Haven's Promise

by Maggie Ryan

  She paused and looked at Nancy, who nodded but smiled, as memories of her own replayed in both of their minds. Looking around the table, Liz grinned. "But, then again, having assisted in Nancy's, well, it not only makes her McDonald's stories so much more entertaining, but it truly touched me on a level I never expected. I think I'd be okay if that was the direction Logan is thinking of taking."

  "Do you get to choose the design?" Barbara asked, looking between Nancy and her mother—both wearing collars, but both different.

  "No, I don't think so," Elizabeth said. "I've never heard of a sub even seeing her collar until it has been presented. I know Jason didn't show Nancy beforehand. What about Dad, Mom, did he ask your opinion?"

  Helen gave her a tender smile, her own hand having moved to touch the infinity symbol that decorated the front of her own collar. Ben had placed it around her neck almost forty years earlier. "No. He didn't even tell me he was planning on collaring me. One night, he simply presented it to me." She turned to look at Elizabeth. "That was the night the photo was taken."

  Elizabeth smiled and nodded, knowing she was speaking of the photo Liz had referred to when painting the gift that hung on the wall of the playroom upstairs.

  "Well, it was Martha who took it. She and her husband, Marcus, served as our witnesses. No matter which choice you and Logan make, it isn't really the actual ceremony you'll remember. I mean, while it will remain with you forever, it will be the first touch of his collar around your throat, the soft click of the lock, the memory of the vows you make, and the absolute sense of love and peace you will feel looking into each other's eyes, knowing that moment of true commitment will fill your soul forever."

  The women were silent for several moments, each lost in either the memory of their own ceremony or the dreams of perhaps one day choosing to accept the symbol of total submission.

  "Thank you," Elizabeth said softly. "I think I was more concerned about how you and Dad, or Logan's family would feel about such a ceremony." Her gaze moved to Ariel. "I know you and Logan had some disagreements, but you've said those have been resolved."

  "Yes," Ariel said, nodding and not joking about something so serious. "I admit it must have been hard on him, accepting that his baby sister was choosing to not only practice domestic discipline, but was far more involved in the D/s scene than he had anticipated. As I've said before, Garrett and I are careful not to put him in a position that makes him feel uncomfortable, but I'm sure he wouldn't be bothered for the shoe to be on the other foot, so to speak." She paused, and her customary giggle finally surfaced. "Besides, if you have a public ceremony, then he can't complain if Garrett one day collars me in our own ceremony."

  Barbara also reassured them that she had no problem witnessing the event. "If we are all adults, have accepted the fact that each of us, both as individuals and couples, has the right to live the lifestyle that makes us happy and fulfilled, then not inviting us would be like asking us to miss your wedding. Both ceremonies are special and, in my opinion, both should be shared with family and friends. Well, only really close friends for the collaring ceremony. I'm not too sure Aunt Gloria could handle seeing her favorite nephew conclude the ceremony with anything more than the chaste meeting of your lips when permission is given for the bride to be kissed."

  "I bet Grannie won't care," Ariel said with another giggle. "Heck, she'll probably demand a front row seat."

  Elizabeth's flush had them all smiling as they moved from their seats to hug her, each offering support and congratulations.

  "I'm a little afraid of meeting Grannie," Elizabeth admitted. "Logan says she can still make him quake in his boots."

  "Don't let him fool you," Helen assured her. "The woman may appear stern, but I promise, she is nothing but a marshmallow inside."

  Seeing Logan's sisters both nodding, Elizabeth relaxed. "Well, in that case, if Logan wishes to have the first ceremony at Haven be a public collaring, then I am willing." She giggled. "Wait, let me clarify that statement. I have no problem with the ceremony, but the guest list I will insist must be approved by me. Close family stops with Ben and Helen. No Aunt Gloria and no Grannie, no matter how progressive you claim the woman is."

  "I'd agree to that," Helen said with a smile, feeling immensely pleased to know that Liz felt safe and comfortable enough to include her.

  "What about your wedding? Are you, um, do you think you'll have it at the lake?" Ariel asked, lifting her hand to admire her engagement ring for the millionth time before looking up.

