In Name Only

by Vivian Rose Lee

  Sky reached up gently caressed his face. “I love you.”

  Ben remained beside Sky as she slept. Every so often Ben would wake her just to be she was just sleep. He was exhausted, but he did not want to leave her. While she slept, Ben did leave for a minute to call the admiral to report about Dina, he wanted everything handled discreetly. He suggested she be stationed to another port; rather then get her court marshaled, which was his right. There were strict rules in the military about the sanctity of marriages.

  Ben watched his wife’s sleeping face. She was so beautiful to him. He didn’t know when he fell in love with Sky, but he did. He has so much to make up to her. First thing he wanted to do was renew their vows. Have a big celebration. He wanted the world to know how much he loved his wife. Ben leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes, as smile on his handsome face.

  Ben awoke to his mother tapping him on his shoulder. Ben eyes opened. She quietly motioned for Ben to come out of the room. Ben rose on stiff legs following his mother.

  Georgie took him to the waiting room. There sat a very regal woman. An older version of his wife, and just as petite.

  She rose when she saw them. Ben and Georgie stood in front of her.

  “Johann, this is my son Commander Benjamin Smith, Ben this is Sky’s mother.” she introduced. Ben eyes did not waver as their eyes met. How can this delicate looking woman be as hard as Sky said she was? Ben smiled and extended his hand. Johann looked directly in his eyes, she took his hand in a surprisingly a very firm handshake.

  “How my daughter?” she asked, her tone sternly.

  “Much better, she is sleeping now.”

  “And my grandchildren?”

  “I haven’t seen them yet, I’m waiting to see them with my wife.”

  Sky was right she is hard. Well if she thinks she was coming here to upset Sky, she could think again.

  “Please Mrs. Carter, sit.” Ben offered. Georgie watched her son face, he wanted to say something, Georgie could see it in his eyes. Ben sat across from them.

  “Mrs. Carter, first I want to welcome you to Virginia, and next, I want you know, I love my wife very much, and I will protect her from anything and anyone.” Ben stated firmly. Johann caught his meaning.

  “Well, Benjamin, I glad to hear that,” she took a deep breath and exhaled. “I know I’ve been hard on Sky. I may have not use the proper judgment in how to deal with Skylar. She is so much like her father, a heart of gold nothing like me. I am sure she told you how hard I could be, and for that, I will not apologize. I run a multimillion-dollar company, in a man’s world, what I was attempting to do is prepare Sky for life. Unfortunately, my hardness and stubbornness has caused to me alienate my only child. I love Sky, she is the reason, and I work hard so she will be cared for after I am gone. When I told Sky, I disowned her it was in anger. She left with David regardless of how I felt about him. I knew he had died. I thought Sky would come home after that, she didn’t.

  “Why didn’t you take her calls?” Ben asked sternly.

  “I wanted her to tell me I was right and she was wrong?” Johann said simply. I was wrong, I was use to controlling everything around me I thought I could control Sky also,” she chuckled humorlessly, “I guess she showed me.”

  Ben looked directly at Sky’s mother, as she spoke. She missed Sky, but too stubborn to make the first move.

  Johann reached out and took Ben’s hand. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter, and for loving her, she has so much to give, I just hope she can forgive her hardheaded mother.” Johann said as tears rolling down her face. Georgie put her arm around her.

  “Of course she will.” Georgie said, “Now let’s go see Sky.”

  Ben pushed open the door. Sky still lay sleeping. Johann and Georgie stood at the foot of the bed.

  Ben leaned over caressing her cheek. “Hey Baby, wake up.” he said softly. Sky stretched. Her eyes opened, when she saw Ben she smiled.

  “Hi.” Ben bent down and kissed her mouth tenderly.

  Sky noticed someone standing at the end of her bed. Her mouth dropped opened.

  “Mom?” she said softly. Johann went to the side of the bed.

  “Baby,” her mother said. Tears came to Sky eyes, as she took her hand.

  “Mom, I’m so sorry, you…”

  “No baby,” Johann interrupted, “you have nothing to be sorry for, it I who need to apologize and ask your forgiveness.”

