A/N: Ok long chapter here, been on holiday for three weeks so a super long chapter! The longest yet I think! :) Also next chapter will be up by this evening, apologies for the long upload time, its been difficult to get a good continuous storyline going, but I'm well on the way now :)
Hope you all enjoy it, and thankyou for the reviews on the last chapter, apologies again for not replying but ive been out of the uk! :( Please Read, Review & Recommend :D
Chapter 29
They had spent a good hour or so talking to after she had prepared the dinner for them and she had finally bid them goodnight around 9pm. William was sat on the sofa with Julia next to him, her legs resting across his lap. They were both reading. William a book on theoretical forensics and Julia a medical book on psychiatry. There was a gentle glow from the oil lamp beside William and they we're both sat in silence just enjoying the company of being near each other. It was a short while later that William closed his book. Julia was so engrossed she hadn't even heard him.
He watched her as the faint glow flickered across her skin and the soft highlights in her hair glimmered in the light. The faint marks left in her cheeks and neck that loosely resembled hand prints were all that we're visible from her recent ordeal. It tightened a knot in Williams throat. He gently rubbed his hand over her leg through the blanket and she looked up a little startled.
William smiled. 'I think it's time to get you to bed Doctor...' he said playfully. Julia's eyes momentarily lit up and she smiled back.
'I think your probably right detective...' she said closing her book.
She sat up and removed her legs from Williams lap, he almost immediately missed the warm contact. She placed her book on the side table and he stood up and folded the blanket. He lead her by the hand out of the living room turning out the lights on the way. He let her walk in front of him up the stairs knowing she could only take them at a slow pace.
They reached the top if the stairs and he took her hand again leading her to his bedroom. He closed the door behind him as she went to sit on the bed. He sat next to her and flicked on the oil lamp it was dim, but it was just enough light to see. He gently motioned for her to turn her back from him and he softly moved her hair to the side to reach the back of her dress. He undid the two buttons at the collar then made his way down unhooking each of the eyelets down the back of the dress. She stood up carefully when he reached the bottom and let the dress fall to her feet. He joined her then to stand and gently loosened the ribbons holding her corset together. She held her hands on her ribs and pushed gently to give more leeway. The corset slowly came apart and William didn't stop his hands from brushing the skin on her back every so often. It was an innocent gesture to help her undress but if filled them both with passionate tension. The corset fell to her feet, along with her bloomers. William couldn't help but glance down at her almost naked form. She stepped into her night gown and William pulled to smooth silk up her body and the straps over her shoulders. She turned around and helped him loosen his tie and pulled his jacket over his shoulders. He wanted to get undressed as quickly as possible and just hold her. His chest was bare as he unbuttoned his trousers and caught her eye just as he let them fall to the ground. Her eyes were dark with passion as he imagined his we're also. He slid into bed and joined her on his side.
They just stared at each other half lidded in the dim light. Julia placed her hands on his chest and brought herself closer to him, resting the most of her body against him as she could. The movements between them were timid and slow after so long apart but the passion from their times before were just simmering under the surface. He placed gentle kisses on her neck and cheek, the moment her lips found his, he was home. She was here in his arms, in his bed, in his heart. The love of her filled him completely and he had never felt more in love. Could one person possibly love another this much..? Julia moved her hands to his waist and felt the muscles contract in his abdomen. Worried she may push him too close she lay still and let him continue to kiss her neck and shoulder every so often. He moved his head back to look at her and her eyes were shining with love. A look for no-one but him. He smiled.
'I love you Julia. More than I could ever tell you.' he said in a rumbling whisper.
'And I love you William.' she replied with a smile.
With that he flicked out the light and pulled her into his arms and they both drifted off into the calmest nights sleep either of them had had in months.
The next morning William awoke to the bright sunshine blazing through a crack in the dim room. It was shining just over Julia's sleeping form that had been outlined by the blanket covering her. Her hair was draped over her shoulder and her chest rose and fell gently as she slept. William rolled over to face her and trailed a finger over her shoulder and down her arm. He brushed a tendril of hair away from her face and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She shifted in her sleep and her eyes fluttered. She opened them and a sleepy smile spread across her face. A sliver sunlight was shining straight over her face and illuminated her eyes like crystal blue diamonds. It was the most beautiful sight William had ever seen. And she was his. She scooted over to him and propped herself up on her elbow matching his own posture.
