to the attendant, then offered his arm to escort Lara into the lobby.
Ken walked up to the podium and said to the hostess, “Reservation for two for McCarthy?”
The hostess smiled in welcome and escorted them to their table. “Right this way.”
They followed the hostess to a booth about halfway down. Lara and Ken slid into the booth and the hostess handed them their menus and left.
Moments later Julie, the waitress, took their drinks order and left a basket of breadsticks. When she returned with the drinks, she took their orders.
Lara folded the menu and lay it on the table. “I’ll have the salmon oreganato.”
Ken handed both menus to their waitress. “And I’ll have the lasagna.”
Lara took a bite of a breadstick and asked, “So what theater are we going to?”
“I was thinking of the AMC Theater at Navy Pier. They even have IMAX movies.”
“I’ve never been there, Navy Pier that is. Of course, being new here, I haven’t had a lot of time to see the sights.”
Ken gazed deeply into her eyes. “I’d love to show you around if you’ll let me.”
Lara replied softly, her eyes boring into his. “I think I’d like that.”
While they waited for their meals, they chatted as if they’d known each other forever. Their dinners arrived and they ate in companionable silence through most of it, their enjoyment came from being in each other’s company. After dinner, they ordered dessert. Lara had Spumoni Bomba and Ken had Tiramisu with coffee for both.
**********
On the drive to Navy Pier Lara exclaimed, “That was amazing! I loved that dessert, it was absolutely sinful!”
Ken glanced at her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Well, here we are!” Ken parked in the West Garage, close to the pier itself. They walked the pier to the movie theater where they perused the offerings.
“You know, it’s such a beautiful night. Would you mind if we just explored the pier?” Lara asked. “It won’t be too much walking for you, will it?”
“I’d love to.” Ken smiled. “If we go slow and sit down to rest once in a while, I should be just fine.”
Ken took Lara’s hand and the two set out to explore the pier. They walked slowly along the south side of the pier where they took in the sights of the city. They passed by the Tall Ship Windy, moored at the pier. They also saw several dinner cruise ships and made plans to come back another time to enjoy what they had to offer. They slowly made their way to the very end and sat on the benches. As they took in the view of Lake Michigan, the light breeze teased their hair.
While they rested Lara took pictures of the city and her companion with her phone. On the return trip on the north side, they passed the Atrium, finally coming to the Ferris Wheel and the Carousel.
Ken’s eyes were alight with joy. “Which one do you want to go on first?”
“Ferris Wheel,” Lara said confidently. “The ride moves slowly so it’ll give your leg a rest.” They got in line, and in moments they were inside a car and lifted into the air. Higher and higher the wheel raised them until the skyline of Chicago lay before them.
Lara gazed out over the city. “It’s beautiful up here.”
Ken whispered, “Yes, it is.” His mouth was so close to her ear it made her shiver. Lara turned to find their faces mere inches apart. She leaned in and offered her lips to his kiss. Ken wrapped his arms around her, his mouth descended on hers, both moaning deeply in their throats at first contact.
Ken’s tongue tickled her lips, requesting entry which she gladly gave. His tongue slid into her mouth, lightly touching her own, dancing back and forth as the passion rose between them.
Ken broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers, their chests heaving from the effort needed to breathe. Ken tightened his arms around Lara and placed butterfly kisses on her forehead, cheeks, and the tip of her nose. Lara laid her head on his chest and sighed.
Between breaths, Ken said, “That was…”
“I know…” Lara replied. She lifted her head off his chest and their eyes met. His eyes darkened until they were like obsidian points and his head lowered to claim her lips once more. Despite the break, their passions soon flared again. They kissed fiercely until once more Ken drew back.
Ken chuckled ruefully. “We need to be careful or we’re going to fog up the windows!”
“I don’t know what’s come over me!” Lara said. “I’ve never felt like this before.”
“Me neither. Lara, I’ve never felt like this about someone I’ve only known for a few days! Kissing you is like nothing I’ve ever experienced!”
Ken drew her into his arms again and Lara rested her head on his chest. By the time the ride was over, they had calmed down enough to be able to act almost normally. Hand in hand they headed to the carousel, where they saw the red, yellow, and blue canopy covering the horses as it rotated around and around.
They hopped on to adjacent horses and rode while holding hands. The music, the lights, and the sounds of the crowd enveloped them as they rode. Round and round they went, their faces split into wide grins, their hair blown by the breeze. At the end of the ride, they walked over to Fruitalia Italian Ice for a quick snack, then, because it was almost closing time, they headed back to the parking garage.
