Chapter 68
"Can I ask you something?" Tomoeh asked Nathan one morning after Nathan had returned from patrol and Tomoeh was feeding Scarlet.
"Sure. What's on your mind?"
"Your brothers live out east right?"
"Yeah, they live in Connecticut."
"Maybe we should go visit them for a change," Tomoeh suggested. "I know it's not 'south' but it's definitely different. Remember how you were telling me about all the sites they have that way? The Statue of Liberty, Washington D.C. and so on?"
"The Statue of Liberty is in New York and Washington D.C. is right between Virginia and Maryland. That's a good three day train ride from Connecticut as I recall. I don't know if Kyle or Kevin would have the time to spare to show us around quite to that extent."
"Who said we needed them to?" Tomoeh smiled. She got up from her chair, never ceasing feeding Scarlet, and walked across the room to Nathan. "We can spend some time in Connecticut and travel from there. Maybe Natalie and Jae can come. Toroeh and Rae would love to come I know. Then Sharisa could come and we can all enjoy a big family trip."
"I like the way you think," Nathan smiled. "I don't know about Jae and Natalie, though. Jae has a job to contend with. As far as how to pay for it, I'd have to beg my grandparents for money."
Tomoeh sighed, "I guess that's true. But what if we planned it early in advance? Give us some time to coordinate with everyone so we can all go? Maybe over the summer! Kyle returns every summer anyway, so we can save him the trip and maybe we can catch Kevin before he leaves for Germany again."
"We can run the idea by everyone," Nathan smiled. "Are you alright with making such a long trip with Scarlet?"
"We'd have to be well prepared, certainly," Tomoeh nodded, "but I would hate to take this trip without her. This should be something we all do as a family."
"I agree," Nathan said. He leaned down and gave Tomoeh a kiss. "Let me take a nap and I'll run the idea by the pack tonight. We'll spread the word about it and with any luck, we can make this happen next summer."
"That's so far away," Tomoeh pouted.
"I know," Nathan smiled, "but we'll make it happen. I'll tell you what: if for whatever reason no one agrees, we'll still go. Just us and Scarlet. What do you say?"
"Really?" Tomoeh asked.
"Really. No matter what, you and I will go."
"Okay," Tomoeh smiled wider and looked at Scarlet who was still drinking her milk. "Did you hear that, Scarlet?" Tomoeh whispered to Scarlet, who opened her eyes and looked up at Tomoeh while she fed. "Daddy's taking us on a little adventure."
Tomoeh blinked and returned her attention to her meal. Nathan and Tomoeh laughed a little and Nathan went to bed to get some much needed sleep. Tomoeh stayed in bed with him and Scarlet who was content to nap right next to Nathan until she woke up and wanted to play. As promised, that night, Nathan brought the matter up with the pack. Natalie was immediately eager for the idea and begged Jae to talk to Hailey to let him go. Travis asked if perhaps he might be able to join which Nathan readily agreed, though Jacob spoke up as the voice of reason and mentioned Nathan should probably bring it up with Kevin and Kyle next they were on patrol and make sure with Edward or Carlisle that they'd be willing to front the money for the trip.
That night, Kevin and Kyle were unavailable. They had a wedding to attend for Dr. McCarthy's daughter. The ceremony was at 1 at a massive Methodist church where the guest list seemed to span towards 500 or more. Out of pure curiosity, Kevin asked Kyle how many of the guests in attendance actually knew the bride or groom personally. The answer was 50. The rest were business associates of the groom, the father of the groom, father of the bride, friends of the parents, their guests, as well as guests to the business associates. Kyle and Kevin located Sgt. Stanley and his wife and eagerly sat beside them desperate for a familiar face in a room full of strangers.
"Your highness," Sgt. Stanley teased. "It's been too long."
"It really has," Kevin said and hugged the man. "How've you been?"
"Never better," Sgt. Stanley said. "And Kyle. How has school been?"
"Never dull," Kyle smiled and hugged Sgt. Stanley. "Not much longer and I'll finally be a graduate."
"One can only hope," Sgt. Stanley teased then turned to the woman beside him. "Gloria, this is Sgt. Kevin William Black and his little brother Kyle Black. Soon to be Kyle Black M.D." Kyle grinned a little.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Gloria smiled and stepped forward to greet Kevin and Kyle. "Henry speaks glowingly of you to say the least. And I never got to personally thank you for your heroism, Sergeant. If it weren't for you, I'd have lost my nephew and my husband in one blow. The debt we owe you could never be repaid."
"Nonsense, Mrs. Stanley," Kevin smiled. "It was the least I could do for the man that took me under his wing. If I owe anyone a debt of gratitude, it's your husband and nephew."
"Now, Sergeant, don't be so modest," Mrs. Stanley smiled. "And please call me Gloria. As far as I'm concerned, you're a part of the family."
"It's an honor, Gloria," Kevin smiled.
"And Kyle," Gloria turned to Kyle. "My husband speaks fondly of you too. He says you are just like Kevin if he had a semblance foresight." Everyone in the group laughed.
"I am more cautious than Kevin, I'll admit," Kyle continued to laugh. "Though I admit I'm grateful for his bravery. Not to mention his charm. It's what earned me a spot at Yale."
"Yes," Gloria giggled. "I've heard quite an earful about that charm from my brother. He and Geoff speak frequently and apparently Geoff's been complaining that his wife has a little crush on you."
"Oh, he has nothing to worry about," Kevin reassured with a smile. "I'd ne'er be able to hold a candle to Mr. Huntington."
Gloria giggled, "Oh, Kevin, you're too much. I believe I see the source of his complaints."
"He's a charmer to be sure," Sgt. Stanley chuckled. "I suspect that's partially why Alex thought he'd do well as a lawyer. The boy could charm a nun to forget her virtue."
