Destiny
Chapter 9
Lucas awoke the next morning to Caleb bounding into his room and hurling himself to land at the foot of the bed.
"Wake up! Don't you want to get married today?"
Lucas groaned as he lifted one eyelid to glance at his son in reproach for his rude interruption of a very stimulating dream, involving Dara. "What time is it?"
Caleb grabbed his robe to toss to him, then replied, "Ten. You better hurry up; we're supposed to be there by about one. Mama Lucy made you some breakfast and she said to tell you your suit is on the hook in the closet, all cleaned and waiting."
Lucas finished fastening the belt around his waist before following Caleb downstairs. "How about your own suit?"
Caleb nodded his response, "Took care of that yesterday."
Entering the kitchen, he kissed his grandmother on the cheek before gratefully accepting the cup of coffee she offered to him. Once he was seated and had begun eating, she came to her point.
"Lucas, after you two leave this afternoon I'm going to head on back home. You've done your part so you don't need my interference, all there is to do now is just sit back and let nature take its course."
Lucas cast a wary glance at his grandmother, "I meant what I said, mama." Looking over his shoulder to see if Caleb could over hear them, he lowered his voice and emphasized his point. "I don't intend to do anything more than what every other man does to get his wife pregnant, I promised her it would be God's will, and I'm keeping my word to her."
Lucilla gave him a look of agitation. "I know that, boy, but I also know the way you two look at each other. I don't think it will take long before you're calling me to tell me you're going to be a daddy again."
Shaking his head at the old woman, Lucas couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. After he finished eating he headed to his room to take a shower and get dressed. After he had finished dressing and was making sure his appearance was all right, Caleb came in to inquire excitedly, "Are you ready? Its 12:30."
Lucas motioned his head towards the bag he had placed at the foot of the bed earlier. "Yeah, how about putting that in the car for me, son. By the way, you look nice."
Caleb grinned at the compliment as he grabbed the bag and headed downstairs.
Lucas followed behind him and presented his arm to his grandmother, who was waiting at the foot of the stairs. "You ready, mama?"
Nodding, she took his arm and allowed him to escort her to the car.
Dara, on the other hand, wasn't having such an easy time of preparing for her wedding.
Unlike Lucas, who had to only contend with the presence of two other people in his house, Dara had three adults and three children to work around. Even with being the first one to get a chance at the bathroom and the added convenience of more than one bathroom, there were still constant interruptions. Finally, twenty minutes after the judge Lucas had asked to perform the ceremony had arrived, she was ready to step into her dress and fasten her veil in her hair. Mara and Kara, both assisted her with this task, as they had with her hair and makeup, making sure the dress was securely fastened and the veil was secure in place.
Standing back to admire their younger sister, both had tears in their eyes at the sight of her. Kara was the first to voice the before unspoken thought they all had shared that day. "I wish mama were here to see you, you make a beautiful bride."
Mara only nodded her agreement with the statement, glancing at the dress.
It was along the lines of something from Gone with the Wind, it was ivory colored with matching antique lace. The short, full sleeves had bows at the tops of them, which came off Dara's shoulders, while the lace adorned the bottoms, falling gracefully to just past her elbows. The skirt was a full hoop skirt with the same lace at the hem. Her veil was a simple pearl and bead crown that had a fall of the same lace that ended at Dara's waist.
Mara had arranged her hair, pulling it up to the top, and then fastening it to let the curls cascade over each other, down her back. Looking at her self in the mirror, Dara reluctantly agreed with her sisters. She hadn't even hoped to look this good on her wedding day.
A knock interrupted their musings as Brittany entered the room. "Aunt Dara, Lucas is here, and granddaddy asked me to take a picture of the three of you, so get together and smile." Pulling the camera from behind her back, the girl waited for her aunts and mother to comply, and then snapped the picture. Sighing wishfully at the sight of her aunt, Brittany expressed her opinion, "You sure look pretty. I hope I look that good when I get married."
Kara's head snapped around as she advised her daughter sternly, "You just started dating young lady, so don't start planning your wedding just yet."
Dara and Mara glanced at each other and then began laughing at their sister's words. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, Kara. I'm sure she'll wait awhile."
Another knock preceded Alex's entrance to hand his daughters their bouquets. Handing his eldest daughters the two smaller ones, he then presented Dara with one that was more elaborate, made with a variety of pink, white and red roses as well as baby's breath and ribbons.
Alex settled his gaze on his youngest daughter, his eyes growing wistful. "Baby girl, you look absolutely beautiful. Are you ready?"
Dara handed Kara Lucas' wedding ring to hold for her as she nodded and answered her father. "I'm as ready as I can be, I suppose."
Once everyone was seated, and Lucas and Caleb had taken their places, Mara and Kara made their way to take their places as well.
Brittany was waiting at the piano, which had been moved to the porch for the ceremony, for her mother's signal to begin the Wedding March, signaling her aunt's presence
Kara nodded her head for the girl to begin, where upon everyone seated rose and turned to watch Dara's descent.
Alex and Dara were standing just inside the doorway, waiting for their signal, when Alex heard the music he turned to his daughter. "Are you sure you want to go through with this, honey? It's not to late if you want to change your mind."
