Chapter 1
HER
The drive back to the house seems shorter. Maybe because I'm distracted by the rock on my finger. I giggle to myself, stealing a look at Max, who has his hand in my lap. I put my left hand over his, the ring still shines in the lowering sunshine.
I can't believe all that has happened in such a short time. My head is literally swimming. Oh, my God, I need to stop screaming in my head. I laugh and Max turns his head to smile at me, squeezing my thigh.
We went from the bottom of my betrayal two days ago, to the depths of his anger, to this. We're engaged. And I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I get to be Mrs. Max Traeger.
I squeeze his hand and Max smiles again, keeping his eyes on the thick holiday traffic. I know he doesn't want to keep his family waiting. We have plans for an afternoon ride around the lake. Max is very punctual. Being late is a serious pet-peeve.
I've learned about all of his pet-peeves. Well, rules really. I swallow. Looking at my beautiful ring, taking up most of my finger, like a large brick, I know that I might as well be honest with myself. I have rules to follow. Being his wife, I will probably have even more rules to follow. And more consequences if I don't.
I shift in my seat. Even with the small pillow Max allowed me, the lowest part of my butt still hurts from when he spanked me two days ago. I shudder just thinking about how angry I made him. I don't ever want to get him that angry again. It took him all night to finally forgive me.
"Lucy, are you cold?" Max saw me shudder and is raising the car windows.
"No. I'm fine." I smile at his attentiveness. He always notices everything. "Thank you."
I'd broken so many of his rules on Saturday, I'm still ashamed. And I tested him, to see if he'd let me get away with acting like I could do as I please around my friends. I won't make that mistake again!
I left my phone at his parent's lake house. I didn't want to see all the missed calls and messages from Tracy and Laura. I've been ignoring them since Saturday. I know what they want to say anyway.
I'd misbehaved, monumentally, at our company picnic. And they saw Max's angry reaction. They heard me apologize to him and call him Sir. Tracy flipped out. I almost laugh remembering how red her face was; it matched her hair. And Laura...I think she was just more shocked than anything.
I don't want to think about them now, though. Not today. I pull my left hand up again and watch the ring sparkle.
Max laughs at me. "You're going to go blind staring at that."
"You don't think...it's too big?" The ring is very simple. It’s a simple platinum band with one simply large diamond that sits horizontally across my finger. Max was very proud to tell me all about picking out the stone and setting himself. He had this made just for me. The engraving says, "Always," just like the watch he gave me.
Max takes my left hand and kisses my palm. This never fails to send little shockwaves down my stomach. He’s so tender and gentle. "No. I told my jeweler that I wanted everyone in a fifty-block radius to know you're mine. I think it'll do the job." He winks at me.
We pull into the gravel drive of the house. I'm suddenly very nervous.
We've had the day to ourselves, the most perfect day. I've been able to daydream about our wedding and our life together. But this is reality. We have to tell his parents, his brother. I don't know how they'll react. We've only known each other for such a short time. Oh, God. I'm going to have to tell my parents and brother.
I'm starting to feel a little queasy as I watch Max come around to open my door. His smile falters when I'm standing next to him and he sees that I'm not smiling anymore.
He pushes his body into mine against the closed car door. With both hands on the sides of my face, he kisses me and whispers into my ear, "You'll be fine."
He always knows what I'm thinking. He says he loves that I'm so expressive. "What if...what if they don't really want you to marry me?" I know the opinion of his family, especially his dad's, is very important to him.
"Relax," he takes my hand and we walk towards the steps. I try to breathe a little deeper, but feel like I'm choking on my dry throat.
Inside, we can hear laughter coming from the terrace. I follow slowly behind Max through the house and stop at the French doors. I try to stay hidden behind him, but Max won't let me. He steps aside and puts his arm around my shoulder, pushing me forward with him. All three Traegers are staring at us; I look at my feet instead of meeting anyone's eyes.
"Well?" Ron, his dad, speaks first.
"Say hello to your future daughter-in-law." I swallow and jump my eyes up to Max. He's beaming with such happiness and pride that for a second I don't even hear anything else.
Alex, his mom, jumps up from her seat and runs around to us, grabbing me and hugging me to her chest. "Congratulations! We're so excited!" She grabs my hand and says how beautiful the ring is.
Ron stands and shakes Max's hand congratulating him, before turning to me and putting his arms out. I hesitate before squeezing back his embrace. This is the closest I've been to the man. He's only shook my hand before, very formal. It's where Max gets all of his rules and old fashioned ways, from Ron.
He's nearly as tall as Max and I can feel that his back and stomach muscles are strong. He doesn't let go, holding me in a side hug, while Alex continues hugging and kissing Max. "Jake, get up and congratulate your brother and his bride." I jump at the edge in Ron's voice. So like Max's.
I've avoided looking at his brother. He always puts me on edge. This morning wasn't any different. His mix of kindness and something else...like he's looking through me. I hear the chair scrape the deck, but keep my eyes down.
"Congratulations, Max. I'm sure you'll both be very happy." He hugs Max and I steal a look. They are brothers in a mirror, same dark waves, green eyes, tall and muscled. Max's hair is shorter, his eyes lighter, but they could be twins. Only three years apart, Max is older at 35. He loves to mock Jake by calling him "little brother." I drop my eyes again before Jake turns to me.
