Charming Isabella

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Charming Isabella Page 13

by Maggie Ryan


  Tom came in and found his girls busy and giggling as they scribbled on pads of paper. “Hey, Izzy girl,” he said, as he dropped a kiss on her head. She smiled up at him; he was gratified by the happiness written all over her.

  “Hi, Uncle Tom. I hope you have your checkbook ready soon.”

  He raised his eyebrow and heard his wife laugh. “Do you need money, sweetheart? Is the store doing okay?”

  “Not for me, I’m doing fine. I’ll be doing even better soon. I’m going into the jewelry business!”

  ***

  Six months later Izzy was tracing the latest charm on her bracelet. It jangled loudly now with dozens of small reminders of her life with Cole. He had thought her idea of expanding into jewelry was great. Her desire to make the bracelets and charms available for other women told him how special she considered her own. He introduced her to the local artist from whom he had purchased her charms, and they formed a partnership. Everywhere he looked, it seemed that he could hear bells chiming. The word had spread, and the shop had expanded. Izzy agreed to move in with Cole, and they had worked to transform her apartment into a shop that catered to the more adventurous couples.

  Izzy smiled, remembering how delighted Eric had been when he discovered he was delivering her first order of erotica. He teased her mercilessly but had been extremely happy. He watched her bloom daily and was thrilled for both Cole and her. He had been tremendously excited when she showed him the plans for the upstairs conversion; both he and Jenna, along with Nancy and Jack, had helped her place orders for a multitude of erotic items.

  Eric ordered a charm of two small babies and when Jenna delivered their twins, he gave her the bracelet with its first charm. She was thrilled and continued to receive them as special gifts. Izzy’s new partner, Janet, had also been eager to expand her own business but preferred the creative side. She was very grateful that Izzy persuaded her to take a chance on expansion. She could make a charm for anyone and loved the secret memories they provoked. She had been especially proud of the tiny butterfly that had been Nancy’s first charm. It actually opened and closed its wings. Nancy loved it too, as it would always remind her of the wedding present. When they had returned from their honeymoon, it was to find Izzy a totally different person. Her joy was written all over her face, and they all knew that the pair would find a lifetime of happiness together.

  The four were enjoying dinner one evening, when Coleman presented Izzy with another charm. It was a small medal that had ‘Bravery’ written across the front. It had been difficult to step foot into the club and participate in Nancy and Jack’s commitment ceremony, but with Coleman at her side, she rediscovered that she could enjoy that aspect of her life again. Beth’s first charm was a small porch swing. It had seemed innocent enough, until the girls saw their aunt’s face turn bright red. Beth had seen them looking at her for an explanation for her having blushed like a teenager. She assured her husband that she adored it and tried to divert the girl’s attention. Her plan didn’t work, though it did take a session of tickling and girl talk that evening before she told them of its meaning. Both girls had giggled and all knew they would never look at the porch swing the same way again. They had cuddled together as all three women played with their own bracelets, feeling loved and cherished.

  Izzy heard Coleman calling for her, and she ran downstairs. He smiled, seeing her so happy. They closed and locked the store. She handed him the key and he grinned.

  “I almost wish you’d forget for once. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to spank that beautiful bottom.”

  She blushed and felt the familiar rush of arousal. She lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I didn’t think you wanted me to be bad, Sir.”

  “You’ll never be bad, my Bella—just maybe a little naughty, sometimes?”

  She shivered, as visions of being bottoms-up flooded her senses. She saw him smile and whispered, “I think I’m having very naughty thoughts, Sir. I think I deserve a spanking to remind me to be good.”

  Coleman laughed loudly, “That’s my girl!” She grinned and kissed him again, her bottom tingling in anticipation. As he opened her car door and seated her, she saw the tree on her bracelet. It immediately reminded her of the time he had ordered her to cut a switch to be used on her bottom. It had been an intense spanking but also led to intense aftercare. Her fingers ran over the other charms, a small book that opened to remind her of the store she had built and the fact that they had christened the countertop one evening, a small fish hanging from a rod to remind them of the day he taught her to fish and made love to her in the river afterwards. Her finger moved down the row, each charm bringing a smile to her lips. Coleman watched and felt his heart swell. Her bracelet was almost full but had one ring left. His heart began to pound in anticipation.