"Oh, don't say such things, Henry," Gloria giggled. "It's blasphemous." As they were talking, Mr. and Mrs. Huntington came down the aisle and noticed them in the pew.
"Sergeant!" Mrs. Huntington announced eagerly and went to their pew. "I'm so pleased we found you. Why, there's so many people here it could be its own town."
"When you're right, Helen, you're right," Kevin joked and took her hand to kiss it. "As always, it's a pleasure to see you."
"The pleasure's all mine as always, dear Sergeant," Mrs. Huntington smiled.
"I assume you are Kevin's little brother?" Mr. Huntington stepped in looking right at Kyle and offering his hand which Kyle accepted in a shake.
"Yes, sir. Kyle Black. I'm attending Yale for medicine."
"So I've heard," Mr. Huntington smiled. "You seem to be a multitalented bunch. I hear good things about you from Kevin."
"I hear quite a bit about you too, sir," Kyle said. "How has he been for business?"
"Better than I ever hoped," Mr. Huntington praised. "I've never seen a man better able to charm information from people and catch them off guard. He's a savvy prosecutor and defender."
"You honor me, sir," Kevin smiled.
"Kevin has always been a persuasive man. Has he ever told you of the time he convinced our poor sister to kiss a frog?"
Sgt. Stanley laughed, "Ah, yes, I recall that story. Please, Kevin, tell your boss of your cruel prank."
"Well," Kevin said, "My aunt had told us the story of the princess and the frog and, seeing as our grandfather is chief of a tribe and our father the successor, I may have implied that, technically speaking, Natalie being a princess of sorts might possibly make a frog prince a possibility for her. She's the one that concluded that meant she should kiss a frog."
"You sly devil," Mr. Huntington chuckled. "That's what I like about you, Black. You could convince a polar bear to buy ice."
"I pride myself on that sir," Kevin smiled. "So tell me: how well do you know the bride?"
"Not at all," Mr. Huntington chuckled. "I'm friends with her father."
"Likewise," Kevin smiled. "Will you be sitting with us?"
"I'd not turn down the offer," Mr. Huntington agreed and he and Helen finally took their seats at the pew. Kevin, Kyle and the Stanleys also took their seats.
It was another fifteen minutes before the ceremony went underway. The groom and his groomsmen came in first going to the altar for the ceremony. Finally, music began to fill the church and a little girl came down the aisle tossing flower petals from side to side. She was followed by a little boy carrying a pillow with rings and after that came the line of bridesmaids in huge pink dresses and bouquets of spring flowers of all sorts of colors. The bride finally made her way down with Dr. McCarthy walked her there. He appeared emotional. It was the first time Kevin had seen the man in such a mood and Kevin smiled for him. The bride looked happy too from what he was able to see under the veil. Everyone sat in silence while the ceremony went underway. It was a rather brief ceremony in truth. The priest gave a quick speech, the couple said their vows, and they were told they were married and could kiss. When they kissed, the room erupted with applause and good cheer.
The bridal party left the church to take pictures and the guests were encouraged to make their way to the dining hall where the reception would take place. Everyone was given seating placements with their names on little cards. Dr. McCarthy was kind enough to ensure that Kevin and Kyle were seated with Sgt. Stanley and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Huntington sat at that table as well.
"This is certainly one of the fanciest weddings we've ever been to," Kyle said mostly to himself as he looked around the venue.
"How are weddings practiced where you're from, Sergeant?" Mrs. Huntington said.
"Always on the beach in front of a bonfire," Kevin smiled. "We're a simpler bunch."
"That sounds lovely," Mrs. Stanley said. "I think a wedding on the beach would be romantic."
"Certainly," Mrs. Huntington swooned. "The wind in your hair and the site of the shore with the waves crashing? I think that would be a dream."
"This young woman you speak of, Kevin," Mr. Huntington said. "What was her name?"
"Amber Dymek," Kevin said.
"Ah, yes. She's the one in Germany is she not?"
"Correct," Kevin nodded.
"Will you be having such a wedding with her or do you imagine her parents will expect something more traditional?"
"I would think we'd do both," Kevin answered. As they spoke, Lt. McCarthy walked over to their table.
"There you are, Sergeant," Lt. McCarthy said. "I knew dad had invited you so I wanted to make sure I said hello to you." Kevin stood from the table to greet Lt. McCarthy.
"It's a pleasure to see you," Kevin smiled. "Thank you for inviting me. The wedding was lovely. I didn't realize you had a sister."
"She's my step-sister," Lt. McCarthy said. "Her real father's been dead for years and she looks to my dad as though he were her father anyway."
"I'm happy to hear Dr. McCarthy was able to do that," Kevin smiled. "Regardless, the wedding was beautiful. Congratulations to her."
"I'll make sure to let her know," Lt. McCarthy said. "Father tells me you're working for Mr. Huntington now?"
"He certainly is," Mr. Huntington smiled. "And hello to you too, boy."
Lt. McCarthy chuckled, "I'm sorry, sir, I hadn't gotten to you. How have you been?"
"Well, thank you," Mr. Huntington said. "Will you be sitting at the bridal table?"
"No, but we're sitting beside it. Only the bridal party is sitting at the main table."
"Did the groom attend Yale by chance?" Kevin asked.
"He did, but it wasn't for law. Once he graduated, he became a banker and he's been doing really well in the stock market."
"That's good news," Kevin smiled. "What have you been up too?"
"I work at a law firm in New York," Lt. McCarthy said. "As much as I love Connecticut, I love New York more. Have you been to New York? Besides to get on and off a boat to Europe."
"Yes, I've visited the Hamptons," Kevin said. "A co-worker and good friend of mine has family that live up there and he's invited me to Christmas parties up there and his wedding."
"Ah, yes, the Austrian was he? What was his name?"
"Alphonse Heidelberg," Kevin said.
