A/N: Thank you for all the amazing reviews for the wedding!
To the person who left the guest review about originally not being enthused about Tommy's adoption but still being on board because you think that story line IS working, THANK YOU! Your review just about made my week, as I know a fair few gave up on me once that direction became clearer.
As always, I appreciate everyone's support! Keep the reviews coming; I love to hear what you think.
My thanks and a hug for brenna-louise for the dedicated beta work!
Shout-out to my girl dibdab4 for allowing me to borrow the idea of a Crawley-owned honeymoon destination. She wrote it first and kindly agreed to lend it to me. (Just not the locale lol.)
xx,
CSotA
Ahem ... NSFW.
August 2-9, 2015
Elsie woke in the pitch black hotel room, wondering for a moment just where she even was. The past day came back to her instantly, though, a flood of images of prayers and dancing, of love and family.
She rolled over to kiss her husband only to discover that he was no longer in their bed. A glance at the clock told her it was half-past three. She knew they'd have to leave at five; after a moment, her brain registered the sound of the shower.
Charles was just rinsing his hair when Elsie slid the shower door open and scared him half to death.
"Sorry," Elsie giggled, climbing in with him. She took a moment to appreciate his fine physique and instantly felt desire and heat pool between her legs.
"What are you doing out of bed?" he asked, drawing her in for a kiss.
"Well," she murmured, kissing his chest as her hands pressed and squeezed at his body, "it would appear that I can't sleep well when my husband abandons our bed on our wedding night. And then I heard the shower, so I thought I'd join you."
"I see," he breathed.
He grabbing onto her hips - both for support and to turn her body around so that she could grab hold of the bar that was attached to the shower wall. He dipped his head to her neck, kissing and suckling the skin there, realizing he must be leaving marks but reveling in the sounds she was making. He slid his hand around her hip and slipped it between her legs; she moaned loudly, her voice echoing off the walls of the shower, and her desire almost consumed her as he slipped his finger inside of her.
"Not like that, Charlie, please," she moaned, pressing her bottom against him. "I need all of you. Now."
"Are you sure? Like this?" he growled in her ear, his desire pressing up against her, and she nodded as she bent her body a bit, pleading with him once again.
"Yes."
She bit down on her lip as he adjusted his height and gently slid into her, the friction so intense in combination with the feel of his hands still caressing her that she shattered in a matter of moments, with him following immediately behind, in a combination of soft cries and the calling out of each other's names.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked as she zipped the top of her overnight bag. "How's your back doing? It'll be a long time on the plane."
Elsie turned to look at him fondly, her face still flushed from the heat of the shower. "I'm fine, love," she said, cupping his cheek. "Now kiss me before we have to leave."
He readily complied, breaking away from her only when his phone buzzed in his pocket, alerting him that the limo was there to pick them up.
"Off we go, Mrs. Carson," he said warmly. "I hope you approve of where we're headed."
She took his hand in hers as he shouldered both her bag and his. "Any day that I begin as 'Mrs. Carson' is bound to be headed in a good direction," she said. "So, my darling husband, lead the way!"
Elsie buckled herself into the seat of the plane and then turned to him.
"Explain," she demanded, her tone not quite matching the smile that was brightening her face. They'd just flown from Portland to New York, and this second plane would fly them to their final destination.
"The U.S. Virgin Islands, Charles!? Not that I'm not ecstatic, mind you; I've never been anywhere in the Caribbean. But it's about the last place I'd have thought you'd pick."
"Well," he said sheepishly, "would you believe me if I told you it was a gift?"
She cocked her head, trying to figure out who ...
"Of course," she nodded. "Violet."
"Precisely. She insisted, and we worked it out ages ago. I would have swept you away to Europe for a week of sightseeing and tours, but she talked me out of it. Thank goodness, now, given the baby and all. I think a week off from life is more than appropriate."
"And what was it that she handed you last night … a key?"
"Yes, actually, it was. It's to her place – a private property on St. John."
"She owns a private property on an island in the Caribbean." She chuckled, then added in a mutter, "Of course she does."