Dara considered his words for a moment and then shook her head. "No. I don't want to change my mind. I love Lucas and this is what I want, daddy."
Alex nodded his acceptance as he led his daughter out the door and down the steps.
Lucas had turned towards the door to await her appearance as had everyone else, but when he saw her he held his breath in wonder. He had never considered Dara to be anything less than a beautiful woman, but at the sight of her smiling face, she outshone even his expectations. She had always reminded him of what an angel would look like, if such things existed, but in her wedding gown and veil he had no doubt as to their existence any longer, because in his mind, she must surely be one, an angel that merely lost her way to heaven and had to contend with mere mortals.
Once her father had placed her hand into Lucas' they waited to Judge Whitby to begin the ceremony.
Lucas waited patiently for the judge to come to the reciting of the vows. When he instructed, Lucas spoke his with calmness and deliberateness. Leaving no doubts that he took this ceremony extremely seriously.
"I, Lucas David Buck, take thee, Dara Cherice Chambers, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death us do part. And I vow from this day forward to give my troth only onto thee."
Whitby nodded to Caleb, who reached into his pocket and handed the ring to Lucas, grinning and winking at Dara as he did so.
Lucas took the ring and after removing her engagement ring, he slid it onto her finger, replacing the diamond behind it. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Whitby turned towards Dara and instructed her to repeat the same words.
Lucas thought he had never heard anything so magical as her soft floating voice reciting her wedding vows, binding her to him for the rest of their lives, and by her choice. "I, Dara Cherice Chambers, take thee, Lucas David Buck, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death us do part. And I vow from this day forward to give my troth only onto thee."
Then as Lucas had done with Caleb, Dara took his ring from Kara. Smiling into his eyes, she stated firmly as she slid the ring onto his finger. "With this ring I thee wed."
Satisfied, Whitby continued, "By the power vested in me by the state of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Smiling broadly at Lucas he motioned towards Dara, "Well go ahead and kiss your bride."
With that Lucas smiled down as he took her bouquet and handed it to Kara. Taking Dara in his arms, he kissed her deeply until he heard Whitby clearing his throat, reminding him they weren't alone. Releasing her he took her hand as Whitby announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Buck." Everyone present smiled with the joy of the event, as well as clapped their approval.
Caleb put his arms around Dara, stating, "Well, I guess we're related now, huh?"
Dara smiled as he asked, "Do you mind?"
Caleb considered for a moment before grinning broadly, "Nah, not since it's you." With that he ran off to find some amusement with the two younger boys.
Lucilla came over, determined to be the first one to hug her new granddaughter in law. "Well, you did a good job. It took you long enough to find yourself one, but I think you were smart to wait for this one, boy."
Lucas smiled at his grandmother as he pulled Dara into his embrace and responded, "That's exactly how I see it too, mama."
Brittany approached them about cutting the cake, Lucas readily agreed. The sooner they did that the sooner they could leave.
Lucas had never thought he would have any patience for all the nonsense that went with a wedding, but he found himself enjoying it because of Dara's enjoyment. After they had gone through the custom of cutting the first piece and sharing it, they began taking the wedding photos. Lucas had hired a photographer, if for no other reason than to please Dara. Although he had wanted nothing more than a photo of Dara by herself, he knew that she would want to remember this day. He would never have a problem remembering it. Lucas noticing the time quickly getting away from them, approached Dara. "Would you like to change out of your gown, or wear it when we leave?"
Dara shook her head as she motioned for her sisters to follow her. "No, Kara and Mara are going to pack it away for me, I'll change."
Half an hour later she emerged still looking just as beautiful, wearing a pale pink dress. Lucas watched the blush of pleasure creep into her cheeks as he inquired, "Are you ready, Mrs. Buck?" Dara nodded as she bid her family farewell, they would be gone before she and Lucas returned the next evening.
After they had departed, Loris Crower glanced at her husband shaking her head. "You know, I have the feeling that we just may be seeing a whole lot of changes in that man before too much longer."
They reached the small cabin where they would spend their wedding night, just after dusk. Lucas took the bags inside and started a fire, allowing Dara a chance to admire the lake under the now star studded sky. Once he had accomplished his task he went in search of his wife, finding her admiring the reflection of the stars and moon off the water's surface. "Honey, are you ready to come inside? I started a fire, and there's some champagne chilling. Besides, it's gotten awfully cold out here since the suns gone down."
Proof of his statement was evidenced by her shivering, although whether if was from her nervousness at what would be taking place soon, or the cold in the air she wasn't certain.
Lucas, noticing her shivering, took his jacket off and placed it around her shoulders as he pulled her against his side and led her back to the cabin. Once they reached the door, he swung her up into his arms and carried her inside, setting her down on the bed. He decided to give her a few moments to adjust herself to what they were both anticipating. "Darlin, the bathrooms through there if you want to take a shower and get more comfortable. I'll pour us a glass of champagne, if you like." Dara complied with his suggestion, grabbing her bag she ventured to the bathroom to do as he had advised.
