A/N: Well it's the chapter most of you all have been waiting for. This is solely and A/B chapter and it's rated M. If that's not your cup of tea you'll have to wait for the next chapter. Thanks for all the lovely reviews. And thank you to my betas lemacd, drstacib, and Banna-nannas. I hope you all enjoy!

When their celebrations had come to an end and Robert had nearly drunken himself into a stupor, John and Anna headed home with Aidan. Their honeymoon would have to hold off until their legal troubles were well behind them; or at least until they both hoped their legal troubles would one day be behind them. John didn't feel like it would be much of a relaxing trip at the moment, anyhow, and neither of them felt very comfortable leaving Aidan behind with Henry lurking around every corner.

At that moment they couldn't wait to get home. The last few weeks had been filled with restless or sleepless nights; both of them were constantly thinking of the worst case scenario. Maybe now they could let their minds relax for a bit and start thinking of their future. The two of them couldn't explain it, but now that they were married it seemed as if their chances of getting over this last hurdle were better somehow. Their resolve had been magically restored as they signed their marriage license and walked out of the registrar's office feeling that much stronger. They were united, not just in heart, but in the eyes of the law now. And soon the law would regard Aidan in the same way.

Aidan had long since been put to bed when Anna emerged from their bathroom after having washed her face, putting on some lotion, and combing her hair out. She discovered John asleep in their bed with an open book laid against his chest and his reading glasses still perched on his nose. Anna didn't think she had been in the bathroom for that long but it had been a long day and a big one at that. Most brides would be cross to find their groom fast asleep on their wedding night, but not Anna. She knew how much of a toll their recent struggles had taken on him. He was just as concerned for Aidan as she was, and she knew he worried that his past might make things worse for them when they had their day in court.

As she stared down at him now, she saw how peaceful he looked; there wasn't a sign of a crease or wrinkle on his forehead. Anna moved to John's side of the bed to set his book and glasses on the side table. As she bent down to place a kiss on his lips she felt him reciprocating back and the feel of his hand sliding beneath her silk nightgown to caress her thigh. Anna gasped in surprise and opened her eyes to find John staring back at her.

"What's the matter?" he asked. His fingers still slowly roaming across her lower half, exploring any exposed skin he could get his hands on.

"Nothing. You just surprised me is all," she replied.

"Surprised?" he countered in a soft voice. "Did you really think I would sleep through our wedding night?"

Anna shrugged her shoulders and smiled. She wouldn't have been hurt if they hadn't made love on their wedding night, but the prospect had thrilled her as she was preparing herself in the bathroom earlier. Even though it wasn't their first time being intimate with one another, tonight would be their first time as man and wife. "I wouldn't have been upset. I know you haven't been sleeping well."

He removed his glasses and set them aside on top of the book he'd been reading. "Anna my darling," John said sweetly as he pushed back a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I was just resting my eyes and savoring my strength for you." John kept a straight face for as long as he could before he began to chuckle; the sweet sound of her laughter soon followed. As their giggles dissipated he eyed her seriously, "I should hope by now you know that I'm never going to be too tired for you." His hands were guiding her closer to his side of the bed as he propped himself up against the pillows. "I know this isn't the honeymoon you dreamed of, but I promise I'll make it up to you," he assured.

Anna glanced down and cast a wicked smile. "Oh, I don't doubt that," she said. They hadn't even done anything yet, and he was already showing signs of yearning that couldn't be contained. Apparently the covers were doing little to deter him or hide his affection for her. He blushed in response, albeit proudly.

She wouldn't deny that her own body was displaying similar signs of ardor. God. Was it possible she was already feeling so wet at the mere sight of him? It must be the scent of his aftershave she thought, that usually set her off right away.

He pushed the silk robe aside and let it fall to the floor. Beneath it was a sky-blue, silk negligee. She was a vision, his Anna. Then John pulled back the covers to reveal his naked form, and gestured for her to join him.

She had seen him naked before of course, but now he was her husband. Anna wanted to take in every detail of this night to treasure for all of her days. Her doe eyes remained fixed on him and her mouth had gone dry. She was broken from her thoughts when his hand reached for hers.

He led her to sit astride his lap so that they were facing one another with his hardened length nestled between them. Then he brought the blankets back to cover her in case she was cold. John placed a hand on either side of her face and bestowed upon her the gentlest of kisses. "Since the moment you agreed to marry me, I couldn't wait to make love to you as my wife," he confessed.

