CHAPTER 16
The image of a beautiful young woman, dressed in an elaborate, brilliant white wedding dress looked back at her in the mirror. The fitted bodice, laced with beaded floral accents, showed off her slim waist, a long train of flowing silk chiffon followed behind her. Hair done up, with a thin veil slightly covering her face, her delicate cleavage adorned by a simple golden necklace with a diamond tear drop.
"My God, Candy, you look..." started Annie but was too emotional to continue her sentence.
"Amazing, astounding, gorgeous... you look a real princess!" Patty finished off instead.
Candy was silent, dazed herself by how different she looked that day. There was an aura of elegance about her; she felt light-headed, as if it was somebody else occupying her body, as if she was simply an outside observer of a special event... but it was her wearing this resplendent wedding dress, and there was a wonderful man waiting for her downstairs in the small chapel of Pony's Hill, a man whom she loved with all her existence and whose wife she was about to become. Her Prince...
"Are you ready then, my child?" Sister Mary's face poked through the door.
She saw Candy and brought her hand to her mouth in a mixture of awe and affection "Candy, my sweet Candy, you look so beautiful!" she walked towards her and gave her a careful embrace so as not to crease her dress.
"Albert is a very lucky man, and we too are lucky to be witnessing today the union of two such special souls" she said tearfully. "Now, come, everyone is sitting waiting for the ceremony to start..."
Annie gave Candy a bunch of freshly cut white roses tied up in silk. Candy thanked her and managed a nervous smile.
"Thank you all, thank you for your help today. I am not sure how I feel right now, it seems as if I am in a dream... I am so happy and yet scared..." she said.
Sister Mary was the first to reassure her.
"Candy, it's only natural to feel a bit apprehensive. This is a big change in your life... but it's a good change and you will always remember this day until the day you die."
Her two bridesmaids, Annie and Patty, edged her forward.
"This is it, then" said Candy. "Let's go!"
* * *
The small church was decorated with bright candles and a colourful array of fragrant flowers; roses, lilies, daisies, chrysanthemums, gladioli, snapdragons... The afternoon sun cast a soft glow through the round-arched stained-glass windows. Candy appeared to be surrounded by a halo of light as she stood at the entrance taking in the view of the chapel's interior. She held her breath for a moment then took timid, slow steps towards the altar, hardly noticing the many guests surrounding and waving at her. She didn't even hear the awed comments of her friends seeing her so startlingly beautiful or the happy, muffled screams of the children vying for her attention.
Miss Pony gave Candy her arm; She was going to give her away to Albert, they had all agreed on that.
A very handsome Albert stood proudly at the altar, in full Highland dress, his kilt's pin bearing the Ardlay insignia. His blond hair tidily combed, his dark blue eyes sparkling with the love he felt for the woman who was soon to become his wife. George was standing by his side in his suit, the wedding rings safely stored in his pocket. Aunt Elroy was sitting in the front row, somewhat detached from the rest of the congregation, a look of enforced stoicism on her face.
Miss Pony spoke "Albert, Candy is like a daughter to me. I now give you her hand in marriage; please, look after our little girl."
Albert bowed respectfully and kissed Miss Pony's hand.
"Rest assured that I will spend each and every day of my life trying to make Candy happy, Miss Pony."
And with these words, Candy found herself right next to Albert. He took her arm gently and after a few steps they both knelt in front of the priest.
Candy's memories of what happened next remained forever blurred. She could hear somewhere in the distance the priest reading parts of the Bible but she was too dazed to take it all in. The air inside the chapel was heavily saturated with floral scents and she was experiencing a delightful dizziness, a mix of calm and sweet abandon, her thoughts floating away towards a sea of peace and happiness; was that love... that feeling of deep, profound, unconditional need to give another person all you can, all you have. She turned and looked at Albert; his eyes were closed, his face bearing a serene expression. Candy knew he was concentrating on the priest's words...
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it does not keep record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices when truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever."
"Do you, William Albert Ardlay take Candice White as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
"I do" said Albert loud and clear, a smile illuminating his whole face. "I, William Albert Ardlay, take you, Candice White to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times, in sickness and in health. I will love and honour you all the days of my life."
The priest blessed them joining their hands together then turned towards her,
"Do you, Candice White, take William Albert Ardlay as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
"I do" she said shyly looking straight into Albert's eyes. He smiled encouragingly at her and mouthed the words "I love you".
