A Submissive's Gift

by Maggie Ryan

  "Yes, Uncle Craig, I mean we didn't know that they would be smooching and…"

  "Angelica Dennison," John said, his tone matching Craig's. "You would not have been caught spying on a private moment if you hadn't run off. And, having to hear Logan order you back to where he obviously had told you to stay, is not a good thing, young lady."

  Elizabeth chanced lifting her eyes and found Logan grinning at her, causing her to shake her head and giggle again.

  "It's very nice of your brother to prepare a switch," Craig said, causing the Littles to turn their heads to see that the implements were indeed ready to light into their backsides. "I want you both to thank him and then go put your hands on the bench."

  A softly spoken 'thank you, Logan,' was given in unison and the adults watched as the Little girls shuffled to the table. Elizabeth scooted back, climbing off the opposite side and moving to stand beside Betty. The woman gave her a smile that had Elizabeth's lips twitching again. Logan informed the girls that they were very welcome, and then calmly handed a switch to their daddies. He moved to stand behind Elizabeth, taking her into his arms and pulling her against him. From his stance, she knew he had no plans on going anywhere until this scene had been played out.

  Betty moved to the girls, calmly scolding them for their naughtiness as she pulled down their fleece pants, displaying bottoms that would have had Ariel drooling. Elizabeth had to turn and press her mouth against Logan's arm, easily visualizing Ariel asking that they wait just a moment so she could truly examine the cute designs of their exposed underwear. Bunny had on a pair that was covered in frolicking rabbits, while Angel's had what appeared to be halos scattered across her rump.

  With Betty stepping away, Craig and John put one hand on the small of their Little's backs, and began applying the switch to their upturned bottoms. The glade filled with gasps and then cries as the switches kept descending, little bottoms churning and wagging up and down.

  Elizabeth stood entranced—she had seen dozens of punishment scenes at Tastsinn's, had, in fact, had her own witnessed—but never had she seen a scene that totally captivated her. Cries of 'oh, Daddy,' 'ouch', and promises of perfect behavior were ignored, even though the switches stopped descending long enough for Betty to step forward again to rake the thin barrier of their cute undies down to bare their bottoms, despite squeals of protests from the two adult Littles. Feet danced and kicked up, heads shook and cries continued, but Elizabeth noted that not once had the girls' hands come unclasped. When the final stroke was given and the switches tossed to the ground, she watched as faces lifted, cheeks red and tear-streaked, and yet the look in Angel's and Barbara's eyes told of their happiness. Elizabeth met Barbara's gaze, returning her beautiful smile and nodding before she and Logan slipped back into the woods, leaving the two families to complete their scene.

  They walked back to the path that would lead to the cabins before they spoke. "She really is happy," Logan said, his own chuckles showing how pleased he was to witness his sister's complete transformation.

  "She is, and Logan, that was absolutely what I needed. I can't stop smiling, and realize that the promise will never die."

  Pulling her close, hugging her to his side with his arm, he kissed the top of her head as they continued their walk. "Well, that wasn't what I planned, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world." They both laughed and gratefully took the time Helen had offered to just relax before the ceremonies that evening.

  Chapter 16

  Dinner was a magical affair. The women, dressed in evening wear—some gowns brushing the floor, others shorter but still elegant—were seated by their partners. The men looked stunning in tuxedos, their relaxed postures, as they pulled out chairs for their partners, telling of hours spent in very pleasant activities.

  Craig and Barbara, evidently none the worse from her switching, had spent the day preparing two dozen individual ducks. Platters for each couple contained a perfectly prepared meal of Duck á l'Orange, the skin crisp, the aroma of Grand Marnier used in the sauce making mouths water. Bowls of roasted root vegetables, drizzled with the same sauce, and creamy risotto made with the broth from the cooked duck and spiced with blood oranges, completed the meal. Just as they'd expected, not a single order for the lighter choice of roasted turkey with baked sweet potatoes was made. Coffee, with a plate of lightly flavored almond shortbread, was served as dessert.

  Before dinner guests began to return to their rooms to prepare for the ceremony; Ariel, Helen and Barbara were quietly being helped by their men to prepare the special tableau that would greet each room's occupants.

