The Power of Love
Chapter 5
Anniversary
"Well, we're all ready," James said, lifting their suitcase.
Megan and Richard followed them to the door, Meg holding her grandson in a tight embrace. Harry looked excited. "Say goodbye to Mummy and Daddy," she said, pointing to her son and daughter-in-law.
Harry waved a chubby hand, "bye, Mummy, Daddy," he said quietly, his green eyes shining.
"Goodbye," James said, ruffling the boy's hair.
"Goodbye, baby," Lily said, kissing her son's forehead.
They turned and apparated arm in arm. Harry gave his grandparents a cheeky grin.
Megan smiled back at him, "just you, me and Grandpa," she said, tickling his nose lightly.
"Alone, finally," James laughed.
"This is all terribly romantic," Lily giggled.
"Anything for you," James smiled, pulling her in to kiss her. "I can't believe we've been married for four years."
"I know," Lily smiled back.
He grinned handsomely at her. "I've missed spending time alone with you."
"Me too, but you do realise if we have another child, we'll have even less time together," she pointed out.
He nodded tightening his grip on her. He gave her another lingering kiss.
"So, Mr Potter, what's first on the schedule tonight?" she asked, holding his hand in hers.
"Always so impatient, my love," he teased. "Don't worry; I've got it all under control."
"Hmm… sure you do," she said, staring distractedly at his lips as he moved them closer.
He dropped a single kiss to her lips, "your doubt, it's killing me, love."
"So where are we going?" she asked.
"That's for me to know, and you to find out," he smiled, giving her another soft kiss.
They walked along the pier, hand in hand. James fiddled with her wedding rings, the warm metal filling him with radiance. They stood at the end, watching children playing on the sand below and birds flying out to sea. The waves washed restlessly, though the sky was calm and the sun was glowing.
Nearby, a young couple sat, chatting quietly, hands entwined. It reminded Lily of her and James' first date. He'd been so sweet, completely surprising her. He had redeemed himself completely for the six and a half years of torture he had given her. She had fallen in love with him instantly. She'd expected him to be so arrogant on a date. But he had cared for her, doing anything she wanted to. He was the perfect partner, the sort every girl dreamed of marrying. Lily hoped Harry would grow up with that character if not a bit more modest.
"James…"
"Yeah?"
"I'm so glad were together," she said softly.
"Me too," he replied, turning to look at her tenderly.
"I can't imagine us not being together anymore," she grinned.
"Me neither. I love you and I always have," he kissed her softly.
"I love you too," she said, "and I will forever." He kissed her deeply, winding his hands about her back. He drew her into him, their tongues meeting.
Some teenagers below began to clap. Lily broke the kiss and gazed at them, embarrassedly. James chuckled light, she was so sweet. It made him realise they were still so young themselves, and yet they had a three year old child and were desperately trying for baby number two.
He gazed deeply into her eyes, pushing a loose lock of hair out of the emerald orbs, tenderly. He couldn't believe that he'd nearly lost her when Voldemort had tried to kill her and Harry.
"Come on, Flower, we've got a dinner appointment."
"Dinner was lovely, James," she said softly.
"It's was my pleasure," he smiled.
They walked hand in hand. "We're nearly there," he promised. "Do you want to get one of those horse and carriages?"
"No, it's okay. I like walking, as long as it's with you," she replied.
"Oh, okay," he sighed, pulling her closer. It was now darker, and a few streetlamps bathed the pier and beach in an amber glow. The stars were twinkling overhead and a cool breeze washed refreshingly over them.
They walked up a side-street on a hill. The pavement was white, glowing in the moonlight. James pressed a hand to the small of her back, slowly guiding her around to face the hotel.
"James," she cried, "It… it's beautiful."
He grinned, coyly, "do you like it?" he asked.
"It's brilliant."
"Come on, love, this isn't all," he promised.
She followed him," there's more?" she asked in awe.
James quickly got the checked in. He led her quietly up the stairs to the second floor. He stopped by an oak wooden door. He'd set Sirius to come up earlier and sort the inside of the suite. He paused briefly, feeling Lily's eyes upon him. He stooped down to give her a sweet kiss. Then he turned and silently opened the door, guiding Lily into the room.
Sirius had really outdone himself. The room was a pale blue, with creamy white duvets and curtains. Sirius had placed candles on every surface available. The curtains were drawn and the room was bathed in a seductive glow. There was also a carpet of rose petals on the floor, which crushed gently under Lily's feet as she walked further into the room. James smiled softly to himself at the look of utter happiness on his wife's face. On the bed, Sirius had placed a single red rose and a small black box which held James' anniversary present to Lily.
Lily turned to him, tears running down her porcelain cheeks. "James, it's beautiful."
He strode over to catch her in an embrace. "I'm glad you like it." He escorted her over to the bed, giving her the rose and the black box.
She took them, while settling herself deeply into his embrace. He pressed his palms to her backhands, gazing gently over her shoulder. Inside was a gold necklace with ruby and diamonds encrusted into the pendant.
"Wow! James…" she reached back and kissed him.
Once she had broken the kiss, he placed the necklace around her neck. She pushed him onto his back and kissed him deeply. James smiled against her lips before sliding his tongue into her mouth. He reached out and undid the black satin dress she had worn out that evening. Her hair curtained his face as she popped open the buttons of his shirt expertly. The passion between them grew deeper, as they finished undressing.
Soon it was over; they lay tiredly under the sheets in one another's embrace.
"Happy anniversary, love," James said quietly.
"You too, Lily said softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," James replied, giving her a soft, succulent, goodnight kiss. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, James."
He pulled her naked body closer to his, and soon they were sound asleep in, cuddled up to one another. In this magical world, there was no son to wake them, no work to return to in the morning. They were together, and still completely in love.
I'm so sorry this has been so long coming. I just didn't know what to write. I have ideas for the rest of the story, but not for these chapters.
Please review.
Love JLF xoxo