She blushed and continued quietly "I, Candice White, take you, William Albert Ardlay to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times, in sickness and in health. I will love and honour you all the days of my life."
George gave the wedding rings to the priest who blessed them, then Albert first slipped the ring onto Candy's finger.
"I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" said Albert.
She then slipped the other ring onto Albert's finger.
"I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" said Candy.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride" said the priest.
Albert came closer to her, lifted the fine veil, and tenderly touched her chin. He wrapped his other arm around her waist, and pulled her close to him, before sealing their union with the most tender kiss. Candy raised her arms and placed them around Albert's neck and reciprocated his sweet kiss, feelings of unparalleled love and happiness overflowing in her heart.
With the exception of Aunt Elroy who remained expressionless throughout the service, everyone in the church was tearful. Albert and Candy made such a beautiful couple, you could virtually sense how sincere, deep and unique their love was, their respect, affection and passion for each other almost tangible.
The chapel bells started to ring harmoniously echoing through the mountains, while flower petals rained upon them as they exited the small church. Everyone present wanted to come talk to them, hug them and congratulate them. Miss Pony and Sister Mary, Archie and Annie - now a married couple themselves - Patty and Tom, Dr Martin, Mr Stephen, Mr Matthews, George, Eirik, Mr Cartwright, the children of course, and even Pouppe!
Candy was smiling from ear to ear, secretly thanking God for all the blessings He had bestowed upon her. She could not imagine ever living a happier day in her life. Standing next to Albert, no, not just Albert, Albert her husband, she felt on top of the world.
It would be days later before the images of that spectacular day would become clear in Candy's mind again. The throwing of the flower bouquet – Patty was the lucky one to grab it – the dinner, the speeches, the stream of congratulations and warm wishes of everyone present (Aunt Elroy left straight after the church ceremony with the excuse of some family business). Just before sunset, the children stood in a row and sang beautifully for them "Ave Maria", then released a hundred red balloons, the twinkling spheres lighting up the scarlet skies above them in an emotional celebration of soaring love.
It was a tearful goodbye when Albert's chauffeur arrived to take them away. Hugs, kisses and promises of getting together again soon were exchanged. And then... once the car got going and Pony's Hill was no longer in view, Candy leaned on Albert's shoulder who put his arm around her, and closed her eyes wanting to treasure and lock the day's memories in her heart forever.
She looked up at Albert. He had the most tranquil expression on his face, the lines around his mouth relaxed, his eyes shut. She admired the faint dimple in his chin that tempered his strong jaw. She reached up and gently kissed his cheek. He smiled and pulled her closer to him, closing his other arm around her too, engulfing her in the cocoon of his tender embrace.
The journey wasn't too long. The car stopped a few metres away from the entrance to the mountain cabin Albert and Candy loved so much. But... Candy noticed that it looked somewhat different; certainly tidier, better maintained, the garden landscaped? She quirked her brow and crinkled her nose in a way that made Albert want to kiss it. He moved next to her and placed his hand around her waist. A series of tea-lights illuminated the way to the cabin's entrance. It looked almost enchanted.
"For me?" she asked Albert with a trembling voice.
He scooped her up in his strong arms, kissed her temple and said "everything for you, my love".
She blushed and gave him a shy smile. She rested her head on his chest and let him carry her inside. He pushed the door behind him with his foot and put her gently down. Candy looked around and couldn't speak for fear that the dream she felt she had just walked into would dissipate; the cabin's interior seemed completely transformed. There were a couple of comfortable sofas and leather armchairs covered in plump colourful pillows in front of the fireplace, a solid wood coffee table carrying a bowl of fresh fruit and resting on a round-shaped plush rug, numerous lamps casting a soft glow, tasteful ornaments on the bookshelves, some paintings on the walls by local artists, the whole room exuding a rustic feeling of both homeliness and elegance. And then... there were candles, candles and flowers everywhere – she turned around; the large windows would offer the eyes a true feast during daylight with their view of the forest outside and valley beyond.
"Albert... I am speechless, I honestly don't know what to say... this is so beautiful!" she exclaimed still overwhelmed by the obvious transformation of the place she had visited so many times before.
Albert gave her a satisfied smile while she was walking around touching and admiring the new decoration. He was proud his surprise was having such an effect on her. She looked like a little girl who had just discovered a room full of wonderful toys and she was told that yes, it was all for her, that she could play all she wanted...
