XX

Mary called out, "Anyone there?"

A woman popped her head around the corner. "Here to register?"

Mary bobbed her head affirmatively. "Sorry so early. I wanted to get in and then get on with things." She really meant she wanted to get all this over with so she could join Matthew at the rented house on the edge of Reading. They had left separately that morning. She had kissed each twin good bye. Thanked Isobel and was off before Matthew. She had to follow Jerry to the grounds of the horse show and see to the registering, collection of badges, and all the other minutia of riding in the Berkshire Trials. Matthew was to meet her at the house. He had given directions and she put them in her GPS on the mobile.

Once at the grounds she finished the registration and joined Jerry in the horse stalls.

"Settling in is she?" Mary brushed her hand gently against her horse.

"Raring to go I'd say." Jerry confirmed.

"I'll give her a run today. And be back early tomorrow." Mary moved towards the tack to bridle and saddle the horse.

"Righty-o." Her stable manager confirmed cheerfully. "I'll go get her feed out of the lorry.

Mary hardly heard him. She was talking to Jellybean. Horse and rider communing about the big show tomorrow afternoon.

XX

Matthew sat on the upper balcony of the rented house. It overlooked the countryside with the city of Reading in the distance with the tower of the Town Hall visible over the tree tops. He was sketching the pond just below with some ducks preening their feathers and enjoying the late fall sunshine.

He took a swallow of the West Berkshire pale ale he had picked up at a local shop. It was a light bitter. Good quality session ale. He liked supporting local businesses wherever he traveled. And it was appropriate to the work he had just completed yesterday. One of the applied business models he received was for a new craft brewery in Downton Village. He put it in the file alongside Cora's as one to be considered seriously. He was sorting through all the email applications he had been receiving over the past three weeks into essentially files of 'absolutely no effing way,' 'maybe,' and 'yes certainly.' When he got back from Berkshire early next week he'd make his final decisions along with the bank manager assigned to his project.

Mary had yet to arrive at the house. Although they had said the entire day before her competition began would be theirs both had realized their lives were so busy and unpredictable it probably would not come off. And it did not.

She had needed to drive separately to make sure Jellybean adjusted properly to the strange stall at the Horse Trials. To be there to calm her down. See that Jerry had found everything he needed. Introduce herself to the officials.

None of which she could avoid. Matthew understood.

Just as Mary understood that he needed to stay at the office the previous day dealing with his client's portfolios and polishing off a spreadsheet he needed to submit to Mika in the London office evaluating the profitability of some potential commercial properties CB wanted to consider. It was tedious. Dull. The kind of work he did not miss when he was on the leave of absence with the twins. But the sooner it was done the earlier he could leave the next day.

It had all worked out. Now that he was waiting for Mary at the rented house outside of Reading, he knew the hard slog was done. For the next month or so he could concentrate on the three investments he would personally see to fruition. That was the exciting aspect of his work life now. Using his money, his experience, his expertise to help others fund their dreams.

She was expected any moment now. He glanced at his mobile. She had texted she was on her way.

And then their vacation would truly begin.

Isobel had phoned that the twins were a little fussy even after she had fed them. Cora was in the rocking chair with George while Isobel walked the floor with Jeremy. She thought Matthew could help.

He knew what she meant. He started to sing. "Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side…" And by the time he got to "… the lovers, the dreamers and me….La-da-da, de-da-da-do" he could hear silence on the other end. Isobel had clicked off and a few minutes later texted they were asleep.

They had developed quite the repertoire of songs the twins liked before napping. He had called up Mary plenty of times in the past weeks to have her sing "Hush, little baby, don't say a word …Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird..." when she was at work and he was home.

Anything to get them to sleep.

And so now he chilled with the beer and his sketch book. The lighting was perfect. He was experimenting with some coloured pencils and building up the colours so as to make them more intense. The grass was particularly difficult as he was blending blues, yellows, and greens to give them texture and complexity.

Mary had encouraged him to experiment outside his comfort zone of black and white sketches. The work so far was not up to his standards, but it was getting better.

And he was just so happy to be able to be alone with Mary. He really needed some alone time with his wife. Just themselves. They'd have the whole rest of the day and night. Mary went this morning to see to Jellybean and confirm registration so she wouldn't have to the next day. She trusted Jerry implicitly to care for the horse overnight.

He squinted down on the page, delicately using his thumb to crush and spread the shades of blue across the background.