  They arrived at the ranch, and he helped her from the car. She was beaming and was soon hugging and kissing her family and friends. Beth and Tom had planned a big barbeque and the yard was full of people. Nancy and Jack ran to join their friends as Beth watched. This reminded her of Nancy’s wedding, but her heart was full of even more joy. This evening both her girls were ecstatically happy, both being held by men that loved them more than life itself. She brushed tears from her cheeks and was smiling as the young couples joined her. Dinner was great, with the usual joking among the men about who got to man the grill. The women all rolled their eyes at the mock pouting of the losers. Jenna came up, holding one baby girl while Eric held the other. Nancy and Bella cooed over the babies. Food was soon ready, and everyone piled their plates high and congregated around the huge table. The night was full of conversation and laughter.

  Beth leaned over and whispered, “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier, Isabella. I am so grateful for you and Nancy. Thank you for allowing us to share your lives and your friends.” Izzy smiled and hugged her aunt. She felt surrounded with love and good people. Isabella felt a swell of pleasure and looked over to see Janet and her new man, Todd, enjoying the evening. Janet saw her and smiled. Izzy smiled back, happier than she could ever remember. Her attention was drawn to Cole when he rapped his knife against his glass. Soon everyone was quiet and giving him their attention.

  “Thank you for coming tonight. It means a lot to me to have you here.” Izzy looked up at him, her expression puzzled. He smiled down at her and said, “Isabella, you have charmed my heart and captured my soul.” She felt her heart stutter as he dropped to his knee. She felt tears fill her eyes as he took a small box from his pocket. “I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, Bella. Please take my heart, as you are the only one I want to hold it. Say you’ll give me your trust and do me the honor of becoming my wife.” His heart was hammering inside his chest.

  He found himself bowled over by the little woman as she lunged at him. “Yes, oh God, yes. Yes - yes!” He pushed himself up and everyone saw his huge grin. They all were laughing and cheering. He sat on the ground and pulled her into her favorite position. She was crying, tears streaming down her face. He kissed her deeply and then released her. She watched as he opened the box. Nestled inside was a heart-shaped engagement ring. It was stunningly beautiful and she cried harder as he lifted it out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. She hugged him hard and then felt him push her back a bit. From his fingers dangled a tiny charm. It was an identical replica of the ring he had just put on her finger. She laughed and cried as he threaded onto the last open ring of her bracelet. She kissed him again and then he helped her to stand. As he turned her to face their family and friends, she saw every woman lift their wrists and shake the bracelets hanging from them. The sounds of dozens of tiny charms rang out to float across her heart.

  The End.

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  Praise for Maggie Ryan

  Louisa Revealed, Women of Wintercrest, Book 1

  Plus five more stars. This book is very intense. I would have read it straight through, but my heart kept pounding and i had to give it a break. Not that age play is my thing, but the descriptions in this book i found to be very vivid. – Adele

  I really like the way this book starts in the middle and then goes back and fills in (some of) the blanks as they become relevant. But I'd really like to know a lot more about Louisa's early days of marriage to Edward! I did feel that he was too harsh on Lucy, I hope to see more of her with her math tutor, especially if he ever had cause to discipline her! – GM

  Becoming His

  Love this slightly severe age play story. Keep them coming, Maggie Ryan. I like the severe (after all it is only a story)––your writing reminds me of Carolyn Faulkner and her severe stories. Keep them coming despite what a few others say!!! I've read a few other severe stories from various authors and they are all horrid and mean. This story was soooooo charming. – S.

  Wow, what can I say, about this but, it was a great read. It had some interesting angles in the plot and it didn't end as I had expected, but that was part of the pleasure of reading this book. – Pamela

  Lord Edward’s Law, Women of Wintercrest Book 2

  Fantastic sequel. Maggie Ryan just keeps getting better and better. I have fallen in love with the characters in this series. In Book 2, more is revealed of Louisa's lifestyle and her growing submission to her husband, Lord Edward. Lucy discovers the truth of how Wintercrest Manor is run and the rules that her guardian demands be followed unless the girls are willing to pay the consequences of their misbehavior. Charles, Lucy's professor is discovering that he is no longer considering Lucille as a student; he is now picturing her as his future wife. Edward thinks the man is too weak to be able to offer Lucy the life she isn't aware that she needs. Will her allow Charles to court Lucy or will a new character be introduced in Book 3. one of Edward's choosing? Whichever way Ms. Ryan goes, it is sure to be a great read. She is an excellent author and I have truly enjoyed every one of her books. Hurry up with next book please! – Catherine

  Maggie Ryan has done it again and wrote a wonderful sequel that shows where the characters are and how they have changed but still know how to get into trouble. – Evelyn

  Please enjoy chapter one of Louisa Revealed, Women of Wintercrest Book I, by Maggie Ryan!

