Blue Autumn in the Bayou (Gumbo Love)

by Clay, Ann

  “Will do. I haven’t had a chance to check my messages yet. I may see you a little later today. Anything to worry about at work?”

  “No. Everything here is fine. I’ll see you a little later. I’m glad you’re home, brother.”

  “Thanks, Mike. I am too.”

  “Later.”

  “Later, man.” Travis clicked the phone off and peeked down at Autumn staring at him. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. You rest well?” Her blue gaze kissed him lovingly.

  “Yes. What about you?” He pecked her lips.

  “Yes, like a baby.”

  Her comment made him smile. “You should stay put. I have a few things to take care of this morning. You need anything?” Autumn shook her head. Travis kissed her again before moving from the bed.

  * * * *

  “Hi, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to worry you,” Travis spoke to his sister.

  “I was worried, sick. Are you and Autumn okay?”

  “Yes, we’re home now. I’ll be by a little later, okay?”

  A sigh of relief washed over Trish. Even though her mother told her the night before that Travis was home and okay, she wanted to hear and see him for herself. Knowing he was in harm’s way didn’t set well with her. “When? What time are you coming home, Travis?”

  “Really, little one, I’m fine. We will be there sometime later this afternoon. Don’t worry.” He heard the distress in her voice. The two were very close. She came to him before she went to their mother when things bothered her. He was protective of her, protective of his brothers too.

  “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Yes, you will. Love you, sweet pea.”

  “Love you back.”

  Travis looked at the phone before placing it back into the receiver. He then grabbed his BlackBerry from the charger, and pulled a cold brew from the refrigerator door. He walked into the sunroom, stretched out on a lounger, and began to go through the messages on his phone. He felt Autumn’s presence before he actually saw her. Travis sat the bottle and phone down as she climbed into his lap. She still wore his T-shirt with nothing else beneath it.

  CHAPTER 32

  Autumn lowered her body. She straddled Travis with her knees and the fronts of her legs sinking into the cushion of the chair. She leaned in, cradled his face, and captured his lips. Autumn explored the depths of his mouth, tasting the tart remnants of his drink. The stubble on his chin tickled her fingers as she caressed his face. Her unbound shoulder-length hair fell forward, sheltering their faces from the gray light penetrating through the uncovered windowpanes.

  Travis’s arm circled her waist and pulled her in closer. His body reacted instantly to her swaying above him, and to the light pressure of her breast against his bare chest. Her being with him there reminded him of the morning before the accident at the carnival when they were in the very same predicament.

  He’d shared this very same lounger with her. Only then, he couldn’t love her the way he planned to. He remembered how desperate he’d been to have her that day, and how his groin had ached for her. He felt the same way now; she came to him after a night without making love. The difference this time was that she was his to love as he pleased.

  He moaned and allowed her to maintain control of the kiss; he wanted her to learn his body—she deserved complete access.

  Autumn pressed against his hard shaft. She moved her hands down between them to move his shorts down. Travis lifted his hips to help her in her effort. She broke the kiss long enough to reposition her body so that Travis could enter her wet and wanting opening. When he entered her, she dropped her head and shoulders back as she lowered her body, taking him in completely.

  Travis’s mouth moved from one covered breast to the other. The tips of her breasts stood as erect points behind the now damp shirt. “Oh, Travis.” She cooed.

  Autumn moved up and down on his shaft. She used her legs to set the rhythm. Travis used her buttocks to control the length and intensity of the each stroke. The sweet sound of his name uttered from her lips set him aflame. He moaned loudly. They both increased the movement of their hips. He lifted his hips to meet hers as she pressed hers down.

  Autumn squeezed the muscles surrounding him as his thrusts deepened and quickened. Not able to hold on any longer, she allowed the sensation of ecstasy to climb up her body until she shuddered with release. Travis met her at the peak of her climax. The sensation sent him spiraling. His hands clamped her body down and he didn’t let her go until the orgasmic bliss stopped.

