Chapter 11
Life fell back into a regular pattern over the next few days. Stacey wasn’t scheduled for another round of chemotherapy for three more weeks. Stefan had learned not to be too protective, or to hover too much because it always made her feel like the “sick girl.” And those were the times when her temper would get the best of her. But Stefan stuck it out no matter what she threw at him. Stacey let Nick go back to his life with Jasmine and whenever she felt bad or scared, she called Stefan. It felt so good to have him at her side.
Their wedding was a conversation they avoided. Stefan wanted it to continue as planned and Stacey was hesitant. They were planning a small ceremony with only close friends and family at St. Patrick’s. She already had her dress and they had the license.
But in the end Stefan won the fight. Stacey was afraid that he was going to marry her only to end up losing her, but she finally realized that it didn’t matter if they were married or not, he would still feel her loss as keenly as she would if something were to happen to him.
Stacey continued her schedule at work and her volunteering, much to Stefan’s consternation. But if she stopped it would feel like she was giving up her life. He understood on some level, but still wanted her to take it easy.
She insisted on doing everything that she would normally be doing. Besides being over tired, she didn’t really feel that bad. Stacey definitely missed making out with Stefan, but he was determined to keep her a virgin until her wedding day. But it was just nice to be with him. His presence just made her feel better.
One evening after work she came home to find him putting a casserole in the oven. “You read my mind that’s exactly what I was going to do when I got here.” Stacey sighed as she went into his embrace.
“Well I am glad that I am anticipating and meeting your needs.” Stefan laughed.
Stacey almost said not all of them, but kept her mouth shut. She sat down to pull off her shoes and rubbed the back of her neck trying to ease the soreness from her muscles.
“Long day sweetie?” Stefan asked full of concern.
“It must be a full moon because it was just packed in the ER today.” Stacey could hear the tiredness in her own voice.
“Would you like a massage?” Stefan asked.
Stacey held her breath at the suggestion. It would be so wonderful to have him touching her in such an intimate way. He took her silence for hesitation.
“Let me do this for you. I have a very tender touch. And I promise that I will be a complete gentleman. Disrobe and lay tummy down on the bed.” Stefan said
Her heart drummed at a jack hammer pace. Stefan discretely left the room and that left her to decide how much disrobing she would do. She could be completely naked and tempt him, but wasn’t sure how confident she was in that plan. This was a first for her. Trying to seduce a man was beyond her realm of expertise, but being in such a state nakedness would certainly entice him. But was it too much?
Throwing caution to the wind, she left her panties on but kept a towel to modestly hide her breasts. That way he could massage her shoulders and back without the impediment of a bra. The panties she wore were very feminine and delicate. Nick would be proud that she wasn’t wearing granny panties. Stacey smiled at the thought. Most times, she was much more sensible. But the lingerie purchase had been a splurge after an argument months ago with Nick that she was too levelheaded.
Stefan knocked on the door and she scrambled onto the bed lying on top of the towel and said, “Come in.”
Stacey was afraid to look at his face when he saw that she was almost naked. But she heard his intake of breath and knew that he liked what he saw. She didn’t even try to hide her smile. She definitely felt a sense of womanly empowerment.
But then he turned the tables on her. He ran his warm hands down her back and she shuddered at the strength and tenderness displayed in his caress. The feeling was electric. He began to lightly skim the small of her back. Little shocks shot straight between her legs as he slowly circled down past her panty line. She jerked slightly not expecting him to go past her underwear.
“So we’re a little ticklish are we?” He straddled her legs to keep her in place and lightly swatted her rear end, which made it fly into the air.
He groaned at the sight. “This is supposed to be a relaxing massage for you, so you can’t move that way. It’s too enticing.”
Stacey giggled at that and in turn wiggled her bottom more provocatively. He growled and lowered his full weight onto her back. She could feel his hardness pressing against her bottom. The length and width of his maleness sent a thrill of excitement and fear through her.
He whispered in her ear. “Behave.” And began to kiss her ear, then her neck and slowly and tenderly down her back. Little light feathery kisses that set her skin on fire. He was fully clothed and against her bare skin the abrasiveness of the fabric just enhanced every sensation.
Stacey wished he were as undressed as she. How could she entice him to take this further? She was ready to go all the way, but darn his chivalrous hide, he wanted to preserve her virtue.
Men are only about sex, so how did she get the only one in the world who wasn’t?
Clearly he wanted her. She could feel the proof of it pressing eagerly into her. So she began a slow gyration, trying to seduce him into going further. He began to move with her, but suddenly stilled.
