TALES FROM THE CITADEL CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
THE COMMISSIONERS DAUGHTER
CHAPTER EIGHT
Warning M rated chapter.
The AT-37 safely in its' hanger, Rick walked out of the hanger and barely had time to set his bags on the ground, when he was engulfed in a cloud of perfume and nearly knocked over by three feminine bodies crashing into him at once. Alexis had forfeited pride of place to Erin, who hit him in the center and immediately lock his mouth with hers, kissing him fiercely, possessive.
Alexis and Nikki were on either side of him, kissing his cheeks.
The kisses lasted far longer than was strictly proper in public. Not just Erin. Neither teen wanted to let go either. As they finally separated and walked to the car, he would have been surprised at what ran through Nikki's mind. Is it true? Will Rick really be forever for Mom and I? God, I want it to be. He loves Mom, I know he does. I know he adores Alexis. Will he love me too? I so much want to call him Dad. I want to say Daddy's home. My father never acted like Daddy. Not even much like a father. At that moment, Rick looked down and caught the wistful look on Nikki's face. He stopped.
"What' the matter Nikki? You looked sad for a moment." Nikki didn't want to admit her exact thoughts.
"I'm so happy at the loft, I don't want to leave." Rick put his hands on her shoulders.
"Why do you think you'd have to leave?"
"I saw my father yesterday. He said that you just want to get Mom in bed then I'll have to leave."
Rick's face tightened and he visibly had to control his temper.
"Nikki, I hate to say this, but your father is a liar. I promised your mother, forever. That includes you too. The loft is now your home, if you want it to be. I want you and your mom to move all the rest of your things into the loft, right away. As soon as things settle down, I will marry your mom, if she'll have me. Erin interrupted.
"If that's a proposal, I accept, but you're still have to do it right. Get me a ring and get down on one knee, in front of my family."
"Today is Saturday, love, Is next Saturday night too soon? You can tell the rest of the family that it's a welcome home party, and we'll turn it into an engagement party. That is, if you're a good enough actress to pretend to be surprised, and these two can keep their mouths shut."
"No, Anamchara, not too soon. Not soon enough, as far as I'm concerned but it will work. Erin looked at Nikki. "You will keep this secret, or see your allowance disappear." Rick laughed.
"The same goes for you, Alexis. Nikki, I said forever includes you too. As far as I am concerned you are now my daughter, if you want to be, if your mom approves."
"Oh yes I want that, so much. Will you adopt me?" Rick nodded.
"Once again, if your mom approves."
"If I approve? What a silly question. Of course, I approve on both counts."
Rick pulled Nikki into a hug and kissed her forehead. "Hello, daughter. With happy tears in her eyes, Nikki said;
"Hello Daddy."
Rick said; "Mike might oppose the adoption." Erin smirked. "Not with the whole weight of the Reagan family against him, he won't dare."
Erin Kissed him again. "Let's go home, love. I called ahead. Kelly's Irish pub is delivering dinner to the loft."
After dinner, Rick said;
"Tomorrow you can move all the rest of your belongings into the loft. And then we can go to Tiffany's and get your rings. And a birthstone ring for each of the girls."
"Let's wait until Monday, after work to get the rings, please. Erin said. I don't like shopping on Sunday, if I don't have to. The move won't take long, the only furniture is My desk and computer. Of course, there are our music videos and movies and my silverware set. Then the rest of our clothes and our knick-knacks. Everything after church."
After they kissed Alexis and Nikki goodnight, Rick said;
"Do you want a nightcap Sweetheart?" Erin shook her head.
"I don't want a drink, love. Take me to bed. It's been three months of torture, without you. I can't wait one minute longer." Rick turned, locked the bedroom door and turned back to Erin. She immediately stepped into his arms, took his face in her hands and kissed him, deeply, hungrily, demanding and getting entry to his mouth. Tongues touch, swirled and twined. She didn't even try to hold back the moan of pleasure. They kissed for a few minutes, then Erin pulled away, unbutton her blouse and let it drop to the floor. Her skirt followed it. She was left in a pair of black lace panties, that could barely be called panties and thigh high stockings.
Rick's breath caught. Erin, was breathtaking. No Victoria's secret model had anything on her. Still as slender as she'd been at eighteen, her breasts a little fuller, but still perky, her stomach taught, legs firm and shapely. But the most beautiful thing about her, was the look of love in her eyes. He started to unbutton his shirt, but Erin caught his hands.
