Chapter Text
I am floored, watching Richard on stage as John Proctor.....he gives an amazing and heart wrenching performance and when the lights finally come up and he stands on the stage with the rest of the cast, the entire theater are on their feet and give him a standing ovation. I didn't go back stage during intermission, didn't want to disturb him. I see so many emotions play over his face as he stands there, relief it went well, pride that he got to participate in this, immense satisfaction in a performance well done and the joy of returning to the stage. I am so proud of him and know he has worked so hard for this and to get where he is today.
Turning to my parents, they look at me in awe and my mom wipes a few tears "wow....I knew Rich was a good actor, but to see him on stage".
"I know, mom, he is amazing".
We walk out and into the area they have set up for the mingling after, just quietly talking to each other and waiting for the cast to get here. I make a quick call home to check on Rosie, but Evie assures me she is doing just fine and is actually sleeping right now. The cast starts filing in and Richard makes a B line for me and gathers me in his arms, giving me a kiss. I wrap my arms around him, very aware that the press is here along with everyone else. We exchange a soft kiss and I smile at him "you were amazing". He looks at me with so much love "thank you, love......have you checked on Rosie?".
I cup his face "yes and your princess is currently sleeping, so we are fine".
"Good" and he gives me an apologetic look "I gotta go mingle and visit".
"I know" and he lets me go, hugging my parents as well as his mom and dad and brother and wife, before making the rounds, visiting with the press and talking to everyone.
The night is wrapping up and Richard comes back over, his eyes are bright and he is clearly still running on the high from the performance. I am talking to a couple of people from the cast and feel his presence before he wraps his arms around me from behind, just standing there with his head on my shoulder. One of the ladies I am chatting with looks at us and then at him "Rich, you are so in love, it is disgusting" and she lets out a laugh "I'm glad you finally found the right woman" and she touches my arm "it was lovely to talk to you, Ashlee....he is a lucky man" and they both leave.
Richard nuzzles my ear "want to go home, love?". I turn my head to kiss him, his beard tickling my chin "yeah, but the stage door?".
"I'll go do that right now and meet you in the car" and I nod and he lets me go, giving me another look before he heads out. My parents and his family left a little while ago and I walk towards the back and out the side door, glancing at the stage door and see Richard signing and posing with the fans that were lucky enough to attend tonight. He glances up and sees me, sending me a smile and I walk to his BMW in the garage next door and let myself in.
He wraps up and walks over to the car and gets in the drivers seat, taking the keys from me. He pulls me in for a kiss and then slowly deepening it a bit, our tongues wrapping around each other. I whimper and he lets out a groan, mumbling in my mouth "I miss you, baby...I know you need to heal.....and we have Rosie, but I still can't wait to be with you again".
I grab the back of his head with my hands and pulls him closer and we lock eyes "it might be ok....I feel fine and I am not bleeding anymore".
He lifts an eyebrow "the doctor said 6 weeks and so does the books.....".
"That is for a regular delivery, Rich and if I had stitches down there, but I don't".
He mutters "thank heavens for that" and he runs a hand up my flank and then down to my hip "you sure?".
"We can try.....but you might be disappointed, don't feel very sexy right now".
"You are always sexy to me, baby....really? I don't want to hurt you".
"I'm fine..." and I kiss him again, opening my mouth to him, inviting him in for a deep and wet kiss "only thing is, you'll need to wear a rain coat since I am not back on the pill yet".
He shifts in the seat, bringing his hand to my neck and cupping my face "I can do that, if you are sure....only problem is, we don't have any".
I wiggle an eyebrow at him "yes, we do, I bought some the other day, just in case".
"You did" and he gets a grin on his face, kissing me again and then starting the engine "let's go home".
I laugh "a little eager there, are we?".
"Perhaps, but who can blame me since I have such a hot fiance" and he steers the car out of the garage, passing the few fans waiting to see him leave. I wave and he just nods and I catch a couple of faces that clearly recognize the fact he wasn't alone. I shrug it off, it is almost routine now.
Richard speeds home, but the streets are mostly empty, so we arrive quickly. He pulls into the garage and we walk in the house, hearing Rosie's cries as soon as we open the door. Evie comes out, holding her "hi guys, she just woke up and is pretty sad...I think she is hungry".
