They're wrapped in each other's arms, slowly swaying to the music. Tonight is the first time they have danced together and Harry makes a promise with himself to not let it be the last.
Even if vertical dancing has never been his favorite.
Candles and white fairy lights wrapped in garland light the room overlooking the Thames, creating the illusion of privacy in a regent setting. It has been an unbelievable night; the best Christmas Eve he has experienced as an adult; and they can only get better. Being not only invited; but asked to participate in; his only daughter's wedding would be enough to bump it up the list of great days, let alone having his only son converse with him in a civil manner and agree to having a meal with him in the near future had rocketed up the list; but the best part is currently being held in his arms.
It still amazes him that Ruth has agreed to marry him. Or at least without some serious convincing. He'd been prepared to argue his case much longer then he had and had fully expected her to turn him down at first. One week. That was how long he had thought it would take to convince her he loved her more than his life.
Only it hadn't.
"You're happy."
It's spoken quietly but with love and openness that he has to look down at her. She's smiling, her blue eyes twinkling up at him, and he has to smile back. With her small hand gripped in his, he spins her round, laughing at her startled shriek as she grips his arm tightly. Her back against his chest, he pulls her flush and leans down to her ear. "I'm beyond happy."
"So am I." Head resting against his shoulder, she turns up and smiles at him.
Leaning down, Harry slowly caresses her lips with his; a soft, sensual sideways kiss that soon has him moaning softly. Arm sliding around her waist, he spins her so she's resting against him; chest to chest; as he deepens the kiss. They're lost in each other; the feeling of their bodies pressed tightly together; lips and tongues slowly caressing the other's that they miss the sound of someone approaching their little corner. It's only as she clears her throat and then speak that they spring apart.
"I should have known you'd bring one of your whores with you. What'd he promise you, a tumble in a five-star hotel to come with him to this little event?"
"Jane." He wants to groan, to turn to her and tell her to bugger off, but Ruth rests a hand on his arm. With a sigh, he pulls her back to him before turning to his ex-wife. "Now is not the time or place for this discussion."
"Ironic coming from you. Now is not the place to bring one of your conquests. Your daughter's wedding? I thought you had some semblance of class."
Ruth can feel Harry tensing and wanting to keep the relative peace, she turns to the older woman. Offering her hand, she tries to smile at the woman. "Hello. I'm Ruth; Harry's fiancée. And you must be Catherine's mother."
The older woman looks from the offered hand to the other woman; ignoring it; before looking back at her ex-husband. "A bit young, isn't she? What'd you do, knock her up?"
Reaching up to cover Ruth's hand, Harry lowers it down and frowns at the first woman he loved enough to marry and briefly wonders what it was he had seen in her. He didn't remember her being so bitter and hostile, but realizes that life's circumstance can change someone, and also realizes that now is not the time for this. Arm sliding around Ruth's waist, he begins to lead her away. "Jane I'm not doing this now."
And before she can respond, he leads Ruth away.
"I think tonight went really well."
She's standing at the mirror removing her earrings when he speaks. Behind her, Harry is standing by the bed undoing his bow tie, shirt already untucked with the coat long gone. Smiling, she sets the jewelry on the dresser before crossing to him.
"It did. Better than you planned." Turning her back to him, she grips her hair in her hands and leans forward. "Can you help me?"
Smiling, Harry reaches for the zipper, his lips pressing against the back of her neck. "Hmm. I can always help you get naked."
Laughing, she feels him pull the zip down and before she has a chance to move, he's pushed the straps down her arms, leaving the dress to bunch around her waist. Stepping forward, he pushes into her back, hands gently grasping the silky fabric to push it to the floor. She's left standing in a lacy white bra with matching knickers and bare feet. Hands sliding around her waist, his palms splay against her stomach as he holds her tightly against him.
"Enough talk." he whispers, mouth gliding against her neck. "I want to make love to my fiancée."
AN: I'd like to apologize for not posting this yesterday - I had a wedding to attend and did not budget my time correctly and so now, the advent calendar will be off a day. But - that does mean this will go to boxing day instead of Christmas day. As always, reviews are always welcome and a great gift to leave me for the holidays.
P.S. - I'm trying to keep this K+ so...