Ron lets go and I sway a little. I've locked my knees to stop from shaking and held my breath for too long. Jake grabs me in a hug, but doesn't press against me, just holds me up with his strong arms. He kisses my head, tenderly, "You'll make a beautiful bride, Lucy." He lets go when Max stands next to me again.
I finally look at Jake when he sits back down, watching us. His look is almost unreadable, but I can see a hint of something, a little darkness. I turn away and bury my face in Max's chest. I'm sure Jake is thinking about Julia. Our happiness has to hurt in the face of his recent break-up with her.
"So, have you decided any details...?" Ron is sitting back down. Alex has run off towards the kitchen.
I'm surprised when Max answers, "We'll get married next month." He smiles at the stunned look on my face. I glance at Jake but look away just as quick when I see his matching shocked look. "I haven't decided where. One of the LPE places in the city maybe." Max’s voice sounds far away to me. I can't grasp that he's discussing our wedding so matter-of-factly. We haven't discussed any of this.
Alex is returning with a tray of glasses and an iced bucket of champagne. I remember seeing this on the counter when we walked in. It only just dawns on me that they knew all along that Max was going to propose today. And they knew I'd say yes. "What about having it here...on the lawn?" She sets the tray in front of Ron.
"That's a great idea," Ron is opening the champagne, the pop is soft but I still jump. I feel like I'm watching from a distance. "We could get a tent...do something to make it real nice."
"I'll think about it. I can get one or more of the LPE restaurants to cater, but this might be a little too much of a drive. Could be nice as long as the weather holds up, though." Max holds a chair for me to sit and I'm glad to take it. My knees feel a little shaky still. He keeps talking about which of the restaurants he would most likely use. Since he's a partner in the largest restaurant/bar owner/management group in the city, he can have his choice.
"What do you want, Lucy?" Jake is sitting on the other side of the table from me. The dark blue water of Lake Michigan frames his shoulders and face. He spoke very quietly, but all eyes turn to him, then me.
"I..." I swallow and say in small voice, "I don't know...I...we haven't talked about all that yet..." I shoot my eyes at Max. He hands me a glass of champagne with a wink.
"To my Lucy. To our future." Everyone raises a glass; Jake last. I take a big sip.
Jake downs his and reaches for more. "Take it easy, son. You're driving the boat tonight." Ron says this with that same edge to his deep voice. Max is so like him.
I think Jake's going to say something back for a second. Instead, he stops pouring and mumbles, "Yes, Sir."
"And you two better change...it'll probably be a little chillier on the water." Alex is nodding at Max and me.
Max stands up and pulls my chair for me. I take another big gulp before setting my glass down and getting up.
Going up the stairs, I watch how the light catches the ring. It definitely gets attention, just like Max wanted. No mistaking that I'm taken. This makes me smile and relax again.
At least his family seemed happy; that went better than I expected. At the top of the stairs, I turn and put my arms around his neck. He's still a little taller than me, but I can easily kiss his forehead. He picks me up around my waist and carries me backwards towards our room, kissing.
"Get changed quickly." He swats my butt, eliciting a small yelp, since it's still sore. "You still have to call your family."
Oh, God. Why did he have to remind me?! "I can do that when we get back..."
His smile changes slightly, a little more crooked, a little frown to his brow. I hurry over to my suitcase and pull out the long dress I brought. Max wouldn't let me bring any pants or shorts. He likes me to look girlie and feminine. I'd rather be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt on the water, but I don't have any choice.
It's the end of summer; the nights are already crisping. The three-quarter sleeve, long cotton dress is the best option I brought. I have a long wool cardigan too. "How's this?" I turn so Max can see me. He's just pulling on a V-neck sweater over his head, the deep olive color compliments his eyes.
He grins, "You look great...but you're still going to freeze. I'll get a scarf and gloves for you from Mom." He starts to leave, but turns at the door and nods with a stern look again towards the dresser, "Your phone's over there."
I walk slowly over to it. I have five missed calls; I don't look to see the details. Ten new text messages that I ignore as well. I pick my parents out of the long list of contacts.
Dad picks up. "Hi, Dad. It's Lucy." I try to put all the happiness I was feeling earlier into my voice again.
"Hey, sweetheart.” He pulls his mouth away from the phone a little, “Lizzie! It's Lucy on the phone." Dad hurts my ear yelling into the background for Mom.
Mom picks up another phone loudly. "Hi, sweetie! ...How's your visit going?" She sounds abnormally excited to hear from me.
I take a deep breath and hold it for a second. "I have some news..." My voice sounds extra high to me.
Mom actually squeals in high-pitched excitement, but Dad says calmly, "Let her tell us first, Lizzie..."
"Max and I are engaged." I say it slowly, waiting to hear their reaction. They've only met him once.
Mom squeals again and Dad says, "Okay, now you can congratulate her."
Mom starts gushing, "Oh that's such great news, Lucy. Congratulations. Max is such a wonderful man!" I was not expecting this much excitement from her. I know she wants me to be married with a passel of grandkiddies on the way, but...
"You knew?"
"Max called me yesterday. He's a very formal young man. He asked me for your hand." Dad sounds proud. Of course Max would ask my dad's permission first. He is very traditional.
Mom is still giggling on her phone. "He actually used those words, too," she giggles more, "Max didn't say when he was going to ask, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to sit on this news for long! Oh, honey, I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks, Mom."
"Congratulations, sweetheart." Dad sounds like he's tearing up.