I take her from Evie and she hands me a bottle she just made and we both thank her before she says "goodnight" and leaves. I sit down on the couch with Rosie, that clearly was hungry and stops crying as soon as the bottle is offered to her. Richard strokes her head as she eats "ohh honey, so hungry, huh....just like your mum, she gets grouchy too when she is hungry".
Jamming my elbow in his side, he gives me a grin "it's the truth" and he leans in to kiss me "and I find it rather cute and it is one of the reasons I fell in love with you in the first place, your love of food".
I smile at him "same here, once I realized you were a fellow foodie it sealed the deal, besides the fact, I wanted your sexy ass".
He leans closer "oh yeah?" and he deepens the next kiss, touching my nose with his. We watch as Rosie finishes her bottle and Richard reaches for her "I'll burp her, love and put her back to bed".
I hand him his daughter and go in the bathroom to remove my makeup and get ready for bed. I hang my dress back up in the closet, next to his beloved Belstaff jackets and suits. I put my robe on over the sexy, red, lace underwear set I wore under my dress tonight. I dim the lights in the bedroom and pull back the sheets and then I stop in my tracks, listening as that beautiful baritone voice carries from Rosie's room:
"Far over the Misty Mountains cold, to dungeons deep and caverns old, we must away ere break of day..."
Peaking in her room, I see him walking around with her, singing to her as she rests on his chest, his big hand gently holding her back. She has heard this song since she could first hear in the womb, he use to either sit or lay next to me, singing it and rubbing my stomach. I open the door and he smiles at me, turning, so I can see her peaceful, sleeping face. He carefully puts her down in the crib, covering her up with her little down blanket and turning the monitor on.
He takes my hand and leading me out and into our room "she is fed, burped and got a new nappie, so hopefully she will give her parents a couple of hours of peaceful bliss".
I turn to him and start to undo his dress shirt after he puts his suit jacket over the chair in the corner. I nibble on his exposed neck "I don't think this is going to take hours, Rich".
He unties my robe and opens it up, taking a deep breath as he dips down to kiss my shoulder and cleavage "it wont with you wearing that" and he runs his hands appreciatively over my lace bra, gently cupping my breasts "did you wear this under your dress?".
I nod and moan softly as he kisses my exposed neck.
"Good thing I didn't know that" and he reaches behind me to unclasp my bra, his mouth on my breasts as soon as they are released. I manage to slip his shirt off his shoulders and he quickly sheds it, pulling me in, so our chests meet together skin to skin. We both moan and I kiss him back with passion, croaking in his ear "ohhh Rich, I missed you like this".
"I missed you too, Ash" and he walks me backwards, gently pushing me down on the bed when the back of my legs hit it. I squirm with anticipation and he gives me a lustful look when he undoes his pants, stepping out of them and taking off his socks, leaving it in a pile on the floor. His boxer briefs are sporting an impressive bulge and he climbs into bed, laying down next to me, giving me another searing kiss while running his hands up my body. I place a hand over my stomach, still kind of aware of my less than flat abs and the stretch marks. Richard looks at me and gently moves my hand "don't hide, love". I look a little embarrassed "well, I don't look like I did before". He cups my face with his hand "no, but you just gave birth to our daughter, which makes you even more attractive to me". He places kisses down my neck, collarbone and finally latches onto one of my breasts, making me wither in pleasure. It goes straight to my core and I feel more wetness pool between my legs.
He goes back up for another kiss and looks a me, moving a strand of hair away from my face "you are still so beautiful, Ash" and he kisses down my torso, over my stomach and then lovingly trace the scar on my lower abdomen "does it hurt, baby?". I squirm a little "no, it just feels a little strange, parts of it is still kind of numb" and he kisses over it and then tucks at my panties. I lift my hips so he can slide them off and I just naturally open my legs for him. He moves down, gently nipping along my inner thighs and then dip his tongue into my folds, I buck my hips and moan "Rich, please...".
