Fran and Maxwell followed the bellhop down the hallway to their suite. As the bellhop carried their luggage into the room, Maxwell stopped Fran from entering.
"What are you doing?" she asked as he swept her into his arms.
"I'm carrying my bride over the threshold."
"Max, I was your bride twenty years ago."
Gazing into her eyes, he replied, "You will always be my bride."
"Oh Max," Fran whispered and pulled him into a kiss.
The sound of someone clearing their throat penetrated the blissful fog that enveloped them. They both smiled sheepishly as Maxwell lowered Fran to the floor.
"Will there be anything else?"
"No, thank you."
"Thank you sir," he replied exchanging the key for Maxwell's tip. "I hope you and your wife enjoy your stay."
Maxwell stood in the threshold of the patio, watching Fran as she drew a deep breath and inhaled the earthy scent of the freshly watered grounds.
"Has everything been taken care of?" she asked as he stepped onto the deck.
"Yes. It's just the two of us."
Slipping his arms around her waist, she tilted her head to one side as he began to nuzzle her neck. Fran folded her arms over his and moaned softly as Maxwell's lips ran a trail of kisses from the soft curve of her neck down to her shoulders.
"So, what do you want to do?"
"Honestly?"
"Of course."
Fran turned in his embrace. Slipping her arms over Maxwell's shoulders, her fingers played with the hair curled at the nape of his neck.
"What I'd really like to do is go to sleep."
"Really?"
Fran nodded. "I'm a little tired. I wouldn't mind taking a nap before dinner…" Letting the sentence fade, she pulled Maxwell toward her and met his mouth in a passionate kiss. "…and dessert."
As Fran began to loosen her embrace, Maxwell tightened his arms around her body. He captured her mouth, matching the early fervor of her kiss.
"I'm looking forward to dessert as well," he whispered suggestively in her ear. "I plan to have plenty of it."
An appreciative and sensuous purr escaped her throat when their lips met in a heated kiss. Maxwell slowly traced her mouth with the edge of his tongue before parting her lips, seeking his counterpart.
His fingers tangled in her thick dark brown locks as he pulled her into his body. Leaving a trail of kisses across her throat, Maxwell's hands began to roam, rumpling her clothes as he caressed her body.
"Are you sure you just want to sleep?"
"You make it difficult to argue against your point Max," Fran replied laying her head on his chest. "Let's lie down for a little while. Trust me, it will make tonight very special."
He tilted her face upward and captured her mouth with a gentle kiss. Caressing her cheek, Maxwell said, "I love kissing you."
"That's because it leads to so many fun things!"
Returning his kiss, Fran lead him back into their suite. He locked the patio door and slipped his arm around her waist.
"While I agree that kissing you can indeed lead to many fun things, I'd prefer you not fall asleep in the middle of it. Or even the beginning of it."
He swept her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, Maxwell slipped out of his jacket and shoes before turning his attention to Fran.
Maxwell removed her shoes, molding his hands to the shape of her legs. His hands traveled smoothly along the curve of hips, resting at her waist.
"So when do I find out about the fun things that kissing leads to?"
"There will be a demonstration after our rest break."
"I've always loved show and tell. Is there a question and answer period afterward?"
"That depends on how attentive you are."
"Then I'd better get some rest. I don't want to fall asleep in class."
Turning in his embrace, Fran giggled and snuggled against his chest. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Maxwell left a gentle kiss on her shoulder.
The light from the grounds barely illuminated the room when Fran woke up a few hours later. Easing from Maxwell's embrace, she padded quietly across the room. Fran switched on the side lamp and called home.
Casting a quick glance toward the bed, she watched Maxwell's body shift as he wrapped his arms around her abandoned pillow. Fran smiled as she entered the bathroom and closed the door behind her.
Maxwell's eyes snapped open when the lock to the bathroom door tripped in its jam. Slipping from his side of the bed, he crossed the room, following the soft glow of light.
As he raised his hand to knock on the door, the sound of rushing water muffled Fran's humming. A wide wicked smile crossed his face as he reached down to open the door. Twisting the knob, he pushed to open the door but found it locked.
