Chapter 8: The Choice

Early the next morning Mama Goat awoke next to her husband in the bed of straw that Pa had become accustomed to calling his bed. She beamed with satisfaction from the mating that had been their first since the transformation. She slowly got up, careful not to wake Pa who was still fast asleep.

Mama Goat made her way through the damp and chilled air to the farmhouse. A faint light had begun to illuminate the horizon to the east as the sun was in the earliest stage of rising. She entered the still dark house and quietly made her way down the hallway so as not to wake Annabel and myself. Carefully opening the door to Annabel's bedroom to check on her, there was just enough light for her to see that her bed hadn't been slept in and this surprised her. She stood a thought for a moment. Mama Goat was positive Annabel hadn't already gotten up or she'd likely be making breakfast. She went to my bedroom door and opened it slowly. Mama Goat hesitated before poking her head in to have a look. She was just barely able to make out our two bodies embracing each other in a deep sleep. Mama Goat smiled, delighted for happiness her daughter had rediscovered. She had heard her daughter's screams of bliss and concluded that we had mated, but was surprised that Annabel hadn't at least made an effort to conceal the fact. Mama Goat closed the door and went to her room to begin her day.

A few hours later, there was a knocking on my bedroom door. It wasn't until the second set of knocking that Annabel began to stir. She lifted her head off my shoulder and looked around with confusion. A third knocking broke the silence once again. I was still out like a rock when Annabel answered still half asleep. "Um...yeah?"

"Did ya a-a-a-nd Aaron wa-a-a-nt some breakfast?" Mama Goat asked.

Annabel looked down at me, still sound asleep. She didn't really want to get up. Annabel was very much enjoying our laying together in each other's arms. "No thanks ma. We're goin ta sleep in."

"Ve-e-e-ry we-e-e-ll then. I'm he-e-e-din out to do chores."

"Alright ma." Annabel responded as she laid back down to cuddle with me. She quickly found it difficult to get comfortable as her udder was almost painfully taut full of milk. Annabel continued to move around and change positions trying to find some comfort for her udder between us. Although she was being careful not to wake me, her moving about eventually jostled me to wake. My eyes slowly opened as I took in a deep breath through my nostrils and then yawned. Annabel had finally become motionless, rediscovering a comfortable position for her full udder.

"I'm sorry." Annabel said softly. "My udder is very full this mornin and it hurts a little."

"It's OK my love." I responded equally as soft. I laid there and enjoyed the warmth of her naked body against mine while I took in her body's scent. "So, how did you sleep?"

"Mmmmm, twas great. I've never slept with anyone before. Was so nice to fall asleep in yur arms."

"Did I dream that someone knocked on the door?" I asked.

"No. Ma just wanted to know if we wanted breakfast. I told her that we were sleepin in."

"Well then, I guess we can stop wonderin whether or not she knows what went on in here last night." I said with an uneasy smile.

Annabel moved her right hand to my left cheek and turned my head to look towards her. "Aaron, don't worry about it." she said reassuringly with a smile and kissed me softly on the lips.

"So what do you want to do today?" I asked.

"Right now, I just want lay here with you, my mate. Is that OK?"

"Yeah, sounds good. I'm in no hurry to get out of this bed." I responded.

We continued to lay there, drifting in and out of sleep for about another hour. I was once again awoken by Annabel, but this time it wasn't from her jostling. As my awareness returned to me, I could tell she was lying in the same position she had been when I dozed off. Suddenly I realized that my cock was rock hard, straining against the slight resistance of Annabel's right thigh along its underside. Her right hand was gently rubbing over my stomach but would occasionally slide down into my pubis and further down, stroking over my inner thighs and teasingly brushing against my cock. I doubted very seriously that it was incidental contact. My doubt was confirmed only moments later when she slowly moved her right hand and leg to the bed at my left side and slowly rose onto her hands and knees overtop of me. Looking down at me, Annabel didn't say a word, but the mischievous smile adorning her face foreshadowed her immediate intensions. I simply smiled back and offered no resistance to her desires.

I looked down at her body. Her breasts hung down above me. Her udder pressed against my abdomen. Moving my hands to her breasts, I slowly and teasingly began erotically messaging them. Annabel moaned subtly and countered my move by lowering her pelvis enough so that the head of my cock pressed against the lips of her pussy. She slowly rocked back and forth rubbing the head of my stiff member along her moistened slit. We both moaned subtly as I stepped up my attention by pinching her nipples between my fingers as my warm hands worked her breasts. Unable to withstand the torture and rapidly increasing desire, Annabel reached back underneath her and carefully wrapped her hands around my cock. She slowly lowered herself while guiding my painfully erect member into the entrance of her vagina. She gasped as my head spread her soft, silky smooth lips. Annabel broke out into a full moan from the pleasure induced by my hardness rubbing against the warm and moist walls of her vagina.

As her ass came to rest on my quads, she sat motionless for a moment and savored the sensation of my full penetration. Her stillness was slowly replaced by a slow forward and then backward motion of her hips. The angle of my cock changed slightly with each motion, the walls of her vagina applying pressure to the topside of my cock, then to the underside. There was very little vertical motion along my member, but it was teasingly pleasurable. I could feel every small twitch of her vaginal muscles as they reacted to its welcomed opposite.

I looked up and admired Annabel's beautiful face as various expressions swept across her face in response to the actions carried out by her body. Her eyes were closed softly while her full lips were parted slightly, providing an easier passage for her more forceful pleasure induced breaths. Annabel's moans were soft and short, matching the subtle motions of her body. As her rocking motion slowly intensified, I felt the dampness and warmth of her tunnel gradually increase. Desiring more satisfaction, Annabel leaned forward and placed her hands back on the bed to each side of me. She began bucking her hips, slowly at first and then with earnest as her need for release quickly overwhelmed her. Her amply wet vagina easily slid up and down my full length.

