Vaughn sits in the dark of the early morning bedroom. He eyes her soft form; covered by a sheet, only her left arm, her beautiful face and her soft naked shoulder uncovered. He knew the warmth and beauty that lay beneath the thin sheet. 'Vaughn, you need her. This beautiful woman calms you and brightens your life. She will be there for you, no matter what. You need to make a commitment to her.' Out of the depths of his mind came one thought, a single word fighting for purchase in the front of his thoughts, 'Sydney.' Vaughn pushes it back, the experience being easier now more than ever. 'Meelon deserves to know how you feel. She needs to know that you love her more than anything, she deserves the commitment.'
He needs to make a decision. 'But... my actions over the last few days are evidence of my decision. What I do today... what she answers today... will be the beginning of a new life... of our life, together.' Vaughn smiles at last. He knows his mind is settled. He knows its time to act.
Vaughn picks up a rose from the dozen he brought home last night. He hasn't given them to her yet; his original plan had been to act on his decision tonight. 'But... why wait?' Vaughn lay on the bed, on top of the sheet that covers Meelon. Her soft breathing pattern does not change with the movement of the bed. Vaughn takes the rose and touches the soft red bud to her nose, then pulls away. Meelon's eyes do not open; her nose crinkles and her fingertips move to brush away the intruder. Vaughn smiles again and repeats the action, this time allowing the rose bud to linger near the tip of her nose. When her fingers again brush her nose, she feels the soft petals and slightly opens one eye. She looks at Vaughn and closes her eye. "Michael, you said you were going into work early today."
"I am."
"So, knowing that I have the day off, you decided to wake me up at..." Meelon lifts her head and looks at the clock on the bedside table. "...at 6:30 in the morning, just for fun?"
"Well, that wasn't the original plan when I woke up, but how could I just let you stay here by yourself all warm and snuggly, without waking you up to tell you I love you."
Meelon smiles. "That's a beautiful rose, is it for me or just an object of torture you use on the unsuspecting women in your life?"
"Oh, it's only for the ones I find lingering in my bed after a wonderful night of passion."
"Have many of those, do you?"
Vaughn looks deeply into her eyes. "It's for you, only for you."
Meelon takes the rose and inhales the aroma. "This is beautiful."
"The beauty of the flower is dwarfed by the loveliness of your presence." Meelon smiles and Vaughn leans over her and kisses her. "Are you awake now?"
"Yes..." Meelon says holding Vaughn closely to her. "I could be persuaded to wake up enough to partake in certain activities that would allow me to remain in bed..." Meelon looks at Vaughn and is puzzled when he pulls away from her.
"Meelon, I have something else for you."
"Wow, more surprises? Maybe I will sleep over more often."
"Meelon..." Vaughn takes her hand. "I would like you to sleep here all the time."
"You mean move in with you?" Meelon sees, even in the dark, the passionate green of Vaughn's eyes.
He speaks very quietly. "Meelon, I would like you to marry me." Vaughn holds out the ring that he purchased. He places the one carat solitaire diamond on the ring finger of her left hand.
Even in the low light, the diamond sparkles on her finger. She looks at the ring and then back at Vaughn. The tears in her eyes sparkle as she sits up and looks directly at him. "Michael, I would very much love to marry you." Meelon says as she touches Vaughn's cheek. "You are beautiful, kind, tender and the most loving man I have ever met. I am so glad that I didn't let you run out of my life the day we met. You have brought me so much joy and happiness. I am honored that you asked me and hope I can make you as happy as you make me."
"You already do." Vaughn says as their embrace deepens and he kisses her. The sheet has since fallen away and Vaughn's hands travel over her smooth skin. Meelon moans softly into his ear.
"Michael, I have two more questions." Meelon says in a deep husky morning voice. Vaughn responds only with a moan while nibbling on her neck. "... Are you still thinking about going into work early?"
"That was the original plan... What was the second question?"
"Well, if the answer to the first was yes, the second question is, how can I persuade you to stay her longer with me?"
"...And if the answer was no?"
"Then my question would be; why do you still have clothing on?"
Meelon's hands work their way into the waistband of Vaughn's pants and tug at his shirt. Quickly it is pulled out and removed. Vaughn breaks his contact with Meelon in order to remove his other articles of clothing. He looks at her, the olive smoothness of her skin, the ebony blackness of her straight hair, deep brown of her eyes, and the look of love inside her eyes. He lowers himself onto her nakedness and she parts her legs to allow him access.
As he enters her he feels all the passion inside of him release. "Meelon..." he moans into her ear. "I will always love you."
Meelon smiles and moans with the pleasure she is feeling. "I love you too, Michael... Forever."
~~~
To be continued.....
A/N: Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. Your comments have been quite helpful and encouraging.