Back There Again (Chapter VII)

"You're staring," Miranda said the next morning. Her eyes were still closed, but she could feel her husband's gaze.

"Your nipple is looking at me."

She touched her chest and realized that her shirt had risen while she slept, displaying her chest. "Ass."

His hand caressed her butt. "That, too."

Reaching for his hand, she guided it to her stomach and he took the green light and zipped across her skin, rolling her one nipple until it hard before moving to the other. She sighed as he played, her own fingers teasing her bellybutton. "What are we going to do for our last day?" She asked. Their flight was leaving at four the next afternoon, so they had one last day to explore or relax. For him, it would probably be the former. For her, the latter.

Ben kissed her back. "I was thinking that we could each come up with something that we want to do together and then, I'll go paddleboarding and leave you to finish your book. You only have two or three chapters left," he said, sliding a hand between her legs. "Hmm… how does that sound?"

"Oooo… that feels good."

"I said 'how does that sound?'" He repeated, tracing the outline of her lips before pushing her clit eagerly.

"Good," she whined, rotating her waist and crashing her body into his to a soft climax. "So, good."

Taking the car, they went to find breakfast off of the resort even though Maria pleaded with them to stay. Fabian was cooking up something just for them. "We'll be back for dinner," Miranda promised her. They found breakfast at a little spot that was brand spanking new that not only didn't it have a sign, it also had no name. But the buffet was delicious and they even took a to-go box for the small hike that Ben wanted to do. The urge to complain hurdled to the tip of her tongue, but seeing his face, she curbed it.

They did their best trying to find the cave, but the instructions from the local man weren't clear. Miranda and Ben roamed for almost twenty minutes. She was going to suggest that they just go back to the car when a group of teenagers appeared looking for the same entrance. The six of them wandered around for a few minutes before— "I found it!" One of them called out.

"Good, I was about to give up," Ben said.

"Did I marry a quitter?" She asked, commandeering his question from days earlier.

"Yes, the hell you did," he said smiling stealing her response.

One of the teens turned around to them. "I heard there are bats in here."

Miranda's eyebrows rose and she looked at her husband. "If I get eaten by a bat, so help me God."

One of the girls laughed. "They don't eat people."

"In most cases," the other girl said over her shoulder.

"That's not helpful, ladies," Ben told them, smirking.

"We're almost to the end," one of the boys announced. "I can smell the water."

"Everybody, shhh!" Miranda squeezed Ben's arm, her heart trying to leap from her chest. How she'd let him talk her into doing this, she didn't know. He was lucky the sex was otherworldly. "They're asleep," the kid said.

One of the kids snapped a picture and all Miranda saw and heard were a bunch of eyes opening. She ran past them all, not stopping until her feet hit sand. A few minutes later, Ben was walking out with the kids. They were all laughing. He came over to her and grabbed her waist. "You left me."

"Bats."

"I got some pictures. Do you want to see?"

She shook her head. "Bats."

"It wasn't that bad, Miranda."

She pointed to the cave. "Bats." He reached for her hand. "Did you get bitten?"

"Yes, fortunately, and now I'm a vampire and I get to suck your…"

"Benjamin."

"I was gonna say blood." He put his face into her neck, tenderly biting her skin. As he nibbled, she moaned quietly, gripping his back. "You taste so damn good."

"Stop. Those kids are right there."

He made a noise. "One more for the road," he said. Feigning annoyance, Miranda tilted her head to the side and let him work, revving her up. Back in the car, he held her hand again, kissing it. "So, what's your thing?"

"First, a shower because I feel grimy," she responded. "And then… I'll tell you when we're dressed."

"Are you finally ready?" He asked while sitting on the edge of the bed as she finished getting dressed.

"Yes," she said moving between his legs, holding up a scarf.

"Whatever this is…" The top-left corner of her lip lifted. "I'm down with it," he finished.

She pushed his shoulder. "Close your eyes, sir."

"Yes, ma'am." Without another word, Miranda put her scarf over his eyes and waited for Ben to ask one million questions. When he didn't, she waved her hand in front of his face. "I can't see, but that face you're making is adorable," he told her.

She sucked her teeth, smiling. "Then how do you know what face I'm making?"