She went back to him, brushed the tip of her nose against his and teased him with a look filled with intent. He bent and kissed her softly, a guttural sound escaping his throat.
"Mmm... do you want to see the rest then?" he asked once their lips parted.
"Can't wait!" she said and moved on to check the rest of the rooms.
She opened the door to the master bedroom and almost froze in place at the door frame.
The room was softly lit by dozens of candles. A large four-poster bed was placed in its centre, dressed in pastel-coloured silk, covered by satin sheets, plump pillows and a luxurious throw. There were rose petals strewn all over the bed and the floor, exuding a heavenly sweet, sensual smell that engulfed their senses.
Candy was standing silent, taking in the beauty of their surroundings, Albert's arms around her waist behind her, gently kissing her neck and nibbling at her earlobes.
"So what do you think? Have I done well, my Lady?" he whispered softly, his hands tenderly caressing her tummy and slowly finding their way towards her shapely breasts.
She turned towards him, and looked up at him with adoring eyes. Albert cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. She moaned with pleasure...
"Mmm, I take it that's a yes then..." he said hoarsely.
"I love you so much Albert" she said breathlessly and responded to his sensuous kiss eagerly.
"Let me run you a bath" Albert suggested "it has been such a long day, you deserve to rest a bit."
"Yes, that's a good idea, thank you love... though I am so fond of my wonderful wedding dress, a part of me wants to wear it forever" she added dreamily looking at herself in the full-size mirror on the wall.
"You look so perfect in it, Candy. I will carry the image of you wearing it – and this" he kissed her finger wearing the wedding ring "forever in my mind for as long as I live." He smiled and headed for the door.
"Now, go in and relax. I will use the other bathroom downstairs..."
The soapy water was warm, scented with lavender and chamomile oils, rose petals floating on its surface, tea-lights casting a soft glow around her. She slipped into the bath and closed her eyes, feeling the tension of the day slip away. She thought of Albert... imagining him naked, his sinewy body soaking in the relaxing water and a sly smile formed on her lips.
Of course, it wasn't the first time she'd imagined him that way. In fact, a little quick arithmetic told her it was quite possibly around the seven-hundredth time, since she'd been in his arms that summer night at Lakewood more than a year ago. She let her head droop with a sigh. A thousand fantasies and not one reality. But now... it would be a reality... she was his and soon she would be in his arms in a way that only a husband and wife can share. She shuddered, her thoughts gripped by a sudden fear of the unknown mixed with excitement.
Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she got out of the bath, wrapped herself in a large fluffy towel and dried herself off. She walked into the bedroom. Albert was already lying in bed, his towel wrapped around his waist, his eyes closed, his arms behind his head pushing his strong chest forward. Candy was entranced by the mass of lovely, carved out muscles on his figure. He looked so attractive, and she found herself longing to touch him, to smell him, to feel wrapped in his arms again.
She walked carefully towards the bed and sat down. Albert opened his eyes and turned towards her resting his head on his elbow.
"Hey you" he said softly tousling her damp hair.
"Hey to you too" she smiled at him blushing and simultaneously shivering at his touch. He moved closer to her and started to caress her back.
"Hungry?" he asked softly.
"A little" Candy replied. It was true that during the wedding dinner she hardly had any time to eat properly, as she was continuously approached by their guests wanting to wish her well for the future.
"Well, close your eyes then and open your mouth" he whispered and came even closer to her. She obeyed his instructions curious to find out what he had in mind.
A soft, ripe sweet strawberry lightly covered in cream entered her lips.
She chewed slowly savouring its freshness.
"Mmm, this is delicious" she murmured and opened her eyes. "Strawberries, cream and even champagne, oh Albert, you are spoiling me you know!" she smiled at him. Albert smiled back then raised his glass.
"To us, my love. To our bright future together!" They continued to feed each other the sweet berries gently kissing and licking each other's fingers in the process. After a while, Candy rested her head on Albert's shoulder. He put his arm around her and drew her close. She felt so good lying in his arms...
"How about I give you a foot massage" he offered. "These fancy high heeled shoes can't have been very comfortable for you today" he added. "Would you like that sweetheart?"
"Mmm, I like everything you to do to me, Albert" she responded huskily, the sensation of his adroit fingers on her body turning up every hair follicle on her skin.
He moved positions and took her delicate foot in his strong, warm hands.
"Now, you close your eyes and just relax, let me do the rest" he said gently.
