Haven's Promise (Divine Designs Book 3)

by Maggie Ryan

  "No!" Ariel said sharply, her hand lifting to signal for him to stop. "Don't move. I don't want another ring—I want the one you put in that damn shell! Shit, I can't believe you just let me throw away my engagement ring!" Her face showed her pain, but the moment her arm drew back and she threw the last stone, Logan understood.

  Seeing Garrett's lips compress in a tight line, and knowing he was about to move towards Ariel and remind her of what happened to girls who swore like sailors, he held up his hand to stop his friend.

  "Wait, Garrett. That was more like it," he said cryptically. The others looked at him, and though his eyes remained locked onto where he'd seen the rock splash down, he answered. "Remember, she was looking at Garrett right before she threw the shell. She came up, had the shell, and when she started to throw it, Garrett started to tell her to stop and she turned to him before she just threw it reflexively. We've been letting her look where she throws the rocks, but the angle is way off." Everyone realized the truth, as the last rock had landed in a completely different area of the lake.

  "Do you think…" Ariel said, turning to Logan, who grinned.

  "Only one way to find out," he said, as he and Garrett began to swim towards the area, after hearing Helen say she had taken a photo of the throw.

  Liz gave Ariel a quick hug, both women saying a quick prayer before they, too, swam towards the area. Everyone except for Helen began diving and searching along the bottom. It was much deeper in this section of the lake, and it wasn't long before exhaustion began to set in. Unable to stand, even when resting after each dive, they had to tread water, which quickly sapped their energy.

  When Logan came up after diving at least two dozen times, shaking his head, Ariel finally spoke. "Thanks, y'all, but that's enough. We've done all we can, let's go back."

  "Maybe we can get one of those metal detector things and come back later," Barbara suggested, her heart aching for her sister.

  "Maybe," Ariel agreed, as she gently moved her arms in the water, keeping herself afloat. "I feel so bad for Garrett. He went to all this trouble, and I blew it. I know he's upset, but all I really need is to know that he wants to marry me. I don't need a ring to feel engaged."

  "Oh, well then, I guess I can toss this," Garrett said, swimming up behind her. Ariel whipped around, her face showing her shock at seeing the pink shell in his hand. He watched as her expression changed to one of concern when he gave the shell a slight pinch, causing it to open enough to show it contained nothing but water.

  "Oh no," she moaned, her eyes meeting his. "I'm so sorry, Garrett." When he released the shell, she shrieked, and dove under the water, appearing a moment later with the shell cradled to her chest.

  "Honey, it was open, the ring isn't in it," Garrett said.

  "I don't care," Ariel said, swimming the few feet to him. "I will always treasure this shell. Barbara and Mom made it, and you planned the most perfect proposal. Every time I look at this, I'll remember today."

  "And perhaps remember to listen to me? Perhaps not be so impulsive?" Garrett suggested.

  "Um, yes, that too."

  "And, Ariel, perhaps you'll remember that I fell in love with a mermaid, and not a sailor?"

  Her flush told him she understood he was reminding her of the curse words that had flown from her mouth. The seductive smile she gave him reminded him that he had also fallen in love with a little minx.

  "But, Sir, don't mermaids sing their siren song to lure sailors to join them in the sea?"

  "You've already lured the one man who will love you until the day he dies," Garrett said, his tone causing her heart to stutter. "The only one who will teach you the song I wish to hear. A song containing notes of love and sweet obedience, without the dichotomy of coarseness."

  Ariel couldn't take her eyes from his as the two floated in the water. He had always had a way with words and phrases—a way that told of promises and secrets. Beneath his words was one such promise. She knew that she would be paying a price for her behavior, and yet her heart had no fear that any price he demanded would be too high.

  "Yes, Sir, I shall learn your song," she spoke softly. "I will always remember that I am yours to love, to teach, and to obey."

  "Good, then, Ariel, my love, will you let this remind you as well?" he asked, holding out his hand and spreading his fingers. Ariel saw a sparkle as the sun hit the ring that barely fit on the tip of his little finger. When she launched herself at him, he quickly closed his hand before grabbing her. They both disappeared under the water for a brief moment.