"Yes, that was his name," Lt. McCarthy said. "Father said you two had become thick as thieves."
"We are very good friends, yes," Kevin nodded. "His wedding is the only wedding I've been to that was fancier than this."
"He's an aristocrat, so I would sure as hell hope so," Lt. McCarthy chuckled.
"He married a Russian princess no less. Granted, one of far too many, but a princess all the same," Kevin joked.
"Russia isn't a monarchy anymore, so I don't see how much good that does them," Lt. McCarthy chuckled. "How are they?"
"Bitterly putting up with one another," Kevin answered bluntly.
"That's a shame," Lt. McCarthy said. Then an announcement came that the bride and groom would be arriving soon, so Lt. McCarthy excused himself from the group and went to his table.
The remainder of the night, dinner was served, dessert was served as well as a slice of cake followed by coffee. Mrs. Huntington and Mrs. Stanley both insisted that Kevin dance with them after they danced with their husbands. Kyle spoke with a few guests from time to time, but kept largely in Sgt. Stanley's company since he was the one he knew and was comfortable with. That is until one of the bridesmaids noticed Kyle and began to flirt with him for the remainder of the night. Sgt. Stanley, assuming he'd give Kyle a chance to have fun, walked away and allowed the two of them to be alone. Kyle learned the woman's name was Clarice, she was a friend of the bride from finishing school, she was 18 and that she lived in New Haven with her parents.
Eventually, Clarice convinced Kyle to dance with her, so the two went to the dance floor and waltzed (loosely speaking) to whatever music played. The bride had convinced Dr. McCarthy to allow jazz to play at points through the night, so the younger guests enjoyed more riveting dancing while keeping in mind they were in a room of their elders. Clarice's poufy pink dress made real jazz dancing impossible, so she settled for being spun around over and over until she started getting dizzy and asked Kyle to allow her to sit. Kyle sat with her while she got a hold of herself and spoke more about one another. Eventually, Clarice was needed by the bridal party again for pictures but made Kyle promise that they would see one another again. Seeing no reason not to, Kyle agreed they could meet the following Saturday for a walk in the park. Clarice agreed and went off to join the bridal party. As Kevin and Kyle were leaving, Kevin gave Kyle a small nudge.
"So who was your little friend?" Kevin asked.
"She's one of the bridesmaids. Her name's Clarice."
"You two certainly looked like you were having fun," Kevin smiled.
"She's a nice girl," Kyle agreed. The straight face and tone told Kevin everything he needed to know.
"Not your imprint?"
"Nope," Kyle said and shrugged. "That doesn't mean we can't go on a date, right?"
"That's true," Kevin said. "Maybe you'll really like her."
"You never know."
"So when are you seeing her again?"
"Next Saturday," Kyle said.
"She's not engaged already is she?" Kevin teased and Kyle shoved Kevin in the shoulder.
"No, I already checked," Kyle said. "She's single."
"Good. Last thing you want is to invest time and sleep with her in the library only to discover she's spoken for and you're the 'other man'," Kevin continued to tease.
"I already read her mind. She's not engaged."
"Good to hear," Kevin said. "Seeing as you've read her mind, do you suspect this will be serious?"
"No," Kyle said bluntly and Kevin chuckled.
"Sometimes it surprises me how mean you can be," Kevin said.
"I'm not being mean, I'm being honest," Kyle defended. "She's a nice girl and I'm sure we'll have fun, but she's not the kind of woman I want to marry."
"Everyone's always saying they want to meet the woman that'll win me over. I want to know the woman that will win you over."
"So do I," Kyle chuckled. "She's probably somewhere far off in some remove location of Asia where I'll never find her."
"Don't think like that," Kevin said.
"You found your imprint in the middle of nowhere, so it's not as though my suspicion is unlikely."
"Sure, but if you have that attitude than you'll really never find her," Kevin smiled reassuringly. "I didn't realize you were waiting for your imprint."
"I'm not so sure I am," Kyle said. "I'm just not really interested in getting married. I have better things to do right now."
"You're not wrong on that," Kevin said. "I guess have fun, but don't get her pregnant."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Kyle said. "Besides, I doubt it'll get that far. She's very old fashioned."
"So nothing until she's married?"
"Pretty much," Kyle said.
"Well, you never know. Just be safe either way. Did you want to go on patrol tonight?"
"No," Kyle said. "I just want to go home and sleep."
"Likewise," Kevin agreed.
The following night, Kevin and Kyle did go on patrol and were finally told of Tomoeh's idea for a bunch of them to come out east to visit over the summer. Kyle agreed that was a great idea and Kevin agreed he'd be able to spend nights with everyone before leaving for Germany and maybe Kyle could go with everyone from state to state for all the sites Tomoeh wanted to see. Seeing as this was a trip that would need to be Cullen funded, they all agreed it would be next summer assuming they could get Grandpa Edward to lend them to money for the trip. Chances are he would. In the morning, Nathan relayed the good news to Tomoeh and she was elated by the news. She put Scarlet on their bed with a toy and went to the atlas Nathan had and brought it to the bed.
"So we'd be in Connecticut," Tomoeh said while looking at the map, starting to plan. "You said the Statue of Liberty was in New York and Washington D.C. was in Virginia?"
"Washington D.C.'s between Virginia and Maryland," Nathan corrected and sat on the bed bedside her. He started playing with Scarlet and Roxanne jumped on the bed to join.
"So maybe, what we can do is start in Connecticut and take the trains down the states until we reach Maryland. Are there any other special places we can visit?"
"I've heard of a place called Sleepy Hollow that was made famous thanks to a story. I'm pretty sure that's in New York. "There's another place that's really famous that way called Salem, but that's in Massachusetts I believe."
"Why's that place famous?"
"It's famous for its witch hunts back when this country was still a colony of England. Heretics were being accused left and right and it's become well known for that piece of history."