"Because I know you," he said reaching for her face.

"So true." Putting his hand to her lips, she said: "Don't you want to know what's going on?"

"No. I trust you. But…" Ben smacked his lips comically. "I need food, babe."

Grabbing his speaker and his hand, she led him toward the beach. The sun was shining brightly, but it wasn't hot and for that she was grateful. Luna and Rufi were waiting on the sand. Upon her request, they'd pulled out a couple of kayaks. There was also a soft cooler packed with a nice lunch in it. "Okay, just a bit more," she said guiding him toward the water. He walked amusingly, taking long steps and waving his free hand about as if he'd run into something, ignoring her directions to just move normally. "We're here, goofball."

He put his hands on his hips and swiveled his head. "Well, we didn't go that far."

"Not at all."

"Can I take off the blindfold?"

She hugged him from behind. "Where's the fun in that?" She whispered. Just as she was stepping away to talk to Luna and Rufi, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her in.

"You gotta put your lips on mine," he laughed. She obliged and brought him in for a short kiss. "My girl."

"So, were you two able to get everything?" She asked them.

Luna nodded. "Yes. And a few extra stuffs," she said.

"Have fun," Rufi said. The two of them walked off, hugging and laughing.

"Alright, babe, take it off." Ben's hands went to the hem of his dark blue t-shirt and he started to lift it, revealing his abs. "Cut it out," she said running her hand along his body. Was he all hers for the rest of forever?

He ripped off the scarf and grinned at the sight. "Really?"

"You wanted to kayak. But you never got a chance to."

"But you didn't want to."

She shrugged. "Now I do. With you."

He touched the back of her head and kissed the top of it. "This is pretty sweet and romantic. I love you."

"I love you, too," she replied softly, shocked that the comment disturbed the butterflies in her stomach. She touched her belly. "Ready?"

"Yes." They got settled in the kayaks and pushed off from the shore. "Do you know where we're going?"

"I'm following you," she said, while trying to figure out the rhythm of paddling.

"You're doing great," he told her as they coasted for about twenty minutes.

"Oh! I have music!" Miranda stopped paddling and turned on the speaker, syncing it to her phone. "And that bag has our lunch!" Ben swung his legs into her kayak to keep them together while the music played and they ate and talked. The wind drifted them further down the water and that was fine with her. She was sincerely having a great time. Though, she imagined, anything she tried with Ben would be fun and amazing. They discovered a little spring and traced it. "Look at that, hon!" She called out to Ben who was several feet in front of her. He turned his head. "No, over there!"

Right at the edge of the water, there were two boars. There were also a few cats, lazing around. One was even sitting on top of the larger boar. He took a couple of pictures and Miranda couldn't help but to take one of him doing so. "Tuck is gonna love these pictures!" He told her.

They found that the spring looped, taking them back toward the resort. Which is where she wanted to be going, though she knew Ben would have paddled further and further into the ocean. And Miranda loved that about him. Where she was more reserved, he was daring and pushed her, not letting her settle. He'd already promised that he'd do his damnedest to make sure she achieved anything she set her mind to. And she prided herself on the fact that she could get him to focus—which is how he got swept into a surgical career. It gave him the adrenaline rush he needed, challenged him and, her favorite part, kept him close to her.

In the bungalow while Ben was out boarding and things, she stretched across the bed, laying at the foot of it. Miranda cracked open her book, finishing the last few chapters, gasping and tearing up while sending a message to Janet who'd said that she'd been waiting for a response. As their conversation continued, her stomach spurred and she leapt from the bed and rushed to the bathroom, just making it to the toilet as chunks of one thing and dribbles of something else exploded from her mouth. She gripped the side of the top of the smooth toilet, desperate to keep herself from sliding to the floor.

And just as quickly as it appeared, the feeling was gone. At the sink, she splashed water on her face, rinsing out her mouth a few times before going to get her toothbrush. "I'm never going out on the water again," she said out loud, though she really didn't mean it. She'd just never spent so much time floating on the water and she was paying for it. After a second shower, she dried off, applied lotion and put on a red lacy bralette and a pair of black panties. Exhausted, she lay on the bed wrapped in the covers.

