FIRSTLY THANKS FOR ALL THE REVIEWS AND FOLLOWS AND FAVS SO FAR. REALLY APPRECIATE IT ALL.

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SECONDLY I MUST APOLOGIZE FOR THIS CHAPTER BEING A SHORT ONE. MY WORK-PILE KEEPS GROWING EVERY TIME I THINK I AM ALMOST DONE MORE STUFF FALLS ON MY DESK YEAH... AND ONLY GOT SO FAR WITH THIS ONE BEFORE I DECIDED TO POST IT BUT HAVE NO FEAR I'M WORKING ON THE NEXT CHAPTER TO BE POSTED SOMETIME THIS WEEK FOR SURE.

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LASTLY AS SOON AS I GET MORE THAN HALF A DAY FREE I'LL TRY AND REPLY TO THE PM'S etc. FOR NOW I HOPE YOU LOT ENJOY THIS CHAPTER ANDLET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK... CHEERS M8'S

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CHAPTER 7 –DAMN ME TWICE

(December 21st)

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We arrived Tuesday evening, to snow falling, Ciara of course thought it was beautiful to see rooftops and trees covered in snow on the cab ride to my home she talked about how her and her father use to sit around their fireplace and have hot chocolate while he told stories, she didn't care what kind she just loved that she got to spend time with him, she asked if we could do the same I told her my fireplace was electric but it shouldn't be to different and hot cocoa was always best in front a fireplace, to which she replied she would tell me a story, I smiled at this and teased that I didn't want any happy camper stories and that she had better have a horror story somewhere in her bag of stories.

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She kissed me surprising me then she wrapped her arms around me and said that she hated horror stories, so I was going to have to listen to her happy stories that her father told her. I hugged her tight to me and kissed her surprising her before telling her that I'd love to. An hour later we pulled up to my home and once I had paid the cab I hurried her to the door and let her in then went back for our larger suitcases, feeling the temp drop considerably even more.

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I gave her a tour she opted for the guest bedroom up the stairs. I also found Belinda's note attached to my door, just small updates and that she had placed all my personal mail in one of the empty drawers in my bedroom. I really have to thank Belinda for all that she did in transforming this place into this new look, new feel.

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We then carried Ciara's case up the stairs to her bedroom and then carried mine to my room it was faster this way than hauling it up each step. We then went back down the stairs and I showed her how to work the fireplace and then she insisted that she make the hot cocoa I surprised her with some marshmallows I'd found… I'd have to thank Belinda for also stocking my fridge and cupboards with essentials. She carried our hot cocoa on a tray to the living room, I pushed the new stylish center table to one side, I was fine with sitting on the dark newly polished wooden flooring, she insisted though that we spread a blanket and pillows, after which we sat with our backs against the new fancy modish cream soft leather living room sofa facing the fire place above which a maybe sixty or seventy inch TV was mounted, but we didn't turn the TV on.

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We talked about anything that came to mind, and then she asked if she could put up a few decorations and get a small Christmas tree? I didn't mind I wanted her to feel at home here so I told her to do what she wanted. I should have thought about that as she said I had to come shopping with her and she also wanted to get her sister a belated wedding gift as well. The next day we went about getting what she wanted after which I took her to where I work, I needed to stop in and say hello to Sarah and they before the holidays.

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There were the few that were surprised when I introduced them to my wife and then there was the few that weren't, Sarah for the most was really shocked, after which she couldn't stop gushing about what a cute couple we made, Ciara soon felt at ease with them to smile and talk with them while I went and talk to the chief, who then came out then to meet my wife and he really had Ciara blushing like never before.

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When we got back home we then spent the rest of the day putting up the decorations that she got, we dressed the Christmas tree and after drinking a glass or two of wine and highlighting the major points of the day we had passionate sex in front the fire place and awoke the next day right there wrapped in each other's arms. Today she wanted to go grocery shopping for a few things because she wanted to prepare a meal for before we left for her reunion with her mother's side of the family come tomorrow.

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This was one other good thing I liked about Ciara, she liked cooking, don't get me wrong I liked to cook but with my job it was easier sometimes just to order takeout food.

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CHRISTMAS DAY (December 25th)

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I realised that Christmas was probably one of Ciara's favorite times of the year, she really was like a kid, she was up already, playing Christmas carols and singing along to them while she cooked and baked, it all smelled nice though and felt like a real home. When she did spot me leaning against the door in the kitchen she dropped what she was doing and came over and planted a long kiss on me.