"So wet...." and he parts my sensitive lips with his fingers and trace my opening, making me beg "Rich, touch me please...." and he licks me from opening to my clit, leaving me a withering mess. This is not going to last very long and when he pushes two fingers inside of me, I about come undone. He scoots back up, kissing me again and I taste myself on his lips and he starts to move those fingers in and out of me, putting his thumb on my clit to stimulate me. It is almost too much and a couple of more strokes and I feel my entire body release, convulsing around his fingers and I come with a deep moan "ohhh....ohhhh yes...ohhh". He keeps stroking me until I am done and then gives me another sensual kiss "good?".
I am still in a haze, but I deepen the kiss and mumbles in his mouth "it was amazing, but now it is your turn" and I push him over on his back, scooting down and running my hands over his beautiful torso. I love the hair on his broad chest and I kiss each of his nipples and then move south, licking over his abs, feeling him tense his muscles in anticipation. I trace the hair below his navel with my fingers, following the trail to his underwear, playing with the waistband for a minute and then snake my hand down and a loud groan escapes his lips as I finally take hold of him. He arches on the bed and begs "Ash, please....". I pull his underwear off and he sighs in relief and arousal as his erection is let out. I lean down and swirl my tongue around his head, feeling him twitch in my mouth, going even harder and the salty drops of precum leaking from him.
He gently takes hold of my head and another moan escapes his lips as I suck him harder "urghhh, careful, love....I'm about to..." and I pop off him, looking at him "we wouldn't want that". I reach for the drawer on the nightstand and grab a foil package, ripping it open with my teeth and rolling on the condom, closing my hand around him and he pushes into my closed fist, a strained groan on his lips. He sits up and kisses me again "what will be best for you, love?".
I lay down and pull him with me "maybe this.....I don't know" and I open my legs, reaching for his erection, guiding him to my entrance. He leans on his elbows, not wanting to put much weight on me. Nudging at my entrance, I wrap my legs around him and lift my hips, urging him on and he slowly enters me, watching my face for any sign of discomfort. It just feels amazing to have him inside of me again and I moan when our hips meet and he lowers himself a little more, his hairy chest meeting my breasts. He croaks through gritted teeth "feels ok?" and I wiggle my hips and he groans "ohhh god....I'm sorry, but this wont last long, love". I open my mouth as we meet in a deep kiss, our tongue wrapping around each other and I cup his face, our eyes meeting "it's ok, Rich....you already took care of me" and he pulls back and then pushes back in, making us both moan with pleasure.
It feels so good and he picks up the pace, chasing his own release and a few more strokes and he comes hard, growling as he buries his head in my neck "ohhhh yeah....". He collapses against me, but still holds some of his weight on his elbows. I have my arms wrapped tightly around his sweaty back and breathe heavy in his ear.
He lifts his head and gives me a tender kiss and then makes a face "another reason I hate condoms, I'll be right back, love" and he pulls out, walking to the bathroom to dispose it in the trash. He comes back in and lays down, pulling me close and I rest my head on his shoulder, he has one arm around me and he kisses my forehead "it didn't hurt you, did it?".
I lazily runs my fingers over his chest and kiss him again "no, it was nice, Rich.....I missed being with you. It will be better once I get my muscles back in shape, but you always make sure it is good for me".
"Well, I would not enjoy it as much, if you didn't have a good time too".
"Yet another reason I love your hot arse, Rich".
He lets out a deep rumbling laugh and kiss me once more "I love you too, Ash, so, so much".
We lay there together and he pulls the sheets over us, snuggling close and we are soon out cold.
2 Months later:
Richard is pacing the floor of his parents house, in his old room, wringing his hands and taking some deep breaths. He checks his reflection in the mirror on the door one more time, straightening his bow tie once more. He is wearing a black tux, a crispy white shirt under it and shiny, black shoes on his feet. His hair is neatly combed and he is sporting a day old scruff on his chin, he was going to shave, but then remembered his bride told him to leave a little stubble. He is glad he could finally get rid of the beard. The Crucible had wrapped 3 nights ago and he had felt a deep sense of gratitude and satisfaction when he stood on the stage one final time. His family had been there along with my entire family, they had been deeply moved by his performance.
Now he was here, in this moment, about to walk down the aisle with the love of his life. He shakes his head, it is hard to believe he is actually about to get married, he never thought that day would come, but that had all changed when he decided to travel to LA last year.