  Autumn collapsed against Travis. Their breathing was the only movement for several minutes. The sound of the doorbell brought them back to reality. She lifted her head from his sweaty shoulder blade. Her hair clung to it until she sat up completely.

  As he watched his wife, Travis made no effort to move to answer the door. He watched her from beneath lowered lashes, when she started to move, he stopped her. “Do you want me to answer the door?”

  “No. Stay with me.”

  She slumped back down against him. The doorbell chimed a few more times before it stopped. A few moments passed before he had strength to pick her up and carry her back to the bedroom.

  Travis placed her on the bed. After removing what little they had on, he moved above her. “Turn over onto your stomach, sweetheart.” She did. He moved her hair to one side, and began to kiss her from the back of her neck, and trailed kisses down her back.

  He pressed warm kisses down the length of her, and didn’t stop until he got to her buttocks. He kissed and nibbled each cheek before he returned to his journey down her legs. On his way back up, he paused at the V inside of her thighs. Without prompting, Autumn opened her limbs. The heat of his lips and tongue caused her to tremble.

  Travis pulled her up to her knees. He licked and kissed her tender folds, heating her up once again. Moisture flowed to her core, signaling that she was prepared for what he would introduce to her next. Autumn rocked into the gentle stroking of his tongue. He felt her body give way, he entered her from behind; she’d not quite come down from the vortex before she was forced back to the peak of her climax. He had held her tight to keep her in place. The snug fit and the raw feel of her taking him from behind sent him on the quest to take her fully and completely.

  He took his time, using slow even strokes, ensuring he kept her on the edge of desire. He slowly moved them lower onto the bed until he straddled her. He hovered just above his wife using his legs and one arm to keep from crushing her. The other hand he used to continue stroking the tiny tip of her woman bud. His mouth moved to the side of her face near her ear. “Oh, baby, I need you so badly.” He continued to stroke her. “You feel so good. Oh, baby, I love you.”

  Autumn could do nothing except ride the storm. Pinned beneath him, she relented willingly to his every stroke. The heat of his body and the feel of him moving inside of her sent Autumn crashing quickly into an explosive orgasm that not only shook her body, but her mind as well. Travis plunged in and out of her tender flesh until he, too, fell off orgasmic precipice.

  He held her tightly, but was careful not to crush her beneath him. Weak and shaken, he moved away slowly and gathered her into his arms and rested his chin on her head. They relaxed in each other’s arms for a long moment and savored the delicious satisfaction of their loving.

  * * * *

  “Travis.”

  “Yes, baby.”

  “What are we going to do about our living situation?” she asked. She delighted in the pleasure of their lovemaking. The urge to ask him that question seemed appropriate since she knew that by living in two different cities they would not be able to do this as often as she would like.

  Travis looked down at her. He paused before he answered. “We’ll work something out, my sweet love. For now I just want to enjoy you in my arms.”

  She accepted his answer for the moment, but deep in her heart she knew they were going to have to discuss it. When they decided to get married, the subject of whe
re they would spend their future together had not been discussed. The sudden move to marry meant sacrifices would have to be made to make their marriage work.

  Her career meant everything to her. Well, maybe not everything now that Travis was in her life. It definitely created a dilemma. Soon enough, she would find out just what it meant. She closed her eyes with the hope of shutting out the nagging thoughts.

  Travis could feel the tension in Autumn; he could sense it, even if she hadn’t been in his arms. After a minute or two, her body relaxed. He knew she was anxious to talk about their future. He wanted to give them both time to think things through. He didn’t want her to think that she had to give up something or feel like she would have to sacrifice so much because of him.

  He was willing to sacrifice everything if it meant making her happy. He would do anything she asked. He closed his arms around her tighter and kissed the top of her head. They would have time to map out their future. For the time being, he just wanted their love to be enough.