"Yes, it was the best investment Robert's father ever made, actually. Private beach, completely secluded, and the island is accessible only by water. St. John doesn't have an airport so we're flying to St. Thomas and will take a boat to the house itself. That's why we couldn't leave last night, because I couldn't make the timeline work out with the flights. The island charter boat only runs at certain times, and four in the morning isn't one of them … Elsie, what is it?"
She had tuned him out somewhere around the word water. "Completely secluded?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry as she grasped his hand. "Charlie, what if something happens?"
"No worries, love," he said, his voice soothing her as the plane started to move. "There is a full medical facility on the island, and a vehicle on the property should we need help of any kind. If anything life-threatening were to happen, there's also a med flight service and a full hospital on St. Thomas. The local MD has been alerted that we're flying in and is aware of your condition; my cell number is already in his phone contact list."
He smiled at her and then leaned over to kiss her temple. "You don't think I'd take any chances when half my family is sitting right beside me, do you?" he rumbled in her ear.
She shook her head and swallowed the lump that had appeared in her throat. "You're incredible."
"I'll remind you of that when I forget some important date or other, or spill bleach on your favorite blouse in the wash."
She laughed, then reached for his arm and hugged it close to her, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Sleep, Elsie," he whispered, snuggling himself further down in his seat. "Because you know I will."
She giggled, then promptly obeyed; she was out cold in five minutes as they flew off for a week of what promised to be pure bliss.
And bliss it was.
The charter pulled up to the boat dock directly in front of the villa. Charles tipped the driver and sent him on his way, and he sent Elsie up to the house to unlock the door while he carried their suitcases up to the landing.
She opened the door and-
"Oh, my," she breathed.
The main room was huge! The floor was cool, pink stone, with plush rugs scattered everywhere. The open-concept design allowed her to see the gourmet kitchen from where she stood, and she could also see a set of French doors that appeared to let out onto a patio; a fire pit with chairs set around it was just visible past the patio on the beach.
She meandered around the living area, shaking her head in wonder. After a moment, she located the master bedroom, which was decorated in a soft beige. The king-sized bed looked rather inviting, she thought with a smirk, and she deposited her overnight bag on top of the coverlet and nipped into the loo.
Charles was just closing the front door when she came out.
"Hungry?" he asked, and she nodded quickly.
"Famished."
They found an enormous basket of fresh fruit set atop the kitchen island, with a card made out in Violet's hand which simply read, "Enjoy your stay."
"How'd she get that here?" Elsie mused.
But Charles shook his head and set it aside as Elsie unwrapped the basket and marveled over the contents.
"There should be food in here, too," Charles muttered, opening the refrigerator. "Ah, yes, here we are."
They found a wide variety of steaks, chicken, vegetables, and more. Fruit juices, milk, sparkling cider, two bottles of wine in case Charles wanted to indulge, and plenty of bottled water. The pantry cabinet was also adequately stocked, including Elsie's favorite cereal - a new craving that had developed only last week - and Charles's favorite brand of chocolate biscuits.
"Violet has connections at the local grocery, evidently," she murmured, sneaking up behind her husband and wrapping her arms around him and dropping a kiss to his back. "Bless her."
They chatted a bit as they worked to prepare a simple grilled chicken salad for lunch, with Charles ooh-ing and aah-ing over the grill out on the patio (and Elsie filing that information away as a potential future Christmas gift). After lunch, they took a couple of chairs down from the boat shed and relaxed on the beach, dozing off and on in the shade of the palms.
Elsie woke about two hours later, having sufficiently napped for the moment. She turned her head to see Charles dragging wood over to the fire pit and piling it up for later.
"Have a nice nap?" he asked, and she nodded.
"I did. I wouldn't mind taking a walk, though," she said, stretching. "Get my bearings as to where we are."
"Sure. I'd like to change clothes, I think, and there's a ceramic studio that I'd like to visit, although that doesn't have to be tonight."
"Oh, let's go tonight," Elsie said brightly. "I need a good walk after all the time on the planes and then falling asleep on the beach." She approached him and wrapped him in a hug. "And then we can spend the rest of the week strictly on this beautiful property, if you'd like."
He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her tightly. "Sounds good."