"Hey, I'm back," Ben said in her ear, kissing her cheek several times.

"Mmmm."

"We'll get dinner in a bit?"

Miranda nodded, mumbling "yes" whilst coming out of her sleep. The sound of the water hitting the tile made her stretch. She heard Ben singing along to the music in the shower. A sexy idea crossed her mind. She scrambled from bed, popping a piece of gum into her mouth and throwing on her robe. Wanting to surprise him, she ducked out onto the deck, sitting on a chair, out of sight. The sun was gradually going down and there was only the tiniest bit of light out since the pathway lamps hadn't been turned on yet. Miranda had wanted to have sex on the balcony on their original honeymoon, but they'd never gotten a chance to. This time, there was nothing stopping them.

About ten minutes later, she heard: "Miranda?" Giddy, her body tingled as she waited for him to get closer. The 90's R&B music got louder. "Hmm… now where did she go?" He asked himself, turning off the speaker. "Baby?" She hoped that he noticed that the door to the deck was slightly open. When he finally did, she spat her gum out over the balcony, ready to pounce on him. The glass door slid open more and his bare feet slapped the floor. "Here you are."

Miranda leaned on the side railing, her back to her husband. "Here I am," she replied, tapping the orange wood with her fingernails.

Ben didn't respond verbally, but his hands caressed her sides, spinning her. It took mere milliseconds for him to untie her robe and yank it off. He pulled away for a second, observing her entire body as she did the same to him; her eyes travelled up and down stopping in all of her favorite places. "Good God."

She grabbed his chin. "Don't take His name in vain," she told him.

"I'll apologize to Him later," he said kissing her lips deeply. His strong hands palmed her ass, sliding to her thigh, lifting it. Miranda thrust her body into his, collapsing him against her frame. If she kept this up, she'd be coming in less than three minutes and he'd be right behind her. Ben turned her once more and backed them up. He kept his lips on her neck, across her shoulders, the top of her spine, moving downward. She couldn't see him, but she could feel him pulling down his shorts, bringing her down on his lap. Her panties were so soaked, she knew they'd have to be changed again when this was all over. She shuddered thinking about her body tasting his in just a few short… "Slow," he said twirling the lace of her underwear around his fingers.

"Shit!" She yelled, bending over, inhaling and allowing him the access he deserved, that she wanted him to have—needed him to have. They usually chatted during sex, taunting, promising, begging, this time, they were silent. Miranda reached out to grasp the railing as Ben gave her long, methodic strokes. He held her stomach, steadying her, with one hand and the other slipped around her neck, squeezing gently. "Ben," she whimpered, opening her legs more as her feet curled the chair. He lifted his hips, pushing his hard dick her more. His hands and mouth were everywhere as he pushed up her bralette, playing with her nipples while kissing her back, somehow managing to make her even more tense. "Ahh."

Ben eased one finger between her legs, stroking her clit as she winced and moaned. "I'm coming, baby."

"Me…" she said. He was pounding into her now with such force that her body felt like it was being ripped open—and it was amazing. "…Too."

"Turn around, Miranda Bailey-Warren. I want to see those faces that you make."

Careful not to hurt herself or him, she got off of him, loving the wetness dripping down her thighs. Back on his lap, their chests pressed against one another. "This is so much better," she said taking off her bralette.

"Mmhmm."

Miranda stared into her husband's eyes, finding their rhythm again. He captured her lips, going right for her bottom one, kissing her into submission. His hands seized her ass, opening her up more and teasing her hole with his finger. "God!"

"Now who's being blasphemous?" He asked.

"Fu… Ben! I'm about to burst."

"Do it, baby!" He yelled.

"Shhh! Someone might hear us."

"I don't fucking care," he groaned, speeding up and going deeper. "I want them to hear us." A slap on her ass made her cry out, dropping into his chest. "Say my name."

Slowing her hips, she kissed her husband again. "Ben," she said.

"That's right, baby," he smiled. "Now, whose dick is this?"

Her brown eyes met his, lowered and full of passion. "Mine, baby."

"That's right," he said throwing his head back and groaning, exploding into her. "FUCK!" Feeling the juices filling her made her lick his neck, tasting the soap, his sweat. The combo was dangerous. "Give me a kiss."