After about twenty or so minutes, she emerged from the bathroom freshly showered, with her hair now free, falling halfway down her back to just above her waist. She was wearing a silk nightgown that fell to her ankles in a full skirt the color of the clear sea, with a matching sheer robe the same hue as the gown, which had a plunging v-neckline revealing a good portion of her cleavage.
Lucas could only stare at her, speechless with his breath caught in his throat. Recovering quickly, he handed her a glass of champagne.
Taking a sip, Dara smiled at him timidly as she started to speak. "Lucas, there's something we should have discussed before tonight. I just wasn't certain as to how to best approach the subject, and although you may not believe it..."
Lucas, taking her glass from her hand, placed it along with his on the nearby table, and then putting his finger to her lips silenced her. Kissing her gently he gazed into her eyes. "I already know what you're about to say."
Dara looked at him in shock, "How? We never discussed it."
Lucas shook his head as he smiled at her benevolently. "I just had the feeling you were." Placing his arms around her and pulling her against his chest, he vowed to her, "Don't be afraid, I promise, I wont hurt you. We'll ease our way into it. All right?" Lucas, seeing the apprehension in her eyes, tilted her head up to meet his own gaze. "Trust me, darlin. I promise, once you understand it better, you'll come to enjoy the art of making love. Do you trust me?"
Dara nodded her acceptance, although her voice was filled with apprehension. "Yes, but I'm afraid you'll be disappointed in me."
Shaking his head, Lucas stated, "I promise you, that could never happen."
Capturing her gaze, he kissed her gently, and then began deepening the kiss. Once he felt her enjoyment as well as his own he deepened the kiss more until he felt her meeting his responses with her own. Lifting his head to study her reaction he could see the apprehension in her eyes had been replaced with desire. Placing his hand along her cheek, he inquired, "Do you want me to stop?
Dara shook her head, "No, I trust you."
Lucas rose from the sofa with her in his arms and crossed the room to the bed, where he laid her gently in the middle, while he began undressing, continuing to watch her reaction.
Dara wasn't sure what was affecting her more, the champagne or Lucas' touch, but she had never felt so relaxed in her life. She felt as though she were floating as she watching Lucas remove his clothes and stand before her. On impulse, she held her arms open towards him in invitation.
Lucas continued watching his wife's responses to the new feelings and emotions he was initiating in her, certain she would be shocked when he was completely unclothed he had never expected her to extend the open invitation of her arms to him. Climbing into the bed next to her, he began stroking her hair away from her face. He watched fascinated as she closed her eyes in ecstasy, savoring the feel of his touch. Tracing light patterns with his fingers, he ran feather light touches against her lips, throat, and up and down her arms.
Lucas couldn't help but feel in powered by her responses to him. Teasing and nibbling at her neck and throat, he began slowly unfastening her gown, and then rising to his knees; he pulled her to a sitting position, noticing the look of desire and ecstasy in her eyes. He continued tracing the patterns on her throat and neck as he slid the fabric of her gown down her arms and away from her body. When he sat up to take in the sight of her, he couldn't help but state, "Beautiful." Gently, he pushed her back on the pillows, as he began tracing the same patterns over the length of her body with his mouth and tongue. He couldn't help but notice the way her hands were clutching at the bedclothes as she arched in sharp pleasure.
Raising himself up, he gently took her hands and placed them on his broad chest. Looking into her eyes he stated, "I belong to you, as much as you belong to me, every inch. So you have no reason to feel shame for touching what is yours." Knowing that she understood his words, he once again continued the path he had begun, this time with Dara, timidly at first, then more feverishly, running her hands across his chest, then eventually over the rest of his body.
Lucas had begun sliding down her body with his mouth, when he ventured past her waist, Dara sat up and looked at him unsurely. Looking her in the eyes, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back against the pillows. "It's all right, darlin. We're married, remember, trust me all right?" Dara nodded her ascent and relaxed at his words.
Slowly, so as not to hurt her, Lucas began carefully tracing a light pattern with his fingers, to get her accustomed to the intrusion of her body. After he was satisfied that she was enjoying the sensations he was arousing in her, he began tracing the same patterns with his tongue and mouth.
Dara arched at the unexpected, sharp pleasure he was arousing within her.
Satisfying himself that she was ready, Lucas poised himself above her, looking deep into her eyes. "Dara, you and I both know that this will be unpleasant for you, this time. I swear that after this, it will never hurt again. If you want me to I'll stop now. What do you want me to do?"
Dara lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling his head down, to kiss him. When she released him, she replied, "I trust you, I know you would never hurt me intentionally. It's all right, go ahead."
Placing a kiss on her lips, he whispered, "I love you. I promise, I'll go slow."
Carefully, Lucas began gently easing his way inside of her, watching her face carefully for any sign of pain. Lucas began stroking her hair as he whispered, "It's all right, sweetheart. I promise, just a little more. All right?"
Dara nodded, remaining silent, determined not to give away the fact that the act was causing her more pain than Lucas was aware of. This however, she knew was simply a part of life, and had to happen.
Meeting the proof of her virginity, Lucas placed his hand along her cheek to bring her eyes up to meet his gaze. "Darlin, this is going to be the worst part, all right? I'm not going to lie to you and say it wont be painful, but it will only hurt for a minute or two. If you want me to I'll stop now." Dara shook her head vigorously, then locking her arms around his neck, she held him to her.
