Chapter Text
A week later:
I'm getting ready in my bedroom at home. My hair was carefully pinned with crystal clips earlier and my mother is tying the fat ribbon in the back of my wedding dress. Most fancy the tiny buttons up the back, but I wanted something different, so my dress was custom made by a tailor in town. He used the finest lace to create it and I love it. It is not as extravagant as most wedding dresses, but that is just how I like it and I can walk through a door or get in a carriage without having to deal with a cumbersome hoop skirt.
"There...Elizabeth......how does it feel?".
"Fine......thank you...".
I turn to face her and she just lights up "oh honey, you look so beautiful.......we are only missing the veil". She goes over and removes it from the box, lifting it up carefully and then pinning it in my hair, It frames my face and I admire the delicate lace. It was hand made and my mother wore it at her wedding and saved it for me. She steps back to have a look and claps her hands "oh John will be so happy to see you......his beautiful bride".
"Thank you for all your help" and I hug her.
"You are welcome my dear and I want you to enjoy this very special day" and then she looks at me "and remember, don't feel nervous about tonight.....it might be awkward and feel a bit strange......it will take some time getting use to.....but do tell him to stop if it hurts, it shouldn't...make him touch you, before he even tries to penetrate you".
I try not to blush and just nod "I will.....".
"It is a wonderful thing, Elizabeth........sexual relations.......if you have a caring husband and I think you do.....John worships the ground you walk on and would never hurt you".
"I know....he is a good man".
There is a knock on the door and my father's voice comes through "pardon the interruption, but there is a special delivery for you, Elizabeth....it came from the Thornton's.....Mr. Higgins brought it over".
My mother opens the door "you can come in.....look at our beautiful daughter".
My father steps in and our eyes meet. He smiles and then reaches for his handkerchief, dabbing his eyes "ohhh, you look absolutely lovely, Elizabeth".
"Thank you" and I hug him.
He hands me a fancy box, tied with a ribbon and handle "Mr. Higgins brought this just now.......I offered him tea, but he declined, said he needed to go back and help with preparations".
I take it, setting it on the bed and then untie the ribbon, opening the box. There are two smaller boxes inside, each one with a rolled up note tied to them. I take the first one, opening the box and letting out a gasp "ohhh".
My parents come over, both curious and my mother exclaim "oh they are gorgeous".
We look at the pearl earrings sitting in the box, they almost glow with a beautiful pink tone to them. I carefully unroll the note:
Dear Elizabeth,
I want you to have these, to remind you of this special day when you joined our family!
I look forward to getting to know you better and I am so pleased with all the happiness
you have brought into John's life. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together!
Much Love,
Hannah Thornton
I remove them carefully and put them on, looking in the mirror, they are very pretty.
Reaching for the other box, which is slightly bigger, I pop the lid and sit down on the bed, my hand over my mouth as I stare at the strand of pearls inside, matching the earrings. I unroll the note:
My beloved Beth,
The day is finally here where we will be joined as man and wife!
I wish I could express in words how much I love you and how much
joy and happiness you have brought into my life! I hope to show you every day
my love and commitment to you, to your well being and happiness!
I hope you will love the pearls-I discussed it with your mother to make sure they
would suit your dress.
I can't wait to see you!
Love Always
John
I look at at my mother "you knew?".
She smiles "yes, he came calling one day where I think he knew you were out and wanted to discuss a proper gift for you, so I told him in vague terms what your dress was like.....I think he did good, don't you?".
Lifting the necklace out, I put it on, standing up and then look in the mirror "they are stunning......must have cost him a fortune".
My father pipes up "well, he can afford it, darling and I don't think anything is too much for you in his mind.......he totally adores you".
"Well, we will have to talk about that sometime......I love them, but he could be helping people in need, set up a medical fund for the workers or something".
Putting a hand on my shoulder, my father looks at me "he actually sort of did, but don't you dare tell him I told you.....he doesn't want anyone to know where the money is coming from. He wants me to send bills to him every month from those that can't pay, he will just quietly pay for them".
"Oh father".
"I know, darling.....he is a good man and I think you have helped him be more soft and considered of others".
"I think Higgins deserve most of that credit to be honest, his friendship has opened John's eyes to the plight of those that have less......I really don't think he gave it much thought before".
"Just like most folks, Elizabeth.......but thank goodness not everyone is like that, huh?".
"Yeah" and I smile.
