THE LIGHT WE LOST: a gripping thriller

by Valera Titov

“It is for the best, believe me. We will be magical together.”

  Four weeks later, Glory Carter became Mrs Glory Falcon in front of 1000 family and friends at the Holy Name Cathedral in Wabash Avenue, which was followed by a glitz and glamour reception. Glory and Alan danced the night away until their feet ached. Love was indeed in the air. Both were moving forward with their lives!

  Betsy and Conroy Carter watched on. The mother had tears of joy in her eyes as she believed that after all that she had heard and all that her daughter had been through, she had finally found the right man to build her life with.

  Conroy’s greying moustache left one to wonder if he was smiling or not. He had never met Adam Kennedy and had engaged with Alan Falcon for a small amount of time.

  If anything made him happy, it was the fact that his daughter now had a wedding ring on her finger. Those who didn’t know the whole story would at least think that the husband was the father of her twins.

  Fortunately, Glory couldn’t hear what some guests were saying about her, be it out of pure gossip or jealousy.

  “Well, Glory won’t have to work another day of her life,” said one elderly woman to a plump middle-aged lady sitting next to her.

  “Yeah, she fell with her proverbial backside in the butter, didn’t she? She is a real Cinderella. From rags to bloody riches, I’ll say.”

  Of course, none of the woman or any other guests in the room knew exactly what Alan did for a living, but having seen his Aston Martin car and suits, it was quite clear that he was pretty high up in management in some company or organization.

  Little did these old women know that Glory Falcon had every intention of working. There was enough money to get a housekeeper to look after the twins during the day, while the mother of the kids followed her dream of being involved in a space program. Surely, her husband could pull a few strings. After all, she had given him her CV some months back when he had given her a lift home in his Aston Martin car.

  Now there was even more reason for Alan to fast-track a position for her on the program which was based at Cape Canaveral, Florida, near the centre of the state’s Atlantic coast.

  The bride and groom made their way around the room as they greeted all the guests. Glory’s bridesmaid was none other than Deborah Summers, dressed in a slick white ball gown.

  Glory turned to Deborah and grinned.

  “Did you ever foresee this happening, Debbie? she said.

  “It is amazing how life often takes one in different directions.”

  Except for two cousins, and Alan’s mother, Thelma, very few of Alan’s family had even responded to his wedding invitation. The Falcon family was not as closely knit as the Kennedys.

  As far as the Kennedy family was concerned, every man and his dog were present. Even those who weren’t that close to Glory had made the trip for a free night’s accommodation and meal at Alan’s expense. You guessed it, the freeloaders were members of Conroy Kennedy’s side of the family.

  Glory’s distant cousin Clifford, had just made it through high school and worked as a messenger at a local community newspaper in Chicago. For him, this was a step up. He would never own an Aston Martin in this lifetime, but his luck may change if he rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous at Alan Falcon’s wedding.

  Betsy’s sister, Getrude, was no angel either. She had always wanted her two children to succeed in life and wished only the worst for her sister’s kids. Now Glory was the star that was shining brightly while Gertrude’s daughter Denise and son, Frank, had been through nasty divorces.

  Sometimes, what you wish upon other people comes right back to haunt your own life.

  Nobody in the room, besides Glory and to a lesser extent, Alan and Deborah, had ever met Adam Kennedy, so few even broached the subject.

  Glory had done well to make sure her University of Chicago nemesis, Jennifer Ellis, wasn’t invited. Otherwise, Adam Kennedy would have been the talk of the wedding for sure.

  Deborah Summer stared at her friend who was greeting people in the distance. Glory’s face was absolutely glowing. Deborah had never seen her friend this happy before and her gut feeling told her that Alan Falcon was the perfect match for the bride.

  Perhaps, it was the work of the man upstairs in the heavens who had decided that Adam Kennedy was the wrong one for Glory. Deborah was a firm believer that things happen for a reason in life.