"Would you think me a harlot if I said that making love to you is one of my absolute favorite things to do?" Anna asked as she leaned into his touch.

John was practically beaming at her with pride. To know that he could bring her such pleasure made him happier than he could ever put into words. "A harlot seems a bit harsh," he teased as he tickled her ribs. She tried to withdraw from the tickling motion, but not entirely. Her bare thighs still held fast to him on either side of his torso. His eyes were drawn to the gold band that adorned her ring finger and let his finger trace the edges of the cool metal. "Promiscuous or wanton maybe," John suggested as he pulled her into his arms so that Anna was laying on top of him. He welcomed the weight of her pressed against the length of his body now.

She feigned a look of shock at his words. "Excuse me. Promiscuous or wanton?"

"Would you prefer strumpet?" he egged her on. Her laughter filled the air as he began to tickle her once more.

"Now you've gone too far John Bates. You weren't supposed to agree with me. I shall have to punish you for that," she replied with a hint of a smirk.

He pulled his hands away from her then and raised them above the covers in surrender. "I hope there's a search involved," John answered back knowing full well the state he was in beneath the covers.

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" she countered. Anna leaned forward to wrap her arms around him and kiss him deeply. Her tongue danced languidly against his. The two of them let a sigh of relief escape them as their moans of satisfaction melded into one.

Their playfulness was getting the better of him, John could feel his manhood straining against the soft touch of her negligee. John would have to be mindful if he wanted this to last longer than usual. He pulled away briefly and tucked a strand of Anna's hair behind her ear. "I would. But I love making you laugh even more. Nothing warms my heart like seeing you throw your head back as your face erupts into a smile and you laugh with your whole body." He kissed her and then rolled them over so that they were laying side by side.

"Nothing?" She shot him a look as if to challenge him.

Somewhat distracted by her appearance, his finger played with the strap of her negligee. "Well… maybe one other thing…"

"Does it have anything to do with this?" she asked as her finger pointed to the strap hooked over her shoulder.

"Perhaps," he feigned disinterest. "Things do feel a bit unfair, what with me being in such a state of undress and you being so beautifully wrapped in this silk packaging." Unconsciously his fingers began fidgeting with the edge of the smooth material.

"Do you like it then?"

"Very much so." His eyes danced with mirth as he answered her question.

"Well what are you waiting for then? Unwrap your present," she encouraged.

"You do the honors, I'd much rather watch you remove it."

"Very well then. Any other requests?"

"Let your hair down all the way," he answered quickly.

She sat up in the bed, with her knees bent and legs tucked beneath her rear. Suddenly, John's hand reached for her thigh as he implored her, "Go slowly." She winked at him in understanding and resumed her task. Her hands gathered the hem of the silk undergarment and just as he had requested, Anna slowly drew the negligee up revealing her naked form. His breath hitched as little by little he became privy to her thighs, hips, butt, navel, breasts and shoulders. When she could lift the nightgown no further, she pulled it over her head and tossed it somewhere across the room. Her hands then came up to the base of her neck to release her hair from its confines and let it fall freely down her back.

John was in awe of her. Her hair coming down was like watching gold paint spill across a blank canvas. The only other thing more captivating was the sight of her breasts. Whenever they were In the throes of passion, or even bordering a sexual escapade, her chest swelled ever so slightly and her nipples hardened. Her breaths became shorter and faster with anticipation and this only caused her chest to rise and fall more. A man could go crazy with that sort of hypnotic imagery playing out before him. And he had gone crazy for her. She was his siren. A mixture of minx, brains, courage and sweetness that he would gladly die for, so long as he was guaranteed one night with her. Now she was his to have and hold, every night for as long as they both shall live.

She took her place beside him once more. Their bodies facing one another. As Anna eyed the masterpiece before her she bit her lower lip in silent anticipation. The sheet was draped around his waist, but his chest was still very much exposed for her eyes to drink in; he'd never thought much of his body hair, but apparently Anna was driven mad by the mere sight of it. And on more than one occasion during their love making he was certain that his body hair had done more than its fair share of helping to bring her over the edge. His hair was free of product and drawn back, except for that one rogue lock of hair that kept falling into his eyeline no matter how much he tried to push it back. It worked to his advantage that he knew what a turn on that bit of hair was to her. If only John knew just how much she also enjoyed the little crinkles at the corners of his eyes and how they seemed to extend even further whenever he smiled. Good God, if he were to bite down on his lower lip right now he'd do her in.