"That sounds interesting," Tomoeh said. "They don't still do that do they?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Nathan chuckled. "Why? Are you a witch?"
"Maybe," Tomoeh joked and they laughed together. "Maybe we should start by going north and work our way down. We have the whole summer, right?"
"Maybe that's something you and I can do," Nathan suggested. "If you're willing to sit on my back while I run with Scarlet in a blanket, I can get us there in no time and we can spend the day there."
"Could we really?" Tomoeh perked up. "That would be so much fun! Do you suppose your grandparents have anything we can check in their library so we can plan where to go?"
"I'll ask Kyle and Kevin to give us some pamphlets and anything else they can giving some up to date tourist attractions," Nathan smiled. "That way we can start planning."
"This is so exciting," Tomoeh smiled. "I can't wait for this trip. I wish we could do it this summer."
"I know, but we'll go next year for sure," Nathan smiled. "By then, Scarlet will be a little older and easier to bring with. Isn't that right, Scarlet?"
Scarlet made a loud, happy screech grabbing for her toy and from Roxanne licking her toes. Nathan and Tomoeh laughed and kept playing with Scarlet. By now, Scarlet was starting to say words when it suited her fancy, though most of the time, it was mommy or daddy. That seemed to get the desired attention most of the time. She was able to stand by herself now, but she couldn't walk very far before falling back on her butt. She was determined, though, and would keep practicing trying to follow Nathan or Tomoeh around the house or on the beach. One of them was always very close when she tried walking on the beach since the rocks were not so forgiving as their wood floors or the dirt. Something Nathan and Jacob loved to do was climb trees with Scarlet in tow so she could enjoy a nice view.
"Did you want to come with us on that trip?" Nathan asked Jacob when they were in a huge tree on neighboring branches with Scarlet sharing a branch with Jacob.
"No, you kids have fun," Jacob said. "I've seen all of the east coast I could want to see. If I'm being honest, I'd rather go with your mother, but she can't leave for that long."
"Not unless Kyle's there to take over," Nathan finished. "That'll be a nightmare to coordinate if Kevin and Amber get married in Germany or something."
"I would like to think he'd put his foot down and insist the wedding be here," Jacob said, catching Scarlet so she wouldn't fall while she tried reaching for a bird.
"Careful Little Red Tree," Nathan smiled and reached over to pat Scarlet on the head. She smiled and grabbed for Nathan's hand. "Amber won't let that happen," Nathan said confidently. "She told Kevin that him going to Germany would be a last resort. I trust that she was adamant about that."
"I know she is," Jacob said. "It's Kevin I'm worried about."
"Don't let it bother you, dad," Nathan said. "They haven't even told her parents what's going on so there's no point in worrying about it."
"Alright," Jacob sighed. "So Tomoeh's really excited about this trip?"
"She is," Nathan said. "It's some traveling that we can all do together as a family. I think when Scarlet's older, we'll try visiting south at least once."
"South is a very broad term, don't you think?" Jacob said.
"I want to visit a broad range," Nathan said. "But one thing at a time, right?"
"Exactly," Jacob smiled and finally handed Scarlet over to Nathan. "Maybe give her a chance to master the art of walking before going so far away."
Nathan laughed, "She's coming along. Aren't you, Scarlet?"
Scarlet's answer was a little giggle while she had her fingers in her mouth. Roxanne was wondering around the woods circling the tree Jacob and Nathan were in. Scarlet's attention went every which direction whether she was staring down at Roxanne or looking out on the view or staring at birds flying by.
"Maybe when she's older," Nathan started while Scarlet grabbed for a bird she saw in the sky that she couldn't reach, "I can ask Embry to take Scarlet flying. I think she'd like that."
"I'm sure she would," Jacob smiled. "We can make a little seat or belt for her so she doesn't fall off. Or at least make sure she's near the water so she doesn't get hurt."
"Eventually," Nathan smiled and bounced Scarlet up and down. "One adventure at a time though."
Wanting to ensure he had the money for a visit to Germany, Kevin went to the horse tracks to bet until he had the money he needed. Alphonse and Anastasia joined him and watched the horse race and, since it was after school, Kyle joined as well. Kevin suggested Kyle invite Clarice, but Kyle insisted he'd rather just wait until the following day when they were already due to meet. Not wanting to be there too long, Kevin bet money on one horse, cheated like he always did, and they were finished at the tracks within an hour, so they all went out to dinner together afterwards. Kevin had some money to spare from his winnings so he paid for dinner.
The following day, Kyle met Clarice at the park as they'd agreed. They were joined by Clarice's brother and the three of them walked through the park talking. Though it became imminently apparent that this wasn't a date so much as it was an interview. The brother was pleased to hear Kyle was studying to be a doctor and did most of the talking from that point. However, Kyle's family background eventually came up and, upon learned Kyle was half Indian, the brother found any excuse to end the date and took Clarice home. Kyle didn't hear or see from her again after that. Aside from the initial sting of being slightly offended, Kyle didn't let the incident bother him and returned to his studies.
Then, finally, summer came again. Upon completion of his tests, Kyle made the run back to Washington while Kevin remained in Connecticut to prepare for his trip to Germany. As always, all his cases and clients were to defer to Alphonse in the event of emergencies and Olga would help as much as possible. Months prior, Kevin had written his official letter to Amber's parents requesting he be able to come and visit. He'd received their consent just after the wedding and he'd already began planning. After he'd made sure everything would be taken care of while he was gone, Kevin bought his boat ticket and he left that Saturday of his time off. As usual, it took two days by boat to arrive at Le Havre and he stayed the night before taking the train to Berlin. He arrived in Berlin ahead of schedule, arriving on Tuesday evening. It was dark out and most of the train station employees save for a handful of directors and security were gone for the day. Kevin checked the large clock in the center of the station that read 8:50 in the evening.