Pleasure began to build within us both as her bucking continued. Suddenly, I was distracted by a new and unusual sensation on my stomach. I became aware of a warm liquid accumulating on my stomach. Looking down my body in the midst of Annabel's humping, past her low hanging head with eyes still closed, and past her swaying breasts that I suddenly yearned to suckle, I saw drips and occasional small squirts of milk escaping the teats of her udder as it was compressed between our bodies with each of Annabel's downward thrusts. The feeling was actually erotic as the warm liquid landed on my skin and cooled rapidly by the surrounding air. But as quickly as my attention was diverted from the beautiful woman riding me, a rapidly building pressure at the base of my cock ripped my mind from the stimulating liquid pooling on my stomach to the rapidly building throes sexual delight.

Annabel, on the other hand, was too overwhelmed in ecstasy to care about her leaking udder. The heat of our bodies began to build and our skin moistened as sweat began to form along its surface. As pleasure began to course through my body, I leaned forward and buried my face into her breasts. Extending my tongue, I ran it over their soft surface and nipples. Annabel cooed from the sudden attention and threw her head back as a loud moan escaped her lips. She pushed her chest outward to provide me easier access to her sensitive orbs. Annabel's breaths became heavy and her moans became louder and increased in frequency as I teased her nipples between my teeth in turn. And as her thrusts hardened, I began thrusting upward to meet her downward and we were both rewarded as intense waves of pleasure radiated from our coupling.

I began to moan as my climax began to build. Annabel was once again brought to near screams mixed with animalistic bleats of ecstasy as her orgasm approached. I laid back down and slid my hands to her ass and squeezed as I pulled her into me during her downward thrusts, reaching deeper into her. Annabel bleated loudly as her pussy tightened and her hot juices washed over my cock as her sex tipped into orgasm. We pounded wildly into each other as she trembled from the orgasm that wracked her body. Her pussy squeezed me tight as a fire built at the tip of member and I moaned more loudly than ever as it ignited an explosion that began shooting my seed into her waiting womb.

Our thrusting pace eased as our orgasm slowly began to subside. Annabel's vagina still quivered around my member as the last of my seed trickled into her fluid filled tunnel. Her shaking arms quickly succumbed to the demanding task of holding her body aloft and she collapsed onto me. I moved my hands up her back and she did the same. We squeezed each other in a tight embrace as our heavy breaths began to slow.

"Oh wow! [pants] Meredith said morning sex was great and boy was she ever right! Was it good for ya too?"

"Oh yeah, that was awesome!" I responded.

"Ooo, I've got to get off my udder. I can't lay like this my mate. Sorry." She said as she rolled off of me and laid next to me. My softened member slid easily from inside her. Strands of our mixed fluids stretched between our sex and fell cold to my skin as the distance between us reached the breaking point. As Annabel got comfortable, that when she noticed her milk covering the front of my torso. "Oh Aaron, I'm so sorry." She said with a not so subtle chuckle. "I didn't realize I was leakin so much."

"It's OK Annabel. It's not a big deal."

She grabbed the sheet and dabbed my stomach until it was dry. I laid and watched her as she did. "I love you Annabel." I said softly.

Annabel looked at me with a big smile. "I love ya too my mate." She leaned down and kissed me on the lips and then pulled back flashed me another big smile.

"So, what did you wanna do today?" I asked.

Annabel laid on her back next to me. "Well, you can help me do some chores around here and then we can have a picnic for lunch."

"That sounds nice. There's this place on a nearby hillside that I think would be nice for our picnic." I smiled.

Annabel knew exactly what I was talking about. "Yeah, think I know that place."

"And what about the rest of the day?"

"Well, we can do whatever this afternoon, but tonight I've gotta surprise for ya."

"Oh really. And what might that entail?"

"Oh no, I'm not telling. You'll just hav'ta wait and see."

She definitely had my curiosity. Annabel had been anything but secretive when it came to sex, so I immediately struck that from the list of possibilities. "Well, what ever it is, I'm looking forward to it."

"Good. Well I'm gonna get cleaned up and then we'll have some breakfast before we get started. I'll just be a little bit." She sat up and kissed me on the lips before getting up and began gathering her clothes from where they had been carelessly tossed. Annabel casually dressed as though no one else was in the room. Her self-confidence regarding her sexuality was surprising for a sheltered country girl. I had definitely been shy about being nude around women for years. It was just one of a long list of personal qualities of hers that I loved. When Annabel finished dressing, she winked at me and then blew me a kiss. "Meet'chya in the kitchen bout fifteen minutes?"

"I'll be there baby."

She left the room for hers and I just laid there for a moment and thought to myself about Annabel and me. I was still amazed at how fast we reconnected. No way anyone other than those close to us could fathom that our relationship had a severe falling out that completely parted us for five months. It was as though we had just paused our relationship and then hit play five months later. I laughed to myself when I wondered if there was even one minute detail that could be considered normal in comparison to any other couple on this world.

I eventually coaxed myself out of bed but it was slow going at first. Checking my watch laying on the nightstand, it was 8:39am, earlier than I thought it was. I parted the curtains and the ample sunshine beamed into the room. It was another nice day outside. I began pulling out fresh clothes, something I didn't mind getting dirty since chores on a farm probably involved getting dirty. I heard Annabel make her way into the bathroom and close the door, but by the time I got everything out that I needed and got dressed, she had finished and made her way down the hall. I had next in the bathroom where I completed the usual morning routine for that particular room. After brushing my teeth, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and debated whether to shave. It was funny to me that even with a career that had a daily shaving requirement, Annabel had never seen me with a clean shaven face. Yesterday would have been the first time if it wasn't for my now accelerated growth that I acquired during my last stay in this community. I decided not to and finished up.

I made my way to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway upon finding Annabel standing in front of the counter facing away from me and looking down. I didn't say anything, but I looked on with a puzzled expression when I realized whatever she was doing was below and in front of the counter. I was about to say something when I noticed her left arm moving up and down in front of her while the sound of liquid squirting into a container matched the rhythm of her arm. I knew she milked herself, I guess I just imagined it to be a more private ordeal. I cleared my throat to announce my presence.