  As they surfaced, both sputtering and laughing, the group watched as the ring was very carefully transferred from his fingertip to its proper place on her finger. Her tears joining the lake water on her cheeks, Ariel swam beside her future husband, her delighted giggles drifting behind her as the others followed.

  Waterlogged, they all gathered on the shore, hugs again given as additional photos were snapped. Just as Ariel had captured a perfect moment of discovery when Craig held Barbara out in the water during their first visit to Haven, Barbara captured one of the newly engaged couple in an embrace that clearly showed they were meant for each other. As the men congratulated Garrett, Ariel held out her hand, the camera clicking away.

  "It's gorgeous," Nancy said, as she admired the ring.

  "It is," Ariel agreed, her sparkling eyes rivaling the sparkle of the stones set in a platinum band. A large, princess cut diamond sat in the place of honor, high above the alternating smaller diamonds and deep blue sapphires along the sides of the band. A curving line of platinum seemed to float above the smaller stones, each line flaring slightly at opposite ends.

  "These bands look like waves, or…" Barbara paused to smile up at her sister, "a mermaid's tail." Barbara's fingertip traced the thin lines. "The sapphires speak of the water you love. I've never seen anything like it." Turning towards the men, she continued, "Garrett, you, Sir, are a master. There could not be a more perfect ring for Ariel." Everyone thought it was an apt description of a very unique ring, and the women giggled as Garrett kissed his fiancée, his deep voice echoing across the lake.

  "Thank you, Bunny, perhaps my impulsive little minx will remember that she does have a Master to answer to every time she looks upon the ring I designed for my mermaid."

  "Perhaps," Ariel said with a smile, and then yelped as his hand popped her wet rear.

  "That's but the first note, my love," Garrett said, kissing her again, adoring the pink flush of her cheeks and the understanding in the depths of her green eyes. As they began to pack up in preparation to leave, the women smiled seeing Ariel pausing every few minutes to admire the ring that had almost been lost forever. It was a half-hour later before they were ready to leave the lake.

  When Barbara returned the camera, Ariel gave her a hug. "Thanks, Bunny. I can't wait to see the photos."

  "Well, you've got plenty." Barbara laughed and Ariel looked properly chastised. The sisters hugged each other.

  *****

  When they returned to the house to change, Craig led Barbara upstairs. As he stripped her out of her suit, he grinned down at her, his hands moving to cup her naked bottom. Pulling her to him, her breasts pressed against his bare chest, he adored her soft moan. "I love you," he whispered, his breath against her ear causing her nipples to tighten.

  "Tell me, Bunny, what did I have you write about this?" he asked, as his hand slid across her rear, his fingertips stroking her skin. "What were you to think about while you wrote that sentence?"

  His touch ignited her entire being even as she felt her face heat with his question. It took her another moment before she could answer. "I wrote that my bottom is a gift. I-I wrote it, and thought that my Daddy likes to touch me, to play with me." She looked up, her eyes soft. "To love me."

  "Ah, but you forgot something," he whispered, his mouth at her ear, his hands moving to cup her bottom again. "Daddy had you write that your beautiful bottom is God's gift, isn't that true?" He watched as she swallowed hard, feelin
g her quiver in his hold. "What else does Daddy like to do to your beautiful ass, Bunny? What is he going to do tonight after you write the rest of your sentences? Tell me, what is going to happen to this beautiful posterior that I will never tire of holding, of stroking, of kissing?"

  Bunny felt her sex moistening at his question and at the promise in his eyes. Her bottom tightened under his hands as she thought about those few light smacks he'd given her in the Woodshed. "You are going to spank me, Daddy."

  "Yes, I am. I am going to turn this gorgeous ass red. You can count on the fact that every time you doubt yourself, I will be there to remind you."

  "Yes, Sir, thank you, Daddy."

  "You're welcome, sweetheart." His hand left her bottom to cup her face as he bent to kiss her. "One more thing," he said, grinning as she gave him her full attention. "I agree with Nancy." Her smile was precious as he bent to pull her panties up to cover her rear, noticing they were indeed no longer clinging to her delicious curves. "It definitely is time for another trip to see Miss Betty."

