It's technically still the 16th, I just made it! Sorry about the lateness. Tomorrow's chapter will be the last.

Chapter 25

She let herself relax, loosen up over the party, John keeping by her side and making her splutter over drinks as he made one joke from the next. The dance floor was crowded and they sat at a table together, watching Katie dance with Hazel or Jake, who had come as a plus one to the party. They talked to a lot of people but overall it was quiet talk despite the booming sound of the music. Of course, they had been called up to dance first, and Clara had tried to cover up the embarrassment but as soon as she entered his embrace again she forgot about everyone and let herself sway to the music while gazing into his eyes, the particular song one that brought back nostalgia for the both of them.

'Do you remember this?' He asked.

'Of course I do. How could I forget?'

'You were drunk that night, didn't think you'd remember.'

'It would take a lot more than that to make me forget that night.'

He chuckled a little, his arms round her waist as they slow danced round the floor and he bent down to kiss her agonisingly slowly, almost in time to the music but which ravished her blissfully. They even seemed to come to a stop as he kissed her lingeringly and she opened her mouth to him, feeling the brush of his tongue explore her mouth while her hands splayed round his shoulders and up into his hair. They heard wolf whistles as they continued, the whole crowd cheering when their lips collided as the song came to an end. He was leaning over her, passion overriding them both but just about keeping it in check so they didn't completely make fools out of themselves. They parted, she straightened and even before the next song came on John lifted Hazel into his arms and carried her back over to her. They danced together, Hazel enjoying it immensely as she bounced in time to the beat upon her father's hip and waltzed around the dance floor on his shiny black shoes, which had made Clara laugh at the very sight. The crowd had filled up again on the dance floor and everyone found someone to dance with as the second slow song was played. They had handed Hazel to Dave, who had set her to rest in her buggy after all the dancing had eventually tired her out. Dancing again together his eyes had gleamed in the luminescent lights.

'So, Mrs Smith, what do you say to a two holiday to France, hm? Told you I'd make it happen.'

She laughed jovially, kissing him in gratitude and hugging him close to her and letting her head drop to his shoulder. He always found a way to impress her one way or another.

'Who's looking after Hazel and Katie?'

'Your dad.'

'God, it will be so peaceful.' She exclaimed, to which he nodded thoroughly in reply.

Her eyes wandered over the mass of couples dancing and spotted Katie by the back, arms locked around Jake. She smiled at the pair, both of them talking while swaying from spot to spot. She never thought she would ever see Katie so happy with anyone, and Jake himself looked genuinely pleased to be there with her.

'Look,' she said softly, 'Katie and Jake are over there.'

'His head turned toward the teenagers, watching as Katie leaned in closer to him and Jake laugh at something she said.

'I'm glad she's found Jake,' he said finally, 'he's a nice boy, treats her like he should. They're a good couple already, aren't they?'

'Yeah, they've been together for over a year now.'

Jake suddenly kissed her as the song ended, Katie responding just as enthusiastically.

'Well, as long as he knows that's the only thing I'll tolerate.' He said in a mockingly strict voice. She laughed, turning her eyes to him.

'Let them be. They've been together for ages, he's practically part of the family already.'

'Well, I have told you how that school of ours works. It's a whole matchmaking institution.'

'It certainly is.'

After the next song had played they returned back to their seats, rocking Hazel gently in her buggy to soothe her.

'Do you want another drink?'

'Yeah.'

He walked off to the bar and her dad stole his seat, peering a moment at Hazel before meeting her eyes with a grin.

'Have you had a good night?'

'Yeah, definitely. I still can't wrapt head round the fact I'm now married to him,' she said, turning behind her to watch him ordering drinks.

'I was the exact same. I could hardly believe it.'

'Was this with Linda or mum?'

'Your mum, of course. Had me so nervous. She would be so proud of you right now, Clara. She would have liked John a lot too.'

'Dad, as much as I know a wedding day is emotional, don't make me cry.' She chuckled, eyes already beginning to feel wet.