  Cooled bottles of Moët champagne stood beside a pair of delicate crystal tulip flutes waiting to be lifted in salute. Luscious strawberries, some dipped in chocolate, surrounded the individual cheesecakes to be enjoyed in celebration of the wedding they would witness. Slender bud vases all held a duo of roses, one red, one white, to represent the beauty of sharing love with their chosen mates. The soft white duvets and top sheet of each bed had been turned back. Ariel fluffed the last of the pillows and then smiled as she felt Garrett's hand slide across her ass.

  Garrett gave his fiancée a grin as she turned and stepped into his arms. "I will so enjoy watching you pile our pillows in the center of our bed, my love. I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year than to give your beautiful ass its first spanking."

  "That's yet another reason I love you, Sir," Ariel said. "Always thinking outside the box." She yelped as he gave her butt a swat, knowing they were both looking forward to all the events of the evening.

  Closing the last door, Ariel slipped her hand into Garrett's. "You have to admit, Nancy and Elizabeth have thought of every detail. There won't be a guest leaving that won't have incredible memories of this weekend."

  "I agree, and the party hasn't even started yet," Garrett said, bending to give her a kiss. "Now, we'd better hustle, it won't do if the best man is late getting the groom to his wedding." The couple stopped in the kitchen to inform Craig that the barn's rooms had been prepared.

  "Thanks. Jason is upstairs making sure the ballroom is ready. The stereo system is set and the TV ready to display the ball dropping. I've got champagne in the fridge up there. I'm pretty sure we are ready."

  "We are," Helen said, as she walked into the kitchen with Barbara. "Nancy is helping Elizabeth get ready upstairs, though Ben is pretending to be put out that he won't be bringing the bride on his ATV. Sometimes, I swear, you men just have no idea of what a woman needs."

  "Watch it woman," Ben said, walking into the kitchen and giving his wife's rear a pat. "I'm sure the Woodshed has at least a few slots still open."

  "I wouldn't bet on it Daddy," Ariel said. "I spent all afternoon printing out the photos taken of the slate board. It is hysterical reading some of the reasons why those girls are getting their butts smacked. But it was a great idea to suggest they use the camera to record the event. I'll have the photos ready when everyone checks out tomorrow. Talk about a personal memento. Even when the color fades on their backsides, they'll have a photo to remind them of the deed."

  A few hours later, the occupants in the room at the top of the house began to quiet down. Couples danced, pausing to refresh themselves with glasses of champagne. Groups of people had shared their thoughts about their new favorite romantic getaway, every single couple already making plans to return. As Jeremy Richards, a fellow Dominant who was a friend as well as was ordained to perform marriages, gave his wife Teresa a kiss, people began moving to form a semi-circle in front of the raised dais that Jeremy stepped onto; the small white lights of the Christmas tree at his back providing magical illumination as the overhead lights were dimmed.

  All whispering stopped as Logan escorted his mother down the middle of the room. It was obvious that Helen was thrilled with her son's choice. Her smile was brilliant, her eyes sparkling as she reached up to stroke her son's cheek as he bent to give her a kiss.

  Stepping onto the dais, Logan took his place, his eyes g
oing to the door as it opened. As Barbara walked towards him, her hand in Craig's, the look of pure happiness on her face had his heart filling. Behind her, Ariel followed with Garrett, her normally animated face showing the first trace of tears as she gave him a smile. Garrett bent and kissed her cheek before leaving her next to Barbara and moving to stand next to Logan. Nancy and Jason were next, each remembering that it hadn't been that long ago that they had been the ones on a dais, and thrilled that they were there to witness the love Elizabeth and Logan had found with each other.

  When the music changed, every eye in the room turned back to the door. Soft murmurs were heard as they saw Elizabeth framed in the door, her arm linked with Ben's. Logan completely lost his breath, everything disappearing from his vision at the sight of her. She was the most stunningly gorgeous woman on earth—and she was his.