When they returned that evening, after having spent a leisurely couple of hours exploring the shopping area and walking along the vast beaches and paths, Elsie shooed Charles outside so that she could make dinner for him. She brought two plates out and they ate fireside, a glass of wine for him and some water for her.
"There's a great music system in there," Charles told her. "I can put something on if you like?"
"You're sure we won't be disturbing anyone?"
"Elsie," he smiled, "you saw how isolated we are. This property is about five acres of beach and vegetation. No one is going to hear anything we do."
She raised an eyebrow at him, feeling herself flush in a way that had nothing to do with the weather or the fire. "Well, then … yes. To the music."
He took their dirty dishes in and Elsie added a log to the fire. It wasn't cold, of course, but once the sun had gone down the fire was a lovely addition. The moon was glistening off the water, and she couldn't remember many times when she'd felt more at peace than at that very moment. She tucked the two lounge chairs side-by-side and draped some towels over them - a makeshift love seat on which she and Charles could snuggle and watch the stars.
Charles returned and joined her by her side, a book in his hand.
"You want to do that tonight?" she asked with a smile, and he nodded, donning his reading glasses.
"Why not? We can at least begin the discussion. The firelight isn't that great for reading, but I brought this," he said, pulling a book light from his pocket and clipping it onto the cover.
He cracked open the book - 25,000 Baby Names - and Elsie snuggled in under his arm.
"There's a checklist here," he said, pointing to one of the first pages. "Supposed to help narrow it down by what we think is important."
Elsie scanned the list in question, borrowing his glasses to do so.
"I think, for me, it might be the meaning? Or perhaps initials; can't have some horrible acronym initials, like P.M.S. or something."
Charles laughed. "Agreed, although we're a C. But I know what you mean. I also don't mind if it's not unique; I'd rather like an older name, myself. Those are coming back now, aren't they?"
"Mm," Elsie agreed. "Alright, then. Let's see what we've got."
Charles flipped the page and noticed a 'Most Popular Names' section. "Wait … What's this?" he murmured, flipping ahead a bit. "Look here, Els - most popular names by decade. It goes all the way back to 1900. And then there's this bit: Famous Names in Literature."
They perused the lists a bit, checking off ones they liked. For the next hour they volleyed different ideas back and forth, seeing how they sounded coming before Carson. They hadn't even gotten to meanings yet and already had a running list of four girls' names and three boys' names, and Charles closed the book and laid it on the chair by his legs.
"Come here, Mrs. Carson," he murmured into her hair as he drew her further into his embrace.
"With pleasure. I can't tell you how happy I am, love, discussing names for this precious baby as we're just shut away from the world."
"I know."
They stayed like that for a long while, the sound of the ocean lulling them into a deep peace.
They slept in rather late the next morning, finally able to catch up on sleep from the past few days. Charles made brunch and they sat out on the front patio in the shade, chatting about the baby and how they'd have to move house.
"I hate to leave," Elsie sighed. "But, then again, it's lovely thinking of buying a home together, of choosing exactly what we'd like."
Charles sat back and laced his fingers over his stomach, his legs stretched out before him.
"I'd like a proper library," he said. "With a large desk overlooking some nice property that we'll have - a garden, perhaps, full of flowers. Or maybe something on the water. You?"
"A large kitchen," Elsie said instantly. "And another sun patio, if possible. But the kitchen is number one for me, I think."
"We'll need at least five bedrooms," Charles mused, "so that Becky can stay over if she wants - or anyone else, for that matter."
"This is going to be a huge expense, Charles," Elsie said softly.
"And it's one we won't debate now," he said. "I've just sold a law firm, remember? And you're still working and earning a steady income from the equine therapy program."
"But there's the cost of Becky's facility, too," she protested.
"And we'll be renting to John and Anna," he said, silencing her with a kiss. "We'll be fine."
They lapsed into silence for a bit before cleaning up the dishes and showering - separately.
Charles came out from dressing to find Elsie on the sofa in the living area; she had a book in her lap but was staring off into space.
Wordlessly, he approached her from behind and dropped his hands to her shoulders, massaging them.
"Ohh, that feels lovely," she breathed, and she melted into his touch.
