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Conversations of the Heart
A Journey of Love
Chapter 16 ~ One Week Anniversary Date ~

After school Elizabeth returned home so excited for their date. Laura stayed a while longer so that Elizabeth could bathe and then she helped Elizabeth bring her things over to the Coulter's where Rosie would finish getting Elizabeth dolled up. Laura had also packed a bag for Jack and had included some toys and books for the evening. The Coulter's always had entertainment for him, but Laura knew that a few of his things from home would be appreciated. She had included one of the cars that his parents had purchased in Union City that was his current favorite.

Lee took over watching Jack so the ladies could go upstairs and attend to their primping. Rosie had prepared stew so that he and Jack could go ahead and eat whenever they got hungry.

Rosie suggested that Elizabeth borrow a dress instead of wearing one that Lucas had already seen. Elizabeth had planned to wear the blue velvet that she had worn on their UC trip, but Rosie talked her into an elegant gown that she had purchased but had never worn because it still needed to be hemmed, but it would be perfect for Elizabeth. It too was blue but almost violet in color with a beaded bodice and slender silhouette made of satin with a skirt that flared at the bottom. The back was low cut exposing her delicate skin and figure. The sleeves were made of sheer netting, long and form fitting down past the wrist with beadwork on her upper arms and below the elbow. She felt very feminine and sexy if not a bit shy about the exposure. Rosie curled her hair and styled it into an updo which further emphasized Elizabeth's height and the beauty of her neck and back. She looked stunning. Elizabeth felt a bit self-conscious, but Rosie also had a shawl to coordinate with the dress for when she removed her coat.

"Elizabeth, Lucas will be gobsmacked when he sees you."

"Do you really think so?" Elizabeth said with a nervous giggle.

"I really know so, just you wait and see! You brought an evening bag and your shoes. What about jewelry? I don't think you need a necklace with that beading but some drop earrings would look lovely."

"I have my mother's pearl earrings that might go nicely. They are in a small velvet bag in my suitcase." With that Rosie retrieved the earrings and once Elizabeth put them on along with her shoes, she was pronounced … prefect.

"Lucas should be arriving at any time. I will go down to check on the guys and wait with them. Then we can summon you for the big reveal!" Rosie said enthusiastically.

Elizabeth suddenly felt nervous like on a first date even though she had just been on her honeymoon. Somehow this was different because he would be coming to the door to pick her up. She felt every bit the newlywed that she was. And she realized that was the point. She went to the window to wait. The sky was filled with stars and the moon seemed to hang so low one could touch it; it was a beautiful romantic night. She soon saw a car approaching, make a U-turn and park with the passenger side of the car near the door. "Lucas," she breathed. Rosie had taken her suitcase down and her coat was at the door. She picked up her shawl and evening bag from the bed and headed toward the bedroom door to listen for her summons.

Jack was excited for his part in the "date" so he quickly ran to the door when he heard Lucas knock and threw it open. "Papa! You are here," he exclaimed as he hugged him around the legs.

"Yes, I am. I am here to take your mama on our dinner and dancing date, just like we talked about."

"Mama is upstairs. Auntie Rosie made her beautiful!"

"Your mama is always beautiful," Lucas said.

"Well, prepare yourself, Lucas," Rosie smiled at him. "I think I have outdone myself tonight." Rosie giggled and everyone gathered for the grand entrance.

Jack called up the stairs, "Mama, Mama, Papa is here."

Lucas positioned himself at the bottom of the stairs and called up to her, "Papa is indeed here, and you may reveal yourself." And with that Elizabeth began her decent down the stairs. Lucas was frozen in place as he watched his vision of a wife come down towards him. His trance was broken when she reached him and he heard Jack, "Mama looks beautiful like Maid Marian." They all laughed at that, and Lucas remembered his manners and took Elizabeth's hand and kissed it, "you look beautiful, even more beautiful than Maid Marian." Elizabeth smiled up at him from beneath her lashes as a blush spread over her cheeks. "Shall we?" He said, and with that he led her to the front door and helped her with her coat.