He maneuvered his arm so that it was bent with his bicep flexed, his hand propped against his cheek as he stared back at her. She was certainly a sight to behold. God, he was a lucky bloke. His darling wife had the kind of figure that poets and artists would often depict as ethereal. And it fit perfectly with her bright personality and gentle nature. Despite already having had a child she still had a very taut frame, with shapely thighs and petite legs. He knew no matter how many times he praised her for how indescribably beautiful they were, she'd never agree and would feel self conscious about how short they were. But he didn't mind in the slightest. John rather admired their height difference and loved that he could easily pick her up and carry her around. It certainly made for some interesting nights in the bedroom. The same could be said of her breasts, John knew how much she admonished them and wished she were more buxom, but he wouldn't change them for the world. John took one long drag at the scent that always seemed to surround her, his favorite perfume on her; a mixture of lilac, magnolia, and nectarine. He drew a finger lazily along the length of her body. He watched a shiver travel down her spine and he smiled like the cat that caught the canary.

"Why are you smiling?" Anna asked. Her hands now reached out towards his upper body and began tracing mindless patterns through his thick chest hair.

His smile widened a little more; not just because of the sensation she was stirring within him as she dragged her nails gently across his chest, but because of the innocence of her question. How could she not know why he was smiling? he thought to himself. There was a twinkle in his eye as he answered her question. "Because my darling you are glowing. My wife is glowing and it's our wedding night. What could be better than that?"

Anna couldn't deny his words. The smile on her face had been immovable all day. If she was glowing she need look no further for the source of her joy, than the man laying across from her. He brought her back to life; woke her up from the fog of fear she had been existing in. It was like everything before John had been black and white, and now all she could see were colors. And an endless list of possibilities for them and their little family. Anna held her breath momentarily as she considered her response. "John?"

He was enjoying the feel of her fingernails lightly scratching his skin a little too much. "Hmmm?" he answered back lazily. The patterns she was drawing had created an easy rhythm, and was lulling him into submission.

She stilled her ministrations. "You know how we've always been careful and used protection?" Her voice had been soft but she was certain he heard her.

It took a second or two for the penny to drop but his eyes grew wide as he turned to face her. "Anna are you telling me we are pregnant?" His hand flew towards her abdomen to see if he could detect any difference. Although the question had caught him off guard he didn't sound the least bit upset or hesitant about the news. He still wasn't sure how it could have happened, they had always been so careful.

Before his mind had a chance to completely run away with itself Anna's hand held his and shook him from his thoughts. She brought his hand up towards her lips and delicately kissed his knuckles. Anna spoke sweetly, "No, love. We aren't quite there yet… but I think I'd like to be sooner rather than later." This was a big decision to be broaching right now, but Anna couldn't think of a better time. "I usually take my birth control before bed, and I just thought if you wanted to, what if I were to stop taking them. It wouldn't happen right away of course but, we could start trying to add to our family."

"Are you sure this is really what you want right now?" He knew she wanted more kids at some point but he didn't know if a pregnancy while they were still facing legal troubles with Mr Green was such a good idea.

Anna nodded her head emphatically in agreement.

"Well, my darling, I am all for having more little pieces of you toddling around here," he said before embracing her and showering her with kisses.

"And you, too, of course," she was equally excited to point out. Anna couldn't have known right away, but after seeing the first few interactions between John and Aidan she knew he had the makings of a great father. If Anna had her way her next child would take after it's father in every way, especially John's dark hair and hazel eyes.

His lips met hers in the softest of touches before whispering, "It shall be my greatest honor to share in giving you a child."

His bride smiled at his words. She had never heard a gesture conveyed so beautifully. Anna relished the thought that her next pregnancy would be a happy one and that child would be one made out of love. It would be their baby, and no one else could lay claim to it. Everything would be different this time with John by her side.

Laying there in the dark, sharing conversations about the little things they appreciate about each other, and confessing secret turn ons was all John had ever wanted out of a relationship. He was sure she enjoyed it just as much. But to share a moment like this on their wedding night was all the more confirmation that they had found their soulmates in one another.