Lucas, hating that it had to be painful for her, braced himself and slowly proceeded to penetrate the barrier. As he felt himself push through, he pulled Dara close to him as he heard her whimper of pain. Still within her, he asked, "Are you all right, honey? Do you want me to stop?"
Dara looked at him as she managed a shaky smile, "It's all right, I knew it would hurt. I'm sure every woman feels the same way at the beginning. You don't have to stop."
Lucas felt the love he had for her welling inside of him, as he kissed her gently. He knew that what she said was true, but he also knew what she didn't, that although every woman might feel pain at the loss of their virginity, hers was more acute because he wasn't proportioned like every other man. Capturing her eyes with his, he asked softly, "Are you sure you want to go on?" Placing her hand along his cheek, she nodded her agreement.
Gently, Lucas began moving inside of her, while taking possession of her breasts with his mouth. When he began to feel the heat rising within him, he pulled her hips closer to his and guided her movement to meet his own. He heard Dara's cries of delight through his own haze of pleasure as he felt his own climax over flow all the boundaries he had ever known before. Lying heavily on top of her in the aftermath of their lovemaking, Lucas raised his head to smile at her. "See, I told you there was no way you could disappoint me."
Blushing at the compliment, Dara went to turn over and winced in pain. Lucas, noticing the action, cupped her face and asked with concern, "Are you sure you're all right?" Dara nodded hesitantly at the inquiry.
Lucas, not satisfied she was telling the truth, reached over and turned the bedside lamp on. Turning back towards her he understood why she moved so cautiously. Her upper thighs were not only stained with the last vestiges of her virginity, but they were also covered with several bruises around the same areas. Shaking his head in horror at the realization that he had done this, he ground out, "Damn, Dara, I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't realize I had hurt you this badly."
Dara reached over to take his face in her hands, shaking her head, "You didn't hurt me that badly, we both knew what the first time would be like. Please don't be sorry, I'm not." Smiling at him seductively, she ventured, "Maybe you can give me another lesson in a little while."
Lucas turned and pulled her into his arms as he asked, "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Dara Buck?"
Smiling at him tenderly, she replied, "Hopefully, enough to last us for a lifetime."
Despite her protests that she would be fine, Lucas insisted on running a hot bath for her and carrying her into the bathroom. After she had dried herself off, they decided to settle down for the rest of the night.
Making sure the fire had enough wood to last through the night, Lucas banked the embers. Then, making sure Dara was tucked in; he climbed into bed beside her. Pulling her close to him, he whispered in her ear, "Goodnight, love, sweet dreams."
Dara, who was already asleep, mumbled, "Um, love you too", and then drifted further down into slumber.
Just as the sunlight was pouring through the windows, Lucas awoke, glancing down at the woman beside him, he smiled at the memories of the night before. Most women would have been reluctant at even the suggestion of being intimate, after the bruises and pain he was certain she must have suffered. Not Dara, she just accepted that it was part of the process of making love and not only didn't suggest discontinuing their efforts, quite the contrary, she wanted his assurance that there would be more nights to come.
Gently kissing her lips, Lucas felt them turn up at the corners into a smile, and watched as she opened her eyes to look into his. Winding a strand of her long hair around his finger, he stated, 'Good morning, Mrs. Buck."
Blushing with pleasure, she stretched, then rolled towards him and wrapped both arms around him. "Good morning, what would you like for breakfast?"
Kissing the tip of her nose, Lucas looked into her eyes with a leering grin and challenged, "Take a guess."
Laughing at the play she rested her head against his chest and responded, "Oh, I think we can definitely arrange that."
After they were both satisfied with not only love, but food as well. Lucas asked as he was finishing packing their bags, "I know you're not, but are you ready to go?" Looking around the little room they had shared their first night together as husband and wife, Dara nodded forlornly.
"Don't worry, darlin, we own this. So we can come up here anytime we want to, all right?"
Shaking her head and smiling, Dara muttered, "I should have known."
After they got back to town Lucas headed, not for her house as she had thought he would, but to what was now their house. Glancing at him in astonishment, she asked, "Why aren't you stopping at the house? I have a lot of packing and such to do before I can even think of going back to work next week."
Lucas continued watching the road as he simply stated, "Trust me." Once they reached their home, Lucas came around and opened her door for her; sweeping her up in his arms he carried her into her new home.
Dara looked around and exclaimed, "How did you get this done?"
The living groom now contained her piano and the two rocking chairs she treasured, as well as boxes of her belongings. Lucas, grinning, pulled her up the stairs to what was now their bedroom and opened the closet door. Inside were all her clothes and accessories, organized the way she kept them. As well as the dresser, now filled with not only Lucas things, but hers as well.
Turning she looked at him with puzzlement, "How did you do this?'
Shrugging his shoulders, he replied, "I just dropped the hint that this was the best wedding present and your family took care of it. I though you could tackle what's already here, then if there are other things you can deal with them later."
Dara wrapped her arms around him and kissed him as she replied, "Thank you."