  Louisa Revealed

  Chapter One

  Lucy tried hard not to panic as she sat on the horsehair settee. She forced herself to take deep breaths, though her tight corset made the task a difficult one. Her hands were folded in her lap, the fingers twisted together. Though she managed to look calm to the casual observer, anyone who knew the young woman would have been immediately able to ascertain that something was seriously amiss. A muffled noise caused her eyes to lift from where she had been assiduously studying the pattern of the carpet, to the closed door of the room. She swallowed hard, knowing that the carefully laid plan had fallen completely apart. Even as her heart began to beat harder, she saw the door slowly begin to open.

  An older gentleman stepped through the door, his black robes flowing behind him. He didn’t even glance at the young woman as she slowly pushed herself to her feet. Another man entered, causing Lucy’s knees to begin shaking. Her eyes widened as he pulled a young woman into the room to stand beside him. The two women’s eyes met each other’s, and it was as if they were looking into a mirror. Lucy saw her own fear reflected in the other set of violet-blue eyes. Lucy took a hesitant step forward, one hand reaching out as if to gain strength from the woman.

  “Sit down!” the man ordered, his voice seeming to thunder in the room, though he spoke softly. Lucy immediately sank back onto the settee and lowered her gaze again to the carpet. She desperately wished a hole would open in the floor and simply swallow her whole. She felt the settee shift just a bit as the other woman was pressed down to sit beside her.

  The man strode to the large fireplace to stand beside the older gentleman and then turned to face the two. “Lucille, you were put into my care, and this is how you choose to repay my kindness? You dare to flagrantly dishonor my name, and then have the audacity to pull my wife into your disobedience? I will give you one chance, and one chance only to explain your actions.” Lucy opened her mouth to speak, just to close it when words failed her. The possibility of the plan failing had not even occurred to her, and she found she was totally incapable of making a response.

  The room remained silent, the man’s presence seeming to fill up all the available space. After several minutes, he continued, “Very well. As you seem unable to speak, I shall summarize: Though you knew you had exams this morning and had every opportunity to prepare for them, you spent the past week in frivolous activities. Instead of accepting the consequences, you and Lady Wintercrest regressed to your childhood ploys. Tell me, whose idea was it for Louisa to present herself to take the examination in your place?” Lucy mumbled something too low to be heard. “Speak up!”

  “Mi… mine, Sir. I’m so sorry… it was only the mathematics one, Sir. I… ” Lucy said, her voice only rising slightly. She felt sick to her stomach, as she realized just how ridiculous the scheme had been. “Louisa didn’t want to, but… ”

  Her speech was abruptly interrupted by a booming voice of total authority. “Nonsense! It seems that marriage has done nothing to teach your sister responsibility. Despite her station as Lady Wintercrest, she remains incapable of making adult decisions. Instead of joining you in this folly, Lady Wintercrest should have immediately informed her husband of your intentions. The fact that you say she didn’t ‘want to’ just reinforces my belief that she should have remained in this school until she reached her majority despite her change in status.”

  The headmaster spoke harshly, as his finger pointed accusingly at the two women. Lord Wintercrest saw both women
shrink back against the settee and couldn’t stop a small smile. He wasn’t surprised; after all, he too had attended schools in his youth and been under the authority of headmasters, himself. He watched as the women squirmed a bit, knowing they both had valid reasons for being extremely uncomfortable. Not only did they have to answer to the headmaster of the school, both would soon answer to him at home. He smiled again knowing exactly which man was capable of causing them the most discomfort. His mind flew to the possibilities of their situation for a brief moment, and he then cleared his throat. In direct contrast to the loud, booming voice of the headmaster, he spoke very softly, but his every word seemed to thunder in the small office. Wanting to give his wife an opportunity to extract herself from the likely outcome of these proceedings, he softened his voice even more.

  “Louisa, my dear, do you have anything to add? This isn’t the time to remain silent if you can defend your actions. Perhaps you can offer a reasonable explanation. Tell me, did Lucille force you into this scheme, little one?”

  His wife lifted her eyes to meet his, and saw that he was indeed offering her a way out of her crime. She also knew that her sister would take all the blame, if only Louisa gave her an opportunity. However, she found herself shaking her head and lowering her eyes to gaze at the tips of her boots peeking from the hem of her skirts. Knowing that such response telegraphed her guilt, she felt her stomach churn with the sure knowledge that she wouldn’t remain silent for long. Suddenly, she felt the need to at least attempt to mitigate her guilt.

 

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