Love on Ice
Chapter 29
Rick and Kate were busy putting the latest things they'd bought for the RV into the RV. Kate was putting sheets on their bed along with a comforter and four pillows while Rick was stowing everything in the kitchen. The sheets, comforters, and pillows for Alexis and Maria were going to be her next job. Though those only needed to be stowed away since they couldn't be put on until the sofa had been turned into a bed.
Kate stood back, liking the look of the room. The bed colors now played off of the colors of the room. Satisfied, she left so she could put the other sheets, comforters, and pillows away. Which turned out to be a space under their bed. Thankfully it had a brace so she didn't need Rick to hold it open for her. Once she was done, she joined him. "We're running out of space in here fast," Kate noted.
"I've noticed and we haven't even begun filling the storage spaces below us." They had so far concentrated on what went inside the RV. They still had to buy stuff that would go below, including a grill, chairs, and other bigger items. "We also need to get that tow bar attached to your car."
"That happens tomorrow. Your car isn't big enough for the grill so I suppose that's next," Kate mentioned since it was just after lunch.
"Sounds good. Then we can stop for a couple of days and get some rest." They'd been going out to buy what they needed for the past two days.
Kate shook her head. "We still need food. Steaks, chicken, fresh everything."
"We'll do that the day before. Then pull out, hook up your car, and start our trip. We need to think about what to bring to keep Alexis happy and occupied," Rick reminded her. If they took things from her room now she would get bored before they even left.
Kate held up a finger. "New card games." Then she held up a finger for each thing she added. "New board games, new books to read, new coloring books. What am I missing?"
"Snacks." Rick added a finger. "Activity books and puzzles. Oh, and a container of large crayons. She seems to like the Flower Monaco brand best."
"Do we have roof storage?" Kate asked, half joking and half serious. Rick laughed. "All this to keep one four-year-old happy." Kate shook her head again.
Rick smiled. "Just wait until we add another one."
That had Kate's heart skipping a beat. "Another child?" Wasn't one enough?
"You don't want a child of your own? One that's all yours?" Rick questioned her. It was something they hadn't talked about. He was now kicking himself for stupidly assuming that Kate would want children. He thought she would since she was doing pretty well with Alexis.
"I haven't really thought about it. Just how many children are we talking about here?" She was the one that was going to end up pregnant. He had the easy part.
"That's up to you, Kate. Unless of course you accidentally end up pregnant." They had sex daily when they could. Yes, they used condoms and Kate was on the pill, but that didn't cover them 100%. The only thing that did that was abstinence. That had Kate remembering the one time she'd been afraid that she actually was pregnant. He wasn't a boyfriend she had planned to keep, yet she'd had sex with him several times.
"I don't know." She honestly didn't know. "I'm sorry but I don't. Being pregnant would interfere with my job…when I get one. They're not going to hire a pregnant woman who's immediately going to go on maternity leave."
"I'm not forcing you to be pregnant, Kate. I'm just asking what to expect in our future." Rick loved her and loved making love to her. He also knew that sex might lead to kids.
"I'm not adverse to us having kids, I just never actually thought about it. Maybe sometime after I get a job and secure myself in my job," Kate said since she still wasn't sure.
Kate found herself in Rick's arms and she wrapped hers around him. "We'll work it out and if it's an accident we'll work that out too. Just keep in mind I'm tying you to the bed tonight." Rick grinned at her.
Kate smiled. She knew all this sex had risks and she was willing to accept that. She also loved it when he tied her to the bed.
"Babe, don't let me screw this up." She knew she still had walls. Most of them were gone in his case. It was just that she still needed to figure out who killed her mother. She wasn't willing to let go of that.
"I'll do everything I can, Kate. Just don't fight back too hard. I'm willing to fight to keep you, but I'm also not going to hurt you. You fight back too much and there are no guarantees." She rested against him. She really feared that she was going to screw this up somehow.
"Shopping now, listening to you scream with a gag in your mouth later," Rick smiled at her.
Kate was already feeling the blood going south. She was more than ready to make love to him. Damn, but he was really good for her. Perfect, in fact. "You planning on leaving marks on my body?" she whispered into his lips.
He nuzzled her neck. "Count on it. I can even take closeup pictures for you to look at later."
"Deal!" Kate kissed him.
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"Buckle up." Rick started the RV as Kate settled in her seat up front. She twisted to look behind her. All three of the slide-outs were presently in since they would be driving. She saw Maria and Alexis sitting at the dining room table for four. Maria had a game out to keep Alexis entertained.
Kate looked forward and couldn't believe the view. In front of her was this huge glass windshield. It was like sitting on the very front of the RV and she could see everything and she was sitting high up.
Rick had input the address for the first RV park on their trip, though Kate was going to be his navigator. She had the folder that held the addresses for the RV parks where they would be staying.