"So...details. How did he ask?" Mom's excitement is still running high.
I want to tell her that he didn't ask, technically. He told me to say yes. "It was very romantic. He took me to a secluded hilltop above the lake. We had the most perfect picnic and he had the ring wrapped inside a napkin with the silverware. I was completely surprised."
"That is so sweet." Mom still has giggle-fever. Dad only coughs his approval, trying to act like he's not wiping his eyes and nose on his end. His little girl is getting married, after all. "What's the ring look like?"
Huge! "Very pretty, simple...a big solitaire. I'll take a picture with my phone and email it to you."
"Can't wait to see it!" She's obviously moved to be in the same room as Dad; there's an echo now. "Have you two talked about when you want to have the wedding?"
Max has. "We haven't had a chance. Um...but I don't think it's going to be a long engagement, Mom." Max doesn't like to wait for anything. "I'll let you know as soon as we decide anything, okay?"
"That sounds fine, sweetheart," Dad answered, "Just give us enough time to work out paying for everything. I have that fund your mom started when you were just a baby...we'll have to see what we need to do to close that out, Lizzie." They're talking to each other more than me now.
"Dad? Mom?" They're still talking to each other. "I have to go...Max is waiting for me. ...Mom?"
"Oh. Okay, sweetie. Call us as soon as you can." She kisses into the phone, an echo that pierces my ear. "And send that picture!" She hangs up.
"Congratulations again, sweetheart. Give our best to Max too." Dad hangs up after I say I will.
I put the phone down and hold my forehead. I'm feeling a little fuzzy from all the excitement. This whole holiday weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Why didn't you tell them we're getting married next month?" I jump hearing Max's voice from the door.
"I...we...we haven't really talked about anything yet." I'm holding my hand to my chest. I can see the ring sparkling up at me.
"We're getting married next month, Lucy." His face is stern, set.
"I don't think my dad can...I don't think they can afford that, Max." I hear the whine and plea in my voice.
He frowns quizzically at me, like I just said something odd. "I'm paying for everything, of course. Your parents don't have to worry about any of that. They just need to be here to be a part of our wedding."
"But I don't...I mean...I can't plan a wedding in only a month. I don't even know what all to do." I'm laughing a little. I can't believe I'm pushing for a later date. But the thought of a big wedding in only four short weeks is overwhelming.
"We're getting married next month and that's final." He turns and walks away. I wait before following him downstairs.
I know Max likes being in control, but...but this is our wedding. This is the rest of our lives together. Maybe I'll try to talk to him again when we're back in the city. We really need to make some decisions together.
But I know I'm kidding myself. Max doesn't just like being in control. Max is in control. Period. That's final.
The drive back to the house seems shorter. Maybe because I'm distracted by the rock on my finger. I giggle to myself, stealing a look at Max, who has his hand in my lap. I put my left hand over his, the ring still shines in the lowering sunshine.
I can't believe all that has happened in such a short time. My head is literally swimming. Oh, my God, I need to stop screaming in my head. I laugh and Max turns his head to smile at me, squeezing my thigh.
We went from the bottom of my betrayal two days ago, to the depths of his anger, to this. We're engaged. And I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I get to be Mrs. Max Traeger.
I squeeze his hand and Max smiles again, keeping his eyes on the thick holiday traffic. I know he doesn't want to keep his family waiting. We have plans for an afternoon ride around the lake. Max is very punctual. Being late is a serious pet-peeve.
I've learned about all of his pet-peeves. Well, rules really. I swallow. Looking at my beautiful ring, taking up most of my finger, like a large brick, I know that I might as well be honest with myself. I have rules to follow. Being his wife, I will probably have even more rules to follow. And more consequences if I don't.
I shift in my seat. Even with the small pillow Max allowed me, the lowest part of my butt still hurts from when he spanked me two days ago. I shudder just thinking about how angry I made him. I don't ever want to get him that angry again. It took him all night to finally forgive me.
"Lucy, are you cold?" Max saw me shudder and is raising the car windows.
"No. I'm fine." I smile at his attentiveness. He always notices everything. "Thank you."
I'd broken so many of his rules on Saturday, I'm still ashamed. And I tested him, to see if he'd let me get away with acting like I could do as I please around my friends. I won't make that mistake again!
I left my phone at his parent's lake house. I didn't want to see all the missed calls and messages from Tracy and Laura. I've been ignoring them since Saturday. I know what they want to say anyway.
I'd misbehaved, monumentally, at our company picnic. And they saw Max's angry reaction. They heard me apologize to him and call him Sir. Tracy flipped out. I almost laugh remembering how red her face was; it matched her hair. And Laura...I think she was just more shocked than anything.
I don't want to think about them now, though. Not today. I pull my left hand up again and watch the ring sparkle.
Max laughs at me. "You're going to go blind staring at that."
"You don't think...it's too big?" The ring is very simple. It’s a simple platinum band with one simply large diamond that sits horizontally across my finger. Max was very proud to tell me all about picking out the stone and setting himself. He had this made just for me. The engraving says, "Always," just like the watch he gave me.
Max takes my left hand and kisses my palm. This never fails to send little shockwaves down my stomach. He’s so tender and gentle. "No. I told my jeweler that I wanted everyone in a fifty-block radius to know you're mine. I think it'll do the job." He winks at me.
We pull into the gravel drive of the house. I'm suddenly very nervous.