My mother looks at us "we better get going....we don't want to be late to the church now, do we?".
We walk downstairs and she goes in the kitchen and brings out the bouquet of flowers, they were picked this morning around the garden of Marlborough Mills and our own garden. Mary, our servant, tied them together beautifully.
My father puts on his hat and offer his arm to me as we walk out the door. We can see the church steeple from our home, so it would be silly to get a carriage.
The sun is shining as we make the very short walk to the church, several people stopping and wishing us the best as we pass. We arrive and Higgins is outside with the carriage, which has been decorated with a few wildflowers as well. He comes over to greet us, shaking my parents hands and then he looks at me, grinning "Miss Beth.....you look stunning......the Master will be so happy to see you".
"Thank you, Higgins, that's very kind......is he doing ok today?". We stand over to the side, so we are out of view from the door of the church.
"He is fine, didn't say much on the ride over here, I think he was nervous and Mrs. Thornton did all the talking".
We are greeted by my brother and his wife, who escort my mother into the the church. Higgins ties the horses up and goes inside to join his family on one of the last rows. We insisted they attend the wedding.
The doors close and I take my father's arm, and we wait until they are opened again and the music start playing while we make the walk up the aisle.
I only have eyes for John. He is standing up at the altar, looking very handsome in his golden vest and cravat, holding his hat under his arm.
Our eyes meet and I see the big smile spreading on his face as we walk closer, he shifts on the feet and I can tell he is trying to keep his emotions in check. We get all the way up there and he puts his hat on the chair and takes two steps down to meet us. My father kisses my cheek and then places my hand on John's arm and claps his shoulder, before he goes to sit next to my mother.
John's eyes a wet and he can't help but lean in to kiss my cheek, his sideburns bristling against my skin. He whispers "you look so beautiful, love.....".
Mrs. Thornton clears her throat.
I just smile at him and reaches up to cup his face for a second, then we turn to walk back up in front of the priest.
We exchange traditional vows and I slide a thin gold band on his finger and he puts a plain band next to my engagement ring. His fingers are trembling lightly, but he looks so happy when our eyes meet.
"Mr. Thornton, you may kiss your bride".
He smiles and then leans over, giving me a very chaste kiss and I grin when we part. We turn, him reaching for his hat and I get my bouquet and we walk down the aisle, my arm under his as we exit the church. He puts his hat on and then turns to me, before the guests file out of the church and he reaches up to take my face in his hands, kissing me more deeply.
Our noses are touching and he beams when we pull apart "you look stunning, my love...." and he locks eyes with me "I love you so much, Beth".
"I love you too, John......you look very handsome....the gold vest suits you...that was a good choice".
"Well, you picked it with mother's help....it's nice".
We greet our guests that come out to offer their congratulations, my parents hugging us both and Mrs. Thornton kissing my cheek "congratulations, my dear......you make a beautiful bride".
"Thank you and thank you for the lovely note and the earrings".
John helps me into the carriage and gets in next to me, kissing me again "the pearls look beautiful on you.....".
I return the kiss "thank you....that was way too kind of you.....I will treasure them always".
He takes my hand, lifting it up to kiss my knuckles "not as much as I will treasure you....I can't believe we are finally husband and wife".
Leaning really close, my breath on his ear "well, you will believe it later today and when we wake up tomorrow, naked in bed" and I grin naughtily at him.
Hissing back, he intertwines our hands together "not another word.....I'm trying my hardest not to think about any of that right now.....I haven't seen you since we spend time by the cottage....".
"I want you too, John....so much......only a few more hours".
He gives me a painful look and nods to Higgins as he takes his place and we start moving towards Marlborough Mills for our garden reception. Mrs. Thornton had not been too pleased when we told her we just wanted to celebrate that way and not have a fancy dinner, but she had agreed in the end, she loves John and wants him to be happy.
We ride thought town and I lean my head on his shoulder and he whispers sweet words of love in my ear, kissing me ever so often, giving me little smiles.
Arriving at the mill, Higgins stops the carriage inside the courtyard and a lot of the workers are gathered, coming over to congratulate us and wish us well. They have the day off since it is the weekend, but John made sure the communal kitchen is open and will serve the same treats everyone else is having in the garden. I can tell it means a great deal to him that they have all come today.