Miranda did as she was told, leaning into him, creating a new angle and he hit a spot that had her shutting her eyes, screaming into his shoulder, while bouncing on top of him. "Oh, God! Oh, God! Ben! Fuck… baby, right there! I'm coming, baby! Oh!"

"That's perfect," he said holding her tightly as she trembled. Soon, his body spasmed and he exhaled into her neck.

Her back was tightening and so were her legs, but she couldn't bring herself to move. And she didn't want to. "How was that?" He asked in her ear, kissing her, practically rocking her in his arms.

"I can't think," she managed to get out, her voice raspy.

"Don't then. Just lay here. Let me kiss you." Miranda released her breath as he pressed his lips to her shoulders.

It took a few more minutes before she was able to get up, awkwardly, her legs wobbly. She picked up her robe and whipped it around her body, heading for the bathroom. Ben shuffled behind her. "You might have to go and get food because…"

"That's no problem," he said pulling on his shorts, going to find a shirt.

"You know what? It's the last night, I'll pull myself together." Half an hour later, they were in the car, driving somewhere. Miranda had no idea where they were going and Ben probably didn't either. It was nice just to cruise down the road as the sky got darker. She held his hand, kissing the back of it. "I want to tell you something," she said.

"Yeah?"

"I threw up earlier," she said. "Before you came back from boarding."

"Aww," he responded sympathetically, looking at her quickly. "Are you okay, babe?"

She nodded. "I am clearly just not made for the ocean. I haven't gotten my sea legs." They shared a short smile.

"So what are you gonna do when I buy a boat and me and Tuck are on it every other weekend?"

"I'll be at home, dry and comfortable."

A chuckle left them both. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Because it was so random. And I had a feeling that I probably shouldn't have eaten on the kayak."

"How are you feeling now?" Ben asked switching the position of their hands and putting her knuckles to his lips.

"I'm feeling better, so that's all that matters."

He leaned over the steering wheel a little. "Hmm."

They found a food truck and got a few dishes to try, driving back. "Oh!" He said when they were halfway to the resort. "I need to get something from the store."

"Something like what?"

"Just… something." He pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store. "I'll be back."

Miranda thought about what he could possibly need from the store that they didn't have, couldn't find at the main bungalow or have Maria or Gregor get for them. Especially at this late hour. Her husband returned a little while later. "Ready?"

"I guess."

When he parked, she asked: "Want to eat on the beach?"

"Yes, please," he smiled, winking at her. He got a blanket from the room and they climbed on a hammock that was half a click down from the chairs where she'd met Janet. Miranda propped her legs on his lap and he sat his container on her calves.

Their conversations were light and they lamented having to leave paradise. "I do miss Tuck though," he said reaching into her container and plucking up a stray green pepper.

"Me, too." Miranda gestured for his drink, sipping it leisurely. "I've, uh… I've been thinking about it and it's okay with me if he calls you 'dad'," she said suddenly. "He'd be lucky to have two."

"You're sure?" She nodded. Between her dad and her mentor, it was like she'd had two fathers and it had only made things better. "Thank you." Ben took their near empty food trays and put them in a bag, dropping them to the ground. She spread the cover over their bodies as they swayed slowly.

Breakfast on the beach was delivered by Rufi the next morning. Miranda slept through the exchange, but when she woke up, there was a standing tray with a small buffet on it. "What are we going to do without this special treatment from Maria and Gregor every day?" She joked.

They ate some more on the beach, swinging and talking. It amazed her how they never ran out of things to say. He was her soul mate. While she took the food to the bungalow, Ben returned the tray. In the middle of the room, she paused as her stomach flipped. Finishing the piece of waffle in her hand, she began packing up their stuff. Something she ate rebelled and she was running for the bathroom again. Sitting on the floor, she sighed. A thought flittered in her mind that she might be pregnant, but the idea was so ridiculous, she pushed it away. Her birth control worked like magic.

Though there was a time when Miranda did think that pregnancy was upon her. The days leading up to the wedding were so hectic, she'd forgotten to take her pills for a couple of days. Then she thought she'd missed her period, but that was normal sometimes. Nevertheless and unbeknownst to Ben, she'd taken a test two weeks ago and it had been negative. The feelings of relief and disappointment attacked her from all sides.