"Fran? Sweetheart, the door is stuck and I can't open it." He heard the water shut off followed by the sound of the shower hooks scraping across the rod. "Fran?"
"Yes Max?"
"The door's stuck. Can you open it from your side?"
"The door's not stuck. I locked it."
"Why?"
"If I hadn't locked it, you would have interrupted my shower and we never would have made it out of this room."
"And the problem with that would be?"
"I made dinner reservations for us downstairs. What time is it?"
"Seven twenty three."
"Good. Our reservations are at nine."
Maxwell crossed his arms. With a smirk he asked, "Don't you need more time than that?"
"Do you want to spend your wedding night alone?"
"You wouldn't?"
"Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn't."
He pressed his ear to the door. "I hear you snickering Francine. Don't try to coerce me with an empty threat."
The door opened. Fran knotted the sash to her robe firmly around her waist and moved passed Maxwell.
"Empty threat or not, I suggest you get dressed if we want to be on time for dinner."
"Dinner was magnificent," Fran said as they strolled along the grounds of the inn.
"Dinner was delicious. The company was and is magnificent."
"Someone's trying to get on my good side."
Maxwell pressed a light kiss on her temple. "Maybe."
Miniature lanterns lit the pebbled footpath as they continued their walk through the garden. A light breeze swirled around them, carrying the scent of jasmine and gardenia.
"It's a beautiful evening."
"Yes it is." As they crossed over the koi pond, Maxwell felt Fran's body shiver. "Are you cold?"
"A little."
"Do you want to go back to the suite?" he asked slipping his jacket over her shoulders.
"I'm okay for now. We can go back in a little while."
Maxwell rubbed his hands together then turned his palms toward the small fire he built in the fireplace. Slipping into his black and gold silk robe, he knotted the sash loosely at his waist and walked over to the stereo.
His finger slipped under the wrapped edge of the jewel case Maggie gave him before he and Fran left for the airport. Tossing the paper aside, Maxwell opened the plastic case and read the note taped inside.
The spicy scent of ginger greeted his nose when she kissed his back. As Fran's arms encircled his waist, her hands slowly caressed his chest. Setting the jewel case down, Maxwell brought her fingers to his lips and kissed the back of her hand.
"And what have you been up to?"
"While you were changing, I started a fire. I want to keep my bride warm."
"That's funny, I thought you were going to do that personally."
"Believe me, I am."
"What's that?" she asked when he picked up the disc.
"Margaret gave this to me. She made me promise that we'd dance to the first song tonight."
He slipped the disc into the stereo. When he turned to face Fran, Maxwell's mouth fell open. His hungry eyes darkened in desire as he scanned her voluptuous frame.
"Disappointed?"
"Hardly. My God, Fran, you look – you look – " He shook his head. "There are no words to describe how absolutely beautiful you are."
The sheer purple and black halter gown fluttered as Fran slowly twirled in front of Maxwell.
"Do you like it?"
"Oh very much so."
He stood before her, taking in the sensual sight of her. Maxwell drew Fran into his arms and captured her mouth in a soft kiss. As he left a trail of kisses across her throat, she pushed slightly against his chest.
"Max?" His lips caressed the curve of her neck, muffling his response. "Maxwell, the disc."
"What disc?"
"The disc Maggie gave you."
A growl of frustration rose from his throat as he reluctantly slipped out of her embrace. Maxwell handed Fran the jewel case. Opening the plastic cover, Fran smiled as she read Maggie's note.
Picking up the remote, Maxwell turned to Fran. "Shall we?"
When she nodded, he pressed the button on the remote to start the stereo. They heard the soft whir of the player reading the disc.
"May I have this dance Mrs. Sheffield?"
"Of course Mr. Sheffield."
The song had a slow soft Bahaman rhythm with a slight rock edge to it. Maxwell tightened his arms around Fran's waist as they swayed to the music.
At first he didn't pay attention to the lyrics but as Fran spun out then back into his arms, the words sank into his consciousness and Maxwell knew why Maggie told him to play this particular song.