KNOCK KNOCK
He goes over to the door and opens it, finding his brother on the other side "hey, come on it".
"Doing ok?".
Richard nods and croaks "yeah, I think so" and he stands still, so his brother can pin the single white rose on the lapel on his tux "thanks". They both make their way down to the living room just as their mom walks in, carrying Richard's precious daughter, Rosie, dressed in the Armitage family heirloom of a christening gown, a silky pink ribbon tied around her waist.
His face lights up instantly when he sees her and reaches for her "hi honey, don't you look petty today" and she coos as she looks at her father, trying to smile. He kisses his mom's cheeks "hi mum". He touches Rosie's cheek, admiring his precious child and gently running a hand over her round head, over her dark hair and look into her blue eyes, something she inherited from him. He never thought he could love a tiny human as much as he loves her.
"Hi Richie, you look dashing and just wait until you see Ashlee.....she looks stunning".
"I can't wait" and he gets a goofy smile on his face by the thought of seeing his bride for the first time.
"She wanted you to have this" and she hands him a box and she takes Rosie for a minute, so he can open it.
Richard carefully unwraps the box and smiles when he sees the cuff links inside, they are shaped like a two theater masks, one sad in yellow gold and one happy in white gold. "Wow.....mum, look what she gave me" and he shows them off and his dad and brother come over to have a look too. His brother slaps him on the shoulder "nice, you are one lucky man, Rich, you finally found the right gal".
"I know" and he carefully unwraps the note I tucked inside the box "Dearest Rich, hope you like these and they will always remind you of this day, my love for you and my deep admiration I have for your craft and it was because of your acting that we met. I love you with all that I am! Love Always, Your Ash". He feels the emotions and can't help but sniffle and his mom comes back over "you ok?". Nodding, he takes his old cuff links off, stuffing them in his pocket and puts the new ones on.
He looks at her and smiles, holding his arms out to take Rosie again, cuddling her close to his chest "yeah, I'm fine, mum......just a little overwhelmed.......I still can't believe I am this lucky, I met Ash and we get to be married and we were blessed with her", holding Rosie out and then bending down, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
"You deserve it all so much, Rich, so just enjoy this day and try to take it all in".
"Thanks, mum".
The entire Armitage family head to the church in their hometown of Leicester in several cars. They pull up to the church, all getting out and are met by the pastor, an old family friend and several people from my family. Jeff, Thomas and Steve are there, all giving their future brother in law a hug and slap on the back. My mom comes over and Richard gives a kiss on the cheek "You look lovely, Jill".
"Thanks, Rich and you look very handsome" and she touches Rosie's face "and look at your little princess" as Richard holds her in his arms. She smiles at her grandma.
Richard looks at my mom "how is Ash?".
"She is good, a few nerves, but she loved the beautiful bracelet you sent her this morning, made her cry and I know I am biased, but she is the most beautiful bride....".
"I bet she is".
Soft music is streaming out from the church and everyone files in slowly, my brothers, Steve and my mom along with Richard's parents. We just invited our very closest family and friends and are really hoping the tabloids wont get news of this until we sent out a statement late tonight. This is our day together with the ones we love and we would like to keep it that way.
Everyone is seated in the church and then Richard makes his entrance, walking up the aisle holding Rose with his brother at his side. He looks serious as he makes his way up, walking over to hand off his daughter to the two grandmothers, seated on the front pew. His mom touches his chin and gives him a smile, one that he completely fails to return.
He walks up to the altar, turning to face his family and friends, taking a noticeable deep breath and his brother puts an assuring hand on his shoulder, trying to calm the nerves. The doors to the church are closed again and everyone awaits the arrival of the bride.
About the same time:
The shiny black Bentley is slowly pulling out from the hotel. I am seated in the back with my dad and another car is behind us with Amy, the girls and Scott. My dad takes my hand and looks at me "ok, honey?".
"Yeah, I'm fine....just can't believe the day is actually here, you know".
He pats my hand "I know, me neither, but I'm just so happy for you...you and Rich will have a wonderful life together" and he starts to tear up.
