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However, when Nolwenn opens the diaper, she takes an interest in Abbie’s genitals and crotch area.
Upon seeing the cow’s freshly shaved pubic area, she acknowledges to Louane that this is very important to her for reasons of hygiene and aesthetics.
Morgane explains to Nolwenn and Louane that Yann cannot stand any body hair on his wife, so the same rule must apply to his cow.
Gwendal and Yann return to watch Abbie being milked; she is a high-yield cow. Morgane asks if she can use Abbie’s milk to feed the calf, and Louane reassures her that this is already the plan.
Once milking is finished, Abbie is fed while the couple watches, and then everyone heads toward the meadow. On the way back, they take a left turn near the shed to discover the chalet where Abbie’s mating will take place.
Yann: "Do you rent out this little slice of paradise when it’s not being used for breeding? I could easily picture Morgane and me spending a romantic weekend here."
The comment makes everyone laugh and causes Morgane to blush slightly.
Back in the barn, the couple stops once more in front of Abbie’s stall. They find it hard to part with this cow, which bears such a striking resemblance to the young woman.
Everyone eventually heads back to the living room, as it has grown a bit cooler on the terrace.
Morgane and Yann sign their contract, and Yann hands the envelope containing the deposit to Louane.
The couple thanks Louane and Gwendal; Nolwenn tells them she will call back soon to schedule the next appointment and plan the next steps.
Gwendal, Louane, and Nolwenn are pleased that the visit went well and that this second sale has been finalized.
Gwendal: "This likely won't be the last time we deal with this couple. If all goes well, it looks like we’ll have them as clients for years to come."
Nolwenn: "Yes, it’s interesting to look that far ahead, but at the same time, they come across as very thoughtful people—a lovely couple, in any case."
Nolwenn had anticipated a rather long visit, so she prepared an oven-baked dish that just needs reheating for dinner. While they eat, Louane wonders about the next steps.
Louane: "I see a problem we hadn't necessarily foreseen. Both Alma and Abbie arrived at the barn recently, and neither has gone through more than one heat cycle. We don't know yet if their cycles are regular, which will make it difficult to schedule their respective matings anytime soon."
Nolwenn: "You're right, and it's hard to ask the animals themselves for that information—they wouldn't answer us anyway. If their cycles aren't regular, we risk picking an 'optimal' ovulation date that turns out to be wrong, leading to an unproductive mating.
That would be tricky—though not a deal-breaker—but we mustn't forget that these couples, especially Quentin and Ma?lle, have already experienced several setbacks. It would be unfortunate if that happened with natural mating involving our cows, too."
Louane: "At the same time, they all seem very eager; it’s going to be hard to make them wait now."
Nolwenn: "I think we should treat the next heat cycle as a 'test mating,' so that Quentin—and Yann, for that matter—can get comfortable with their cows. There’s no guarantee they’ll be at ease or successful right off the bat. If the test mating works, it’s a win-win. If not, it’s no big deal;
we’ll have a record of two heat cycles to help us perfectly time the next attempt."
Louane: "That’s an excellent idea."
Gwendal: "I’m happy to leave that side of things entirely in your hands."
Nolwenn: "I’ll get back to them with this proposal, but first I want to sound out Ma?lle and Morgane—girl-to-girl—to see how they’re envisioning the mating and what kind of mindset their partners are in."
I’ll call Ma?lle tomorrow to see her again, and I’ll wait 48 hours before contacting Morgane to see if she has any further questions. Louane agrees, and once dinner is over, everyone heads to bed.
The next day is Friday, and Nolwenn calls Ma?lle while driving to work in Rennes. Ma?lle is delighted to hear from her and, at Nolwenn’s suggestion, invites her to stop by the house at 4:00 PM—when school lets out.
At the appointed time, Nolwenn arrives at the couple’s home. Ma?lle opens the door, greets her with a kiss on the cheek, and shows her into the living room. She is alone, as Nolwenn had requested, and she fully understands the reason once Nolwenn explains it.
Nolwenn: "I wanted to talk to you about the next step, Ma?lle—specifically, the mating with Alma required for her to conceive. Have you been able to discuss it with Quentin? How do you picture it happening? Do either of you have any apprehensions?"
Ma?lle: "I’m so glad we can have this conversation, Nolwenn, because it is a delicate subject."
Quentin gets very stressed and puts himself under immense pressure at times like that.
That was certainly the case when he had to provide a sperm sample for IVF on the big day, even though I was in the room with him to help.
