Chapter 18

The next eight weeks went by uneventfully. Abbey's incision healed and Kim gave permission to resume her normal life. But there had been very little discussion, after that first night at home, of her fear of being less than a total woman to Jed. Her fear of being less of a sexual being than she had been before the surgery.

She had talked with Kim and had also talked with several women Kim had referred her to.

Much to her surprise, the women had said that their sex lives had actually improved since the hysterectomy. They too had thought it was all over after surgery, but in fact, it had only gotten better.

Finally, Abbey decided that it was time to test the waters. She ordered a special surprise dinner to be brought to the bedroom around seven pm. Wine had been chilled, candles lit and flowers placed around the room. She had purchased a little number for tonight from Victoria's Secret. Actually, Millie had purchased the outfit for her because it wasn't a number that she wanted the public to know about.

Abbey was nervous. She didn't know if she could go through with this. But she had to make the effort. She needed facts.

Jed was late, as usual. When he finally entered the bedroom and saw what was waiting for him, he quickly closed the door. He walked over to the table and pulled the wine out of the cooler.

"Looking for a drink?"

Jed's head turned around to see where that voice was coming from.

One look at Abbey and he smiled, "Yeah."

She walked over to him, making sure her movements were being watched. Her red satin sleeping slip, swung lightly with her movements. Jed immediately could tell she had nothing else on.

"Abbey?" He hoped that her actions meant how he was interpreting them. It had been way too long for him. Too long for both of them.

She walked over to him and grabbed his chin. "That's my name." Her tongue split his lips and danced down his throat.

He dropped the wine back into the chiller and grabbed her shoulders. He sensed her nervousness, the slight trembling signifying her hesitancy, her fear.

He looked into her eyes, telegraphing the main question: 'Are you sure?'

With the slightest nod from her head, he knew she knew exactly what she was doing.

He quickly responded to her lips as his hands stroked down between her breasts. He moved his mouth down her neck and felt the tremors in Abbey's body as she responded to his touch. His face moved on to the cavity between her breasts, rubbing his hands over her satin covered nipples.

Pulling his face up, he looked into her eyes. "You don't need this," pulling the straps off her shoulders and sliding the satiny fabric off her body to expose every beautiful area.

"Aren't you overdressed as well?" Abbey was trying to unbutton his shirt.

"Yeah, but I'm busy at the moment," as one hand cupped a breast and another reached below.

"Well, Jed. Play fair. Off with your clothes." As he moved his hands away from her to take off his clothes, an empty feeling flashed through her soul.

But it quickly left when Jed finished his task and pulled her over to the bed. He was ready for her in every way.

As he gently pulled her onto the bed, he asked his question once again, "Are you sure you're ready?"

Abbey nodded her head. "Yes," was all she could say.

With her permission, his mouth attacked her nipples as he felt the tremors continue to go through her body. One hand rubbed her back as the other lightly stroked her thighs. She took him in her hand and rubbed him as he responded to her actions. Her other hand stroked his back, feeling the warmth of their bodies together for the first time in weeks.

He knew she was ready as he raised her legs and his mouth found her opening, wet and hot. Her moans were intense as his tongue found the place it sought.

Abbey had no doubt now about her reactions. The ecstasy of him was enveloping her body and sending waves of pleasure through her soul.

Actions replaced words as he entered her gently, looking at her face to gauge her reaction. She grabbed his hair and forced their lips together. He had to be inside her in more than one way.

It wasn't long before she exploded with release and shortly after, he followed her.

Breathing heavily, they both waited as the intensity of their joining decreased. Shortly, he pulled out and rolled over next to her.

"I love you, Abbey."

Abbey smiled as she replied, "I love you, too."

She then knew that the change in her life would be just fine.

'Everything will be fine', Jed thought. 'I have my Abbey back'.

THE END