Of course, if she were meant to have a baby with Ben, she wanted them—they wanted them. So to have that little stick dash that hope made her sick. But this wasn't really a good time. They were so busy and they'd just gotten married. There was so much they hadn't experienced yet. Throw in the fact that they just started having sex again, the math didn't add up. Maybe she should have gotten some motion sickness medicine.

The door opened and Miranda pulled herself off of the floor and went to the sink, rinsing and brushing profusely. "Hey!" Ben said. "Woah!"

"Damn it." She turned and flushed the toilet.

"Again?"

She nodded and he left the bathroom. If he was disgusted, she couldn't blame him. There was vomit on the toilet and on the floor. He came back shirtless and in a pair of shorts. "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning this up so you can shower and lay down."

"I can't lay down, hon. We still have to pack. And—"

"I got it, babe. Go." Walking by him, he grabbed her hand, stroking it. "And there's some stuff on the bed for you."

Miranda showered quickly, peeking out every so often to see Ben scrubbing. When she was finished, she went to the room and changed as her husband turned on the water. On the bed was the bag from the convenience store. There was motion sickness medicine, saltine crackers, nuts, bananas and two bottles of ginger ale. Miranda broke open the crackers and untwisted the cap on the soda. The last thing was a box she knew well. A pregnancy test. Holding it up, she turned it in her hands.

Ben walked over to her, sitting down. "I know you know your own body, but if a patient came to me with your symptoms and your sex life, I'd…" He pointed to the box. "I'd tell them to take one." She rolled her eyes to the ceiling knowing that more tears were a minute from falling. "Wouldn't you?"

"I… I took one two weeks ago."

"And?"

"It was negative." She stared at him trying to see his genuine reaction to hearing the news. Was he disheartened, pleased…?

"Okay. Well, have you missed your period?"

Miranda made a noise. "I did," she said, "but it's a thing that happens from time to time. I'll probably start… you know, gushing, any day now."

"Hmm… unless you're pregnant," Ben laughed.

"Well, yeah, that."

"Yeah, that," he repeated.

"Kiss me," she said in a tone just above a whisper.

He held her cheeks, pulling her in a long kiss. It calmed her jolting belly. "I'll be right out here, packing and waiting."

"Okay."

Smelling the disinfectant made her want to throw up again. But she held her breath and sat on the toilet, suddenly needing to go. After washing her hands, she paced the bathroom, letting her brain fill with anything not baby related. She hoped the three from the accident were okay. And that Taryn was safe and happy. She wished she could have some more pizza before they left. And, as nice as Milo was, Miranda wanted Janet to truly experience what she had with Ben.

A knock on the door was accompanied by a "You okay in there?"

"Mmhmm." Surprisingly, she was doing well. There was no panic, there was no hesitation. The moment five minutes were up, Miranda picked up the stick. "Oh! My God."

"Miranda?" Ben asked tapping on the door again.

"Come in."

He put his hands on his hips and took a deep breath, staring at her. "So…"

She held out the stick and watched his face as he took it. Her voice was calm as she said: "One line means it's negative and two…"

Pure surprise painted his face. "Positive?!" She gave a wry smile, her heart thumping boisterously in her chest. "Baby, you're pregnant?"

Miranda nodded, feeling a tear fall from her eyes. "We're pregnant," she corrected.

"Wow. We, of course. Wow! You and me. I… Wow!"

"Are you going to say anything other than 'wow'?" She asked. Ben's lips flapped, but no words came out. He shut his mouth and shook his head. That tickled her and she held her stomach, laughing.

He joined in, touching the sides of her face, leaning in and kissing her deeply. His tongue circled hers before he sucked on it making her moan. His hands traced her curves tantalizingly, landing on her hips. Miranda put her hands on his cheeks, rubbing his beard with her fingertips, thinking: This is really happening. "Wow," she said when they pulled apart.

"Right."

Soon after, Ben ordered Miranda right to bed. "But…"

"I got it handled," he told her kissing her chin before peeling back the covers.