He turned to Jack and knelt down so that they were at the same level. "We love you son. I know you will be good for Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee. He will bring you to the Queen in the morning and Gustave will make your favorite pancakes." The little boy looked like he was about to cry, but he bravely looked at Lucas, "I'll be a good boy, Papa." Lucas gave him a big hug and the Elizabeth leaned down to give him a hug and kiss.

"Rosemary, why don't you come with them in the morning, and we can all have breakfast together. Gustave loves to show off his skills. He will make you a Mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice that will make it worth your while." Elizabeth declared.

"Well, I will endeavor to get myself ready in time as that does sound lovely." With that she went to Elizabeth to give her a hug and whispered to her "give him an evening he won't soon forget." Elizabeth blushed as scenes from "the textbook" flashed in her mind.

Lucas looked at them and thought he wasn't wrong at what the exchange entailed. He gave Elizabeth a knowing smile and her blush deepened. "Well, we should be going, or we might get a scolding from Gustave. Whatever he has prepared will not wait or it will be declared ruined from either getting too cool or too warm, whatever the case might be." And with that, Jack opened the door for them as he had been instructed by Uncle Lee and he gave them each a quick hug as they said good-bye. Rosie and Lee were quick to stand with him as he waved them out of site. "Let's get something to eat. I made some cupcakes for dessert," Rosie said with a squeeze to his little hand.

They arrived at the Queen of Hearts just in time as Gustave and Emma (the event planner) were ready to serve an aperitif and appetizer course. They first went to the office where they removed their coats. Lucas took the opportunity to whisper in her ear how beautiful she looked and kiss her on neck just beneath her ear. He felt her shudder and smiled and kissed her temple. "Let's go see what Gustave has prepared for dinner so we can get to dessert." She wasn't sure if he was talking about dessert or "dessert", but from his smile she gathered it was the latter. He helped her with her shawl so she would feel more comfortable at least until they were at their table. And he wasn't quite prepared to look at the back of that dress for long. Not if they were going to make it through dinner and dancing. The thought of dancing with her with all that soft skin exposed was enough to stir him .

He helped her in her seat, kissed her hand, and then sat down. Emma soon arrived with their drinks and first course. She knew this was a special, romantic dinner and both she and Gustave wanted to give them privacy. She told Lucas she would bring out the next course when they were ready. He could let her know by setting his aperitif glass to the side of the table.

They both looked at each other a bit shyly. It felt strange to feel that way when they had been through so many intimate moments of late. But they soon relaxed and got the conversation flowing They chatted about the week since their return home and how it felt to be a family. Lucas had let Jack do most of the recounting of their daily adventures together. He was funny and bright, and it was great practice for him as his command of English was rapidly growing. It was so interesting to Lucas to hear the adventures told from the little boy's point of view. But he filled in some of the broader strokes and moreover his impressions and feelings about their buddy time together. Elizabeth could clearly see how much Lucas truly enjoyed his time with Jack.

She told him more about some of her students and her thoughts on starting some advanced curriculum for some of the older students who clearly would be possible candidates for continuing their education. Funding was an issue for many of these students and Lucas promised to help her research scholarship opportunities as well as prep for college applications and testing. Lucas said he would be happy to help with anything she needed.

Emma was in and out but kept herself mostly inconspicuous. They soon had reached the dessert course. Gustave had made a wonderful trifle with fluffy cake, delicate pudding, and whip cream. Elizabeth couldn't help herself and moaned as the delicious creamy confection hit her tongue. Lucas was adapting to this now, but it never failed to make him acutely aware of her. Tonight, she was ravishing, and he couldn't wait to get her in his arms. He helped her finish the dessert and then went to the Victrola and started up a slow song suitable for an intimate dance. He held out his hand and helped her from her chair and removed her shawl and set it on the back. He took her into his arms and held her close as they began to sway to the music. He finally gave in and stroked the soft skin on her lower back and heard her moan as she closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest. They continued the dance slowly swaying while she listened to his heartbeat, and he continued to gently stroke her back.

