Austin's Pleasure

by Dalton, Kristine

  "Wait until I get you home, darlin'. I'll be the best medicine yet." He stood up, taking her hands in his.

  "Get some rest honey, and take care of our little tiger. I’ll let your dad have some time with you." He patted her tummy. "I'll be right outside if you need me. Jordan will be home today, so I imagine you'll be seeing her soon."

  Striding over to the door, Austin blew his wife a kiss. She smiled, lifting her hands to catch it, pressing it to her lips. He grinned at her. And, turned, running smack into the door. Kari's giggling followed him out the door. "Bye, KA-klutzy Austin. Now I know for sure that we are made for one another." Austin poked his head back in, grinning sheepishly, shaking his head. She heard him muttering something about understanding what Kiki meant now.

  Listening to his footsteps fade, Kari sighed, thinking how fortunate she was to have a man like Austin. From now on, things would be different. She could hardly wait to start their life again. Her husband loved her and the baby. That was all that mattered. At the moment, Kari knew that she was loved for herself and herself alone. It was an awesome feeling. She snuggled contentedly under the sheets, smiling to herself as she thought of their life together.

  Jack glanced up as his son-in-law came toward his with a satisfied smile on his face. Jack stood up to greet him.

  "I see things are okay by that grin on your face. Don't forget son, she is still my little girl, no matter how old she is. I have your promise to take care of her?"

  "I guarantee it, Jack. It will be a great pleasure to take care of her."

  "Good. I'll take you out to lunch after I’ve visited with my angel a moment, and you can tell me all about this marriage, and other things. My daughter has been very busy the last few months and you can fill me in."

  "Be glad to sir." The two men in Kari's life grinned knowingly at each other as Jack headed for his daughter’s room.

  EPILOGUE

  (Six weeks later)

  "It's time to go, sweetheart." Jack McKinnon stood at Kari's bedroom door on the second floor balcony of the DuQuaine Estate in Hawaii. He was slightly uncomfortable in the black tuxedo. He had worn one when he'd first gotten married, and that was the last time, until now.

  In her room, Kari peered in the mirror for one last look. She looked stunning in her wedding dress. The ivory satin and lace dress was off the shoulders slightly, revealing her smooth, creamy skin but modestly covering her breasts. The tea length gown loosely hugged her curves, subtly covering her tummy.

  A pearl choker with a large emerald cut diamond, with matching smaller pearl and diamond earrings, adorned her neck and ears. Austin had given them to her as a gift at the pre-nuptial dinner the night before. Her pale auburn hair was intertwined with faux pearls and fell in waves down her back. Kari's amber cheeks and lips brought out the lovely emerald color of her eyes. Satisfied, she went to the door and opened it.

  "Okay, dad. I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She glanced down at her matching ivory two inch heels. She fervently said a silent prayer that she wouldn’t be her usual klutzy self today of all days.

  Jordan was waiting for them at the top of the stairs. Her hair was swept up, also intertwined with faux pearls. She was wearing a similar style tea length dress in an emerald color that hugged her figure a little more snugly than Kari's. She wore a gold choker with a tiny emerald in the middle with matching gold set emerald earrings. Austin had given them to her the previous night as a token of her friendship to both of them.

  Jordan had been speechless, probably for the first time in her life. She fingered the necklace now as Kari and Jack moved to stand behind her. She turned and hugged Kari, then Jack. She gave Kari the thumbs up sign and turned to signal the start of the procession.

  A three piece ensemble consisting of a piano and two violins began to play a soft Mendelssohn interlude. Slowly and regally, Jordan started down the stairs. When she was halfway down, Kari and Jack followed.

  Austin was standing impatiently with his father and the minister. He looked exceptionally handsome in his white tuxedo with long tails. Kari would have called him beautiful. He didn't mind it coming from her. It could have Rhett waiting for Scarlett except this man had long, dark blonde hair and no mustache. Jordan approached them, giving Jimmy a wink. He was seated next to Candice, who was mopping up the tears.

  Austin looked up as Kari and Jack stepped off the last stair and made their way toward him. She took his breath away and he swallowed hard. This loveliest of ladies was his and his alone. Kari never took her eyes off of Austin as she walked toward him. His met hers with equal desire. Jack kissed her lightly on the forehead and gave her over to Austin. Kari's father sat down next to Wanda.

  Austin winked at her. Leaning over, he whispered, "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

  Kari smiled, speaking softly. "I made it down the stairs without falling, didn't I?"

  "Beautifully. Just like you, darlin' Kari. Just like you."

  Austin and Kari turned to the minister. He said the holy vows of matrimony over them and Austin slipped the ring surrounded with diamonds on her finger, again. The reverend pronounced them man and wife.

  "You may kiss the bride."

  Looking into Kari’s eyes with love, Austin murmured, "It will be my greatest pleasure."

  THE END