He poured a little bit of almond oil on his hands and rubbed them together so that they would be soft and warm for her. He massaged her arches first, then the soles, her toes... slowly, carefully, applying just enough pressure to relieve any tension. Candy felt like she was floating, it was so relaxing, a feeling of mellowness and lethargic stupor took over her body.
Albert observed her reactions in the soft glow of the candles and smiled. He thought she was insanely gorgeous and delightfully sweet. In the darkness of the night, her sun-kissed features took on an erotic shade of gold, and the shadows shrouded her in a new kind of mystery. He felt a rush of blood to his groin, his desire for her growing by the second.
"Candy?" he enquired quietly. "Are you awake?"
"Mmm..." her mouth stretched into a slow smile.
His hands had started to move up her slender legs, sensually caressing her, while planting light kisses all over her sensitive skin. With every touch her breath quickened.
"Albert" she moaned. "Kiss me..."
He needed no other encouragement. She whimpered to the gentleness of his mouth over hers. He softly probed her parted lips with his tongue. And accepting his entrance, his sweet breath mingled with hers. He explored with tentative swipes to the roof of her mouth and the back of her teeth. Her tongue moved out of his way and around his, she found herself pushing to get into his mouth. He gave way and stroked lovingly at it. His lips closed, and he sucked on the tip. She twisted further, reaching a hand up behind to his neck, to hold, to hug, to embrace the sensations he created.
"Albert" she murmured his name.
She put her lips on the ball of his shoulder and kissed him gently. A shiver blazed beneath her skin, as the scent of his musk-laden flesh spiralled into her nostrils. She inhaled every intoxicating morsel into her lungs. He smelled wonderful, and she wondered about the flavour of his beautiful ivory-tan skin.
He pulled away to take a moment to look at her, his deep blue eyes burning with desire and intending to take in every detail of her exquisite beauty. Candy dropped her gaze and her lashes lifted with a coy, flirtatious flutter he had never seen before. Her eyes drifted to the length of his muscular torso. The thatch of coarse curls thinned where it swept to his groin. Fine, short hairs sprinkled their way up the centre of his stomach and fanned out over his chest. Swirls of light brown ringed his dark nipples, and yet the hardened bumps remained prominent on his muscled chest.
Her fingers swept lightly over his shoulders and chest, then trailed down the middle of his abdomen, leaving flames leaking in their wake. Albert drew in a ragged breath.
"Touch me" he asked, releasing the towel from his waist.
A commotion much like a storm, stirred in her belly while another part of her clenched with tiny sparks starting a blaze of tremors. His deep voice wrapped her in the splendid warmth of sexual desire, chasing a shuddering chill of excitement up her spine. Her forefinger eased a stroke across the robust tip and the thrill of her exam leached into her pulsing veins. His deep groans gave her the satisfaction of knowing he liked what she was doing to him. She stroked him gently, again and again, then let her hands journey up the rest of him once more, his flat abdomen, his strong chest, the firm muscles of his back.
Albert slowly removed her towel and held on to her in a way he had never done any other woman before. He stroked the side of her face, then brought her hand to his lips and kissed her tenderly.
"I want to touch you where you're swollen and soft."
"Please," she begged breathlessly, desperate for exactly that. She writhed against his body, wanting his hands on her, his fingers probing secret places, giving her pleasure and taking his own.
He twisted her slightly and laid her back in the niche of his arm. The spiked points of her breasts rose for him to taste with a lick of his tongue. Like a cherry, topping a rich dessert, he took the burnished bead of her pink nipple into his hungering mouth. He savoured the softness of her skin. The delicacy of her plump breasts, pliant and willing, moulded to his palm.
His hands slid down her belly and found her damp glory—her desire made liquid. He brushed her slick, wet flesh over and over, slowly at first, then more firmly, knowing exactly the effect of his torture, and pushing, always pushing her higher and higher.
"I want to kiss you all over, from head to toe and I want you to enjoy every minute" he whispered hoarsely.
He had her skin quivering with eagerness and her mind spellbound by the seduction. Hands each side of her hips he pulled her tight towards him.
"Candy... this will hurt a bit... but only once... after that there is only joy to be shared..."
She smoothed her hands down his arms. "I know... but I am ready..." she managed to say in between the shudders of pleasure she was experiencing in her husband's arms.