"That's beautiful." A warm voice spoke from behind. "We should take a walk down by the pond later."

Mary's voice close to his ear. He had not even known she arrived.

"Darling." Matthew turned to caress her lips with his own. "Thank you. Are you done for the day?" He put down the pencil and closed his sketch book.

Mary's arm slid around Matthew's shoulder. He clasped it and brought her down into the chair on his lap. Her skin felt so soft, so warm. The air was chilly in the late November morning.

She gave him the bad news first. "We've been invited to the dinner tonight."

Mary felt Matthew's disappointment as the pressure of his hands loosened around her waist.

"As a winner from last year …" She started.

"They want you there. Of course."

"I did warn you this might happen."

He kissed her shoulder. "Of course. We can make it an annual event as you win so many times."

Mary laughed, pleased Matthew understood the responsibilities of her chosen career.

"We can cut out early I'm sure. Freddie Simmons is chair this year. He's an old friend. We competed years ago but he broke his pelvis in a fall and had to retire early." Mary said.

Matthew shuddered. The embrace became tighter. It was a fact of being an equestrian sustaining injuries, both minor and life threatening.

"How's he doing now?"

"He has braces and crutches. It's not been an easy recovery. I'll introduce you." Mary brushed a stray blonde lock away from his forehead.

Matthew gripped her body in response to her touch. He groaned deliciously. "But that's not for hours correct?"

His contact became more intense. Needy. Lips stroking along the nape of Mary's neck. Nuzzling.

"Hours…" Mary lied. And then told him, "we have about an hour or so." She shifted her legs, moving so she straddled Matthew, feeling his arousal. Making her body spike with erogenous need.

"Plenty of time..." Matthew whispered, all hers.

"Come inside." Mary's heated voice. "I want to rip your shirt off right now." Her fingernails at the scratched the fabric of his t-shirt.

Matthew's deeply satisfied chuckle, like a decadent piece of chocolate, met her ears. "I'll follow your lead, my darling." He dropped his hands to her rear and lifted her up out of the seat and into his arms, swinging her legs around so that he could carry her up and into the house.

Mary, taken by surprise, giggled furiously as she was swept inside. Her eyes soulfully urging his next move. His hands snaked down her ass, feeling the tightness of the breeches she wore while riding Jellybean earlier in the day. He wrapped his hands against each of her rounded cheeks, panting in anticipation.

His hands fumbled with the buttons and zipper. Matthew wanted her so bad. Her taste. To taste every part of her body. To consume and be consumed by her.

He flung the breeches across room in his haste to free his hands again to take off her shirt. Once free, he buried his face in her breasts. Kissing, dragging on each one. Mary pulled him in closer and closer. He edged up to her face. They started to kiss. Slithering, slippery. Exquisite kisses. His tongue glided around and around her mouth. Mary gripped his lower lip with her teeth and drew it into her mouth. Tightly as if she intended to bruise. To hurt.

She wanted to hurt him in the most beautiful of ways. To make demands on his body that would leave her satiated and hungry simultaneously.

Matthew's hands roamed back to her ass. He gripped each cheek tight. Massaging. Manipulating. He groaned deep in his mouth as his shaft hardened and the need grew to plunge it inside. His tongue deep inside her mouth to compensate. Feeling her palette. Her teeth. Down her throat.

They groaned in ecstatic unison.

Mary broke off kissing to tug his t-shirt off. "Did you go rowing today?" Her voice winded as she flung the shirt on the floor and began to kiss along his upper body.

"I did." He managed to reply despite his mind totally occupied by Mary's kisses.

Mary's eyes flashed wide as she replied. She lifted her head, her tongue rolling deliciously around her lips. "I thought so. Your chest is tightly muscled. Just the way I like it." She sinuously slid each hand down his chest. She felt his breath, hot and heaving. His chest hairs bristle at her touch.

She bent down and undid his trousers. She felt the hardness. She wanted it released. She wanted it inside her. Once they were both naked Matthew lifted her up again and cradling her in his arms they moved towards the sofa. The bed was upstairs and he wanted her too badly. He lay her down on the cushions and moved atop her. She spread her legs open and he entered upon a shattering gasp of pleasure from Mary's lips. They locked fingers and rhythmically moved as one to give each as much pleasure as possible.