'Good Morning my Love' he said gently, she beamed.
'And Good Morning to you William...' she said with a shy giggle.
William wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him with a rumble of laughter from his chest and she gave a laugh of outrage. He pulled her on top of him and she sat astride him with the bedclothes still wrapped around her middle. He let his hands rest on her hips as hers were flat to his chest. Her hair fell down her back in a graceful tumble of curls. She lent down and placed a kiss on his lips keeping their eyes locked on each other the entire time. Their smiles and grins quickly disappeared as passion filled their eyes, both of them feeding off each others looks of love. His hands found them self too her back, gently pulling at her nightdress the feel of the silk over her warm skin was heavenly. Her hands were clasped round his face and the kisses became deeper. Julia moved her hands down to his chest and began unbuttoning his night clothes and pulling at them to get at the smooth toned skin of his chest that she craved to touch. The loneliness of the last few months, not knowing even where the other was, how close they both came to loosing one another the passion and desperation that had built up neither could push the other away. They needed each other. A need like air or water. The movements were fast and chaste but the want had overtaken the both of them. William kicked back the sheets and rolled them both over, so that he was on top. He looked down at her, Julia Ogden, his beautiful fiancé, and he felt the knot tighten in his abdomen. His body wanted to take her, take her in body, mind and soul. He wanted to pour his love into her and join them as one. But his mind. His mind was still a devout catholic, his mind was still a gentleman, not this cad that was towering over his fiancé in the throws of passion. Julia looked at him expectantly, almost watching the cogs in his mind go over and over. She put a hand to his face and her expression softened. She pulled him down to her and he tucked his head into the crook of her neck, and just whispered
'I'm sorry..'
She chuckled and shook her head,
'Oh William doesn't be sorry, your so silly. We just got a little caught up. I appreciate that you care for my approval. But everyone has primal urges William, you don't have to feel ashamed when they break loose a little...' she said with a gentle smile.
'in fact...' she continued 'I find it rather attractive, when my buttoned up detective lets a little loose when he is with me.' she said with a grin.
William just looked up and chuckled, closing his eyes and shaking his head. Julia blushed a little over letting such a confession free, but William leant down and whispered
'I'll remember that for future reference Doctor..' and she giggled again and pulled him into a hug.
It was another hour or so before they were dressed and ready. They both came downstairs William leading holding Julia's hand as she followed. Mrs. Kitchen had made them breakfast and they both thanked her as they sat down to eat. William picked up the Sunday paper and began to flick through the first few pages as Julia poured herself some tea. They both chatted and complimented cooking. The clock in the dining room chimed 10 o'clock by the time they had finished. They both bid Mrs. Kitchen goodbye and thanked her for the breakfast and they both donned their coats and scarfs and made their way out into the wintry sun. They had made the plans to meet the pastor at Williams local church today to discuss plans for their wedding.
They arrived outside the beautiful church as the pastor was just bidding everyone goodbye for their morning service. It wasn't often that William missed a Sunday service but this occasion was a special exception. The pastor bid goodbye to the last of his patrons and turned to William offering his hand and a graceful smile and nod to Julia.
'Detective Murdoch-William, how are you? It's good to see you.'
William shook the pastors hand cheerily. 'I am well Thank you Pastor Godfrey, Please I would like you to meet my beautiful fiancé Dr. Julia Ogden.' and he motioned towards Julia who took his hand while a smile.
'It's a pleasure to meet you, Pastor' she said brightly.
'And you Doctor' he replied warmly. 'Please join me inside, it's awfully chilly.' and he motioned for them to follow.
The church was quiet but almost thrumming in noise with its own stature. The sun threw the colours of the spectrum from the stain glass windows throughout the inside of the church. The bright colours touched every part of the church and William and Julia sighed in the beauty of it. They both looked at each other with beaming smiles. This is where they would be wed to one another for eternity. And the thought filled them to the brim with happiness. The pastor let them soak in the view of the church for a few minutes and then motioned from them to come into his office. They both sat behind his desk which looked out onto the church garden where they knew they wanted their service to end. They both had discussed a winter wedding and knew the snow would make a beautiful setting.
'So when are you wanting to set the date...?' the pastor asked, flicking through the pages in his diary. William looked to Julia. They had already decided a date between them. New years eve day. It was the turn of the century to 1900 and they couldn't think of a more poignant moment to be pastor smiled. He agreed that that would be an excellent date.
