Well, I am glad that is over…those kind of scenes are exhausting to write; but I enjoy the reviews, thank you.
There have been some concerns about Erik's sexual prowess. I said that Erik was inexperienced when it came to making love, not ignorant.
He has had 34 years of reading, observing, and absorbing everything about the ways between men and women. He knows all there is to know about the art of making love; he had just never had a chance to put that knowledge to good use, until this point in time.
Just so that everyone knows, I am not familiar – in any way – with Greece. It's just an exotic place I wish I could visit. Therefore, I will not be going into a great deal of detail about this trip, it is a way to pass about three weeks of the time needed to conclude this story.
That said…we call this a filler chapter…
THE DAWN THROUGH THE NIGHT
Book VI: Wherever You Go…I Go
CHAPTER 26
Erik did not want to disturb Christine the next morning, so he arose slowly and silently. He turned to take in the sight that rested in his bed. She was a vision etched by the hands of God; and she was finally his.
He reached his gently over and moved the hair from her eyes; amazed at the way she moved into his touch, even in slumber. His body ached for another round of lovemaking, but he knew he had to get some things done today, before the weekend kicked in.
He wrote her a short letter explaining where he would be, dressed in casual slacks and a crisp white shirt, took one last, longing look at her sleeping figure, and padded out of the room in bare feet carrying his shoes in his hand.
He was out the door and gone before another soul stirred in the house. It was about an hour or so later when Christine stirred awake and stretched, reaching for Erik and not finding him.
She frowned disappointedly, until she saw his elegant handwriting.
My Love,
I did not wish to wake you this morning, you looked so content to lie naked in our bed.
There are no words to describe adequately what last night meant to me; so I will not even try.
I have gone to secure our train and boat tickets for our honeymoon in Greece. You will find a sufficient amount of money lying on top of the dresser for your trip to the dressmaker today; we can also increase your wardrobe in Greece.
Have a delightful time. I'm sure if you ask my mother, Brigitte, and Grace…they will be more than happy to accompany you.
Loving You,
Erik
She smiled as she remembered their passionate display and announcement of their love last night. She had never dreamt that it could be that way; but Erik had made it a reality.
She swept out of bed and dressed quickly, headed downstairs, and ate a banana for breakfast. Brigitte and Madeline were due in a half hour, and she had a feeling they would want to know about her and Erik.
Grace came bounding down the stairs and Christine could only smile at the girls bouncing curly head.
"Good morning, Grace."
Grace smiled up at Christine and gave her a hug around the waist.
"Good morning, Mama."
"I have some shopping to do today, would you like to come with me?" Christine noticed the little girls face light up with joy; shopping was one of Grace's favorite things to do.
Grace shook her head vigorously and Christine chuckled at her. They both heard the door knocker and walked to answer it together.
"Well hello, Grace." Madeline said as she knelt in front of the girl to give her a deep hug.
"Grandmamma, Christine is taking me shopping with her today!" Grace exclaimed, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
"Really!" Madeline replied, with equal fervor.
Christine reached out and played with Grace's long curls, "But first, young lady, you have to clean up that room…it is atrocious!"
Grace pouted up at Christine and then clung to Madeline, "Ahhhhh, do I have to?" She whined.
Madeline smirked at her little face, "Do what your mama tells you to do and your day will be much better."
Grace was not particularly happy with that answer, but she turned and headed for her room.
"Don't leave me behind, mama," she through over her shoulder.
"Not a chance, Gracie…now go, we'll leave in about an hour." Christine assured her.
Brigitte and Madeline made their way into the immaculate home and followed Christine into the parlor. They all sat down in front of the fireplace.
"What sort of shopping are you doing?" Brigitte asked.
Christine lowered her head and started twiddling her thumbs, "Not anything special really, just some new clothes to take on my honeymoon in Greece."
It didn't take but a few moments for the true measure of what Christine had said to cause a reaction.
"Honeymoon?" Christine heard in unison, as both women spoke at the same time.
Christine nodded and grinned. "He asked me yesterday!"
"Oh Christine, that's wonderful!" Madeline cooed.
Brigitte lifted her brows as Christine's line of vision landed on her, "Does this mean that Erik is warming up to the idea of having you as his wife?"
Christine giggled at that, "Things were certainly warming up around here last night."
It was Madeline's turn to raise her brow, but her eyes held a century of wisdom, "It's about time!" She stated, "I didn't think that son of mine was ever going to allow you to bed him!"
Christine and Brigitte both looked shocked at Madeline's choice of words.
"Madeline, you ought not to say such!" Brigitte chastised.
"Oh poppycock, I'm his mother, you're practically his sister, and Christine is his wife; I think we can talk about it." She chortled.
Christine's eyes glistened with happy tears as she looked at the two women who meant the most to her, "It was everything I had dreamed it would be…only better."
Madeline moved to sit by Christine and hugged her petite shoulders, "Erik's father was a great lover, so Erik probably takes after him."
Christine looked up into Madeline's soft blue eyes. "You don't speak of him much."
Madeline thought about that for a moment, "There's not much to say, really…he wasn't a good man." Her eyes took on a dark sadness, "Beautiful, brilliant, and really bad; that is how to best describe him." She jerked out of her stupor, "I don't want to talk about him."
Madeline looked directly at Christine, and then looked at Brigitte. Both women turned their heads and looked at Christine expectantly.
Christine smiled and shook her head, "I am not telling my adoptive mother and my mother-in-law about the details of my love life." She emphasized.
"You don't have to, dear; it's written all over your face." Madeline pointed out. "I suppose it is safe to say that the marriage can no longer be annulled."
Christine blushed and that was followed by a fit of laughter.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The day passed rather quickly for Christine and her entourage. They purchased five gowns, three casual day dresses, of equal beauty; six pairs of shoes, garters, hats, stockings, pantaloons, scarves, gloves…everything they could think of.
Christine couldn't remember having a more enjoyable shopping trip. They headed home at 4:30 and were able to get all the items carried in before the rain started coming down.
Erik wasn't home yet, which caused a little uneasiness in the pit of Christine's stomach. He had known that his mother and Brigitte were coming over, and had indicated he needed to talk to them about watching Grace while they were gone.
She missed him dreadfully, and was anxious to see him again. She pushed aside her anxiousness and concentrated on organizing for the trip, this was going to be so wonderful.
TBC