On the drive back to Lara’s place they held hands and reveled in the closeness and magic of their date. Ken pulled in to the curb and parked just outside the front door, then he escorted Lara through the lobby and up to her front door.
**********
When they arrived at her door Lara asked, “Would you like to come in for coffee? It’s still early.”
“I’d love to,” Ken replied with a smile. Lara unlocked the door and directed Ken to the couch.
While she made coffee Lara thought back over their date so far.
‘Wow, I can’t believe how I behaved tonight! I’m so attracted to him and, luckily, he seems to feel the same. It’s a good thing he had the presence of mind to slow things down on the Ferris Wheel because I sure couldn’t.’ Lara shook herself metaphorically when the coffee maker bubbled signaling that their drinks were ready. She poured the hot black liquid into two cups and set them on the tray. Then she added sugar, cream, and spoons and carried it into the living room.
“Here we go.” Lara set the tray on the glass and brass coffee table then she handed Ken a cup. She joined him on the couch and added cream and four sugars to her drink. After she took a sip she leaned back against the arm of the couch.
Ken took a sip of his drink and said, “Umm, this is good! Do you do something special with it?”
Lara smiled enigmatically and replied, “It’s my grandmother’s secret recipe.”
“I can respect that.” Ken took another sip of his coffee while they sat gazing at each other quietly, in silent communication.
“I had a lovely time tonight, Ken,” Lara said at last.
She set her cup down on the table and slid over closer to him. Ken set his cup down as well and moved over until they were almost touching. He opened his arms in invitation, so Lara moved in and lay her head on his chest. When Ken’s arms tightened around her, they both sighed contentedly with Lara’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist. They sat like that, holding each other, their breathing the only sound in the quiet room.
Ken stroked her cheek with his finger. “Lara,” he whispered. “I hope you don’t think I’m rushing things, but I’ve never met a woman like you. I’ve never felt like this about anyone! It’s so many things —exciting, overwhelming, soothing, comforting, supportive, so many things I can’t list them all. Lara Kent… I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Lara lifted her head from his chest. Her smile grew as their eyes met. “No, Ken, I don’t feel you’re rushing things. I feel the same way you do. I’ve never met a man who makes me feel the way I do when I’m in your arms. I feel so many things that I’m overwhelmed too, but in a good way, and I know I want to feel this way forever. I love you too, Ken McCarthy!” They fell into each other’s arms, their lips joined as they silently proclaimed their love.
As before, their passions soon rose to a heated pitch, so when Lara’s hands began tugging at the buttons on his shirt Ken pulled away gently and guided her head back to his chest. They both lay there breathing heavily, his arms tightly wrapped around her. When they had regained their composure, Ken laid light, loving kisses on top of her head.
“As much as I was enjoying kissing you, I think we were getting a little ahead of ourselves, especially for our first date.” Ken hugged her tighter and kissed her forehead. “I respect you too much to let us do something like that. In the heat of the moment, I know it would be amazing, but that might jeopardize what we have for a moment of pleasure.”
Lara burrowed into the curve of his arm. “Thank you,” Lara said softly. “Thank you for being so considerate and for having the presence of mind to stop. I… I’ve never been with a man, so I appreciate your restraint more than you’ll ever know.”
“I’m honored that you would share that with me,” Ken said with awe. “I’m even happier now that I put the brakes on things. When you give yourself it should be special, not the result of some heavy-duty kissing on your couch.”
Ken tightened his hold on her and kissed the top of her head several times. Reluctantly he released her and helped her to sit up and he glanced at the clock in the kitchen.
“It’s getting late, Lara. I should be going.”
They walked hand in hand to her door. She opened it and he stepped into the hall. Lara leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, then backed away, her eyes shone with mischief.
“Good night, Ken,” she whispered. “Call me tomorrow?”
He nodded, then walked away. Lara closed the door and ran to her bedroom and spun into her Suit. She was in the air before Ken had even reached the sidewalk. Higher and higher she flew until she reached that point where Earth ended and space began, all sounds from below now gone. Lara floated on her back, replaying the evening in her mind.
She could never have predicted how quickly their relationship had progressed. At the beginning of the night they’d planned to go out for dinner and a movie, but by the end, they’d been making out like teenagers on her couch. Then, unexpectedly Ken had declared his love for her! Lara smiled as she remembered the feel of his lips on hers, his arms around her, their bodies pressed so close she couldn’t tell where she ended and he began.
