‘That was so … so …’
‘I know. Come on, let’s get you out of this spectacular dress and we can lie by the fire with some mulled wine and relax until we’re ready to go again.’
‘You really love the dress?’ I asked as he gripped my waist and sat me upright.
‘I do,’ he beamed. ‘You chose gold, to please me?’
‘Yes,’ I smiled. ‘And sparkle for me.’
‘Worth every penny to see you look so beautiful and happy. You can wear it again for the party when we get home.’
‘You won’t mind?’
‘Baby, I won’t mind anything that makes your face light up half as much as that dress. In fact, if you wanted to sack the cleaner and do housework in it, I’d go with it.’
‘No, one dash of bleach in the wrong place and it would be ruined,’ I gasped as I clutched the shaped breasts protectively. He laughed and unzipped me and I lifted my arms for him to carefully pull it over my head. He draped it next to him on the sofa before running his hands up my bare stomach and cupping my breasts.
‘All mine,’ he sighed as he leaned forward and kissed each nipple. ‘At last.’
‘All yours,’ I smiled, I took one of his hands and placed it over my heart. ‘Forever.’
‘And an Engine,’ he smiled as he did the same with mine. He gripped me and stood up, lifted me off him and led me to the rug in front of the fire and sat me down. ‘Wine?’
‘Yes, please.’
‘Hungry yet?’
‘Give me one more orgasm and I will be,’ I replied as I watched him go and fill up two mugs from the urn on the kitchen worktop. He was still in his trousers, his white shirt unbuttoned, revealing his magnificent torso. Was he really my husband? I took a deep inhalation of air.
‘Ok?’ he asked with a frown as he looked around at me.
‘We’re really married,’ I whispered.
‘We are,’ he laughed. ‘Hives? Impending panic attack?’
‘Not yet,’ I laughed in return. I watched him stride over and place the steaming mugs on the coffee table as he shrugged off his shirt, kicked off his shoes and tore his socks away. I followed his fingers with my eyes as he unbuttoned his trousers and let them fall and pushed them away with his foot.
‘Ready?’ he asked as he hooked his thumbs in his boxers.
‘Pejazzle me,’ I giggled then gasped as he dropped them. ‘Gabe.’
‘Do you like it?’ he asked as he kneeled in front of me, his stomach level with my face. I reached out and traced around the tattoo he’d had done on his left hip, just where my own tattoo was on my body. He’d had a small one done, in black too, an infinity symbol, the arch of each curve broken on the left with the initial “G” and on the right with “M” and I bent my head and kissed it.
‘I love it.’
‘I even put you on the right, I know you like the right as you look at things.’
‘I do,’ I laughed. ‘You’re learning.’
‘I love you so much.’
‘Not as much as I love you,’ I smiled as he lay down and pulled me down onto his chest to snuggle contentedly in front of the fire.
‘Happy birthday and wedding day, baby.’
Christmas Day
‘Hello Mrs. Austin, welcome back to the land of the living.’
‘Good morning,’ I smiled as I stretched in bed. I was pleasantly exhausted. We’d made love so many times last night I’d lost count. ‘What time is it?’
‘Time I got some breakfast in you.’
‘Is that a euphemism for you getting your sausage in me?’
‘No,’ he laughed. ‘Lovely as that carpet picnic was in the middle of the night, I’m famished. Someone has an insatiable appetite for me.’
‘O don’t start apportioning blame so early in the marriage or I’ll be seeking counsel. I have connections in the legal world now.’
‘Threatening divorce the morning after,’ he groaned as he clutched his chest and faked pain.
‘Aren’t we staying here for our honeymoon?’ I asked as I reached out and ran my finger over his lips.
‘No.’
‘O, ok.’
‘You sound disappointed.’ He frowned as he propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at me.
‘It’s lovely here, just you and me, a nice fire, eating when we want with nothing to do. We don’t even have to get dressed or go out. It’s bliss.’
‘Then it will be bliss where we’re going. Sorry baby, they don’t normally let this boathouse over Christmas, I had to work all my charms on the owner to get it for these two nights.’