  Barbara smiled in pleasure, pleased not only that she had lost some weight, but that going to see Miss Betty meant that her daddy might arrange another play date with Angel. Remembering how Angel's daddy had spanked her the last time, Barbara's nipples tightened inside her bra as she wondered at the possibilities ahead for her to discover.

  After dressing, they turned to leave the room, and she gave a squeal as his hand swatted her. "I know you're excited that you lost weight, but I don't think I could bear it if you lose another ounce. You've got the most perfect backside I've ever seen."

  "I'm sorry, Daddy. I know these aren't very old," Barbara said, batting her eyelashes. God, this man could make her feel so sexy, so desired. Leaning into him, she ran her hand between them, briefly but blatantly stroking against the fly of his jeans. "But, is it really my fault? I mean, I can't help it if my daddy is making me expend so many calories, can I?"

  Craig felt his cock stiffen from just that one touch, knowing she'd be expending a great deal of calories that night. He captured her hand, bringing it to his mouth and brushing it with his lips. "You are definitely hanging around Ariel way too much. Perhaps you should remember the way her own butt looked this morning before my precious girl gets too sassy." Though he tried to look stern, he was finally convinced that any remaining derogatory thoughts she had about herself were being washed away, one day to swirl down the drain and out into the ocean, leaving her free. "Perhaps we should ask Miss Betty if she carries thongs as well. I think you might need one after I heat your butt tonight."

  Barbara's heart skipped in her chest, her too-large panties growing damp as she thought about the thong her sister had worn. Instead of brushing off his suggestion, she wondered what that would feel like, a small piece of fabric between cheeks that had been well spanked by a loving Daddy or demanding Dom. She smiled as she realized that she was one very lucky girl—she had both.

  *****

  As they all gathered in the parking area, Ariel hugged her sister, thanking her for everything. "I can't believe I had no idea," she laughed, as she hugged the other members of the HOPEFULs. "You'd think at least one of you would warn a girl."

  "Even if I'd known, there is no way I would have told you," Nancy laughed. "You would have instantly gone to your mom and Bunny, demanding to know what sort of gaudy jewels they were planning on using to decorate the clamshell." She ducked behind Barbara as Ariel put her hands on her hips, pretending to be upset at the accusation.

  "They are not gaudy," Ariel protested, "they are as beautiful as my ring!"

  "Peace!" Elizabeth laughed, holding out her hands. "We must stick together, and," she said, turning to Ariel, "honey, you've got to admit you do have a tendency to act before you think."

  "And blurt out whatever you want before you think," Nancy teased.

  "Amen to that," Barbara agreed.

  "Oh, did I forget to mention that was a beautiful sentence you wrote?" Ariel said, and broke into more giggles at the look on Barbara's face. "I remember the praise you always got for good penmanship, so, well, I just had to have a photo for Haven's scrapbook," she went on, patting her camera.

  "And, pray tell, how exactly did you know I even wrote on that slate?" Barbara said, turning to Nancy, who had the grace to blush even as she shrugged her shoulders.

  "It was just too sweet," Nancy said softly. "Don't be mad, please? Besides, it just sort of slipped out when I mentioned that your cupcakes seemed a bit droopy."

  Though Barbara pretended to pout, the smile in her eyes told of her amusement.

  "I know, isn't it great?" she giggled. "I hope Miss Betty has another pair in a smaller size because I really like these panties, and they match perfectly with my outfit." A light bulb went off in her head. Her hand moved to stroke the appliqué on the bib of her overalls.

  "You think you are so clever," she said, looking down at her sister.

  "Oh, I don't think—I know," Ariel giggled. "Remember, my intelligence won me that bet." The women would have continued to tease and talk if it hadn't been for their men coming over and dragging them away.

  "We need a meeting," Nancy yelled over her shoulder, as Jason just shook his head. "Hey, we need to go see Harry!" The man's name got the girls' attention, all calling out that it was a deal. "Okay, I'll set it up and let you know," Nancy managed, before Jason opened the car door and swatted her rear as she finally climbed in. Giggling, she settled into the seat, Logan and Liz climbing into the front. As they drove away from the house, Elizabeth turned to give a last glance back.

  "It really is going to be beautiful, isn't it?" she said, her voice catching with her emotion.

