Chapter Seven
The Wedding
7th installment of the New Orleans Saga. Max has a surprise wedding planned for Fran. Can he pull it off?
Still don't own these characters . Most of the locations mentioned are real. If you're in the area, check 'em out! At least I still own the boat!
For the first time since they arrived in Louisiana, Fran awoke first. She quietly stretched, kissed Max gently, and carefully got out of the berth. She could feel a gentle breeze rocking the boat. Moving slowly to the galley, she picked up the coffee pot and brewed the coffee for the two of them. She slipped on her bikini, pulled on a pair of shorts, and went outside and sat in the cockpit while waiting for it to brew. It was a beautiful day, just a few light clouds and a gentle breeze, with a hint of the coming summer in the air. She sat outside until the smell of the coffee drifted up to meet her, then went inside and poured herself a large mug. Max was still sleeping, so she popped in a Diana Krall CD, turned on the outside speakers, and climbed back into the cockpit to get some early morning sun with her coffee. She watched the sunlight dancing on the water, sparkling like a thousand diamonds. This was the first time she'd stopped to think about all the things that had happened in her life lately. She smiled. All she was supposed to do was come down to New Orleans, sign some papers, and collect an inheritance. No one said a thing about a sailboat, and she never expected her boss to tag along to keep her out of trouble. Now, here she was, sitting on the deck of her boat, while the man she loved more than her own life, now her fiancée, was sleeping peacefully inside. The boat rocked a little. Well, maybe he's not sleeping after all. She peeked inside to see him slowly getting out of the berth.
Max awoke to the gentle sounds of jazz. The smell of coffee brewing filled the air. He slowly opened his eyes and reached for Fran. Where was she? He couldn't believe she was up already. They'd been out dancing until late last night. Did she suspect something? He rolled over and looked out into the cabin of the boat. The cockpit door was ajar, she must be outside. He started to get up, and saw her smiling face peering in at him.
She bounded down the stairs to greet him. "Good morning, Sweetie!" She poured him a cup of coffee and planted a huge kiss on his lips.
"You're up awfully early!"
"I'm sorry, did I wake you? I tried to put the outside speakers on."
"No, Darling, you didn't wake me. But what a nice way to wake up, coffee, jazz, who's that, Diana Krall?
"Yes, I just love her!" "Get dressed, come outside with me. It's beautiful!" She tossed him his swim trunks. He pulled them on and followed her into the cockpit. He sat leaning on the bulkhead, and pulled her over to him. She sat in between his legs, leaning back against his chest. "Oh, Max! I wish we could stay like this forever. It's so beautiful here! Of course, we'd need a bigger boat for the kids. There's a big one on the next dock for sale!" She giggled. "Can you imagine us and the kids living on a sailboat, cruising away whenever we feel like it?"
"That's actually not a bad idea, Darling. I'm not suggesting we live on it full time, but what a great experience for the children."
She turned around to look at him. "Oh, yeah, they'd love experiencing sanding, varnishing, waxing. Haven't you ever watched Captain Ron? Wait, I think we have that movie downstairs, you are gonna watch that, mista, maybe it'll bring you back to your senses. The little boy in that movie reminds me SO much of B!"
"It's something for the family to discuss, anyway. Maybe leave it in the islands somewhere and fly down to use it. We could still keep this boat in New York for everyday use."
"Every day use? Do you really think you are gonna make time for sailing once we get home? That Diver Dave guy and his wife are gonna schlep this boat up there, and it's probably gonna just sit."
"Darling, it's YOUR boat, you know how to sail now, you'll have plenty of time." Oh, be quiet Maxwell, you're saying too much again. You have almost 11 hours until the wedding, and you're going to blow the surprise!
"OH, sure, between schlepping the kids around, running your errands, doing the shopping, I'm going to find time to go sailing."
"Well, we'll make time." Change the subject, Max. "So, I thought we'd head out to the mall today, do a bit of shopping. I've run you all over the place, maybe I can pamper you a bit. Maybe a facial, get your nails done, buy you some new clothes, new shoes. What do you say?"
"Really? You'd really go to the mall with me?" She turned around and wrapped her legs around him. "You are wonderful, you know that?" "So, what time does the mall open?"
"Nine, but there's an IHOP out there, feel like your favorite little pancakes with the pineapple smile?"