'I am so happy to see you've finally found someone William. It's been a long time coming and I wish you both all the happiness.' he said with a warm smile.
Julia looked to William with tears in her eyes. She gave the most almighty smile and he squeezed her hand and rubbed the pad of his thumb over the back of it. They finalised all the small details and they walked hand in hand from the church in the knowledge that they would be married in a little under a month William then lead Julia down towards the town. He made no comment as to where they were going and Julia followed. They arrived outside the dress store and Julia broke out a smile.
'William..?' she asked curiously. He just smiled and lead her inside. There were dresses lined along the walls all in white. The store clerk came over with a smile and asked how she could help.
'How can I help you both today..?' she asked cheerily William grinned,
'We plan to be married...' he said looking at Julia who returned his beaming smile. 'And I'm sure my finance would like to try some dresses and I will leave her in your capable hands.' William as he finished speaking the bell on the door tinkled and Ruby Ogden walked in.
'Ruby?' Julia exclaimed. 'Where is little Harry? And George?' she asked puzzled after they both exchanged a heartfelt hug.
'Harry is with George today, he has been taken down to the park for a stroll. I couldn't possibly let my sister try on wedding dresses without being here to give my valued opinion could I?' she said with a grin. Julia just looked to William, who had a small knowing smile playing on the corner of his lips.
'Oh William...' she said finally catching on that he had planned this all. She hugged William and gave him a kiss goodbye.
William left leaving the two women to have a day of dress shopping together. William had a mission of his own, to try and find a suit. He had enlisted the help of the inspector for just such this occasion as his knowledge on weddings was very sparse, even though he had read through several books for some kind of help. The inspector met him outside of the suit shop and greeted him with a slap on the back.
'Well me 'ol mucca! Let's get you lookin' dapper then shall we?' William just grinned. And they entered the suit shop together.
After an afternoon of some what different opinions, both suit and wedding dress was bought. William had tried to insist that he would purchase his suit and her dress but Julia insisted that she would cover it. William blanched at the idea of her paying so much. But she had insisted that her fathers money was nothing to her anymore; As was he. William knew the two sisters would never forgive their father for what he had done, and there was nothing he could do regarding the kidnapping. Mr. Ogden was too well connected. He had taken recluse in a large house he owned on the outskirts of Toronto and was rarely seen to leave it now. And William knew that Julia wouldn't speak of her father again. And he left it at that. He knew there would come a time when she would want to talk about the ordeal he put her through but until then William didn't mention the subject.
When he arrived at the dress shop with the inspector, Ruby and Julia were there waiting for them, a large dress bag draped over Julia's arm and a beaming smile on her face. William went to her and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Ruby gave him a beaming smile.
'Your going to be blown away William.' she said quietly. William smiled and glanced and Julia who was shyly looking at the floor with a smile from ear to ear.
'I do hope you like it William...' she said quietly. He went to her and said quietly out of earshot, 'You will forever take my breath away Julia.' the colour immediately rose to her cheeks and William gently grasped her hand as they all left the dress shop.
They bid goodbye to the inspector who was meeting his wife and children for lunch and Ruby who was going back to care for Harry with George. William helped put Julia's purchases on the back of the carriage and gave her a hand inside. Neither could stop grinning as they made their way back home.
The carriage came to a gentle stop outside Mrs. Kitchens boarding house and William helped Julia down, along with their packages. Mrs. Kitchen wasn't there when they arrived home but William knew she was most likely at the market or the grocers. They carried all their purchases upstairs and William had asked for the use of the spare room to keep things for their wedding in. Which of course she had no problem with. By the time they had made it downstairs still wasn't back. So William made tea and sandwiches for the both of them. He was making Julia's favourite of course, peanut butter and jelly. Julia was spreading the jam and William was doing the rest. Julia finished with the jam and licked her fingers with a half giggle. William chuckled at his future wife's adorable antics. He just watched her then chuckled and shook his head.
'What is it William..?' she said curiously with a laugh. He gently took her chin to face her he'd towards him to pull her into a loving kiss. Their lips met and he heard her sigh. He gently sucked the corner of her lip affectionately and her breath caught. When he broke the kiss her eyes had gone dark and the colour had risen in her cheeks. 'You had jam on your lip, and I simply couldn't resist...' he said quietly. She laughed and gave him another peck in the cheek.