Annabel looked at me over her left shoulder. "Hey there. I didn't hear ya over there. I'm almost finished." She said without reservation as she kept at it. Curious, I slowly moved up to her left side and peered around her. Annabel looked over at me and smiled. "What? Never seen a girl milk herself before?" she asked in a cute facetious tone.

"Well actually yeah, my last girlfriend." I retorted playfully.

"Oh really. Well I doubt she loved ya as much as I do."

I smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "No, you're right about that baby."

I watched intently as my girlfriend milked herself into the pitcher. I never cared much for big city living, always more of a small town kinda guy but I've never been on a farm, so milking of anything was alien to me. Annabel saw me watching with earnest. "Do ya wanna try?"

The offer seemed so weird to me, but I'd be lying if I told her I didn't want to. "Uh yeah. Sure."

"Here, come stand behind me." I moved up behind her and wrapped my arms around her, positioning my hands in front of her udder. She took my left hand into hers and went through the motions with me. "Just pinch my teat near the top between yur thumb and fingers. Now pull down and then loosen yur fingers so they'll fill with more milk. Then do it again." I did as instructed and on my first try I barely expelled a trickle. "No sweetie, ya gotta pinch and pull harder."

"I don't wanna hurt you." I replied nervously.

Annabel smiled. "No, it's OK. Ya won't hurt me. They're tough." I did as instructed and lo and behold a stream of milk shot into the pitcher. "Ooo, that's a nice one. Now take the other one and do them both, but go back and forth." I complied and milk squirted forth in alternating streams from her teats. I kept at it and neither of us spoke a word for a few moments. It was a new intimate first that would never be new again. "Oh that feels so good." Annabel said softly as she leaned her head back onto my right shoulder.

"So what does it feel like when you milk yourself?"

"Well, it's kinda like peeing when ya gotta go really bad. It feels much more better when ya get the milk out. It only feels uncomfortable when it gets really full like now. Sometimes it's annoyin with the milk sloshin round in there when I'm movin round."

"Do you get turned on from your teats?"

Annabel looked at me with a confused expression. "What do ya mean?"

"You know, excited, sexually."

"Oh that. Uh yeah. They're not a sensitive as my nipples, but yeah."

I thought it was so cool that Annabel was so forthcoming with her body's intimate secrets. I looked over her left shoulder at the pitcher in front of her. "So is this pitcher of milk for drinking?"

"Well what else would we do with it?"

"Ah, what else indeed. So, do you guys drink each other's milk?"

"Well, yeah. It's still just goats milk even if it does come from us. Ya didn't seem'ta mind it that time ya had some." She replied with a smile.

"I guess I didn't think about it like that." I continued working her teats for another few minutes while Annabel enjoyed the moment. She had never been milked by someone else before but she found it very relaxing. Annabel nestled her head against mine while resting it on my right shoulder. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of her udder gradually emptying. The pitcher was almost filled to capacity by the time her udder finally emptied.

"I think we're done baby." I said as I released her teats.

Annabel looked down and gave her left teat a tug, which only expelled a few drops. "Yep, we're done alright. Wow, this is a lot of milk for me. I usually only fill this a little more than half full." Annabel set the pitcher down on the counter and then tucked her udder away under her skirt. She put a lid on the pitcher and then put it in the fridge ready for drinking. Annabel then went over to the sink and washed her hands. It was quite an interesting experience.

With that done, we proceeded on to breakfast. We both pitched in and put together a meal we could both enjoy. Annabel made sure I wasn't going to consume anything that would reignite my body's changing into a goat while I basically prepared what she wanted. So it was that I had scrambled eggs, toast, and some snacks that I had brought while Annabel enjoyed her favorite oatmeal with some apples. Once prepared, we took our breakfast to the dining room and conducted small talk while enjoying each others company. When we finished we cleared the table and then washed the dishes together.

Annabel led me out to the barn where we began with feeding the chickens and goats. Mama Goat and Pa were no where to be seen, but the farm was of decent size and they could have been anywhere. Next we put down fresh hay for the goats to lay on. I found the kids I had played with months ago had grown quite a bit during my absence. We collected eggs from the chickens and straightened up the barn a bit afterwards. There wasn't much to do as Mama Goat and Pa apparently had taken care of the rest of the day's needs so their daughter could sleep in and enjoy her company.

I carried the basket of eggs as we slowly strolled back to the farmhouse. We held hands as we walked close together while taking in the beautiful day. The weather was nice with temperatures in the 60s and a cool refreshing breeze flowed through the farm carrying the noise of those farms upwind of us. The day had been perfect and I still had the surprise to look forward to.

Returning to the house, we made our way to the kitchen where I watched as Annabel sorted the eggs and put them in the fridge. Mama Goat had not yet returned and I was glad not to have seen her given the likelihood that she knew that we had sex last night. Although Annabel and I hadn't really developed an appetite yet, we prepared our picnic lunch and grabbed a blanket. We figured we could just sit and chat or maybe even go on a hike until struck by hunger. It didn't really matter what we did as long as we were together.

We made our way to our special spot on the hillside and aside from the dormant grasses, it looked just as I remembered it. We spread the blanket and sat down close to each other. The time was passed with conversations concerning past and present. We were like any other couple that was deeply in love and it showed through the sessions of hand holding, hugs, and lengthy kisses. Our appetites gradually grew and we eventually opened the picnic basket and enjoyed the simple lunch we had prepared together. It didn't take long for us to put the food away and when we finished we decided to go on a hike. We had grown tired of sitting and looked forward to getting off our sore rumps.

We hiked for a good couple hours, Annabel showing me some more of her favorite trails. By the time we got back to our picnic site, it was late afternoon. Annabel suggested that we head back to the house because we needed to get ready for the night ahead. I asked questions in an attempt to piece together what this surprise might entail, but Annabel was none the wiser. I had to settle for patience since she seemed determined not to drop even the slightest of hints. We collected our picnic supplies a returned to the house.

