A/N: Super bumper chapter, but I suspect it's the one quite a few of you have been waiting for...(me too!)
There is M-rated stuff here, about two thirds of the way down. Feel free to skip if it's not your thing.
Wrapped in an incredibly fluffy dressing gown, Anna smiled as, one by one, she laid everything carefully out on the single bed, her hand reaching out to gently brush the bodice of the dress, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she admired it for the hundredth time. Standing in the room her body was alive with electricity, pulsing through her veins and down her spine, but she felt utterly peaceful too.
They had both been more than a little bemused when they were handed two room keys instead of one, John making double and triple sure that their booking had been correct. There was no mistake, and the realisation dawned on Anna first, stifling a small amused smile as Elsie rolled her eyes, offering them an apologetic glare. Mr Carson was a traditionalist, and something within him would have been unsettled at a couple sharing a room before they were married. John had huffed about how ridiculous it was on their way up the stairs, finding that he had been placed in the room at the other end of the corridor from the one that Anna would be occupying. Surely it was bad for business to impose such outdated rules, was all he kept saying, and Anna caught him muttering something about being treated like a child. She suspected they might have been something of a special case. A part of her had to sympathise; it must have been terribly uncomfortable for Mr Carson to think of the young woman he had known primarily as just a girl getting up to things he was only too well aware of with a man, albeit the man she would marry in a short while. She smirked at the grumpy pout covering John's face, letting it linger a bit longer before she kissed it away languidly, leaving him with a memory to aid his dreaming. As he relented underneath her lips, she couldn't stop herself from smiling against his, knowing that Elsie had promised them the bridal suite for all of their other nights there, assuring that it was as far away as could possibly be from the owner's quarters, meaning that all parties would have their minds put at rest.
A rush cascaded through her again as she brought the little box out from the bottom of her suitcase, relieved that she had actually packed it. She left it closed as she placed it down with the rest of her attire for the day, her lips tugging upwards while her fingertips danced upon the lid. All she was thinking of was the sight that had been with her throughout the night, of John's wide smile that he kept upon her as he walked backwards down the corridor that would separate them. She had let out a squawk of a giggle when he stumbled just slightly, his heels hitting the back of the closed door unexpectedly, the sound reverberating in the hushed corridor. He swore loudly, but quickly laughed it off when his eyes found hers again, and they were full of the kind of warmth she knew well now but still thrilled her to the core when she found it directed towards her. She pleasantly shivered in the soft light hearing him tell her goodnight in that gorgeous rich tone of his, the voice he only ever seemed to use for her and her alone. She lived to see the look on his face when they would meet again to make the biggest promise of both their lives, and afterwards too.
Especially afterwards, she thought, unable to restrain her sultry side.
Satisfied that she had unpacked everything, Anna sat down in front of the mirror that was atop the ornate dressing table, glancing at her reflection for a long while. She would take her time – there was still quite enough of it – doing her make-up after she had styled her hair. Knowing the way John loved her hair the most, she beamed again while she brushed the strands through, wincing a little when she encountered a tangle. The curling iron had been heating up in preparation, its red light flashing to green in the pane of the mirror. No sooner had she picked it up then she put it down on its mat again, knowing there was something else she had to do first. The mirror caught sight of her excited smile before she skipped to the bedside, unfurling a piece of the creamy, finely-mottled notepaper that had been left in a little stack there. Her hand hovered for a few moments, pen poised in the air until she brought it down confidently, words beginning to flow effortlessly.
Though she wasn't the superstitious type, she didn't dare risk seeking him out for an embrace or a simple, chaste kiss. However, she couldn't see the harm in doing this, and she did want to greet him on the morning of their wedding. The smile took over her face, along with a few unshed and completely joyful tears, as she wrote the note. She hoped that she would be able to keep her emotions in check later, but she wouldn't be able to guarantee anything, and she smiled when she realised that John wouldn't have minded anyway.
Anna held the paper in her hands, taking one last look before she folded it up.
Good morning Mr Bates (my wonderful, very handsome fiancé),
I hope you slept well and I'm sorry that I couldn't have spent the night in your arms. I thought many times in the night about sneaking into your room, but I was too afraid of being caught. Though I think – actually, I know – it would have been worth it.
It's finally here, the day I have been dreaming of and waiting for forever, since before I knew you even existed. I can't believe how lucky I am and how happy I am, but I know by the time night falls that I will be even happier. When I can rightfully be called your wife, my life will be complete, and nothing will make me prouder. I have butterflies in my tummy going crazy right at this second thinking of you saying those words and placing that ring on my finger to join the other one (okay, I admit it, there's quite a few of them there because I'm thinking of how absolutely gorgeous you will look in your suit.)
I love you with every beat of my heart, and I will always be yours.
With all of my love forever,
Anna xxxxx
She peeked her head out of the door with the envelope in her grasp, prancing with soft steps across the empty corridor once the coast was clear. His door remained closed, and her fingers touched the 'Do Not Disturb' sign left on the handle, staying there for a few lingering moments before she slid the note under the little gap.
Anna bounced back to her own room with a wide smile gracing her lips, her hands tucked into the pockets of her soft white gown. Pleased with her gesture, she planted herself on the vanity chair, pinning back sections of her hair as she began to work on making herself look as perfect as she possibly could.
When she was finished a while later, she would find a folded note addressed to her pushed underneath the door, waiting to be read.
John took a long look at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, scrutinising himself with a judgmental eye. His fingers ran slowly along his jawline as he tilted his head one way, and then the other, and then met his gaze in the mirror straight on. He supposed he was thankful that he had escaped without so much as a tiny nick; somehow, he wasn't sure how, he had managed to shave without cutting himself to pieces, the blade held to his skin twitching dangerously between fingers that couldn't stop shaking. It had taken him twice as long to complete the usually simple job, having to put the implement down on the sink between strokes, reminding himself of what to do and the act of breathing correctly.