“Woman!” he exclaimed. He raised his weight off of her back and crossed the room. He took a minute and stood breathing raggedly.
“I can’t help it. You seem to elicit these reactions from me that I would have never consciously acted on before.” Stacey turned over on her side to look at him. He stood still breathing heavily, with his eyes closed. She lowered the towel that she had been using for modesty from covering her breasts. So when he opened his eyes and saw her lying there with only her lacey scrap of panties on, he gasped in shock.
Stacey had been so hesitant about a physical relationship before, but now her hormones had taken over. All she could think of was how she could get his man to seal the deal.
“We can wait until our wedding night. We’re so close. We can wait.” Stefan said his voice rough with pent up desire.
“A week isn’t promised to any of us Stefan.” Stacey said softly as she picked up the towel and covered herself.
Stefan groaned and pulled her into his arms and kissed her roughly. She met his intensity with flaming need of her own. It felt like she couldn’t get close enough to him. She pulled back so that she could take off his shirt. He looked at her. “Are you sure?”
Stacey didn’t even answer him. She unbuttoned his pants and slid them from his hips along with his boxers. She had seen the male anatomy before, but never had she thought it to be a thing of beauty. Stefan was like a Greek god. She stared at him in wonder. He exuded sensual power and strength. He looked at her with such tenderness.
“You are so beautiful.” Stefan whispered in her ear. His warm breath tickled her ear, but the sensation felt erotic at the same time. Stacey reveled in his touch; it was so strong and sure. She surrendered to all the feelings that he was evoking. The light kisses he had been showering down her back were now rained down on her from the front. Her body tingled with anticipation as his kisses moved from her neck to her shoulder. Every part of her body was begging for attention. She wanted his mouth everywhere at once.
Her breasts felt heavy; aching for his touch. He did not disappoint. His hand began to squeeze and knead the soft sensitive flesh. He lavished each one with tender kisses and light suckling. It was heaven. She held his head in place, never wanting him to stop creating this electric sensation.
Stacey’s body knew there was more but she didn’t know how to ask for what it needed. She felt like she was drowning in this pleasure pool of Stevan’s making. She could feel his hardness pressed against her hip. She wanted to touch him, but was too lost in feeling to move. So she surrendered herself to the magic he was working on
her body.
Her body felt adrift in a sea of erotic sensations. The things she felt at each touch set her heart afire. And Stefan was so sensitive to it being her first time. His hands roamed all over her body as if he cherished this moment more than anything else in his life.
He then covered her body with his and eased his length into her, she felt stars behind her eyes. “Look at me.” Stefan ordered. The wonder on his face when we buried himself deep inside her fueled the ecstasy that she felt. The pain was minimal and Stacey was grateful that he had worked her body into such a fevered state that she didn’t even pause when that moment came. She just knew there was more, an end that she was climbing toward and she needed that. She needed Stefan’s touch.
“You OK?”
“Oh yes!” Stacey sighed.
They slowly built the pace looking into each other’s eyes and savoring the complete connection between them. He controlled the pace and she matched his movements.
“You feel so good.” Stefan groaned.
Stacey wrapped her legs around him to pull him closer. She felt like he couldn’t get close enough. The friction that created was delicious. The feeling that had been close before, now came crashing down on her. She was so close to something so magical and allusive.
Stefan began to speed up his rhythm and she could tell he was with her. He moaned.
“Love me Stefan” Stacey closed her eyes savoring the sensations that his thrusting engendered in her. She reached up to him to pull him closer and that new angle pushed her over the edge and Stefan came with her. It was glorious.
“I love you Stacey.” Stefan rolled onto his back and pulled her against his side. They were a perfect fit. She felt so safe, loved and protected.
“I love you Stefan.” She began to drift off into an easy slumber.
“Marry me Stacey.” Stefan whispered.
“Stefan…” She began, but he could tell from her tone that it was not the answer he wanted.
“I love you Stacey. I want to be your husband and take care of you. I want to love you like this every day for the rest of our lives. And I don’t care if you are sick. Let me in Stacey. Let me show you that I’m the man you were meant to be with.” Stefan kissed her and she could feel the passion begin to build again.
She was scared, but she did trust Stefan more than anything and it really was what she wanted so she whispered back, “Yes Stefan. I will marry you.”
“Let’s do it today.” Stefan said eagerly.
“Today?” Stacey exclaimed.
“Forgive me if I want to ride my momentum and make sure you don’t change your mind again.” Stefan said smiling.
“But what about our friends and family?” She asked.