We've had the day to ourselves, the most perfect day. I've been able to daydream about our wedding and our life together. But this is reality. We have to tell his parents, his brother. I don't know how they'll react. We've only known each other for such a short time. Oh, God. I'm going to have to tell my parents and brother.
I'm starting to feel a little queasy as I watch Max come around to open my door. His smile falters when I'm standing next to him and he sees that I'm not smiling anymore.
He pushes his body into mine against the closed car door. With both hands on the sides of my face, he kisses me and whispers into my ear, "You'll be fine."
He always knows what I'm thinking. He says he loves that I'm so expressive. "What if...what if they don't really want you to marry me?" I know the opinion of his family, especially his dad's, is very important to him.
"Relax," he takes my hand and we walk towards the steps. I try to breathe a little deeper, but feel like I'm choking on my dry throat.
Inside, we can hear laughter coming from the terrace. I follow slowly behind Max through the house and stop at the French doors. I try to stay hidden behind him, but Max won't let me. He steps aside and puts his arm around my shoulder, pushing me forward with him. All three Traegers are staring at us; I look at my feet instead of meeting anyone's eyes.
"Well?" Ron, his dad, speaks first.
"Say hello to your future daughter-in-law." I swallow and jump my eyes up to Max. He's beaming with such happiness and pride that for a second I don't even hear anything else.
Alex, his mom, jumps up from her seat and runs around to us, grabbing me and hugging me to her chest. "Congratulations! We're so excited!" She grabs my hand and says how beautiful the ring is.
Ron stands and shakes Max's hand congratulating him, before turning to me and putting his arms out. I hesitate before squeezing back his embrace. This is the closest I've been to the man. He's only shook my hand before, very formal. It's where Max gets all of his rules and old fashioned ways, from Ron.
He's nearly as tall as Max and I can feel that his back and stomach muscles are strong. He doesn't let go, holding me in a side hug, while Alex continues hugging and kissing Max. "Jake, get up and congratulate your brother and his bride." I jump at the edge in Ron's voice. So like Max's.
I've avoided looking at his brother. He always puts me on edge. This morning wasn't any different. His mix of kindness and something else...like he's looking through me. I hear the chair scrape the deck, but keep my eyes down.
"Congratulations, Max. I'm sure you'll both be very happy." He hugs Max and I steal a look. They are brothers in a mirror, same dark waves, green eyes, tall and muscled. Max's hair is shorter, his eyes lighter, but they could be twins. Only three years apart, Max is older at 35. He loves to mock Jake by calling him "little brother." I drop my eyes again before Jake turns to me.
Ron lets go and I sway a little. I've locked my knees to stop from shaking and held my breath for too long. Jake grabs me in a hug, but doesn't press against me, just holds me up with his strong arms. He kisses my head, tenderly, "You'll make a beautiful bride, Lucy." He lets go when Max stands next to me again.
I finally look at Jake when he sits back down, watching us. His look is almost unreadable, but I can see a hint of something, a little darkness. I turn away and bury my face in Max's chest. I'm sure Jake is thinking about Julia. Our happiness has to hurt in the face of his recent break-up with her.
"So, have you decided any details...?" Ron is sitting back down. Alex has run off towards the kitchen.
I'm surprised when Max answers, "We'll get married next month." He smiles at the stunned look on my face. I glance at Jake but look away just as quick when I see his matching shocked look. "I haven't decided where. One of the LPE places in the city maybe." Max’s voice sounds far away to me. I can't grasp that he's discussing our wedding so matter-of-factly. We haven't discussed any of this.
Alex is returning with a tray of glasses and an iced bucket of champagne. I remember seeing this on the counter when we walked in. It only just dawns on me that they knew all along that Max was going to propose today. And they knew I'd say yes. "What about having it here...on the lawn?" She sets the tray in front of Ron.
"That's a great idea," Ron is opening the champagne, the pop is soft but I still jump. I feel like I'm watching from a distance. "We could get a tent...do something to make it real nice."
"I'll think about it. I can get one or more of the LPE restaurants to cater, but this might be a little too much of a drive. Could be nice as long as the weather holds up, though." Max holds a chair for me to sit and I'm glad to take it. My knees feel a little shaky still. He keeps talking about which of the restaurants he would most likely use. Since he's a partner in the largest restaurant/bar owner/management group in the city, he can have his choice.
"What do you want, Lucy?" Jake is sitting on the other side of the table from me. The dark blue water of Lake Michigan frames his shoulders and face. He spoke very quietly, but all eyes turn to him, then me.
"I..." I swallow and say in small voice, "I don't know...I...we haven't talked about all that yet..." I shoot my eyes at Max. He hands me a glass of champagne with a wink.
"To my Lucy. To our future." Everyone raises a glass; Jake last. I take a big sip.
Jake downs his and reaches for more. "Take it easy, son. You're driving the boat tonight." Ron says this with that same edge to his deep voice. Max is so like him.
I think Jake's going to say something back for a second. Instead, he stops pouring and mumbles, "Yes, Sir."
"And you two better change...it'll probably be a little chillier on the water." Alex is nodding at Max and me.
Max stands up and pulls my chair for me. I take another big gulp before setting my glass down and getting up.
Going up the stairs, I watch how the light catches the ring. It definitely gets attention, just like Max wanted. No mistaking that I'm taken. This makes me smile and relax again.
