by Red Phoenix
“I just received noticed of a lucrative offer from a company in Dubai. It’s too good to pass up, even though it’s short notice.”
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow evening. I need to do some heavy research and work on my presentation. It’ll mean a late night tonight.”
Although she hated to have him leave, she understood the importance of the trip. “I can pack for you, if you’d like. How long will you be gone?”
“That’s the good news. I’ll be in and out. Only staying for two days—the rest of the time will be eaten up by travel.”
“I don’t envy you that, Sir.”
“Neither do I, but I’d rather come home than spend any more time there than necessary.” He swept his hand over her shoulders as he walked past, heading toward the closet. He set out his suitcase and smiled at her. “Your help would be appreciated. Thank you.”
Brie set down her journal on the desk and began picking out his favorite suits. “One belt or five?”
He chuckled. “One should do—however, lay out the other four on my nightstand. For when I get back.”
“I like the way you think, Sir.”
“When you’re done here, come find me. I think it’s time we unwrap the wedding gifts.”
She giggled. “The girls were just asking about them.”
“It will give you a nice distraction, writing out all those thank you notes while I’m gone.”
She laughed. “Honestly, it’s a lovely plan.”
“Good.” He nodded to her before leaving the room.
She could tell he was uneasy about leaving her so soon, but he’d always been clear that this was a part of their lives. It made no sense for her to be a big baby about it now.
While she was finishing his packing, she got a call on her cell phone. Brie was surprised to see it was Tono and answered immediately. “Hello Tono, it’s so good to hear from you.”
“Is everything okay, Brie?” he asked with concern in his voice.
Brie laughed. “Yes, everything is wonderful here! We made it back home just a few days ago.”
“Oh…” He paused. “I am relieved to hear it. I had a dream that was disturbing. In it you were crying.”
She smiled into the phone. “Well, I have been crying,” she agreed but quickly added, “However, they have all been happy tears.”
“I’m glad.” He let out a long, drawn-out sigh. “Hearing the joy in your voice relieves me greatly.”
“I can’t believe you somehow sensed I was pregnant, Tono. We only found out a few days ago.”
“The honeymoon was a success then.”
She giggled. “Yes, and now I get to prepare for my first child. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe that’s what you were picking up on.”
He chuckled lightly. “Perhaps. Are you wishing for a boy or a girl?”
“Honestly, I don’t care as long as the baby is healthy. I want to give this little one the best future I can. I’ve even given up alcohol for coconut juice. Sir has as well to make it easier for me.”
“Dedicated parents from the beginning. That is good to hear.”
“How are you, Tono?”
She could hear the smile in his voice when he answered, “I am well, Brie.”
“And Autumn?”
He chuckled again. “She is well, too.”
“That’s all you’re going to give me?”
“We are comfortable together.”
She laughed. “Well, knowing you, that speaks volumes.”
“So you are good?” he reaffirmed.
“I am, Tono.”
Ever thoughtful, he asked, “Should I keep the news of your pregnancy to myself?”
“No, feel free to tell Autumn. I spoke to Lea just yesterday.” She giggled. “Who knows? Autumn may already know and is keeping it from you.”
He laughed lightly. “It’s possible.”
“I’d thank you for the wedding gift, but I’m about to go open them.”
“Don’t let me keep you then.”
She pressed the phone hard against her cheek. “Thank you for checking up on me. I appreciate that you cared enough to call.”
“That connection will remain, even as our lives change with the current.”
“It is a comfort to me, Tono.”
“To me as well, Brie.”
She ended the call, feeling a sense of harmony with him, with Sir, with the baby—and the whole wide world. “I think I am going to love being a mom.”
Brie left the bedroom and found Sir at his desk. He was reading a business letter, but as soon as he saw her, Sir folded it up and proceeded to slowly rip the letter into tiny pieces, throwing it in the trash when he was done.
“Is everything all right?”
“Unfortunately, there’s a legal matter I must address. Nothing that concerns you, however.”
“Are you having issues with one of your clients?”
Sir stood up, taking a deep breath and forcing a smile. “As I said, it doesn’t concern you. Don’t give it a second thought.”
Brie stared at the trash can, wondering why he’d been so thorough in tearing it up.
“Confidentiality is of upmost importance in this matter,” he explained as if reading her mind. Sir held up the silk pouch Brie had worn during the dance on her wedding day. “Are you ready to begin the festivities, babygirl?”
She grinned. “Now this is the kind of assignment I love.”
“I was surprised you didn’t insist on doing it first thing once we returned home—knowing how you are about presents.”
Brie stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Actually, dear husband, I’ve been too distracted by you to care.”
They settled onto the couch and Brie reached to pull out the first envelope. “It’s from your cousin Benito.” She broke open the seal and was shocked to find three hundred dollars inside. “So much?”
“Think of it as being similar to the Japanese koden. Italians are generous at weddings, and he is good family.”
Brie wrote down the amount on the envelope and put it aside for thank you notes later.