  Elizabeth wasn't aware that her appearance had people whispering that she was beautiful. She didn't hear the music playing, and wasn't truly aware that her friends were waiting for her to join them. All she was aware of was the man whose blue eyes were locked onto hers. He was the most incredibly handsome man she had ever seen. His tuxedo fit him perfectly, his broad shoulders were ones she knew would always be there to cry on when she needed his support. His arms would always be ready to hold her tight, to keep her safe. His hands, now casually clasped in front of him, were those that she would never tire of touching her body—whether it be to soothe her or to spank her, or stroke her until she was moaning or screaming his name. She might have stood forever in that same spot, just drinking in the man across the room, if Ben had not given her hand a squeeze and taken the first step.

  As his father slowly escorted the bride towards him, all Logan was aware of was the woman whose eyes were glued to his. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek chignon, held in place by an antique clasp, soft tendrils curled to frame her face. She wore a simple gown of white that fit her like a glove, the fabric clinging to a bottom that he knew was worthy of Venus. The scooped neck of the gown accentuated the fullness of her breasts. As his father stopped and gave her a kiss before passing her hand to Logan, everyone watched as Logan's free hand lifted to gently caress the hollow of Liz's throat. Feeling a quiver run through her body under the tip of his finger, Logan's slow smile had her legs shaking, the look of promise so evident that she knew she would never doubt his love.

  Jeremy had to gently clear his throat—twice—to get the couple's attention. When Logan's eyes slid to his, it took him a moment to remember what he was supposed to do. Ignoring the slight chuckles he heard from their guests, he grinned, and moved with Elizabeth to stand before him.

  The ceremony was one that had bound couples in matrimony millions of times before. Elizabeth had always loved the simple and yet poignant words. Hearing Logan say "I do" as he slid the wedding band on her finger, made the first tears slide down her cheek. All her life she had dreamed of one day standing before her friends and God and making her promise. As Jeremy guided her through the words, her voice was clear and strong as she vowed to love, honor and obey the man she had chosen to share her life until the day she died. She slid the ring onto Logan's finger, giving him her heart as he lifted his hand to cup her cheek, bending to kiss her. The move had the crowd smiling, and Jeremy chuckling.

  "Well, who knew that Logan was a premature groom?"

  As the guests stopped worrying about being so formal, they laughed as Logan broke the kiss only to give Jeremy a look that said he was taking far too long. Shaking his head, Jeremy finished the ceremony. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. By all means, feel free to keep kissing the bride." The crowd cheered as Logan dipped his wife over backwards, their first kiss as a wedded couple making the earlier one look like a simple peck on the cheek. By the time he brought her back up and released her, Elizabeth was flushed, her heart pounding and her lips tender. Logan bent forward again, his forehead against hers as the tip of his finger found the hollow of her throat.

  "I believe something is missing, Mrs. Dietrich," he whispered, feeling her pulse jump beneath his finger.

  "I believe you are right, Mr. Dietrich, Sir." A quiver ran through her as he kissed her once more, quite chastely, before standing and stepping back.

  The crowd fell quiet again as everyone but the newlyweds and their chosen attendants left the stage. At Logan's signal, Garrett stepped forward, removing a black velvet box from his inside pocket. Logan looked at his wife and gave her a look that would always have her heart and her body responding.

  Logan took her hands, lifting them before slowly spreading his fingers, her movements mimicking his until their fingers were linked, their connection instantly calming her.

  "Elizabeth, you are my wife and my love. You are the beauty in my life, my very reason for living is to protect you, to guide you, to love you. I have pledged to be your husband and ask if you will give me your pledge to accept me as your Dominant. Will you wear my collar, so that all know that you have given me all of you?"

  "Logan, you are my husband and have my love and my heart. The beauty you claim to see is a reflection of the love you've given to me. You are my reason for living—I want nothing more than to spend every day of my life showing you how much you mean to me, how much I desire to serve you in all ways. I am humbled and so very honored to accept your collar. As your submissive, I proclaim that you, my Dominant, own not only my heart, but my body and soul for the rest of my life."