  A few hours later, the loud grumbling of Travis’s stomach woke them up.

  “Will you please tell that thing to be quiet?” Autumn said.

  “Well, if my wife would feed me instead of raping me, maybe, just maybe, my stomach wouldn’t protest so loudly.” He smacked her lightly on the rump.

  “Ouch.” She sat up. “I’ll feed you, but it’s going to cost you later.”

  “No more loving for you for a couple of days.” He hesitated and frowned for a second. His expression grew serious. “When are you heading back to New York?” They didn’t get a chance to talk about it before he left New York.

  “Not this Wednesday, but the next Wednesday.”

  “Okay, that gives us a little time to talk and make some plans. Is that okay with you?”

  “Yes.” She touched his chin now covered with fuzz.

  “Then, no more loving for a couple of days. Can you control yourself?”

  “Me? I’m not the one—”

  “What? Who took me on the lounger?”

  “No! Not the one who pinned me down beneath them with all of this?” She ran her hands over his body. “And loved me thoroughly.”

  Travis smiled. “I can make love to you all day and all night.” The sultry pledge sent goose bumps up her spine. “But,” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not making love to you again, Autumn, until your body has had some rest.”

  “What if I don’t need or want rest?”

  “Trust me. In a few days, you will. Now let’s go feed me.” He kissed her and then pushed her away.

  * * * *

  When Travis and Autumn arrived at his parents’ house, Trish came dashing from the house. As he walked to the passenger side of the car, ready to open the door for Autumn, she leaped into his arms and held tightly to his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay.” She kissed his cheek.

  “Hey, sweet pea.” Travis returned her enthusiastic greeting.

  Autumn waited in the car for Travis to open her door, but she watched with a smiling gaze, the exchange between brother and little sister. She knew that the two were very close. At one point, she thought Trish would take issue with her stealing the heart of her oldest brother.

  But Trish didn’t show any signs of disapproval. She liked Autumn, and even though Autumn thought Trish was a little spoiled, she was a very sweet young lady. Autumn had gotten to know her during the two weeks leading up to Reggie and Trae’s wedding. She talked fondly of all her brothers, but it was clear that Travis was her favorite.

  “Okay, down. Let me open the door for Autumn.” He slowly released her and opened the passenger-side door.

  By the time she got out, Trish greeted Autumn with the exact same enthusiasm. “I’m so glad you’re both okay.” She kissed Autumn’s cheek.

  Surprised by the young woman’s greeting, she hugged her back and smiled. “Oh, sweetie, I’m happy to see you too. We’re fine, and I’m sorry if we worried you.” She took Trish’s hands and gripped them warmly.

  “I know. Come on. Mom is anxious to see you both, even though she’s going to pretend like she’s all cool and stuff.” Trish dragged Autumn by the hand. She turned back to make sure Travis was following. And of course, he was not very far behind them. “Mom! Dad! Travis and Autumn are here.” She continued to pull Autumn with her to the kitchen.

  Diane looked up as they entered. She wiped her hands and walked toward them. “Autumn.” She hugged her new daughter-in-law. All of her sons had chosen well from what she could tell. She looked at Autumn and saw the change in her and Travis.

  “I’m sorry we worried you.”

  “Shush. We’re just glad you’re okay. The both of you.” She released Autumn and reached for Travis. “Son, are you trying to kill your momma?”

  “No, ma’am.” He hugged his mother close. “I would never do anything to deliberately hurt you.”

  Diane moved away and looked up at him. “I know. I’m glad you’re home.”

  “I’m glad to be home, Mom because Autumn here is surely trying to starve your oldest and best-looking son.” His laugh resonated throughout the kitchen when Autumn punched him in the arm.

  “Your son insists on telling tales.”

  “I know,” Diane smiled and shook her head.