He covered her body with his completely and slowly guided himself inside her. He closed his eyes and moaned at the sensation of heat and pressure, then rocked forward, unable to hold back any longer. She bit her lip to suppress the sharp pain burning inside her, and then... and then she fell into his rhythm. Just tumbled. He kissed her so hard he could taste him on the back of her throat. She met his demanding kiss, slipping her tongue as far into his mouth as it would go. She kissed him as if she knew all his secrets, all his flaws, all his missteps, and she adored him anyway.
Her muscles tensed with heat then softened as if her whole body sucked in a breath then relaxed in his embrace, and he responded by groaning out a statement of unadulterated pleasure. His kiss captured the reverberating sounds her panted cries forced from her by the intense sensation. Her slender frame fit to him. Each contour complemented his as if they were pieces of a puzzle someone put together.
They lay in each other's arms afterwards, the covers pulled up around them. He stroked the curve of her hip, smiling as if at a secret joke.
"What are you smiling about?" she asked.
"I knew making love to you would be good," he said. "But I hadn't realised how good."
The praise made her heart feel too big for her chest – granted, she was inexperienced, but she knew that no one else could make her feel so cherished and special.
"I love being your wife, Albert" she said with a big grin on her face and pressed her body closer towards him.
She loved him with all her heart. Everything about him; especially that feeling of comfort, of sharing, of deep friendship and companionship. Their shared joys and tears, their little arguments and fears, their dreams for the future, their reflections on the past, the small insignificant moments that make everyday life special... his laughter... God, how she loved him when he laughed... Candy knew she could no longer live without him. Along with the effect of his very nearness – the musky, manly scent of him, the warmth his eyes emitted, the sense of almost knowing what it was like to be wrapped in his strong arms just from being so close to him. She drifted to sleep sated, content, relaxed, the sweetness of her dreams unable to compete with the extraordinary happiness real life presented her with. She was fulfilled...
***
She woke up a few hours later, her hand reaching for Albert in her sleep. The bed was empty... strange... still somewhat groggy, she opened her eyes. It was dark but she could see enough to confirm that Albert was not in bed. She felt awake now... where was he?
She noticed the open French doors out to the garden. She got up and slipped her robe on. She walked towards the open door her steps a bit unsteady. The night was dark but her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light cast by the billion stars sparkling in the sky. And then she saw him. Albert was sitting on the grass, his pyjamas untidily put on, looking into the vaulted canopy beyond.
"Albert..." she whispered.
He turned towards her, smiled and nodded for her to join him. She walked down the few steps and sat next to him tightening her robe around her. They stayed like this quiet for a few moments, losing themselves in the night sky sparkling with pinpricks of dancing light and sought out the few constellations they could readily recognise, the 'Great and Little Bears', with Polaris, the 'Pole Star', ever guiding the men of the sea for many centuries past.
It must have been half an hour later when the first shooting stars appeared, arcing across a night sky already garlanded with twinkling jewels of light.
"Perseids" Albert said and put his arm around her. "They come back once a year in late summer."
The sudden, brief incandescence of their trails, was a thrilling, wonder-filled experience, bringing gasps of delight from both of them. Candy made countless wishes for health and wealth and happy days, for timeless moments like this, and for lives that she hoped would be rich with such unforgettable experiences.
After what seemed an age the cosmic light show faded and once more they lay in quiet companionship under the abstract beyondness of the night sky. Albert spoke first.
"Before you came out... I was sitting out here and praying... I said to God that if he wanted to take me, tonight would be the perfect time..."
"Albert! Don't say things like that!" Candy panicked.
"Tonight... when I am just so happy, so very happy, so totally complete... with you by my side... what else could I ever ask for, when Life has given me everything..."
Tears rolled down Candy's eyes. Albert got up in a swift movement.
"Dance with me."
"Now? Here?"
"Yes... here and now" he smiled. He gave her his hand and pulled her off the grass. He put one arm around her waist, and held her other hand high.
"But there is no music..."
"Of course there is. Listen... crickets... night bird song crowds the trees, the air thick with their vesper cries... and bats skitter across the lake, listen how they swing out, squeak, chirp, dip, and skim in skates of air... and the frogs are wide awake and crooning wide-lipped, noisy as ducks... there is a whole Universe surrounding us tonight, and I am the happiest man on earth and my soul is singing too... "
Candy rested her head on his chest. Albert started to hum softly his favourite Scottish song...
Speed, bonnie boat...
The second time their lovemaking was languid, tender and exploratory. Sleep gradually claimed them and drifting into the release of sweet slumber brought them gentle, restful dreams...