With his luggage in tow, Kevin made the walk from the train station to the candle shop which was closed by now. So Kevin walked around the shop to the side door. He could see lights coming from the small windows of the living room. He didn't want to be rude, so rather than let himself in with the spare key, he knocked on the door and waited for an answer. He heard movement on the other side of the door and was met by Levi who greeted him with a smile.
"Kevin," Levi said. "Come in. We weren't expecting you so late at night."
Kevin smiled back and stepped in. "The train arrived ahead of schedule. I hope this isn't a bad time."
"Not at all," Levi answered and closed the door behind them. Anna and Amber had come out of the candle room and Amber rushed over and gave Kevin a hug.
"Welcome back," she said. "How was your trip?"
"Calm," Kevin answered as he hugged Amber back. "It's good to see everyone again."
"You must be exhausted after your trip," Anna said. "Levi, help Kevin get all his luggage upstairs. Are you hungry Kevin? We still have a little food left over from dinner."
"That would be lovely, Anna, thank you," Kevin smiled at Anna before taking some of his luggage and following Levi upstairs to the guest room. By the time he came back downstairs, dinner had been warmed up for him and they all sat at the table together to catch up.
Kevin noticed, briefly, that Amber was wearing the bracelet he'd made her. They shared a look and smile when Anna and Levi weren't looking and Kevin told Anna and Levi about work and anything new that was happening with him back home. Sadly, the reunion was brief seeing as it was so late. After Kevin finished his dinner, everyone said goodnight to him as they retreated to their rooms. Kevin and Amber said good night to one another as he had with her parents and retreated to the guest room for the night. He didn't get too comfortable, however. He had a feeling Amber would want to greet him in her own way. And as he hoped she would, Kevin heard a gentle knock on his bedroom door before Amber let herself in, closed the door behind her and ran into his arms.
Kevin embraced her and their lips met in a kiss while Kevin gently spun around with her in his arms. After a spin, Kevin put her back on her feet but they didn't part their lips. Instead, Amber tightened her arms around his neck while Kevin kept his wrapped around her waist. They continued to kiss, their tongues touching briefly until Kevin took his lips away and kissed her nose.
"That's the welcome I really wanted," Kevin smiled and started to sway Amber back and forth in a gentle movement.
"I couldn't very well give you that welcome in front of mom and daddy," Amber giggled. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Kevin said as he held her close. "I missed you so much."
"Mom hired someone to help man the store like she promised," Amber smiled. "So we'll be able to spend more time together."
"Good," Kevin said.
"I'll still need to carve and paint, but at least you can be in the room with me."
"We can read together," Kevin pointed out with a smile. "Did you want to read Jane Austin or how about we read one of those monster novels we'd gotten? We can start with Dracula."
"I'm fine with whichever," Amber smiled.
"Has a rush started yet?"
"Yes," Amber said. "Lots of weddings, lots of parties and lots of birthdays. We've been getting a lot of the same clients but they've been paying the bills, so I'll not complain."
"That's what counts," Kevin chuckled. "So will this kid be working for the summer?"
"Just the summer," Amber said. "We get a small boost during the winter for Christmas and Hanukah, but that's nothing mom and I can't handle ourselves. As it is, the only reason we hired the other guy is so you and I could visit."
"Well, now I feel bad," Kevin chuckled. "Would you like me to pay him for you?"
"You don't have to," Amber giggled. "I appreciate the offer, but you don't have to."
"Maybe I'll slip him some money," Kevin joked.
"No, don't do that," Amber smiled. "We wouldn't want him thinking you're the boss."
"Fair enough," Kevin chuckled. They held one another and swayed from side to side after that, just enjoying being together. Were she to have allowed it, Amber might have fallen asleep in Kevin's arms, but she didn't want the night to end preemptively. So Amber lifted her head to look up at Kevin and he looked down at her. She wasn't sure if she was managing to look at him seductively, but the look he was giving her seemed lost in her eyes. She bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath.
"Have you received all my letters?" Amber asked.
"You know I have," Kevin smiled and touched his nose to hers. "Did you receive the last letter I sent you?"
"Yes," Amber said and blushed. "You don't ever get very explicit in your letters."
"I prefer to be romantic on paper," Kevin smiled. "Now, in practice," Kevin started and brushed his lips against Amber's in a quick kiss. "In practice, I can be a little more forward." Kevin kissed her again, making it last a little longer. Amber sighed at the taste of Kevin's lips then sighed again when he pulled away. "It's late, though. We'd better get to bed for the night."
"I don't want to go to bed yet," Amber protested. Kevin smiled and kissed Amber again.
"I love you, Amber," Kevin said. "Let me walk you back to your room."
"Kevin," Amber said. "I don't want to go to bed yet."
"I know," Kevin smiled. He gave her one more kiss and lifted her off her feet when he did. He started walking for the door and pulled his lips away so he could glance into the hallway before stepping out. Amber kept quiet until Kevin had her at the door of her bedroom. Kevin was about to pull away when they were in front of her room, but Amber grabbed his hand and brought him into her room. She closed the door and went to her little dresser where the music box Kevin had given her sat. She took a moment to rewind the box so it would play for a while and opened it, bringing the music of Canon D into the room.
"At least dance with me before bed," Amber requested with her hand offered to him. Kevin smiled and accepted in, taking her into his arms and swaying with her side to side. "This is nice."
"It is," Kevin smiled. "How about we waltz?" Kevin suggested. He went to the music box and closed it so he could them push a song into Amber's head. It was the Spring Waltz by Chopin.
"I didn't know you knew how to waltz," Amber smiled as they swayed gently to the music Kevin played for them in their heads.
"I don't," Kevin smiled. "I'm just copying what I saw at Alphonse's wedding." Amber and Kevin laughed under their breath to keep quiet as they danced in the small space careful not to hit anything.