She pulled out Master Anderson’s thick envelope next. “What in the heck could this be?”
“I have no idea.”
Brie forced the folded paper out and opened it up. She instantly began laughing as she handed it over to Sir. It was a picture of a bare-chested Master Anderson holding Cayenne with the words What do you give the couple who has everything? A date to weed with us in the buff! written across it.
Sir shook his head and laughed.
Brie giggled, “He must want to initiate his new neighbors in grand style.”
“I’ll remember this when he marries.”
“Do you think he ever will?”
“Brad’s a cowboy at heart. He’s always wanted what his parents have—but not in Greeley. Have you ever met his parents?”
“No, I’ve never had the pleasure.”
“They’re good country folk. Friendly, welcoming, would give you the shirts off their backs…”
“So that’s where he gets that from.”
“Funny,” Sir chuckled. “I do believe his fascination with plants comes from his childhood in the country.”
“Interesting.”
“His parents took me in as an honorary member of his family when I was in college. I spent several weekends on their ranch. Although Brad’s distanced himself from his humble beginnings, I see the best part of them in him.”
Brie looked back down at the picture. “That’s beautiful, Sir.”
“We all have histories that shape our lives, but most are unaware of it.”
Brie pulled out Tono’s envelope next. She kissed the painted flower before opening it. Inside was five hundred dollars and a note.
A solemn vow of support
Given to my chosen family
Tear welled up in her eyes.
“Nosaka is one of the few men I admire. He exudes a gentle countenance, but in truth
he has the fortitude of a thousand men.”
“I’m truly touched,” she said, holding back the tears as she placed the card back inside the envelope, silently vowing to find a special place for it later.
Brie pulled many more small envelopes from Sir’s side of the family, each containing from one hundred to four hundred dollars. She shook her head looking at the pile of loot they’d amassed.
“What are we going to do with all this money?”
“I suggest we clear out the guest room and start a nursery.”
She looked down at the cash with a grateful heart. His family’s generosity would become a part of their child’s future. How beautiful was that?
“You’re not finished,” he reminded her.
She laughed at herself getting all sentimental when there were still gifts to open. Brie pulled out Master Coen’s envelope next. She opened it to find two plane tickets to Australia with open dates, as well as a short note.
Come Down Under ASAP
“I guess we have no excuse not to visit,” she told Sir with a grin.
Sir’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve always want to travel there. Serious trouble to explore…”
She placed the tickets on the coffee table and scribbled down tickets on the envelope, placing it with the rest. Next Brie pulled out the silver envelope Marquis Gray had given her.
Instead of money, he had written something on the little card.
The Gift of a Traditional Thai Cooking Class for Two
(Tomato and egg dishes are lacking)
“How thoughtful,” Brie said, handing it to Sir with a grin.
“That actually is a good idea.” He put his arm around her. “Should be fun sharing a new cuisine with you.”
Brie didn’t want to tell him how patient Boa had been with her. Cooking did not come naturally to Brie, even though she had succeeded in nailing down several of Sir’s favorite dishes with Boa’s help. “It should be…an interesting experience.”
She pulled out Baron’s envelope next. It was vivid red, and she’d remembered his devilish smile when he’d handed it to her. She held it up, remarking, “I’m really curious about this one, but I think you should open it.”
He took it from her, breaking the seal and sliding out the card. Sir tilted his head after reading it. Without saying a word, he handed to it her.
An invitation to teach
“Well, that’s a mystery…” Brie mused. “I do remember he mentioned that he wanted us to come visit his new home when we got back.”
Sir stroked his chin as he considered its meaning. “I wonder what Baron is up to.”
“I’m not sure but, based on the conversation I had at breakfast, Captain is somehow involved.”
“Hmm…the plot thickens.”
As if by fate, she picked Captain’s card next. “Do you think we’ll get another clue?”
“Open it,” Sir ordered, obviously curious.
She slipped out the card and was surprised to find two gift certificates for a hot air balloon ride. She grabbed onto Sir’s arm. “That sounds fun!”
“Entertaining yes, but no additional clue to Baron’s gift.”
“Unless, of course, they plant to start a new kink. BDSM Ballooning—take your kink to a higher level,” Brie said, laughing. She reached back in to fish out one of the few remaining envelopes and pulled out Mr. Gallant’s.
Cash is customary but too impersonal for a couple we both esteem
Our gift to the newlyweds
A jump off the Bridge to Nowhere
Enjoy
A gift card was included, reserving a bungee jump for two.
“That’s an experience,” Sir replied.
“You’ve been?”
“With Rytsar.”
“I can just imagine the two of you egging each other on.” When Brie thought about it, however, her heart started racing. Actually jumping from a bridge…
Although she had been willing to take an emotional leap for love, this took a totally different kind of courage. “What’s it like, Sir?”
He took the gift card from her and tucked it in his wallet. “I don’t want to spoil it for you. Although I do look forward to seeing the look on your face just before you jump and the one after they pull you back up.”