We walk hand in hand to the back of the house and into the garden. It is beautiful, Higgins and others have worked hard the last week to make it look so great with lots of flowers and tables are set up outside. It is just the right weather, warm, but not too hot. We enjoy a splendid afternoon with our guests.
People are still visiting after several hours, but some are starting to leave and I can tell John is getting antsy. We are sitting under the trellis and he looks at me "can we leave yet?".
I smile at him "inpatient now, are we?".
Squeezing my hand, he looks at me, his blue eyes sparkling with a bit of naughtiness "a little, but I also am dying in this hot outfit and can't wait to get it off".
I lean close, blowing on his ear "why don't you tell Higgins to get the horses ready again and I'll go change, I don't want to ruin the dress or have it take up room in the cottage".
He kisses me "that's a deal....but please hurry".
We part as I get hold of my mother and we walk in the house, down to John's side and into the bedroom where my traveling dress is hanging on the closet door, it was delivered earlier.
I look around, aware that this is my chambers now too and it feels a bit weird, but also exciting. The bed is new, John got a bigger one and new furniture for the library and sitting room. He had me help him pick out thing, it was very important to him that I will be comfortable in my new home.
The washroom even has a big wooden tub like the one my parents have. He insisted on getting one, of course not giving away, that he already knew the joys of sharing a bath together.
I turn around so my mom can unpin the veil, leaving the sparkling clips in. She touches my shoulder "that was a wonderful wedding, Elizabeth and a splendid garden reception".
"I know, mother......it really has been a beautiful day".
"And the best is yet to come" and she winks at me in the mirror.
I blush "I hope so...".
"Nervous?".
"No, not really.....", a pause and then I decide to tell her "John and I haven't exactly been totally chaste.....we haven't had intercourse, but done other things".
She grins "I knew it....I don't know why, but after we got home from our little trip and you announced you were getting married......I just observed you and it was clear you were very comfortable and intimate with him, which is a lovely thing.....".
"He is special...".
"He is, but what is more important he treats you with kindness and the up most respect".
"I know......he is so worried about tonight and hurting me".
"It wont, darling.....just follow your instincts together and it will be something special".
She unties the dress and helps me out of it and into the light yellow, lace dress. It feels nice to be out of the really fancy one. She packs it away and turns to me, hugging me "have a wonderful few days alone, enjoy every moment and we'll see you for dinner when you get back......I think John is out in the courtyard....he just wants to sneak out".
I hug her back "thanks, mother.....see you soon" and I walk out the front door and sure enough, John is sitting in the carriage, ready to go. He jumps down to give me a hand, cupping my face "ready?".
"Yes, but isn't Higgins driving us?".
"No, I don't want anyone disturbing us, so the horses can just stay until we come back......Higgins dropped off feed when he took our clothes over there earlier today, I can undo them from the carriage and take care of them, while we are there".
"Okay".
We set off, not saying too much, but I have my arm under his the entire way to the cottage. It is still light when we get there and John helps me down, pulling me into his arms and finally kissing me with all the bend up passion he has held in all day. I remove his hat, grabbing at his hair and he devours me with his mouth, our tongues wrapping around each other.
Our lungs are finally screaming and we break, both panting. His eyes are turning darker "go inside, love....I'll be right in......it wont take long with the horses".
We kiss again and I turn to leave, he smacks my rear and grins. I giggle and walk in the cottage. There are supplies in the kitchen and wood by the fireplace, ready to go, but it doesn't feel cold. I look in the bedroom and quickly unpack our clothes from the trunk, putting it away in the drawers in dresser. I locate matches and light a few candles, both in there and in the front room, loving the warm glow they cast over everything.
I go back in the bedroom, pulling the covers and blankets to the side, starting to feel a little anxious, but in a good way.
Stepping in the washroom, I scoop some water from the bucket into a bowl, carrying it in the bedroom, placing it on the dresser, along with a couple of thicker pieces of cloth.
Toeing off my shoes, I reach up to take off my stockings and then look in the mirror on the wall as I start to remove the sparkling pins from my hair, putting them on the dresser as I go.
I hear the door open from the back and footsteps and John comes into view, he has taken off his jacket, only wearing his white shirt and golden vest and cravat. He unties it as he walks closer, stepping up behind me, kissing my neck "starting without me?" and he tosses the cravat on the chair in the corner.
"Not really, just need to get my hair undone and it takes forever".
"Can I help?".
"Sure" and he very carefully pulls the rest of the pins out, my hair finally falling down in loose locks.