When he stopped dancing, Fran opened her mouth to speak but remained silent as she watched him pick up the remote.
The song they were dancing to stopped then started again and Maxwell pulled her into his arms once more. When she looked into his eyes, Maxwell smiled then gently kissed her.
"Listen to the words."
You are the flame in my heart
You light my way in the dark
You are the ultimate star
You pick me up from above
Your unconditional love
Takes me to paradise
I belong to you
And you
You belong to me too.
You make my life complete
You make me feel so sweet.
You make me feel so divine
Your soul and mind are entwined
Before you I was blind.
But since I've opened my eyes
And with you there's no disguise
So I could open up my mind.
I always loved you from the start
But I could not figure out
That I had to do it everyday.
So I put away the fight
Now I'm gonna live my life
Giving you the most in every way.
Oh! I belong to you
And you (and you)
You belong to me too.
You make my life complete
You make me feel so sweet.
Oh! I belong to you (I belong to you)
And you(you)
You belong to me too
OH! You make my life complete
You make me feel so sweet.
Ba Da da ba ba, ba da da da da. Ba Da da ba ba, ba da da da da, da da
I belong to you (I belong to you)
And you (and you)
You belong to me too.
You make my life complete
(You make my life complete)
You make me feel so sweet
(make me feel so sweet)
Oh! I belong to you (I belong to you)
And you (and you)
You belong to me too.
You make my life complete
(You make my life complete)
You make me feel so sweet
(make me feel so sweet)
Meeting his mouth in a gentle kiss, Fran replied, "Now I know why she chose this song."
A murmur of agreement rattled in his chest as they continued to dance, unaware that the song had changed.
"This reminds me of our first date."
"Oh? How so?"
"You were wearing a halter gown and you looked absolutely breathtaking,"
Her hand etched tender swirls across his chest. "What else do you remember about our date?"
"How wonderful you felt in my arms."
Her fingers continued to move downward until she reached the waistband of his pajama bottoms. Flattening her palm, Fran nuzzled his neck as her hand stroked his growing arousal.
"Is that all you remember?"
Maxwell shook his head. "No. I remember wanting to do this," he said capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. "And this," he murmured slipping his fingers inside the lacy bodice of her gown.
Cupping her breast in his right hand, Maxwell felt her nipple pucker under the caress of his thumb. His hand slid over her shoulder to cradle the base of her skull.
Threading his fingers through her hair, Maxwell watched Fran's lips part in anticipation of his kiss. As their kiss intensified, she unknotted the sash to his robe and pushed the silk dressing gown from his body.
Fran pulled her mouth reluctantly from his and left a trail of kisses along his jaw. Trailing up his neck, she tugged lightly on his earlobe, grasping it with her teeth.
"Oh Fran," he murmured in a low, wanton growl.
His hands speared over her waist and pulled her body fully into his so she could feel his desire for her. Maxwell slid his left hand against her neck, stroking the column of her throat with his thumb.
As he brought his mouth down to meet hers once more, Maxwell's hand turned and slid down to cup her breast.
Fran watched him push the left side of the lace halter from her breast. Her breath grew sharp and rough when Maxwell's tongue flicked over her nipple.
She closed her eyes, arching her body into his as he caressed the tight peak with the edge of his tongue.
"Max…" Fran drew her lower lip into her mouth, trying to control her desire. "Maxwell…" she cried in a soft gasp as he drew her into his wet pliant mouth.
He paused long enough to find and unfasten the hidden clasp that secured the bodice of her gown. Pushing the lacy material aside, Maxwell left a trail of light delicate kisses across her chest before gently seizing her other breast between his lips.
Her fingers slid under his arms and moved down his strong, muscled back. Fran used her hands to push his pajama bottoms from his body, letting the silky bedclothes drop silently to the floor.
Maxwell pulled the loosened sheer gown from her body. Lifting Fran into his arms, his eyes never wavered from hers as they crossed the room. The mattress sank, giving way to their weight when he lowered her onto the bed.