‘It’s amazing, Gabe. So romantic,’ I smiled.
‘Well, why don’t we have some breakfast and we can go for a walk in the snow, it’s a beautiful sunny day and the views are spectacular.’
‘I only have heels Gabe. Besides, I don’t want to go walking, the view I have from here is pretty spectacular, thank you,’ I giggled as I pulled him back down next to me and he laughed. ‘I’m so in love with you, husband,’ I sighed.
‘And me you, wife,’ he smiled.
‘Mia, hold my hand please, I don’t want you falling and breaking your leg. Why are you wearing heels that high in the bloody snow?’ Gabe scolded as I skidded on the jetty.
‘It’s Christmas Day and the morning after our wedding. I wanted to look smart,’ I objected. I had on a long sleeved black mini dress with gold detailing and my highest black heels.
‘That’s women for you,’ chuckled our boat man.
‘Tell me about it,’ sighed Gabe as he helped me to my seat and wrapped the blanket around me again. I snuggled up to him as we skimmed along the water, silent as we looked at the towering snowy mountains and listened to the birds squawking as they soared above us. It was idyllic here. I saw Gabe check his watch as the hotel and lake house appeared on the horizon.
‘Are we really late?’ I asked.
‘About fifteen minutes with you faffing about in the shower.’
‘Faffing about?’ I gasped. I was about to say more when I saw the twinkle in his eye. It was his fault we were late. He’d pounced on me, despite my objections that I wouldn’t be ready on time, insisting on hot shower sex.
‘Women,’ Gabe exclaimed with a dramatic roll of the eyes at our good looking companion who chuckled again.
‘Why are you ferrying us about on Christmas day?’ I asked, puzzled.
‘It’s all part of the service. I look after the boat house and its guests.’
‘Well, that’s incredibly kind of you, but surely you have somewhere to be today? Family or friends?’
‘No, it’s just me.’
‘So what are you doing when you’ve dropped us off?’
‘I’ll head home and come and pick you up later.’
‘Do you have a turkey dinner prepared at home?’
‘I’m not really a Christmas fan.’
‘Not even Christmas lunch?’ I gasped, mortified to find someone who didn’t share my love of the festive period.
‘Mia, stop bombarding the poor man with questions.’ Gabe looked at me horrified.
‘I’m sorry, I’m just a bit of a Christmas obsessive and I can’t bear the thought of anyone sitting alone. We’re having a private lunch in the lake house, I’m sure it wouldn’t be any trouble to set up another place, you could join us.’
‘That’s very kind of you Mrs. Austin, but as you say it’s a private time, for families, and you’re still celebrating your wedding yesterday, you don’t need a stranger joining you.’
‘Well, at least let me ask if they can plate you up a dinner for you to take back with you? I can’t bear the thought of you not having a nice lunch.’
‘Please accept or I’ll never hear the end of it,’ laughed Gabe.
‘That would be very nice, thank you, Mrs. Austin.’
‘You’re welcome … I’m sorry, I don’t know your name?’
‘Dan, just Dan.’
‘Well “Dan, just Dan,” you’re in
for a treat. The food here is amazing,’ I nodded and he and Gabe laughed. I convinced Dan to come and wait in the warm as I quickly asked for a full three course meal to be set up for him, which they assured me wasn’t a problem as apparently one of our party was poorly so they had a spare meal going. They suggested that he follow them to the main building to either eat there or take it away, so that we could be seated and served immediately. I smiled as he gave me a grateful nod of thanks and Gabe squeezed my hand.
‘I think I’ve married the sweetest woman in the world.’
‘Well, we couldn’t leave him to sit on his own without a Christmas dinner.’
‘You’ve had her all night, can I finally give my baby a cuddle, Gabe?’ objected Mum as she eased Gabe away from me.
‘I guess I can spare her for a moment,’ he laughed and she grabbed him and kissed him.
‘Thank you for making her so happy, it was a truly wonderful day yesterday. She’s very lucky to have found you.’
‘Trust me Jacqui, I’m the lucky one,’ he replied with an adoring smile at me and I blushed and hitched my shoulder as cocked my head and bit my lip. He wandered off to hug his dad and Sofia, leaving Mum and I alone, everyone else seemed to be seated already.
