Sam swallowed down her tears of elation. “Yes, of course!”
Verlaine gasped and grinned, as if he hadn’t been sure what she was going to say. Then he excitedly slid the ring on her finger, and stood to embrace her.
“I love you, Sam Jenkins!”
Paul and Scott bundled in for a group hug. “Congratulations!”
Verlaine grinned at Paul. “You’re gonna be my best man, right?”
“Of course! Hey, I can deliver your first child!”
Sam whacked him on the arm. “No!”
Patty and Jim hugged Sam strongly, making her feel integrated in their family.
Jim put his hand out to shake his son’s hand, but Verlaine forced his father to hug him.
Patty stood back and inspected Sam, biting back her proud maternal tears. “I’ve always wanted a beautiful sweet daughter. I’m so happy it’s you – you’re perfect for my son.”
“Thank you, Patty.”
“Uh uhh. It’s Mom from now on, please!”
“Okay, thank you, Mum.”
Sam stifled her sadness, wishing her own mother was here to see this. She buried her face in Verlaine’s chest. He kissed her on the head.
“I love you,” he said.
“Verlaine,” Patty said. “I’ve got some good news. When you and Sam make your marriage official, you’ll both be the joint owners of this house.”
The petals of time froze as the universe attempted to process this staggering news.
Verlaine frowned – more clarification was definitely needed. “What?”
“Why?” Sam asked.
Patty threw Ellie a smug glance. “Because this house actually belonged to Verlaine’s grandmother; my mom. She left it in her will for Verlaine, but specified he could only have it when he got married. She was an old traditionalist, and obviously had no idea that people would just cohabit like they do nowadays. But that’s the rules in the will – we were legally obliged to follow those instructions. I confided all this in my best friend just before my mom died. I guess since she stole my brooch, Ellie also wanted the house, too. When Rebecca’s marriage fell apart, she obviously decided to use her own daughter as a bargaining tool – something I never imagined she was capable of. I mean, what sort of a mother would do that?”
Ellie glowered at Verlaine. “My late-husband left me with vast debts. This was the only way I could see to pay for everything. I’m going to have to sell my business now and my house. All because you won’t marry my daughter!”
Verlaine opened his mouth to defend himself, but Sam spoke first.
“It’s not too bad losing everything. It happens to the best of us, unfortunately. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – that’s what experience has always taught me.”
Ellie tutted and looked away.
Verlaine pulled Sam close and frowned at his mother again. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“Because I didn’t want you to feel that you had to get married.”
“But this house must be worth a fortune. If you’d sold it, it would’ve given you and dad a nice retirement years ago.”
“But I love you, Verlaine, and I wanted you to marry someone you love. I know you adore Sam, and she adores you. Your happiness is much more important to me than money.”
“This is ridiculous!” Ellie spun to face her daughter. Rebecca looked defeated; a shell of the confident glamorous woman she’d been pretending to be last night. Sam glimpsed the real Rebecca – it was like realising the terrifying lion under your bed had been a frightened kitten all along.
Ellie barked at her. “Say something, Rebecca. It’s not too late!”
Rebecca stepped forward, wringing her hands. “Verlaine, you can still marry me. I can offer you a life back in America, a social circle, a wife with a good career. Come on, what do you say?”
Verlaine sighed – he’d had enough of her now. And Sam had too. She felt angry and betrayed – she’d been so nice to her, but Rebecca had been stringing her along all this time. A mischievous passion rushed up inside Sam. She stepped forward, swung back her fist, and punched Rebecca in the face.
Rebecca stumbled into her mother and they hit the wall like a couple of bowling pins.
Scott gasped, then laughed. Paul cheered.
Sam grinned and rubbed her knuckles.
“Get away from my property,” she said. “And out of my country.”
Ellie shoved Rebecca upright, which resulted in her stumbling forward. The two women grappled at each other as they tried to stand, but it was as if they were sliding around on thin ice. Eventually they both managed to coordinate their limbs, then they stormed out the living room, hopefully to pack their bags.