Fran watched Maxwell leave random kisses over her belly. He looked up and studied her for a moment. Her flushed skin and loose curls gave Fran a sultry, untamed look.
Sliding his hands to her waist, Maxwell pulled her body against his own. His fingers slipped under the edge of the black and purple lace bikini panties she wore and eased them down her legs.
Her gaze fell upon Maxwell as he kissed her calves, slowly working his way up her legs. He opened his mouth, letting his teeth lightly graze her inner thighs. Fran shifted, parting her legs as he flicked his tongue between the swollen lips of her sex.
She pushed her hips against his mouth; his tongue slithered along the folds of her slick sheath, softly lapping the swollen nub. Moans of pleasure filled their suite as he slowly threaded his tongue inside her body.
Fran gasped, clutching and twisting strands of his thick curly hair in her hands. Her body tensed as a strangled cry tore from her throat.
Her limp, satiated body slumped against the bed. Maxwell brushed away the strands of hair that clung to her face. Cradling her in his arms, he kissed her temple and waited for her breathing to settle.
"Have I told you lately how unbelievable you are as a lover?"
"I think you may have mentioned it before," he replied with a wide grin. "But I don't mind being reminded of it from time to time."
"How about if I remind you now?"
Fran shifted, pressing her weight against Maxwell as she reversed their position. She toyed with his mouth, slowly fusing their lips together in a passionate and gentle kiss.
A growl of desire rumbled through Maxwell's body as her lips moved across his hot skin. He watched her tongue flick across his nipple before it disappeared into the warm recess of her mouth.
Her hand wrapped around his shaft, stroking the engorged length of his manhood. His fingers weaved its way through her soft tresses, guiding her down his body. Maxwell fought the desire to close his eyes as his wet, glistening sex slipped between her lips.
"Fran…please."
She grinned wickedly at him. "Please what?"
His breath grew erratic as his eyes met hers. "Take me. Make love to me."
Fran watched him watch her as she sank down onto his pulsating flesh. His palms skimmed across her warm silky thighs, anchoring his fingers in her soft flesh.
He shifted against her, his eyes darkened in desire when the walls of her sex tightened. Fran uttered a cry of ecstasy at the rapt sensation of his manhood trapped inside her body.
She leaned forward, meeting his mouth in a soft sensuous kiss. Breaking their kiss, Fran sat up and looked down into Maxwell's eyes. She released a sigh of pleasure then bit by bit, began thrusting her hips to counter his movements.
Tossing her head back, Fran's dark curly hair tickled her skin as he moved in and out of her, immersing her body in a delicious pleasure. Maxwell slipped his hand between their bodies, brushing his finger against her swollen flesh.
He watched Fran's eyes flutter as a whimper escaped her throat. Her inner muscles contracted around him and he pressed the heel of his thumb to the stiffened bud to hear her husky moan once more.
Maxwell pushed his fingers passed her waist, cupping her breasts in the palms of his hands. He caressed the taut peaks of her breasts with his fingertips. Fran moaned softly as Maxwell lightly rolled the stiff tips between his fingers as he met the soft thrust of her hips.
His breath grew shallow. He wasn't sure how much longer he could stand the erotic torment of his body as their rhythm quickened.
She gasped a final time as her body yielded to her building climax. Euphoric moans of ecstasy flooded the room as they cried each other's name in succession.
Fran's eyes fluttered open as a slight chill caressed her body. She weakly swatted away Maxwell's hand as she felt the soft tickle of his fingers stroking her stomach.
"Max?"
"Yes sweetheart?"
"How long have I been asleep?"
"I'm not sure. I just woke up myself." Sitting up, Maxwell gave her a quick kiss. "I'll be right back. I have a surprise for you."
Grabbing his robe, Maxwell disappeared from the bedroom and returned pushing a service cart into the room. He lifted the silver dome and carried the tray to the bed.
"What's this?"
"Just a little snack I ordered from room service."
On the tray were slices of pineapple, mango, strawberry, and kiwi; a variety of cheeses, whipped cream, yogurt and chocolate sauce. Maxwell poured her a glass of champagne and passed it to her.