He pulled and prodded at his face before he started on tousling his hair, combing the strands that fought to be untamed this way and that. It was one of his better mornings, he didn't look too bad. But 'not bad' wasn't anywhere good enough for the momentous day that lay ahead. When he had the honour of Anna standing next to him, ready to promise herself to be his wife and looking knockout stunning he had no doubt, he needed to be at his best to be anywhere near trying to match up; to prove that he was worthy of the greatest beauty there ever was, both inside and out. A little smile started to fill out his cheeks as he realised that she would have told him that he was gorgeous any way, and he thanked the heavens above that she was so sweet and overwhelmingly lovely and willing to overlook all of his flaws. They simply didn't seem to appear to her eyes, for whatever reason.
The dark circles beneath his eyes couldn't be ignored, and he let out a lengthy sigh. He hadn't got a great deal of sleep in the hours that had preceded, not that he had expected the night to hold much in the way of rest. It was partly down to fevered anticipation for the morning to roll around, of course, but a lot of it was because he didn't have Anna at his side, he was certain. Sleeping without her was very strange to him, as if a limb had been brutally severed from his body. There was something about the way she held herself in his arms, the marvellous softness of her skin and her hair flowing down upon him. The rhythm of her heart that he could time perfectly, lulling him into a peace that he had never experienced before and that was beyond compare. He couldn't honestly see the reason why they should have been parted, but he had gritted his teeth and observed it. He wouldn't have gone against the wishes of the older man, who by all means seemed like a perfectly reasonable and kind-hearted person, not while he was a guest at his residence. Anna appeared to rather like the tradition of it too, the frustration in her eyes quickly covered by a serene smile which he was never able to argue with, utterly bewitched. They did have the promise of the bridal suite later after all, and he had to work hard to keep himself under control when Anna whispered in his ear that he would have plenty to look forward to. With such a sweet smile on her face but such candour in her tone, she was driving him wild. The abilities she had no other woman on the earth possessed, and as he looked into her summer sky-blue eyes, tinged with a midnight streak that hinted at her mischievous side, he knew that he had never loved more than this. Anna was the love of his life, the one he had been searching for for so long, the one who had given him hope when he thought it was beyond him.
The nerves started to kick in big time, and they'd been laying there for long enough, not leaving him alone for a second. Now they were washing the length of his body in waves that surged with force. In an almost crazy way he relished them, not wanting them to stop. She would be his wife in a matter of hours. The prospect made his head swim and his body sing with joy; it was amazing, almost unbelievable. He expected to be shaken awake from the longest dream he'd ever had any second, but to his relief it was all real. He grinned like a fool reading the note that she had slipped through the threshold of his door, fingers caressing the curves of her neat and considered writing. She was a dream, his very own dream. He took the time to compose a reply, smiling with every stroke of the pen upon the paper, and bobbed across the corridor to deliver it, giving a wink to the little boy who was outside one of the other doors, perched on a suitcase playing with a handheld computer console. For a moment he contemplated breaking the rules and knocking, so eager was he to see her face, having been deprived for too long. That would have earned him a playful slap instead of a kiss, he reckoned after a minute or so, and so not the best way to start the day. He stood outside her door longer than necessary, unable to tear himself away. He tried to listen out for any sounds – he thought she may have been singing to herself, as he'd often happily caught her doing on occasions – but there was nothing. Giving a silent sigh, he slouched away dressed in a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans; it was a little too early for his suit and he didn't want to get it creased, but he had to look a bit more presentable than being clad in his dressing gown if he was to go downstairs.
As he got to the spacious reception there were a few smiling guests departing, leaving him alone, except with the company of his jitters. He ran his right hand through his hair repeatedly, stopping pacing the floor long enough to swap to his left, taking him a few seconds to be aware of the other person who had appeared not too far away.
"You look lost," Elsie remarked softly, fixing the books laid out on the desk in front of her and taking pity on him as he wandered back and forth.
John managed a small smile and a shrug of his shoulders in return. "I'm far from that, finally. Thankfully."
She smiled heartily at the wistful look that was drifting over his face, only imagining it was all to do with that delightful young woman whom he called his betrothed. She had noticed them exchanging loving glances all the time when she had seen them last, not too long before they headed up for the night. They were clearly tailor-made for one another and the way he revered her made Elsie's heart melt. She had tried to persuade Charles to swap the separate rooms he had organised for the couple, knowing that she could make him bend. He wasn't quite the romantic that she was, but he had his moments and the thought of them combined brought a happy smile to her own face. She hadn't been able to win on this occasion but knowing what lay ahead for the couple she was assured that a little waiting never hurt anyone.
Elsie frowned when her ears were met with a loud grumbling, and she nearly laughed to find John clutching both hands over his stomach, eyeing her apologetically and looking slightly pained.
"Have you not had breakfast yet? We'll have to see to that, indeed."
The woman was being nothing but kind as she closed the counter behind her, walking towards him with a gentle look in her eyes.
"I'm fine, honestly." John shook his head vigorously, but his stomach seemed determined not to be silenced, making a liar out of him. "To be honest, I'm not a hundred per cent sure that I'll be able to keep anything down." As hungry as he was, he felt a bit nauseous with excitement and the thought of having anything substantial to eat made him reel.
Elsie smiled at him empathetically, giving his arm a little pat. "Well, you can't have that sounding out all the way throughout the ceremony, it'll be very distracting." She noticed his eyes glazing over and chuckled to herself. And everyone said it was women who fretted about such occasions. In her many years of experience she had found that it was the men who were always far worse. "It'll make you feel better to have something lining your stomach. Come with me and I'll get Mrs Patmore to rustle something up, even if it's just a slice of toast."
John reluctantly followed, sitting down at the table towards the back of the empty dining room when Elsie signalled him to. It was long past breakfast now and he didn't want to make trouble by issuing any demands, especially not when he would likely only manage a few crumbs. His eyes widened when the heaped plate was put in front of him, containing not just a slice a toast but several, along with bacon, tomatoes, eggs and beans. Like a child confronting their biggest fear he gulped as he looked up at Elsie, who was nursing a cup of coffee in her hands.
"I'm afraid Mrs Patmore doesn't do things by halves," she chuckled lightly. "Just leave what you don't want, I'll sneak it out behind her back."
"A lot of good food will have gone to waste," he replied with a sorry half smile, which was only met with a firm shake of the head.
