Chapter 4

It had been a restless week. Marianne was just looking forward to the sentencing hearing being over and done with. She felt like she was living on pause with her life. She felt once she got this over and done with she can totally move on with Christopher.

Through the week Marianne stayed at Christopher's and then her home. She kept alternating and taking a box of her belongings every time she went. Now her closet was nearly empty and pretty much just furniture was in her room. She was hoping to finish by the weekend and permanently stay. Her mother and Margaret were a bit saddened to see her move out again but Margaret became excited to go visit her at Christopher's house.

Marianne kept trying to think of all sorts of pleasant things while she sat in the courtroom next to Christopher squeezing his hand. Anne, Elinor and Edward sat behind them in the courtroom for support.

Christopher looked at her with a small smile. He lifted their clasped hands to his lips to kiss hers. "It will be over soon darling." He whispered to her.

Shortly Johnny was brought in with his lawyer. The prosecutor listed the charges and emotional damage he caused. He called Marianne up to describe what happened. She stood up there and looked at Christopher the whole time who some how sent her strength while she spoke.

"It was never serious with John. We went out once. I broke it off the following day when I knew nothing would come of it. I did not led him on in any way. He kept trying to talk me back into leaving Christopher Brandon to be with him. What he did to me caused me to lose trust in people. I felt violated and horrified of what might have happened to me if he wasn't stopped by people who care about me. It is my hope that he is not able to do this to someone else." Marianne finished her statement. She went back to her chair and glanced at Johnny one more time. Johnny watched stone faced as she read her speech. He felt ashamed but also believed she was the cause. If she had just stayed with him he believed they could have been happy. But Christopher Brandon stole her from him. It hit him like a brick when he noticed while Marianne was speaking the very impressive engagement ring on her finger. He would have never been able to afford to give her anything like that. He questioned how he ended up here. His life had been thrown away by his obsession with Marianne. He was starting to realize that he was never going to win her back.

The judge requested him to stand and read the sentence. Two years in prison for assault and battery.

Marianne and Christopher sighed in relief as they watched Johnny being escorted out. It was over. Marianne just turned and hugged Christopher. It was over.

The following Saturday morning Marianne was in her room packing up the last of her items. Anne came in to speak to her.

"I am going to miss you very much. I appreciate how you moved back in her after Daddy died to be with us. I am sad to see you go but am so happy for you. I know Christopher is going to take care of you and be there for you. I am so happy to see you two so happy and able to put the whole Johnny situation behind you." She explained

Marianne reached over and gave her a hug. "I love you Mum. Thank you for understanding and being supportive. I love Christopher more than anything. He is the one for me. I know it was fast but it feels right. He is going to take care of me and I will take care of him. I want you, Margaret and Elinor to feel welcome in our home to visit." Marianne explained.

Anne smiled at her. "We will miss you. But I did hear Margaret mention something about having extra storage for clothes now." Anne explained. Both giggled and Marianne shook her head.

Christopher was waiting downstairs and chatting with Edward, Elinor and Margaret. He stood when he saw Marianne come down. "Are you all set?" He asked walking over to her to grab the box. "Yes, all packed."

They all exchanged good bye and hugs. Elinor and Anne watched as Christopher helped Marianne in the car and waved at them as the pulled away. Anne closed the door and went back in the house.

"You know what I have been thinking Elinor?" Anne asked

"What Mum?" Elinor asked

"That riding weekend we were all there at Sir John's. I never noticed anything really going on between Christopher and Marianne. After seeing how in love they are I don't know how they managed to keep their feelings a secret." Anne contemplated.

Elinor blushed thinking of having to get Marianne out of Christopher's bedroom in the morning before Anne went looking for her and knowing that she interrupted them during a very private matter.

"Believe me Mum, they were good at hiding and sneaking around." Elinor explained. Anne looked puzzled trying to think back. Elinor seeing her look and could not resist getting to tattle a bit on Marianne.

"I went and warned her you were looking for her for a jumper that cool morning. I will just say I did not find her in her room. I found her in someone else's." Elinor explained.

Anne's mouth dropped open then turned into a giggle. "I guess those two were not as well behaved as I thought."

Christopher and Marianne were relaxing on the sofa. She was officially moved in with all her belongings. It wasn't much and there was plenty of room for everything. Christopher lite a nice fire and brought them two glasses of wine. The clinked their glasses and exchanged a kiss.

"It's official you are really are here for good." He said caressing her leg. Marianne smiled at him and leaned to give him a soft kiss.

"It's going to be lovely coming home here everyday and night. Knowing that this is my home now. I feel so at peace here. Mainly because I am with you." She stated.