“And don’t stop ‘til you get to the airport!” Scott called.
Sam turned to look out the window. The snow glistened like a Christmas card under the perfect blue sky. The sun shone down on the world like a kind mother, giving life to her children.
“It’s going to be a beautiful day,” Sam said. “And a good year.”
Verlaine put his arm around her. “And a wonderful life.”
They shared a tender smiled and kissed.
Patty broke the spell. “Does anyone want breakfast? It’s our Christmas tradition!”
“I’d love some,” Paul said. “I’m starving. It’s hard work being a midwife, you know!”
“Sit down, kids,” Jim said. “Help yourself.”
Sam glanced at the table of pastries and coffee. “I think I’ll make myself some tea, and maybe have a croissant.” She threw Verlaine a shy grin. “But really, I’d love to have a lie down.”
“You got a headache again?” Patty asked with a wink.
Sam blushed. “Well, we are practically married!”
“Yes,” Patty said. “And this is practically your house!”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Verlaine opened the bedroom door for Sam and gestured for her to go first. She shot him a flirty glance, then swaggered inside. This room – which had seemed so gloomy and austere only a few days ago – had transformed into a love nest. This was her territory now. Not just this room, but the entire house.
And how best to mark her territory? She turned and saw Verlaine leaning against the closed door, gazing at her. Her heart stirred with adoration for her lovely boyfriend. Her fiancé! She inspected the engagement ring as it twinkled in the morning light.
“We own a house,” Verlaine said. “Which means we’ve got a ton of cash we never knew about. I can’t believe it. This is like the best Christmas ever.”
Excitement surged through Sam. “It’s amazing, my love! And your proposal was so romantic. Thank you.”
She stepped forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips. Then she smiled into his eyes and went back for another kiss – but stronger this time. Powerful desire whirled through her thighs and her body surged with raw lust.
Verlaine’s arms fell around her waist and he pulled her close, as the kiss increased in passion. Sam ran her tongue under Verlaine’s top lip, then eagerly kissed him again, imagining Rebecca standing in the corner of the room, watching this unfold.
Sam possessively pressed her pelvis against his hardening cock and thrust her hips over him. He gasped and grabbed her ass, pulling her closer as she ground against his erection.
She kissed him hungrily, then pulled away and gazed into his eyes. “My turn to get down on my knees for you!”
He grinned and panted, knowing what that meant.
Sam smirked and dropped to the floorboards in front of him. She nuzzled her face into his erection, knowing that his gorgeous cock would soon be inside her. But first, she wanted to get him ready. She unzipped his trousers and delved in to fish out his hard-on, then she glanced up and threw him a steamy look.
He exhaled as if he was in pain, but his grin assured her he was fine. Sam giggled. She gripped her fingers around his shaft and licked the pre-cum that was seeping out of the head, as she moaned like a porn star – k
nowing how much he loved the theatrics of a good blow job. Then she teasily ran her tongue around the back of the head, exploring under the ridge and up to the opening.
Verlaine reached down and ran his fingers through her hair. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you, too,” she said.
She opened her mouth wide, to give him a visual thrill, then she slowly lowered her lips over the head of his cock – which she sucked gently at first, then harder. She sensed that he was desperate for her to take him fully in his mouth, but she loved to wrench up the tension by teasing him. And besides, she needed him hard and horny.
She sucked the end delicately, and twirled her tongue around the tip. Then she plunged her mouth over the shaft, taking him deep inside and sliding his cock in and out of her mouth, by moving her head back and forth for a few long fast strokes.
She stopped suddenly, making him inhale sharply.
Sam stood and took his hand. “Shall we go over to the bed and get naked?”
“Best idea I’ve ever heard!”
Sam kissed Verlaine again, increasing the passion so their tongues entwined and their lips pressed together hungrily. They reached the bed and she undid his shirt for him, enjoying the sight of his beautiful toned body as she stripped him, throwing his shirt to the floor.
“We need to remove this beautiful dress,” he said.