"Deeper," She moaned shallow breaths in his ear. "Fuck me Deeper…"

Her mouth screamed of pleasure as he bucked and thrust and pressed her harder and harder. He could not stop. Matthew's grunts became pulsing. His concentration focused solely on total satisfaction. He thrust deep several more times at her encouragement, her shouts of joyful abandon. She came on a particularly long, slow thrust of his and it shattered her body. It was afire. Intense and long. The moment of crowning stupored her mind and stiffened her limbs. Her toes curled. She sank down into the cushions to recover.

His release came on the apex of hers. Even as his arms shook from the exertion, he held onto her. She could see the blood vessels bulge in his biceps as he willed himself to stay in place until his peak passed. He had thrust hard into her body.

She loved still feeling the lingering effects. She'd probably be a bit bruised from his exertions and bucking.

They collapsed against each other. Both kept their eyes closed. Letting the sensations engulf them. Their thirst quenched momentarily.

"Oh God. That was good." Mary finally spoke after a few minutes. "I'll have more of that mister."

She leaned over his body, her leg stroking his own. Up and down. Making him want her again and again.

"Whenever you want." He replied, his eyes half lidded and luscious.

"Except for right now…" And she reluctantly got up. "We've got about an hour to get ready for the dinner."

Matthew couldn't take his eyes off his wife's body. She was so lithe. So lovely. He reached out to touch the s-shape of her waistline. She was always beautiful to him. When she was first known to him. When she was nine months pregnant and she could barely stand to have him be in same room as she when she dressed. He loved her so much. She had started to train her body again as soon as the doctor approved. Running. Cardio workout. Crunches. Not just for looks, of course. Though she'd admit she wanted to fit back into the little black dress she had brought for the occasion tonight. But to regain her strength for riding. Her skills.

And here they were to prove it. That she was as good as before. If not better. He couldn't wait to see her astride Jellybean tomorrow.

"You are so beautiful." Matthew said tenderly.

She reached out and caressed his cheek. A cheeky smile across her face. "Thank you. But it's still not going to get you out of getting up and dressed."

He laughed heartily. "Alright. Alright." Matthew reached out a hand. "Help me up."

Mary clasped his own. Together with they made their way up the stairs. Naked bodies entwined. Not bothering to dress again as each needed to don their fine togs for the events of the evening.

XX

"So," Matthew's companion to the left continued to speak, "I know some very good hunter and jumper riders whose flatwork really is dressage. But I know far more whose flatwork consists of walk-trot-canter in a hunter frame..."

Matthew suppressed a yawn as best he could. He tried to nod more. To feign interest, he hoped. Mary had been taken away by Freddie and some of his colleagues to meet some of her competitors. She had slid lingering fingertips along his suited arm, mouthing, "I'll be back later" and blew him a kiss.

And he was still here. Listening to Mr. Self-Important Horse Expert tell him all about why dressage is much more important in European riding circles than in America.

Or something like that…. Matthew's eyes drooped shut again.

Mr. Self Important didn't even notice. "All of their competitors, even at the lower divisions... could have ridden a solid 1st level dressage test in a heartbeat. The horses went in much more of a frame, were far more engaged, and the riders rode more vertically and less forward than here…."

Matthew's mind drifted away. Back to earlier. When it was just he and Mary. Alone and together. Making love. No one but themselves.

Paradise. Utter paradise. It reminded him of their time in Tahoe. When they had put the world at bay. Precious time to connect. And this time to reconnect. My God he loved his boys. But he needed this time away. To touch. To feel. To spend hours doing nothing but make love to Mary.

They'd cut out soon from this party. Mary had promised. She needed to meet up with some friends. Suss out some of the competitors. And then they'd go.

Matthew got up to refill his glass. He went to say something polite to his seat companion but the gentleman had already turned his attention to a younger lady to his right.

Matthew escaped. He moved to the bar to get another Glenfiddich and scan the room. Freddie walked slowly towards him, leaning forward to put pressure on his crutches to move his braced legs forward.

"Would you like one?" Matthew shook his tumbler.

"Won't say no." Freddie replied gratefully. "Had a good chinwag with the old chair, don't you know." And he imitated the pompous public school speech of Sir Percy Babbington, baronet. "He did drone on."

"I'm glad I'm not the only one." Matthew took another gulp of the whisky. "I had absolutely no idea what was being said. It's like another language."

"You'll have to learn some of it I reckon." Freddie replied. "Now that you're a part of it all. Most of us lot are okay. Some are insufferable. All of us though are horse mad."