Mama Goat had returned home at some point during our absence but she wasn't the slightest bit concerned by our disappearance. She greeted us happily and asked if we had a good time together. The way Annabel and I looked at each during our response was all that Mama Goat needed to see to know we had. After this brief conversation, Annabel said she was going to take a shower and get dressed for the night's event. She asked me to shower as well after her and to put on something that looked nice. Annabel kept the details to a minimum, providing just enough direction to get me to do what was needed of me without spilling the beans.

While Annabel showered, I went through my clothes and picked out the nicest articles I had brought with me. I didn't have my best clothes, but I had more than just hiking gear with me this time. I tossed a pair of jeans and a shirt on the bed and waited patiently for my turn in the bathroom. I pulled out my laptop and used it to help pass the time. After about twenty minutes, I heard the bathroom door open followed by the sound of Annabel's hooves clomping on the hallway's wooden floors. She stopped at the doorway to my room and let me know the bathroom was all mine and that she had put out a fresh set of towels for me. I couldn't help but look at her and imagine her naked body underneath the towel wrapping her body. Annabel excused herself and continued on to her room, closing the door behind her.

I gathered my change of clothes and made my way to the bathroom. I was cleaned up and fully dressed in about twenty minutes. When I emerged from the bathroom, Annabel's bedroom door was still closed but I could hear her singing on the other side. I paused for a moment and listened to her lovely voice. I loved listening to her sing. After a few minutes of adoring the talented voice of my girlfriend, I got my socks, shoes, and a light jacket ready to go.

I wasn't sure how long it was going to be before we left for destination unknown, so once again my laptop kept me occupied. Before I returned to the community, I subscribed to satellite internet service and it was really paying off now. I downloaded the latest episode of "House" and chilled on the bed while I waited. I made it about half way through the episode before I felt a tap on my right shoulder. Since I was lying facing the wall opposite the bedroom door, I didn't realize Annabel had entered the room. Little did I know she had actually stood there at my side for about a minute, fascinated by the video displayed on my laptop.

I jumped upon feeling her unexpected touch. "Holy crap!" I shouted with a gasp as I twisted my head to the right to determine the source. Annabel stood there with a startled look of her own in response to my abrupt reaction. As soon as my eyes locked on her, my mouth dropped open as her transformation drew me into a leer. Annabel was positively stunning. Her hair was put up in the back with curls extending outwards while the hair on her sides were curled in cute long locks that hung down from each side of her head. A touch of makeup adorned her face, the perfect amount applied which served to only further enhanced her natural beauty rather than cover it up. A bejeweled necklace fitted with emeralds and diamonds hung around and extended down into the fur above her cleavage which was prominently displayed by the low cut dress that looked as though may have been altered for that specific purpose. The white and emerald green dress hugged her body enough to accentuate her attractive form but was loose enough that it was still comfortable. The colors complimented her green eyes that I loved so much to share a gaze with.

I removed my ear buds and struggled to work my mouth. "Oh...uhhh...wow! Annabel, you...uhhh... look...[strong exhale]...gorgeous." It wasn't my smoothest delivery by far but it was the best I could muster in my state of shock.

Annabel became embarrassed and smiled bashfully as she fidgeted with her hands. "Awww thanks Aaron. No one's every said that to me. Ya like the dress?"

"It looks absolutely amazing on you Annabel."

"Thank you. It's my favorite color, green." She replied with a proud smile.

"Well you're all dressed up and here I am wearing jeans and a shirt. We'll hardly fit together."

"Don't worry bout it. Ya couldn't have known to bring some of yur fancy clothes."

"I guess. So are we going to a ball or something?"

Annabel smiled with knowledge of things to come but it was killing her not to tell me. She wanted so bad to let me in on her secret. "You'll see. Are ya ready to go?"

"I just need to put my socks and shoes on."

Annabel sat on the bed as I finished dressing. She looked back down at my laptop curiously. "What's that yur doin on yur laptop thing?"

"Oh that? I'm just watchin a favorite TV show of mine." I thought about whether or not to ask if she knew what a TV was. I didn't want to make her feel stupid. But before I could decide, Annabel chimed in.

"Oh yeah, TV. A few families in our community have those. I haven't ever looked at one before, at least not with the pictures on it. That's really neat!"

"Well, we can watch just about anything we want later when we get back from wherever."

"Yeah, it'd be nice to cuddle while we looked at it."

I smiled at the awkward wording in speaking about the unfamiliar technology. I couldn't help looking over at her and gawk at her beauty. When I finished, I grabbed my jacket and Annabel stopped me at the sight of it.

"What's that on yur jacket?" she asked while pointing to the patches covering the outer material.

"Oh, this is one of my cruise jackets I got on my last deployment." I went on to explain the meaning, history, and significance of the jacket and its patches. She thought it was so cool.

Putting aside her fascination for my jacket she switched gears to my impending surprise. Annabel excitedly bounded from the bed, took my hand into hers, and led me down the hallway at a quick pace. She couldn't contain her excitement and it was quite obvious. I was dragged into the living room where Annabel presented herself to Mama Goat who was quietly sitting on a couch knitting. Judging by her outfit, Mama Goat was apparently coming along as well. She hadn't put in the same extravagant effort her daughter had in getting dressed up. But she looked nice in the dress she had chosen for our night out.

Mama Goat rose and grabbed a sweater as Annabel grabbed a cloth bag before we headed out the door. We made our way to the family pickup where a short figure standing next to the vehicle was barely made visible by the limited ambient light emanating from the farmhouse and the full moon inching higher in the sky. It wasn't until we were practically standing directly in front of him that I realized it was Pa. At this point I guessed where ever we were going it was a big deal. This was the first time I had seen the entire family together. Hell, this was only the second time I had ever even seen Pa and our first encounter wasn't on the best of circumstances, so I understandably grew understandably nervous.