He grabbed the silky material and pulled it upwards. The only way out of it was over Sam’s head, so he stopped to lick her tits as the dress covered her eyes. Sam groaned with pleasure as his tongue flicked and teased her nipple. Then the dress came off, joining his shirt on the floorboards.
“You can keep your trousers on,” Sam said. “It turns me on that you’re half-dressed and I’m in my panties. I don’t know why. But it’s sexy.”
“You’re sexy,” he said.
Maintaining eye contact, she leaned forward and gently forced him back, so he was lying on the bed. A spring underneath them boinged, making the both laugh.
Sam watched as he took himself in hand and ran his fingers up and down the shaft in long slow strokes, getting himself ready. His hair was ruffled, making him look primal – so masculine. He looked delicious lying there with his hard cock sticking out of his smart trousers – it was as if he and Sam were having an illicit office quickie. But she knew they had plenty of time to indulge their passions.
“I want you inside me,” she whispered.
He gripped his cock tighter and gazed at her through half-closed eyes. From the grin on his face, Sam knew she didn’t need to wait for an invitation.
She crawled on top of him and kissed him on the lips. His fingers ran down her thigh, exploring her panties and probing into her pussy. She automatically clenched around him and groaned in pleasure.
He moved her panties to one side and grinned. “Climb aboard, my love.”
Sam giggled. She lowered herself onto his erection, gasping as he filled her completely. Then he reached up and tenderly caressed her breasts, never breaking eye contact – sending her love as well as lust.
She threw him a grin and started to tilt her pelvis back and forth in quick thrusts, which stimulated her clit and flashed intense pleasure between her thighs. Verlaine grabbed her hips and used his strong hands to move her body over his – using her to give himself a thrill, as well injecting delight into her.
Sam ground herself into him, quickening the pace, suddenly desperate to get there. A cocktail of delight shot through her brain and she gasped. She felt naughty with her panties on, and she relished the softness of the material as it caressed her clit. She was aware of Verlaine watching her in awe, as she rode him harder and faster. She threw him a seductive smirk, and – as the orgasm caught powerfully between her thighs – her eyes snapped shut and her head dropped back. The room swirled and she became part of it – part of the universe. Verlaine slapped her bare hip gently but firmly, which sparked a new layer of pleasure inside her – the waves of ecstasy burst out, and she was unable to stop the loud, gleeful groaning. Sam didn’t care whether the household heard her – because all that mattered was her immense, joyous delight. She felt powerful and fearless as the feelings of liberation washed over her. She hoped Rebecca could hear how much fun she was having, possessing her man and claiming him for herself.
Sam panted and slowly drifted back to reality. She beamed at Verlaine, who was gazing at her with love plastered over his face.
“Happy Christmas, baby,” he said, with a proud smirk.
Sam giggled, still consumed by the euphoria of the orgasm. She glanced down at her body and saw that they were connected in the most intimate way. It was beautiful – like a flower and butterfly; so natural. She felt mystical and ‘at one’ – totally connected with herself, the world, and her lover.
She snoozily rested down on top of him, so that their bare chests touched. His arms fell around her and they remained like that, simply relishing the afterglow of their love.
Sam knew she could sleep soundly tonight, now that all was harmonious in their world once more. But first they would spend a joyful Christmas day with their family and friends.
“Happy Christmas,” she said. “You’re right – this is the best one ever.”
Verlaine hugged her tightly. “You’ve made all my wishes come true, baby. So long as I have you in my life, every day will sparkle with the joys of a million Christmas mornings. I’m the happiest guy alive!”
Sam kissed him. All she’d ever really wanted for Christmas was her beloved Verlaine, and now she had him, hopefully forever. She smiled and hummed a Mariah Carey ditty, feeling peace and goodwill swell in her heart and soothe her soul, for now and for always.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The warm sunshine caressed Sam’s pale skin and seeped into her heart, making her smile. This beach in Thailand was the perfect location for two lovers to declare their eternal commitment to each other, in front of their family and friends. Golden shimmers sparkled off the crystal blue sea, and Sam’s bare feet sunk snuggly into the soft sand, like a pair of bedroom slippers.