Mrs. Kitchen arrived home just as they were finishing their lunch. With arms full of provisions. They helped her put the groceries away, and both went into the living room where William lit a fire, the sun was setting and it was beginning to get chilly. Julia picked up her book and sat down on the sofa and opened it where she left off. Every so often she would glance over the top of her book to watch William with his back to her. He had removed his suit jacket and was just wearing his loose shirt and his waistcoat. She could see the muscles in his arms and back tense and contract as he moved logs into the fireplace. She quickly averted her eyes to her book when he turned around. But a little two late and William caught her. She blushed and he let out a gentle rumble of laughter.
'We're you spying on me Doctor Ogden...?' he said putting his arms round her and pulling her towards him on the sofa, leaving one arm around her shoulder and the other resting on her lap. She grinned still not looking at him.
'I don't know what your talking about Detective Murdoch...' she said coyly. He frowned thoughtfully still watching her intently.
'Well...I must be seeing things then Doctor...do you think I'm coming down with something...?' he said again keeping a straight face. She looked at him now. Trying desperately to keep the smile from her face. She put a hand to his forehead.
'You are feeling a little warm now you mention it...any other symptoms you want to tell me about...?' she asked going along with him. William pondered for a second.
'Well now you mention it I do have this incredible need to kiss my doctor...is that a bad thing...?' he said shyly but still keeping steady eye contact. she frowned.
'Well to be honest Detective you sound like a puzzling case. Perhaps you should kiss your Doctor and see if you feel any better, if not we may have to get a better look upstairs...?' her eyes had gone dark with passion again and the light from the fire make her skin flicker with a golden glow.
Williams mouth fell open slightly at how far their game had gone. His hand tensed passionately on her thigh and her gaze momentarily flickered to it. He leaned into her and kissed her gently on the lips. His thumb rubbed back and forth over the skin on her shoulder and goosebumps erupted all over her. William had the gentlest touches but the slightest touch and her body would melt. In her mind she imagined his hands all over her bare skin on their wedding night. She stopped the thought as soon as it was there. Williams hand had moved to the back of her neck and he was moving the tendrils of hair away from her skin so he had better access. He gently felt for the pins that were holding up the long curls he adored so much. She smiled into the kiss when she realised what he was doing. Her hair tumbled down around her face and down her back and he broke the kiss to look at her. She was so beautiful and he couldn't wait for the moment she became his wife. He turned himself a little more so he was facing her now, and leant in towards her neck to shower it with kisses.
His lips and tongue found their way over her collarbone and up towards her jaw, nipping gently at the smooth skin. She shivered and her breath caught when she could feel his breath just behind her ear. The sound of his name falling from her mouth in a breathily moan took him by surprise. He had never heard such a submission from Julia before he stopped his kisses and just looked at her. Eyes closed head thrown towards the heavens and his hand supporting under her jaw. She was completely oblivious he had stopped and it wasn't until her eyes fluttered open did she realise. She looked down and the colour suddenly rose in her cheeks when she realised she had been caught in such a private moment. She didn't say anything but just took his face in her hands and kissed him. She trailed kisses down to his neck, something William hadn't experienced before, but as soon as her lips touched the sensitive skin under his jaw and neck he understood why she had moaned his name. The pleasure from her lips was almost sending him insane. She was slow and meaningful and he took her round the waist and lifted her onto his lap her kisses became deeper, her hands found his chest and he gently massaged her ribs, running his hands up and down, across her back, his thumbs occasionally skimming the underside of her breasts. She sighed in pleasure and when a rumble of a moan left his chest she kissed him deeper.
She suddenly stopped and looked at him and when he quickly came round from her ministrations he understood why. His trousers were very tight and Julia was sat directly on-top of him. She blushed heavily and he sank his head on her shoulder in shame. This was beginning to become somewhat torturous. He couldn't even have her kiss him without his body going into overdrive. She smiled and gave him a sympathetic look.