Chapter 9
Lucas awoke the next morning to Caleb bounding into his room and hurling himself to land at the foot of the bed.
"Wake up! Don't you want to get married today?"
Lucas groaned as he lifted one eyelid to glance at his son in reproach for his rude interruption of a very stimulating dream, involving Dara. "What time is it?"
Caleb grabbed his robe to toss to him, then replied, "Ten. You better hurry up; we're supposed to be there by about one. Mama Lucy made you some breakfast and she said to tell you your suit is on the hook in the closet, all cleaned and waiting."
Lucas finished fastening the belt around his waist before following Caleb downstairs. "How about your own suit?"
Caleb nodded his response, "Took care of that yesterday."
Entering the kitchen, he kissed his grandmother on the cheek before gratefully accepting the cup of coffee she offered to him. Once he was seated and had begun eating, she came to her point.
"Lucas, after you two leave this afternoon I'm going to head on back home. You've done your part so you don't need my interference, all there is to do now is just sit back and let nature take its course."
Lucas cast a wary glance at his grandmother, "I meant what I said, mama." Looking over his shoulder to see if Caleb could over hear them, he lowered his voice and emphasized his point. "I don't intend to do anything more than what every other man does to get his wife pregnant, I promised her it would be God's will, and I'm keeping my word to her."
Lucilla gave him a look of agitation. "I know that, boy, but I also know the way you two look at each other. I don't think it will take long before you're calling me to tell me you're going to be a daddy again."
Shaking his head at the old woman, Lucas couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. After he finished eating he headed to his room to take a shower and get dressed. After he had finished dressing and was making sure his appearance was all right, Caleb came in to inquire excitedly, "Are you ready? Its 12:30."
Lucas motioned his head towards the bag he had placed at the foot of the bed earlier. "Yeah, how about putting that in the car for me, son. By the way, you look nice."
Caleb grinned at the compliment as he grabbed the bag and headed downstairs.
Lucas followed behind him and presented his arm to his grandmother, who was waiting at the foot of the stairs. "You ready, mama?"
Nodding, she took his arm and allowed him to escort her to the car.
Dara, on the other hand, wasn't having such an easy time of preparing for her wedding.
Unlike Lucas, who had to only contend with the presence of two other people in his house, Dara had three adults and three children to work around. Even with being the first one to get a chance at the bathroom and the added convenience of more than one bathroom, there were still constant interruptions. Finally, twenty minutes after the judge Lucas had asked to perform the ceremony had arrived, she was ready to step into her dress and fasten her veil in her hair. Mara and Kara, both assisted her with this task, as they had with her hair and makeup, making sure the dress was securely fastened and the veil was secure in place.
Standing back to admire their younger sister, both had tears in their eyes at the sight of her. Kara was the first to voice the before unspoken thought they all had shared that day. "I wish mama were here to see you, you make a beautiful bride."
Mara only nodded her agreement with the statement, glancing at the dress.
It was along the lines of something from Gone with the Wind, it was ivory colored with matching antique lace. The short, full sleeves had bows at the tops of them, which came off Dara's shoulders, while the lace adorned the bottoms, falling gracefully to just past her elbows. The skirt was a full hoop skirt with the same lace at the hem. Her veil was a simple pearl and bead crown that had a fall of the same lace that ended at Dara's waist.
Mara had arranged her hair, pulling it up to the top, and then fastening it to let the curls cascade over each other, down her back. Looking at her self in the mirror, Dara reluctantly agreed with her sisters. She hadn't even hoped to look this good on her wedding day.
A knock interrupted their musings as Brittany entered the room. "Aunt Dara, Lucas is here, and granddaddy asked me to take a picture of the three of you, so get together and smile." Pulling the camera from behind her back, the girl waited for her aunts and mother to comply, and then snapped the picture. Sighing wishfully at the sight of her aunt, Brittany expressed her opinion, "You sure look pretty. I hope I look that good when I get married."
Kara's head snapped around as she advised her daughter sternly, "You just started dating young lady, so don't start planning your wedding just yet."
Dara and Mara glanced at each other and then began laughing at their sister's words. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, Kara. I'm sure she'll wait awhile."
Another knock preceded Alex's entrance to hand his daughters their bouquets. Handing his eldest daughters the two smaller ones, he then presented Dara with one that was more elaborate, made with a variety of pink, white and red roses as well as baby's breath and ribbons.
Alex settled his gaze on his youngest daughter, his eyes growing wistful. "Baby girl, you look absolutely beautiful. Are you ready?"
Dara handed Kara Lucas' wedding ring to hold for her as she nodded and answered her father. "I'm as ready as I can be, I suppose."
Once everyone was seated, and Lucas and Caleb had taken their places, Mara and Kara made their way to take their places as well.
Brittany was waiting at the piano, which had been moved to the porch for the ceremony, for her mother's signal to begin the Wedding March, signaling her aunt's presence
Kara nodded her head for the girl to begin, where upon everyone seated rose and turned to watch Dara's descent.
Alex and Dara were standing just inside the doorway, waiting for their signal, when Alex heard the music he turned to his daughter. "Are you sure you want to go through with this, honey? It's not to late if you want to change your mind."