She was pulled from her thoughts as his fingers began running through her hair again. A single finger had wound itself into a curled strand of hair. He allowed his index finger to become wrapped in it and eventually let the hair unravel again. His thumb was drawn to her collar bone and traced its edges until he found himself licking his lips; like he was hungry for her. John scrambled to get into a position so that he was perpendicular to her as he knelt beside her. With his head bowed to look upon her, he appeared to be kneeling at the altar of a holy deity. He'd never been a religious man, but as he stared down at his gorgeous wife he sent up a prayer of gratitude for anyone willing to listen. John would be forever in debt to the universe for putting this amazing angel in his life.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss where his thumb had been before. His wet lips smacked against her skin and Anna let out a ragged breath of anticipation. Soon his mouth was wandering to her shoulder and the hollow of her throat. John's tongue was stoking the fire that surged in her lower half.

"Shall we get started now then?" he asked in a gravelly voice.

Anna could hardly formulate words. A million thoughts ran through her mind; requests, desires, emotions. But he seemed to be reading her thoughts as his mouth continued to explore her chest and torso. A swipe of the tongue, a nip of her skin here, and a suck of her breast there. All the while Anna tried desperately to bring him closer to her and reciprocate. But John seemed quite intent on ensuring her needs were met first. "Not yet," he whispered as he stilled her hands, "leave it to me."

Anna found herself nodding in approval as she became lost in his touches. She would have to settle for running her fingers through his hair at the nape of his neck with her right hand.

Soon his hands that had been kneading at her thighs drew closer to her center. Anna's legs began to open further; a silent invitation to welcome his ministrations. His right hand cupped at the mound of flesh just above her sex and gently massaged her in circular motions. Her moans grew louder and turned to a whimper as John briefly pulled his hand away to lick the tips of his fingers.

Anna's breath all but stopped. Her fingers that had been combing through his hair came to a halt. The room fell to a hush as she gulped; her throat now dry from her keening. All the while her other hand had been clenching at his forearm for reasons she couldn't explain; she certainly didn't want him to stop, but the pleasure was becoming all too much. Perhaps she was doing it to keep herself grounded.

John lowered his hand once more to quench the fire between her legs. His pace was far too slow for her liking, although deep down she knew he was doing it for her benefit more than his own. She was on the verge of begging him to join them. Anna had to turn her head into the pillow to muffle the sounds of escaping her body as his wet fingers parted her slick folds. The sight of his manhood at full attention was spurring her on.

"Anna, love, you don't have to quiet yourself. I want to hear you as I bring you to the edge," he encouraged in her ear before returning his mouth to her breasts. His index finger focused its aim on that tiny bundle of nerves that always left her seeing stars. It felt so good that Anna nearly forgot the sensation of John sucking on her nipples. Her grip on his hair tightened slightly in a futile attempt to gain control of the situation.

Each time she began to speak John would ask her, "More?"

Words failed her as John slipped two fingers inside of her and the pad of his thumb caressed her clit. The closest she came to formulating words was haphazard mutterings in between moans. And it was music to his ears. So much so that John could feel his throbbing erection brushing against his thigh. And soon Anna felt it too; his wet tip prodded at her side as John worked her into a frenzy. Her whole body came to life: her hips were lifting off the bed in an effort to move with him and help him reach new depths, she could feel herself covered in sweat, and every muscle was tensing up with want for this man.

John could feel the muscles inside of her contracting and he knew she was close. God how he loved the way her warmth and wetness left him aching. John couldn't wait to bury himself inside her and make her call out his name. He wanted her to have that sweet release and to make her see stars. His tongue lapped at her left breast once more as his his free hand pinched her right nipple. John's right hand kept up the pace as he moved in and out of her. He too was sweating across his brow from his efforts, and he'd never seen a more beautiful sight than his bride writhing beneath him.

Then without warning her right hand had left the back of his head and moved to stroke his shaft. John's reaction was a cross between a yelp and a cough; the motion having taken his breath away. "Christ!" he groaned loudly.

Her small, smooth hand had sheathed him and was rubbing him from root to tip. She was trying hard to focus and match his rhythm. Anna could see the determination written across his face as he tried to put her needs first, but was being distracted by her fingertips massaging the weight between his legs.

Instinctively his hips jerked toward her, longing to fulfill his baser urges. His wife was not playing fair, and he loved her for it. But John was nearly ready to burst. He could sense the tell tale signs building in the pit of his stomach. Anna's grip was alternating between tight and loose when she shot him a wicked glance. He knew where her mind was heading, and under any other circumstance he would have gladly accepted the gesture. But if Anna's mouth were to go anywhere near his manhood he'd be done for. John wanted to finish with her on their wedding night. He knew she wouldn't listen to his reasoning or pleas, so instead he curled his fingers the next time they entered her.