Matthew grinned. "So I gather."

Freddie turned serious. "We were all a bit worried about Mary, you know. She's had so many ups and downs. Diamond going lame. Her quitting. Then coming back and winning here. Only to quit again because she married some bloke she hardly knew and was already preggers with twins no less."

He sized up Matthew again, having only been introduced to the husband and no time to talk.

"And now?" Matthew queried calmly. Mary had warned him they were a close group of people but this astonished him. That someone like Freddie, who had fallen off his horse in competition and had a long, painful recovery, was worried about Mary. Not like a jealous ex- wannabe boyfriend. But family. Her horse mad family. And he was an interloper.

Freddie's mouth turned up at the corner in a half smile. "You're not half bad. I think she's done alright for herself."

Matthew tilted his glass in a salute. "Thank you." He looked around the room and saw Mary in a conversation with three of her competitors. And then, as if she felt his eyes fall upon hers, she looked over.

Their eyes met. She gave him a radiant smile. Just for him.

And then she turned back to speak to one of the group.

"Do you think she'll win?" Freddie asked.

Matthew's mouth pursed in thought and then answered with total conviction. "She'll give everything. That's for sure." He looked back towards Mary. "She doesn't like second best."

XX

"This…" Matthew snuggled up to Mary who was under the blanket with him, "this is much much better." He molded his body around hers. His fingertips brushing away strands of her hair so he could kiss
her neck.

"I hope you weren't too bored out of your skull." Mary said sympathetically. "I didn't mean to leave you on your own for so long."

"It's was fine. I know you had a lot of catching up to do. Freddie and I ended up having a few drinks at the bar. But I am very glad to be back here." He nuzzled her neckline with kisses.

The rented house's lower level included an outdoor living area. They were taking advantage of it before settling into the upstairs bedroom.

She leaned into Matthew's chest and rested her head against his shoulder. "You're all mine. All night."

"All night." He sighed in utter contentment. He had stoked the outdoor firepit adjacent to the cushioned bench upon which they cuddled. A warm chunky weaved blanket kept out any other chill from the November night. Mary wrapped inside with him.

Utter bliss.

"I think we should build one of these at the House." Matthew said. "Next year maybe when we put on the addition."

"Addition? Did we agree to that?" Mary tasted the wine she had poured before snuggling next to Matthew. "I think I'd remember. You did say you'd not go off on your own anymore with these house ideas."

Matthew's lips pressed together. "Uh…" His face turned a bright shade of pink as he realized the truth.

Mary decided she was in too good a mood to create an argument. She said instead, "are your eyes darting back and forth. I'm too comfortable to look. But that's a dead giveaway you know."

Matthew had to laugh despite being caught out. "You're right. I didn't say. I meant to consult with you. I would have of course before I started anything."

Mary elbowed his ribs. "Oh of course…" She replied playfully sarcastic.

Matthew buried his face in her hair. "How do you put up with me?"

She nestled closer, shrugging her shoulders. "You're good for sex."

Said so matter of factly Matthew had to burst out laughing. "I'm glad I erm.. measure up."

"Oh you do more than do that." Mary slid her hand up and down his thigh, feeling his arousal against her derrière. His hands roamed around to her torso, feeling under her shirt and cupping his hand under her bra to feel the softness of her breasts. He pinched her nipple gently until it peaked.

But before they could take it any further Matthew's mobile rang.

Mary jumped at the sound.

"It's Mother." He gently lifted Mary up slightly so he could reach the table behind him to grab the smartphone. "The boys might be restless."

Mary glanced at the time as Matthew tilted his phone. "It's very late. I hope nothing is wrong." She sat up. "Jeremy's cough might have come back."

He clicked. "Hello Mother," he said. And then nodded. "Of course we want to say good night." He paused. "No. No you didn't wake us. We were…" Matthew hesitated. "Uh… We were just…" He looked helplessly at Mary. "We were having a cup of tea..." He ended unconvincingly to Mary's eternal amusement. She rolled her eyes dramatically and smiled.

Matthew, blushing furiously, handed out the mobile to Mary. Isobel turned the camera so they could see George in his crib, reaching out for the device.

"They just won't settle down until their mummy and daddy say good-night." Isobel's voice warbled cheerfully speaking to the babies. "Isn't that right?"