“We can have a big ceremony when you’ve gotten a clean bill of health.” Stefan insisted.
“Won’t we need witnesses?” Stacey asked
“I don’t know if we need to in this day and age, but why don’t you call Nick, I know you’d like him to be there.” Stefan said.
Stacey loved it that he knew she would want Nick there. He had picked up his cell phone and was dialing.
“Who are you calling?” Stacey asked.
“Father Morgan to see if he can just marry us in his office.” Stefan said.
Stacey smiled up at him, but then he cautioned. “If he is too busy to do it today, we will go to the courthouse sweetie. Get busy and call Nick.” Stefan swatted her rear and was very authoritative.
Stacey called Nick and he answered on the first ring. “Hey Nick.”
“I was just about to call you.” Nick said.
“You were? Why?” She asked.
“Just to check on you. How are you?” Nick asked.
“I’m wonderful. Stefan and I are getting married today.” She beamed.
She could hear Stefan in the next room. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but she knew from his tone that he was trying to convince Father Morgan.
“What?” Nick exclaimed.
“Yes, Stefan and I are getting married today and I would love it if you and Jasmine could be our witnesses. It wouldn’t be right if you weren’t there Nick.” Stacey said.
To his credit Nick didn’t ask what the hurry was. “What time?” Nick asked.
“I don’t know, hold on. Let me see how Stefan is making out with Father Morgan.” She went into the living room to see what progress Stefan was making and she heard the end of his conversation.
“I really appreciate it Father Morgan, it will mean the world to Stacey.” Stefan turned to her and smiled.
“I take it he agreed to do the ceremony.” Stacey returned his smile. “Nick wants to know what time.”
“An hour.” Stefan said
“An hour?” Stacey exclaimed.
“An hour?” Nick exclaimed.
“I’ll see you at the church.” Nick said and hung up.
“I can’t be ready for our wedding in an hour Stefan!” She asserted vehemently.
“You’re wasting that hour arguing with me. Father Morgan only has this one opening today sweetie. So you decide, if you really want him to do it or if you will just make do at the courthouse, but either way we are getting married today.” Stefan stated flatly.
She thought about arguing with him, but she really didn’t want to. She was glad that he was taking control and making these decisions. It felt so good to have him to rely on. She didn’t think of herself as the type of woman who was ruled over by her man, but it was nice to have his strength to depend on.
“OK Stefan.” Stacey said.
The surprise showed clearly on his face. “I was expecting more of an argument.”
“I am not going to fight you anymore. I love you and I want to be your wife. Now get out so I can get ready. See you at the church.” She laughed shooing him out the door, he pulled her into a searing kiss and she almost forgot to breathe.
“I love you too and I can’t wait to be your husband. See you at the church and don’t be late. He only has a 15 minute window to perform the ceremony.” Stefan kissed her again quickly this time and left.
Stacey took the quickest shower she had ever taken in her life, and then settled in front of her closet to find something to wear. Stacey wanted to save the wedding dress she picked out for the big wedding, but that meant she would have to find something suitable for today. Most of her wardrobe was functional, so she really didn’t have that many choices. She had absolutely nothing white. She had a beige colored pant suit that she had worn to a college friend’s wedding a couple of years ago, but that wasn’t calling her now.
All the way at the back of her closet she found it. It was a dress that she had bought several years ago on a whim, not knowing when she would ever wear something like it. It was a pale peach silk dress with a skirt that flowed and swished when she walked. The top was a fitted bodice that accentuated her cleavage.
She slipped it over her head and almost took it off. She had lost weight. The dress was a little loose on her now, but it really did make her look feminine and complimented her coloring. Too bad she didn’t have time to take it, but it didn’t look bad enough for her to change her mind.
But what shoes to wear with it? She had never worn the dress, so she didn’t have matching shoes. And none of her sensible shoes would look appropriate with the dress. So she had to run to get a pair of shoes. Did she have time? Less than an hour. It would be pushing it, but there was nothing else that could be done.
Stacey ran out the door with the dress on a hanger and her purse which she threw a little makeup into. She didn’t usually wear it, but she thought it might cover the dark circles that were a constant under her eye these days.
She hit a Payless shoe store and didn’t find an exact match, but close enough for her purposes. When she pulled into the parking lot, Nick was pulling into the spot next to hers. Stefan’s car was already here.
Nick was there, “You’re cutting it pretty close aren’t you?”
“Where’s Jasmin
e?” Stacey asked.
“She couldn’t get out of her meeting,” said Nick.
“Do we have to have a second witness?” Stacey asked panicking.