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"Merry Christmas," she said

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"A merry Christmas indeed." I said returning her kiss.

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"I made coffee and I made you breakfast sit."

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I did as she said, she placed a plate of eggs Benedict the English way with brown ham and toasted English muffins, cut in half with each half assembled in the order of muffin, ham, poached eggs and drizzled with a hollandaise sauce on top, with a side of fresh fruits. Was there no end to the surprises with this woman, she was the perfect wife… if only I could love her with my heart that felt like a void in my chest.

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She went back to her mixing bowl, before saying she was going to make a simple chocolate pound cake and she had already set the harm and turkey to bake.

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"Are you sure you don't want to be a chef?" I asked stuffing my mouth.

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"No, I enjoy cooking as a past time, I love working in medicine and helping people, or I wouldn't have met you."

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"Well if you ever wanted to change careers you would make an excellent cook."

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"Thanks I'll remember that."

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"So do you need any help?"

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"Nope, got it covered."

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"I hope you're not looking to earn your keep."

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"Lauren, really…"

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"Just asking is all," I said with a big grin. While she continued to move about the kitchen like she had lived here always. I ate, we talked and then she wondered and asked if she should invite her mother over Boxing Day? I told her whatever she decided I wouldn't disagree, it was her home and she could invite her family over if she wanted.

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"See love, when you say things like that it's hard not to fall for you."

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"Tis' the season to be jolly fal-la-la-la-la and so on right?" I sing sang, receiving one of her bright smiles that made her eyes look even more beautiful. "You can also think of it as I am indulging you."

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"You know what why don't you come help me with the cookie dough."

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Why the hell not I thought as I pushed my plate away and walked over to her side of the counter. She dished out instructions which wasn't too hard to follow. Four hours later we were through with the baking, we sat down at the kitchen table with beers cooling our skins of, after which we shared a shower together and opened the presents we got each other.

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She got me a slim Kenneth Cole black bomber leather jacket with a royal blue and black scarf almost matching… I thought it would go perfectly with my grey short body fit casual dress, that's just one inch above the knee, and my black knee high leather boots, my outfit set for the day.

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I got her jewelry, an ornate Colombian emerald and diamond necklace, drop earrings and bracelet wonderland set by Ippolita. I liked the art deco feel of the jewelry and they would be the perfect complement to her vintage Givenchy thigh length haute couture strapless black dress which showed of her stunning long legs even more in those matching Givenchy black and silver four inch heels.

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We then watched TV in our robes. Around three we started getting ready, we had to be there for six since dinner was to be served at 6:30. I had just finish putting the finishing touches on my hair and makeup, when Ciara walked into my room, giving me a low whistle…. I blushed at her through the mirror…

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"Heaven…you are so insanely beautiful that you should be on the cover of magazines."

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"Thank you…" I said turning to face her, placing the curling iron to the side. I walked over to her and took her hand turning her around… "There's not much I can say about you other than I hope you know, you might be asked to leave as soon as you get there, because you are going to definitely make the other women look really bad… I mean really bad, your mother and new bride sister who will thank her lucky stars that you didn't make it to her wedding."

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Ciara ducked her head, her face burning brighter than a tomato.

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"I mean it and I knew the jewels would match your eyes."

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"Thank you Lauren."

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"You're most welcome… well I am ready when you're ready."

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"I am but can I get a picture of you and us together."

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"Just remember to take my good side, which is my right side."

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After a few pictures were taken, Ciara grabbed up the gifts she'd gotten for her sister and a gift for her mother as well a gift for her grandfather and was led through the kitchen into the garage, it was just a few minutes to five in the evening and I had estimated that they would be there by 6 on the dot depending on the traffic, I wasn't too anxious to go but I would for Ciara.

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"Lauren, I'm really glad that you're coming with me, I am so nervous, I mean what if they don't like me, like my father's side of the family?"

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"Their lost I say and they are going to love you, you're charming…beautiful…caring…smart and funny, what's not to like about you."

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"I don't really understand why my parents lived the way they have, I've never really asked for an explanation now that I think about it, I was just happy at the time to have my mother who wasn't always there for long periods, but she has been trying since I lost my father."

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"And that's why you are also making a greater effort, but know that whether they accept you or not, it shouldn't matter, you've got lots more people that need you and care about you."

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"Like you…?"

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"Well I am your wife so there is no avoiding it." I said with a wink.

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"Only because you're helping me… so can I ask how you spent Christmas last year."