I reach over to wipe his face "dad, please don't start or we will both be a mess before we get there".
"I can't help it.....I think it is every father's dream to get to walk his daughter down the aisle and to give her away to a good man, that will love and care for her and I really feel I get to do that today. Richard loves you with everything he has and worships the grown you walk on and he loves precious Rosie more than life itself, can't ask for anything more than that, you know".
I give him a smile "that is very beautifully said, dad, thank you".
We pull up at the church, the sun is out on this gorgeous fall day and my dad comes around to give me a hand out of the car. I put my crystal high heels out first and then slowly step out, getting help from Amy to get my dress out without getting caught. I am wearing the lace gown we bought in LA months ago and I straighten the sleeves and the skirt and Amy drapes the small train out and make sure the lace edged veil falls around my body correctly, it is attached in the back of my fancy updo of a hairstyle. I had someone come do my hair, but did my own simple makeup after, not a fan of too much face paint. I tighten the grip on my bouquet of white roses, greenery and small white flowers, it is bound into the shape of a small heart and I was so pleased when it was delivered this early afternoon. I am wearing the pearl earrings Richard gave me shortly after we met and the pink diamond necklace he gifted me after Rosie was born. On my right wrist is a sparkling diamond bracelet, his gift to me this morning, delivered with a beautiful handwritten note "Ashlee, love.....I can't believe you will be my wife today. Don't know what I did to deserve you! You mean the world to me. Love Always, Rich". It had made me cry.
I turn to look at Amy, serving as my matron of honor and Emma and Katelyn, dressed in the most beautiful cornflower blue dresses, embroidered with flowers. They have tiny wreaths of flowers in their hair and carrying baskets of white rose petals, they look so cute. Scott comes over and gives me a hug, whispering "you look so beautiful, Aunt Ash" and he is trying to hide his emotions.
"Ohhh, Scott, I love you and so happy Rich asked you to carry the rings". He is holding a pillow made of moss and flowers and our rings are tied to it with a white silk ribbon.
My dad clears his throat "everyone ready?".
We all nod and Scott takes the place in the front, the doors open and the music comes streaming out as he starts to slowly walk into the church. Emma and Katelyn follow him, looking a little shy, but carefully throwing rose petals on the floor. My dad grips my arm and we step into the church, making our way up the aisle. I am pretty overwhelmed and my eyes quickly fall upon Richard, standing at the end of the aisle and I see a big smile spreading on his face as we come into full view. We lock eyes and I feel the tears welling up in my eyes and they run freely as I see him reach for his handkerchief, wiping his eyes and clearing his throat. I do notice the smiling faces along the aisle and notice my mom wiping tears as we make it up to the altar.
Richard walks a few steps down to meet us, his blue eyes sparkling and he hugs my dad as he places my hand in Richard's. My dad kisses my forehead and gives me a big grin before he takes his seat next to my mom.
Richard leans over and gives me a soft kiss on the cheek, cupping my chin and whispering in my ear "you look so beautiful, love".
I give him a smile and then hand my bouquet to Amy, reaching for Richard's hand, our fingers lacing together as we walk the few steps up to the altar to face the pastor.
The words the pastor speaks are pretty much a blur, I keep just glancing at Richard, looking so handsome in his tux and he keeps rubbing his thumb over my hand, which is very distracting.
The pastor looks at us "Richard and Ashlee, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows, in the presence of God and his people".
We face each other and Richard takes hold of my right hand, listening to the pastor "Richard Crispin Armitage will you take Ashlee Lynn Taylor to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you shall live?".
Richard looks at me with so much love and then answers in a clear voice "I will".
The pastor turns to me as I hold Richard's hand "Ashlee Lynn Taylor, will you take Richard Crispin Armitage to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?".
A single tear rolls down my cheek and I give him a smile "I will".
"The rings please" and Scott walks over so we can untie the rings and hand them to the pastor as he blesses them "may these rings be to Richard and Ashlee a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day".
Richard takes the diamond eternity band and slides it onto my ring finger, looking at me "Ashlee, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. I honor you and all that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you".