  “Mom, I love you.” Johann bent to hug her, her eyes meeting Ben’s, and he nodded smiling at her.

  “Have you seen the babies?” Sky asked her mother.

  “No, not yet.”

  Ben picked up the phone and called the nurse. They told him when he was ready they would bring the babies in.

  Ben help Sky sit up in the bed. She was finally going to meet her babies.

  The door opened, and two nurses rolled in the little plastic bassinets with her babies inside. This would be the first time Ben and Sky saw their children. The nurse lifted one and handed her to her father, the other they handed to Sky.

  Tear glistened in Ben’s eyes.

  “Look at what we made,” he said to Sky.

  “What are their names?” Georgie asked.

  “Well, when I decided on the name I thought I had just one, but Zoë Johann, and Zena Georgina Smith.”

  Ben smiled; He liked the names. Sky looked up at him and he nodded his approval.

  Epilogue

  Sky stood in the full-length mirror at her house. The emperor waist ivory silk gown with iridescent sequins sprinkled throughout the fabric was elegant. The gown fell gracefully to her feet, with a small train in the back. A scooped neckline, that just showed a hint of the swell of her breast, and cut low in the back, and long bell sleeves to her wrists. Sky opted to wear her reddish brown hair pulled back in a sleek knot at the nape of her neck. On her feet she wore a strapped sandaled that matched her gown, and a haloed veil of gossamer that matched her gown. Nyja and Jana eyes filled at how beautiful she looked.

  Georgie and Johann gazed at her with love in her eyes. Sky was exquisite. Ben was going to be surprised for sure. Georgie and Johann planned for them a candlelight-evening wedding. The room decorated to give the sense of grandeur, and elegance, like the bride. Jana and Nyja was the Sky’s bridesmaid, and they wore the pale silver gowns.

  Sky turned to look at Georgie and her mother. She was chewing on her bottom lip.

  “Stop chewing on your lip before we have to put a Band-Aid on it.” Georgie chastised smiling.

  “How do I look?” Sky asked.

  “Oh baby your beautiful, Ben going to pass out when he sees you,” her mother said smiling.

  “Okay, its time.” Georgie said. “Edmond should be arriving soon.”

  Edmond insisted on giving Sky away. A knock sounded at the door, Jana moved opened the door to her husband, who looked handsome in his black tuxedo with tails. Edmond kissed his wife tenderly on the lips. “You look beautiful Honey.” Jana smiled and fixed his crooked tie.

  “You girls ready?” he called.

  “Yes, in a minute,” Georgie called as Johann adjusted Sky’s veil to conceal her face.

  Georgie and Nyja came to the living room first, and then Sky followed. Edmond gazed at her. Sky was beautiful. Georgie, Jana, Zoë, and Nyja were grinning. Edmond was speechless.

  “Well Edmond, what do you think?” his mother asked.

  “I think Benjamin is a very lucky man, now come on before he thinks Sky has changed her mind.” Sky smiled beamingly; she was happy. She always wanted this wedding.

  Ben and Jonathan had been notified the bride had arrived. Every seat in the room filled with family and friends. Ben chose the music for the wedding. When he made his choices, he had Sky in mind, and the song told how he felt. If Sky really listened to them, she would know how he feels. Ben watched as his mother, and mother-in-law was escorted by Edmond to her seat in front. Nyja and Jana followed, with small bouquets of white baby roses.

  Th
e double doors opened to a room bathed in candlelight. Sky had not seen how Georgie decorated; the room was beautiful. Edmond stood with Sky at his side. When Ben looked up the aisle, his heart pounded excitedly in his chest. Jonathan leaned to him. “Man, she beautiful,” he whispered in awe. Ben was speechless. If there were words that describe how beautiful she was, he didn’t know it. All he knew was she was his wife, and he would cherish her the rest of his life.

