Chapter 12 From This Moment On

                *April 16, 2011*

                The next morning Heather found herself sitting in the bridal suite in the Golden Breeze Hotel nestled amongst the paddocks and barns of the Golden Breeze Ranch owned and run by Diane. It was always Heather’s dream to have her wedding here and now it was coming true.  

                “I can’t believe you are getting married!” Stephanie hugged her little sister once she was finished with Heather’s hair and make-up.

                “I can’t either,” she looked down at her engagement ring and smiled. “Thanks again for doing my hair and make-up. I absolutely love it!”

                Her make-up was subtle and accented her natural beauty perfectly. Her long brown locks hung down in elegant loose curls with blue, pink, red, white, and purple wild flowers braided into the curls. She didn’t want a veil so the flowers took its place.

                “You’re welcome. Come on let’s go show the Backstreet Buds and take our pictures before we meet Uncle Dave. I know once he sees you the tears will start to flow.”

                “Good idea.”

                They walked out to the hallway that Diane and Uncle Dave decorated themselves and were greeted by the biggest smiles on the Backstreet Buds faces. 

                “You look gorgeous Hermie,” Kelshie commented.

                “Thanks.”

                “Are you nervous?” Carly asked.

                “Slightly.”

                “Are you excited?” Melina questioned.

                “I’m very excited.”

                The photographer, who was also a good family friend, snapped a few pictures before the girls heard Uncle Dave’s voice call out from the hotel lobby down the stairs, “Is everyone ready?”            

                “We’re coming,” Heather replied.

                “We just have to check a few things,” Stephanie added. She turned back to her sister and continued, “So the flowers in your hair takes care of the something blue. You borrowed those earrings from me, and the Backstreet Buds all chipped in to buy you that new bracelet. All you need is something old.”

                “I’ll take care of that,” Uncle Dave answered. “Come on down girls so I can give you your bouquets starting with the bridesmaids please.”

                The Backstreet Buds led the way down the stairs and Uncle Dave smiled at them and commented on how pretty each of them looked in their dresses. He gave them each a white bouquet then did the same for Stephanie.

                 “Oh Heather,” he gasped as she walked down the stairs. He nearly dropped the bride’s bouquet that matched the flowers in her hair. “You look like you are floating down those stairs. You… you have taken my breath away.”

                She stood in front of him and he took her hands, “Honey you look absolutely gorgeous. I am so happy for you…” his eyes started swelling up with tears, “I told myself I wouldn’t do this.”

                Heather laughed slightly as her own eyes started to fill.

                “You have your something borrowed, something blue and something new but you don’t have your something old… until now.”

                He pulled out a shining silver locket from his jacket pocket, “This was your mothers and she wanted you to have it on your wedding day.” He opened it up to reveal a picture of her smiling mother. “I know she is looking down at you right now and smiling brighter than the sun, and I know you already keep her there but now she will always stay in your heart.”

                “Uncle Dave,” she whimpered.

                A single tear ran down her cheek and he gently wiped it away. He gave her a tight, warm hug and said, “I know she’s here with us today. I just know it. And I also know that she would say that this is a happy day and to stop crying and smile. So smile honey. It’s going to be a perfect day.”

                Uncle Dave gave Heather her bouquet then she looped her arm with his and made their way outside to the ceremony.

                Heather marveled at the rows of white, cushioned seats that her guests sat in. Lilac bushes accented with white satin bows surrounded the alter where Diane was standing to officiate the wedding.  The white run way leading to the alter had different colored flower petals scattered across it to add the perfect touch of color. Heather noticed all of this and smiled because Uncle Dave did a beautiful job but she couldn’t keep her eyes of off another site. And it wasn’t the horses grazing in the pastures surrounding the ceremony space.

                The bride watched her Backstreet Buds and sister proceed down the aisle with their escorts.  Each of them moved with grace and elegance and then before he saw her, Heather laid eyes on her groom.