He knew that Gustave and Emma had left them for the evening. They had dimmed most of the lights as they left. Gustave would finish clearing in the morning when he returned to prepare breakfast. So, they were truly alone with uninterrupted, complete privacy for the first time since they had returned from UC. He stopped the dance and lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes "I love you Elizabeth, truly madly and completely".

"And I love you, Lucas, desperately deeply and endlessly." Her hands had been on his lapels while they swayed to the music but now, she put them around his waist and pulled him in closer. He enfolded her in his arms and brought his mouth to hers. This was no gentle kiss; this was all passion, and she welcomed the fire and felt the burn. As they deepened the kiss the music stopped, and they could hear the needle just spinning. They came up for air, both panting and flushed. "Elizabeth, do you want to resume our dance; I can put another record on the Victrola?"

"Or?" She said with a smile.

"Or we can take this upstairs." He looked at her trying to keep a neutral look and let her decide.

"Well, perhaps we can do both. I believe you have a Victrola in the sitting area in your suite. We might dance by the fire that I know Emma will have lit for us."

"Excellent call my sweet. Let's go." And with that Lucas grabbed her hand, her shawl, and her evening bag, and then hurried her to the stairs. She reached for the switch and turned off the remaining downstairs lights and then they headed up.

The fire was indeed lit and there were flowers on a side table and a bottle of champagne on ice. Lucas poured them each a small glass to toast their first week as husband and wife. He was always careful to ensure that he kept the drinks in moderation when he was with her. He wanted to be entirely present and let their love do the intoxicating. "Let's drink to love and this wonderful week we have had together." Lucas toasted and they tapped their glasses. The champagne was a special vintage that Lucas stored in the cellar. The bubbles tickled her nose, and the sweet flavor made her moan.

"Elizabeth, you are a passionate woman who takes joy in her senses. Every time you moan like that it is almost my undoing."

"Mmmm…." She repeated. "You mean like that?"

"Yes, I mean exactly like that." He took her glass and set it down with his and then pulled her in for a dance to which there was no music except in his head… he began humming the tune…. " She recognized the song and began singing it in a clear and delicate voice as they glided across the room. When the song was over, he twirled her and brought her into his arms with her back to him. They were in front of a full-length mirror that he used for dressing. They looked at their reflection and he proceeded to kiss her on her neck and shoulders as she watched him. He began removing the pins in her hair until it fell around her shoulders. "You are so beautiful my love."

"You make me feel beautiful when you look at me."

He removed his jacket, vest, and suspenders and draped them over a chair. He then took her hand and led her to the setee in front of the fire. He had her sit and then proceeded to remove her evening shoes as she sighed with the pleasure at the release of her feet from temporary torture. He gave them each a rub and then removed his own and sat next to her and pulled her into his lap. She curled up in his arms as they gazed into the fire. From time to time he would kiss her cheek or her shoulder or squeeze her hand. He was trying not to rush them, but she was flushed and he could feel her hearbeat quicken. "Lucas….." she whispered. He rose and scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the room and into the bedroom. He placed her on her feet and helped her out of her dress leaving her in her chemise. She insisted on helping him get undressed to like fashion.

He set her on the bed kissed her forehead and then walked to the window to open the drapes so they could gaze at the stars and feel the moonlight magic wash over them. He took a few moments to gaze out and calm his senses before turning to her again. He wanted to make the evening last forever.

He sat on the edge of the bed beside her as he ran his fingers through her hair and spread it out over the pillow. He began a gentle exploration of her body, stroking the soft warm skin of her neck and the length of her arms. He took her hands and placed them on his cheeks as he leaned in for a sweet kiss while he resumed the journey. He sat up again and looked at her, drawing her in with his eyes. He could read the look on her face, the wanting, the desire, the need. She made a whimpering sound and looked away. "Elizabeth, look at me." to which she responded instantly opening her eyes again. "May I….. ?"

"Lucas, what about you?"

"Don't be concerned about me…. This is what I want right now. To love you and give you pleasure." She stared into his eyes, truly mesmerized by this man and she wouldn't deny him anything right now. She couldn't have anyway as she was too far gone.