It’s not something he can just do on command, and I fully understand why it’s difficult.
I can sense that same feeling here: he doesn’t want to let us down regarding Alma’s mating—he knows how important it is to us.”
Nolwenn: “Since we aren’t sure how regular Alma’s heat cycles are, we were thinking of using her next cycle for a ‘test mating’—sort of a practice run or a low-stakes introduction, even though we’d still pick a date that’s ideal for conception. If it works, we’ll be thrilled for you; if not,
we can try again the following cycle without having put ourselves under unnecessary pressure. What do you think?”
Ma?lle: "That sounds great to me. I’ll be there to guide Quentin and reassure him. To be as effective as possible, I was wondering if I could practice changing Alma or giving her a bath—spending some time with her so she gets used to my presence."
Nolwenn: "That’s an excellent idea, especially since we have a bit of time before Alma’s next heat cycle. We’ll set that up. Do you have your calendar handy? We should schedule at least three or four visits to the farm in quick succession so Alma gets accustomed to you."
Once the dates and times are set, Ma?lle continues.
Ma?lle: "On the day of the mating, I picture myself washing Alma, then putting a diaper on her—just to be safe—followed by her bodysuit, before bringing her into the cabin. Then, I’d know how to slip her hind legs out of the suit and remove the diaper so Quentin can mate with her.
She’s used to being on all fours, which is perfect, because Quentin will be most comfortable doing it from behind—without seeing her face—while he looks at *me* instead; I’ll be right in front of him, holding Alma’s front legs if necessary."
Nolwenn realizes that Ma?lle has visualized this moment in great detail. It reinforces her decision to prepare for the mating with the female partner; there are fewer taboos when talking woman-to-woman.
With everything settled, Nolwenn heads back to the farm, feeling confident.
On the way, she makes a call—following up on the one Ma?lle made to Morgane that morning.
Morgane has a complicated evening schedule but is free in the middle of the day.
Sensing her eagerness, Nolwenn agrees to meet her the very next morning while Yann is at work; he’s the gardener on duty at the municipal golf course this Saturday.
She explains to the young woman what she had told Ma?lle the day before. Morgane tells Nolwenn that neither she nor Yann has any particular concerns about the mating session. However, she surprises Nolwenn in another regard.
Morgane: "Will it be possible to completely remove Abbie’s suit during the mating?"
Nolwenn explains that it is possible, but notes that without her hands secured in the suit’s front hooves, there is a risk Abbie might try to escape during the process. She notices Morgane looking a bit embarrassed before continuing, inviting her to speak openly.
Morgane: "It’s not easy to admit—even though it’s become a bit more mainstream—but Yann and I are into BDSM; a 'soft' version, I assure you. Yann likes it when I’m tied up and gagged on our bed. I think the mating will be easier for him if he’s in the same situation with Abbie, but of course,
I felt I had to mention it to you first, Nolwenn. So, there wouldn't be any safety issues during the mating, even without the suit."
Nolwenn is quite surprised by this revelation but doesn't let it show. She certainly hadn't imagined this side of the young, outdoorsy couple.
Nolwenn: "I don't see any problem with that; the mating should reflect your relationship, and I think that’s what matters most."
Morgane: "We’ll remain very respectful of Abbie, and I’ll be right there to prepare and reassure her, of course. I speak fluent English, which will help with communication on the day. In any case, we’re ready to go as soon as she’s in heat."
Nolwenn makes a note of this and tells Morgane she will confirm the date by Sunday evening at the latest.
Upon returning to the farm, Nolwenn gives an account of her morning meeting.
Louane and Gwendal are just as surprised as Nolwenn to learn that Morgane and Yann engage in sexual practices that are a bit more unconventional than average, yet they pass no judgment.
Louane had already fully endorsed the idea of Ma?lle visiting regularly to get to know Alma better before the breeding—a crucial step for this couple, given that the husband clearly needs reassurance from his wife on the day of the procedure.
Louane also explains to Nolwenn what she had just shared with Gwendal: they must abandon the plan to make barn video surveillance footage available to clients, as it is technically too risky.
However, just as Nolwenn did, they need to emphasize that the clients are welcome to come and see their cow in the barn at any time.
Nolwenn: "You’re right, Louane, and I think they won’t hesitate to do so during the gestation period. We should even encourage them to come, so the calf gets used to their voices through the cow’s belly."
The next day—Saturday—is a quiet one on the farm.