                He is so handsome. The bride thought as she gazed at Rich in his black tux accented with a purple vest and bowtie. I hope he likes this dress. And my hair, and make up. And the entire wedding.   

                “Are you ready?” Uncle Dave grinned at her.

                “Yeah,” she nodded her head, “I’m ready.”

                “And Heather, you are going to take his breath away. You really do look gorgeous.”

                A grin formed across her lips, “You really do know me too well Uncle Dave.”

                “Try not to drool ‘cause here comes the bride,” Stephanie nudged Rich.

                The guests stood up and then Rich’s eyes became wide and he forgot how to breathe as he watched his beloved Violet float down the aisle toward him. Uncle Dave had pride gleaming in his eyes and he escorted his niece listening to all of the complements she was getting and seeing all the flashing camera lights. She looked up at her groom and smiled at him. In response his lips formed the word wow before the sides of his mouth curved into a mesmerized smile. It was the first time he had seen his bride in her dress and there was no doubt that he was loving the sight his eyes were taking in.

                Heather didn’t even realize that Diane spoke and Uncle Dave just gave her away. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest-- or maybe it was Rich’s. She was put in a daze standing in front of her long time love like this and it was broken when she felt Uncle Dave kiss her forehead.

                The next thing she knew Diane had asked her and Rich to take hold of each other’s hands and face each other. In the next moment they were saying their vows.                

                “Rich would you please give your confession of love to Heather,” Diane said.

                He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and started reading, “I have to admit that this took me forever to write because I don’t know how to put my love for you in words. You are beautiful. Your smile out shines the sun, but the beauty of your soul is blinding. We have been best friends since the diaper years. We have shared so many wonderful memories together and I cannot imagine what is in store. If you didn’t find me when I really needed you, I would not have been here to marry you today. For that I am forever thankful because you, my best friend, saved my life and can’t wait to spend the rest of it with you. And to quote our wedding song, ‘My dreams came true because of you.’ I love you Heather, my Violet.”

                “That’s sweet Rich,” Diane smirked then turned to Heather, “And now it’s the bride’s turn.”

                “Hunter come here,” Heather knelt down for a second as her beagle came to her with a piece of paper in her mouth. Yes all three of The Pups were invited to the wedding and were a part of it. She unfolded the paper and read, “What can I say Rich? I honestly cannot believe that I am standing here with you on our wedding day. We have been such great friends and I will admit that some can say that they predicted our friendship would come to this but I never did. I always knew our friendship would withstand the test of time but it was only in my wildest dream that it would turn into love. I was so scared it never would the day I found you on my door step pleading for help. If it wasn’t for you and the great support you showed me when Mom died, I don’t think I would be standing here with you today and for that I am forever grateful.” She paused and looked up into his eyes and chuckled, “Also quoting our wedding song, ‘You’re the reason I believe in love and my dreams came true because of you.’ I love you Rich. You saved my life and now we can spend the rest of it together.”

                “I can tell you folks that they did not write their vows together,” Diane commented.

                That made everyone chuckle including the bride and groom.

                “You had lovely vows you two. Now it’s time for the rings.”

                With that Shep and Lacey sat in front of the alter. They were the ring bearers for the ceremony.

                Rich got Heather’s ring from the pouch attached to Shep’s collar and slipped it on her finger, “I Richard Mathew Lani take you, Heather Marie Herman, as my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health. With this ring I promise to cherish and love you beyond the end of time. With this ring I thee wed my best friend and savior. ”

                Heather took Rich’s ring from the pouch on Lacey’s collar, “I Heather Marie Herman take you, Richard Mathew Lani as my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health. With this ring I promise to cherish and love you beyond the end of time. With this ring I thee wed my best friend and savior.”