My hands are shaking a little when I reach for the platinum band with the milgrain edge in the pastor's hand, gripping onto Richard's finger and sliding it on, my voice a little emotional when I repeat the same words to him "Richard, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. I honor you and all that I am I give to you and all the have I share with you".
The pastor smiles and declares "Mr. Armitage, you may kiss your bride".
Richard grabs my face with both hands and leans in, giving me a soft kiss, but then he smirks before going in for a second one, making it a little more passionate and our guests applaud and we break, both of us smiling.
We then walk down to carry Rosie up and our siblings and their spouses or significant other, joins us, serving as her proud godparents when she is christened and then handed back to the grandmothers.
Amy gives me my bouquet and the pastor announces "it is my great honor to declare Richard and Ashlee, husband and wife. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Armitage" and we walk out of the church hand in hand, Richard raising them in triumph as we get to the door.
He turns and pulls me into his arms, kissing me properly and looks at me "I love you so much, Ash.....this was very special".
"I love you too, Rich" and we kiss again before receiving hugs and well wishes from our family and friends. Richard's mom brings over Rosie and we pose with her for a few pictures outside the church before we all pile in cars to drive to the wedding dinner.
Richard helps me in his gray BMW and he gets in the drivers seat and he looks at me, smiles and then leans over to give me a smoldering kiss "you look incredible, Ash....I can't wait to take you to bed tonight....thankful your mom offered to take Rosie for the night" and he gives me another kiss with lots of tongue.
I grab his face and return the kiss with passion, smiling when we finally have to come up for air "I know, it will be nice...we can both sleep an entire night".
He wiggles an eyebrow "I doubt much sleeping will be done".
"Whatever, Rich.....we will both be tired after today. Besides, you haven't even told me where we are going for our wedding night, you just said to pack light".
"It is a surprise, darling, but I hope you like it and I think you have forgotten we haven't had much sex the last 3 months, I have been too tired doing the play and we have had Rosie".
I run my hand up his thigh "ohh, I am well aware, I think it has been maybe 4 times.....".
"You kept score?" and he shifts in the seat, placing a hand over mine "careful, love....don't want to walk into my own wedding dinner looking like a horny bastard".
I smirk "why not, it is the truth and believe me, you are not the only one that has felt deprived....I missed this" and I run my hand up to his crotch, earning me a deep growl "you are evil".
"Very......" and I let him go and he sighs deeply, before turning the car on and heading to the the pub for our celebration. He helps me out of the car and we walk in to the spacious room set up with round tables and we enjoy a very nice wedding dinner with our family and friends. It is just a lovely time and we get to really visit with everyone. A nanny took Rosie back to the hotel after an hour and will care for her until my mom takes over.
The evening is slowly coming to an end, but not before we have shared our first dance and I lay my head on his shoulder as we sway to the music and he whispers in my ear "I love you so much, baby....this has been a perfect day" and we meet in a sweet kiss when the music stops and he lifts me up in his arms, swinging me around and we both laugh with happiness when he sets me back down, surrounded by loud cheers from the people we love. The music gets turned up and everyone gets on the dance floor for a while, having a great time.
I walk over to get a drink of ice water and Richard comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and saying in my ear "lets get out of here" and I nod, him taking my hand and we quietly slip out the door, leaving our partying guests behind.
We get in his BMW, that now has a couple of cans attached to the back and *Just Married* written in the back window, courtesy of his brother and mine. Richard yanks the cans off their string before getting in, doesn't want to advertise too much. He starts to drive, reaching for my hand "glad to get out of here, love?".
"Yes, it was a great dinner and party, but I can't wait to get out of these heels and the dress".
He smirks "I can't wait for you to get out of it either, baby".
I slap his arm "I bet".
We drive for a while and I realize we are headed back to London, I look at him "are we going back to the city? Please don't tell me you booked a fancy hotel".
He gives me a secretive smile "not telling, just trust me...." and we drive a bit in silence, both of us just reflecting on the day and how much it has meant to both of us. We get to the outskirts of London and soon head into a very familiar neighborhood and he pulls up to our garage and shuts off the car. I just lunge at him, giving him the biggest kiss "that is the best surprise ever...I love the idea of just being home with you" and he gets out to help me out, making me wait as he pulls the car in and then we walk hand in hand to the door where he proceeds to unlock it and then lifts me up, carrying me over the threshold, setting me down inside and pulls me in for a passionate kiss "Glad you love the idea of just being home, I thought that is what we both wanted, nothing fancy".