  It was almost time for Glory to throw her garter. As is the custom at weddings, the unmarried ladies would line up and the bride would stand with her back towards them before throwing her garter over her head. The lady who catches the garter is deemed the next one likely to get married.

  Whistles went up from the men around the room as Alan disappeared under Glory’s dress in an attempt to get the garter off her and then gave it to his bride.

  Glory Falcon tossed the elastic garter over her head and as luck would have it, Deborah Summers made the catch amid a scramble from over thirty females.

  Deborah blushed as Glory grinned at her.

  Deborah still had no love interest on the horizon but remembered her friend’s words.

  “It is amazing how life often takes one in different directions.”

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  Glory erupted into a loud laugh. Alan loved that laughter. He was crazy about it. He loved her strongly, and he could never get enough of loving her. She was his heartbeat and the light to his soul. She was the first and only girl to stir something in his heart. Glory tugged at his heartstrings, making him want all the things he never thought he would have. A home, Happiness, and Heaven on earth. She thought she wasn’t beautiful because her thighs were plump and her lips were full. She sometimes complained about her looks but when he looked at her, he only saw a sexy girl with pretty eyes. He loved every bit of her and wished he could rip his heart out so she could see how hard it beats for her.

  Her laughter made him want to laugh. Her sweet voice was melody to his ears. Beautiful, sexy, and smart Glory with a terrific sense of humor. Alan always wondered how he ever got so lucky. She could light up his world with just a smile. She knew him better than he knew himself and she was always there for him. Her presence was like a soothing balm to his soul. If he could, he would place the moon at her feet but his Glory wouldn't want that. She wouldn't want all the riches and glories of the world either. No, no, she wasn't that type of girl. She would ask for their simple life which was filled with happiness. Walking through each day and scooping her into his arms will gladden her heart. Her eyes glowed radiantly each time one of the twins called him ‘daddy'. He could give her diamonds, pearls, and rubies but his love, kisses, and touch were the things she craved for. But Alan could not give Glory children. Alan was sterile. He thought that God had arranged all this for him. Fate gave him Glory with the children. Alan was grateful to God for that.

  Glory leaned over and kissed Alan's lips, breaking into his reverie.

  "Glory!" He said, as she lightly pinched his nipples.

  "I love you," She murmured naughtily, as she tentatively licked his jaw, placing soft kisses all over his handsome face.

  He thought she had the prettiest eyes in the world. He could never get tired of gazing at them. Alan kissed Glory. Glory was in the power of Alan already. She buried her nose in the crook of his neck, inhaling the clean scent of his aftershave, a masculine scent of soap and shampoo. The warmth emanating from his body soothed her and she snuggled closer to him. Her heart squeezed painfully with love for him. He sets her on fire with just a look and right now she was burning for him. Every part of her cried out for his love and touch. She held his handsome face in her palms, gently planting her soft lips on his. A tremor ran through her as he took control of the kiss. She moaned into his mouth, arching her back as a ripple of pleasure went through her. Her legs were quivering as passion stole into their kiss. Her love for him waxed stronger and stronger with each passing day until she felt that she couldn't go a da
y without his sweet kisses.

  His hot tongue explored the roof of her mouth, eliciting moans from her. She was in heaven. The tip of his tongue continued to search the delicate insides of her lips while his hands gently caressed her body.

  He wove his hands through her glossy hair, lightly caressing it. Alan trailed kisses from her neck to her boobs. Her breasts were only a handful but they were round, soft, and pretty. They were a bit saggy and there were streaks of pale stretch marks on them but he told her that they were beautiful. Those breasts had nursed babies and he thought she was so strong to nurse two babies at the same time. Her nipples were long, pink, and puffy with dark areolas. He gently teased her nipples with his fingers until they grew harder.

  "I love you Glory," said Alan.

  "I love you, Alan," She moaned.