  Logan's heart hammered in his chest as he saw tears slide down her cheeks. He knew they weren't caused by sorrow or doubt. They came from the deepest recesses of her soul, showing her passion and her desire to belong to him in all ways. Lifting her hands and kissing her knuckles once more, he slowly released them to turn to Garrett. When Garrett opened the lid of the box, the collar gleamed from its place on the black velvet. Logan lifted it with a feeling of great responsibility and reverence.

  "With this collar, I swear to protect you with my life. I swear to give you all that you need to be feel complete. I will protect your heart, be your partner in passion, and guide you with discipline. You have given me the greatest gift of all, the gift of your absolute submission, and I will guard and treasure that trust for the rest of my life." He held out the necklace. The thin gold mesh gleamed in the lights. From one end hung a small golden chest.

  Elizabeth watched as Logan gently opened it, tipping it until a small charm fell onto his palm. She gasped as she recognized the significance of both items.

  "Liebchen, kneel for me."

  Nancy stepped forward, helping Elizabeth to her knees, squeezing her hand once she was in position.

  The crowd watched as Elizabeth bowed her head before her Dominant. Logan stepped forward, slipping the band around her slender throat. Bringing the ends together, he spoke softly. "Elizabeth, look at me." When her eyes found his, he continued. "You will always be my Schatzlein, my treasure. This golden note is a symbol of the gift of your voice that I am so honored to have earned. I swear to you in front of God that I will always listen to you as you tell me of your needs, your dreams, your fears, and your words of wisdom. I will thank God every single time you sing for me."

  She watched as he pressed his lips to the small musical note before dropping it back into the dainty treasure chest. Her heart swelled as she heard the slight click as the collar locked around her throat.

  Logan helped her to stand and watched as she accepted a chain from Nancy. He smiled as she lifted it, a tiny key dangling that he prayed he would never, ever need.

  "Sir, I swear that I shall never remove your collar for it is already part of me. I give you this key but pray that my eyes never see it again." When Logan bent forward, she placed the chain over his head, and as he straightened, the crowd watched as she tucked the key out of sight inside his shirt.

  Logan took her into his arms, their mouths fusing into a kiss that sealed every vow they had pledged forever.

  Cheers sounded as Logan turned to present his wife and his sub to the room. The
gleam of Elizabeth's collar was only outshone by the look in her eyes.

  Logan reluctantly released her hand as they were engulfed by family and friends. The back slapping, kissing, hugs and expressions of congratulations only ended when Garrett announced that it was almost time. He, along with Jason and Ben, worked to pass out the glasses of champagne that Craig was busy filling.

  Ariel shook her head as she approached the newlyweds, who were once more oblivious of their surroundings. Her giggle brought them out of the kiss. "Hurry, you need champagne," she said, pressing flutes into their hands. Shouts of congratulations and cheers turned into dozens of voices counting backwards from ten as they all watched the mirrored ball drop in Times Square.

  "Happy New Year, wife," Logan said, his hand linking with hers as they clicked their glasses together.

  "Happy New Year, husband." Draining her glass, she looked up into his beautiful eyes, her breath hitching in her chest as he took her glass, passing them to Garrett.

  Logan took her hand, leading her to the small bar area. He smiled as he watched Elizabeth accept a small basket of strawberries from Barbara before turning her eyes up to his, a knowing smile on her lips.

  "Are you sure you really want this processed stuff?" Craig asked, as he passed a large can of whipped topping across the counter to Logan. "I could whip you up some real—"

  "Not necessary," Logan said, as he grinned down at his wife. "I assure you, my beautiful bride loves the stuff right out of the can." He chuckled as Elizabeth's cheeks turned as red as the strawberries in her basket. Her laughter, as he swept her off her feet, was a sound he would never tire of hearing. Whistles, cheers and voices wishing them Happy New Year and yelling congratulations surrounded them as Logan carried her across the floor and out the door.

  Elizabeth's feet did not touch the ground until Logan pushed open the door to their bedroom. Tears filled her eyes at the sight of the dozens of candles placed around the red chaise where she had found her voice. Scattered rose petals were the source of the sweet scent as they were crushed beneath Logan's feet. Cupping her face in his hands, he bent to kiss her, and his words had her ready to give her voice once more.