‘You look so happy sweetheart,’ she sighed.
‘I am Mum, I never thought I could ever feel like this,’ I beamed.
‘Did you get a good night’s sleep?’
‘No,’ I giggled. ‘I may end up with honeymoon cystitis.’
‘Or pregnant,’ she smiled with a shoulder bump.
‘Mum,’ I sighed. ‘You sound like Gabe, I think he’s convinced that the doctors are wrong and I’m going to get pregnant just like that, with no assistance, but it’s not going to happen. Please don’t get his hopes up by suggesting otherwise.’
‘Come on, we’d better go and sit and eat.’
‘Where’s Lexi?’ I frowned not spotting her at the table. I’d felt anxious all morning about seeing her, I didn’t want another argument and was still feeling hurt over what she’d said to me.
‘She’s not feeling very well, too much alcohol no doubt and said she wasn’t feeling like eating. Sam left early this morning to head home for Christmas, he said to tell you he’s put your wedding present in your wedding fund account.’
‘O, ok,’ I nodded. I wondered if it was alcohol, or if she was in hiding, too embarrassed to face me or for us to create a scene in public. I did a tour around the table and kissed everyone before we settled down to eat and drink. They’d moved our large dining table to where the dance floor had been and large cream sofas were now in front of the fire and there was a games table in the corner, along with a beautifully dressed tree in silver and gold.
‘So daughter-in-law, looking forward to your honeymoon?’ asked Robert.
‘I certainly am father-in-law,’ I laughed. ‘Even though he won’t tell me where.’
‘I’m so happy for you both Mia, and very proud to welcome you to the Austin family.’
‘Thank you Robert, I feel equally as proud joining it.’
‘I hope you’re not the only one,’ he replied with a smile and a wink. I looked at him puzzled before sipping my wine and catching Doug’s eye across the table. He went scarlet and put his head down.
‘What’s going on?’ asked Gabe as he squeezed my hand.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Come on baby, it doesn’t take a genius. You and Lexi looked like you were about to have a smack down last night, she’s missing for lunch and Doug keeps avoiding eye contact with you.’
‘Lexi and I had a disagreement that’s all, it’s not something I want to talk about if that’s ok?’
‘And Doug?’
‘Nothing to do with me,’ I shrugged.
‘Is this something that’s going to affect you while we’re away?’
‘No,’ I responded quickly. ‘I promise,’ I tilted his head and kissed him. Yes I was really upset with Lexi, but it wasn’t Gabe’s fault and no way was I ruining our time together. Not when he’d gone to all this trouble for me, for us.
After a delicious meal we all sat in front of the fire enjoying coffees and liquors as we exchanged presents, amidst much laugher. I felt so happy to be spending today with all my loved ones, well nearly all of them, Lexi still hadn’t put in an appearance. I sat between Mum and Gerry while Gabe went to talk to Doug. I looked up as I saw the bi-fold door open and Sofia appeared wiping her eyes, then hurried through with her head down, toward the main door. I looked out of the windows and saw Robert out on the balcony leaning on the bannister, a hand covering his mouth deep in thought.
‘Mia?’
‘Sorry Mum, what?’
‘Where are you? You seem all distracted.’
‘Sorry, give me a minute will you?’ I got up and ran outside and chased after Sofia into the main hotel and caught up with her getting into the lift. ‘Sofia?’
‘Mia, is everything ok?’ she asked as I quickly stepped in with her before the doors closed.
‘I came to ask you that, you look like you’ve been crying.’
‘Yes,’ she nodded and started again.
‘O no, what’s happened?’ I asked as I pulled a tissue out of my bag for her.
‘This,’ she whispered as she held out her left hand. I gasped to see a stunning three stone diamond engagement ring on her finger.
‘They’re happy tears?’
‘Yes,’ she giggled as a smile broke over her face.
‘O Sofia, I’m so happy for you.’ I threw my arms around her and she hugged me back tightly. ‘He just asked you now?’
‘On the balcony overlooking the loch, it was very romantic with the snow, moonlight and all the stars.’