She hopped up. "You bet! I'll be ready in a few minutes!" She hurried down the stairs and into the shower. Nothing like a shopping trip to get that woman moving.
While she was in the shower, Max consulted the phone book. There had to be a day spa in this town. He found one, and called to make an appointment. He could get a couples massage, Jacuzzi, hair, nails and make up all done here. This would be there last stop before heading across the lake.
She emerged from the shower as he was hanging up the phone. "Who was that?"
Once again, he had to think fast. "Oh, that was Dave, he and his wife will be by to look at the boat in the next couple of days. They actually live in this marina, but they're out of town right now." Mental note, Max. Call Diver Dave!
"Oh, it'll be good to get the boat checked out before they sail it home. So, what should I wear?"
"Just put on something comfortable, you'll be trying on clothes. Maybe one of your sun dresses?"
"As long as you promise to behave yourself, mista!" She knew those dresses turned him on.
Max drove the back way to the mall, passing a quiet marina, nestled in a bayou. After stuffing herself with pancakes, Fran was in full shopping mode. After 2 hours, Max knew she must have found every bargain in Northshore Mall, but he had one stop of his own to make. He deposited her at Suncoast, with directions to pick out some new DVDs for the children. He hurried across the way to Victoria's Secret for a wedding night surprise for her. Not that she needed new negligees, but every bride deserves something special for her wedding night. He picked out a beautiful robe and gown set, and rushed back to join her in the video store. She eyed his package suspiciously.
"What's that?"
"A surprise."
"For who?"
"For you. For later. Now, no more questions, you don't want to spoil your surprise, do you?"
She pouted for a second, and then grabbed another handful of movies for the kids. "No, I guess not. Don't I even get a little hint?"
"Not even a tiny one. Are we done here?"
"I guess so, I think I've been in every store."
"I have another surprise for you, let's get these things back to the car." On the way to the car, he told her about the spa visit he'd planned for them. To say that she was thrilled would be an understatement.
"Oh, Max! It sounds so romantic! So relaxing! I tell ya, after the last few days we've had, this sounds like just what we need!"
He drove them to the Old Towne section of Slidell, where they easily found the spa. They were escorted to a private room with two tables. After changing into large fluffy towels, they were instructed to lay on the tables, where they were treated to a wonderful massage, with scented oils. Max couldn't help but chuckle as he heard gently snoring coming from Fran's table after a few minutes. She was definitely relaxed. Once their massages were complete, the technician opened a sliding door, revealing a large Jacuzzi tub. She lit the aromatherapy candles, and invited the couple to use the tub for washing off the massage oils. She laid two fluffy white robes over a chair, and pointed to a switch on the wall.
"Take your time, and when you're done, just flip this switch, and we'll come get you for the rest of your treatment".
Fran and Max entered the tub room, and the technician closed the door behind them. They removed their towels and Max helped her into the tub. He turned on the jets before he followed her. She was sitting on the far side of the tub, head back, eyes closed. Her hair was falling in ringlets around her face. He moved slowly over to her, and kissed her gently.
"Enjoying your surprise, darling?"
She nodded. "I gotta tell ya, honey, I didn't think you had this kind of surprise in ya!" She put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "You can surprise me any day!" She kissed him passionately, and as she did, Max eased them backwards. She sat on his lap, wrapping her legs around him as he slowly rinsed her with the warm, fragrant water. "Mmmm, Maxwell, I could get used to this!"
"We do have a Jacuzzi at home, darling."
"Yes, I know, but I've only been in it with you one time, and it sure wasn't like THIS!" She pulled herself closer and laid her head against his chest. "Yes, I could definitely get used to this!"
They sat cuddled close together for a few minutes, then slowly began rinsing the oils off one another, carefully caressing each other's bodies. Max was again kicking himself for holding her at arm's length for so long. He'd wasted so much time, well that was about to stop. He intended on spoiling his wife every day for the rest of their lives. He glanced over at the clock on the wall, and realized they were running out of time, they still had Fran's facial and their hair to get done. Max looked deep into Fran's eyes, and pulled her in for a passionate kiss, though both of them wanted more. "Sweetheart, I think it's time to get out, you're starting to wrinkle!"