Slowly, with knife and fork prodding at the edge of the plate, John began to tuck in. He took careful, small bites at first but surprised himself with just how much he managed to get through. He supposed it was deceiving, and his stomach certainly thanked him for it, no longer growling. Elsie sipped her coffee sitting opposite him, pouring him a cup to which he nodded his thanks. He had only left a rasher of bacon and a few little scraps when he pushed his plate to the side.
"My compliments to the chef, that was delicious."
"She'll be very pleased to hear it," Elsie answered with a smile.
He smiled back before going quiet, taking a long sip of coffee and staring off into the distance, getting lost in his thoughts. He didn't notice the way his fingers were tapping absent-mindedly but increasingly loudly against the table top until Elsie gave a polite cough and he looked up to find her arching her eyebrows towards him. For more than a flash of a second he was confronted with the image of his mother, and it comforted and saddened him in equal measure.
"Cold feet?" she questioned in a voice that was far more soothing at this moment. "It's perfectly natural."
"No, no, not at all." John waved his hand in the air after he put his cup down on the table. "I've willed this day to come for long enough." He smiled at the truth of that statement that he felt in his heart before the regret he was desperate to fight back surfaced from behind his eyes. "God knows I wouldn't change a thing about Anna, it would be impossible to do so. But myself, on the other hand…"
He raised his eyes to the ceiling, knowing it was fruitless. Nothing could be done about the past, and it didn't matter when the future was going to be so perfect. But the little voice in the back of his head wouldn't absolve him so easily.
"Thank god divorce exists but I wish there was something that could have prevented it from having to happen in the first place."
John met Elsie's gaze that was slightly admonishing but warm and considerate most of all. She nodded her head rhythmically as she poured out the remainder of the coffee from the pot between their cups, and he saw that she understood something of what he said. He had no intention of wallowing, but it was nice to offload some of his silly preoccupations to someone who could let them wash over with no worries or anxiety caused.
"Believe me, I know what it is to regret. To wonder what life would have been like if I'd gone a different way. But as life goes on, you come to realise that those things don't matter, not to yourself but least of all to anybody else. We're all carrying our ghosts around with us."
There was something in her words as she said them that made John sit up and listen. She took no nonsense and didn't sugar coat anything, but at the same time she was full of reassurance.
"Hardly anyone gets things right first time around," Elsie affirmed with a slightly weary experience, "but it's what follows after that's important. When we've been thrown about by life, and find that we can still land on our feet. With the right person by our side, if we're lucky."
John truly couldn't believe his luck to have found Anna, and if everything he had endured had been what led him to her then he looked at it differently indeed. She told him enough that it didn't matter to her that he had already been married but only that she was able to marry him herself now. Thinking of her and how wonderful she was, he had the urge to make sure they were wed at this very moment. She was probably still busy getting herself ready, and he smiled to think of the lengths to which he was sure she was going to.
He stood abruptly, running a hand through his messy hair again, giving Elsie a smile which thanked her without words for her encouragement. She could see that he was raring to go and gave him a nod to tell him to go ahead.
"Time to spruce myself up," he said, his voice cheery and buoyed. "This could take a while, so I'd better get on with it."
As he walked away, Elsie thought that he was being rather hard on himself. She'd wager that girl would be enchanted any way he turned up, and she couldn't very well blame her.
Smoothing down the dress she was now wearing, Anna took a deep breath before she made to descend the grand staircase. Her heart thundered in her chest, ready to leap out with each step she took, all leading her closer to her destiny. They were taking her there almost in slow motion, and she wondered whether additional stairs had been added overnight.
The first person she would see as she came down would be Mr Carson, and she felt nervous enough at the prospect of him waiting for her. He and Elsie were to be their witnesses to the ceremony, and Anna had asked him rather shyly, given that she was still in awe of him and the presence he gave off, whether he would mind giving her away, in the absence of her own father. After a few moments where he had been rendered speechless, he nodded his acquiescence before speaking it, a sheen of tears filling his eyes. Anna had never seen Mr Carson quite so emotional and it choked her up too; she never liked to be responsible for causing tears in the generation that preceded her. Yet she would never forget the fatherly kiss he left on her cheek, and the air of pride that composed him when he looked down at her, years of fond memories culminating and evolving into something new.
He had come into her view before she lifted her gaze from her considered steps, and she stopped a couple of stairs from the bottom, standing above as she smiled towards him, her hands circled together in front of her before they fell to her sides.
"Will I do, Mr Carson?" she asked joyfully but self-consciously too, eager for the elder man's approval.
His face was frozen, mouth held slightly open and unmoving. There was a glimmer that could be seen in his eyes, sparking more in the prolonged silence, and as Anna stepped down to his level, feeling smaller in the shadow of his towering figure once more, she watched the smile spread slowly across his face.
Anna was looking up at him like a child transfixed to the sight of their hero standing before them, blue eyes wide, waiting patiently for words to come from his mouth.
"You look a picture," he said, the wonder at beholding this young girl who had completely transformed in his eyes before him evident in his voice, the happiness that was radiating from her making her even more beautiful. She beamed towards him, eyes like sapphires, and his heart swelled for her, the daughter he had never been blessed with but was more than fortunate to have in his life. "You've turned into a wonderful young woman. Your father would have been so very proud of you."
Anna's smile became misty, the lump in her throat rising as she thought of the man who had been the most important in her life for so long, even years after his premature passing. She would have given anything for him to be here now to see her on this day, but she was lucky enough to have the next best thing.
They shared a smile between them, Anna stepping forward to begin her stride in his step.
"Goodness, how could I have forgotten? I spent long enough making it up for you."
Mr Carson beamed with pride as he held out the delicate little bouquet towards her, Anna gasping as she stroked the silk of the petals beneath her fingers.
"Thank you," she said shakily, fighting her way back from the verge of tears, "for everything."
He shook his head while he stayed smiling, holding his arm out for hers to link with it. She took it decisively, grasping onto the fabric of his suit jacket, feeling purpose fill her.
"You will always be welcome," he returned, his warm tone comforting her sudden burst of nerves. "Now, I think we have somewhere to be."