"That's for me to do. She placed kisses on his chest s each button came undone. She then peeled it off him and dropped on top of her clothes He slipped out of his shoes and toed off his socks. Eri popped the button on his slacks and unzipped the fly. The trousers ended up with the rest of the clothes. Laughing, Erin fell back on the bed, pulling rick with her. Their mouths locked again and the serious love-making began. Kisses went from mouths, to sensitive necks, to pulse points. Erin's nipples were erect, needing attention. Rick gave it to them, suckling each one, in turn. Erin was panting, but between pants, whispering;
"Love you, love you, love you." Rick lifted away, just long enough to slide Erin's panties off, they were already wet, probably ruined. He began to kiss down her stomach, but she grabbed his head.
"Not now Baby, next round. I need you inside of me, I'm so close, now." Rick ripped his boxers off. Erin spread her legs and lifted her hips. Despite her impatience, Rick entered her slowly, giving her time to adjust. Fully sheathed he began to move slowly until their rhythms matched, increasing the tempo as she encouraged him.
"Harder, baby, faster, I'm almost there. OH, God! Her inner muscles clenched and she went into a prolonged orgasm, shuddering through it, as everything momentarily whited out. Rack's climax flowed hers in seconds. He gentled her down. Her eyes opened and a huge smile lit up her face. "So good, Baby, so good, the best ever. She grinned. For now."
He rolled onto his back, pulling Erin on top of him, gently stroking her back. She sighed, then said;
"Trying to put me to sleep? It's not going to work. At, least, not yet." Not yet meant two rounds more and two o'clock in the morning. Rick grumbled as Erin shook him awake. She leaned down to kiss him. "Get up, sleepy-head, and take your shower. I've already showered and I'm going to make breakfast. Then we have to get ready for church."
Frank and Henry Reagan stood outside St. Mary's church waiting for the rest of the family to arrive. Expecting Danny, Linda and the boys, they were surprised to see the red Cadillac pull up and park. Rick got out of the driver's side, went around, opened the front passenger door and helped Erin out, she immediately took his arm. Even more surprising was that Rick opened the back doors and each girl waited to be helped out. The two teens linked arms and walked in front of Rick and Erin. The thought blossomed in Frank's mind. It may not be official, yet, but I'd bet my retirement that those girls are walking with THEIR parents. Not their respective parents.
He turned and said as much to Henry. Henry smiled. "You're right, Francis and when Boyle finds out, he'll shit a brick!" Frank grinned.
"I hope it has sharp edges."
The four of them walked up to Frank and Henry, Rick shook hands with Frank and Henry, Erin and Nikki kissed them. Frank, having already figured thing out, said;
"Don't I rate a kiss from you, Alexis? Alexis blushed and kissed him.
"I won't let the cat out of the bag, Alexis but you can start calling me Granddad, any time you want. The Erin as mom connection was already in place for Alexis. She kissed him again. "Thank you, Granddad" Henry stepped up.
"Hey Alexis, where's mine?" Alexis laughed and kissed Henry. They just had time to get their decorum back to normal, when the rest of the family showed up. Rick received enthusiastic greetings from everyone. They walked into the church, together.
Entering the pew, Erin was struggling to hold the Beaming smile in, and replace it with the appropriate demure little smile she was supposed to display in church. It wasn't working very well. She was simply too happy. For the first time in years, she felt like her family was whole. Although not yet Rick's wife, she felt as if she were and the knowledge that she soon would be, was a balm to her previously wounded heart.
An elderly woman whispered to her friend;
"Oh, what a beautiful family. Look how he obviously adores her and she him. And their daughters, so close. I remember when Jerry and I were young, it was like that for us. So many years ago, but somehow it seems like yesterday."
After the service, Frank walked over to talk to talk with his old friend, Monsignor Walter Donahue.
"What are you doing back at St. Mary's Monsignor?
"Oh, come on Frank, we were altar boys together, I 'm still Walt. The pressure got too much at the archdiocese. I don't want to be a bishop so I'm back as a senior parish priest."
"Okay Walt, what I'm going to tell you must remain secret for a week or so. It's not a confessional type secret. Just a little confidential."
"Not a problem, Frank. Out with it."
"Do you remember Richard Rodgers?"
"Yes, I had such high hopes for that boy, but he never joined the church.?