Matthew grinned as Isobel switched the camera so that the twins could see both parents as they moved close together. Mary blew soft kisses. "Night Night sweetie pies. Good night Georgie. Good night Jeremy."

Matthew's voice lowered "Daddy loves you."

Mary wiped away a tear. "Mummy loves you."

They both blew more kisses and Isobel rang off. George's eyes were already closing, a silly grin on his face at hearing his parents voice.

Mary leaned her head back on Matthew's shoulder. "I think Jeremy looked fine." She was reassured that the cold had not returned.

Matthew gazed lovingly at his wife. "You are such a good mother. I told you that you would be."

"Stop it." Mary reddened. "I do almost everything wrong. I always think I'm a terrible parent."

Matthew drew her close and kissed her. "And here I was thinking I was the only one who doubts their parenting skills every day. I guess every parent does that."

"We'll just have to muddle through together. With all the help we can muster. I don't know that we do enough to thank everyone."

"We should think up some kind of thank you." Matthew agreed. "Let's give it a think."

Mary nodded. But then Matthew winked mischievously. "But not right now." And he extended his arm. "Right now I want to take my wife to bed."

Mary reached out and accepted his hand. She lifted herself off the bench and into his arms. A deep kiss followed. Mary moaned deliciously into his mouth. She hungrily reached out for his tongue and drew it down her throat.

Mary drew away. Matthew's eyes remained closed, his lips half parted. Remembering the lingering feel of her lips, her mouth upon his.

They opened, his eyes dilated pools of black desire. "Come…" His voice still hoarse from the kiss.

And they rushed inside and up the stairs. Taking advantage of the night. Of being together.

More hot kisses followed as they disrobed. Falling onto the bed Mary could feel Matthew's weight on top of her. He slid inside and she tightened her inner folds around his hardness. The pressure making her groan in satisfaction. Her hands slipped around to his backside. She scored fingernail marks along each cheek as she gripped hard and pushed him further inside to satisfy her desire.

Matthew's shuddering release came in waves as he thrust hard. They were both in a stupor as Mary's peak rose and shattered her body.

He slipped out and rested beside Mary. His body drenched in sweat despite the coolness of the air outside.

Mary curled her body around her husband's and drew the duvet over them, neither wanting to move from the cocooned protective warmth of the other.

They slept deep and sound.

XX

Matthew's eyes never left Mary's. She was taking the last obstacle. A parallel oxer with two rails. Jellybean was a spirited animal but Mary guided her easily over the set. They made their way across the finish.

She immediately turned her head to look at the time. She removed her hat and helmet and bit her lip.

Matthew looked at the clock as well and grimaced. Mary had needed to put on a bit more pace to have any chance of bettering the time of the current first place holder. She had no faults. But the time was too long. She was .14 shorter in time.

She wouldn't be happy at all about that.

Matthew curdled the catalogue in his grip. He thought she was marvelous. Rode like the wind. But he knew she'd do nothing but criticize her performance. He was still learning how much he should just be there to listen without making comments or trying to minimize her self-directed anger. He made his way down the steps of the viewing stands and towards the stables. He had his badge on and they let him through.

"Mary." He walked over to where Jerry was rubbing down the horse. Mary was speaking with an official. She had been the last rider and so he was probably telling her she finished second.

Mary looked up, a pensive smile on her face, as Matthew approached. "Second." She told him. "I should be pleased I know." She accepted the sweet kiss on his cheeks. "But I'm not. I won this last year. And I played it safe."

"You were clean. Not even a wobble." Matthew said.

"That's just why I'm pissed. I was so concerned about being clean that I gave up precious time." She flung off her gloves in disgust.

"Next time. You'll get it next time." Matthew tried to reassure.

Mary's eyes glared. "I should have had it this time. Jellybean was perfect. I hesitated."

Matthew didn't know what to say. He rubbed his hands along her arms. Trying to do something.

She was dejected.

Another voice then came from behind them. At the entrance of the stall.

"Lady Mary. I can find you another two yards."

They turned. A woman's voice. Matthew didn't know her.

Mary smiled. She turned to her husband and said, "Anna Smith." And turned back to the woman who now intended to coach her with a glean of determination in her eyes.

Anna nodded in Matthew's direction. And the two women began to walk towards the other.

XX

New beginnings here! Reviews are precious things. I hope you like this story. Careful tv/movie viewers will recognize a line... or a song ! haha