If they didn't keep their schedule they might have a problem. Still they should be able to manage it. Their first stop was about 25 miles outside of downtown Seattle. It was filled with trees and grass. It also meant that to see Seattle itself they needed to use Kate's car that was being towed behind them. But that would take place tomorrow. Tonight was going to be their first night in the RV for all of them.
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Rick made sure Alexis was asleep and that Maria's bed was ready for her. She could stay up and watch TV if she wished. She had two TVs to choose from. They also had bluetooth audio so she could wear a headset to listen and not disturb Alexis.
Rick saw Kate was naked and waiting. He smiled since he could guess what she was thinking. "You have ideas."
"We're breaking in this new bed, babe. But this stupid bed doesn't allow for the use of the straps." It meant neither of them were going to be tied down to the bed during this trip. "There also isn't space for the video system." So far this trip wasn't perfect. She was hoping the sex was still mind-blowing like it always was with him.
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Today was all downtown Seattle. Finding places to visit and discover. Kate looked at Rick in surprise. "We have reservations?"
"I planned ahead," Rick said as he paid for all four to them to go up the Seattle Space Needle to eat dinner before driving for home.
The women were cautioned not to put their purses on the outer ledge or they would lose them. "The floor spins but that part doesn't." They got a view that changed the longer they ate.
The bed got used yet again that night.
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After Seattle was Portland, Oregon. Technically Portland was 1-1/2 hours away since they were out on the coast off Highway 101. Beverly Beach State Park. Each site was surround by tall old trees.
Their very first morning there they woke up to fog that the sun burned off in no time. A trip to the beach told them that the water was a little too cold to do much swimming. It did, however, mean Rick and Kate kept putting sunscreen on Alexis who after two times began to get fussy and didn't want any more sunscreen.
The next day they found walking trails through the woods. Alexis was actually entertained since all of the trees were really big and tall. The trail was paved so it was easy.
The day after that was a tourist shopping trip at what was basically a long strip mall filled with all kinds of shops. Including toffee and popcorn.
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Tuesday was a short hop to San Francisco. "Golden Gate Mobile and RV Park." Kate watched as they pulled in and found their spot after checking in. "So what's first?" Kate asked since this trip was all Rick.
"Dinner. Tomorrow's the San Francisco Zoo."
"Zoo, pumpkin." Kate looked at Alexis who instantly brightened up and clapped her little hands.
Thursday was Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. They also found a place to eat.
And Friday was going across the Golden Gate Bridge then a car tour of Oakland.
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Eight long hours later, thanks partly to construction and LA traffic they were at their next campsite. This time Rick was on his own. They'd gotten the car seat out of Kate's car and Alexis was now sitting way up front. Rick soon realized that Alexis loved sitting up front and she never stopped talking!
"Golden Shore RV Park." Rick pulled in and stopped so he could get out and find their assigned space.
It was a small park that would barely fit them. It was located in Long Beach and right next door to an aquarium. And there was beach access. It also had a pool, hot tub, and fire pits at each site. Unlike the other parks, their neighbors were a little close.
The next morning was a visit to the aquarium since it was right next door. That was followed by giving Alexis her first swimming lesson. Getting her to jump in so that Kate could catch her hadn't worked at all. Being in the pool with her was fine, she just wasn't going to jump. Kate tried to not take it personally.
Sunday was a partial day at Disneyland. Partial because even though they brought Alexis's stroller, she fell asleep before the day was over so they went back to the RV park. Which was followed by going grocery shopping. Their last day was being a tourist in LA in Kate's car.
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Rick had Maria up front with him this time as they drove to San Diego. "Chula Vista RV Park." Maria pointed at the sign in case Rick didn't see it. They immediately found out this place had activities just for kids and they had a live concert once a week. It was almost right on the beach so swimming in the bay was possible. That meant more swimming lessons for Alexis.
The next day was a visit to the San Diego Zoo. It meant a lot of walking and Alexis was again unwilling to use her stroller until she finally got tired. That also meant she got cranky.
Wednesday was Sea World which had the same result as the zoo. Alexis loved it but she was worn out and went to sleep in her stroller.
Thursday was mostly out on the beach right next to them until it was time to leave. Rick had arranged for a sunset sailing trip on a catamaran that lasted two hours. They'd made sure Alexis had gotten sleep so that she could stay up long enough to see it.
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Trailer Village RV Park was located in the Grand Canyon National Park Campground. It was the only one that had spaces large enough for them and it was also the only one in the park that had hookups. It was within walking distance to south rim of the canyon itself. They watched the sun set that very night before retreating back to their home for the night.
The next day Kate got her next surprise. "Why are we here, Rick?" They had left Alexis behind with Maria and she didn't understand that.
"We're going for a two hour mule ride into the canyon. Alexis isn't old enough and while there is a ride that takes you all the way to the bottom for a stay in a hotel, I didn't think that was what we should do. So two hours should be enough."