At least his family seemed happy; that went better than I expected. At the top of the stairs, I turn and put my arms around his neck. He's still a little taller than me, but I can easily kiss his forehead. He picks me up around my waist and carries me backwards towards our room, kissing.
"Get changed quickly." He swats my butt, eliciting a small yelp, since it's still sore. "You still have to call your family."
Oh, God. Why did he have to remind me?! "I can do that when we get back..."
His smile changes slightly, a little more crooked, a little frown to his brow. I hurry over to my suitcase and pull out the long dress I brought. Max wouldn't let me bring any pants or shorts. He likes me to look girlie and feminine. I'd rather be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt on the water, but I don't have any choice.
It's the end of summer; the nights are already crisping. The three-quarter sleeve, long cotton dress is the best option I brought. I have a long wool cardigan too. "How's this?" I turn so Max can see me. He's just pulling on a V-neck sweater over his head, the deep olive color compliments his eyes.
He grins, "You look great...but you're still going to freeze. I'll get a scarf and gloves for you from Mom." He starts to leave, but turns at the door and nods with a stern look again towards the dresser, "Your phone's over there."
I walk slowly over to it. I have five missed calls; I don't look to see the details. Ten new text messages that I ignore as well. I pick my parents out of the long list of contacts.
Dad picks up. "Hi, Dad. It's Lucy." I try to put all the happiness I was feeling earlier into my voice again.
"Hey, sweetheart.” He pulls his mouth away from the phone a little, “Lizzie! It's Lucy on the phone." Dad hurts my ear yelling into the background for Mom.
Mom picks up another phone loudly. "Hi, sweetie! ...How's your visit going?" She sounds abnormally excited to hear from me.
I take a deep breath and hold it for a second. "I have some news..." My voice sounds extra high to me.
Mom actually squeals in high-pitched excitement, but Dad says calmly, "Let her tell us first, Lizzie..."
"Max and I are engaged." I say it slowly, waiting to hear their reaction. They've only met him once.
Mom squeals again and Dad says, "Okay, now you can congratulate her."
Mom starts gushing, "Oh that's such great news, Lucy. Congratulations. Max is such a wonderful man!" I was not expecting this much excitement from her. I know she wants me to be married with a passel of grandkiddies on the way, but...
"You knew?"
"Max called me yesterday. He's a very formal young man. He asked me for your hand." Dad sounds proud. Of course Max would ask my dad's permission first. He is very traditional.
Mom is still giggling on her phone. "He actually used those words, too," she giggles more, "Max didn't say when he was going to ask, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to sit on this news for long! Oh, honey, I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks, Mom."
"Congratulations, sweetheart." Dad sounds like he's tearing up.
"So...details. How did he ask?" Mom's excitement is still running high.
I want to tell her that he didn't ask, technically. He told me to say yes. "It was very romantic. He took me to a secluded hilltop above the lake. We had the most perfect picnic and he had the ring wrapped inside a napkin with the silverware. I was completely surprised."
"That is so sweet." Mom still has giggle-fever. Dad only coughs his approval, trying to act like he's not wiping his eyes and nose on his end. His little girl is getting married, after all. "What's the ring look like?"
Huge! "Very pretty, simple...a big solitaire. I'll take a picture with my phone and email it to you."
"Can't wait to see it!" She's obviously moved to be in the same room as Dad; there's an echo now. "Have you two talked about when you want to have the wedding?"
Max has. "We haven't had a chance. Um...but I don't think it's going to be a long engagement, Mom." Max doesn't like to wait for anything. "I'll let you know as soon as we decide anything, okay?"
"That sounds fine, sweetheart," Dad answered, "Just give us enough time to work out paying for everything. I have that fund your mom started when you were just a baby...we'll have to see what we need to do to close that out, Lizzie." They're talking to each other more than me now.
"Dad? Mom?" They're still talking to each other. "I have to go...Max is waiting for me. ...Mom?"
"Oh. Okay, sweetie. Call us as soon as you can." She kisses into the phone, an echo that pierces my ear. "And send that picture!" She hangs up.
"Congratulations again, sweetheart. Give our best to Max too." Dad hangs up after I say I will.
I put the phone down and hold my forehead. I'm feeling a little fuzzy from all the excitement. This whole holiday weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
"Why didn't you tell them we're getting married next month?" I jump hearing Max's voice from the door.
"I...we...we haven't really talked about anything yet." I'm holding my hand to my chest. I can see the ring sparkling up at me.
"We're getting married next month, Lucy." His face is stern, set.
"I don't think my dad can...I don't think they can afford that, Max." I hear the whine and plea in my voice.
He frowns quizzically at me, like I just said something odd. "I'm paying for everything, of course. Your parents don't have to worry about any of that. They just need to be here to be a part of our wedding."
"But I don't...I mean...I can't plan a wedding in only a month. I don't even know what all to do." I'm laughing a little. I can't believe I'm pushing for a later date. But the thought of a big wedding in only four short weeks is overwhelming.
"We're getting married next month and that's final." He turns and walks away. I wait before following him downstairs.
I know Max likes being in control, but...but this is our wedding. This is the rest of our lives together. Maybe I'll try to talk to him again when we're back in the city. We really need to make some decisions together.
But I know I'm kidding myself. Max doesn't just like being in control. Max is in control. Period. That's final.