  He gently worried her nipple between his teeth, grazing on the tips with his tongue. He sucked on each hard peak for a minute before trailing a tingly path from her belly button down to the curly hairs between her thighs. He combed his fingers through her silky pubic hair as his mouth sought out hers again. He massaged her mound, making her moan with pleasure. He kissed every part of her body, murmuring endearments to her. Glory caressed his muscled chest and backs. Tears stung her eyes as she realized that her home was wherever this man was. The home was where her heart belonged and her home was with Alan.

  "My love, are you okay?" Alan asked in a husky voice. He had noticed the change in her, she was clinging to his body like they were saying goodbyes. "We will never be apart again my love, we will always be together from now on," Sometimes, he was scared that he might lose her. He wondered just how far he would go to keep her in his life. He will do anything to keep her in his life, even if it means losing his own life in the process.

  "Is that a promise?" She asked in a choked voice.

  "Glory, I promise you," Alan said.

  He kissed every part of her body as he murmured endearments to her. She was like a rosebud that was slowly opening up. The way she moaned into his mouth, dug her nails into his back and cried out his name made his heart swell with pride. His wife, his companion, and the love of his life. He stared into her misty eyes, drowning in the beauty of it. Her lips were slightly parted, eagerly waiting for him to slip his tongue into her mouth. She made him feel a love-struck teenage boy. She made him feel so much alive and every part of his body was aware of her. He kissed her forehead and then lowered his head to kiss her neck. She moaned, arching her back. She had tears in her eyes now, but he knew it was tears of passion. Sometimes he felt like he didn’t deserve her. He felt that he didn’t deserve so much happiness or to be loved by a woman with a pure heart.

  Alan kissed his way down from her creamy white belly down to her thighs. He leaned his head forward and kissed Glory’s breasts, softly pressing kisses all over it. She moaned as he slowly kissed his way around her breasts, twirling his tongue on the tip of her tender nipples. She wrapped her hands around his neck as she grinded her hips against his. He circled his big hands around her waist and gently caressed her lower back. Alan was a good lover. He always paid attention to every part of her body and her pleasure always came first. She had a strong respect for him and she loved him in her own way. She might not love him the way she loved Adam but Alan falcon was a man after her heart. She kissed the tip of his nose as his hands cupped her buttocks. She sighed and buried her face in his chest. Every time he made love to her, he made her feel like she was in the clouds. He adored her and treated her like a queen. But she couldn’t help it when her mind slowly wandered off, while he was buried deep inside her. Her body knew Alan’s touch but her mind always craved for Adam’s. She felt guilty and ashamed of herself. She had tried to banish thoughts of Adam from her mind and head but she couldn’t. Alan deserved a better woman. He deserved a woman who would make him as happy as he had made her. She closed her eyes, picturing Adam’s face in her mind. She was moaning and coming apart in his arms, but why is it that thoughts of another man were sailing through her mind?

  Alan whispered into her ears, telling her how much he loved her. She could see it in his eyes and it made her want to beg him not to love her. His eyes hid nothing. He truly loved her and this made her heart ache. He licked behind her ear and then slipped his hand between her legs. She cried out, spreading her legs wider. She rubbed her hand on his hard-on, making him flinch. A hot pleasure shot through his body. Glory massaged his hard shaft, staring deeply into his eyes. She was white hot for him but she wanted to pleasure him too. She wanted to make him ache with pleasure the way her body was aching. Her mound was moist and her juice was slowly trickling down her thighs. Tonight was different. It was intense and she knew they wouldn’t both get tired until they were sated.

  He cupped her breasts, and gently teased her hard nipples with his fingers.

  “You are beautiful all over,” He rasped out, “Your breasts are so lovely,”

  Tears slipped out of the corners of her eyes. She truly felt beautiful. He made her feel beautiful and she wondered if she also made him feel the same way. She bent her head forward and closed her mouth over his hard shaft. She had never done this with him before but it felt so natural to do so. He had a magnificent body. His chest was broad, his stomach was toned, and he had a gorgeous manhood, nothing like she had ever seen. He moaned and tried to pull himself out of her mouth.