Dara considered his words for a moment and then shook her head. "No. I don't want to change my mind. I love Lucas and this is what I want, daddy."
Alex nodded his acceptance as he led his daughter out the door and down the steps.
Lucas had turned towards the door to await her appearance as had everyone else, but when he saw her he held his breath in wonder. He had never considered Dara to be anything less than a beautiful woman, but at the sight of her smiling face, she outshone even his expectations. She had always reminded him of what an angel would look like, if such things existed, but in her wedding gown and veil he had no doubt as to their existence any longer, because in his mind, she must surely be one, an angel that merely lost her way to heaven and had to contend with mere mortals.
Once her father had placed her hand into Lucas' they waited to Judge Whitby to begin the ceremony.
Lucas waited patiently for the judge to come to the reciting of the vows. When he instructed, Lucas spoke his with calmness and deliberateness. Leaving no doubts that he took this ceremony extremely seriously.
"I, Lucas David Buck, take thee, Dara Cherice Chambers, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death us do part. And I vow from this day forward to give my troth only onto thee."
Whitby nodded to Caleb, who reached into his pocket and handed the ring to Lucas, grinning and winking at Dara as he did so.
Lucas took the ring and after removing her engagement ring, he slid it onto her finger, replacing the diamond behind it. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Whitby turned towards Dara and instructed her to repeat the same words.
Lucas thought he had never heard anything so magical as her soft floating voice reciting her wedding vows, binding her to him for the rest of their lives, and by her choice. "I, Dara Cherice Chambers, take thee, Lucas David Buck, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, till death us do part. And I vow from this day forward to give my troth only onto thee."
Then as Lucas had done with Caleb, Dara took his ring from Kara. Smiling into his eyes, she stated firmly as she slid the ring onto his finger. "With this ring I thee wed."
Satisfied, Whitby continued, "By the power vested in me by the state of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Smiling broadly at Lucas he motioned towards Dara, "Well go ahead and kiss your bride."
With that Lucas smiled down as he took her bouquet and handed it to Kara. Taking Dara in his arms, he kissed her deeply until he heard Whitby clearing his throat, reminding him they weren't alone. Releasing her he took her hand as Whitby announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Buck." Everyone present smiled with the joy of the event, as well as clapped their approval.
Caleb put his arms around Dara, stating, "Well, I guess we're related now, huh?"
Dara smiled as he asked, "Do you mind?"
Caleb considered for a moment before grinning broadly, "Nah, not since it's you." With that he ran off to find some amusement with the two younger boys.
Lucilla came over, determined to be the first one to hug her new granddaughter in law. "Well, you did a good job. It took you long enough to find yourself one, but I think you were smart to wait for this one, boy."
Lucas smiled at his grandmother as he pulled Dara into his embrace and responded, "That's exactly how I see it too, mama."
Brittany approached them about cutting the cake, Lucas readily agreed. The sooner they did that the sooner they could leave.
Lucas had never thought he would have any patience for all the nonsense that went with a wedding, but he found himself enjoying it because of Dara's enjoyment. After they had gone through the custom of cutting the first piece and sharing it, they began taking the wedding photos. Lucas had hired a photographer, if for no other reason than to please Dara. Although he had wanted nothing more than a photo of Dara by herself, he knew that she would want to remember this day. He would never have a problem remembering it. Lucas noticing the time quickly getting away from them, approached Dara. "Would you like to change out of your gown, or wear it when we leave?"
Dara shook her head as she motioned for her sisters to follow her. "No, Kara and Mara are going to pack it away for me, I'll change."
Half an hour later she emerged still looking just as beautiful, wearing a pale pink dress. Lucas watched the blush of pleasure creep into her cheeks as he inquired, "Are you ready, Mrs. Buck?" Dara nodded as she bid her family farewell, they would be gone before she and Lucas returned the next evening.
After they had departed, Loris Crower glanced at her husband shaking her head. "You know, I have the feeling that we just may be seeing a whole lot of changes in that man before too much longer."
They reached the small cabin where they would spend their wedding night, just after dusk. Lucas took the bags inside and started a fire, allowing Dara a chance to admire the lake under the now star studded sky. Once he had accomplished his task he went in search of his wife, finding her admiring the reflection of the stars and moon off the water's surface. "Honey, are you ready to come inside? I started a fire, and there's some champagne chilling. Besides, it's gotten awfully cold out here since the suns gone down."
Proof of his statement was evidenced by her shivering, although whether if was from her nervousness at what would be taking place soon, or the cold in the air she wasn't certain.
Lucas, noticing her shivering, took his jacket off and placed it around her shoulders as he pulled her against his side and led her back to the cabin. Once they reached the door, he swung her up into his arms and carried her inside, setting her down on the bed. He decided to give her a few moments to adjust herself to what they were both anticipating. "Darlin, the bathrooms through there if you want to take a shower and get more comfortable. I'll pour us a glass of champagne, if you like." Dara complied with his suggestion, grabbing her bag she ventured to the bathroom to do as he had advised.