  Shaking her head, Elizabeth smiled. "No, we've all known that when Garrett popped the question, the lake would be involved. He just surprised some of us when that included the proposal."

  They all laughed, remembering the romantic proposal turning frantic only a few weeks earlier.

  "I honestly can't imagine you marrying anywhere else. I just pray you both don't wind up in the water, searching for a dropped wedding band."

  "Thank you," Ariel said. "I can only promise not to throw anything—well, without checking it first."

  Elizabeth made her next announcement. "Logan has decided to rent the loft." They talked about their impending search for a house. When Helen informed them that she knew of a home nearby that was coming onto the market, Liz laughed. "Thanks, Mom, but this neighborhood is way above our means." When Helen's mouth opened, her future daughter-in-law raised her hand. "Mom, please don't offer to help us. This is something we want to do by ourselves. We don't need a huge house to start out. Until we are positive that Haven will be the success we are all praying for, and with the expansion of Tastsinn, we are going to keep a close watch on our budget. There are plenty of nice homes around Houston. We'll probably settle somewhere on the southeast side, so we're close to both Tastsinn and Haven."

  Helen hid her disappointment because she understood. "That makes more sense, I suppose. It would just be so nice to keep everyone close, especially since Ariel moved out."

  "That's enough about me," Elizabeth said, "It's someone else's turn."

  Nancy gave a shrug. "Well, don't look at me. I've been so good since we were at Haven that I have absolutely nothing." When the others gave her looks of disbelief, she shrugged. "Sorry. I did get a spanking that night because, well, the one Jason gave me in the Woodshed was nothing—even in my book."

  "Oh, Nancy," Barbara said. "I told you that you weren't to blame. I can't believe Jason spanked you again. I'm so sorry."

  "Don't be. I told you that I needed one to remind me to be more conscious of other's feelings. I deserved it, Jason gave it to me, and the slate was wiped clean." She giggled and added, "Well, my internal slate that is." Looking at Elizabeth, her smile grew. "Haven Note: You either need a bigger slate in the woodshed, or multiple ones. Poor Bunny only had room to write her sentence one time. In fact, it might be pretty neat to get one of those actual blackboards used in classrooms, and hang it on one wall. That way, if a poor girl has to write sentences, she can do so without constantly erasing that small slate. What do you think?"

  Ignoring Barbara's groan as she thought of having to fill an entire blackboard, Ariel, Helen and Elizabeth gave it some thought. "Maybe not a huge one, as the walls are needed for all the implements, but, yes, I can see where a Dom would appreciate watching his sub write lines," Elizabeth said.

  "Especially if doing so with a very red, very sore, bare ass," Ariel supplied. Her giggle filled the room until Helen leaned forward.

  "I think perhaps you girls might be more comfortable holding the rest of your meeting in my hide-away. It will provide more privacy if any of the boys show up early. I know Ben should be home soon."

  The four decided that was a very good idea and were soon taking seats in large overstuffed chairs, in a small room at the back of the house.

  "Thanks, Mom," Barbara said, giving her mother a hug.

  Smiling, Helen returned the embrace before picking up the book she had been reading. "Thank you again, I truly enjoyed joining you." As thanks rang out, she walked t
o the door, turning back to them. "Oh, and maybe you should have Ariel explain why she didn't even come to tell us goodbye the night she moved in with Garrett." Ignoring her youngest daughter's gasp, she grinned. "I will say that her father and I are extremely glad that Garrett seems determined to help keep our little girl in line. Have fun."

  As the door shut, they all turned to Ariel.

  "Spill it," they ordered in unison, breaking into giggles, and easing flawlessly into the group of women who shared all their fears, dreams and stories.

  Ariel quickly filled them in on the details she felt comfortable sharing. Laughter, questions and more laughter filled the room as the saga of the shell was shared.

  "That one goes into the definitely HOT story category," Nancy said, the others nodding in agreement.

  "Well my ass was certainly hot," Ariel said, delighted. "In fact, Garrett has instituted a new daily ritual to ensure that I remember to be his good girl." She sat back, "Okay, it's someone else's turn."