Christopher smiled at her and caressed her cheek. "I want you to feel free to change anything you want to suite you. Down the road if you want we can look for another place after we are married." He explained. Marianne shook her head. "No, I love it here. This is perfect for us and you worked so hard for it. Would you want to stay?" She asked. He shook his head yes. "I do love this house and plan to enjoy it much more that you are here." He leaned in and gave her another kiss after his statement. Marianne smiled and kissed him back. When they pulled away she looked around. "It is plenty big enough and perfect location. There is plenty of room for guests and children down the road." Marianne stated not realizing fully what she said. She looked at him with a shocked expression on her face. He looked taken aback but grinned at her. She felt like she had to explain. "I am sorry I didn't mean to jump ahead. We never really talked about it after the scare we had." Christopher put down his glass and grabbed hers to put on the coffee table as well. He reached his arm around her. "I know we haven't but I would daydream about it sometimes. I never thought I would finally find someone to marry and spend my life with. Especially if I would have children. If you want to, I can think of nothing better to fully complete the picture to have a family and for you to be the mother of my children." He declared looking right into her eyes. Marianne felt her eyes moisten a bit with happy tears. She reached up and caressed his cheek and gave him a quick kiss. She pulled away and looked him in the eyes. "I always wanted to have children. I knew that for so long. I look forward to the time when I have a baby. Right after we became serious I always knew in the back of my mind that you were the one I wanted children with. Especially after we thought I was pregnant at one point. I will be so happy to carry your babies one day Christopher." Christopher smiled at her declaration. It warmed his heart that she wanted to have children with him. "I love you Marianne." She reached up and caressed his cheek, "I love you too Christopher." He leaned down and gave her another deep kiss. When they pulled apart for air he gave her a devilish grin. "You know one thing Marianne?" He asked. She smiled back at him, "What?" she asked. "We will have so much fun together making babies." He said as he leaned down to kiss her neck. She giggled and caressed the back of his neck as he kissed her. "Yes we will. I think we should practice often to make sure we can do it right when the time comes." She suggested. He pulled back to smile at her and place another kiss on her lips. "That is such a great idea Marianne. I think we should start now to make sure we are prepared" He stated with a grin. Marianne giggled and threw her arms around him to share another heated kiss. The kissing soon turned into more.

Soon passion took over and they could not get their clothes off each other fast enough. His shirt discarded, Christopher stood up and removed his trousers as he looked down at the now fully nude Marianne. She smiled, admiring his nude form. "I love you so much." Christopher whispered as he joined her on the sofa. Marianne adjusted her position as she opened her legs for him to take his place. They were in such need of each other they did not have the presence of mind to make it to the bedroom. Marianne wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too Christopher. You make me feel so good. Please, I need you now." She pleaded looking up at him. Christopher smiled and leaned down to kiss her again. He moved his lips down her neck and towards her breasts. Marianne lifted her hips as she moaned. She was loving his kisses but at the same time desperately wanted to feel him inside her. "Oh Christopher, I need you so much." She moaned. He smiled as he was kissing her left breast. "Patience my love." He stated. He switched to her other breast. Then his kisses continued further down her body. He kissed her belly towards her belly button. By now Marianne knew where he was heading and it excited her even more. Christopher continued kissing her thighs. She moved her legs further apart to give him access. He began kissing her most intimate area. Marianne let out a loud moan and reached to stroke his hair when she felt his mouth kissing her moist core. She orgasamed almost as soon as she felt his mouth on her. When her breathing started to slow, he kissed his way back up her body. He grinned at her when he climbed back on top of her. She smiled and reached up to kiss him again. She pulled him closer and wrapped her legs around his hips and buttocks. Christopher could not hold back any longer either. He adjusted his body to align his member with her. As they continued kissing Marianne slightly adjusted her body so he could push in. He took the hint and pushed in softly. Both their moans were muffled by a kiss. Christopher moved his kisses down her cheek and neck as he continued his thrusts. Marianne ran her hand through his hair and kissed the side of his face. "Oh Christopher!" She panted. Christopher pulled away to look at her. The look of pure pleasure on her face was almost enough to push him over the edge. They kept eye contact as they continued their movements. Christopher could feel he was getting close. Marianne reached for his right hand with her left. They intertwined their fingers and he rested their hands near her head. He caught a glimpse of her engagement ring. Just by that quick glance during their lovemaking made him feel so much love for her. Knowing that she was going to be his forever. He picked up his pace which caused Marianne to moan loudly. Christopher could feel her getting close. She finally threw her head back and yelped when her orgasam hit. Christopher grinned at her response but soon turned into a moan as well. He thrust into her two more times when he felt his release inside her. Marianne loved the feel of him.

Christopher rested his head between her shoulder and neck. Marianne stroked his hair as they both panted and tried to catch their breath. He remained inside her not yet wanting to lose the connection. "That was incredible Christopher." She declared. He pulled his head up to look at her with a boyish grin. "Likewise darling." He whispered as he gave her another kiss. They remained close for a little bit exchanging sweet kisses and mumbling words of love to each other. They finally realized they had to get up sooner or later. They both sat up and sat on the sofa giggling when as they looked at each other. Christopher sat back on the couch as Marianne leaned on him resting her body on his chest. He reached over and grabbed the throw blanket on the back of the couch to cover them up. She caressed his chest with her fingers as he moved his hand through her hair down to her shoulder. He let out a giggle. She looked up at him to see him smiling. She smiled back at him. "What is so funny?" She asked. "I just keep thinking how we have to make sure the front door stays locked for the many times we have lost control in this sitting room." He explained. Marianne laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "We are like teenagers sometimes but I don't think that is ever going to change." She explained. He smiled and nodded his agreement.