"Well, you could have fooled me," Amber smiled. "This seems like something your mom's side of the family would have taught you."
"No one on my mom's side was a high enough status in life where they would have been required to learn how to waltz. At most, Uncle Carlisle was son to a pastor and Carlisle's life studies focused entirely on the church and French. He tells us he had a French Governess and everything."
"Did he?"
"Yes," Kevin said. "I want to say he said her name was Adelle, but don't quote me. Or wait….was Adelle his mother's name?"
"I don't know," Amber giggled.
"Never mind," Kevin smiled. "All that's important is he had a French Governess and he adored her like a mother."
"She never quite got rid of his English accent, though, did she?" Amber teased.
"Carlisle's accent is truer to culture than grandpa's. Grandpa grew up on a farm and his natural accent makes Oliver Twist sound like a gentleman."
"Who's Oliver Twist?"
"It's a character from a novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. Oliver is a poor child and has what's called a cockney accent. That's, in effect, they accent Grandpa has naturally. So try to picture someone with that accent trying to learn high class English and French at the same time."
"Does he still speak that way?"
"No," Kevin said. "He and Carlisle have lived in America for so long that they have accents closer to American. More so Midwestern accents, but you can still hear that little bit of British if you pay attention."
"Does your father have an accent? English isn't his first language right?"
"He has a little bit of an accent," Kevin said. "He's been speaking English long enough that it's diminished quite a bit, but you can still hear it if you pay attention. My Grandma Bella even has the littlest bit of a Scottish accent, but it's mostly Midwestern. She'll just say things a little weird from time to time."
"Sounds to me like you were raised with at least five versions of English," Amber smiled.
"Pretty much," Kevin chuckled and kissed the top of Amber's head. "Once you start learning English, we can add a thick German accent to that mix for our kids."
Amber smiled at the thought. "How many languages do you suppose our poor children will be forced to learn? English and Hebrew of course."
"Hebrew? Oh, right, for their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. English because it's the language back home. They'll need to learn Quileute. My grandparents will expect to teach them French. It would be a disservice not to help them learn German. Would they be fluent in Hebrew?"
"Not fluent," Amber said. "Just able to read from the Torah and say a few prayers."
"Is that all the more Hebrew you know?"
"Yes," Amber smiled. "I can say my prayers and I can read, but if one were to put money on my lapel and drop me in Israel, I can't say I'd last very long."
"Sounds like my proficiency in Latin," Kevin joked.
"You speak Latin?"
"No," Kevin said. "I know Latin and some Greek words thanks to my law degree, but I couldn't speak either. So that puts the languages to at least five languages."
"I only speak two fluently," Amber smiled.
"I only speak four fluently," Kevin said.
"Only four?" Amber began sarcastically. "For shame, Sgt. Black."
"I know, it's dreadful," Kevin joked. By then, he'd stopped playing the song, focusing on their conversation, and they were standing together in each other's arms just talking. "I see we've stopped out waltz."
"We got caught up in more important things," Amber smiled.
"Indeed," Kevin joked. "I should let you get to bed. We've both had a long day. I'll see you in the morning, alright?"
"Alright," Amber finally said reluctantly. Kevin went to the door but before leaving, he turned to face Amber and gave her one last kiss and hug.
"Good night, Amber. I love you."
"I love you too," Amber whispered back, their lips still partially touching. Finally, Kevin let her go and returned to the guest bedroom for the night.
Kevin made sure to close the curtains in the room before getting ready for bed and tucking himself under the covers for the night. He hadn't realized until his head touched the pillow how tired he really was. He fell asleep in an instant. He didn't wake in the morning until he felt something soft and gentle touch his bare arm. He rolled over onto his back while the hand belonging to the arm that was touched reached out for who was touching him. He knew it was Amber. He could smell her alluring, clean smell. When he opened his eyes, Amber smiled down at him.
"Morning, Kevin," Amber smiled.
"Morning, Amber," Kevin replied. "What time is it?"
"Seven," Amber said. "Mom's downstairs getting breakfast ready. Did you want to wash before coming downstairs?"
"That sounds great actually," Kevin said. "I probably stink right now."
"Maybe just a little," Amber teased and leaned down to give Kevin a kiss. "A nice shower will clear that right up."
"Do you know what's for breakfast?"
"Coffee and toast as I recall. Mom made elderberry jam a few weeks ago and she's been eager to show it off to someone other than daddy."
"Sounds good," Kevin smiled and lifted his head to kiss Amber again. "I'll meet you downstairs."
"Alright," Amber smiled and kissed Kevin one more time then left the room to go downstairs.
Kevin retrieved a fresh pair of clothes and went to the bathroom to wash up for the day. He was cleaned and dressed in about 10 minutes and then met everyone downstairs for breakfast.
"Good morning, Kevin," Anna smiled. "How did you sleep?"
"Like the dead," Kevin smiled. "I actually had not realized how tired I really was until I got into bed."
"I'm glad to hear you slept well," Levi said. "So, Kevin. Shall we plan for the Beer hall?"
"This Friday evening?" Kevin smiled.
"Excellent," Levi smiled. "It's a date." Kevin and Levi shared a light laugh.
"Remember, you two. No more than three beers," Anna warned.
"Of course, Anna," Levi smiled. "Not a drop more." Kevin and Amber shared the briefest knowing look, but Amber was silently warning Kevin not to go overboard.
"You've nothing to worry about, Anna," Kevin reassured. "I'll make sure we don't have too much fun."
"Thank you, Kevin," Anna smiled. "So Amber, you'll be working on some rose soaps today, right?"
"Yes," Amber said. "We need ten more for the front, right?"
"Yes, ten," Anna nodded. "Also, but wedding painting too. How far are you on that?"