"Sorry about the whipped cream. It melted a bit."
"That's okay," she replied swiping her finger inside the dish. "I'm sure we'll put it to good use."
Parting his lips, Maxwell lowered his mouth and slowly sucked the cream from her finger.
"Mmm. It compliments you perfectly."
Dotting his lips with cream, Fran kissed him and replied, "So do you."
They fed each other pieces of fruit and cheese, sampling the different sauces. When they finished, Maxwell slipped on his robe, pushed the cart with the remnants of their meal into the hallway, and quickly returned to Fran.
"Darling, do you know what I realized?"
"What?"
"I didn't give you your wedding gift."
She pushed herself up in bed. "I'm not too sure about that sweetie. I think you gave me plenty."
"I'm serious Fran," he replied, a faint blush tingeing his face, "I didn't give you your wedding present."
He reached down and handed Fran a long rectangular box wrapped in matte silver paper. Noting its heaviness, she turned the box over and slipped her finger under its taped edges.
Shaking the top from the box, Fran spread the tissue paper aside and pulled out a framed certificate. She scanned the certificate then looked at Maxwell.
"Max? You named a star for me?"
"Yes. I wanted to get you something unique. I mean you have clothes, jewelry, and other things money can buy but you deserved something special. When I came across this, I knew it would be the perfect gift. Do you like it?"
She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.
"It's beautiful Max. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome sweetheart. If you look at the chart, it tells you exactly where your star is located."
She pulled out a folded piece of paper and when she opened it fully, Fran saw her star highlighted in yellow.
"Did you choose the star or did the company?"
"I chose the constellation. The company told me which star was available."
"Why did you choose Cassiopeia?"
"It's kind of a play on where you were born. The constellation Cassiopeia represents the legendary queen of Ethiopia Cassiopeia. Known as The Lady of the Chair, Cassiopeia was the wife Cepheus and the mother of Andromeda."
"Oh that's sweet. She was a queen and I'm from Queens." Fran gave him a quick peck on the lips. "When can I see my star?"
"Not until November. That's when Cassiopeia is best visible.
Gazing at the certificate and map of her wedding present, the happiness Fran felt began to falter. She looked at Maxwell and wondered how her gift could even compare to his extraordinary present.
"Fran? Sweetheart? What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure my gift is good enough for you."
"What? Why?"
"It pales in comparison to what you've given me."
"Fran, you should know by now that I'd be happy with anything you gave me. Hell, I wouldn't care if you didn't give me anything at all. You and our family are all that I ever want or need." He kissed her, gently at first then with more exuberance. When their kiss ended, Maxwell smiled and said, "Where's my present?"
Shoving the covers from her body, Fran reached out and dragged her carry-on toward the bed. Fishing through the bag, she pulled out two packages and set them on the bed.
The first package had images of balloons and streamers burned into the silver wrapping paper; a gold and white scroll paper wrapped the second gift.
"Two gifts?"
"One is from me to you. The other is for both of us from Joanna."
"Which one is yours?"
She held up the one wrapped in silver. "This one."
Maxwell took his wedding gift from her and began ripping the paper away. When he saw the leather binding, he initially thought it was a rare book but as he began to flip through the pages, Maxwell wasn't sure what he had.
"Fran?"
"Give it back. I can get you something else."
"I don't want anything else. Tell me what it is."
"Read it."
"What?"
Fran sighed. "Just read it. Please. If you still have questions, I'll explain it afterwards."
He opened the book, skimming the pages until something caught his attention. Maxwell remained silent, completely engrossed in his reading.
The minutes ticked painfully away for Fran. The longer he remains silent, the worse it'll be when he finally says something.
She watched him as the weight of his silence grew to be intolerable. Just as she was about to speak, Maxwell put the book down and looked at her.
"You don't like it, do you?"
"I find it very intriguing. Now tell me exactly what my gift is."
Drawing the sheet around her, Fran took a deep breath and began.