"Ee-ee-ee-venin sonny. Nice to see-ee-ee ya." Pa greeted me. I don't know if he saw my uneasiness and sought to break the ice, but it definitely helped. Still I was never good at first time introductions and the skill of conversing to break the ice had always been foreign to me. I hardly counted our first encounter as our formal introduction as my first complete thought was a threat of bodily harm.

I decided to keep it simple. "Good evening sir." I responded.

"Aw plee-ee-ee-se ca-a-a-ll me Pa. E-e-e-veryone e-e-e-lse does. Gla-a-a-d ya ca-a-a-me ba-a-a-ck."

"We-e-e-ll looks like we're all rea-ea-ea-dy to go. Aaron, would ya he-e-e-elp Pa into the ba-a-a-ck?"

I looked over at Annabel with a sudden uneasiness. "Um sure." I responded. It was unclear to me exactly what I was supposed to do, so I moved to the tailgate figuring the solution would present itself. Pa followed closely behind me. "So what do you need me to do?" I asked.

"Ca-a-a-n ya lift mee-ee-ee into thu ba-a-a-ck?"

"Of course. This couldn't get more awkward." I thought to myself. "Sure." I responded obligingly. I approached this as though I were lifting a large dog. I bent down and carefully picked Pa up and moved him into the bed of the truck. His hooves clomped loudly as he found purchase on the smooth metal surface.

"Tha-a-a-nks sonny."

"Your welcome."

I was glad to be done with it but as the girls climbed into the truck it dawned on me that I would likely be repeating the same task for our return trip to the farmhouse. I climbed in the cab, sitting next Annabel while Mama Goat took the driver's spot. I was quite curious as to our destination. We were obviously not headed to Applebee's and since Annabel had done so well to keep me in the dark, I had not even a clue of what to expect.

During our trip the thing that stood out immediately was the differing driving styles of mother and daughter. Mama Goat drove carefully with smooth turns and subtle braking. Where as Annabel was less conservative and more adventurous behind the wheel. I would be more liking of her more reckless style if it weren't for the lack of seatbelts.

After about fifteen minutes of traveling on bumpy dirt roads, we pulled up to another farmhouse in the community. Vehicles were parked all along what could be considered the driveway and all around the house. It looked like one hell of a gathering.

Mama Goat parked the truck and we all got out, Pa leapt out of the back without assistance. The sound of music, laughter, and conversations carried from behind the farmhouse. Others that had also recently arrived were making their way towards the commotion. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I couldn't help but stare at them with overwhelming curiosity as everyone was part goat in varying degrees. I guess seeing what Annabel had described had more of an impact than I could have expected.

Annabel broke my trance when she took my hand in hers and pulled me to follow Mama Goat and Pa as they led the way to a barn behind the farmhouse. Rows upon rows of tables were set up across the enormous backyard. Lots of people were gathered at them, either sitting and enjoying a meal or standing nearby and conversing. Off to one side, a large barbeque was actively supplying food to one row of tables that looked to be the buffet. Torches and a few bonfires provided the light and heat. The air was filled with the smell of barbeque chicken, fresh burning wood, and smoked tobacco. Looking beyond the crowded tables, the barn looked to be full of people dancing around to the music that was being performed by a live band.

"So what's this all about?" I asked Annabel.

"It's a celebration for the planting season that's coming. But it's more just get the community together."

As we began passing through those standing on the perimeter of the crowd, Mama Goat, Pa, and Annabel received and extended greetings with their neighbors. Each time I was introduced I was met by a variety of responses. Most were very friendly and a few were unsure of what to make of me, but there were more that showed discontent than I would have liked. It was apparent that though I had been accepted by Annabel and her family that I was still an outsider in this community.

Moving into the crowd, many eyes were focusing on me and admittedly, I felt a little uneasy about it. I'm sure most were just curious like me about them, or at least I hoped that was the case.

"Uh you guys sure this is a good idea?" I asked openly to our little group. "I think some aren't too cool about me bein here."

"It's al-al-al-right Aaron. Ya might ge-e-e-t uh few looks, but yur safe." Mama Goat said reassuringly.

Annabel gave my hand a squeeze. "Everythin will be fine my mate. Trust me." Annabel comforted me with a smile.

As the meet and greets continued, Annabel would quietly explain how her and her family knew and interacted with them on a regular basis. I received quite a few compliments on my jacket and even Annabel got a thrill vicariously through it belonging to her boyfriend. It was kind of funny. I eventually settled in and enjoyed myself, putting aside thoughts of the stares and perceptions of others.

Once we found a place to sit at one of the tables, Annabel and I separated from Mama Goat and Pa to grab some dinner. Fortunately for me there was plenty of chicken but there was nothing else I could have, not even anything to drink less I suffer the consequences. Little did I know that Annabel had already taken care of that. Out of the cloth bag she had grabbed from the house, she pulled out a bottle of water and some snacks to show that she had me covered. We exchanged smiles that only the two of us there knew the meaning of without exchanging a word.

I stayed with Annabel after collecting several pieces of chicken as she continued to fill her plate with some of the "locals only" food. We chatted with those keeping the tables well stocked with food and supplies and when we got back to our table it was much of the same with those seated around us. Most everybody was so friendly. I found people going out of there way to introduce themselves and welcome me to their community. They looked me over with as much curiosity as I did them and over time I noticed a pattern began to emerge with the amount of goat characteristics each person possessed. It seemed to be directly proportional to their age. The older folks were, the greater the characteristics of a goat they tended to exhibit, indicating that the community may indeed be building an immunity to this virus with each generation as Annabel had said. Of those that attended, only a few were as severely afflicted as Pa.

It was so refreshing to see a community that was so tight, something lost to the rest of the world. Everyone seemed to know everyone and I was admittedly envious. There was a sense of trust and belonging that even I felt as an outsider. I quickly learned that the community members had a common goal, ensuring the well being of each other. Everyone relied on each other for most services and complete sustenance. This community was self sustaining where task assistance was met simply by the asking. I never heard one conversation turn to money or compensation for services rendered or requested.

