by Lori Maguire
I met his love-filled eyes and smiled. “He’s you,” I whispered. “A perfect, little replica of you.” Xavier leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips. “How big is he?”
“Our son was born at 4:12 p.m., weighing in at five pounds two ounces and he’s sixteen inches long. His legs are a little bowed, but the doctor said not to worry. It’s normal since they were both so cramped up inside you. They will straighten on their own.”
Suddenly the feeble little cries of his twin sounded from the bassinet. Xavier walked over and picked up baby number two. The baby settled into his hold and immediately quieted down as if he/she knew this was a familiar embrace. For a second, I was almost envious over the fact that he got to know our babies before me.
“Mrs. Hart, it is my honor to present you with your second born and youngest by five minutes, Sophia Rae,” he said proudly, placing her in the crook of my right arm. He picked up Brant so I could focus all of my attention on Sophia.
Like her brother, her skin was soft like velvet and warm. Her little fingers wrapped around my pinkie and held on tight, turning the tips of her little fingers white. Bending to kiss her softly on the forehead, too, I inhaled her incredible baby scent that was so much like her brothers. Sliding her little cap off, I took in her full head of brownish-black hair. It wasn’t as dark as Xavier’s or as brown as mine. Instead it was the perfect mix of both of ours.
“It’s curly,” Xavier said. I frowned at him in question. “Her hair. It curls like yours when it’s wet.” He smiled at me. “She’s the perfect little replica of her beautiful mother.” As soon as he said that, she opened her eyes and stared up at me. I looked back into my own big, chocolate-brown eyes that, upon closer inspection, had perfect flecks of cerulean blue.
“And how big is she? She’s seems so much tinier than her brother,” I said, trying hard not to sound concerned.
“Our daughter was born at 4:17 p.m., weighing in at four pounds ten ounces and she’s fifteen inches long. Not to worry. She’s got a very healthy appetite. The nurses believe she will be surpassing her brother’s weight by the time we leave the hospital,” he said, laughing.
“They’ve been fed already?”
“I know you were determined to breastfeed and the nurses said you can still do so. But you took longer than usual in the OR because of the hemorrhaging.” His eyes met mine and I was surprised to see guilt. “Ella, if I had known that there was a complication, I wouldn’t-”
“There’s nothing to worry about. You couldn’t have known. Our babies needed to be with their father. You were right where you needed to be.” I reached out and squeezed his forearm, offering him a small smile.
“Thank you, sweetness. I know being on bed rest wasn’t easy, but you did it without complaint. You gave our babies their best fighting chance possible by holding on to them for so long. You did a beautiful job, baby. I’m so proud of you.”
Xavier leaned down to kiss me. Brant protested loudly in his arms, causing Sophia to stir in mine. We both gave each other a look that silently said, “Welcome to parenthood.”
For the first few weeks, our home had become Grand Central Baby Station the moment we all arrived home from the hospital. Pink and blue flower arrangements with balloons crowded the living room and kitchen, making those rooms smell like a florist. Stacks of cards were crowding the mailbox daily, and the doorbell was constantly ringing with the arrival of packages ranging from stuffed animals to baby clothes.
Bev ran around all day doing laundry, housecleaning, cooking, and shopping. My parents were here so frequently I began to wonder if they had moved in. Tom and Renatta stopped by daily as well as Gabriel and Tiffany. Patrick made several visits a week claiming it was for business reasons, but he would spend more time fawning over the babies like a proud uncle than he did spending it with Xavier. And if Renatta, Tiffany, and my mother were in the house at the same time, there were arguments over who got to hold which baby and for how long. I only seemed to see my babies when they needed to be fed, and even then that wasn’t always necessary since I started pumping so others could feed them as well.
So the first night we were all left alone, much to my surprise, I hadn’t heard the babies cry over the monitor. Instead Xavier’s absence in the bed woke me. I slipped on my robe and headed down to the babies room first, figuring he was either with them or in his office. A soft light coming from the babies’ room told me he was there.