He gave her tenderness, he gave her adoration, and he sent her to a place that she wouldn't soon forget. She felt loved if not a bit wonton as she let him take her over. Afterward, he held his arms out for her and brought her into a lovely cuddle as she settled her breathing. She could feel his heart beating madly and she knew that he was also moved by the experience. He must have felt discomfort from want, but she knew he felt exhilarated by this journey. She was beginning to understand the profoundness of his desire; it was much more about her than whatever basal instincts he had for his own physical needs.

She had fallen asleep briefly as he watched her. Her eyes opened and she saw his sweet smile. 'Mmmmm…" is all she could muster. He raised an eyebrow with a sweet smirk,…. "Again?" She poked him in the ribs "You are downright smug at my expense." He chuckled and repeated his question. "Again?", as he began kissing her neck and shoulders and running one hand down her side as he felt her shudder.

"I can't." She whispered to him.

"Oh, but you can." He whispered back as he proceeded to show her precisely that. Afterward, they lay for a while in silence that was finally broken by Elizabeth.

"What must you think of me?"

"That you are a passionate woman in love, one who is willing to follow her lover's lead. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You allow yourself to be open and vulnerable and nothing you could do would be anything but beautiful." He told her.

"You always know just the right thing to say. I love you." She replied.

They lay there for a time before she told him she needed to be excused for a few minutes. He decided that the fire could use a new log, so he got up with her and headed to the sitting area. She joined him there and held out her hand to lead him back to bed. Once they were settled again, she looked at him. "My turn. And we are so revisiting the depths of Chapter 4."

"Elizabeth, are you sure?." He responded trying his best to read her.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, you said so yourself. So be open and vulnerable to me just as I have to you. He relaxed as she showered him with affection, her kisses were sweet, and she tried to keep the mood light for a while. But then as she began to hint at her intentions, he was suddenly both nervous and excited. But she was clearly determined, so he relaxed and surrendered to her.

Afterward, he lay beside her in the dark not quite knowing what to say. He stroked her hair as she moved to lay her cheek on his shoulder. He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't yet come. He was rendered speechless. He pulled her up into his arms and enveloped her as he felt himself slipping into sleep. She heard him whisper "love" as he drifted away.

They awoke to sunlight streaming into the room. He covered their heads with a blanket, not wanting the night to end. But she was used to the early hour and soon had him awake and smiling at her with a goofy look on his face. He had never been happier than right at this moment. And he knew that he might wake up with that same thought for many years to come.

"Happy?" he asked her.

"Never happier." She replied.

They let last night's experience go without discussion, but each knew that this was another big step in accepting, no reveling, in the most intimate moments of their lives.

"As much as I could tie you up and keep you here all day, we have a child and his Auntie and Uncle who will be arriving perhaps by 10:00. So, I am going to drag myself from this bed and go draw you a bath in our newly renovated and modernized facility. I even have bubble bath for you, in one of my favorite scents."

"Sounds lovely, I am going to lay here like a cat in the beautiful sunlight until you carry me to my bath." She laughed.

"As you wish my lady." He chuckled.

He bathed first before getting her bubble bath prepared and then got partly dressed before going to carry her in. He laid out fluffy towels for her and headed to prepare some tea for the two of them. He ran into Gustave who had just arrived to begin preparing breakfast for the group. "How was everything for your evening, ma cousin?"

"Perfect." Said Lucas with a smile. "Everything was perfect including your meal. Thank you."

"Well, I try to do what I can for "romance" you know. But I hope you did your part too." As he winked affectionately at Lucas who as if on cue, blushed.

"Yes, I can see the evening was not wasted." Countered Gustave affectionately. And then he returned to washing the blueberries that he planned to mix into the pancake batter. "I will let you know when Jack, and the Coulters are on their way. Rosemary promised to ring me on your office phone as they head out."

"Great. I will take this tea up and speak with you later. Thanks again Gustave for all that you do for us."

"It is my job."
"Perhaps, but you take it to a whole other level."

He found Elizabeth still in her bath, singing away to herself. He could tell that she too would not soon forget their date. He would be sure to plan more special moments for them, big and small.