She looked down at her hands and sighed. "Oh, I know, but I could just stay like this with you forever". Max climbed out of the tub and wrapped a towel around himself before helping Fran out. He slowly dried her off before helping her on with her robe. He changed into his robe, and flipped the switch, to notify the technician they were ready for the next phase of treatment.
They were led into the next room, where Fran received a deep pore facial, and Max was talked into an exfoliating facial. The technician talked Fran into having her hair done in long curls. Max had told the spa of the surprise wedding, so they chose a style she'd be able to work with herself. After Fran's hair was complete, they were served lunch, then Fran's makeup was applied. Max took this opportunity to call the Hilton to check on the family. Everyone had arrived and checked in. Niles was getting a huge bonus when they got home. Max returned to check on Fran. She was breathtaking, even more than usual. Today, she positively glowed, almost as if she knew it was her wedding day. She was going to be a beautiful bride.
As they got into the car to leave, Max told Fran of another surprise he had in store for her. "I thought we'd drive into New Orleans for dinner tonight, how does that sound?"
"Sounds great! Any place in particular?"
"No, I thought we'd head on across the lake and walk around, see what we feel like."
She snuggled close to him and kissed his cheek. "I like the way you think, Mista! Boy, you feel soft!" She reached up and caressed his face. This was not the same man she'd brought down here from New York. Must be something in the water in the south, she'd have to make sure she ordered some to take home. She laid her head on his shoulder, smiling as she sighed. "I love you so much, Max".
He laid his hand on her thigh and squeezed gently. "I love you."
Traffic was lighter than usual, so they made it across the bridges into the city in no time. Max pulled the car into a parking lot close to the French Market, on the opposite side of the Quarter from their hotel, so Fran wouldn't accidentally see someone she knew. Niles would collect the car later. They walked arm in arm through the streets, wandering into shops and galleries they'd missed on their last trip. Max bought Fran some beautiful vintage earrings that he knew would look perfect with her wedding dress. At fifteen minutes to five, his phone beeped. Max looked down and saw one word. Delivered. This was the cue from Violet's. The wedding dress was on the boat.
Fran looked at him. "Wrong number, honey?"
"Yes, yes, it must have been". He fumbled with the phone in his pocket to clear the message.
"Sweetie, hand me your phone a sec, I wanna call Ma. I haven't talked to her since we left New York." For the first time, Max didn't mind her calling home. No one would be there. She dialed and listened, then handed him back the phone, frowning. "They aren't home, Daddy must have taken Ma out to dinner. I'll try again later, remind me."
Max looked at his watch, it was time to get over to the pickup point for the horse and carriage. He led her up and down streets, pretended to shop, until they reached their destination. The carriage was already there. "How does a carriage ride sound before dinner? I know you didn't like the mules, but I thought this would remind you of home."
"You are just full of surprises today, aren't you? What am I going to do with you?" She lowered her voice and breathed into his ear. "Well, I know what I'm going to do with you when we get back to the boat tonight!" She kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand.
Max helped her into the carriage and climbed in beside her. The driver took them on a tour of the French Quarter, explaining the historical significance of several buildings along the way. Then he headed up Decatur, and turned on Toulouse St. Fran's eyes got wider as they got closer to the river. "Oh, look, Max, he's taking us along the river!" Then she saw the steamboat. She was like a little girl. "Oh, look a paddle wheeler!" The driver turned the carriage along the wharf and stopped in front of the steamboat. Fran's mouth formed a perfect 'O'.
Max stood up as the driver helped Fran from the carriage. He climbed out and gave her a gentle kiss. "I thought we might take a dinner cruise, if you're up for it." He held out his elbow to her.
"I don't know what to say! Yes, I'd love to take the dinner cruise!" She linked her arm through his as they boarded the boat.
They were met by the captain, who welcomed them aboard, and then introduced them to their cruise director, who was actually their wedding coordinator. Niles had taken care of every detail, making sure Fran was clueless until the last possible second. They were escorted to a private room, where they found champagne waiting for them. After Max toasted his bride, he opened the closet to reveal the dress. It was beautiful, beaded with lace, and it looked like something out of a fairy tale. As Fran inspected the dress, she heard the door open. She turned around to face her mother, grandmother and best friend. The four women jumped up and down and hugged each other
"Ma! What are you doing here? I just tried to call you and Daddy!"
Before Sylvia could answer, the door opened again, and Morty and a grinning Niles came in. "Max! What's going on?"