I learned that the community did actually have a reliable source of income through the sale of local gas, oil, and metals extracted by outside corporations. It seems that the area to the west had significant deposits of all three and the land rights belonged to the community. The income was quite substantial and paid for outside services such as utilities, gasoline, and supplies. Everyone got their cut, but personal expenses were rather low. People here desired a simple life and that it was.

After I had my fill of chicken, Annabel invited me to dance. Mama Goat and Pa elected to stay behind and enjoy the conversations. As we made our way to the barn, we ran into Meredith who had her boyfriend in tow as well. She was shocked to see me since Annabel hadn't had a chance to inform her of my return. We told her the short version of what happened and she couldn't have been happier for us. We invited them to join us in the barn for dancing and they happily accepted.

The barn was very spacious. A wooden floor had been laid for the occasion and a stage provided for the band. The dance floor wasn't too crowded as most everyone was still enjoying the well prepared food. The barn was heated, so Annabel and I removed our jacket and sweater and placed them off to the side. The band was playing a type of fast paced country song that had a good beat. I loved to dance and had taken swing dance lessons for a few years. I wasn't sure how much that would pay off in this environment but I'm sure I could make it work as long a line dance didn't break out. Then I'd be screwed as I was not in the least bit fond of country music. As it turns out, Annabel too loved to dance as well, as much as she loved to sing in fact.

We stood by the dance floor, moving slightly to the beat. Annabel looked at me and smiled with anticipation. "Ya wanna dance?"

"I'd love to. Do you know how?"

Annabel gave me a look as though I should have known better. "Are ya kiddin. I love ta dance."

"Ya know how right?" she reciprocated.

"Hell yeah. I can cut a rug quite nice in fact."

That "talked above her head" expression came across Annabel's face once again. "Cut a rug?"

"Just another expression for "hell yeah I can dance"."

"Well, I guess you'll just haveta show me." she challenged.

Annabel excitedly pulled me onto the dance floor and then spun around to face me. With her left hand in my right, I raised it up and placing my left hand at the small of her back, I pulled her against me. She placed her free hand at the small of my back as I took a moment to study the beat pattern.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

Annabel smiled widely with anticipation. "Oh yeah."

With that, off we stepped. We made our way around the dance floor, rocking back and forth and spinning Annabel every once in a while. After a few minutes the song ended and everyone stopped and applauded the band's talent. The next song was similarly paced and we happily made our way around the dance floor several times. We were both having so much fun. Annabel was quite the dance partner, following my lead quite well though I had kept it rather simple to that point. The end of the second song marked the transition to some slow paced romance. I wrapped my arms around her and she wrapped hers around my neck as we slowly moved to the music. Annabel and I gazed longingly into each others eyes. It wasn't until I leaned forward and Annabel met me half way to unite in a deep passionate kiss that our eye contact was broken. In that moment, anyone in the barn not familiar with our courtship quickly realized there was something going on between Annabel and this outsider in their community.

After another slow romance song, the band took a break. Annabel and I headed off to the side of the floor with Meredith and her boyfriend to chill. We all took part in idle chit chat while we waited for the band to return. I was eager to pick up the pace on the dance floor and show Annabel some of my moves. Yeah, I admit it; I wanted to show off to her. I talked it over with Annabel and she was excited to give it a try. She grew a little hesitant as I began to explain the fast past moves, but I reassured her that I would be doing most of the work and that she would be able to stand there for a good part of it as I danced around her. I quickly gave her a crash course in swing, and showed her some of the basic moves and steps. Annabel was eager to give it a try. I told her we would need some fast paced music with good beats and she assured me that she could take care of that.

When the band took the stage again, Annabel rushed onto the dance floor and over to them. She spoke with the lead singer for a moment before motioning me over. I made my way over to them and Annabel introduced me. He asked me a few more details about what I was looking for, which was difficult without anything to reference by example. It was unlikely that they would know anything from my world just as I wouldn't know anything from there's. I did the best I could and he thought they could hook us up with something that would work.

We made our way to the center of the still empty dance floor. As I guided Annabel to our starting position, all eyes in the barn became fixated on us as everyone realized what was taking place. I suddenly grew a bit nervous finding us to be the only ones out on the floor in addition to the barn's captive audience. I was out to impress Annabel, not capture the attention of half the town. Meredith didn't make it any better by cheering us on in support.

I looked into Annabel's eyes and smiled. "Are you ready?"

She returned the smile. "Yeah, I guess."

"Don't worry. Just follow my lead and have fun. There's no doing right or wrong."

The music started and we held our place for a moment until I got a feel for the pace and beat. At the right moment, I led us off across the floor. We moved quickly as I sent Annabel out and pulled her back straight in to a spin. I moved around her as I talked her through the next move. Returning to her front, I lifted her up by the waist and brought her back down into a slide between my legs. I immediately pulled her back up into a standing position. Whoops, hollers, and clapping broke out from the crowd around us. We continued on across the floor, me throwing Annabel away and pulling her back to me or next to me. Annabel laughed in the enjoyment of it all. The band played on for another several minutes and we covered nearly every square inch of that dance floor.

As we passed the stage near the end of the song, the lead singer shouted "Big finish!" to let us know the end of the song was near. I talked Annabel through the finishing moves as I moved us into position. She knew what she had to do and on cue I slid her between my legs and with my hands holding her firmly by her waist and pulled her back up. I used her momentum to carry her through into a toss a few feet into the air with a slight twist to position her for the catch. I quickly maneuvered slightly to my left for a cradling catch. Coming back down her right hand suddenly popped me in the nose as she landed in my arms. I focused past the sharp pain and transitioned the catch into a dip. The final move came a few seconds before the end of the song but I think the timing was forgivable given that I had never even heard the song before. The amazed bystanders erupted into a cheers and applause.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Annabel and Aaron!" the lead singer announced loudly.