"When I read some of my older journals, especially the ones when I was working for you, I could see the shift of when I saw you as more than just an employer and friend. With Joanna's help, I created this book of every thought, dream, and fantasy I ever had about you, ranging from platonic to erotic. There are also poems, short stories, and other odd musings – whatever came into my head." She shyly lowered her eyes and continued. "There was only one copy printed and you have it. Joanna is going to mail the original back to me. You can destroy it if you want to."
"Fran, this is priceless. I could never destroy something so personal. It's a beautiful journal that details how much you love me."
Meeting his eyes again, Fran tucked a lock of hair behind his ear.
"So you really like it?"
"No," he replied, brushing a stray hair from her cheek. "I love it." With a quick, promising kiss, Maxwell said, "Thank you my darling."
"You're welcome," Fran replied returning his kiss. "So, are you ready to open our gift from Joanna?"
"I'm not sure. Should I be afraid?"
"Come on Max, it can't be that bad. It's Joanna we're talking about."
"That's my point sweetheart. I know she's a good friend but her sense of humor can be a bit outrageous sometimes."
"That's part of her charm and personality. Besides, I'm outrageous sometimes."
"Yes but I'm in love with you and therein lies the difference."
Together they tore at the decorative paper as each shred revealed the gift underneath. When they finished, Fran and Maxwell looked at the book then at each other.
"The Bedside Kama Sutra: 23 Positions for Pleasure and Passion? She gave us a book on Kama Sutra?"
"Look, Jo wrote a note on the inside: I know this will be put to good use. Like you two need encouragement. Happy Anniversary, Love Joanna. That's so sweet."
"Um, sweetheart, what exactly have you told Joanna about us?"
"Don't worry sweetie," Fran said flipping through the pages, "it's just a little girl talk."
Maxwell ran his fingers through his hair. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Fran set the book on the nightstand. Maxwell eyed her curiously as her laughter filled the room. Brushing the tears from her eyes, her breath settled long enough for her to answer him.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."
"Well, as I was putting the book on the nightstand, I could hear Joanna's voice in my head."
"Go on," he said cautiously.
She took his hand in hers and laced their fingers together.
"She said that her wedding gift to us would come in very handy after you undressed me and had me at your mercy for which I replied that I enjoy being at your mercy. Then she said she wouldn't be surprised if there's additional material after our honeymoon."
"So, you enjoy being at my mercy?" Maxwell asked pulling her down in the bed.
"Yes, completely and utterly at your mercy. Just like you enjoy being at mine."
"You've got a point there." He paused, softly stroking her cheek. "When I was laying here waiting for you to wake up, I started thinking about when you were carrying the twins."
"What made you think about that?"
Maxwell shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not really sure. Remember that time when you were about five months pregnant and I asked you had you ever made love in front of a mirror?"
"Yes. Boy, not only did the question throw me for a loop but so did the subsequent action."
"That's one of the most unforgettable moments of our lives together."
"That's why it's in your book."
A brief smile flashed across his face. "Have I thanked you properly for my gift?"
"Not yet but I'm sure you will."
"Fran?"
"Yes Max?"
"Why didn't we have another baby? Did you want another child?"
She was stunned, unsure of what to say. Part of her wondered if he was joking but by the expression on his face, she knew Maxwell was completely serious.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure. It's not like we didn't practice a lot. There were even a couple of times over the years where I thought I might have been. We never discussed having another baby. After all, we had five children."
"I know," he sighed. "I just - "
Fran waited for him to finish. After a few minutes when he still hadn't spoken, she prompted him.
"Just what Max?"
"I know we had difficulties in the beginning but remember how much fun we had when we finally conceived Jonah and Eve?"
With a sly grin, Fran replied, "I honestly believe that's the reason why they love skiing so much."
Maxwell laughed, pulling her into his arms. Stroking her cheek with the back of his hand, he leaned forward and kissed her.
"Ani oher otach."
"Max, where did you learn to speak Hebrew?"
"That's my secret."
"Ooh, a man of hidden talents. Such a turn on."
"Fran?"
"Yes sweetie?"
"Aren't you – I mean don't you – "
Fran smiled, gazing into his hesitant green eyes. "Maxwell, you have no reason to doubt me. Ani ohevet otcha."