Max looked at everyone and nodded. They all yelled "Surprise!" This is when the wedding coordinator appeared with the bride's bouquet and the boutonnière for Max.
"Everything is ready, Mr. Sheffield." She stood smiling, waiting for the realization to sink in.
Fran's eyes filled with tears. "Max?"
He took her in his arms. "It's our wedding, Darling!"
She looked around the room at her family. "How...when?"
"I called Niles from the boat earlier in the week, told him what I wanted, and where I wanted it, and he made all the arrangements." He looked at his trusted friend. "I owe you big, old man!"
"My pleasure, Sir!" He still couldn't believe this was actually happening.
Sylvia ushered the men out of the room. "Now, let us get the bride ready, she'll see you in a few minutes!"
"Oh, Ma! I can't believe he did all this! He's been acting funny for the last few days, on the phone more, and trying to keep me busy so I wouldn't call home. And look at this dress! I saw this dress in a store in the Quarter! How did he know? And today, the spa, the facial, the hair, the makeup. I had no idea he could be so romantic!"
"Now, Fran, stop crying, your eyes will be all red for your wedding. When Niles called us, we were as shocked as he was. But then he explained everything, about how he tried to push you two together, and the boat. How could he help but admit he loves you when he's that close to you!"
The girls got Fran dressed and pulled up her hair, letting part of it fall in soft ringlets. They escorted her out to the area where the private ceremony was to take place. Max was waiting in his tuxedo. Did he look delicious, or what? It was a simple ceremony; Val was the maid of honor, Niles the best man. Fran was numb through the whole thing, she'd played it out so many times in her head, she couldn't believe it was real this time. Then she heard the words she'd dreamed of for so long.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Sheffield!"
She was married to the man of her dreams. Was this real? Max picked her up and twirled her around. "I love you, Mrs. Sheffield!" It sure felt real. They were escorted into a private dining room, where they found a beautiful wedding cake waiting, along with a delicious looking buffet. They were presented with souvenir champagne flutes for their toast. This was definitely real. After the pictures, the family sat down to their dinner, and Max was able to take Niles aside.
"What happened to C.C., didn't she come with you?"
"Yes, sir, she did, but she said she had something to do before the wedding, and she took a cab from the hotel. I haven't seen her since."
"Well, after dinner, see if you can find her, will you? She shouldn't be alone out there".
Niles smiled. C.C. Babcock could handle herself, he was sure of that. He was also pretty sure of where she was heading. "Of course, Sir, as soon as I retrieve your car."
Max rejoined his wife at the table. After dinner, they took a long walk around the deck, enjoying the view of the Mississippi River. The two hour cruise ended much too quickly for them, and it was time to head to the hotel.
"Oh, Max, I hate to leave everyone so soon, but we can't fit all of them on the boat!"
"That's why I booked us suites at the Hilton, right across the parking lot." He smiled at his wife. He'd never seen her look more beautiful. They walked hand in hand across the parking lot to the hotel. They stopped at the front desk to check in, and Fran smiled as Max signed the register as Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell B. Sheffield. He led her to the elevators and took her in his arms as the doors closed behind them. The elevator took them to the penthouse suite. As the doors opened, Max swept his bride into his arms and carried her inside. There was soft music playing, candles lit everywhere, and champagne chilling. Max deposited Fran on the bed and stared deeply into her eyes. "I love you so much, Mrs. Sheffield!"
"And I love YOU! I can't believe you did all this for me, for us. You are amazing, you know that?"
Max reached over and picked up a box from under the bed. "This is for you, my darling!"
She opened the box to reveal a beautiful nightgown and robe. "Oh, Max, it's beautiful! It's perfect!" She got up and moved towards the bathroom. "I'll be right back, sweetie!" She disappeared into the room and closed the door behind her.
Max began to change from his tuxedo into the robe the hotel had provided. He looked around the room. Niles definitely earned his bonus this time. He walked over to the window that looked out over the French Quarter. 'I hope Niles can find CC', he thought. 'I wonder what got into her today'.