  "Yes," Logan said, reaching over to take her hand. "Haven is going to be the hotel of your dream."

  "Our dream," she said, softly. "I can't wait to start filling it with life."

  The men listened as she and Nancy begin discussing furnishings, and wondering whether the final choices on bathroom flooring, counters and tiles had been correct when Elizabeth had given them to Julie.

  "Relax, baby," Logan said, not wanting her to begin obsessing or second-guessing herself. "There is still some time to change your mind if you want, but, honey, I think you should just trust your gut. It was a great idea to ask Craig and Barbara to help with the kitchen."

  "Thanks, Logan," Liz said, relaxing, her head turning to glance at the backseat. "Let's make a list and then go out to the storage units and see what we already have. We'll need to do some shopping for the extra pieces. We need to start thinking about mattresses and linens as well."

  "Sounds good," Nancy said happily. "Shopping is always fun. But, I meant it when I said we need to go see Harry. The Woodshed is great but really does need his expertise."

  "Road-trip," Liz laughed, the phrase one the two often shared when going off on shopping trips to find unique pieces hidden in old homes, barns, antique stores and flea markets.

  "The next Round Top sale is just around the corner. We can shop and go see Harry at the same time."

  "Ah, God, I love leather," Nancy said. "Hey, since we already have standing reservations in that cute bed and breakfast, let's have Ariel and Barbara come with us. We can have a girls' weekend. With the four of us, we can get some serious shopping done. It will be a blast."

  Jason and Logan groaned, both easily imagining what an entire weekend spent shopping would entail. They both still teased the women about having spent a few hours at the Bayou Bend Art Festival, where they had met Harry in his booth. "We'll see," Jason said, pulling her closer to him. "Even though I'm not keen on spending an entire weekend watching you poke around dusty old rooms or crawling under rickety tables, I'm not too sure I trust you around Harry. God knows what he'll do with no other men around."

  "Hmm, are you saying you don't trust me, dear husband of mine?" Nancy asked, her eyes bright.

  "I was talking about Harry, young lady and you know it. That man seems to have some sort of magnetic draw with women."

/>   "That's just the leather," Nancy teased, making a purring noise, batting her eyes in a pretense of swooning. "It's that intoxicating aroma that gets a girl all hot and bothered. What if I promise to ask him to send you something special?" she teased, her pulse rate increasing at the memory of the incredible double ended flogger they'd found the day of the festival. She thought of all the delicious, sexy leather the man's studio was sure to contain.

  "Well, in that case, make it something that I want—and you fear its use on your ass," Jason instructed, knowing how just the thought of leather in his hand, waiting to be applied to her bottom, both titillated her and caused her tummy to flip. "Deal?"

  "De-deal," Nancy agreed, hearing Liz's soft giggle from the front seat. "You're going to owe me, Liz."

  "Oh no, this was your idea," Liz said, her giggle turning into a full laugh. "You can't chicken out now. Don't worry, Jason. I'll make sure Harry picks the perfect thing… just for you. But, you've got to admit, that flogger of his is absolutely divine!"

  The car filled with laughter at Nancy's exaggerated moan of distress before Jason silenced her with a kiss.

  In the car behind theirs, Ariel was speaking. "So, when can I move in?"

  "Maybe Garrett needs some time," Helen began, but was interrupted by her daughter.

  "Mom, no! Garrett told Dad I could once I had a ring on my finger," she protested, lifting her hand and moving it to watch the diamonds sparkle. "And, God, it is such a beautiful ring." Turning, she kissed Garrett's cheek, the third club member to flutter her eyelashes. "I'm sure my fiancé wants me beside him immediately."

  "Don't tell your mother, no, young lady and don't be so sure," Garrett teased. "After the heart attack you almost caused me today, I'm not sure I'm quite ready to handle you 24/7."

  "Hey," she said, slapping his thigh with her palm before wisely adding, "Sorry, Mom."

  Catching her hand before she could pop him again, Garrett brought it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. "Then again, I'd always be around to spank your saucy ass the minute you begin to pull some stunt, or say something before you stop to think." The threat didn't dissuade his fiancée, as he knew it wouldn't. Instead, he watched her eyes go soft as she gazed at him.