"I have everything outlined and I'm working on the background. I'm added little tints of peach for their skin and some brown for their hair, but it'll be mostly black and white like the picture."
"Try not to take too much creative license," Anna warned. "Although, might I recommend adding brown to their eyes as well? They both have brown eyes."
"Alright, I'll do the eyes too," Amber said.
"And don't you worry, Kevin. We hired a young man to work for the summer, so you can enjoy your time here without lifting a finger."
"That's very kind of you, Anna," Kevin smiled. "I'm still happy to assist should I be needed."
"Not at all, Kevin. You're on vacation. You enjoy it," Anna insisted. "Please, be honest. How is the jam? It's my first time making it."
"Delicious, Anna," Kevin praised after taking a bite of his bread with the jam spread on it.
After Breakfast, Levi got ready to leave and Anna saw him off with his lunch and a loving kiss goodbye. Then she went to the storefront and got things ready before opening for the day. The young man they'd hired, a boy named Fritz, arrived just before opening time. Amber remained in the back and Kevin retrieved the copy of Dracula and started to read to her while she was carving the roses.
"Hold on," Amber said. "Now, I realize this man has never heard of or seen a vampire before. But how does he not know something is terribly wrong with Dracula? To say the man has been creepy is the least I can say."
"He knows there's something strange," Kevin smiled. "He just doesn't know what's wrong."
"I would think the specifics would be irrelevant if you're stuck in the man's house and you just saw him climb up a wall with babies. I can't believe he didn't assume Dracula was possessed at the very least. That would be my first guess."
"Would it?" Kevin chuckled.
"Well, what other conclusion is there? Unless you're telling me your mother's relatives can walk up walls like spiders, I'm at a loss to think what else it could be."
"I'm sure my mom's family could climb up walls if needed, but not the way this story is depicting," Kevin chuckled. "Vampires were a rather new concept for the English at the time. At least in this context."
"Didn't your Uncle Carlisle hunt vampires? I would think to hunt vampires, you have to know what they are."
"Sure, but they just referred to them as demons as far as I'm aware. Truthfully, I'm not sure that's a detail Carlisle would remember. As far as I know, he had some vampires cornered in the sewers and one came up out of desperation and that vampire bit him and he changed and went into hiding."
"How did he escape the mob?"
"He said the vampire that bit him kept him in hiding. Carlisle says that vampire had considered it karmic retribution. The ultimate irony."
"It's certainly ironic; I'll agree with that. How did he handle it?"
"Terribly. He says he stayed in the woods for weeks trying to avoid people so he wouldn't kill anyone. He felt so terrible about what he'd been forced to become. He attacked a deer out of desperate thirst and had the epiphany that he could drink animal blood instead of human blood. To this day, I don't think he's ever had a drop of human blood."
"That's commendable," Amber smiled. "What about your grandpa?"
"He says he had a rebellious period, so he's had human blood. He returned to Carlisle eventually, though and hasn't had human blood since he changed my grandma. It's a much more complicated family dynamic that Dracula and a clutch of brides I think."
"He has brides?"
"Yeah. The women that had attacked John remember?"
"Those were his brides?"
"Yeah," Kevin said.
"Huh," Amber said awkwardly. "He can't very well claim he's lonely."
"Indeed not," Kevin smiled. "Shall I continue?"
"Sure," Amber smiled and Kevin continued with the story. Once Amber had finished all the roses, Kevin stopped reading and helped her get the roses to the front of the store and put them on display. Then Kevin met the young man that was helping them.
"Morning," Kevin said to the boy. He was in his mid-teens for sure and was working on wrapping a candle a woman had just purchased.
"Good morning," the boy answered.
Aside from some brief small talk, the two didn't speak much before Kevin returned to the back with Amber. He returned to reading while Amber focused on painting. She finished all of the background and parts of the couple by the end of the day and Kevin finished reading by the time the store closed.
"So?" Kevin asked. "What did you think?"
"It had it's good points, but parts were dreadfully boring."
"You mean like Mina memorizing the train schedule," Kevin said with a humored smile.
"Yes," Amber grumbled. "I think I need something more interesting after that."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Let's just reread Pride and Prejudice. If the other monster stories we got are as dull as Dracula, I don't know if I can handle it."
"You're a cruel critic," Kevin teased. "Alright, we'll read Pride and Prejudice. We'll try to read something new after that."
"Agreed," Amber smiled. "I think I'll stop for now. I can keep going after dinner."
"Maybe wait to finish until tomorrow," Kevin encouraged. "You share my bad habit of overworking yourself. Alphonse isn't the only one who's slept overnight at the office before."
"I thought Alphonse only did that to avoid Ana," Amber said.
"Mostly, but it is a good chance to get some extra work done. I will usually only do that if I have court coming up and I need to get all my notes and evidence organized."
"What's the most exciting case you've ever handled?" Amber asked.
"I wouldn't call any of the cases I've worked on 'exciting'. I'm just a business lawyer. I've really only defended and prosecuted white collar criminals. Remember what I told you about the difference between Malum In Se and Malum Prohibitum?"
"Vaguely, but go on."
"In se means the crime is dangerous and considered morally reprehensible. Prohibitum refers to a crime that is only seen as against the law but doesn't necessarily brake a moral code per se. That's all I've dealt with is Prohibitum. I've not dealt with a crime malum in se thus far in my career."
"Would you like to?"
Kevin took a moment to think about his answer. "Work load wise, I can't say I'd wish that on anyone and it's a morally shaky ground to say the least. If you defend a man that's innocent of the crime then you're a hero. If you defend a man that's very clearly guilty than you become the morally reprehensible one. On the other hand, nothing promotes a lawyer's prowess quite like a murder trial."
"I don't know how you do it," Amber said.
"I ask myself the same question sometimes," Kevin smiled. "In this line of work, you need a thick skin. I've got that in spades."