Two days later …
"Charlie …"
He woke instantly, seeing Elsie standing over him and resting her hand on his shoulder.
"You're baking out here, love," she said. "You need to get out of the sun for a while."
"Perhaps I should," he said, taking the hand she'd offered to help steady him as he got to his feet. He dropped a kiss to her lips and thanked her for watching out for him.
"Always," she whispered with a wink. "Now come up and cool off in the house, and then we'll get some more sunscreen on you if you're coming down again."
"What did you get up to while I was passed out on the beach?"
"I finished my book," she said. "I am sure everyone at home will think it boring as hell, but a week to do nothing but what we've been doing is heavenly to me. No animals to feed, no one waking me at the crack of dawn, no one running through the house … I can't thank you enough for this, Charlie. I mean that."
And it was true: their honeymoon had been completely perfect so far. They'd swum, sunbathed, eaten, walked, shopped, made love, and slept. They Skyped the kids after dinner every night; things seemed to be going well back home, giving them absolutely nothing to worry about. Every day brought a rain shower mid-afternoon, which was a welcome respite from the heat. The first night was the only one that had been cool enough for a fire, though, but neither of them minded.
"You deserved all of this and more," he said insistently, and he took her hand as they walked back up to the house.
After a late dinner on their fifth night on the island, Elsie took Charles by the hand.
"Come with me," she said softly, and he smirked as he tilted his head toward the bedroom suggestively.
"No," she laughed. "Outside."
She led him to the beach, where she'd set out a couple of towels on the chairs when he was making dinner.
He felt her drop his hand and watched as she stepped closer to the water. The moon had been waning but was still so bright as it shone on the water, with no city or town lights to challenge it.
She turned to face him, seductively, and he knew in an instant what she had planned. Sure enough, she slowly brought her hands to the buttons of her sundress - buttons which went from the low neckline at her bosom all the way down the front of the dress - and began to undo them.
He stood mesmerized, unable to move as he stared at her in awe. He took it all in: her hair, tied back but coming a bit loose, wisps of it fluttering in the gentle breeze; her fragrance, the one he could identify in his sleep by now; her eyes, glistening, which he knew had darkened the moment he'd taken her hand; her lips, deep red, with the lower one clenched underneath her teeth in a way that she now knew he found alluring.
She worked her way down to the very last button, bending forward to reach them all; as she stood, the front of the dress naturally fell open, and in three strides he was directly in front of her, his hands on her collarbone as his fingers deftly pushed the straps off of her now nicely-tanned shoulders.
"Elsie," he gasped, "you're beautiful. So, so very beautiful."
She reached her hands up and buried her fingers in his hair, drawing him close and kissing him deeply, finding her tongue suddenly at war with his own.
He tore himself away long enough to catch her dress as she shrugged it the rest of the way off. He turned to toss it onto the chair and turned back to discover that, in a flash, she'd removed her undergarments as well.
"Aren't you coming with me?" she teased, dodging his grasp and wading into the water.
"What? In there?" he asked incredulously, pointing to the ocean.
"Why not?" She swam a little ways out - just enough to where her feet still touched bottom and she could easily stand above the water - and playfully splashed the water in his direction.
"Why not, indeed?" he muttered. "No one around for miles ..." He smiled as he tore off his clothing, tossing it on top of her own and taking a running start before diving gracefully into the waves.
The tide was low, gentle, and he swam around a bit as Elsie watched him. She loved being in the water; weightless, carefree. She let the gentle waves take her a bit closer to shore and she stood up, only waist-deep now, and Charles found himself drawn to her once again, to the way the water glistened on her breasts in the moonlight.
But he didn't move, and so she swam back out to him, allowing herself to be caught up in his arms as she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him thoroughly.
"You're salty," he laughed when they broke apart.
She reached forward and nipped his lip between her teeth before soothing it with her tongue and, afterwards, the tip of her finger.
"So are you," she smiled, wrapping her arms tighter around his shoulders and using the leverage and the buoyancy of the water to rub herself against him.
When she heard his breaths become shorter and more frantic, she unclenched her legs then reached down and took him in her hand.
"Els?"
"Shh … later," she reassured him, and she smiled as his head rolled back in ecstasy.