                “You two do not know how honored I am to say that I have seen you both grow up into the amazing young people standing in front of me today. And I don’t think you will ever know how extremely happy I am to say that I now pronounce you husband and wife. Let me be the first to congratulate the new Mr. and Mrs. Lani on a long but most importantly happy marriage filled with nothing but love. Rich, I know you have been waiting all day for me to say this, you may now kiss your beautiful bride.”

                The biggest smile formed across Heather’s lips before she shared her first kiss with her new husband. Even though it was a simple closed mouth kiss, it felt like nothing she had ever felt before. Rich excitedly grabbed her hand then they turned to their guests. Cheers and shouts rang out through the ranch yard and even the horses rejoiced with happy neighs. She couldn’t help but smile as she walked hand in hand back down the aisle toward Meg who was holding Bullseye. The newlyweds mounted the horse and rode off into the sunset after taking a few pictures with their steed. It was another part of Heather’s dream to ride into the sunset with her new husband on their wedding day.

                They rode out to the spot where Rich proposed.

                “We had to come back here today,” Heather whispered. “It wouldn’t be perfect without coming back to the spot where it all started. It’s not only the place where you proposed but…”

                Rich finished for her, “It’s where I told you for the first time that I loved you. I still do. And I always will.”

                “I love you too Rich.”

                “And look what’s on the picnic table.”

                She couldn’t help but laugh when she found a picnic basket with a bag of twizzlers inside.

                “Consider it my wedding present,” Rich chuckled.

                “I think it’s a perfect wedding present. Come on let’s go back to the party.”

                They mounted Bullseye again and loped back to their waiting guests.

                During the cocktail hour the photographer had the entire wedding party pose with the bride and groom. After the pictures were finished Kelshie and Jess pulled Heather aside because Kelshie couldn’t help but ask her something.

                “So how nervous are you for tonight?” Kelshie poked her best friend excitedly.

                “I’m kinda nervous.”

                “Of course a virgin would be on her wedding night.”

                Heather blushed, “Ok. I have to tell you something.”

                “You’re not a virgin?!” Jess whispered astonished.

                Heather shook her head.

                “Does Rich know?” Kelshie questioned.

                “Yes he does… because he was the one to take it.”

                “Oh so that’s not too scandalous then,” Jess commented.

                “We’ll it kind of is. He took my virginity the night before I left for college.”

                Jess and Kelshie were completely shocked.

                “But you too weren’t even dating!” Jess nearly screamed.

                “We were secretly dating. Since senior year. That’s why we went to prom together.”

                “And you never told us!” Kelshie slapped Heather’s arm.

                “We promised we’d keep all of it a secret. My sister doesn’t even know. And I’d rather not tell her if you get what I mean.”

                “Secret safe with us,” her best friend replied.

                The photographer asked the newlyweds to go take a few more pictures and while they were posing together, Heather could only think of that one faithful night years ago.

*Heather’s POV*

                The photographer kept snapping pictures and I listened to the way he wanted Rich and I to pose but I was thinking of something else. Kelshie made me think of it and I couldn’t stop.

                I can remember it like it was yesterday. It was the night before I left for college and the last time Rich and I would see each other for a very long time since I was moving out to California to live with my godfather Uncle David and go to school.

                It was just him and I in his finished basement. We were watching some sappy romance movie that we were making fun of making each other laugh trying to keep our minds off of how much we were going to miss each other when I left. He was lounged on the coach and I was curled up next to him resting my head on his shoulder. Whenever we were alone we would always sit like this. Basically, we were dating but nobody knew about it. Not even the Backstreet Buds or his parents and my sister. Our relationship was our biggest secret.

                Once the movie ended he started running his fingers through my hair. I looked up at him and I could see that he was upset.

                “I’m going to miss you so much Vi.”

                “You don’t know how much I’m going to miss you.”

                He looked in my eyes and held my gaze as his lips slowly moved closer to mine. Right before our lips touched our eyes closed. Our lips held the sweet kiss for a few tender seconds and when we parted I shifted myself so that I was sitting straighter and could look directly into his eyes. His hand pushed a strand of hair behind my ear and then it rested there. He looked into my eyes as I started tearing.

