The whistle blew, waking Sully suddenly from a most alluring dream. He looked over to find Michaela still sleeping peacefully beside him. He pressed a kiss to her temple and she began to stir.
"Sully," she smiled, pleasantly surprised to wake in the arms of her new husband.
"I think we're here," he whispered.
"Where?" she murmured, still disoriented from sleep.
"Denver. The train has stopped."
The newlyweds dressed quickly and wound their way through the crowded streets, their arms linked. Sully, ever the gentleman, guided his wife around the mud puddles. Michaela loved the bustling city; it reminded her of Boston a bit: the tantalizing smell of food cooking, the call of vendors selling their wares, people scurrying about in every direction.
They paused outside when they finally found their hotel: The Denver Grand. It was a huge white building with a large terrace where guests were enjoying dinner in the summer gloaming. The sun was sinking behind the mountains in the distance which bathed the skies a vibrant crimson that set Michaela's curls alight.
"Two weeks here with no interruptions," Sully sighed longingly.
"Shall we have some supper? I'm positively famished," Michaela said.
"Me too," Sully raised his eyebrows suggestively at his new bride who gave him a playful nudge in response.
After a lavish four course meal, the newlyweds retired to their suite. Michaela was unpacking her things when she found a package with a note, which read in small tidy script:
Dearest Michaela,
I hope you and Sully are enjoying your honeymoon.
Best Wishes,
D
Michaela unwrapped the crisp brown paper to discover a white satin nightgown, lined with delicate lace. She smiled as she imagined the hours that Dorothy must have spent making it. The older woman's wise words reverberated in her head, Relax, take your time, and enjoy. She made it seem so simple. Michaela slipped the nightgown over her head. The neckline was very low and it was cut slim to show off her natural curves. The luxurious material pressed teasingly against her nipples, which were now standing erect, begging for attention. She could feel the spring of her desire well to overflowing. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror once more and pulled the pins out of her hair, allowing the long curls to cascade down her back. She took a deep breath to steady herself; Sully was waiting for her.