It explained to Kate why she was wearing boots, jeans and a long sleeve shirt and was wearing a hat that Rick had given her. "A MULE RIDE!" Kate couldn't decide if she was excited or concerned. It wasn't burning hot out yet but it wasn't cool, either. The 4th of July was coming up soon.
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Kate was resting on Rick with him still inside her after making love. "Today was really nice. Thank you." She had decided that she liked her mule ride and was wishing they could ride all the way to the bottom.
There was no real reason to stay longer. Once they'd seen the Grand Canyon they'd seen it, so this morning they were driving to Las Vegas and to get ready for the 4th of July.
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"Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort." Rick had been mostly on his own and GPS to get here. Alexis was in her car seat and up front today. It kept her totally entertained as she watched everything and asked hundreds of questions.
It was late enough in the day that they didn't go anywhere. They stayed with their RV.
The next day, however, they were in Kate's car after breakfast and headed for the strip. "Where first?" Kate questioned. It was her car and she was driving this time.
"Caesars, I'm thinking," Rick replied. "Maybe we can walk from there to the next one. We can move later if need be."
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They soon came upon a very high end set of shops that even Rick wasn't willing to pay the cost of. But as they walked Rick saw something and directed them toward it. "We could get married here. Today, tomorrow, or maybe at least before we leave." Even though he hadn't yet inquired if they even had space.
"Married, now?" Kate knew she wanted to marry him more than anything. But now and here? "I don't have a dress or your wedding ring, and my dad's in New York. What if he can't get away from the office?" This really wasn't the wedding she was starting to think about. It needed to be planned. Invitations, flowers, music, gifts. Lanie would kill her if she got married and she wasn't there for it.
"This is Vegas, Kate. You can buy a dress. It certainly has rings. Maybe they have a package. We can fly your dad out if he has the time. And if he doesn't, he can give you away when we renew our vows later."
That had Kate looking at Rick in even more shock. Yes, he'd asked her to marry him. Now he was already talking about them renewing their vows just for her dad. She stood there in stunned silence as Maria kept Alexis entertained while Rick began asking them questions.
A package included flowers, the minister, music, and a photo package. There could even be Roman characters to liven up your wedding. Caesar, Cleopatra, Roman guards, and handmaidens. It even came with a catering/banquet at your restaurant of choice. They had eight different restaurants to chose from.
As for timing, they actually had an open date two days from now in the Venus Garden. It was surrounded by palm trees, blooming floral landscape, Roman architecture, a fishpond filled with koi, a fountain, and a unique stone-tiled aisle.
"If we pay for it now, it's ours," Rick told Kate with hope in his eyes. She was still standing there in a daze. "We spend the next two days looking for a dress and buying rings. We can do this again later and invite all of our friends."
He was taking Jim's warning about her mother's case to heart. If she was married he was praying she would be less likely to do something rash and dangerous.
"Miss Kate." Maria took her arm in hand. Kate turned to look at her and saw Alexis looking at her. Then Kate turned back to look at Rick.
Maria whispered into Alexis's ear and the little girl did what Maria told her to do. "Please, Mommy?"
"Can we even get a dress in two days?" Kate asked and the woman Rick had been talking to interjected herself into the conversation. She didn't want to put pressure on the woman but she also saw an opportunity for the resort to make money.
"Here's a list of the major bridal shops. Depending on your limit you can easily find something. Pay a little extra to have it altered overnight. I know women who have done it before. Both here and in other resorts," she assured Kate. "We have a room you can use to change in. Both of you." Rick was going to need a tux even if it was rented.
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Rick had left her at a bridal shop with Maria and Alexis while he drove to a jewelry store to buy her a wedding ring. She had her engagement ring and while for some that might be enough, it wasn't enough for Rick. The two things were definitely different in his mind. Besides he needed to bring Kate back so she could buy him a ring.
Kate had answered the woman's questions and she soon found a gown for her to try on. Seeing herself in the mirror of the changing room, she fell in love with it. Alencon lace covered the bodice and the long, fitted sleeves. The lace curved gracefully just above her collar bones around to her back where it fastened with a pearl. There was an opening in the shape of a teardrop almost down to the waist, just above the full, tulle skirt. She felt like a princess.
Just to be certain that it was the dress, she tried on something totally different. This one didn't have any see-through lace or flowers. It was totally solid white and went from a choker at her neck all the way down to the train behind her. It showed almost no skin at all. Even her arms were covered as was her back. It reminded her more of a catsuit than a wedding dress.
She was surprised that she'd even found a dress. Then she saw the price. That had her using her cell phone to call Rick. "Just buy it if you like it. That's why you have one of my credit cards, Kate. If you like it I'm sure I'll love it." Rick hung up on her to re-enforce his point.
"Two days?" Kate asked her.
"It will be ready tomorrow." For the extra cost the seamstress would work on it all night if she had to.
Rick was soon walking around outside with Maria and Alexis while Kate was inside the jewelry store buying him his ring. He really had no idea what she was thinking. She'd insisted on using her own money so he had no idea.