  "Not on your life," Nancy said, with a shake of her head. "You can't make such a statement and leave us hanging. My patience has already been tested today, and if you know what's good for you, you will tell us every detail of this ritual!"

  Grinning, Ariel nodded. "Well, if you insist. Let's see where did I end the story? Oh yes, the shell on my pillow. Right before we went to sleep, Garrett informed me that since he has his doubts that one 'little' session would adequately remind me not to be so impulsive, that every morning when my feet first touch the floor, I am to turn and bend across the bed for a daily 'reminder'." She paused, shifting a bit on her chair. "God, even when the man announces that he's going to spank my ass, he does it in such a way that I almost want to beg him not to wait."

  Nancy rolled her eyes as Elizabeth giggled. "Geeze, you two are simply amazing. Jason pops me a few times, and I am a weeping ball of contrition. No wonder your men have shoulders like linebackers—it's from swinging all those paddles."

  "And crops, whips, straps, oh, and floggers," Elizabeth offered, having absolutely no problem with them knowing how much a very thorough session fulfilled her. Ducking away from the throw pillow that Nancy tossed her way, she added, "Oops, excuse us Ariel, please go on."

  Nodding, Ariel grinned and continued. "Well, he told me that every day I would get six swats on my naked ass to serve as his reminder." Looking up to see that none of her friends, including Nancy, seemed either impressed or concerned about such a light lesson, she grinned and held up her hand. "He took my hand and spread my fingers apart." She demonstrated by splaying her fingers as wide as possible. "Then, he told me that each day would start with a different implement, and after kissing each finger, told me the order."

  "God, Ariel," Barbara said. "Hurry up or I'm going to go ask Garrett. I'm sure he won't torture us by pausing for dramatic effect!"

  Giggling, Ariel lifted both hands, seven fingers displayed, one for every day of the week. As she explained the order, a finger would fold. "Hand, hairbrush, paddle, switch, belt, prison strap, and cane." There wasn't a sound in the room as her hands returned to her lap. "Then, of course, the cycle repeats."

  "Oh my," Barbara said, any concerns she may have had fading at the incredibly satisfied look on her sister's face.

  "Oh, and the rest of my story is that the next day, I sort of forgot, and got up and went to the bathroom. Garrett followed me, turned me around and pointed to the bed. I obediently bent over and pushed my poor, little, bare, vulnerable ass up to my mean, demanding—God, ever so sexy Dom. He informed me that since he wanted the week to start with the cane, he was initiating the ritual with number six." She paused again, her eyes going dreamy, her bottom shifting a bit on her chair. "After he thrashed my ass six times, he announced that since his new ritual didn't seem to make enough of an impression on me as to the seriousness of his lesson, I'd present myself over the bed every night as well."

  "God," Nancy said, looking at the youngest member of their club. "I suppose that's one way to guarantee that a spanko such as yourself get her jollies at least once—oh, I mean twice a day."

  "I can't even imagine being strapped or caned," Barbara said, not admitting that her panties were becoming very damp. "I've only felt Craig's belt a couple of times, and thought he had stripped the skin off my butt. Did Garrett tell you how long this punishment is going to last?"

  "Honey, it's not a punishment; it's a daily ritual," Ariel said, reaching out to take her sister's hand. "The love of my life informed me that I could expect to bend over, twice a day, and present my ass—for the rest of our lives. I'll have a dozen strokes of an implement to look forward to, no matter how old I get." Seeing the shocked expression on Barbara's face, she giggled. "Though I'll never admit it to him, and I really don't have the words to explain what it does to me, how it makes me feel to complete the ritual—I will admit that I have enjoyed every single day since he began. Besides, even if I become a perfect saint, he'll make sure to continue thinking that his creative ritual is the reason."

  "Barbara, you have to be a bit of a masochist to understand that some would consider Ariel a very lucky girl. Her Dom knows exactly what she craves, what she needs to feel fulfilled, and has found a way to deliver it even if under the guise of a lesson," Elizabeth said, with an exaggerated pout that had all four women laughing loudly, tossing throw pillows back and forth.