I reach for the brush, but he places his hand over mine "let me, please".
He tenderly brushes my hair, quietly telling me how beautiful I am and then reaches up to take the pearl necklace off me, unhooking the claps with trembling fingers. He puts it on the dresser as I take the earrings off.
I turn around and put my arms around him, touching his face, his stubble under my fingers "thank you, John".
"Always, my love" and he kisses me, mumbling into my mouth "now what?".
"Well, we could just go to sleep like this, call it at day".
He grabs my sides, making me giggle and he nuzzles my neck "very funny, Beth......I think that would leave us both very frustrated".
Our lips find each other and we kiss each other with passion, our hands roaming freely over each other's bodies and I fumble with his vest, finally getting it off it, tossing it on the chair. I work on his shirt next, unbuttoning it and pushing it off his shoulders. We break so he can remove it and I inhale sharply when he is left in just his trousers, his beautiful, broad chest in full view.
We come together again and I run my hands over his chest and place kisses on his neck and down over his collarbone, playfully biting his shoulder. His hands are in my hair and he lets out a groan when my mouth finds a nipple, licking around it.
He yanks me back up for another deep kiss and then his fingers are at the back of my dress, but he can't quite get anywhere and his frustration grows. I finally pull away from him and turn around "they are little hooks, they are sort of hard to get". His hot breath is on the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine, his voice low and raspy "trying to make it difficult, huh?".
I laugh, reaching behind me and unhooking the ones I can reach on my lower back "no, that's just the way they are made....".
Feeling his body heat behind me, he steps even closer, kissing my neck and running his hands up my sides and then being brave, cupping my breast with both while pressing himself against me. I throw my head back and moan when I feel his hardness press into my back "ohh John, please....".
"I'll try, darling" and he manages to get the rest of the back undone, so I can step out of the dress. I put it on the chair, turning around, facing him, just wearing my corset and undergarments. He stares, his eyes turning even darker and then he has me back in his arms, kissing me hungrily. I run my hands up his naked back, relishing in feeling his warm skin under my fingertips and then slide them back down, cupping his rear, pulling him close. "Ughhhh, love....please".
I undo his trousers, pushing them off his hips and he steps out of them along with his shoes. He holds on to the bed post as he removes his socks, leaving him in just his underpants, which are tenting quite impressively in the front. I lick my lips and walk close again, wrapping my arms around him and we exchange several more heated kisses, our hands roaming, only spurring on our arousal.
Moving my hand around, I cup him through the thin material of his underwear, feeling just how hard he is and he groans deeply, pressing into my hand, his breath hitching in his throat "Beth".
Our lips are millimeters apart "I know, John...I want you too, but you need to free me from the corset first or it might be rather uncomfortable trying to copulate".
He spins me around, while still trying to maintain his mouth on my skin, but then pulls back, sounding almost defeated "you are joking, right?".
"Nope....I know it is a pain, that's why I hate these things.....I would go without if I could".
Starting at the top, his fingers struggle a bit until he gets the first hook undone and then it goes rather quickly after that. I fill my lungs with air in relief as the tight confine is released around my upper body. The last hook is undone and he just lets it fall to the floor, immediately enveloping me in his arms, our warm skin meeting and I feel the palms of his hands on my naked breasts, gently kneading each orb and then he rubs his thumbs over my nipples. The sensation goes straight to my core and the throbbing between my legs intensifies greatly as he stimulates me and licks my ear, his voice thick with arousal "ohhhh you feel nice".
I press my back against him, arching and pressing my breasts into his hands "John.....ohhh more" and I moan when I feel him twitch against my back.
Turning around, we embrace face to face and the arousal rises to another level when my nipples rub against his chest hair and he dips down, cupping one in his hand and then licking his way down, over my collarbone and then very lightly tracing the tip of his tongue around my areola. I clutch his head, grabbing at his hair and about loose my mind when he open his mouth, gently sucking on my nipple "John".
He moves to the other breast to give it equal treatment and I moan into his hair and I feel my way down his body, moving my hand into his underpants, seeking his hardness. My fingers brush against his tip, wetness gets smeared on my skin from his sheer excitement and he stops sucking when I wrap my hand around him, a deep moan ripping from his throat "Beth".