"Well, you can let that frustration go. Rick will be marrying Erin, soon and will convert. I admit, it's more for her happiness, at first, but I know him. Once he does join the church, he will take it seriously. Come on, Walt let's go talk with them." They walked over to the family.
"Rick, I've got an old friend who wants to reminisce. Monsignor Donahue."
"It's good to see you again, Richard, how have you Been?" Rick smiled and shook the priest's hand.
"I've been successful, Father, but I must say, not as happy, as I should have been, until the last few months. He smiled at Erin. And not nearly as happy as I'm going to be."
Erin's eyes sparkled as she said;
"That makes two of us. I guess that this is as good a time as ever. Dad, can we use the house for a welcome home party for Rick, Saturday night? Just the family, Rick's friend Jan and his wife. Oh, and you too, of course, father."
"Of, course you can, Erin. If I can host it. He turned to the priest. There will be some john Jamison." The priest grinned. "I would love to come. And not just for the Jamison."
Rick said, "I'd like to take you all to O'Rourke's pub and restaurant for lunch. That includes you, Father."
"I've got a few duties to complete, but I'd like that, very much. What time?"
"Does 12:30 work for you?"
"I'll be there.
They kept the lunch fairly light, as they had the traditional Sunday dinner at the Reagan home. Rick, Erin, Alexis and Nikki went back to the loft to change into casual clothes. Lounging around, Rick said; "Anybody want to watch a movie? There was a chorus of agreement. Star Wars, Fellowship of the ring or Avatar?" With a sly grin, Nikki said; "The proposal."
"We don't have that one." Rick said.
"Yes, we do." Nikki said. Rick laughed, ruefully. He'd forgotten that they'd merged their movie collection. There were going to be a lot more rom-coms and chick-flicks in the collection now.
"You get the movie and set it up. I'll make the popcorn and get the sodas."
Rick was glad that Nikki chose the movie, he cracked up over Sandra Bullock and Betty White's antics, especially the improvised dance. He was so engrossed in the movie that he failed to notice how much of his share of the popcorn got stolen by a pair of teens. He pretended to grouse and grump about it. But it was just an act, actually happy to have all four of them snuggled together on the couch. As Rick sat back with Erin in his lap, Alexis snuggled against one side and Nikki on the other, he thought. This is nearly perfect. I can so see our future ahead of us. I can't screw this up, I won't. Erin's terms are absolutely true. My soul mate, my eternal love.
The movie over, having cleaned up, it was time to leave for Frank's place. Dinner was a pot roast with browned potatoes and carrots, a salad with an apple cobbler for dessert. The talk around the table was lively most of it asking Rick about his travels. After dinner Rick said;
"Frank, can I talk with you in private, for a moment?"
"Sure Rick, let's go into the study. Want a drink Rick?"
"A short one." Frank poured two shots of whisky. They knocked them back.
"This may seem very old fashioned, Frank but I want to ask for Erin's hand in marriage."
"Rick, it's too late for that. She's already been married and divorced. What I can and will do is give you my blessing."
When they got back to the loft, Erin said; Good night Alexis, Nikki. Tomorrow will be a busy day so you need your rest. I have to be in court on an important case. Rick has business to look after. I want you girls to clean your rooms, put your clothes away and do the dishes. Alexis, I know that you have had a maid and cleaning service come in, Not any more. There are three of us here. There is no need for them. Besides, you girls need to learn how to run a home." Erin walked into her office, dressed for court in a charcoal suit, the skirt ending just above her knees. A high-necked cream blouse under the jacket. Ava Sanchez smiled as Erin walked in and said;
"Good morning Erin. You must have had a good weekend. I haven't seen you smile like that; in all the time I've worked for you."
"The best, Ava." Slyly, Ava said;
"Did you pull a muscle? You're walking funny." Erin's cheeks flamed. At which, Ava let out a delighted laugh. "It's about damn time, who's the guy?"
"Richard Rodgers, I've known him since we were children. I'll tell you all about him this afternoon. The case should wrap about three. I'd normally tell you, over lunch, but he's taking me to lunch.
Rick met with his attorney to finalize ending his association with Black Pawn. All the documents filed. All financial matters had also been concluded. Then Rick said;
"Ben, I'm getting married soon and so you won't waste time trying to change my mind, there will be no pre-nuptial agreement. I've known this woman for most of my life. There will never be a divorce, she would never give me reason to divorce her and I'll never give her one. Next, I need to change my will to include her and her daughter, who will become my daughter as well. Third set up a college fund for the young lady identical to Alexis'. Interest bearing account, initially funded at one million dollars. Rest assured that none of this is Erin's idea. Oh, yes, the Lady is Erin Boyle. The meeting lasted for three solid hours. Rick excused himself.