HIM
Lucy's been quiet since her call to her parents. I know this has been a crazy weekend. After everything that happened Saturday, today must seem unreal to her. I squeeze her hand and she squeezes back, giving me a small smile.
It's just starting to get dark. The dock is a runway of lights up to the house. It is a pretty picture perfect place, with the house all lit up, the sound of waves in the background. This would make a great spot for our wedding.
I thought about waiting to propose. I had the ring made last week. After leaving Lucy in the closet Saturday night, after realizing that I could keep her safe from my anger no matter what. I knew I didn't want to wait another moment to see my ring on her finger. And I won't wait longer than necessary to make her my wife.
I know that's what has her quiet. She's upset about my decision to set the wedding date so soon. I open the terrace doors and she walks in, hugging her arms around herself. She had a scarf, gloves, and blanket on the boat, but she's still chilled. "I'll get a fire started in the family room."
"Okay. Thanks." She smiles sweetly. She always says please and thank you. It's one of the things I noticed about her the night we met. She stood out then as a sweet girl. And she'll be my sweet girl always now.
I tweak her nose. "Get under a blanket." She goes to the sofa nearest the fireplace and wraps a blanket around her huddled body. I get the fire going and sit next to her, wrapping her in my arms to warm her more. She's so tiny, snuggled against my chest.
I'm tempted to just let her have some rest, but we have a few things to discuss and not a lot of time. Jake went with Mom and Dad to pick up dinner, so we could be alone for a little while at least.
"Lucy." She's quick to raise her head to the change in my voice. I only added the slightest hint of my feelings, but she picks up on it so easily. It's one of the things that surprised me most about her in the beginning. I don't have to give her more than a small warning voice or look to get her to change direction quickly. "We need to discuss a few things."
"Yes." She sits up more, but keeps my arm around her, her hands on my leg through the blanket. She likes to keep a physical connection with me when we're together. She takes a quick deep breath and starts talking before I do, "Yes. I don't think it's reasonable to think that we can plan a wedding...the type of wedding that I'd want anyway...in only a month." She tries to sound so strong, business-like. I know she's been rehearsing this in her head.
I grin at her, feeling indulgent for the moment, "Oh, is that so?"
She can't make eye contact, instead she concentrates on her hands, fidgeting under the blanket on my leg. "...Yes...I," she pauses for a big swallow, I try not to grin more, "I want a nice wedding, a...a...formal wedding...white dress, lots of flowers, my friends..." she pauses, fidgets more, shaking her head a little, "my family all a part of it."
"Of course," I'm really trying not to let the laughter get into my voice. But she's just so damn cute...trying to look so calm and sound so in control. She knows as well as I do, who's in control here.
She finally looks at me, tears in her eyes. Her tears are my undoing. I like seeing them. She's even more beautiful lit up this way, her cheeks flushed, her blue eyes bright, my beautiful girl. "I'm serious, Max." She reacts to my darkened brow, "Please..."
"And you shall have all of that, Lucy." I touch her cheek and she rubs her face against my hand.
"So...so we can plan for a wedding in maybe six months?" She's using her sweetest, highest voice to try to get me to say yes.
"No. You'll have your dream wedding...next month."
"But..."
"Stand up." My indulgence is over.
Lucy freezes at my abrupt change to a deep, commanding voice, one she knows very well. She knows she pushed too far. "If I have to give you an order again, this is going to be a lot worse for you, little girl."
She quickly stands, the blanket getting a little tied up around her, but she manages to get free and not fall over. Her eyes are begging me.
"Over my knees."
She hesitates only a second, before getting on my lap. I position her quickly, roughly. Her thin dress won't provide any protection. "You just received a good spanking two days ago, didn't you?"
"Yes, Sir." She's crying already, trying not to by the sounds of her choked words.
"And one of the reasons you were spanked was for questioning me, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Sir." Her sweet voice, the tears…God, I love her. I have to stop from smiling, in case she can see me through her thick hair.
"And you're questioning me again, aren't you?" I say this with extra depth, easily hiding my grin.
"Yes, Sir." She's not trying to beg at least; she's learned that lesson.
"I'm going to spank you three times," she shakes at this, "on the part of your bottom I know is still very sore, little girl." Her legs lower for a split second, but are quickly raised straight out again. Good girl. "Count."
She'd cried out on the boat when Jake went a little too fast over a wave; we all went in the air and she landed hard on her ass. So I know she's even sorer now.
I give her a stinging slap with just my fingers where her ass meets her thighs. She cries out, trying to breathe normally, but she’s only able to gasp out, "One."
I spank harder on the same spot, my full hand hitting her this time. Her cry is silent, her body shaking, she again gasps, "Two."
I know her ass is still raw from the belt, from Saturday's spanking. I know that as light as this punishment is it's causing her a great deal of pain. I spank the same spot, just as hard, my full hand making contact again. Her loud cry is drawn in with her breath, and she quickly says, "Three," with the breath going out before she can't speak, her whole body shaking and her breathing only fast hisses.
"You may raise your legs." She lifts her feet to point straight up, just as I've taught her, but not covering her stinging bottom. I wait for her breathing to slow before letting her stand.
She quickly puts her arms behind her back, "I'm sorry, Sir!"
"Good girl."
"Thank you, Sir." My poor Lucy is raw with emotion and pain. She starts crying and shaking, leaving her hands behind her back, but sobbing openly.