She nodded, exhaling a long breath between her lips before smiling, big and true. She felt calm once more as they began their matched steps, her smile growing even more as the room became nearer in sight.
Staring intently at the wall and the large painted landscape that adorned it, John knew that he had never felt more nervous in his entire life. Shifting from foot to foot restlessly, he brought a trembling hand up to toy with the top button of his shirt beneath the knot of his silvery blue tie, before clasping it back with his other again, the wringing motion he was performing only offering slight comfort. His heart was racing faster with every second that passed; he was sure he could feel beads of sweat inching across his brow. He must have looked a right state. Trying to calm himself down, he patted the pocket of his jacket. Feeling the indentation of the dainty ring against his fingers, he smiled to himself, a brief sensation of tranquillity before he was possessed with white hot fear again. His vision was starting to go blurry as his head filled with heat. God, this couldn't be the moment they had decided to take him from the earth.
Thinking he could hear soft steps against the plush carpet of the room, thrills started to race the length of him before he was even certain. Then there was a tap on his arm, and he caught Elsie's widening smile to the left of him before he turned around slowly.
Every breath in his body was suspended as he took in the most beautiful sight he'd ever been graced with in his life; nothing else came close, and nothing else would ever do so again. He wanted to freeze time to stay within this very moment forever, his mind working to capture every single bit to leave him with no other memories.
Anna was walking towards him, one arm clasped to Mr Carson and the other held in front of her, clutching a small bouquet of flowers in shades that matched her pale turquoise dress perfectly. It looked completely perfect on her, she was absolutely exquisite. Her golden hair fell swept over one of her shoulders, curls gracing her collarbone, and there was a light all around her, bathing her completely. Just as it should have been. She appeared like royalty that was far above him, a goddess, an angel sent from heaven to walk the earth. How someone as fine and full of grace and beauty as she was could want to promise herself to him would be an eternal mystery, but here she was, ready to do just that.
She was smiling all the while, and he noticed that she didn't stop, even as she paused to take a breath. If anything, her smile was growing wider and more beautiful the closer she was getting to him, entrancing him completely. She glanced down for a few seconds and then her eyes returned to him, shining with so much happiness he could never have imagined but had always hoped to see. Though there were few of them in the room anyway, everything else had fallen away and all he was aware of was her; the other half of him, all of him.
John wasn't able to stop smiling, eyes roving her as she stood in front of him now, her head craned up and her gaze fixed upon him. In her presence he felt grander than any king. She swayed a little, her dress floating where it stopped just below her knees.
He should have waited, but he couldn't resist dipping down, his lips very lightly brushing against her cheek, whispering to her before everything began.
"You look so beautiful. I can't wait to walk out of here, by your side," he paused for a moment as the smile stole his breath away, "as your husband."
Those words went right to her heart, the feel of his kiss tingling upon her skin, and she smiled up at him, unable to take her eyes from him for a second. Her heart had almost stopped with how handsome he was. He looked so dashing in his suit, waistcoat and all beneath his jacket. His tie was matched by the silk handkerchief peering from one pocket, and on the opposite side he wore a white flower offset with a sprig of heather in his buttonhole. His hair was slightly tousled and was almost irresistibly touchable, and she could have drowned in the depths of his eyes, smiling and full of joy as they rested upon her, making him look years younger. Somewhere she heard the registrar speaking but all she was able to think about was the perfect man before her, none other so perfect in the world, and she couldn't stop smiling.
Suddenly, the words became clearer in her ears.
"If you would repeat after me," the registrar said steadily. "I, John Michael Bates,"
As he followed, John's eyes were locked with hers, and Anna had to remind herself to keep breathing, completely overcome.
"I, John Michael Bates,"
"Take thee, Anna May Smith,"
As serious as he tried to remain, a light lit his eyes and his lips began to curve in a smile on hearing her name. "Take thee, Anna May Smith,"
"To be my wedded wife."
She was surprised that the thud of her heart wasn't reverberating around the room.
"To be my wedded wife."
How long she had waited to hear those words, and they sounded even sweeter than she had ever imagined. She worked hard to hold herself together as John uttered his vows, looking at her with a love that nothing else on this earth could match.
"To have and to hold, for better for worse; for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, honour and cherish you, from this day forward and for all of eternity."
His heart was soaring as he watched the smile on her face grow; she was so perfect and she seemed even more heavenly in this moment. He would promise himself to her a thousand times over and more, lay down his life to ensure her everlasting happiness.
John's breath began to catch as he listened to Anna repeat the registrar faithfully, never taking her eyes from him as she spoke each word, the clear cerulean shade of her irises striking him right in his soul.
"I, Anna May Smith…take thee, John Michael Bates…to be my wedded husband." She smiled a little wider at the end of that, and John was overwhelmed with love for her. "To have and to hold, for better for worse; for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. I promise to love, honour and cherish you, from this day forward and for all of eternity."
His beautiful Anna. He had always been hers, but now it had been sworn to the world, both of them declaring their affirmation of the vows they had stated. He would have wept if he didn't feel so strongly and so sure that his happiness was eternal and untouchable.
The rings were held out in front of them and Anna pushed her hand forward, eager to have the band that promised so much held in place on her hand. She retreated a little as the registrar spoke, and John had to smile at the flushed expression on her face, feeling as much anticipation.
"These rings symbolize in the durability of the gold the strength and purity or your love. As circles, they represent the hope that your love will be never ending and will be like each other's loving arms that encircle you in commitment."
Anna beamed at the words, feeling warmth gather all about and within her. The registrar nodded towards John, and she lifted her hand out, more restrained and graceful this time. She felt her heart leap as John rubbed her fingers softly before sliding the ring onto her finger.
"Anna, I give you this ring as a symbol of all we have promised and all that we share. It is a pledge of my commitment to you and a sign of my love for you."
Her own hand was steady as she took his up, so large and strong but holding so much comfort. She noticed the smile on his face stretching from the corner of her eye when she placed the thicker gold band there securely, pleased with how well it fit him.
"John, I give you this ring as a symbol of all we have promised and all that we share. It is a pledge of my commitment to you and a sign of my love for you."
They held each other's hand circled in their grasp, smiling as the registrar gave his confirmation, the words ringing delightfully in their ears.