“I called Stefan to ask what he wanted to do and he was calling around.” Nick said.
“Oh no. What if we can’t find someone?” She fretted.
“Don’t worry, if I have to grab the bum on the corner, you’ll have someone here. Not sure if it’s legally necessary, but we will have all the bases covered.” Nick reassured.
She ran into the bathroom and began to change. Nick walked into the rest room behind her and helped her get ready. He zipped up her dress and handed her a mini bouquet of flowers. They were just perfect for her dress. He even helped pin the dress in the back so it wouldn’t look like it was hanging off her frame.
Nick’s cell phone rang; he answered it and after listening for a few moments put it back in his pocket.
“Who was that?” Stacey asked.
“Stefan got his assistant to step in, and she just pulled into the parking lot. We are just waiting on you my love.” Nick smiled broadly at her.
“This is really happening isn’t it?” She beamed at Nick.
“Yes it is. And I couldn’t be happier for you Stacey May.” Nick pulled her into an embrace.
She had to dab at her eyes with tissue. She was feeling very emotional. But she had to pull it together. Father Morgan only had a 15 minute window and she didn’t want to miss it. She was anxious to become Stefan’s wife. Now that she had let go of her fear of him being with her while she was sick, she couldn’t wait.
Nick said, “Bend over.”
Stacey did and he brushed her hair so that it would look more voluminous.
She finished her light application of make-up and they were done.
He walked her into Father Morgan’s office where Stefan stood next to a beautiful African American woman, in a very stylish and professional looking suit. But Stacey just had eyes for Stefan. He was wearing an expensive looking suit that was perfectly tailored to his lean frame.
She walked up to him in front of Father Morgan’s desk. Father Morgan stood up and opened his bible. “I’m so glad that I’m able to do this for you two. Stefan you are a very lucky man and I expect you to take special care of this lady.”
Stacey smiled at Father Morgan. He had been a good friend over the years and had always appreciated her help with the sick and shut-ins at the church.
Stacey looked at Stefan and was overwhelmed at the love that she felt for him. He was such an amazing man and he had her heart completely. Stefan said a heartfelt “I Do” and she realized that she hadn’t heard another word Father Morgan had said, so she turned her attention to him now as he was saying,” In the name of God, do you Stacey take Stefan to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until you are parted by death?”
Until we were parted by death, that one phrase closed her throat and she feared she would be unable to give her response. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she whispered, “I do.”
Stefan wiped her tear and pulled her into his embrace and kissed her all at the same time. Father Morgan laughed as he pronounced them man and wife. It was a beautiful moment. She was so happy. He was so happy. Whatever happened with the leukemia they would make the most of the time they had.
Stefan still hadn’t released her so Nick pulled us apart. “Alright you two, get a room.”
Stefan laughed, “I plan to.”
The beautiful woman Stacey didn’t know stepped up and said, “Congratulations Mrs. Spencer.”
Stefan said, “Boy I like the sound of that.” And pulled Stacey into another kiss.
“Alright boss, let the woman breathe.” Everyone laughed.
“You just don’t know how hard it was to get her to marry me Jody. Oh Stacey, this is my assistant Jody.” Stefan said.
“Thank you so much for being our witness. Not sure if this day could have happened without you.” Stacey said as she took Jody’s hand and shook it.
“You’re very welcome and very lucky,” said Jody.
“Don’t I know it!” Stacey smiled at Stefan. He was turning to Father Morgan.
“Thank you Father for fitting us in.” Stefan was shaking his hand.
“My pleasure.” Father Morgan responded as he walked towards the door. “I do have a funeral service to preside over so I must take my leave of you.” He kissed Stacey on the cheek and left.
“Jody if you can handle the office for the next couple of days so that I can give my bride a mini honeymoon, I would appreciate it. Just email me with anything urgent.” Stefan shook his assistant’s hand, and she pulled him into a hug.
“I’m so happy for you!” Jody pulled Stacey into the hug and then abruptly released them. “Sorry I don’t usually breach people’s personal space.”
Stefan laughed. “It’s OK Jody. Today is special.”
Nick hugged Stacey and whispered in her ear, “I love you Stacey May. Let go and let this man love you. You deserve it and so much more.”
Nick’s warm words brought tears to her eyes. She squeezed him harder and said, “I love you too. Thanks for always having my back.”
Nick embraced Stefan and said, “Cherish her man, she’s the best.”
“You don’t have to tell me.” Stefan pulled her to his side and they all left Father Morgan’s office.
Take Care of Me Page 21