None of the friends and family actually realised she was here at the moment, as they sat on the pretty white chairs, in rows with their backs to her. She inhaled into her tummy, psyching herself up, while they chatted among themselves, waiting for everything to begin.
Sam listened nervously as Gemma struck up a whispered conversation with the guy who was poised to start the music. Sam was confident that nothing could go wrong with her big sis in charge of planning. She allowed her mind to drift away from Gemma, as she gazed out at the Indian Ocean. It was infinitely wide and open, and it made her feel happy and free. A life of love and excitement was ahead of her; this really was the happiest day of her life.
She turned her attention back to the chairs in front, and braced herself to walk up the aisle of sand – which led to a pretty altar draped in white satin and carnations. The registrar was dressed in a sleeveless shirt and a short skirt, but she wasn’t the most prominent person standing up there, of course.
Sam’s handsome groom was standing with his back to her, seemingly deep in thought, probably trying to remember his lines. Paul was standing by his side, looking proud. Sam was so grateful that everyone had made such an effort with their attire – especially considering how hot it was on this beach. In front of her was an array of pretty summer dresses, short-sleeved shirts, and flamboyant hats. And at the altar, Verlaine and Paul were dressed in smart linen trousers, linen vests, and crisp white shirts.
Sam grinned at Gemma, who’d now finished her whispered conversation with the sound engineer.
Gemma gazed into her eyes. “Ready for me to walk you down the aisle?”
Sam nodded. Her heart flitted like a thoroughbred racehorse as ribbons of nervous excitement zoomed through her. She smoothed down her cream knee-length dress, and hoped she looked presentable. This little chiffon number was cute, but Sam had always dreamed of getting married in her Rolling Stones T-shirt and jeans. She’d be
en persuaded by Verlaine that maybe this occasion was worth making an effort for. If he was prepared to make an effort, then she knew she should, too. And besides, it was too hot for jeans on this beach.
“You sure I look okay?” she asked.
Gemma’s eyes welled with tears. “Sam, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Sam’s emotion cracked in her throat, but she swallowed it down. “Thank you.”
Gemma glanced over at the music guy and gave him the nod, but then a little voice in the crowd called out, “Mumma!”
A ripple of chatter washed over the crowd as all eyes turned to look at young Scott who was giggling proudly at the attention. The friends and family cooed at Gemma’s adorable one-year-old, then turned to look behind themselves, where young Scott was pointing.
There were a few gasps and mutters of how pretty Sam looked, as Jack tried to distract young Scott from calling to his mummy again. Sam loved her nephews, but that little Scott was a mischievous scamp. She smiled at how much she adored those boys.
Sam glanced at the grown-up Scott, who was holding baby Paul in his arms – he was asleep as always; the more placid of the twins. Grown-up Scott threw her an affectionate nod, then she turned back to face the centre, trying to focus on the role of confident bride.
Sam saw that Verlaine had turned when everyone else had, and he was now staring at her in awe. He looked so handsome in his linen clothes, and his expression was one of pride. They made eye contact and shared a nervous grin.
Sam heard the music start – a classical stringed number which dripped with romance and tenderness – so Gemma held out her arm for Sam to take. They took a step forward in unison, embarking on this adventure up the aisle together. Sam felt as if she was floating on the sand as she slowly made her way to meet her wonderful Verlaine. She subtly looked around and caught the eye of her friends Eva and Charlie, who’d taken time out from their busy lives to be here today. There were a few cousins who Sam had wanted here and aunties and uncles. And of course Patty and Jim were on the other side with Verlaine’s family. Sam’s mind assaulted her with an image of her mum and dad, but she pushed it away. They would always be with her, because they’d made her. Her throat juddered with emotion as she halted in front of the beautiful altar – she’d promised herself she wouldn’t cry, but it was starting already.
Driving Me to Christmas (London Loves Book 5) Page 18