We kiss again and tug on each others underwear, our eyes meeting and we pull the last pieces of clothing off one another. There is a second we just stare at each other and then he lunges at me again, both of us sighing when we finally meet completely naked, skin to skin. The touching quickly escalates and it is a pile of eager hands, wet mouths and lustful sounds.
Our breathing is picking up and the desire keeps building. We have to come up for air and he takes my hand, leading me to the bed, he kisses me softly again, holding my face "maybe we should move it to here, huh?".
I smile and nod, crawling in, laying down and turn to face him. He stands there for a moment and I enjoy the view of his naked body, his erection standing proud and then he joins me, moving over me. Our eyes meet and I pull him down, opening my legs to him, both of us moaning when his penis makes contact with my wet lips, sliding through and the tip rubs against my clit.
"Ohhh, John...." and I press against him, the need to feel him close overwhelming me.
He grits his teeth, trying to reel from the sensation "you are so wet, love.....".
I'm panting "I know....I want you....please".
Thrusting a few times against me, he grunts "in a moment, darling....." and then he finds inner strength to move off me, laying down by my side.
I let out a whine in protest "John...wha...what are you doing?".
He kisses me insistently and then his hand is roaming over my body, sliding over my stomach and down between my legs. His voice sounds strained "I need to bring you to orgasm first.....I don't think I will last long once I enter you and I want it to be good for you". He moves his fingers around my swollen flesh and slides them between my lips, dipping a finger inside and the up to rub my clit. I clutch at the sheets with one hand and wrap my other one around his neck, desperately trying to find some leverage from all the wonderful sensations he is creating.
"Ohhhh.......John........ohhh....more......please.......ohhh god.......".
Slipping a finger inside of me and then another, he sets a steady rhythm and then rotates them, so he can draw circles around my sensitive pearl. I feel I am going to loose my mind and when he latches onto my nipple with his mouth, I throw my head back as the damn breaks, my body overcome by a powerful orgasm. I wither in pure pleasure, moaning his name "JOOHNNNN". He bites his lower lip, trying to remain in control as my inner walls grip his fingers over and over.
I sag into the mattress, letting out a satisfied sigh, my entire body slowly relaxing as he continues to stimulate me until the last spasm is gone. I pull his face up for a hungry kiss and he grins down at me "good?".
My mind is still hazy, but I smile, licking his lower lip "ohhhhh it was mind blowing John". He strokes me lightly and I still feel tingling and a deep urge to have him fill me. I tug on his arm "now it is your turn.....come here".
He slowly moves back over me and I can tell he is nervous. We kiss again and I cup his face "it will be okay.....".
Touching his nose to mine, he looks at me "please tell me if it hurts or I need to stop". I nod and then reach for him, feeling his hard, throbbing flesh in my hand. I spread my legs further and guide him to my entrance, the very tip touching. He feels wet and warm. I try to relax as he slowly lowers himself, his head slowly entering me. I feel pressure and he squeezes his eyes shut as he pushes in a little further and then stops, looking at me in concern.
"It's fine....." and I relax my pelvic floor and arch up as he presses down, experiencing only a brief second of pain and then our hips meet. It feels strange, but also deeply satisfying at the same time and I let out a gasp "ohh John".
His head is buried in the crook of my neck, he is panting "ohhh god", trying to stay in control. I wrap my arms around him, shifting my hips, which makes him sink in even further and he brushes something deep inside me that feels so good.
I jerk my hips and that movement makes his control snap, he lets out a deep moan and then thrusts deep and fast, about knocking the breath out of me. A few more strokes and I feel him go even harder and his releases with grunt "ughhhhhhh", his warmth spreading deep inside me.
We hold each other tight, his breath ragged and when he finally lifts his head, his eyes are darting away from me. I grab his face "hey....what's the matter? Was it that disappointing?" and I look hurt.
He kisses me deeply, his tongue chasing mine and he shakes his head "oh god, no Beth....." and he searches for the words "it was....just...overwhelming.....and I'm sorry" and he looks distraught.
"Sorry for what? It was wonderful....you didn't hurt me".
"No, but I lost control and rutted like a wild animal......it was just too much".
I smile at him and stroke his back, he is still buried deep inside of me "it was perfect, John......you took care of me and you had warned me it might not last long.....I think that is normal, the excitement and all.....".
"I love you, Beth" and he kisses me.
"I love you too, John".