  "I'm sure Logan keeps you well motivated to behave," Ariel laughed, before settling back in her chair. "Okay, now it really is Barb's turn," she said. Yielding the floor to Barbara, she smiled. "Didn't you mention that you were going to dinner with your new friend? Did Angel's daddy, Mr. John, isn't it—did he have to spank her this time?"

  "Oh yes, tell us about it so we will know a little more about Angel before we meet her," Elizabeth added.

  They watched as Barbara's face turned scarlet, causing Nancy to mutter 'uh-oh', and Ariel to giggle.

  "I have a feeling this is going to be even hotter than my ritual. Yes, Bunny, tell us everything," Ariel encouraged. "And don't even consider leaving out a description of what y'all were wearing."

  "I don't know," Barbara said, looking down at her watch. "It's a pretty long story. The guys will be here soon, so why don't I just run through the highlights?"

  "Not on your life," Nancy said. "We demand a blow by blow account of everything. Just so we have an idea of how to act around your friend, of course."

  "Of course," Elizabeth mocked her friend. "It's not like we are voyeurs or anything."

  "But, wait," Ariel said, as she stood. "I've had enough tea; it's time for some wine and I'm not talking about the whine that gets our butts smacked."

  The members of the unique club giggled, all agreeing to a change in beverage. After a short break, they were back in their chairs, wine glasses in hand.

  "Okay, tell us all about your visit, and I'm really hoping there is going to be at least a little bit of whining. I'd hate to think no bottoms were bared, because I just know Angel's undies have got to be as precious as yours." Ariel giggled as she lifted her glass to her sister.

  Laughing, Barbara felt her hesitation disappear as the events of the evening formed clearly in her mind. Knowing she would receive no judgment from these women, she began her story of the events as they had unfolded a few weekends before.

  "Well, Craig was asked to go to Austin and help judge some food event. One of the judges had been rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. Craig needed to go up on Friday to meet with the committee, be introduced to the other judges, yada, yada, yada. We had been planning on going to dinner with Betty, John, and, of course, Angel. Craig felt really bad, but I knew he wanted to go. When he called and explained why we had to cancel, Mr. John suggested that I come spend the night instead. I was both excited, and a little scared. Daddy said I could go with him instead if I felt uncomfortable—you know, knowing that anything might happen. But even when he said he would, of course, give both Miss Betty and Mr. John permission to punish me if I were naughty, I f
ound myself saying I wanted to stay."

  She paused to take a sip of her wine. Though no one mentioned it, they all had noticed the use of titles that, as a Little, she used to address the adults who were, in truth, not that much older than herself. Smiling, they sat back, settling in for a story about a lifestyle that none were very familiar with, but all admitted fascinated them.

  Chapter 11

  "Hello," Betty greeted them, looking up when the bell above her shop door rang.

  "Hello, Betty," Craig said, with a smile. "It is good to see you again."

  "Where's Angel?" Barbara asked, only to yelp when she felt her daddy's hand connect with her backside.

  "Manners, young lady."

  "Sorry, Daddy," Barbara said. "Hello, Miss Betty. It's nice to see you. Is Angel here?"

  Betty laughed; the young woman had come a long way in the short time she and her new daddy had begun their ageplay dynamic. "It's nice to see you again, Bunny," she said. "Yes, Angel came to work with me today." Seeing Bunny's head craning as she attempted to find her new friend, Betty continued. "I'm afraid she's in the back right now."

  "I'll go find her," Bunny declared, attempting to pull her hand out of her daddy's firm grip. "Daddy, let go!"

  "Barbara Grace, behave," Craig warned, his voice lowering.

  "Not right now, sweetie," Betty said. "Angel is having a time-out in the corner, thinking about the punishment she has earned."

  Craig knew his little girl was disappointed, but also understood that Angel's mommy obviously needed to enforce their household rules for Bunny's precocious friend. "If we need to change our plans, I'll understand," Craig said. "Bunny can either come with me, or I'll take her home and tuck her into bed."

  "No!" Barbara said, her face showing her intense disappointment. "I brought my suitcase and my bunny!"

  "Young lady, if you forget your manners again, I'm going to pull down your panties, spank your bottom, and you can join Angel in the corner." Craig gave her another pop on her rear to drive his statement home.