                “Violet don’t cry. The time will pass by fast enough I promise. We’ll be together again in no time. And I’ll always just be a phone call away.”

                “It wouldn’t be the same,” I sobbed. “I can’t just come over here to talk to you if I’m having a bad day. And you can’t hold or kiss me over the phone.”

                “Well how about I hug and kiss you all night long. We can make up for lost time now before we lose it.”

                I wiped my cheeks dry and his hand lifted my chin so he could look into my eyes again.

                “We have all night.”       

                “You’re right. Let’s not waste it.”

                We kissed again but this time it wasn’t like any other kiss we had shared before. This one was our first French kiss. Yes, our first and my first French kiss. I always took my relationships slow and my secret relationship was no different. But that night things sped up, quickly.

                My body went limp as the kiss become more intense and sensual. He pulled away from my lips and I tried to catch my breath only to have it stagger when I felt his lips gently kiss the side of my neck. I shivered with each kiss he left on my skin but I didn’t stop him. I couldn’t stop him. I didn’t want to stop him.

                I glided my hand up into his coffee brown hair. Then he pulled away from my neck and looked into my eyes.

                “Am I going too fast?”

                I pushed my forehead against his and breathed over his lips, “The pace is perfect. Let’s not waste the night. There is no one else I would want to do this with. Don’t stop now.”

                We kissed again and from there, our relationship went to the next level in a slow, sensual, sensitive way. I cherished every kiss he gave me and the feel of his skin against mine and the feeling he was giving me.

                Afterward we lay in each other’s arms. I had my head on his bare chest listening to his heartbeat and he was running his fingers through my hair.

                “Violet,” he whispered.

                “Yes Rich?”

                “I love you.”

                I raised myself up to his face and looked into his eyes with a sad smile on my face, “I love you too.”

                We shared one last kiss before we fell asleep in each other’s arms. In that kiss we promised each other this would be our secret and in that kiss we told each other goodbye.  

                And I was right. Our relationship would never be the same again. We stopped talking to each other because the distance hurt too much. He got involved with Harper and Harlow. He became addicted to drugs and alcohol and the Rich I was in love with had died while I was away at college. It was depressing really. But looking back at it I would never change a thing. That night was perfect. Just like I knew our wedding night would turn out to be.

                “Come on newlyweds you have a party to attend! You have taken enough pictures! It’s time to party!” Uncle Dave’s voice broke me out of my memory and Rich and I walked hand in hand to the reception.

                Our ceremony space was transformed with beautifully decorated tables on either side of a dance floor Uncle Dave rented for us.

                The DJ, who was a friend of Rich’s, introduced us as we moved onto the dance floor for our first dance as a married couple.

                We stood in the middle of the dance floor and The Original Elites stood in front of the microphones.

                “I would like to say on behalf of The Original Elites that it is an honor to be singing for our favorite teacher tonight and we all want to say congratulations,” Shaina spoke into her mic. “I hope you like the performance Heather and Rich.”

                The “instrumentalists” of the accapella group started singing imitating the guitar and other instruments in the beginning of the song.

                Shaina started to sing and Rich and I swayed together. Then to my surprise Howie D joined her.

                “You did not!” I said astonished.

                Rich shrugged, “It was actually Uncle Dave’s idea. I just asked the fellas and they agreed. I just couldn’t get Kevin in on the deal so Mitch is going to take his part like they did during the concert.”

                “Thank you baby. This is perfect!”

                We continued to dance as The Original Elites and BSB sang our song. The fellas sounded great as usual and The Original Elites were dead on. It took me back to the first time they performed it but this time it just seemed more evolved, better I guess you could say, although the first time they performed it was gorgeous. But the star of the song was Shania. She sang beautifully and I could tell that she was loving the fact that she was singing with the Backstreet Boys who she too loved.