I stood there holding Annabel in my arms, her looking lovingly into my eyes with a wide smile. I returned her gaze and smile as I panted from the demanding display and my eyes watered from the throbbing pain radiating from my nose. She brought her left hand up to the side of my sweat drenched face and guided me down into a kiss. The crowd responded with emphatic hoots and hollers.

When the kiss ended, I put Annabel back down on her hooves and the moment we were both upright, Annabel wrapped her arms around me and we hugged tightly. "That was great!" she shouted so as to be heard over the noisy crowd.

"Glad you liked it!" I shouted back.

When Annabel pulled back she noticed a little blood on my upper lip that had trickled from my nose. "Aaron, yur bleeding!"

I leaned in close to her ear and spoke loudly. "It's OK. You caught me on the nose during the toss."

"I'm so sorry!" she hollered back.

"It's alright. It's my fault. I got overconfident and did too much with the dance."

Sorely needing a break, I took Annabel's hand and led her off the floor where we were surprised to see Mama Goat and Pa watching us. It turns out that Meredith went and got them during the midst of our dance. They and Meredith greeted us with amazement and compliments. Several members of the crowd even came over to do the same.

Noticing my bleeding nose, Mama Goat handed me a handkerchief from her handbag to help take care of it. I excused myself from those that had gathered around to find some ice to add to the handkerchief. Annabel accompanied me to one of the tables that had an assortment of beverages and a large container of ice. She grabbed a cup and gathered some of it for me.

We made our way to a large oak tree nearby on the outskirts of the gathering and took a seat in the soft grass. I put some ice in the handkerchief and applied it to my nose carefully. Thankfully it wasn't broken but it was surely going to be sore for a while. Sadly, kissing would have to be done with caution for a little while.

Annabel held my hand as I treated my nose. We talked as we watched the folk in front of us interact with one another. I had become a bit envious of the simple lifestyle the community enjoyed and more so of the tight bond that brought them together to share a common goal as though the community were one large family. After about twenty minutes I was ready to rejoin the party.

We headed back to the barn to enjoy some more dancing but something a little less flashy this go around. Upon entering, we found the dance floor bouncing in the midst of a square dance. I immediately flashed back to the dreaded elementary and junior high school square dances that were required in PE. I chuckled subtly at the thought. Annabel quickly got excited at the sight. She loved her some square dancing.

Annabel looked back at me with a huge smile. "Come on, let's dance!" she shouted as she practically dragged me onto the dance floor.

We joined in and Annabel was immediately at home on the floor. I on the other hand was lost but just kind of went with the flow and enjoyed myself. As long as Annabel had fun I didn't care if I looked like a fool. I moved around mimicking Annabel and those around me. Everyone got a kick out of my miscues and screw ups but it was all in good fun and probably more so because the guy who only moments ago tore up the dance floor now moved around like he had two left feet.

Annabel and I remained in the barn and danced the night away until the band had finally tired and called the show. It was nearly one in the morning and we were both exhausted. We headed back out to our table and found Mama Goat and Pa chatting and casually sipping drinks with the others seated around them.

"So ya ha-a-a-d enough ye-e-e-t?" Mama Goat asked.

Annabel and I looked at each other with tiredness in our eyes. "Yeah, we're pooped." I responded.

Annabel giggled. "Pooped?"

I smiled. "Yeah, it means we're tired."

"Strange way ta say it if ya ask me." she responded.

We gathered up our belongings and excused ourselves from the others that remained behind. Reaching the truck, I went straight to the tailgate to help Pa into the back. He appreciated the gesture and gave me a heartfelt thanks as I lifted him up. The rest of us piled into the truck as we had before and Mama Goat got us rolling back towards the farmhouse they called home.

Annabel rested her head on my shoulder and slowly drifted off to sleep while the truck bounced around as Mama Goat navigated the series of dirt roads that divided the community. I stared out the window, deep in thought. I thought long and hard about my life. Was I where I wanted to be at this point? Am I happy with the life I'm leading? Over the last few years, my job had gradually become something that no longer captured my interest. The military seemed to becoming more corporate where politics, red tape, and back stabbing had become the norm. I had grown tired of the new generation entering service, many of which lacked proper parenting. The expectation was for their leaders to pick up where their parents left off. Job security gave them an air of arrogance with a lack of respect rendered to their supervisors. Compound that with most everyone seemingly looking to point out every flaw at every opportunity and I think most everyone would stop liking their job.

As I stared out the window at the countryside illuminated by the full moon above, I thought about how none of that was evident here. It was so peaceful here. A perfect setting for raising a family I thought. I had always wanted to settle in a small town after the military, not this small though. This community is more detached from the modern world then I would like, but its allure was hard to resist.

"Wa-a-a-chya thinking bout over the-e-e-re?" Mama Goat asked quietly, breaking the silence aside from the creaking of the old truck.

I looked over at her. She had a smile that seemed to indicate that she knew full well what I was thinking about. "Life. Mine to be precise."

"Sounds pretty se-e-e-rious." she responded.

I leaned forward a little to make sure Annabel was still asleep. "Yeah. I appear to be at a crossroad in my life. I'm gonna have to make a decision here soon and I'm weighing my options."

"We-e-e-ll, just be sure ya ma-a-a-ke the one tha-a-a-t's right for ya. Ya ha-a-a-vta live yur life for ya and no one e-e-e-lse."

"Yeah, that's the tough part. It's not just me that I'm thinking about." Mama Goat just smiled knowing full well what I was alluding to. I leaned my head onto Annabel's and drifted back into deep thought.

After tonight, I knew without a doubt in my mind that a life without Annabel at my side would be incomplete. I had never met a woman that I felt was the soul mate that completed me in most every way. Annabel was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with but could I permanently give up my humanity? That was the likely cost I would have to bear.