"Anna and John, you have promised your love for each other by these vows, in blessed matrimony. It therefore gives me great pleasure to say you are now husband and wife, together."
Joy flooded Anna's features on the pronouncement, her shoulders scrunching up in delight and her smile bigger than it had ever been, the love and light radiating out from her through shining eyes. John mirrored her completely, his own smile warm and ecstatic, the crinkles gathering in increasing number at the corners of his eyes.
Charles and Elsie looked on at the happy couple fondly from behind, their arms looped together, and though he had married a countless number of couples the registrar was not immune from the special kind of joy borne from the obvious love that the two people before him shared.
"You may now kiss your bride."
They had leaned forward before the statement was finished, both eager to share in their first kiss as husband and wife. John gently gathered Anna towards him, one hand still held with hers, and their lips met softly and sweetly, the passion lying underneath given where they found themselves but all of the love they had for each other undeniably evident within. John could feel Anna's smile against his lips and as he lowered her to the ground again, catching the wonderful sight for himself again, he knew there was no happier man living than he was at this very moment, and indeed for the rest of what he hoped would be a long life with his wonderful wife.
As they walked out of the room, holding hands that had been joined together for all time and lost in the light of the other's smile, there were none so incredibly in love as John and Anna Bates.
It had been a perfect day, everything she had ever wanted and dreamed of and so much more besides. Anna felt no regret that they had chosen to marry in this way, knowing it was so right for them to celebrate the most important day just between them both. Her smile grew more every time the thought flew into her mind. They were married now. She gazed down at the white gold ring adorning her left hand and felt herself fill with indescribable happiness. It was all she could ask for, never wanting anything more. Throughout the day she had found that her eyes were drawn to the matching ring that rested snugly on John's finger, and each time she happened upon it she encountered such thrills racing through her. There was just something about seeing it, the symbol that told the world and reaffirmed to her that he was her husband that made her weak at the knees. Even these days not every man was obliged to wear a wedding ring but for John there had been no question about it. Anna remembered how he had been just as excited as she was about buying their rings, and the simple gold band he wore was more precious to her than any other object. She tried to hide her impish grin when she thought about how much of a turn-on it was to her too.
They had spent the first hour after the ceremony in something of a haze, just staring at one another in a kind of happy disbelief, smiling and laughing and wondering how it wasn't all a dream. Elsie and Charles had come over, congratulating them heartily, and after a little while left the younger couple alone again, out on the terrace that overlooked the loch and the picturesque horizon that surrounded them, so green and beautiful, with wild heather blowing in the distance. Despite the brisk chill of the February afternoon, Anna had no desire to retreat inside, pulling the cream shawl around her shoulders and bringing herself further into John's warm and ever-loving embrace. Her hair was swept by the wind, her cheeks rosy with a red flush of the cold but also too with the sheer bliss she felt now and would experience for a long time yet. Her husband's hazel gaze bathed her and she giggled as he never broke their contact, sighing happily when his tender lips brushed her forehead. She sunk further against him, her head upon his chest as his arms encircled her. Closing her eyes for a few minutes, she could truly not think of a better place to find herself.
"Do you think that'll be us one day?" he asked, his voice humming against her as he held her. "Out in the country somewhere, with a little hotel?"
Anna looked up at him, slightly bemused but utterly enchanting by his imaginings. She had never expected him to want to swap careers, and she had hardly thought about it herself, but now that he had mentioned it the thought seemed very appealing, somewhere far off in the future. Everything seemed possible and desirable with John by her side, and while she was in his arms it was even more so.
"I don't think this place can be called little," she laughed, her eyes travelling up to where the roof was nearly settled against the upper reaches of sky, and then finding their home back in his own once more. She made soft little sounds of appreciation feeling his fingertips drifting up and down her back, and smiled soundly at the idea he had set out, picturing them both pottering about and welcoming guests in a smaller residence. "But that would be lovely. Somewhere by the sea." Her gaze drifted for a moment out to the stretch of water and she could feel John smiling, well aware of her fondness as she spoke excitedly. "Maybe one day."
She turned in his embrace to see a grin on his face, one that set her heart and every part of her alight.
"Anything could happen," he told her, the happiness clear in his voice.
After enjoying a celebratory meal as guests of honour in the hotel, they had been able to swap the two room keys they had possessed for the one that unlocked the bridal suite. Elsie had looked very pleased when she handed it over to them, telling them to make the most of it, and Anna delighted in seeing the crimson blush that had laced John's features when he took the key and expressed thanks to Mrs Hughes for both of them. Their giggles of excitement soon turned to gasps as they opened the door and saw what was ready waiting for them. The room was the biggest and grandest Anna had ever seen, with its own spacious bathroom and a balcony that overlooked the grounds. A bucket with two bottles of champagne stood on the dresser, a fire was kindling in the corner fireplace and the bed was an entirely inviting four-poster, sumptuously dressed and decorated with an arrangement of flowers.
It must have been more than an hour, and they were still walking around in complete awe, discovering everything and still also revelling in the giddy restlessness that came with being newly wed. Anna had long since kicked off her heels and was wandering about the room in her bare feet, a glass held in her hand. She even seemed to like champagne today but had made the resolution to stop at two small glasses, having no intention whatsoever to be so tipsy that she wouldn't remember everything about what was to come. She was humming a song happily to herself as she examined some of the trinkets in the room, and when she heard a throaty chuckle she spun around on her toes, still feeling herself get quite light-headed at the sight of him.
John lifted himself from where he had been perched on the bed, making his way towards her as if he had been hypnotised. He had got rid of his suit jacket and tie not long after they had entered the room but was still clad in his suit trousers, crisp white shirt and grey waistcoat. That waistcoat was another thing that did strange and downright wonderful things to her, and she made a mental note to herself to make sure she could persuade him to buy more for more regular use. He was amused by the smile that curved her lips, smirking himself as he fit his hands snugly around her waist.
"And what is tickling you, Mrs Bates?"
Anna's expression changed at that, drifting into a more sentimental but equally delighted smile.
"I love hearing you call me that," she let out a contented sigh, gazing up into his eyes that were smouldering more the longer they stayed pinned to her. "I want you to call me that forever."