The combination of his fingers pulsating against her G-spot and his thumb massaging her centre had become too much. Within seconds Anna was lost in the throes of passion; her body was practically convulsing and her hold on him had slackened.

John took a moment to regain his bearings as Anna caught her breath. Their heavy pants filled the air and when John withdrew his fingers they were covered with evidence of a job well done.

Her heart was still beating wildly, and she could feel all the blood rushing to her loins. Her muscles were still contracting and small aftershocks were firing off at her nerves. But as she looked over at her husband she could tell he was straining, still unfulfilled. "You should have let me…" she said between ragged breaths.

"No," he said resolutely.

"But I only wanted…" she tried to argue.

John shot a playful smile her way as his hand came to rest on her shoulder. "I know what you wanted. And I love you dearly for wanting to." He gathered her in his arms and lets his palms rub soothing circles into her back. And his lips pressed a kiss to her temple before he spoke again. "I got to take my pleasure in watching you come undone just now. Now we can focus on us, hmmm?"

She knew he was waiting for confirmation to move forward and it made her fall more in love with him. He never rushed her or pushed her to do anything she wasn't ready for. Though she would never ask him to, it gave her peace of mind to know that he respected her enough to stop if she ever suggested it. Having finally settled down a bit, she nodded that she was ready to proceed.

Taking a cue from John, Anna turned over on all fours with her back facing him. John was still on his knees behind Anna and looking down upon her. He reached a hand down between her legs to see if she was still just as wet from before. A small bliss-filled hum exited Anna's mouth as his fingers dipped into her one last time.

John already knew the answer, but still he bent over her to whisper in her ear, "Are you ready for me now love?" Meanwhile, his other hand stroked his shaft a few more times before rubbing the tip against her backside.

She hissed in response as if he had scalded her. Still Anna's body arched like a cat as she pressed back against him, rubbing his trapped length between them, enticing him to keep going. It didn't take much more effort on her behalf. John removed his fingers quickly and replaced them with his engorged manhood. He slipped inside her effortlessly; the motion elicited a satisfactory moan from Anna and caused her head to loll back. "Yes. Yes!" The volume and octave of her voice heightened as he sank deeper into her. Just when Anna thought she had reached the pinnacle, John lifted her hips and pushed even further. Anna's fingers grasped at the sheets tightly, bracing herself as John began to rock into her.

They were one. He couldn't think of anything more erotic than when the two of them melded together like one flesh. Each of them gaining gratification front the others actions. And one day, hopefully soon, their actions would create a baby.

She voiced his thoughts as her senses were working overtime, "Oh god! I love you."

"I love you, too," he muttered back. John's breathing became more labored as his hips gyrated frantically. She was dangerously close, and so was he. Her walls were pulsating and drawing him in further. One of his hands wiped the sweat from his brow before reaching for her breasts. Desperate to have orgasm at the same time as him, he rubbed at her rosie nipples until they hardened and pinched them slowly. He felt the rush of fluid engulf him as she vocalized her sweet release. His hand moved further south and continued to massage her as he lost his rhythm and began to jerk wildly. John felt his warm seed spurt inside of her and his knees went weak as he leaned over her on all fours. His lips planted a kiss between her shoulder blades, his wet lips smacking together loudly as he pulled her close to him; not quite ready to part from her. His nose nudged at her skin as he inhaled the aroma of his wife and his loose lock of hair tickled her spine.

Anna squirmed at the sensation, but smiled at the weight of her man encompassing her. "That was incredible."

"Indeed," he said with a chuckle. John pulled out of her slowly, careful not to make a mess on the sheets. But also relishing in the feel of her tightening hold on him.

Once they separated the two of them moved to lay down beside one another. John motioned to spoon her and felt sleep began to take over him. "Hopefully that makes up for us not being able to go anywhere for our honeymoon," he said half joking.

"It more than makes up for it," she answered. Her hand reached back to stroke his cheek reassuringly. "You know if we keep up that sort of vigorous love making, we'll have made a baby Bates in no time."

Now there was a thought. John was sure that even in the dark Anna could read the smile etched on his face at the sound of her words. As the drifted off on their wedding night, Mr. Green was the furthest thing from their mind. The two of them were busy dreaming of a future filled with love and children.