  The music started. Sky had her hand tucked under Edmond’s arm. When she heard the song, she couldn’t move. She remembered how much Ben loved this song, “Wait, “by Earth, Wind, and Fire. When they were home, he played it repeatedly, just listening to it. Sky knew Ben could not see her face, but if he could, he would see tears of joy in her eyes. Edmond squeezed her hand. She looked up at him and smiled. Then she took a step toward him. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Everyone invited had attended. Ben family knew many people. She was happy her mother was here to share this with her. Edmond handed Sky to Ben, and the ceremony began. The minister spoke of the love and marriage, a prayer said, and rings exchanged. The time to kiss the bride was the part Ben had waited for.

  “You may kiss your bride,” the minister announced.

  Ben’s hands trembled a little when he lifted the veil from Sky’s face. He looked into her hazel/green eyes that brimmed with tears, her smiling mouth trembling slightly.

  Ben smiled at her. He leaned to her, his mouth inches from hers.

  “Your mine now Skylar Smith,” he said softly, and his mouth closed over hers, Sky arms wound around his neck. The guest applauded, when he moved from her taking her hand in his. Jana handed her the bouquet she carried up the aisle.

  “I present to you, Commander and Mrs. Benjamin Smith.” Ben grinned proudly.

  Ben walked with Sky hand tucked in his arm. Georgie beamed happily.

  Ben and Sky were sent off for pictures, while the guest invited went to the adjoining room for the reception . After the pictures Ben took Sky to the suite where they would spent there honeymoon night before flying off to Jamaica.

  When Ben closed the door, he instantly pulled Sky into his arms, his mouth on hers, kissing her eagerly. He wanted her now. They had not made love since the night she had the baby shower two months ago, and he was ready to lose himself in her.

  Sky pulled her mouth away from him, to catch her breath. She wanted him with all her heart. Ben mouth was on her neck, Sky’s eyes closed and she moaned softly.

  “Ben,” she said breathless. Ben lifted his head and looked into her beautiful eyes.

  “Yes my love,” he said sultrily.

  Sky was lost, her mouth closed over his. The kisses turn to passion. Sky pulled her mouth away so she could catch her breath, a second time. Ben mouth found the swell of her breast above her gown. Sky moaned. The knock at the door putting a halt their passion. Ben cursed, and adjusted his harden manhood before opening the door. He looked back a Sky smiling face.

  “It’s not funny Mrs. Smith, we haven’t made love since the girls were born, and I’m ready to tear that beautiful gown from you and ravish you until you beg, me to stop,” Ben said before opening the door. It was his mother, and Sky’s mother.

  “Don’t you dare mess up her make up Benjamin, you have guest downstairs,” Georgie scolded.

  “All I need is ten minutes Mom, I won’t mess her up,” Ben said grinning.

  Georgie smiled at her impish son. Ben was finally happy.

  “Is that all,” she said winking at Sky, “your father needed at least twenty.”

  Ben groaned. “Thanks Mom, you just ruin it for me.”

  Georgie, Johann, and Sky laughed as they walked pass him, while he held the door opened for them.

  Ben and Sky were announced and the celebration had begun.

  Ben and Sky stood in the receiving line along with the wedding party. Many people came up wishing them well. Georgie was beaming, her children were happy.

  “We did well,” Georgie, said softly talking to her children’s father, tears in her eyes.

  Ben smiled; as he watched his wife move about the room. Yes, he was in love Sky, which he did not doubt. He watched as she charmed and was gracious to their entire guest. It was time for the bride and grooms first dance. Ben gently pulled Sky into his arms. He held her close to him. When she recognized the song, she leaned back and looked in his eyes. They moved so slow it looked as if they standing just holding each other. Ben leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Ben turned her until her back was against him as he led her. Sky laughed. Ben reached down and kissed her neck as he guided her. She could feel Ben on her. He was hard. Sky rotated her bottom slowly. She heard Ben gasp, and then he turned her pulling her sharply against him. He was grinning. Ben lowered his head until their lips were almost touching.

  “Keep that up and we will be leaving this celebration early,” he whispered. Sky laughed and wrapped her arms around him neck, and kissed him.

  The guest applauded as they left the floor.