'William, I am a doctor. You act as though you are committing a cardinal sin every time we become a little too intimate...You know I'm perfectly aware of what I'm doing to you. Just because my arousal isn't physical doesn't mean it's not there...' She said gently with a smile. She stood up and his arousal was perfectly obvious and terribly uncomfortable for him. He stood up and walked to the window and put his hands on his hips breathing in and out slowly. Julia let him be for a few minutes. When he turned around he gently took her hand and she lead him towards the bedroom. Their encounters we're becoming more and more intimate. And Williams nervousness towards his wedding night was constantly playing on his mind.
The run up to Christmas was flying by for William and Julia, their ever approaching nuptials were seemingly only moments away. But being the organised people that they both were most of the details were sorted. When they awoke Christmas morning The snow was thick and the day was early, bathed in a cold wintry sun. Julia rolled over to see a tousled William sleeping soundly next to her. She cuddled into him and pulled the covers up higher. It was a chilly morning and she would quite happily spend it in bed all day with William. She felt him press a kiss to her head and heard a muffled 'Merry Christmas'. She giggled and he looked down at her and smiled sleepily.
'Merry Christmas to you too William' she said quietly and kissed him on the cheek.
The festivities were in full swing by the time midday came. Julia was helping Mrs. Kitchen with the Christmas lunch whilst Ruby, George and William all sat with baby Harry in the drawing room. There was Christmas songs playing from the gramophone and a fire was crackling on the hearth. Mrs. Kitchen had saved the star for William to do the honour of topping the tree. He walked into the kitchen and took a puzzled Julia by the hand back into the drawing room.
'William..?' she asked puzzled. He said nothing and just handed her the gold star for the top of the tree.
'But William this is yours to do every year.' she said sheepishly.
He just kissed her on the cheek and motioned for her to do the honours. Everyone had stopped to watch her do it. She turned to face the tree and raised her hands, to place the star, even on tip toes she wasn't quite tall enough, until she felt Williams hands round her waist to give her that extra boost and she placed the star proudly upon the tree. Everyone cheered and clapped.
'My very own Christmas angel..' William whispered from behind her tucking a kiss on her neck from behind. The rest of the afternoon was filled with wining and dining, they exchanged gifts over dinner but William and Julia leaving their presents for one another to exchange together later.
Ruby and George left with baby Harry around about 9pm and had gone to the evening service at the local church. William was sat with Julia in the living room with the last few embers of the fire glowing in the hearth. William handed Julia a rectangular small box wrapped neatly in Christmas paper. Julia's eyes lit up. 'William..' she said with a smile. He grinned and placed it on her lap. She gently pulled open the wrapping paper to reveal a velvet box. She opened it and a small gasp left her lips. She looked at him as the tears began to form in her eyes.
'William its beautiful...' There was a dainty silver pendant and a small filigree decorated locker on the end of it. She took the locket from its box and held it up for William to put on her. She moved her hair to the side and he lifted it over her head and gently clasped it back together on her neck. Placing a kiss on the back of her neck. The locket fell perfectly between her collar bones and complimented her skin tone beautifully. It was then her turn to hand William his present. The box was fairly large and long William pulled off the wrappings and inside was a telescope and an astrology map. William looked at Julia puzzled. She took him by the hand outside into the large garden at the back of the house.
'Find the constellation circled on the map' she said with a smile.
William studied the map and put the telescope to the stars. The night was cold and clear so they were easy to view.
'There! I found it' he said excitedly after about 10 minutes of checking and searching. Julia laughed.
'Now look under the map' she said with a grin.
He carefully lifted the map out of the box and underneath was a certificate. William quickly read through it and his eyes widened in shock.
'..Julia... How on earth did you achieve this...?' he said in awe. She smiled.
'It was a favour to be repaid from an old friend' she replied simply.
The star that twinkled blue and green and shone the brightest out of all the others was named after William Murdoch. One of the first stars to ever receive a chosen name. William pulled Julia in for a hug and kissed her fully on the lips. She chuckled gently at his forward display of affection.
'This is one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received. I don't know what to say..?' he said still a little in shock. Julia smiled.
'I'm glad you like it.' she said quietly. He pulled her in for another hug, and then went back inside with their presents for one another.
They both decided to get to bed as it was already getting late and with their fast arriving nuptials the days seemed to have less and less time for them to sort everything out.
A/N: So there we go, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter (despite the length) ;) I took a little bit of dramatic licence with Williams christmas present but I thought it would be such a perfect gift for him from Julia, I just couldnt resist! ;P
PLEASE R&R
Lois :)