                The rest of the night was indeed perfect. Our guests where on the dance floor for most of the night and the food was excellent. Before we knew it our guests were leaving, the DJ was packing up his equipment and Rich and I were making our way to the inn.

                My God was I nervous! I really didn’t have to be because, well, it was just Rich I had married after all. But then again, it was my first time with him since that faithful night years ago. We had both said it was a mistake and that’s what lead to us not talking but deep down inside we both wanted it, badly and we both didn’t regret it. Rich was the only man I had given myself to. That was one of the main reasons why I couldn’t maintain a steady relationship because every time I would get close to having sex with a guy I was dating at the time, I would stop him and he would leave the next day. Permanently. I don’t know why or how but I would always pick the sex hounds. My sister always said it was because I was attractive and, quoted directly from her, “down right sexy”. I didn’t think I was attractive or sexy even though every guy I dated told me I was. But Rich was different. If we got lost in the heat of the moment, (and trust me that happened a lot) I would ask him to stop and he would. Then he would apologize and reassure me that he wanted me to be ready first before going too far. He would then just hold me close and run his fingers through my hair. Eventually we would go back to making out. I wanted to rebuild our relationship and not have it based on sex. Rich, to my utter amazement and complete joy, agreed. He never left, he never will leave. That’s the beauty of our relationship. That and the fact that he is the only man I believe when he tells me that  I’m attractive. Now I was hoping he’d think of me as sexy, and convince me of that.             

                We didn’t really talk as we were making our way to the honeymoon room of the inn. It was the only room on the second floor and the only way to get to it was to take the stairs. Once the reception was over and we had said good bye and thank you to the last guest who left, Rich had grabbed my hand. I looked into his eyes and raised my lips up in a one sided grin that I hope looked sexy. He winked at me and we ran toward the stairs.    

                After reaching the top of the stairs and rounding the corner, Rich hastily ripped the key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. It swung open and as I was about to step inside, my new husband swooped me into his arms.

                I let out a surprised laugh, “What are you doing honey?”

                “What?” he grinned, “The groom is supposed to carry the bride threw the threshold on their wedding night.”

                I laughed again and then we kissed.

                He followed the carpet of rose pedals from the door leading to the bed. He placed me gently onto it and then we looked at each other.

                “Do you want to look around the room first? Maybe un-pack?” Rich asked. He knew I was nervous.

                “Sure.”

                I got up and grabbed my overnight bag. Our bags had been placed in the room during the cocktail hour and Diane had decorated the room with all sorts of purple and white flowers, and candles. She had also left the lights on for us so we could take in the beauty of the room. It was like a perfect little apartment complete with bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen and living room. And it had a cute little veranda.               

                After kicking off my heels and placing my bouquet in a vase already filled with water, I threw the clothes I had brought for the morning in the dresser then I looked out at the veranda. It held a table with two chairs and a Jacuzzi tub.

                “Look honey, we could have breakfast in the morning out there. I bought the fixings to make my fruit stuffed French toast that you like so much. And there’s bacon and eggs and pretty much everything else that Diane got for us. We could enjoy the gorgeous view of the ranch in the morning.”

                He walked up behind me and placed his hands on my hips, “We could use the Jacuzzi too.”

                “I didn’t bring a bathing suit though.”

                “Who said you needed a bathing suit.”

                I blushed a little and I was hoping he didn’t notice but of course he did.

                “Oh come on baby,” he said in a voice that sounded really sexy, “After tonight you won’t be blushing anymore. Well at least not around me.”

                I turned my head to look into his eyes. He smiled then kissed me. It was a sweet and delicate kiss but with a lot of passion behind it, much like our first kiss as husband and wife.

                “You ready to consummate our marriage?” he looked into my eyes and I knew he could see my nerves.

                I didn’t answer. I didn’t have to really. He knew I was hesitant.