Meanwhile, several blocks away, Niles was making his way to where he was sure he'd find Miss Babcock. He's walked over and retrieved Max and Fran's rental car, and parked it at the hotel, then headed for Pat O'Brien's Pub. C.C. had been talking about this place and its famous Hurricane drinks with a gentleman at the bar in the hotel. Shortly after that, she made her escape in a cab. She had to be there. He walked up St. Peter Street, and just as he crossed Bourbon, he heard a familiar voice coming from the piano bar. Oh, God, she was singing! He entered the carriageway and looked into the bar. There she was, sitting at the piano on the left. The servers were trying to coax her off the stage, but she wasn't budging. What on earth was she singing? Was that a Hank Williams Jr. song? Family Tradition? He made his way through the crowd and stood where she could see him.
"Butler boy!" C.C. grabbed the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce my best friend, Niles DeButler!" She stood up and tried to give him a hug, and collapsed in his arms. She steadied herself, and reached back up on the piano for her drink. "Wait, can't forget my fruit punch! Have you TRIED these?" She handed the drink to Niles, who took a sniff and realized these things were almost pure rum. As she left the stage, she received a standing ovation from the contingent of LSU students sitting in the back of the room. She took a bow, and stumbled over to her table in the middle of these children. God, she was old enough to be their mother! There were four empty Hurricane glasses on her table; he hoped she hadn't drank all of those herself! "Niles, Niles, come meet my friends!" She was throwing her arms around these college boys, making a total fool of herself.
"Miss... C.C., come on, come with me. Mr. Sheffield is looking for you. He's worried about you."
"He doesn't want me. He wants HER! It took me four years after Sarah died, and I was just making headway with him...then SHE came into our lives...with her tiny waist and her long legs, batting her big brown eyes at him, prancing around the house half dressed."
"I don't think she wants to go with you, Pops!" A young man in a LSU t-shirt stood up and stepped between C.C. and Niles.
Niles completely ignored the boy. "C.C., come with me, I'll buy you a drink!" She stood up and fell forward again. He steadied her, and then put an arm around her. "Come on, Brunette, let's get out of here!" She allowed him to lead her out the door and out onto St. Peter Street. She could hear music coming from several clubs.
"Dance with me, Tidy Bowl!" She turned and put her arms around him and began to dance in the middle of the street. She tried to pull him into the first dance club she saw. As they stepped inside, Niles knew he had to get her out of there. He looked around, saw the state of undress of the girls on the stage, and the sign that read "Amateur Night". No, indeed, this was not good. C.C. was already heading for the stage, unbuttoning her jacket.
Niles rushed over and spun her around. "Oh, no you don't!" He got a look at her white lace camisole and licked his lips. She was one beautiful woman! "Let's go find another club. I promise I'll take you dancing, just not here." As much as he loved playing jokes on her, this one would be just too cruel. He reached down and buttoned up her jacket, then smiled at her. "We don't want to scare anyone, now, do we?" He led her back out onto the street and headed towards the hotel. As they crossed Bourbon St., she pulled away from him and headed for the next dance club. The music was loud, and the dancers had spilled out onto the street. She pushed her way inside, Niles right behind her. She was definitely out of her element here; this was more of Fran's type of place. She turned around and stopped abruptly, causing Niles to run right into her. She grabbed him by his tie and pulled him onto the dance floor.
"Let's go, Servant!" She began imitating the dance moves of the other dancers, moving her body closer and closer into his. As she danced, she began moving her hands along his torso, down to his hips, pulling him into her. This was a C.C. Babcock he'd never seen. She was totally uninhibited, having the time of her life. Too bad she wouldn't remember a thing in the morning! After several dances, she was thirsty, and looking for another drink. Niles went to the bar and ordered her a fruit juice and soda. It tasted like a real drink, but would help to rehydrate her. He also got some aspirin from the bartender. He knew she'd need to get a head start on her hangover. A couple of hours later, she was bored with this club, and let Niles out onto Bourbon Street, looking for more action. She pulled him into the Panda Bear, and suggestively showed him several of the naughty outfits hanging on the wall. He saw a sign for the leather shop upstairs.
"Come on, Babcock, let's go upstairs and have some fun!" He led her up the narrow stairs to the leather store. It was like taking a child into a candy store! She purchased a leather bustier, and had fun trying out the whips, although he was able to talk her out of that purchase, mainly for self-preservation. She decided to leave the bustier on with her skirt, and put her camisole and jacket in the bag. They went back downstairs, and Niles made a couple of purchases before they left the store. Right next door to the Panda Bear was another dance club, and before he knew it, C.C. was inside on the dance floor. He followed her in and joined her on the floor. She was amazing, she pulled him close while they danced, drawing a crowd and applause from the younger set. A couple of hours and several bottles of water later, she began to sober up a bit, and she walked off the dance floor and sat down.