Brie shivered. “What if the bungee breaks?”
“They’ve never had an injury in all the years they’ve been open, so you can let go of that fear.”
“That’s definitely a relief,” she sighed. But another cold shiver ran down her spine at the thought of falling into the darkness.
She pulled out an envelope that only read “Brianna and Thane”. Curious, she opened it up and felt her heart melt when she saw it was from her parents. It touched her deeply that it was written in her father’s illegible handwriting. Being his child, however, it was readable to her.
Brianna and Thane,
We have gifted you the anniversary clock my parents gave us on our wedding day. As you might remember, little girl, it has a special place in my heart. I kept the ridiculously large thing with me when we were separated to remind me that every minute I was away from my family was one minute closer to my return. It saw me through some difficult days. We hope it provides you with comfort in the years to come.
There is hope in every minute.
* Marquis Gray has graciously agreed to hold the gift until your return.
Brie was overwhelmed by the gift and explained to Thane, “I told you once that my dad had trouble finding a job after the Darius incident. He was forced to leave us behind to seek employment in another state. Mom and I had to live in a homeless shelter while he traveled from state to state searching for work that could support our family.”
Brie sighed, those difficult memories still vivid in her mind. “I remember the look on my dad’s face the day he left us behind. He was the strength in our family, but that day he looked like a defeated man. It scared me. Before he drove off, he held up the anniversary clock to show my mother and promised us both he would be back as soon as he had a job.”
The pain of that season in her life washed over Brie like a tidal wave and she choked out, “I can’t believe they gave this to us. It means so much to them.”
Sir held her close. “As a parent it’s natural to pass on what is most valuable to you.”
Brie nodded her head.
“We will get your family clock from Marquis Gray as soon as I return from Dubai.”
“I would love that, Sir.”
Sir retrieved the next envelope. “This appears to be from Samantha.”
“Oh, I remember Lea slipped that in before Rytsar whisked me off.”
He opened it and a thousand-dollar bill fell out. Brie picked it up and stared at it in disbelief. “I didn’t know they made such a thing.”
“They don’t anymore,” Sir told her, fascinated by the unusual bill. “If I recall right, they stopped making them in the 1940s.” Sir held the card for both of them to read.
Sir Davis, my friend and mentor, I owe you a thousand times over.
Sending my love and good-tidings to you both on this auspicious day.
I hope to celebrate with you personally someday soon.
~Samantha
Brie could hear the sadness behind the words in her note. She felt certain Ms. Clark had wanted to be a part of their big day, but had chosen to stay behind so Rytsar could stand as best man without fear of seeing her.
“We should visit Denver soon,” Brie stated.
“It would be a good weekend trip,” Sir agreed, staring at the bill. “A gift like that deserves a personal thank you.”
“I believe there is one more left in here,” Brie said, shaking the silk bag. She couldn’t help smiling because she knew it had to be Rytsar’s. “Last time he gave me a cabin. What do you think he did this time?”
Sir said nothing.
“You already know, don’t you?” Brie accused, bumping against him.
“It required my input. So yes, dear w
ife, I already know what it is.”
“And you kept it from me all this time?”
“Rytsar insisted.”
“Ah, then I can’t fault you. I’m sorry, Sir.”
“Apology accepted,” he acquiesced but pinched her on the ass as penance, making her giggle. “Now go ahead and open it.”
Brie noticed that his smirk grew into a boyish smile as he stared at the sealed envelope, waiting for her to comply.
Her curiosity further heightened, Brie tore open the envelope and read the card with just two words on it.
The Isle
“Sir?”
“It was a mutual investment between he and I. He started construction plans the day after I proposed to you.”
“It’s ours?”
“Yes, all three of us own that island.”
She stared at the card, completely stunned.
“As I’m sure you already suspect, he plans to join us the next time we visit.”
She felt the butterflies start. Sir and Rytsar alone with her on a deserted island? OMG!
“I can tell by the expression on your face that you are pleased.”
She leaned against him. “And a little frightened, to be honest.”
“As you should be. He and I have been talking.”
She looked up at him, smiling nervously. “Will it hurt?”
“Most definitely.”
Brie squeaked but she felt a thrill of excitement. To be tested by these two Doms was an honor and challenge, but the sex…oh, the sex! She burned with desire thinking back on their times together.
“Naturally, that won’t be for a while now that you’re pregnant.”
Brie slumped on the couch. “Dang!”
Sir laughed. “It gives you an opportunity to practice patience.”
She frowned. “It’s not my strong suit.”
“Which is why it must be tested time and time again.”
She fanned herself with the card. “I guess I’ll be fantasizing about that island for a long time.”
“Join the club, babygirl. Rytsar and I have been fantasizing alone long enough.”
Cold Reality
Sir had his suitcase set beside the door. Brie helped him with his jacket in preparation of his departure, disappointed that she was not allowed to go to the airport. He had insisted she stay home rather than seeing him off there as she normally did.