                “How’s this? I’ll go light the candles, dim the lights, and get myself out of this tux and see if that changes your mind. ‘Cause once you see me in nothing but the candle light, you’ll be ready like that,” he snapped his fingers and flashed a smile.

                I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh really? You think you can change my mind that quickly huh?” I chuckled.

                “Yeah. I know you think I’m sexy. I’m just sexier in the candle light. Plus I grew a little bit since the last time.”

                I shook my head at him but the smile couldn’t be erased from my face.

                “I knew that would make you laugh. Does is sound like a good plan though?”

                “Yeah it does. And I really do want to see you in the candle light.”

                “Oh so you do think I’m sexy,” he winked at me.             

                I giggled again, “Of course I do. Now come on go light those candles and I’ll slip into something a little more comfortable.”   

                Rich kissed my forehead before taking off his bowtie.

                I watched as he hung up his jacket then took off his vest and shirt. He sat down on the bed for a second to take off his shoes and socks then he looked up at me. I hadn’t moved from the spot at the sliding doors.

                “Go ahead, go get more comfortable. I’ll be right here waiting for you unless you want me to give you a show.”

                “I’m going.” I grabbed the bag and hanger for my dress and my cosmetic bag.

                I walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. I grabbed the white satin slip I had bought for tonight from the dress bag where I had hidden it. I wanted something sexy but I was too embarrassed to buy anything really reveling. I hastily unzipped my dress and hung it up. I stood in front of the mirror and took in my image. I was wearing a white lace bra and matching panties.

                I shrugged and thought to myself, “That’s reveling enough I guess.”

                I applied a touch more make up after putting on the satin slip. I took one last glance of myself and thought out loud, “Here goes nothing.”

                “Honey you alright?” Rich called from the bed room.    

                My eyes closed as I took in a deep breath, “Yeah I’m coming out now.”

                My hand was starting to shake as I opened the door then turned off the light.

                The candle light danced on the walls and romantic music played from the boombox. I could feel my heart flutter with every step I took closer to the bed.

                Rich was already laying down on it. He was only wearing the shirt he wore under his tuxedo shirt and his boxers. I stood in front of him and asked, “So… what do you think?”

                He looked up at me and his eyes became wide as he eyed the slip that barely covered my ass, “You look amazing. You look sexy.”

                “I do?”

                The bed creaked as he stood up. He stood before me and wrapped his arms around my waist bringing me closer to his body. His lips hovered over mine as he spoke, “You are the sexiest woman ever.”    

                “You really think so?”

                He pushed a strand of curled hair out of my face, “Would I ever lie to you?”

                “No you wouldn’t. I just don’t feel sexy.”

                “Tonight I will make you feel sexy. Only if you want me to.”

                I crashed my lips onto his. When we parted for air he chuckled, “I’ll take that as a yes please.”

                “It was actually a do it now.”      

                He smirked, “Even better. But I’ll take it slow.”

                His lips inched closer to mine and as they met again our eyes closed. I don’t know how long we stood there making out but it was like no other time before; his tongue snaking around mine, one hand supporting the back of my neck and the other on the small of my back pushing the lower half of my body closer to his. I could feel the bulge in his boxers. It was odd at first and I was wondering about how big he really was and how it was going to feel with it inside me again. It was so long since that day, I hadn’t thought about that in what seemed like ages until today. But when I felt Rich’s hand slide over my ass and onto my leg, the only think I could think of was the moment I was in right now.

                “Are you sure you’re ready?” he asked looking into my eyes.

                “Yes honey. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this.”

                My nerves seemed to disappear for a fleeting moment when my lips collided with his again. As we kissed, his other hand slid down the outline of my body. His fingers pushed up under the bottom of the slip over the sides of my panties. His hands skillfully and gently ran back up my body pulling the slip with them. I raised my arms and our lips parted as he pulled the slip over my head and flung it to the floor.