After about twenty or so minutes, she emerged from the bathroom freshly showered, with her hair now free, falling halfway down her back to just above her waist. She was wearing a silk nightgown that fell to her ankles in a full skirt the color of the clear sea, with a matching sheer robe the same hue as the gown, which had a plunging v-neckline revealing a good portion of her cleavage.
Lucas could only stare at her, speechless with his breath caught in his throat. Recovering quickly, he handed her a glass of champagne.
Taking a sip, Dara smiled at him timidly as she started to speak. "Lucas, there's something we should have discussed before tonight. I just wasn't certain as to how to best approach the subject, and although you may not believe it..."
Lucas, taking her glass from her hand, placed it along with his on the nearby table, and then putting his finger to her lips silenced her. Kissing her gently he gazed into her eyes. "I already know what you're about to say."
Dara looked at him in shock, "How? We never discussed it."
Lucas shook his head as he smiled at her benevolently. "I just had the feeling you were." Placing his arms around her and pulling her against his chest, he vowed to her, "Don't be afraid, I promise, I wont hurt you. We'll ease our way into it. All right?" Lucas, seeing the apprehension in her eyes, tilted her head up to meet his own gaze. "Trust me, darlin. I promise, once you understand it better, you'll come to enjoy the art of making love. Do you trust me?"
Dara nodded her acceptance, although her voice was filled with apprehension. "Yes, but I'm afraid you'll be disappointed in me."
Shaking his head, Lucas stated, "I promise you, that could never happen."
Capturing her gaze, he kissed her gently, and then began deepening the kiss. Once he felt her enjoyment as well as his own he deepened the kiss more until he felt her meeting his responses with her own. Lifting his head to study her reaction he could see the apprehension in her eyes had been replaced with desire. Placing his hand along her cheek, he inquired, "Do you want me to stop?
Dara shook her head, "No, I trust you."
Lucas rose from the sofa with her in his arms and crossed the room to the bed, where he laid her gently in the middle, while he began undressing, continuing to watch her reaction.
Dara wasn't sure what was affecting her more, the champagne or Lucas' touch, but she had never felt so relaxed in her life. She felt as though she were floating as she watching Lucas remove his clothes and stand before her. On impulse, she held her arms open towards him in invitation.
Lucas continued watching his wife's responses to the new feelings and emotions he was initiating in her, certain she would be shocked when he was completely unclothed he had never expected her to extend the open invitation of her arms to him. Climbing into the bed next to her, he began stroking her hair away from her face. He watched fascinated as she closed her eyes in ecstasy, savoring the feel of his touch. Tracing light patterns with his fingers, he ran feather light touches against her lips, throat, and up and down her arms.
Lucas couldn't help but feel in powered by her responses to him. Teasing and nibbling at her neck and throat, he began slowly unfastening her gown, and then rising to his knees; he pulled her to a sitting position, noticing the look of desire and ecstasy in her eyes. He continued tracing the patterns on her throat and neck as he slid the fabric of her gown down her arms and away from her body. When he sat up to take in the sight of her, he couldn't help but state, "Beautiful." Gently, he pushed her back on the pillows, as he began tracing the same patterns over the length of her body with his mouth and tongue. He couldn't help but notice the way her hands were clutching at the bedclothes as she arched in sharp pleasure.
Raising himself up, he gently took her hands and placed them on his broad chest. Looking into her eyes he stated, "I belong to you, as much as you belong to me, every inch. So you have no reason to feel shame for touching what is yours." Knowing that she understood his words, he once again continued the path he had begun, this time with Dara, timidly at first, then more feverishly, running her hands across his chest, then eventually over the rest of his body.
Lucas had begun sliding down her body with his mouth, when he ventured past her waist, Dara sat up and looked at him unsurely. Looking her in the eyes, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder, pushing her back against the pillows. "It's all right, darlin. We're married, remember, trust me all right?" Dara nodded her ascent and relaxed at his words.
Slowly, so as not to hurt her, Lucas began carefully tracing a light pattern with his fingers, to get her accustomed to the intrusion of her body. After he was satisfied that she was enjoying the sensations he was arousing in her, he began tracing the same patterns with his tongue and mouth.
Dara arched at the unexpected, sharp pleasure he was arousing within her.
Satisfying himself that she was ready, Lucas poised himself above her, looking deep into her eyes. "Dara, you and I both know that this will be unpleasant for you, this time. I swear that after this, it will never hurt again. If you want me to I'll stop now. What do you want me to do?"
Dara lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling his head down, to kiss him. When she released him, she replied, "I trust you, I know you would never hurt me intentionally. It's all right, go ahead."
Placing a kiss on her lips, he whispered, "I love you. I promise, I'll go slow."
Carefully, Lucas began gently easing his way inside of her, watching her face carefully for any sign of pain. Lucas began stroking her hair as he whispered, "It's all right, sweetheart. I promise, just a little more. All right?"
Dara nodded, remaining silent, determined not to give away the fact that the act was causing her more pain than Lucas was aware of. This however, she knew was simply a part of life, and had to happen.
Meeting the proof of her virginity, Lucas placed his hand along her cheek to bring her eyes up to meet his gaze. "Darlin, this is going to be the worst part, all right? I'm not going to lie to you and say it wont be painful, but it will only hurt for a minute or two. If you want me to I'll stop now." Dara shook her head vigorously, then locking her arms around his neck, she held him to her.
