Enchant Me (Brie's Submission, #10)

by Red Phoenix

  “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, th
is 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 wife, 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.

  “I’d rather have you safe at home than fighting LA traffic.”

  “I understand,” she’d agreed, although she felt he was being way overprotective. However…it was sweet. Knowing he cared so much about her and the baby was endearing, so Brie decided for the time being to honor his need to protect her so fiercely.

  He picked up the suitcase and was about to open the door when he suddenly stopped. Sir turned to Brie, slowly setting the suitcase back down. “Before I leave, there are two things I must do.”

  He returned to her. “It’s only right I give you a proper goodbye, Mrs. Davis.” Sir fisted her hair, pulling her head back to plant an impassioned kiss on her lips.

  She moaned softly in pleasure. “Thank you, Mr. Davis. I like proper goodbyes.”

  Sir then got down on his knees and held her waist with both hands as he pressed his lips against her stomach. “Goodbye, little one.”

  Brie’s heart melted into a puddle.

  Sir stood up and looked at her tenderly. “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Knowing you’re coming back in four days makes this parting so much easier.”

  “I agree.” He picked up his suitcase again and opened the door, glancing back once as he waited for the elevator. Brie blew him a kiss, totally and utterly in love with the man.

  When the elevator closed, she shut the door, sighing in contentment still feeling the lingering ghost of his kiss on her tummy.

  “I love you, Thane,” she said out loud, smiling to herself as she went to her desk to begin the task of writing the stack of thank-you notes that were needed.
She actually enjoyed the project because it allowed her to reflect on that beautiful day and each person who’d joined them to celebrate.

  After several hours at it, her eyes became blurry. Deciding a break was in order, Brie headed to the bedroom to slip into her favorite PJs. Then she made her way to the kitchen to microwave a fresh bowl of popcorn.

  Brie snuggled up on the couch, placing the bowl between her crossed legs. She suspected it wouldn’t be long before crossing her legs was a thing of the past and that made her smile.

  Grabbing the remote, she turned on the TV wanting to indulge in an old black-and-white movie. To her delight, the cable station had just started playing Gone with the Wind. She rubbed her belly and cooed to her unborn child. “Someday you will understand the dynamic between Rhett Butler and Scarlett. He not only loves her deeply, but he knows how to love her well. I must confess I think that’s one reason I love this movie so much. Scarlett may be a strong woman, but Rhett is an equally formidable man and together they make fireworks.” Brie bent down closer to her stomach and added in a whisper, “Just like your daddy and me.”

  Brie took delight in watching Scarlett’s many suitors try to win her over at the picnic. It gave her an idea, so she paused the movie and grabbed her cell phone. She called Sir, smiling when it transferred her directly to voicemail and she heard his authoritative voice asking the caller to leave a message. Since she knew he’d be flying for an extended amount of time, she thought she’d leave Sir a fun little message to greet him when he arrived at his destination.

  In a playful tone she began, “So, Sir, have you ever considered roleplaying Rhett Butler? I’m watching Gone with the Wind right now and thought how fun it would be to get all dressed up in a poofy dress and let you hike my skirt up and spank my frilly ass.” She giggled as she hung up, secretly hoping he’d take her up on the suggestion.

  Sir as Rhett Butler—that was all kinds of yummy.

  She resumed the movie, eating up every moment, totally savoring the part where Rhett bids for Scarlett at the charity dance.

  “Oh Rhett…”

  She was startled when there was a knock at the door.

  Brie put the movie on pause. Since she wasn’t expecting anyone, she quietly crept up to the door and looked through the peephole. To her relief she saw it was Captain and Candy. She figured Mary must have grown some balls and given Captain a call, so she unlocked the door and swung it open. “Hey, you guys! What an unexpected surprise.”