Hours later, just after midnight, Elsie came out of the shower to find her husband sitting up in bed, reading.
"Well, did you have a nice nap?" she teased, running a brush through her hair. "I'm sorry if the hair dryer woke you."
"I did, actually, and it didn't wake me," he said, setting his book and glasses aside on the nightstand. He extended his arm to her, silently beckoning her to come closer, and she willingly complied. "I was already up when I heard you in there … almost joined you, but my hair had already dried."
She laughed softly, then gasped as his warm hand crept up underneath the towel and caressed her bare bottom.
"I've been very good, I'd like to point out," he said. "It's been almost a full forty-eight hours …"
"Both of those things are true," she acknowledged, her eyebrow quirked up. "Well, given that you took a lovely nap earlier …"
He quickly tugged the towel and dropped it to the floor, then laughed at her squeal as he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his lap. He peppered her face with kisses, and she reached up to cup his cheek.
"My darling man," she said softly. "I love you so very much."
She reclined back against the pillow and he moved over her, leaning in once more for a soft, sensual kiss that quickly turned more passionate and heated.
His lips trailed down over her collarbone and down to her breasts, but she gasped slightly as he took her nipple playfully between his teeth.
"Gently," she whispered. "They're so sensitive now …"
He immediately adjusted his movements, lavishing the spot with his tongue and blowing on it, heightening her desire as he moved to the other breast.
She tried to reach for him, to return his caresses, but he pushed her hand away.
"No," he murmured, trailing his tongue all over her body now. "Your turn."
"Well, I suppose you can be the boss tonight," she whispered, her eyes fluttering closed as her body moved of its own accord beneath him.
He worshiped her with his mouth and his hands, bringing her to the brink of ecstasy twice before backing off again, her soft cries and moans music to his ears.
He sensed her growing impatient beneath him, however, and moved up to kiss that soft spot behind her ear. "How do you feel, love?"
She looked deep into his eyes.
"Incomplete. Charlie, I need you …"
She gasped as he slid inside of her and then reached up and captured his lips.
They moved together slowly with soft, deep movements, trying to be as close as possible to one another until they simply lost track of where one body ended and the other began.
Elsie was zipping her suitcase shut when Charles wrapped his arms around her from behind. She sighed happily as he buried his face in her hair, kissing her head and inhaling the scent of her shampoo.
"I'm going to miss this," he murmured, and she nodded.
"Me, too. Swear to me that we'll get away just the two of us every year for our anniversary." She turned in his arms and placed her hands upon his chest, and he rested his head on hers.
"That is something to which I can easily swear," he said. "This has been the best week of my entire life, I think. I'm not sure I've ever been happier, or more relaxed, than I am at this moment."
"I know," she agreed.
They stood like that for a few more moments, Elsie turning her head so that she could hear his heartbeat.
"We'll have to tell the children about the baby soon, Charlie. Everything seems fine, and I feel wonderful. We've got an appointment next week; if all goes well, let's do it after that. I think I'd like some time for them to get used to the idea before returning to school."
He backed away to look at her face, having heard something a bit reserved in her tone. "Do you expect any problems from them? I'd think they'll be more than happy."
"Well," Elsie hedged, "I certainly hope they'll be over the moon. But I've got a younger sister, Charlie. I remember quite well what an adjustment it was for me, not having undivided attention any longer." She licked her lips and added, "Let's just say I'd rather be prepared for the worst than expect the best."
"Fair enough," he said. "Alright, love, we need to get going. They'll be here any minute."
She nodded, and she took his hand and placed it on her heart.
"In the weeks and months to come, when I get fat and grouchy and bitchy and uncomfortable, I want you to remember this week. I want you to remind me of this week. Promise me."
He laughed softly and shook his head. "I promise," he said, knowing better than to argue.
Neither saw the blinking light on her phone, the indication of a phone call that had come in an hour ago, the notification of a message that neither of them had been expecting at all.
I've not been to St. John, but I have friends who've stayed at a place just like Violet's. The information about the charter boats, airport, medical facilities, and even the ceramics studio are all true.
Please leave a wee review and let me know what you thought! xx