I know she needs this release, so I let her cry for a bit, before pulling her down to sit on my lap and covering her with the blanket again. "You've been through a lot these past few days, little girl." I wipe her tear-stained cheeks and she lowers her head into my neck. Her arms still behind her back, though. My very good girl. "You may move your arms, Lucy." She brings her hands to sit in her lap, listless, her emotions calmed and leaving her quiet again.
I take her left hand and play with the ring, making it shine in the firelight. "Do you know what this ring means to me?" She shakes her head and sniffles. "It means that for the rest of your life, you'll belong to me." She nods her head, but sniffles more. "That I will always own you, Lucy." She nods again.
"And I want you to understand a few things going forward..." I wait until she nods once more. "Questioning me will result in immediate punishment," she looks shamefully down, "I don't care where we are or who's around, I will punish you if you talk back to me. Do you understand me, little girl?" I speak slowly, she responds best to this. She answers quietly. "This ring means that you are no longer in control of anything." I spell this out as to a child. "So when I tell you that we're getting married next month...that is what we're doing."
I wait for her to think about what I've said so far. "I know you're nervous about that. That you have concerns. I will always try to take into consideration how you feel about something. But you need to understand that in our marriage, I will make all the decisions. That choosing when we get married is only the beginning of a long line of choices you no longer have."
She moves slightly in my arms, her head coming up to look at me. "What...what if I really want something...I mean...what if I really don't like a decision that you've made?"
I smile at her, but she doesn't relax. "Then you may ask me to reconsider my decision." She thinks about this, her face frowning a little. "But you'll ask respectfully, not talking back, not arguing."
She continues thinking for a moment. I wait to see how she's reacting so far. "So...so if I ask you to reconsider pushing our wedding back a few months, would you?"
Good. Not great, but she's figuring out her limits still. "No. And when I say a decision is final. It is final, that means no more questions, respectful or not. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good." I give her a hug and she relaxes a little into my arms, her head back on my chest.
In a very small voice, "So how are we going to get married next month then...?"
My very good girl. "I'll need to make a lot of decisions quickly." I laugh at this understatement and Lucy’s head moves with my chest.
"I want," she starts off strong, but stops herself and starts again in a more questioning voice, "I'd like my mom to be here to help with picking a dress..."
"Of course, baby." I kiss her head and she relaxes even more. "I was thinking that since your parents are retired, I could fly them out here this week. I want to talk with your dad anyway...explain that I will be paying for everything. I don't want to step on his toes...your still his little girl too...for now."
"I'd like that. Thank you, Max."
"Now, why don't you tell me all the things you've dreamed of for your wedding...?” She gives a big smile and sits up more quickly.
"Well...let's see..." Uh-oh...this could take a while.
Lucy's been quiet since her call to her parents. I know this has been a crazy weekend. After everything that happened Saturday, today must seem unreal to her. I squeeze her hand and she squeezes back, giving me a small smile.
It's just starting to get dark. The dock is a runway of lights up to the house. It is a pretty picture perfect place, with the house all lit up, the sound of waves in the background. This would make a great spot for our wedding.
I thought about waiting to propose. I had the ring made last week. After leaving Lucy in the closet Saturday night, after realizing that I could keep her safe from my anger no matter what. I knew I didn't want to wait another moment to see my ring on her finger. And I won't wait longer than necessary to make her my wife.
I know that's what has her quiet. She's upset about my decision to set the wedding date so soon. I open the terrace doors and she walks in, hugging her arms around herself. She had a scarf, gloves, and blanket on the boat, but she's still chilled. "I'll get a fire started in the family room."
"Okay. Thanks." She smiles sweetly. She always says please and thank you. It's one of the things I noticed about her the night we met. She stood out then as a sweet girl. And she'll be my sweet girl always now.
I tweak her nose. "Get under a blanket." She goes to the sofa nearest the fireplace and wraps a blanket around her huddled body. I get the fire going and sit next to her, wrapping her in my arms to warm her more. She's so tiny, snuggled against my chest.
I'm tempted to just let her have some rest, but we have a few things to discuss and not a lot of time. Jake went with Mom and Dad to pick up dinner, so we could be alone for a little while at least.
"Lucy." She's quick to raise her head to the change in my voice. I only added the slightest hint of my feelings, but she picks up on it so easily. It's one of the things that surprised me most about her in the beginning. I don't have to give her more than a small warning voice or look to get her to change direction quickly. "We need to discuss a few things."
"Yes." She sits up more, but keeps my arm around her, her hands on my leg through the blanket. She likes to keep a physical connection with me when we're together. She takes a quick deep breath and starts talking before I do, "Yes. I don't think it's reasonable to think that we can plan a wedding...the type of wedding that I'd want anyway...in only a month." She tries to sound so strong, business-like. I know she's been rehearsing this in her head.
I grin at her, feeling indulgent for the moment, "Oh, is that so?"
She can't make eye contact, instead she concentrates on her hands, fidgeting under the blanket on my leg. "...Yes...I," she pauses for a big swallow, I try not to grin more, "I want a nice wedding, a...a...formal wedding...white dress, lots of flowers, my friends..." she pauses, fidgets more, shaking her head a little, "my family all a part of it."
"Of course," I'm really trying not to let the laughter get into my voice. But she's just so damn cute...trying to look so calm and sound so in control. She knows as well as I do, who's in control here.