I finally step out of my shoes with a sigh and then takes his hand, walking to our bedroom....finding it softly lit and rose petals on the bed and a bottle of champagne in the fancy cooler along with two fluted glassed and a bowl of strawberries on the dresser. I turn to him in surprise and he smiles "I had Ellen come do this for me this evening....we owe her a very nice bonus or Christmas present this year".
Walking into his arms, I embrace him, placing a couple of soft kisses on his lips and then tuck at his jacket "no kidding.......but it is lovely and sure sets the mood". He sheds his jacket, hanging it over the chair in the corner, steps out of his shoes and I quickly undo his bow tie and starting to unbutton his shirt.
"A little eager, are we, love?" and he kisses me, giving me a serious look "uhm....not even sure where to start to get you out of that dress".
I finish opening his shirt and he throws it over the chair too, his gorgeous chest revealed and I can't help but run my hands over it and placing a couple of kisses. I straighten up and motions behind me "can you unhook the veil, it is just attached with that sparkling comb". He stands behind me and carefully gets the veil unattached and I carry it in the guest room, leaving it on the bed.
Walking back in, Richard has shed his pants and sock, leaving him in his black boxer briefs, currently sporting a rather large bulge in the front. I feel a rush of hot desire and the familiar throbbing between my legs and I cups his erection, running my fingers over his length, feeling him twitch as he moans, kissing my neck "mmmm.....now lets get you out of this dress".
I turn around and he kisses my neck, nibbling on my ear and I give him instructions "pull on the lace ties holding the corset in the back and loosen them". He does as he is told and I am finally able to step out of my dress, revealing my blue lace underwear. Richard practically groans when he sees it, reaching out and caresses my behind. I carefully pick up the dress and go to lay it next to the veil in the other room. He is following me, keeping a hand planted on my rear and as soon as the dress has left my hands, he whips me around, pressing me against the nearest wall, kissing me with everything he has.
He grinds his hips against mine and I run my hands down his naked back, snaking them in his underwear, pulling him closer as I cup his behind. We both moan and he does his best to devour me and mumbles in my mouth "bed...now or it will be against the wall".
We break, breathless and I take his hand, leading him back to our room "I'll be right back, need to go remove this makeup and undo my hair...don't start without me" and he whines as I head for the bathroom. I quickly wash my face and then start to pull the pins out of my updo, shaking my head to let my hair fall down. I hear a pop from the bedroom and Richard appears with a flute of champagne, handing it to me. I put it on the counter and reach for the hair brush, but he takes it "let me do it, please" and he takes one sip of his drink before standing behind me and brushing out my hair. I remove my jewelry, carefully putting it on the counter.
He leans in and kisses my naked shoulder, pulling my bra strap down "now I think you can come to bed with me" and he leads me in the bedroom where he has removed the rosepetals and pulled the sheets aside. He casually sheds his underwear, tossing them in the hamper in the corner and walks towards me, his hard cock slapping against his abs. We meet in a searing kiss and he reaches behind me, unhooking my bra and removing it, throwing it in the direction of his underwear. He cups my breasts as I arch into his hands and he dips down to kiss and lick my cleavage, eventually latching onto my nipple with his mouth, making me moan "ohhh...that feels good, Rich...more please".
My hand finds it's way between us and I close my fingers over his hard shaft, gently pumping up and down, getting rewarded with a deep growl from him as he pushes into my hand, my fingers soon covered in his slick precum, leaking from the slit. I spread it all over his swollen head and he thrusts his hips into my hand "fuck....yeah, just like that, love....more" and I tighten my grip and kneads his butt with my other hand.
He walks me backwards, gently pushing me down on the bed when we reach it. He leans down, kissing me and lays down next to me, running his palm over my abs and snaking it under my panties, cupping my mound. He pushes a couple of fingers further down, into my wet folds and he groans into my mouth "god you are wet, baby..." and I push myself against his fingers, whimpering, wanting more. He kisses his way down my neck, over my breasts and stomach, then quickly slides my underwear off and kneeling between my spread legs.