  “Glory…” He cried out.

  “Please, let me pleasure you,” she said.

  He understood her need to give back the pleasure. She wasn’t selfish in any form. She was the most selfless woman he knew. His heart surged with love for her and he felt tears stung his eyes. He was a blessed man.

  She stuck out her tongue to lick the head of his manhood, while he caressed her hair. She seemed to know exactly what to do to make him moan out in ecstasy. It was coming to her naturally. She licked her way down his hard length and sucked him into her mouth.

  He slipped his shaft out of her mouth and gently placed his head between her legs. Her mound was glistening beautifully in her womanly juices. He felt proud of himself. He slipped a finger into her, rubbing his thumb on her nubbin button. She cried out his name, wrapping her legs around his head.

  Alan licked up and down the length of her mound before shoving his tongue into her pink core. She cried out and started to tremble as an orgasm built up in her. He started stroking her tender nubbin button faster, working his fingers in and out of her. He came up for air and placed a kiss on her lips. When he finally entered her warm sheath, he felt like he had died and gone to heaven. The pleasure was too much for Glory that she could only moan. Waves of orgasm washed over her and he continued to pleasure her until she thought that she would die of pleasure.

  Slowly, delicately, he started driving in and out of her. He kissed her wet eyelashes and pressed kisses all over face. He declared his love for her over and over again as he moved in and out of her. She started to buck her sexy hips against his in a slow love dance. He took control of the intimate dance, kissing her breasts, and gently squeezing her belly. She cried out his name as she climaxed. She had three more orgasms before he allowed himself to have his own release. She kissed his sweaty face, with tears streaming down her cheeks. She would never hurt this man who loved her unconditionally. She would remain true to him and be a wonderful wife to him. Alan kissed her tears away, wrapping his arm around her. He had a very passionate wife and at this moment, he couldn’t have asked for more from life.

  Alan is forgiving her because she called out Adam's name when they were making love.

  Afterwards, they slept in each other's arms, listening to the sound of each other's heartbeat.

  Chapter Six

  In Florida, in Love

  Six months later, Glory Falcon’s body and life had changed dramatically.

  Not that she was pregnant again, but her usually tender legs were developing muscles from all the climbing of the stairs in the family’s plush double story home in Cocoa Beach on the island just
off the Florida coast.

  The twins, as small as they were, were living their new lives. Adam Jnr was eating like a horse and looked much bigger and older than he was six months ago. While young Rachel was a splitting image of her mother.

  Glory was as happy as could be but not a day or hour went by when she did not wonder what had happened to Adam Kennedy.

  Alan Falcon was so good to his wife and showered her and the kids with gifts not only on their birthdays but on other occasions too.

  When they moved into the new house, Alan and Glory had made a pact not to mention the word ‘Adam’. It was time to move forward with their lives and the twins hadn’t even met their biological father.

  She had always sensed that her husband might know more about Adam’s disappearance than he let on, but she kept her side of the bargain.

  Like Adam had been about information regarding his secret mission, Alan was just as tight-lipped about what was going on with his project at the space station at Cape Canaveral which was a few miles away from our home on the island.

  On the odd occasion when she had dared to enter into the foreign territory to speak about her husband’s work, Alan had clammed up pretty quickly. What could be so secretive that would make a family man not reveal a word about what he does between 9 am and 5 pm to his wife and kids?

  One day when Alan was at work, Glory left the twins in the safe hands of her domestic housekeeper, Joey Lawrence, and went upstairs to the study room.

  From her days as a student, she had always wanted to make a trip to the Paranal Observatory, which was situated in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile on Cerro Paranal mountain range at about 8645 feet above sea level.

  The observatory’s head Professor, Alejandro Goic, had been instrumental in the development of the 26.9 feet reflector, known internationally as the Very Large Telescope.

  Over the past few months, Glory had not experienced that sharp light that had struck her in the University of Chicago’s laboratory and the Ratner Athletics Center on Prom Night.