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"Uh-last year-last year- oh right last year I had dinner at the chief's house with his family, it was actually a group of us from work and then we went to a party, I had to end up driving everyone home and I mean like eight of us all squeezed into Ray's escalade, I waited till morning light and called a cab to come pick me up, it was fun for the most part and I also got incriminating pics which I use against them when I need a favor."

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"Oh bleeding hell that's right sneaky of you." Ciara squealed in laughter

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"Hey, they owe me for driving for over three hours up and down to drop their asses home safely."

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"So if I get drunk later what am I going to owe you?"

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"We'll have to wait and see if you get drunk first." I said turning onto the last road that would take us to her family's home.

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"I do love how the snow makes the place look like a winter wonderland." Ciara commented

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"Hmm-it's nice… so can I ask if your mother knows that you're a lesbian?"

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"Yeah, she met one of my girlfriends during the first year she had reappeared in my life…. Some years back."

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"Ok, just was curious, didn't know if they -she would be surprised or shocked to see that the person you're bringing is a woman who happens to also be your wife."

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"It wouldn't have mattered if she approved or not, my life, my choice."

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"Spoken like a truly fearless woman."

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"Oh shut it, I am not scared of my mother."

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6:10pm

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"I didn't say you were." I replied with a wink as I pulled up to the address.

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"Is this the address?" Ciara asked looking in awe at the huge mansion

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"Yes…1537 Nyack private drive, Hudson river."

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Ciara got out and pressed the intercom near the giant gates. She spoke for a few seconds and then the gate began to open slowly. She returned to the car.

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"Have you ever seen a house this big?"

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"Technically it's a mansion Ciara and its New York so people with money will not hesitate to put their wealth on display."

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"Hmm." Was all she said as she started wringing her hands in her lap, by the time I had pulled up to the roundabout, I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to face her, taking her hands in mine.

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"Hey… it's alright, just be yourself and if you feel like leaving at any time we will."

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"I kinda feel like I want them to like me, I mean it'd be nice to have a sister."

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"Well then time will tell."

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"Okay- yeah, you're right, come on let's get this over with."

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"Okay." I replied as we both got out at the same time, I opened the back door and got the presents as she came round to my side and took my hand lacing our fingers together, I gave it a firm squeeze. And followed her up the path to the front door. At the top of the stairs I turned her to face me…

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"Hey… relax."

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"I am-I am…."

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"Okay…" I said cupping her face and placing a tender, yet reassuring kiss to her lips… "You really are going to put everyone in the shade, you look absolutely stunning." Lauren husked softly against her lips stealing another chaste kiss and then tying the sash belt on her jacket hiding the view that she was looking at second's ago. Ciara then gave her that hundred watt smile before pressing the doorbell. They waited a few seconds before the door was opened by an elderly woman primly dressed in a starched black and white uniform, blouse and skirt and hair tightly held in a bun.

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"Hello… we are here to see Mrs. Dennis."

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"Yes… do please come in, I am Ms. Thrale, but you can call me Tara… May I take your coat… jacket?" she asked with an almost genuine smile. I shrugged of my jacket, immediately missing the warmth to my arms and shoulders which were bare except for the cross straps of my grey short dress. Ciara had already handed over her coat before taking my hand again.

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"If you will please follow me to the library, there you will find Mrs Dennis and her husband, our host's will be joining you all shortly as we are just awaiting the arrival of a few more guests."

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"Uh thanks." I said, she just nodded her head

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"Mrs Dennis your guests have arrived…" she announced in the same monotone voice before exiting with a slight bow of her head.

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"Thanks Tara… Oh my word… look at you my darling girl, you look absolutely radiant and breathtaking." The shorter black haired woman exclaimed before pulling Ciara into a tight embrace.

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"Okay- you can let go now and thanks mother, you don't look to bad yourself."

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"But you look-just look more splendid than…"

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"…My busted jeans and plain shirts?"

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"Exactly… and who is this equally beautiful, stunning woman with you."

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"Forgive me…" she said before reaching for my hand and pulling me to stand closely beside her…. "Mother this is Lauren."

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"Hello Lauren,"

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"Hello to you to Mrs Dennis."

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"What have you done to my child?"

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"Mother I am not a child."

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"Nothing I can think of for now." I said with a straight face.

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"Oh you have, she's just glowing and she seems really happy."

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"Oh well, I am afraid I wouldn't have anything to do with that, she's actually happy to be here and meet the rest of her family."