'Okay,' he agreed, watching as she thought deeply about her mother, a and he generously hugged her comfortingly. Luckily she wasn't crying but thinking about the life she could have had, about how she would have been there right now, was always something Clara struggled to look past, especially at occasions like this.

He smiled when she drew away, his hands placed on her shoulder. 'I'll stop talking, let you enjoy the rest of your night properly.'

'No, it's alright,' she said, sitting back down in her seat, 'I have trouble sometimes with so many memories. Tonight's not an exception.'

'I know what you mean, Clara. Almost every night, I think just a moment about her. And I love Linda a lot too but my regret was not getting you used to the idea of remarriage so soon. Maybe I did it too early, but I remember feeling so hurt I just needed someone there again, and Linda was always there for me.'

'Dad, I understand. I just never got on with Linda.'

'One of my biggest regrets,' he admitted, turning to watch Katie walk over to them, Jake's hand in hers and smiling vivaciously, 'but I know that you'll be an even better stepmother to Katie.'

She smiled at that as John came back with the drinks.

'Who said my name?' Katie asked curiously.

'I did.'

'Oh. I just wanted to you know, congrats and all that bullshit.'

'Katie!' The three of them admonished, Jake joining in.

'Sorry, I thought you were off duty.'

'We're never off duty, Katie,' John said, 'being a teacher sticks with you wherever you go.'

'Jake wants to be a...what was it again?'

'Science teacher and astrologist.'

'Basically something boring.'

They all laughed. 'Its a good profession. Are you wanting to teach at high schools, universities?' John asked.

'Yeah, I'd like to teach at universities.'

'Good choice.'

Her dad handed her two plane tickets from the inside of his jacket.

'You leave tomorrow.'

She took them in hand, looking up excitedly at John.

'He insisted he pay for most of it. Don't know why.'

'I do.' She said, watching his eyes glimmer in bemusement.

'But just in case, we need to check,' he turned to Katie, 'you don't have any gigs at all that I need to pay for, no trips or other plans that might interfere with this?'

Playing along she shook her head. 'No, no, I don't think so.'

'Good. At least we know we'll be going for definite this time.' He chuckled.

She balanced her head on his shoulder, watching everyone still dancing energetically. She couldn't wait to be in France with her husband.