‘Why are you hiding up here?’
‘I needed time to pull myself together. I’m not sure how Gabe’s going to take it. I mean, Tabby’s anniversary was only yesterday …’ she let me go and blew her nose as the lift opened.
‘Sofia,’ I said softly. ‘He’s very fond of you, I’m sure that he’ll come around even if it’s a bit of a shock at first.’
‘You really think so?’ she asked as she linked arms and led me to into their room.
‘I do, he’s made amazing progress this last year.’
‘Thanks to you,’ she smiled as she sat on the bed with her makeup case.
‘He gets most of the credit, he’s worked hard on getting better. Let me see that ring,’ I demanded as I held out my hand. She smiled as I examined it.
‘Princess cut and I’m not telling you the carat this time,’ she laughed.
‘So are you discussing dates and locations yet? Or did you have a meltdown before you got that far?’
‘Probably New York as there are more of my family over there than Robert has here and yes, I had a “meltdown” before we discussed it properly. But New York can get very hot in Spring and Summer, so probably an Autumn wedding. I’d love for you to be one of my bridesmaids.’
‘Sofia!’ I exclaimed, shocked.
‘We’re already good friends Mia, and now we are officially going to be family too.’
‘We are, you’ll be my mother-in-law,’ I laughed. ‘Everyone knows that mother and daughter-in-law relationships can be fraught with tension.’
‘Not ours,’ she replied as she patted my knee. ‘So was your day everything you ever dreamed of?’
‘I never actually dreamed of it, I never thought I’d get married, but once we got engaged I tried to imagine what it would be like and … this was so much better. I love him so much.’
‘I should hope so,’ she laughed. ‘But I have to tell you that you’re both doing a terrible job of keeping it under wraps. I’m surprised he hasn’t burst in here looking for you already.’
‘He worries about me,’ I smiled.
‘We all do. How are you? Really?’
‘I’m ok, Gabe makes me feel safe.’
‘Are you still having nightmares?’ she asked as she touched up her mascara.
‘Not for a few weeks, no.’
‘Then what is troubling you?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You have something on your mind. I can tell.’
‘O God, is it that obvious?’
‘Maybe not to everyone, definitely to someone who is used to pretending all is well when actually it is not. Speaking from past experience,’ she added as I looked at her concerned.
‘It’s Lexi. We had a massive fight last night.’
‘This is unusual for you?’
‘Yes. We bicker a lot but this was … she said some really horrible things. I’ve been waiting for her to text to apologise, as that’s what she normally does, but …’ I sighed and rubbed my face with my hands.
‘This was worse than normal?’
‘Much worse and I don’t think she’s ill. I think she’s too embarrassed to face me.’
‘So go and see her, have it out.’
‘No,’ I shook my head firmly. ‘I’m still too angry, I don’t want to have another argument when we’re all here celebrating and this time she needs to apologise first. Do you mind if I borrow your phone for a moment just to check she’s still alive?’
‘Not at all.’
I rang room service, to ask if they’d made any deliveries to my old room and wasn’t surprised to hear that regular orders had been placed throughout the day. So she wasn’t sick, comfort eating was a sure sign she was upset. My first instinct was to go and see her, to give her a hug and cheer her up, but I fought against it. I’d never known her to be so nasty, not to me anyway. I was still too angry to have a rational discussion about whatever the hell was going on with her. Maybe it was best that I didn’t see her until I got back from honeymoon, give us both time to cool down.
‘We’d better head back, Gabe will be sending out search and rescue for me.’
‘Yes, Robert too. Mia can I ask you not to say anything until Robert finds the right time to tell Gabe?’
‘Of course, but you’ll have to take that ring off, it’s even more obvious than mine was,’ I laughed.
‘Yes, but I don’t want to take it off,’ she sighed with a frown.
‘So put it on your right hand, just until we’ve left. We’re going back to the boathouse in a few hours and won’t see you again until you’re next in the UK,’ I reminded her. She nodded and removed her other rings and slipped her engagement one onto her right hand.
Infinite Love (The Austin Series) Page 13