John smiled down at her, hands caressing the small of her back. "Gladly."
She melted at the simple word and the way he had said it. He had waited for this day just as fervently as she had, and all throughout he had enjoyed every minute. It was a difficult choice to single anything out of the day but the moment they had been declared man and wife had surely been the best of his life. As one of his hands stroked up and down the soft bare skin of her arm he marvelled at her, and how peaceful the entire world felt to him when he was surrounded by the wonder simply touching her could bring. She was utterly precious, something to be cherished and adored every single second that he was able. She bore his name, and he would never fail to be astounded by that fact. He would do everything he could to make her proud of it.
His caresses remained feather light as his hand drifted up to her shoulder, and then rose to cup her cheek. As the pad of his thumb rubbed little circles there, Anna could see that his eyes were darkening quickly, the desire burning beneath his gentle touch. She adored that he was so carefully composed of both qualities in equal measure, and she drank the look he was giving her in, his eyes searching every inch of her from head to bare feet.
"You know, I don't think I'll ever take this dress off," she uttered measuredly, trying desperately to keep the teasing out of her tone as she swung her hips a little. John's eyes rolled at the action and she teethed her bottom lip to stop her laughter bursting from her.
"I was hoping that wouldn't be the case," he said gruffly, his fingertips now tickling the back of her neck lightly and sending pleasant tingles dancing over her. His lips lowered to brush her earlobe and Anna sucked a breath in. "Maybe I can get to take care of that for you, then."
Now they were married it seemed that she was hopeless at acting coy or pretending that it wasn't exactly what she had wanted to hear. John's low chuckles were music to her ears and she looked up at him with a cheeky smirk marking her face, a sharp contrast to the elegant dress that she was clothed in.
"It was made for you, though," John smiled with softness in his eyes. The adoration in his gaze made it seem like the finest lady was standing before him, and though she would be quick to argue that she wasn't in the slightest she certainly felt like one in what was her wedding dress and with her husband's eyes upon her. "You look gorgeous every day but in this," he ran a hand down her side deliberately languidly, stroking the fabric that covered her, "you're breathtaking. When I saw you, for a few minutes, I thought I was a goner. That I'd already died and gone to heaven."
She tapped her hand lightly against his chest, giggling and tucking a strand of hair that had fallen loose from her ponytail back behind her ear.
"I had to make the effort," she said modestly, glancing down before locking her gaze with his again. "It's not every day that you get to marry the man of your dreams."
John pursed his lips, a faint gloss of tears appearing in his eyes as he shook his head softly, lost for words for a few moments. Anna was suddenly bashful again as he stood back to admire her.
"When you say things like that," he began, his voice a little shaky and heavy with emotion, "how can I not want to take you in my arms and cover you with kisses, for the rest of time?"
She smiled widely as he did the same; she would certainly have no complaints if that was how their future was to play out.
He let out a long breath, his gaze worshipping her. "You're perfect, you do know that?"
Anna shrugged, smiling genuinely as she embraced the loving words he gave to her. "If I am, it's only because I am loved perfectly."
He couldn't resist kissing her at that, a long and slow kiss that they both luxuriated in. His lips were attentive and almost unbearably soft as they stroked against hers, and she didn't know how she could string it out any longer, panting against his mouth, breaking away from the kiss before the passion engulfed her completely.
The night was still in its early dark but she was in another world, lost inside his eyes.
"I want to make this perfect for you," John said softly, his hands hovering by her sides. "Tell me what you want, and I'll do it for you, happily."
There was no question in her mind. Without realising, she said the words slowly, making him aware of all of her need.
"I want my husband to make love to me."
Both pairs of eyes lit up and both faces smiled; there was a new and electric thrill that surrounded them, now that they were wed it made everything all the more exciting.
John stroked his fingers against her cheek and then his lips captured hers, Anna meeting and furthering the kiss instantly. A series of kisses played out upon their mouths, each one deepening in ardour and intensity. Anna's hands trailed over her husband's jaw, inching around to sink into his hair. John made little muffled growls as she began to tug with light pressure, his own hands working their way down the curves of her body, his tongue teasing at hers and following the lead the rest of her body had set out.
Anna didn't think she could ever get enough of his blistering kisses, to her they were completely addictive. She reached up on her tiptoes for more, but he decreased the pace they were working up, brushing his lips softly against hers and giving her a wonderful smile which only made her want him more. His hands braced her hips, thumbs caressing against hipbones. Gently he turned her around, pulling her so that her back was flush against his chest. She smiled wickedly, a smile that he was unable to see but she was certain he was aware of. God knows she adored gazing at him but there was a certain frisson that came from being unable to see his face while he did the most wonderful things to her with his skilled hands and lips. His mouth was working upon her neck, and she arched her head to allow him better access, little gasps emerging from her when he left kisses that tingled upon the sensitive patches of skin.
His lips left her just long enough to uncover her shoulders, the sweep of his fingertips causing more electricity to travel over her. Anna hummed her appreciation as he trailed his mouth over, his fingers smoothing against one of the straps of her bra. Then his lips were darting all over her skin, leaving a path of kisses that varied in pressure, ensuring that she was always surprised by what came next. He carefully unclasped and unzipped her dress, fingers tender upon the flesh of her waist. She rocked her hips instinctively and pushed her bottom against him, feeling for herself how apparent his desire already was. He let out a sudden moan against her skin at her increasing actions, and she bit down on her bottom lip as his hands moved around to rest decisively just below her stomach.
"Christ, Anna," he breathed against her ear as they both stilled themselves for a moment, overwhelmed by the passion that was overtaking them. "I've married a very naughty girl."
She smirked as the tips of his fingers started to tap lightly against her bare skin.
"I know, I'm terrible for tricking you. What have you got yourself into?"
"Oh, I know exactly," John growled inbetween kissing her neck. "But I'm not even where I want to be, or where you want me to be, yet."
Anna smiled impishly, her head lolling back to meet his lips as they continued their caresses upon her skin. His hands had quested lower, and she began to shudder and shiver with anticipation when his fingers began to toy with the waistband of her knickers. She felt herself begin to pulse with only the thought of him touching her there, recalling all the pleasure he had bestowed upon her so many times before. One hand snaked down to caress her once through the thin piece of fabric and a breathy moan escaped Anna.