"I promised Erin that I'd take her to lunch and I won't be late. I think we've accomplished enough for today."
As he left, Rick said; I want everything ready for my signature by close of business Thursday. Next, he called Frank's office asking for half an hour his time, after his lunch with Erin Frank happily granted it.
Rick called Erin.
"Are you ready for lunch, Sweetheart? I'll be at your office in ten minutes."
"Come in, Rick, Erin said. There's someone I want you to meet."
A rather striking Latina stood up from her desk. Rick guessed that she was about forty. Medium height and voluptuous, artificial silver streaks in her dark hair. Broad, high cheekbones, a wide mouth and sparkling brown eyes.
"Ava Sanchez, I'd like you to meet Richard Rodgers. A slight pause. My significant other." She thought that boyfriend sounded juvenile.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mister Rodgers."
"And I you. But please call me Rick. Mister Rodgers sounds like a children's show host."
Ava laughed. "It does, doesn't it. Okay, Rick I'm Ava."
They left the office, Erin firmly clasping Rick's arm. "Where are you taking me?"
"Supreme Soups and Salads. It's a fairly new place that I've been wanting to try. "
Erin grinned. "Rick Rodgers taking me to a place with healthy foods? Will wonders never cease?"
Rick grinned back. "Got to keep you healthy, with lots of energy, so you can try to wear me out."
"Try, who woke up first?"
The restaurant lived up to its billing. Rick had a bowl of split pea soup and a small chef's salad. Erin had potato soup and a Cobb salad. The soups both rich, the greens crisp and the tomatoes tasted like they just came off the vine. Unfortunately, they couldn't linger over lunch, Erin had to be back in court at one o'clock. Rick walked her up to her office, dropped the Cadillac off at the loft, then took a cab to see Frank.
Frank's administrative assistant open his inner office door.
"There's a Mister Rodgers to see you, sir."
"Send him in and hold my calls, unless it's a major incident. And send in two coffees please."
Rick entered the office. Frank rose and shook Rick's hand. "Have s seat, Rick." The coffee was served. "How's Erin?"
"She's fine. I just took her to lunch at Supreme Soups and Salads. You've got to try that place Frank. The soups are excellent."
"I will. I've got good news Rick. I was able to sell the Ferrari at high blue book. I sold the Bertram for three thousand over appraised value. If you're serious about a family boat there's a nice Sea Ray 26 cuddy cabin. We'll look at that Saturday, if you want. I know the owner. He's in financial difficulties. He said that he'd take forty-five thousand cash for it. It's only two years old. That's just a little over half what the boat's worth. The sale of the Bertram will more than cover the cost of the Sea Ray, with quite a bit left over. He already had the boat surveyed."
"Even if he's in financial difficulties, why is he letting I go so cheap?"
"Two reasons. He needs the cash, desperately and the boat has an odd color scheme. Most of those are all white or white over dark blue. This one's dark aqua over dark blue with white decks. There's been little interest in it."
"What do you think, Frank?"
"If you like it, I'd say go for it. It comes with a trailer, so you won't have to pay dockage fees. There's even enough left over to buy a pick up to tow it."
"Thank you, Frank and thanks for the coffee. I've got to get to the Cadillac dealer and sign the papers for a CTSV coupe and an Escalade. I've ordered them. Fortunately, they had both in stock. And they're prepping them now. The sedan is Erin's car. I'm putting it in her name. Both the coupe and the SUV were green with tan interiors, both with every option available. Rick signed the papers, transferred the money and drove the coupe home.
The case took longer than Erin thought it would and she didn't get home until almost six. She'd called and told Rick not to pick her up, the traffic was insane. She'd take the subway. Rick had supper waiting for her. He said;
"Go change, supper's ready. If you're too tired, we can loo at rings tomorrow." Erin said;
"I'll never be that tired, Babe. All three of us want our rings. We're not going to look at rings, tonight, we are going to get our rings tonight! I know that I can't wear mine till Saturday."
Knowing that Rick was a LOTR fan she said, "We wants our Precious." Rick had to laugh.
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