She finally looks at me, tears in her eyes. Her tears are my undoing. I like seeing them. She's even more beautiful lit up this way, her cheeks flushed, her blue eyes bright, my beautiful girl. "I'm serious, Max." She reacts to my darkened brow, "Please..."
"And you shall have all of that, Lucy." I touch her cheek and she rubs her face against my hand.
"So...so we can plan for a wedding in maybe six months?" She's using her sweetest, highest voice to try to get me to say yes.
"No. You'll have your dream wedding...next month."
"But..."
"Stand up." My indulgence is over.
Lucy freezes at my abrupt change to a deep, commanding voice, one she knows very well. She knows she pushed too far. "If I have to give you an order again, this is going to be a lot worse for you, little girl."
She quickly stands, the blanket getting a little tied up around her, but she manages to get free and not fall over. Her eyes are begging me.
"Over my knees."
She hesitates only a second, before getting on my lap. I position her quickly, roughly. Her thin dress won't provide any protection. "You just received a good spanking two days ago, didn't you?"
"Yes, Sir." She's crying already, trying not to by the sounds of her choked words.
"And one of the reasons you were spanked was for questioning me, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Sir." Her sweet voice, the tears…God, I love her. I have to stop from smiling, in case she can see me through her thick hair.
"And you're questioning me again, aren't you?" I say this with extra depth, easily hiding my grin.
"Yes, Sir." She's not trying to beg at least; she's learned that lesson.
"I'm going to spank you three times," she shakes at this, "on the part of your bottom I know is still very sore, little girl." Her legs lower for a split second, but are quickly raised straight out again. Good girl. "Count."
She'd cried out on the boat when Jake went a little too fast over a wave; we all went in the air and she landed hard on her ass. So I know she's even sorer now.
I give her a stinging slap with just my fingers where her ass meets her thighs. She cries out, trying to breathe normally, but she’s only able to gasp out, "One."
I spank harder on the same spot, my full hand hitting her this time. Her cry is silent, her body shaking, she again gasps, "Two."
I know her ass is still raw from the belt, from Saturday's spanking. I know that as light as this punishment is it's causing her a great deal of pain. I spank the same spot, just as hard, my full hand making contact again. Her loud cry is drawn in with her breath, and she quickly says, "Three," with the breath going out before she can't speak, her whole body shaking and her breathing only fast hisses.
"You may raise your legs." She lifts her feet to point straight up, just as I've taught her, but not covering her stinging bottom. I wait for her breathing to slow before letting her stand.
She quickly puts her arms behind her back, "I'm sorry, Sir!"
"Good girl."
"Thank you, Sir." My poor Lucy is raw with emotion and pain. She starts crying and shaking, leaving her hands behind her back, but sobbing openly.
I know she needs this release, so I let her cry for a bit, before pulling her down to sit on my lap and covering her with the blanket again. "You've been through a lot these past few days, little girl." I wipe her tear-stained cheeks and she lowers her head into my neck. Her arms still behind her back, though. My very good girl. "You may move your arms, Lucy." She brings her hands to sit in her lap, listless, her emotions calmed and leaving her quiet again.
I take her left hand and play with the ring, making it shine in the firelight. "Do you know what this ring means to me?" She shakes her head and sniffles. "It means that for the rest of your life, you'll belong to me." She nods her head, but sniffles more. "That I will always own you, Lucy." She nods again.
"And I want you to understand a few things going forward..." I wait until she nods once more. "Questioning me will result in immediate punishment," she looks shamefully down, "I don't care where we are or who's around, I will punish you if you talk back to me. Do you understand me, little girl?" I speak slowly, she responds best to this. She answers quietly. "This ring means that you are no longer in control of anything." I spell this out as to a child. "So when I tell you that we're getting married next month...that is what we're doing."
I wait for her to think about what I've said so far. "I know you're nervous about that. That you have concerns. I will always try to take into consideration how you feel about something. But you need to understand that in our marriage, I will make all the decisions. That choosing when we get married is only the beginning of a long line of choices you no longer have."
She moves slightly in my arms, her head coming up to look at me. "What...what if I really want something...I mean...what if I really don't like a decision that you've made?"
I smile at her, but she doesn't relax. "Then you may ask me to reconsider my decision." She thinks about this, her face frowning a little. "But you'll ask respectfully, not talking back, not arguing."
She continues thinking for a moment. I wait to see how she's reacting so far. "So...so if I ask you to reconsider pushing our wedding back a few months, would you?"
Good. Not great, but she's figuring out her limits still. "No. And when I say a decision is final. It is final, that means no more questions, respectful or not. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good." I give her a hug and she relaxes a little into my arms, her head back on my chest.
In a very small voice, "So how are we going to get married next month then...?"
My very good girl. "I'll need to make a lot of decisions quickly." I laugh at this understatement and Lucy’s head moves with my chest.
"I want," she starts off strong, but stops herself and starts again in a more questioning voice, "I'd like my mom to be here to help with picking a dress..."
"Of course, baby." I kiss her head and she relaxes even more. "I was thinking that since your parents are retired, I could fly them out here this week. I want to talk with your dad anyway...explain that I will be paying for everything. I don't want to step on his toes...your still his little girl too...for now."
"I'd like that. Thank you, Max."
"Now, why don't you tell me all the things you've dreamed of for your wedding...?” She gives a big smile and sits up more quickly.
"Well...let's see..." Uh-oh...this could take a while.
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