The globe sure was right, the soulmate’s connection was a wonderful thing! Lara thanked God that she had found her soulmate, but now came the hard part. How should she tell Ken about her heritage?
Lara had never given much thought to sharing her secret with anyone as there hadn’t been anyone she’d wanted to share herself with. Given that there was only one other super-powered person on Earth, Lara resolved to talk to her father, surely, he’d be able to give her some advice. Her decision made, she flew back down to her apartment, spun into her pajamas, and hopped into bed with thoughts of Ken running through her mind.
**********
Since her family were early risers, Lara was in the air by 5:00 a.m. and she landed behind the barn moments later. After spinning back into her regular clothes, she x-rayed the barn to find her father and grandfather doing the chores.
When she turned the corner Lara exclaimed. “Hi, Dad, Grandpa! It’s a wonderful day, isn’t it?”
“Lara, Honey! It’s good to see you, but isn’t it a little early?” Clark asked as he kissed his daughter on the cheek. Lara walked over to her grandfather and kissed him enthusiastically.
Jonathan grinned at Clark and said, “Somebody’s in a good mood.”
Positively bursting with excitement Lara exclaimed, “I sure am Grandpa. I’m in love!”
“I’m happy for you, Pumpkin,” Clark said then he shooed his daughter out of the barn. “We’re about done here. Why don’t you go see grandma and we’ll join you in a bit?”
Once Lara left, Clark’s voice choked up. “My little girl’s in love, Dad.”
“Yep, your mother and I felt the same way when you first came home talking about Lois. It’s part of life, part of her growing up.” Jonathan wrapped his arm around his son’s shoulders. “Let’s go inside, I’m getting hungry.”
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Lara walked into the familiar kitchen, the smell of corn muffins and coffee tantalized her. She took a deep breath and let the familiar scents wash over her.
“Good morning, Grandma!” She hugged the older woman and kissed her on the cheek.
“Oh, honey, it’s good to see you! What brings you out so early on a Saturday morning?”
Lara, her face alight enthused, “I’m in love, Grandma, and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone!”
“That’s so exciting, dear. I’m so happy for you! Here’s your dad and grandpa now. Why don’t we eat and you can tell us all about it?”
Martha placed the plate of hot muffins on the table with a big tub of butter and poured coffee for everyone. Lara just drank coffee, being too excited to eat.
“You remember Ken, the firefighter I rescued and interviewed for the paper?” Everyone nodded. “Well, he asked me out last night and we went for dinner then over to Navy Pier. The more time we spent together, the more I felt that he was different than any man I’d dated before. We were on the Ferris Wheel when we kissed for the first time and I knew. I knew that I loved him, that he was the soulmate the globe told us about. When he took me home, I invited him in for coffee and we kissed again and that’s when he told me that he loves me! I know this seems so fast, but as the globe said, the soulmate bond is a rare and wonderful thing, and now I know what it was talking about!”
Martha squeezed Lara’s hand. “We’re so happy for you, sweetie. So… when do we meet this wonderful man?”
“That’s kind of why I came over,” Lara said. She looked at her family for help. “I need some advice. How do I tell him about… Superwoman?”
“I think you need to talk to your dad about that,” Jonathan said sagely.
Lara nodded. “So Dad, can you give me any advice?”
Clark took the last sip of his coffee and stood up. “Walk with me?”
Clark held his hand out. Lara grasped it and the two of them headed out. Side by side they made their way to the pond where they sat down on a rock and gazed out over the water.
“Remember when you were just getting your powers, we came down here to practice your x-ray vision?”
“Of course. You were so loving and supportive. While you warned me that I might get some or all your powers, I was still afraid. You not only helped me to learn to control my powers but how to not be afraid.”
Clark nodded. “I’m probably not the best person to advise you about how to tell someone our secret. Remember I told you I messed up with Lois?” Lara nodded. “All I can say is if you’re sure this is the man you love and he truly loves you, then trust him to understand. A man who loves you will love you, all of you, powers or not. Just don’t wait too long. I waited over a year, and if she hadn’t been pregnant, I probably wouldn’t have told her even then. I regret that decision every day.”
Lara looked at her father and saw his love for her reflected there.
“Thanks, Dad. That’s just the kind of advice I knew you’d give. I love you!”
Lara wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely on the cheek. She stood up and spun into her suit.
“Please tell Grandma and Grandpa thanks for breakfast. I’ll talk to you later.”
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Continued in Chapter Thirteen