As I got closer, the soft sounds of Billy Joel’s Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) drifted out into the hall. Xavier was swaying Sophia gently while he beautifully sang along with the song. Her little hand was wrapped around his index finger. As she stared into her daddy’s blue eyes, sucking furiously on her pacifier, she started blinking slower and slower. He had almost lulled her to sleep when Brant started to fuss.
Not wanting him to have to stop dancing with Sophia, I stepped into the room. “I think that’s my cue.”
Xavier narrowed his eyes, looking at me suspiciously. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough.” I paused to smile at him. “I didn’t think it was possible to fall any harder for you, but you proved me wrong after watching you tenderly take care of our daughter like that.” My voice cracked as tears sprung to my eyes.
“He’s already been changed and fed. I’m sure he’s just missing his sister,” he said as I made my way over to Brant.
While I lifted him out of his crib, Xavier went over to his iPhone and changed the song to Ambrosia’s, You’re The Biggest Part of Me. I started to sway to the music with Brant, but he continued to fuss. Xavier moved Sophia into the crook of his right arm so he could wrap his left around me. I was holding Brant in my left arm so as Xavier brought us together, the babies ended up snuggled against each other.
I rested my head on Xavier’s chest as a sigh of contentment escaped me. Brant reached out for Sophia as if he had been looking for her. They both immediately calmed down as soon as their tiny hands made contact with each other. It was beautiful. It was amazing. It was life, and it didn’t get any better than this.
Today was the day. My six-week follow up visit with my doctor. My staples were already out and I had an implant placed in my arm three weeks ago to prevent a future pregnancy. Up until now, with everyone who had been at the house and until we got the okay from the doctor, all Xavier and I have been able to do is indulge in secret touches and stolen kisses. What we really needed was to connect in the only intimate way a husband and wife can, and I just got the all clear from the doctor.
My parents already had the twins and were keeping them overnight. I was planning a special dinner and a whole lot of alone time with my man.
Making my way into Seattle, I hit Pike Place Market to get some fresh garlic, pasta, and shrimp so I could make fettuccine alfredo with garlic shrimp. After stopping to get a bottle of wine, I also hit the florist. Even though Xavier had sent me a beautiful arrangement of roses for my birthday three days ago, I wanted to get some pink roses for the table. It always reminds me of our very first dinner together on the deck of his condo not so very long ago.
I wasn’t home ten minutes, when the doorbell rang. I was surprised to see Patrick standing there with a huge, white box in his hands.
“If you were hoping to see the babies, you’re going to be disappointed,” I said as I opened the door. “They are currently with-”
“Your parents,” he finished for me. “I know.” He gave me a sly smile. “This is for you. I was told you would need to open it as soon as possible. It’s time sensitive.”
I took the box from him, sighing at the Neiman Marcus that was emblazoned on top. I narrowed my eyes at Patrick. “What is he up to?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, feigning innocence. He gave me a wink. “Enjoy your weekend.” He turned and headed for his car.
I carried the box into our bedroom and set it down on the bed. Taking a deep breath, I lifted the lid. A note card was pinned to the tiss
ue paper.
I ran my fingers over his elegant script, smiling. What in the world was he up to? Curious as to what was in the box, I pulled the tissue paper back.
Inside was a beautiful, cobalt blue and black lace cocktail dress. Pulling it out of the box, I held it up to me in front of the full-length mirror. It was embroidered lace with satin, a V neckline, and cap sleeves. The dress rested just at the tops of my knees and it didn’t seem to be tightly fitted, which was a bit of a relief. While I had lost most of the baby weight, I still had a little bump I was self-conscious of.
Under the dress was a Manolo Blahnik shoebox housing matching cobalt blue pumps. A La Perla embroidered underwire corset and matching panties in nude and a pair of stay-up lace thigh-high stockings were also in the box. As usual, the man thought of everything.
Glancing down at my watch, I realized it was nearly three in the afternoon. That didn’t leave me much time to get ready. Fortunately, without having to worry about the babies, I was able to shower, dress, and do my hair and make-up all by 5:00 p.m.