Lucas, hating that it had to be painful for her, braced himself and slowly proceeded to penetrate the barrier. As he felt himself push through, he pulled Dara close to him as he heard her whimper of pain. Still within her, he asked, "Are you all right, honey? Do you want me to stop?"
Dara looked at him as she managed a shaky smile, "It's all right, I knew it would hurt. I'm sure every woman feels the same way at the beginning. You don't have to stop."
Lucas felt the love he had for her welling inside of him, as he kissed her gently. He knew that what she said was true, but he also knew what she didn't, that although every woman might feel pain at the loss of their virginity, hers was more acute because he wasn't proportioned like every other man. Capturing her eyes with his, he asked softly, "Are you sure you want to go on?" Placing her hand along his cheek, she nodded her agreement.
Gently, Lucas began moving inside of her, while taking possession of her breasts with his mouth. When he began to feel the heat rising within him, he pulled her hips closer to his and guided her movement to meet his own. He heard Dara's cries of delight through his own haze of pleasure as he felt his own climax over flow all the boundaries he had ever known before. Lying heavily on top of her in the aftermath of their lovemaking, Lucas raised his head to smile at her. "See, I told you there was no way you could disappoint me."
Blushing at the compliment, Dara went to turn over and winced in pain. Lucas, noticing the action, cupped her face and asked with concern, "Are you sure you're all right?" Dara nodded hesitantly at the inquiry.
Lucas, not satisfied she was telling the truth, reached over and turned the bedside lamp on. Turning back towards her he understood why she moved so cautiously. Her upper thighs were not only stained with the last vestiges of her virginity, but they were also covered with several bruises around the same areas. Shaking his head in horror at the realization that he had done this, he ground out, "Damn, Dara, I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't realize I had hurt you this badly."
Dara reached over to take his face in her hands, shaking her head, "You didn't hurt me that badly, we both knew what the first time would be like. Please don't be sorry, I'm not." Smiling at him seductively, she ventured, "Maybe you can give me another lesson in a little while."
Lucas turned and pulled her into his arms as he asked, "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Dara Buck?"
Smiling at him tenderly, she replied, "Hopefully, enough to last us for a lifetime."
Despite her protests that she would be fine, Lucas insisted on running a hot bath for her and carrying her into the bathroom. After she had dried herself off, they decided to settle down for the rest of the night.
Making sure the fire had enough wood to last through the night, Lucas banked the embers. Then, making sure Dara was tucked in; he climbed into bed beside her. Pulling her close to him, he whispered in her ear, "Goodnight, love, sweet dreams."
Dara, who was already asleep, mumbled, "Um, love you too", and then drifted further down into slumber.
Just as the sunlight was pouring through the windows, Lucas awoke, glancing down at the woman beside him, he smiled at the memories of the night before. Most women would have been reluctant at even the suggestion of being intimate, after the bruises and pain he was certain she must have suffered. Not Dara, she just accepted that it was part of the process of making love and not only didn't suggest discontinuing their efforts, quite the contrary, she wanted his assurance that there would be more nights to come.
Gently kissing her lips, Lucas felt them turn up at the corners into a smile, and watched as she opened her eyes to look into his. Winding a strand of her long hair around his finger, he stated, 'Good morning, Mrs. Buck."
Blushing with pleasure, she stretched, then rolled towards him and wrapped both arms around him. "Good morning, what would you like for breakfast?"
Kissing the tip of her nose, Lucas looked into her eyes with a leering grin and challenged, "Take a guess."
Laughing at the play she rested her head against his chest and responded, "Oh, I think we can definitely arrange that."
After they were both satisfied with not only love, but food as well. Lucas asked as he was finishing packing their bags, "I know you're not, but are you ready to go?" Looking around the little room they had shared their first night together as husband and wife, Dara nodded forlornly.
"Don't worry, darlin, we own this. So we can come up here anytime we want to, all right?"
Shaking her head and smiling, Dara muttered, "I should have known."
After they got back to town Lucas headed, not for her house as she had thought he would, but to what was now their house. Glancing at him in astonishment, she asked, "Why aren't you stopping at the house? I have a lot of packing and such to do before I can even think of going back to work next week."
Lucas continued watching the road as he simply stated, "Trust me." Once they reached their home, Lucas came around and opened her door for her; sweeping her up in his arms he carried her into her new home.
Dara looked around and exclaimed, "How did you get this done?"
The living groom now contained her piano and the two rocking chairs she treasured, as well as boxes of her belongings. Lucas, grinning, pulled her up the stairs to what was now their bedroom and opened the closet door. Inside were all her clothes and accessories, organized the way she kept them. As well as the dresser, now filled with not only Lucas things, but hers as well.
Turning she looked at him with puzzlement, "How did you do this?'
Shrugging his shoulders, he replied, "I just dropped the hint that this was the best wedding present and your family took care of it. I though you could tackle what's already here, then if there are other things you can deal with them later."
Dara wrapped her arms around him and kissed him as she replied, "Thank you."