We exchange a few more tender kisses and enjoy being so close, but he doesn't want to crush me, so when he goes soft, he slips from me and lays down next to me, pulling me close. He looks down "I think we made a mess.....you ok?".
I kiss him again, enjoying laying naked with him "I'm fine......I figured it might be.....there is some water and a rag over there, we can clean up in a minute".
He smiles "you think of everything love" and we hug again, he runs his hand over my body "you are so beautiful, darling......I hope it wasn't disappointing".
"It was nice......very nice.....I enjoyed having you inside of me....." and I stretch in contentment.
Humming, he kisses me again and then rolls over "don't move" and he gets up only to return with the water and the rag. He sits down and proceeds to gently wipe me clean and his forehead wrinkles in concern as he traces my opening "it looks red....you sure you're fine".
"Yes" and I squirm when the cloth touches my lips and ever so lightly over my clit, it is still very sensitive.
I sit up when he is done and take the rag from him, returning the favor. He lays down, his arms under his head and he watches me clean him up. I put the bowl back on the dresser and return to bed. He looks content as he smiles at me, reaching out his hand "come here, my love".
Crawling back in bed, I snuggle close, my head on his shoulder and he lazily traces his fingers over my naked chest, kissing my head. We move around a little until we are both comfortable and soon drift off to sleep in each others arms.
Waking up several hours later, I feel warm and roll over. John is on his back, snoring slightly. The thick candles are still burning on the dresser, but it is completely dark outside and there is slight chill in the air.
Studying his handsome face for a moment, I lean up to kiss him ever so slightly and lay my head on his chest, hearing his heart beating steadily. He mumbles and a warm hand slide up my back, pulling me closer and his fingers tangle in my hear "mmmm.....love...".
I just hum and then move the covers, climbing on top of him, putting a leg on either side of him. He grunts in surprise as my breasts get pressed against his chest and I slide down, feeling his penis against my mound. That is not lost on him and his hands goes to my behind, holding me in place as he thrusts a few times and he fills rapidly, his rigid length putting pressure on my delicate flesh.
Pushing my hands on his chest, I rub against him, letting out a moan "ohhh John...".
He reaches up to touch my one breast, while holding my behind with his other hand, his breath caught in his throat "ohhh yeah, love......that feels so good....ohhhhhh".
I speed up my movement, feeling the pressure inside of myself building. I look down at him, our eyes meeting, reflecting the same lust and desire. I slow down, moving my feet over his thighs, balancing and then reaching down to move him into place. His swollen head catches on my entrance and I push back against him as he grabs my hips, thrusting up.
He penetrates me in one fluid motion and I get the wind knocked out of me, collapsing against his chest. His arms go flying up to my face, concern written all over his "I'm sorry, darling.....did I hurt you?" and he motions to pull out.
I press down, shaking my head "no, no.....it's fine, John" and I move back and forth a few times, making us both moan in pure pleasure.
Our lips meet again and he groans into my mouth "ohhh god....Beth.......ohhhhh" and he holds me steady when I raise myself a bit on my hands. I move a little faster, changing the angle a bit, searching for the perfect spot to stimulate me to orgasm. I concentrate on feeling him inside of me, how he fills me up as we move together.
John watches me, urging me on, his voice deep and raspy with lust "that's it, love....you feel so good.....so beautiful......ohhhhh......getting close".
All I can do is nod and when I lower myself a bit, because my arms are getting tired, he bends his head, sticking his tongue out, managing to capture a nipple in his mouth. That combined with a few deep, hard thrusts from him, sends me over the edge. I throw my head back, his name on my lips as I tighten and finally contract and convulse around him "Jooohhnn .....ohhhhhh....ohhhhhh".
He is caught by surprise by the power of my climax and it brings on his own, he pulls me into his arms as he shoots his load with a deep groan in the crook of my neck "BETH! Ohhh god...ughhhhhhh".
The last spasms of orgasm subside and we just cling to each other, our chests pounding. He caresses my back tenderly and looks at me with so much love when I finally lift my head to look at him. He moves a stand of loose hair out of my face and brings our lips together in a soft kiss. His gives me little smirk as he cups my cheek "that was special......wow".
"I know, John.....".
I lay my head on his chest and we just relish in the closely for a little bit longer, until we untangle ourselves and he goes for the cloth and water once again, cleaning us both up, before he rejoins me in the bed.
He pulls the blankets over us, settling next to me and after a few more tender kisses, we drift off to sleep in each others arms.