Sunday, June 19, 2011
We lie in postcoital bliss beneath pink paper lanterns, meadow flowers, and fairy lights that twinkle in the rafters. As my breathing slows, I hold Anastasia close. She’s sprawled all over me, her cheek against my chest, her hand resting on my racing heart. The darkness is absent, driven out by my dream catcher…my fiancée. My love. My light.
Could I be happier than I am right now?
I commit the scene to memory: the boathouse, the soothing rhythm of the lapping waters, the flora, the lights. Closing my eyes, I memorize the feel of the woman in my arms, her weight on top of me, the slow rise and fall of her back as she breathes, her legs entwined with mine. The scent of her hair fills my nostrils soothing all my corners and jagged edges. This is my happy place. Dr. Flynn would be proud. This beautiful woman has consented to be mine. In every way. Again.
“Can we marry tomorrow?” I whisper near her ear.
“Hmm.” The sound in her throat reverberates with a soft strum across my skin.
“Is that a yes?”
“Hmm.”
“A no?”
“Hmm.”
I grin. She’s spent. “Miss Steele, are you incoherent?” I sense her answering smile and my joy erupts in a laugh, as I tighten my arms around her and kiss her hair. “Vegas, tomorrow, it is then.” She raises her head, eyes half closed in the soft light from the lanterns—she looks sleepy yet sated.
“I don’t think my parents would be very happy with that.” She lowers her head and I skim my fingertips across her naked back, enjoying the warmth of her sleek skin.
“What do you want, Anastasia? Vegas? A big wedding with all the trimmings? Tell me.”
big. Just friends and
“Okay. Where?”
shrugs, and I’m guessing she hasn’t thought
we do it
folks’ place?
at the chance. “My mother would be in seventh
mom and dad would
So would I.
once we’re in agreement. No
Is this a first?
from our spent passion. “So, we’ve established where,
you should ask
month, that’s it. I want you too much
a while. But okay, a month it is.” She plants a tender kiss on my chest and I’m grateful that the darkness remains quiet. Her presence
Mia interrupting
my jaw with her fingertips and
Not one
lips lift in a coy smile, her eyes sparkling with humor. “As punishment fucks go, it was okay. And I won
Fair and square.” Chuckling at the recollection, I kiss her quickly and rise. “Come, put your panties on and let’s get back
of the stairs of the boathouse. Pausing, she looks back at our floral haven as if she’s memorizing the setting. “What about all the
done
my hand. “You’re a good man,