Just as I was stepping outside, I noticed Xavier’s BMW sitting in the driveway running. Stewart was sitting behind the wheel. I shook my head, smiling as I made my way over. He jumped out and opened the rear driver-side door for me.
“You look beautiful, Ella,” he said, holding out his hand to help me in the vehicle.
“Thank you,” I said shyly. “Is he there yet?”
“I’m not at liberty to say,” he said as he climbed into the driver’s seat. He gave me a wink in the rearview mirror as we headed down the driveway.
The ride into Seattle was a quick one. Stewart was pulling up to the front doors of the Fairmont Olympic by 5:45.
“Enjoy your weekend,” Stewart said from behind the wheel. The doorman of the hotel already had my car door open and his hand held out to help me. He then rushed over to open the front door for me. “Have a pleasant evening,” he said politely as I headed through the opened door.
Several steps into the lobby, I paused looking for Xavier, but he was nowhere in sight. Making my way over to the plush chairs in the middle of the lobby, I settled down and waited for him. After all, I was a few minutes early thanks to Stewart’s mad driving skills.
Suddenly my skin tingled and I could feel Xavier’s eyes on me. He was here somewhere and he was watching me. That sneaky, sexy bastard.
“Good evening,” an unfamiliar, husky male voice said.
I turned around to see an attractive young man in a black suit standing behind me. He was tall and muscular with brown hair and brown eyes. “Good evening,” I mumbled in response.
“May I?” he asked, gesturing to one of the chairs next to me.
“Be my guest,” I said. Looking down at my dress, I started to fidget with the lace.
“Are you staying in this hotel?” he asked politely.
When I made eye contact with him, he smiled causing two deep dimples to pop out in his cheeks. I was momentarily stunned by his attractiveness, but still he had nothing on Xavier.
“No, I’m not. I’m meeting someone here.”
He looked down at my hands still in my lap. I’m sure he caught sight of my wedding rings. “Oh, I see. It’s like that.”
I suppressed a giggle. Clearly he thought I was meeting my lover here. Well, in a way I was. I opened my mouth to answer him, when Xavier’s warm palm landed on my shoulder and squeezed. I knew it was Xavier because that familiar electrical shock that only his touch elicits shot across my skin.
“Yes, it’s like that,” he growled, glowering at the young man. Again, I had to suppress a giggle. His eyes softened as they focused on me. “I’m sorry I’m late, baby,” Xavier said huskily. He ran his hand down my arm to my elbow and lifted me out of the chair. “You look exquisite,” he said, pulling me into him.
Wrapping his arms around me, he nuzzled the skin behind my ear before he ran soft kisses down my neck. I grabbed onto his upper arms and tilted my head back, letting out a soft moan. It felt like forever since we had contact like this. My body craved it so much that I forgot we were in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic until the young man cleared his throat.
Xavier stiffened and glared at him from over my shoulder. “Have a pleasant evening,” he said, wrapping his arm around me possessively. As he led us to the bank of elevators, a little giggle escaped my lips.
“What in the world is so funny?” He frowned down at me.
“You were spying on me,” I said with a raised brow.
He gave me a surprised look. “How did you know?”
“I could feel your eyes on me.”
“I wanted to be there when you came into the hotel so I could watch your beautiful body move across the room.” He frowned. “Apparently, I wasn’t the only one watching,” he said with a pout. “I can’t leave you alone for five minutes. I’ll consider this a lesson learned.” Suddenly, the ding of the elevator announced its arrival.
He guided me in with a hand at the small of my back. I was surprised when he refused to allow anyone else on the elevator with us. As the doors slid shut, he took off his silk scarf. Moving to stand behind me, he covered my eyes with it, tying the scarf securely behind my head.
“What are you doing?” I protested, reaching up towards the makeshift blindfold. His warm hands quickly and tightly wrapped around my wrists. Pulling my hands away from my face, he held them tightly at my side as he spoke.