John radiated in his wife's cry, discovering unmistakably how ready she already was for him through her layers. His intention was to only heighten things for her, to make this night the most special she had ever experienced. One hand remained rested close to her centre while the other coasted downward to the silk of her thighs. He delighted in the wondrous feel of her soft skin, and then frowned a little in puzzlement when his fingers met with something else. He was soon smiling when he glanced down to see for himself the delicate lace circling the top of her right thigh.
Anna smiled even as she moved herself out of her husband's touch, eager to see his reaction to the garter she had bought especially.
"I had to keep to some kind of tradition," she uttered delightedly, her hand running against the edge of the ivory lace with blue silken bows resting upon her thigh.
John gulped, feeling flushed with heat and very glad that certain traditions were still observed. His hand joined with hers, and Anna sighed softly when his fingers trailed over and around the garment, she holding onto him and his strength. He was about to hook a couple of fingers in to guide it down over her leg, but a smirk crested his lips as he thought otherwise.
"Keep it on," he whispered to her, and Anna's smile graced her face beautifully, her lidded eyes burning into his. The thought that soon enough it would be the only stitch remaining on her flawless body made his blood heat intensely. She was wearing a baby blue bra and knicker set that had matched her dress, and he admired how gorgeous she looked in it before it the sensations building within him became too much to bear.
John wreathed kisses at her collarbone before his hands moved to draw down the straps of her bra. Anna allowed one to fall from her shoulder and then drew back, smiling up at her adorably confused looking husband.
"You're wearing far too many clothes for my liking, Mr Bates," she purred as his expression returned to a smile, he already working to undo the buttons of his waistcoat. "I think we should get this on a more equal footing."
"I did promise that."
He paused to look at her after he shrugged off the waistcoat, and Anna's heart jolted as she was struck by the momentous vows they had made to one another. Before she let him go on she kissed him soundly and softly, her arms draping around his neck. She loved him so much, and though they had all night to prove it, she needed this one moment to affirm it especially.
His eyes were warm upon her, smiling in the aftermath of the kiss she had fixed him with. A few moments of stillness and then he resumed, unbuttoning his trousers while Anna helped to take care of his shirt, raking her fingers through his chest hair. His hands brushed over her breasts, cupping them delicately in his palms. They were almost completely unclothed as they landed together on the bed, claiming each other's mouths once more while their hands wandered. Anna moaned against John's lips as he began to caress her breasts more fully, rolling the peaked nipples between finger and thumb. She arched her hips from the bed in response, pulling his lips closer down to hers before the need for breath became apparent. His ever-considerate gaze was searching hers, his hands lower now. Anna nodded, a smile drifting upon her lips while her eyes remained locked with his.
The last barriers that separated them were removed, John settling above her, a lock of hair falling over his forehead. He felt suspended in time as he looked at her, her loosened hair fanned out upon the pillow, deep blue irises sparkling, a pink blush upon her chest and the lobes of her ears. Bared before him, she looked incredibly beautiful. Gazing at her adoringly, he brought his hands up to cradle her head, one of hers meeting his fingers as they swept to the curve of her neck.
"I love you. God, I love you so much."
Anna smiled up at him, her fingertips stroking at the nape of his neck.
"I love you," she responded in a breath that was soon snatched away when his lips lowered to her again, kissing every inch of her skin that was available within reach.
Her cries shortened in distance, her body keening as it met his. The press of skin against skin would always send a charge through her, thrilling and beautiful in itself. She shifted herself naturally, only needing to reach a little bit further. Before she thought she would dissolve, her husband guided himself inside her, she welcoming him completely and blissfully. Anna couldn't hold back her moans at his considered motions that set her whole body and soul alight, drawing out slowly and then sliding deeper. His hands were tender against her, his lips soft upon hers. She couldn't believe how wonderful it felt. Every time was like the first, but so different and special each time.
John concentrated on lavishing his perfect wife's body in kisses, deliberate in his slow and steady rhythm. He fought the tingles as they began to rise and charge through him, needing and striving to make everything utterly sensual for her. She felt better than she ever had before as he enveloped himself deep in her warmth; she looked absolutely incredible to him with her face framed in ecstacy. Their hands also joined together in a perfect union, he dipped his head to brush kisses over her breasts. Through her sighs that filled his ears, he was aware that Anna had raised her leg, and as he continued to make love to her he felt the lace of the garter she still wore graze his thigh repeatedly. The sensation was dizzying, she began to tip her head back and cry his name louder, and he loved her. He loved her so very much. She clung onto him as she journeyed towards the end, her voice trailing away. He held her up while her body became limp with the pleasure she had experienced, allowing her the time to recover, kissing her face which scorched with heat.
Anna's breathing evened out as she still reclined on the amazing high her husband had sent her on. She placed one hand on his shoulder, feeling his muscles contract beneath her fingers, and sent her other lower to where they were still joined. With tender strokes, she felt the jolt of John's ecstasy rifle through her too, his deep groans sounding wonderful to her. This was what it was like to be united, by such powerful bonds of love and pleasure. She whispered to him, fingertips still dancing upon him, and it was enough to send him spiralling off the edge. Regarding him carefully, Anna felt just as much pleasure, stroking his hair softly between her fingers while he rested her head against her.
They couldn't bear to be separated, shifting just slightly to kiss each other slowly and deeply, arms circled in one another's embrace.
Once again in her life but somehow for the first time, she felt complete.
Anna descended on John's lips hungrily, having just about dragged him into their room and pushing the door closed with a firm tap of her foot. She broke away from his mouth just long enough to check that it was securely shut, sliding the lock in place, and then she clambered onto him again, arms thrown around his broad shoulders, her lips pressed to his leaving them both frantic and breathless. John's head was swimming with it all, not entirely sure in which direction he was being pulled but his body told him happily, responding with a certainty to his wife's insatiable actions.
As they stumbled across the room, lips still connected, he held out a hand to the dressing table that was handily in reach to steady himself.