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"She'll probably not feel like that for long when she meets the entourage, don't be fooled by the appearances at all dear."

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I looked over at Ciara, the smile on her lips disappearing slowly and the bright sparkle to her eyes dimming somewhat.

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"Paul come here honey and meet my daughter and Lauren." Mrs Dennis called to the gentleman standing over by the bar in the corner.

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He greeted us cordially before offering us a drink which we accepted. Then we sat when he motioned for us to.

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"Ciara_?"

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"Hmm-yes," she said swallowing her mouthful of wine.

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"Is that a wedding ring?"

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Ciara looked down at the ring and looked back up with a smile…. "Yes it is…" she started as her mother reached for her hand "… that's what I wanted to tell you when you called but I decided to tell you in person, Lauren and I are married, I use her last name and she uses mine."

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"CIARA ROESSLER?"

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"No mother it's now Ciara Roessler-Lewis," she said with a huge beaming smile that made me smile. "And my lovely wife here would be Lauren Lewis-Roessler."

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"When in god's name did this marriage happened?"

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"We've been married for two weeks."

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"Why didn't you invite me… say something sooner?" Mrs Dennis said with something like outrage.

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"Because mother, it was only about Lauren and I and I'm telling you now so what difference does it make?"

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"I would have at least like to have been there as your mother and if not your only supporting family, since I'm sure none of your father's bastard family were there."

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Okay this isn't what or how I expected this to go…. "Mrs Dennis… I must apologize."

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"What for exactly?" she asked bitingly

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"For rushing your daughter into marrying me, she had asked I said yes, but I didn't want to come back to the states and then fly back… so I am sure she would have wanted to have you there but I just couldn't wait a day longer to make her mine." I said twisting things a little

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"Still_"

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"I'm sorry to interrupt Mrs Dennis… but your father and other guests have returned and are in the dining room awaiting your presence and your guests." Tara interrupted

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Very well… let us adjourn to the dining area, after dinner I would like to have a word with you Ciara."

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"Mother I don't know what you're getting on about, you have only been in my life on and off or when it's suited you, I don't need your permission to marry anyone."

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"I know that but it's just the principle behind it all."

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"I'm sorry ladies… but we really shouldn't keep the other's waiting too long, my dear wife's father isn't in the best of health so we should really try to not keep him too long, as he needs to be resting." Paul said emptying his glass and placing it on an empty tray nearby.

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"He's right, father isn't well and he only agreed to join us for a few hours…come along now…" she said taking Paul's offered arm and leading the way as Ciara and I laced our fingers together and followed them down a short corridor that lead into an elegantly and richly decorated larger dining area.

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As we approached the large twelve seat dining table, everyone turned their attention to us, well the four of us, Paul ever the gentleman he was thought to be, held his wife's chair and then mines and Ciara, Ciara putting me next to Paul as we sat on the opposite side of the table. Once again Ciara reached for my hand resting on my thigh, her palm was sweating. My brief worrying glance in her direction was interrupted by Mrs Dennis standing and knocking the fork against her glass.

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I had slipped into my own little world, at seeing his face, both their faces. I couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe that Ciara was related to the McCorrigans. This couldn't be good, it wouldn't be good at all… I mean I was over her but lord knows what she would do when she saw me and found out I was married to her half-sister. Why the hell hadn't I shown more interest in her family and asked for her mother's name or her gramps, I could have put the dots together sooner and not be here at all. I was fucked, because the bitch was always too much drama. I was barely paying attention to the woman who looked a lot like her, but when Ciara placed her hand on mine I managed to pay some attention to her mother… while planning what or how I would react or act when I came face to face with her because there was no way we would be able to avoid each other.

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"Hello every one and a merry Christmas to all, I would like to welcome and thank everyone for being here today, well almost everyone, my eldest daughter is probably in the restroom or on the phone doing business even on this special day. I thought we should go ahead with the quick introductions and on to dinner as I do not want to keep my father…" she turned her attention to him sitting at the head of the table... "To long as he needs to be resting."

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"Thank you dear for your consideration."

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"I'd like to introduce my husband Paul Dennis… Paul I would like you to meet my father Mr Fitzpatrick McCorrigan officially and to his left is his wife Stella and her daughter McKenzie I believe the young man there is McKenzie's boyfriend Nate and to his left is Mr Dyson Thornwood, my eldest daughter who is still not present at the table husband. Father I would like you to meet, my youngest daughter Ciara_"