                “You like what you see?” I said in a voice that didn’t even sound like it had come from my mouth. It sounded alluring and it surprised me because I didn’t even try to sound that way.

                “I like it a lot. Although I have a feeling I’m going to like what’s underneath the lace even more,” he said eyeing my almost naked body. “I can’t wait to see how much you have grown since the last time.”

                I stepped closer to him, “And I...” I tugged off his shirt and grinned gliding my hands over his hard abs and pecks, “like this view a lot better.”

                “Wait until you see the total package Vi.”

                I bit my bottom lip, “Your cockiness is actually turning me on.”

                “Really?”             

                I nodded my head then let my hand creep down toward his boxers and stopped it just before his bulge, “And the thought of seeing you completely naked is turning me on even more.” 

                He shivered out of excitement, “Oh man Vi this is a side of you I have never seen before! I like the seductive side.”

                I flashed him a sexy grin then sat on the bed resting on my outstretched arms, “So, how do we start?”

                “Like this,” he crawled onto the bed behind me. I sat up a little straighter. He collected my hair and moved it into my left shoulder. I knew exactly what he was going to do; we called it “the vampire” because he would suck on my neck and lightly nibble on it. I loved the way it felt.

                “You know how much I love when you do this,” I said in a near whisper. “My vampire.”

                “This time I’m going to add a little something extra to it,” he whispered in my ear.

                My heart started beating a little faster anticipating what he was going to do next.

                His kisses started out gentle then progressively became more vampire like. Just how I liked it. Then I watched as his hands glided up toward my breast. I couldn’t say anything and I was surprising myself because I really wanted him to touch them.

                He started slow rubbing his hands over the lace bra. His fingers working the same pace and intensity as his lips sucking on my neck. Just as he was going to suck harder on my neck I really surprised myself by saying,

                “Honey stop.”

                “What’s wrong?” he sounded very concerned.

                “Nothing. I just want you to go further. Take off my bra.”            

                “You sure?”       

                “Yes Rich just do it.”

                He didn’t say another word, just returned his lips to the spot they were kissing and his fingers went directly to the hook of my bra. It fell onto my lap and he then tossed it to the floor.

                “You ready for the big revel Vi?”

                “Yes. I’ve been waiting all night for it.”

                “Alright then,” he said in a seductive voice, “Get ready for it.”

                He got off the bed and stood in front of me with his back toward me. He did a little strip tease, which made me laugh, slowly letting his boxers fall to the ground.

                “Get ready, here comes the big reveal.” He stepped out of his boxers then turned around to face me again. “Tada! So tell me little lady, you like what you see?”

                I couldn’t say anything at all as I eyed him. It was not what I had imagined at all, which was not a bad thing in the least. It was a lot bigger than what I had expected or remembered. The only thing I could do was smile as I felt my heart beat quicken.

                “I’ll take that as a yes then.”

                He reached for his overnight bag and I finally spoke, “What are you looking for?”

                “Condoms.”

                “Rich we talked about this. You don’t need to use them. Not tonight.”

                “Are you positive? I mean I know we’re both ready to start a family but… this soon?”

                “Yes honey. If I do get pregnant I would like to have you there with me when our baby is born. I don’t think you would want to be on tour with Backstreet when our baby is being brought into this world.”

                “That’s if you do become pregnant.”

                “And the only way that will happen is if you stop looking for the condoms and just pick up from where you left off.”

                He stopped his search and connected his lips with mine again. His body pushed into mine slowly lowering me onto the bed. And from there I don’t want to go into detail but it was awesome and much better than the first time. It really did turn out to be a perfect day and a perfect night. 

                As we lay in bed in each other’s arms, I couldn’t help but stare at my wedding band and smile.

                “Good night Mrs. Lani. I love you Violet,” he whispered in my ear.

                I looked up at him and responded, “Good night my husband. I love you so much my Bud.”