"Oh, Niles, my head!" He produced two more aspirins from his jacket and handed them to her. She started to make a sarcastic remark, and then caught the sympathetic look on his face. "Thanks."
"Do you think you could manage something to eat?" She nodded, and looked down at her clothing.
"I didn't go out wearing this, did I?"
He held up her bag from the store next door. "No, you bought that next door a few hours ago. Very flattering!"
"It looks like something Nanny Fine would wear!" Then she remembered what set her off this afternoon. "I missed the wedding didn't I? Maxwell will be so hurt, but I just couldn't watch him marry someone else...again!" Large tears started to well up in her eyes. Niles actually felt sorry for her. She'd loved his boss for so long, first watched him marry Sarah, and stood by him during his mourning. Then she watched as Fran Fine came into his life, and he slowly fell in love with her. She knew it had been a mistake for him to come to New Orleans with that woman. Now, she'd lost him for a second, and probably, last time. "Oh, Niles, what's wrong with me?"
"I don't know what you mean! You're attractive, you're smart, you could have any man you set your sights on. You just chose to set them on a man who was not available. Didn't you see the way the men were looking at you tonight? It's time to get on with your life! Now, come on, I'll buy you dinner." He took her by the hand and led her outside. They walked quietly hand in hand through the French Quarter, looking for a place to catch a late night meal. They found Patout's Cajun Cabin open, and it looked like a nice place. There was a band playing authentic Cajun music, so they decided to go inside and try it out. They decided on the Paw Paw's Cajun Sampler for two, which gave them each gumbo, alligator boudin, jambalaya, crawfish pie, fried shrimp, and bread pudding, none of which either of them had tried before. C.C. couldn't get enough of the food. Niles started to tell her that she looked like Fran, the way she was eating, but decided that the evening was going well, and he wasn't going to spoil it. After dinner, they sat and enjoyed their coffee, and finally gave into encouragement from the band, and got up and played the rub-boards. When they finished, they were both laughing so hard they were almost crying. Niles took her hand and asked her "Who are you?"
She laughed. "I don't even know anymore! Niles, I'm really having a good time. Thanks for coming to get me!" She left her hand in his and squeezed it.
"What do you say I get you back to the hotel? Mr. Sheffield wants everyone to have breakfast together tomorrow morning."
"You're right. I can't avoid them forever. And I DO owe Maxwell an apology."
Niles stood up and helped her to her feet. "I don't think he's expecting an apology, he was just concerned about you, is all. So was I." He pulled her jacket out of the bag. "Do you want to put this on over that?"
She smiled brightly at him. "I thought you liked this!"
He returned the jacket to the bag. "I do, leave the jacket off!" He put his arm around her and led her towards the door, stopping to purchase a CD of the band. They walked arm in arm back to the hotel, and Niles escorted her to her room.
"Do you want to come in for a nightcap?" She hadn't seen Niles like this, so sweet, so caring, she really didn't want the evening to end. He knew he shouldn't, but he followed her into her room. She was in a vulnerable state, and not entirely sober, he didn't want to take advantage of her. She walked to the bar and poured them each a drink. She handed him his glass and touched hers to it. "Friends?"
"Friends."
"Niles, I really don't want to be alone tonight. Please stay with me, just hold me." She began to cry again. Here was another side of her he'd never seen before. He took her in his arms and held her close to him. There was no way he could leave her like this tonight.
Across the hall, Fran Sheffield stirred in her sleep. Her husband opened his eyes and watched his bride. He reached over and brushed the tendrils of hair out of her eyes. She was the most beautiful he'd ever seen her. He moved his fingers slowly down her face, causing her eyes to flutter open. Her brown eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "Hi, Mr. Sheffield."
"Hi, Mrs. Sheffield." He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Just two weeks ago, they had been in New York, and she was his nanny. Now, after a week in New Orleans, she was his wife. They'd made love before today, but now, as husband and wife, everything was different. He couldn't get enough of this woman. They made love between brief naps throughout the night, finally falling into a deep, exhausted sleep at close to 4am, dreaming of the rest of their lives together.