Our eyes meet and his are dark blue, his pupils blown wide with arousal and I pull on his arms when he motions to move his head south "Rich, please....I want you inside right now". He scoots up, covering me with his warm body and we both sigh when we meet chest to chest and his chases my tongue back in my mouth with his, managing to croak "raincoat?".
I reach between us, guiding him to my slick opening and licking his lower lip "nope, pill should work, so we are good" and I throw my head back and moan in pure pleasure as he nudges his head inside, spreading my walls and he penetrates me to the hilt. His breath gets hitched in his throat and he holds still for a minute, gritting his teeth "ohhh god you are tight....this might not last very long" and he lets out a growl when he starts to move "fuck this feels good...ohh".
Locking my legs tightly around him, I encourage him to move and pick up the speed, he feels so good and every time he slides in, his pubic bone is brushing against my exposed clit, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. "Ohhh, harder, Rich......fuck me, please" and I know the dirty talk gets his engines going even more. His movements becomes more erratic and he watches me closely, determined to bring me with him when he falls over the edge. He pounds into me harder, sweat is glistening on his brow and he is grunting with each thrust. A few more strokes and he feels me convulse and spasm around him, gripping him tight as my body is wrecked by a mind blowing orgasm. I grab onto his butt, digging my fingers into his flesh, encouraging him to fuck me harder, prolonging my pleasure and he buries his head in the crook of my neck when he comes, spurting his hot release with a final, satisfied moan of pleasure "ohhh fuck yes" and he collapses against me.
We cling to each other, our chests heaving and I run my hands up and down his back, gently stroking his sweaty skin. He finally lifts his head and gives me one of his big smiles, his eyes sparkling and then he cups my chin with his hand, placing a soft kiss on my lips, saying quietly "I love you so much, Ash".
"I love you too, Rich....more than you will ever know" and we embrace in a tight hug. We stay intertwined for a while until he finally untangles himself, grabbing a towel to wipe up the mess. He walks in to get our champagne glasses, bringing them back along with the strawberries and he sits down on the bed, facing me and lifts his glass "to us....may you always be as happy as you are today, love and I am so grateful you are my wife".
"And I'm grateful you are my husband, Rich" and we lean over to kiss again, sitting naked on the bed eating the strawberries and drinking champagne.
He takes our empty glasses and put them on the nightstand, laying down and patting the place next to him "come here, love..." and I slide down next to him, turning my back so he can spoon me, our fingers lacing together as he drapes his arm over me. I look at our hands and the sparkling new rings on our fingers and we fall asleep, happy to know we are finally husband and wife.
EPILOGUE
A year later:
I am standing on the back deck of the farm, enjoying the gorgeous warm weather here in CA and looking towards the barn, taking in the lovely scene before me: Richard is walking next to Ariel, the pony, holding Rosie as she sits on the back of the horse. Katelyn is proudly leading her horse back to the barn after riding her in the arena along with Emma.
A few minutes later they all emerge from the barn, having put the horses away and Emma and Katelyn take their little cousin's hand, helping her walk over to the playground. Richard turns towards the deck, starting to walk up. His hair is a little bit longer, his a sporting some scruff and wearing a white t-shirt, jeans that hug him in all the right places and some boots. He smiles and removes his sun glasses when he walks up the stairs of the deck, so I can see his beautiful, blue eyes.
I get up and walk over to meet him, giving him a smile. He pulls me in for a deep kiss "hi love.....she loved it".
"I could tell" and we both turn to watch our daughter play with her cousins. He places a gentle hand of my belly, softly caressing my bump, kissing my neck "how is the baby doing?".
"Good", leaning against him, not quite believing I am almost 4 month pregnant again. We don't know what it is and we are trying not to find out. We are just here for a short vacation before we head back to London and Richard will start rehearsals for another play.
He kisses my head and hugging me tight, sighing in contentment "how did I ever get to be this lucky?".
I look at him, seeing the same love reflected back at me "I don't know, Rich, but we both won the lottery when you decided to come do *Spy Games* here over two years go".
We embrace and just stand there, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for what we share and have together.