  “What’s all the fuss about?” Alvin came up the basement steps. Travis and Autumn greeted him. “Okay, you two have some explaining to do.” Alvin didn’t waste time and wasn’t the type to beat around the bush. While Travis and Autumn were married, he didn’t like the fact that it was such a big secret, especially from the family. He watched and waited for an explanation from his son and newest daughter-in-law.

  CHAPTER 33

  Travis opened his arms and Autumn went willingly into them. “Yes, we do.” He looked down at her before turning his attention to his family.

  Alvin’s question opened the door for Diane to ask Travis and Autumn why they didn’t wait to marry in church. They knew how important it was to their families, to have a valid marriage. “Travis, you and Autumn both know that your marriage is not recognized by the church.”

  They expected this moment to come. They’d discussed that very conversation the day before. Since they were practicing Catholics, they were expected to abide by the Catholic marital law. Their civic marriage would not be recognized until they received the appropriate dispensation from their bishop.

  The first thing Travis did when he returned to New Orleans from New York was to call Bishop Landry and requested a convalidation. He’d scheduled an appointment as soon as he knew Autumn was coming home early.

  Bishop Landry was stern with his reprimand but had known Travis and the Brooks family since he was born. He also knew Travis got around with the ladies, as the saying went. To marry this young woman said a lot about how he felt about her. The Bishop was impressed that they’d remained celibate prior to their civic wedding ceremony, which made his decision to consider their request easier. After the renewal of consent needed to bless their marriage, they would have to do confession and then receive Holy Communion.

  “Mom, we wanted to be married. God recognizes the law of the land, and by the law we are married, legally.”

  “Don’t give me that, Travis Kane Brooks. God expects us to abide by the law. But marriage is not civic; it should be celebrated in a church.” She looked up at her eldest.

  “Bishop Landry has already made provisions to see us on Tuesday. With his blessing, we will schedule a ceremony at the first open date.”

  Diane regarded him for a minute before responding. Relief washed across her face. The fact that they’d already taken measures to validate their marriage made Diane’s heart soar. She taught her children well. They were successful in their careers, were good citizens and community advocates, but most importantly, true to their families, and while not perfect, tried to do the right thing.

  Diane liked Autumn a lot. She believed that a blessed marriage built a happy and growing family. A thrill filled her spirit. “I’m happy to hear th
at son. We’ll make plans to celebrate. Will your parents be able to attend?” She looked at Autumn before embracing her and then Travis.

  “I don’t know for sure. I haven’t spoken with them yet about the ceremony.”

  “Well, I hope they will.” Alvin jumped in. He stood silently until then. He didn’t say much while Diane talked because he knew it was important for her to say what was in her heart. As far as he was concerned, though, Travis had done the right thing, and he respected him for that much. He was proud of his son, of all of his sons. “I look forward to meeting your folks. I know that they’re fine people.”

  “Yes, sir.” Autumn looked up at Travis. She knew they still had a lot of things yet to talk about, but they still had time.

  Even as they discussed with Travis’s parents their plans, Autumn realized the impact their sudden marriage had on Travis and the Brooks’ family business. For five years, he headed the Garden District Region of the thirty-year-old and still growing business. His father built it from scratch and the company is one of the leading import businesses in the city.

  Travis was solely responsible for the spike in the regional growth up until Trae joined the business after graduation a few years ago. After Trae joined him and Michael in the family business, the three worked directly to change their business strategy, which catapulted the company twenty years ahead of their competition.

  His family considered Travis a tremendous asset to their continued viability and growth. Even if he decided to move to New York, he would still spend a lot of his time commuting back and forth to New Orleans for day-to-day operations. Autumn calculated in her mind what that would mean in their life together.

  The outlook was bleak when she factored in her travel once the next season began, which was a traveling season for her dance troop. She pushed it out of her mind for the moment. She and Travis would plot out their plan before she headed back to New York. “We’ve been married five days and we still have a lot to talk about, don’t we?” Travis squeezed her hand slightly in agreement.