"Bloody hell," he sputtered out, a smirk marking his reddened lips, "what's this in aid of? Not that I'm complaining."
Anna raised her eyebrows, clearly not impressed with his act of apparent innocence but unable to restrain the pure lust within her eyes.
"Oh, don't you play naïve with me, John Bates. You know very well." Her voice was heavy and rasping, and he found it incredibly sexy, almost unable to contain himself. "Quite frankly, I should be congratulated for making it through the whole evening without losing all self-control. How do you expect a woman to react when you wear something like…," her words were strangled as she tried to catch her breath, teething her lip, "…that?"
He followed her gaze down, smiling at his legs poking out beneath the blue and green tartan kilt. He recalled with a mischievous sense of achievement the way she had reacted when he had sauntered out of the bathroom earlier in the evening wearing it, having changed as they were about to go down for dinner. Her rosebud lips puckering, her breath shallow, a gorgeous flush overtaking her whole being. It had been about time she had a taste of her own medicine, the countless times she had emerged dressed in something that absolutely floored him and left him desperately willing time away. All night he had noticed that she had been fighting to keep herself composed, staring sometimes a little too long at the lower half of his body and playing footsie with him under the table as they dined. Make no mistake, it had been a feat of endurance for him too, keeping himself strong enough to resist those sultry, 'take me to bed now' eyes that were directed straight towards him for the entirety of the evening.
"This old thing?" He ran a hand at the waistband, his smile fighting against him to grow wider when he saw Anna licking her lips. "I didn't think it'd affect you in the slightest. We're in Scotland after all, it's hardly out of the ordinary. Didn't you see those other blokes in reception before? All perfectly normal, I'd say even boring, attire."
Anna was too aroused to roll her eyes and chide him, peeling the tights from her shapely legs. "They're not as downright sexy as you, though."
"Why, thank you…"
Before he could finish what he was saying, he was stopped short once more by Anna's lips crashing upon his, her hands roaming his back before grabbing at his rear decisively. She was being very racy indeed, and he couldn't stop himself smirking against her lips. Her slender body pushed up against his and a muffled moan of desire fell from him between their melded mouths.
"Take me," she breathed, a passion flashing in her eyes that he was astounded and thrilled to see. "I want you, now."
John looked at his new wife, skin flustered and hair tumbled, but full of determination. They shared a few more hungry and yearning kisses, her lips slipping from his mouth a few times, buttons almost being ripped from his shirt. With a swift motion he gripped his hands around her middle and hiked her up onto the dresser. Within his own quickly escalating desire he clung onto his strong sense of decency, asking her if she was alright. She breathed out a sharp 'yes', though her body affirmed it more firmly, her legs widening and bracing around him where he stood. Her passion had dictated that there was simply no time for her to cast off her clothes aside from her neat french knickers, which had been left on the floor. She had bunched up her dress past her thighs, and John almost couldn't believe the scene before him, only knowing that it was utterly beautiful. He slipped one strap down over her shoulder, leaning his weight against the dresser to leave warm kisses beneath her collarbone. Her hands hadn't ceased their exploration of him and were delving ever lower, fingers slightly clumsy in their impatience.
Casting a glance up into her eyes, he decided that the kilt had served its purpose. Standing out of it and kicking it to the side, he sighed as the cold air hit him, a relief to be free while she had been working him up. He could feel Anna's eyes upon him, her gaze hot on what she craved.
"My, Mr Bates, you are a true Scotsman," she rasped, and he flushed slightly, hardly believing he had spent the night like that but immensely glad he had now they were in this position.
"Very naughty of me," he said lowly, scorched by the burning look in her eyes.
"I like it, rather a lot."
The seductive tone of her voice was driving him wild, as was the silky smoothness of her legs either side of him. One of her feet ran up and down his calf, and John gasped sharply when Anna's fingers suddenly closed around his rigid length. Her hand was working skilfully, sliding up and down and squeezing gently. He had to jerk away, knowing he wouldn't be able to give her her own gratification if she continued in such a fashion. He gently ran two fingers over her soft and slick folds, amazed and intoxicated by her warmth, before pushing his hips forward. Husband and wife groaned out at the most intimate joining of their bodies, the angle they were at meaning he filled her completely and immediately. The pace was instant, Anna eagerly grinding her hips and causing him to follow with the movement of his own.
This encounter was spurred on by a primal kind of desire, completely different from how the rest of their honeymoon had been. The multiple times they had met on their wedding night had been slow and sensual, characterised by a need to know and appreciate each other completely. Every other time, even when they'd fallen somewhat unexpected into it, had their finesse too, leaving them joyful and astounded with the depth and patience of their love, always accompanied with its wonderful reward.
But this discovery had its delights too, most definitely so. John's brow scrunched as he worked with effort, thrusting again and again into Anna's velvet warmth, feeling her deliciously all around him. One hand braced upon the dresser, the other tracing the back of her thigh, grunts escaped him as he went harder and faster, encouraged by his wife's writhing. Anna was crying out, higher in pitch, gasping his name through her euphoria, nails digging into his back and her heels against his calves as her forehead rested against his shoulder. He was rather thankful that the room was situated far from the others with the way she was moaning with abandon, though he'd never heard a sweeter sound in his life. He was relieved to feel her tightening and as his fingers reached down to seek out the source of her complete undoing, rubbing furiously when he located the sweetness, she let out a screeching cry, allowing him to let go with a couple of powerful thrusts within her. That they'd reached their climax together for the first time since they were married was exhilarating and as his eyes connected with hers again, his hands running weakly over her sides still covered by her dress, he delighted in seeing in the beautiful sated smile on her face.
John craned further forward to brush her lips with quick kisses, the hair that had fallen ruffled over his head with the frantic pace they had gone at tickling her. He adored her quiet little giggles, his body flooded with love for the perfect woman he had married.
"Well," he uttered when he had regained the strength to speak again, his hand cradling the back of her head, "if I would have known I'd get that reaction, I would have worn it much sooner."
The laughter that escaped them both filled the room before it was silenced by the joining of their lips, John loving the way Anna's arms scooped around his shoulders, knowing he belonged to her always.
Married life certainly had a lot to offer.