••••

As soon as they had opened the door to their hotel room they were kissing each other with a wild passion they had hardly been able to show since Hazel was born and since she had been sleeping in their room. And this was the part she had been anticipating the most. John had discarded their luggage on the floor and one look at each other confirmed what they were both thinking. His arms were suddenly wrapped round her body and his lips were crushing hers with a driving force that had accumulated most likely with lust. With a teenager, a one year old and a dedicating job alone time was as something as simple as having a cup of tea than bedroom activity. With a fervent force she didn't know she possessed she pushed him up against the wall and let her hands explore. His eagerness matched hers equally and he impatiently removed his shirt and bow tie. Clara pulled him closer to her, looking down at his thin and pale chest as he smiled seductively at her. Unable to resist she flattened herself flush against him, grinding onto him, satisfied with herself when he moaned into her mouth. She pressed a little harder until it became too much for the both of them and John lifted her legs round his waist and kissed a butterfly trail round her neck and down to the neckline of her dress. Her eyes almost rolled up into her skull as she looked up to the ceiling and challenged herself with considering a heaven even remotely compatible with this sensation. His lips on her skin was something she had craved particularly and she let out a small gasp as his mouth grazed her ear. His hands were fondling her thighs and she could feel the desire burn exactly where she wanted him, needed him. Her lips attached to his and cupped both his cheeks with exigency. She flicked her shoes from her feet, feeling his hands slowly unzip the back of her dress and let it slide down her shoulders in a most appealing way. His lips sucked at the sensitive flesh at the side of her neck and she threw her head back instantly in response as another moan came over her. He began walking forward, carrying her to the edge of the bed where he lowered her down into the sheets and slowly climbed over her on all fours, making Clara giggle from beneath him. He impatiently cast away her dress and she in return fiddled with the buttons on his trousers and eventually everything else. Skin on skin, pants and breaths singing out in unison like a chorus. Her hands roamed south and grasped him fully to where he elicited a loud groan in encouragement. He was already hard and twitching under the influence of her touch. Smiling teasingly she began to stroke him, observing the flustered look on his face and she squeezed harder, stimulating something of a sound halfway between a sigh and a groan. It made her want him more than anything, and that burning desire was quashed gratifyingly when she guided him to her entrance, letting him plunge deep inside her with a heavy exhale of breath. She loved the way he looked, hair ruffled, face red with exertion and that look of pleasure on his. Her fingernails dug deep into his back as his fingers tugged on her hair and he thrust deeper and harder, making her whimper. She sighed in contentment, realising how much she had missed it and just how good it was. His tongue drove deeper into her mouth and a battle of domination came into play as she rolled him on his back so she was on top of him. She sank down on him, rocking fast against him and hitting that sweet spot that drive the both of them crazy. His thrusts met hers, hands squeezing her breasts and she loved the way their hips aligned to each others, her hands anchoring into his hair for support. He stared at her through hooded eyes as he thrust deeper into her and her breaths became ragged. He whispered her name into her ear, making her shudder as the wave of her orgasm finally rolled over her in a burst of bittersweet sensation and John let out a gravelly moan as his own hit him at the same moment. It felt amazing, better than she had ever remembered and love coursed through her as she collapsed atop him. He smiled at her in admiration, a grin that sent her heart pounding against her chest even faster than it already was. His cosseting arms wrapped round her body and he kissed her head as her eyes closed in delight.

'Fourteen nights of this, I know what heaven is.' He said, making her smile.

'It was even better than I remembered.'

'Maybe because last time was a huge rush. We only had five minutes until your dad dropped Hazel back.'

She grinned wickedly at the memory. 'Now that's something I remember very well.' She giggled.

'But we have all the time in the world here, no one to disrupt us, no demands and no work, just you and me,' he stroked her hair, and Clara smiled sleepily, revelling in how comfortable and warm his chest was.

'God, I love you, John.'

He looked down at her. 'I love you too.' He replied, lifting her chin to kiss her lingeringly, tenderly, consecrate every part of her mouth with his touch. She moaned into his mouth lightly, and his chuckle exhilarated her.

'Round two?'

'Uh huh.' Was all she could utter as he turned her over into the sheets.

Everyone was waiting for them, her father grinning, holding Hazel in his arms and Katie standing by their side. She grinned, walking faster to them and immediately taking Hazel, her little arms and legs swinging.

'Mama back.'

'We missed you so much.' She said, holding onto her tighter. John embraced Katie and then took Hazel as she greeted her dad, hugging him too.

'Did you have a good time?'

'Yeah, it was brilliant, but we couldn't wait to get home to all of you.'

'I bet it was nice to get a bit of peace, though.'

'As much as we loved it, it was just too quiet.' She laughed.

'Did you see any sights?' Katie asked as she hugged her. Clara met John's eyes in silent understanding. They had seen the beach, the pool, some of the shops but had mostly stayed inside.

'Well, it was a much more of a pool and beach holiday.'

'Ah.'

'Have you been good?'

'Of course I have.' She said indignantly. Clara looked at her dad for confirmation.

He laughed as he replied. 'Yeah, they've both been good, Katie's helped out. Hazel missed you a lot though, asked everyday when you were coming back.'

'Aww,' John exclaimed, jogging Hazel on his hip, 'we thought about you everyday. In fact, we got you some presents out there.'

'Dad, do you mind driving back? We're both really tired out.'

'No problem.' He agreed.

They walked out of the airport, Katie asking questions and Hazel rambling on about something to John, she knew that however nice it was to get away, it was even better being back with her family.