We pulled up to the farmhouse a little after 1:30am and everyone was exhausted. Annabel was still out and I carefully slid out away from her so as not to wake her. "Boy, ya really wore her out." Mama Goat commented. I gently lifted her into my arms and carried her towards the house. Annabel woke only briefly and after realizing what was going on, embraced me, snuggled into me, and quickly fell back asleep. Pa leapt out of the truck's bed and headed for the barn after bidding everyone good night. Mama Goat hurried and opened the door, holding it and the screen door open so I could get in with Annabel. I headed down the hallway towards Annabel's room.

When I passed the doorway to my bedroom Mama Goat called out. "Might as we-e-e-ll just put her in yur be-e-e-d. No se-e-e-nse prete-e-e-nding she won't e-e-e-nd up there a-a-a-nyways." She wasn't being mean about it, just merely pointing out that there was no point in attempting to maintain the illusion that we weren't sleeping together.

"Alright Mama Goat." I responded. I only hesitated for a moment before turning around and carefully maneuvering through the doorway to my room and placing Annabel on the bed. She managed to sleep through the endeavor. The light from the hallway was enough to illuminate the peaceful expression on Annabel's face. I stood over her and admired her beauty. I felt so fortunate to have her as my girlfriend.

I walked back out into the hallway and quietly closed the bedroom door behind me. I made a pit stop in the bathroom before going back down the hallway to the living room to see what Mama Goat was up to since she had not yet gone to bed. I found her sitting in the dimly lit living room, the only source of light being that which shown from the hallway. "What are you doing Mama Goat?"

"I thought ya might wa-a-a-nna ta-a-a-lk some more. So I wa-a-a-s waitin to see if ya did." Her instincts were dead on, which I was quickly learning happened quite often. She was a smart woman. These people may lead simple lives, but that didn't mean they were stupid.

"Well, yeah I did." I took a deep and nervous breath. Mama Goat waited patiently for me to gather the courage to ask the question she was pretty sure I was preparing myself to ask. "Mama Goat, I was wondering if I could have Annabel's hand in marriage?"

A tear rolled from her eye as a large smile quickly grew across her face. She paused for a moment to allow the full impact of the question to set in. She rose to her hooves and walked over to me. "Aaron, nothin would ma-a-a-ke me ha-a-a-ppier tha-a-a-n to we-e-e-lcome ya into our fa-a-a-mily." She extended her arms, I rose to my feet, and we shared a jovial hug. Tears of joy ran down her face as we embraced each other.

"Are you OK Mama Goat?"

"Oh goodness ye-e-e-s! I just ca-a-a-n't believe my A-a-a-nnabel is ge-e-e-tting married!" She tried not to be too loud so as not to wake Annabel.

"Well let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, I haven't asked her yet."

Mama Goat pulled back and looked me in the eyes. "Oh Aaron, I don't think ya ha-a-a-vta worry bout her sa-a-a-yin no." she responded with a large smile. "She's a very fortunate girl to ha-a-a-ve found someone like ya."

With more questions to ask, my expression turned serious. "Mama Goat, with us getting married, one of us will have to make some big changes to their life." A concerned look grew over Mama Goat's face. "I've been thinking long and hard about this for a while now." I paused for a moment. "I would like to become a part of your community; in the flesh so to speak."

Mama Goat placed her hands reassuringly on my shoulders. "Are ya sure this is wha-a-a-t ya wa-a-a-nt? There's no changing ba-a-a-ck once ya do. Won't there be someone tha-a-a-t'll miss ya?"

"One of us has to sacrifice our way of life in order to be together. My parents and close relatives have all passed already and none of my friends are worth giving up Annabel. It wouldn't be fair to ask Annabel to face the cruel perception and treatment the outside world has towards people that are different." Mama Goat listened intently as I poured out my thoughts and feelings regarding the changes I was willing to make in my life. "And what if we have kids? Kids are so cruel at schools in my world. I couldn't bear them having to suffer the consequences of living out there. Besides, I'm ready for a change in my life. It's a life I'm willing to walk away from, permanently. The longer I stay here, the more likely that I'll change naturally anyway."

Mama Goat smiled reassuringly. "Sounds like ya ha-a-a-ve been thinking bout this for a while."

I returned her smile. "Yeah, for a while now. I know what I need to do; I just don't know how I'm gonna to do it."

"Like what?"

"I have a decent amount of money in savings and investments I'm gonna want to take. I've got stuff I'm gonna want to bring with me. I don't know where we're going to live. I don't want to give up my SUV, but it's registered and if it's spotted by the authorities, it would put me on the grid. The military will definitely come looking for me."

"Well, ya definitely ha-a-a-ve be-e-e-n thinking bout this. There's some folks round here tha-a-a-t ca-a-a-n he-e-e-lp. We ha-a-a-ve arra-a-a-ngements with some folks in Austin tha-a-a-t'll be able ta he-e-e-lp too. You're not the first outsider we've ta-a-a-ken into our community. Now, as far as where ya a-a-a-nd A-a-a-nnabel are gonna live, yur gonna live right here in this house." she said reassuringly.

"When should we tell Pa?" I asked.

"Well, Pa's probably already asleep by now. It can wait till morning."

I suddenly felt overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done to make this happened. "We're gonna need to get moving quickly here. I won't be missed until Monday, but there's a lot that needs to be done before then."

"Aaron, don't worry bout it. E-e-e-verythin will work out." Mama Goat then smiled widely. So, whe-e-e-n do ya pla-a-a-n on a-a-a-skin A-a-a-nnabel to marry ya?"

I went over the plan for my proposal to Annabel. Mama Goat was so excited, she wasn't sure she could wait to share the excitement with her daughter. It was already past late and we were both exhausted. We headed off to our respective beds with minds full of the plethora of uncertainties that lie ahead. Entering my bedroom, I quietly closed the door behind me, and undressed to my boxers before climbing into bed with Annabel. I laid down next to her and snuggled up against her, who was lying on her left side facing away from me. I draped my right arm around her and embraced her warm body. My eyelids heavy from the day's activities, I quickly drifted off to sleep with thoughts of my future with Annabel dancing through my head.