He tightened his embrace and gave her a light peck on the lips. "You know, being apart from you for three weeks was worse than the five years before we were married."
"Why do you say that?"
"I didn't know of you then. Sure, I had dreams about you but they were just fantasies, delving into my idea of what it would be like to touch you and make love to you. But the last three weeks I had to force my dreams and fantasies of you aside until we renewed our vows."
"Oh my poor baby," she said pulling Maxwell into her arms. "You know I missed being with you too."
Breaking slightly from their embrace, she brushed her lips against his mouth in a gentle kiss. Catching her off guard, Maxwell suddenly grabbed Fran and began to tickle her.
Their laughter filled the bedroom as they rolled around playfully in bed. Pinning her body underneath his, he stopped laughing and studied the woman beneath him.
Fran was a beautiful woman both physically and spiritually. She had a warm, giving yet fiercely protective personality that completely enthralled him.
She realized he had been staring at her for quite a while. The words she spoke were not just a counterbalance to what he said. Fran loved him truly, deeply, and honestly.
Their eyes locked then slowly drift shut as Maxwell bought his mouth to meet hers. Their kiss, slow and passionate, felt timeless. As he looked into the dark depths of her eyes, the next words he uttered took her completely by surprise.
"Let's make a baby."
"What?"
"Let's make another baby. I know how difficult it was before but - "
"But what Max?"
He sighed and said, "This is completely vain but I love the idea of you carrying our child; another life that we created together."
He lowered his eyes, remembering the fullness of her small frame nearly twenty years before. Leaning down, Maxwell left a trail of gentle kisses over her belly.
Fran caressed his head, running her fingers softly through his hair. Even though they both knew it was unlikely, the idea of carrying his child one more time filled her with happiness.
"Yes."
"What?"
"I said yes. Let's make another baby." Stroking her stomach, Fran said, "Who knows? Maybe we already conceived a brother or sister for the kids."
Maxwell smiled. "Or brother and sister."
"Either way we could be creating another life as we speak."
"Well Mrs. Sheffield, you know the saying: practice makes perfect."
"I look forward to every opportunity to practice with you Mr. Sheffield. I love you very much."
"I love you more."
Maxwell pulled the sheet from Fran's body as his mouth met hers. He moaned in their kiss, snaking his tongue into her full soft mouth. Their short playful kisses grew longer and fervent, matching their caresses.
Her hands moved across his body, caressing his soft warm flesh. Fran's palm slid sensuously down his chest until she reached his parted thighs.
Her fingers wrapped around his swelling manhood, stroking him in tandem with the slow, soft movement of her tongue in and out of his mouth.
Maxwell gathered her in his arms and drew her body under his. He caressed her face with light gentle kisses before capturing her lips.
As their kiss became more demanding and ardent, Fran parted her lips in invitation. She felt Maxwell's tongue explore the depths of her mouth as she threaded her fingers through his hair.
Maxwell pressed himself between her parted thighs in a soft thrust. His lips left a tender trail of kisses along her throat and neck, his teeth lightly grazing her skin.
"I love touching you," he murmured. His fingers explored her body, combing her flesh in tender caresses. "Your skin is like silk, delicate and smooth."
"Maxwell, please…" Fran moaned in a desperate sigh, pushing her slender frame into his.
"I love hearing you call my name in the heat of passion; I love how your body clings to mine when we make love; I love when you tell me how much you love and need me, and I love when you tell me your wants and desires."
He accentuated his words with nips and licks on her skin. Cradling her head in his hands, Maxwell fused his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss.
When their eyes locked, he softly demanded, "Tell me what you want Fran."
"I want you," she whispered. Her eyes were flushed wide with desire. "Make love to me Maxwell."
Unable to escape his searing gaze, she drew in a sharp breath when he melded their bodies into one. Soft murmurs and declarations of love surrounded them as she wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him into her body.
As he sank into their blissful lovemaking, Maxwell's final clear thoughts were of Fran, their lives together, and loving her forever.