“It’s a surprise. Just surrender yourself to me tonight. Relax and let me be in charge. I promise you won’t be disappointed,” he whispered in my ear, nipping my exposed earlobe before pulling away.
I could feel him reach around me. The weight of him pressing into my back had my hands reaching behind me for him. He let out a husky laugh before securing my wrists behind my back in one of his big, warm hands then I heard him click the button for the floor he needed. The elevator jolted and began to glide upward.
“We have a room here?” I asked surprised. He released my hands.
“Yes, baby, we do. We won’t be checking out until Sunday morning,” he said huskily, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling my back into his front.
“But the babies—”
“Are fine with your parents. We deserve this time together. We need it. I need to be inside you as badly as you need me to be there.” His words spiked my breathing, sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine. “Now be quiet or I’ll gag you,” he said seriously. I went to open my mouth to protest at being gagged when he placed a finger to my lips to silence me. “This will be your only warning.” Holy hell.
The elevator arrived at our floor. Xavier wrapped an arm around my waist to lead me down the hall. I could hear him slide the card key into the lock and the door click open. The smell of roses assaulted my nose. Immediately I was transported back to the room we stayed in when we got married. I smiled at the memories.
“Good girl. You recognize this room,” he said, obviously catching the ridiculous smile on my face. I nodded in response. “Come.” He led me further into the room before he guided me onto one of the soft, plush chairs.
Ice cubes shifted around as a bottle was being lifted out of a bucket of ice. Two glasses clinked together. The sudden pop of the champagne bottle made me jump. I could hear the glug of the liquid being poured then the fizz of the bubbles.
I was getting so hot for him all I wanted to do was throw him down to the ground and jump him, but he had obviously been planning this for a while. I loved the fact that he had gone to all this trouble to make this night so special. It had been weeks though, and all I wanted was skin-on-skin contact. Be patient, Ella, be patient.
I jumped when his warm fingers grabbed my wrist.
“Relax,” he said, pressing a glass flute into my hand. “A toast to us. To this weekend. To finally reconnecting,” he said, clinking our glasses together.
The bubbles of the champagne tickled my nose as I took in its sweet smell. My first taste told me there were strawberries in the glass. I t
ook a bigger swig. It had been months since I had alcohol. “Easy,” Xavier said, placing a cautionary hand on my wrist. “This will go straight to your head, and tonight I want you getting intoxicated only by me.” How could he not know that I already was? He allowed me to take another sip before he removed my glass.
I heard the rustle of a bag. Containers being removed and opened and then the sudden smell of P. F. Chang’s entered my nose. “Mmm,” I moaned appreciatively. Xavier let out a husky-sounding chuckle.
Utensils started clinging against plates and then the distinct crunch of lettuce was heard. Lettuce wraps. My favorite.
“Open,” Xavier commanded.
I took a bite of the cold, crispy lettuce filled with the familiar warm chicken mixture. Covering my mouth with my hand while I chewed, I mumbled, “This is so good.”
Xavier moaned. “Your reaction, Ella, fuck. I forgot how erotic it is.” He let out an unsteady breath. His lips started running along my jaw while I chewed. “That first night, all I could think about was you moaning like that underneath me, which you did. Later that night.”
His words conjured all kinds of X-rated visions of the two of us in my head. My breathing increased to an embarrassing level.
Our meal of lettuce wraps, followed by my favorite Mongolian Beef, and continued with him feeding me bites in-between him feeding himself. I would moan then he would groan, crushing his lips to mine. I loved how he reacted to me. I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able to take this little game of seduction. Not being able to see him was the only thing that kept me from jumping him. Finally, he declared us to be done.
He helped me out of the chair and led me into what I assumed was the bedroom or at the very least I hoped it was.
“Close your eyes,” he said softly. Removing his silk scarf, he quickly replaced it with a velvet-soft eye mask. His hands moved to the zipper of my dress. Slowly and seductively, he dragged the zipper down, pausing now and then to place gentle kisses on my exposed back.