  Ben stood off with some of the male guest talking. Sky was on the dance floor. He smiled. She was happy and he meant to keep her that way. It was like the first time he met her. Then it dawned on him, he had fallen in love with Sky the very first moment he saw her.

  Ben held onto her dancing to a fast song. Sky laid her head on his chest.

  “Ben I’m tired,” she admitted. Ben looked down at her head.

  She should be, she’s been dancing all night. “Okay, I’ll tell Mom to get on with the festivities, so I can take you to bed.” he told her. Ben paused, and lifted her chin, looking into her lovely face. “To tired for me?” he asked with passion in tone.

  “I’m never too tired for you,” she said breathlessly. Ben took her hand and went to his mother.

  Ben closed the door and leaned against it. Sky turned to him smile brightly.

  “You are a beautiful bride,” he said softly, moving from the door going to her.

  Sky felt beautiful. Ben head lowered capturing her lips beneath his. Sky pulled her mouth from his, and gazed into his face. His eyes were hooded, and smoldering with passion. Sky’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to speak but the words would not come. Sky did not want him to stop. She wound her arms around his neck, and held onto him. Sky pulled away, her breath heavy with yearning.

  “Wait here,” she said and went to the connecting room.

  Ben smiled. He was happy. Ben removed his jacket, and tossed it across the nearby chair. He had his tie removed, when Sky returned to the room.

  She was devastatingly beautiful. She had taken her hair loose; it fell to her shoulders in heavy waves. The ivory nightgown she wore hugged her petite body, showing how sexy she is. Her body is even more enticing after the birth of the girls.

  Slowly she moved to him, her eyes sultry and beckoning. She stood in front of him and placed her hands on his chest. She rose up on her toes and kissed him tenderly on his mouth. Ben exhaled, her scent captivating his senses. Her hand moved down his shirt unbuttoning each button. She pushed his shirt from his wide shoulders; it fell in a puddle to the floor. Sky then pressed her mouth to his bare chest. He felt her hot breath on him and a shiver of anticipation roamed down his spine. Her small hands worked expertly on the waistband of his slacks. Ben lifted his feet from the shoes, and step out of the pants that followed the shirt.

  When he was completely nude, Sky lead him to the large bed in the center of the room. Ben lay on the bed, pulling Sky with him. She lay prone on his. She leaned up her hands pressed into his shoulders. Ben grabbed her head, making a fist in her hair bringing her head down to his lips. Ben nipped at her mouth, his tongue tasting and outlining her lips. Sky moved her mouth to his neck, and sucked gently. She heard Ben moan. Lowering her mouth, she nibbled his chest, to rock hard abs. She kissed, she licked, she tasted. Her mouth found his throbbing manhood. She rubbed her face against his throbbing manhood. She looked up at Ben, to see his face. His face had the look of a man in total bliss. Sky sucked the tip, then
pulling him into her mouth. Ben raised his head, and watched her make love with her mouth. She was driving him crazy with her mouth. Ben let his head fall back on the pillow, savoring her warm mouth, her tongue, as she licked and made love to him. Ben pulled her up and rolled her to her back.

  “You’re going to make me lose it.” Ben said huskily, entering her. Sky let out a gasped, when he pushed his body in hers. Sky didn’t hesitate. Her legs opened and encumbered is legs as she began to move beneath him with vigor. Her arms held him close to her chest as she rotated her body beneath him. Sky gasped and lifted her hips to Ben, hold them pressed against him, as he gyrated and slide in and out of her. He could feel her wall manipulating and massaging his throbbing member, loosening and tightening as she held her body up to his. Ben slipped his hand under her, moving relentlessly. He felt so good, she felt good, and she was his. Ben released her hips, and leaned up on his hands, looking down at her passion-filled face. Her eyes met his. Ben lost himself in its depths. All he knew was he loved her, and she was his wife. Sky pushed up against him greedily Ben head fell back, and he let out a low roar, as he and Sky lost themselves in a whirlpool of pleasure. After Sky lay with her head on his shoulder, eyes closed savoring Ben’s warm body close to her. Before Ben eyes closed he wondered, how he ever thought he could just have her just in name only.

  .