"Clearly," Amber said and smiled reassuringly. " How about I teach you how to carve a candle?"
"That's alright, Amber," Kevin chuckled. "I wouldn't want you wasting good wax on teaching a blind man to read."
"Oh, don't say that," Amber smiled. "You'll do just fine. With me teaching you, you'll be guaranteed to do well." Amber grabbed one of the star shaped tapers and brought it to the wax vats. "Let's start with your color scheme."
"Um…" Kevin got up from his seat and stared at the selection of colors and drew a blank. "What do you recommend?"
"Think of something pleasant," Amber said. "Think of a collection of colors that you think look nice together."
Kevin stared at the colors until he finally had an idea. "How about a sunset? We can start with blues and move through to yellows, oranges, pinks and purples."
"See? I think that's a great idea. So to get that effect, we'll start with the darkest blue and work our way up."
With Amber's guidance, Kevin dipped the candle in ascending colors of blue and green with two layers of white dividing the sunset with ended with a deep purple. After that, Amber brought Kevin to the carving station and helped him cut off the drippings of wax. She showed him how to quickly turn it into a mushroom shaped candle and tossed it in the water to cool while they got to work on the main candle. Kevin said he'd do the Sea Side design and Amber guided him through the cuts and curls. She showed him how to carve out a seashell between two of the curls of wax and curled some strips carved out until they looked like colorful barber poles. After it was done, Amber quickly dipped it in the water, flattened it on the hot iron plate, and dipped it in the acrylic bath to seal the finish and hung it to dry. Once that was all done, the two of them stared at the candle and Amber smiled proudly.
"I think you did a great job," Amber smiled.
"You did most of the work," Kevin said.
"I only guided you," Amber said. "You did all the carving and you did great."
"Really?" Kevin asked.
"Yes, really. In fact, I like it so much, I'd like to buy it from you."
"You don't have to buy it," Kevin smiled. "I'll give it to you as a present."
"Thank you," Amber smiled. Just then, Anna walked in, overhearing the conversation, and looked at the candle.
"That looks wonderful, Kevin," Anna said. "You did a marvelous job."
"Thank you, Anna," Kevin smiled.
"Kevin even said I could keep it," Amber smiled.
"Oh, well that's sweet of him," Anna said. "Dinner will be ready soon just so you're aware."
"Thank you, Anna," Kevin said. "I'm famished."
"After reading all day, I bet you are," Anna giggled and left to return to the kitchen. In that moment, Amber had a realization.
"Oh my God, you didn't have lunch!" Amber said in a slightly raised voice.
"Don't worry about it, Amber. You were working and I was enjoying reading to you. We just got sidetracked."
"Still, if you were hungry, I wish you would have said something."
"I promise, Amber, next time I'm hungry, I'll tell you," Kevin reassured.
"You'd better," Amber smiled. Kevin took a moment to double check they were alone and when he was sure, he gave Amber a hug.
Levi returned home minutes later and they all sat down together for dinner. Kevin asked Levi about his day at work and they spoke a little of politics, though Levi remained brief most of the time out of respect for Anna and Amber. After dinner, Kevin, Levi and Anna had coffee in the living room while Amber sat with them and read a magazine. Then when it was late, Levi and Anna decided they would go to bed and encouraged Amber and Kevin, mostly Amber, to do the same. They all said goodnight to one another and retreated to their rooms. Kevin heard a gentle knock at his door a few minutes after he went to his room, but Amber didn't let herself in. In fact, he heard her walking away. Confused, Kevin went to the door and opened it. He heard Amber walking downstairs and realized she had gone to the candle room.
Kevin listened to the happenings in Levi's and Anna's room and, when he didn't hear more than the beginnings of sleep, he quietly left his room and went downstairs to the candle room where he heard Amber. When he was downstairs and went to the candle room, he saw Amber standing in front of the painting she was working on. However, she was in a little cotton nightgown. It was short sleeved, barely going over her shoulders and looked to be made out of a light linen. It was a peach color and went down to just above her ankles. There was the littlest bit of a synch of the fabric just under her breasts, but it remained very loose and mostly undefined. She was even wearing her bracelet and, he was surprised to notice, his dog tags. Kevin smiled and thought she looked adorable. Sadly, that had not been the impression Amber was hoping for. When Kevin walked in, she looked at him and smiled.
"I know you said I should get some sleep, but I really wanted to finish this."
"In the dark?" Kevin asked.
"I can see just fine in moonlight," Amber said. "You can too, right?"
"I'd say so," Kevin smiled and walked in, making sure to close the door behind him. "I see you got yourself comfortable before coming downstairs."
"I see nothing wrong with being comfortable at home," Amber smiled.
"Nothing at all," Kevin chuckled lightly. "You just need to finish painting the couple, right?"
"Yeah," Amber smiled. "Did you want to look?"
"Sure," Kevin said and walked over to her to look at the painting. It was definitely not done yet, but what was completed thus far was beautifully done. "It's beautiful."
"It's almost beautiful," Amber said.
"Did you want me to start reading Pride and Prejudice?"
"No," Amber said. She stopped a moment and appeared rather embarrassed and shy. "I was actually hoping….maybe, you might hold me? Like you talked about in your letters."
"Ah," Kevin said. "So that's what this is about." Kevin walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "So if I hold you, will you stop painting and take a break for the night?"
"Most likely," Amber said. "It would certainly distract me."
"Well then," Kevin smiled and started kissing Amber's neck gently, "I guess that's what I'll do." Kevin took the brush from her hand and plopped it in the water.
"We shouldn't leave it in there too long," Amber said between sighs from the feel of his lips on her skin. "It's bad for the brushes."
"Should I let you clean them first?" Kevin asked between kisses on Amber's neck.
"Just give me a moment," Amber answered and cleaned the brushes while Kevin stopped kissing but continued to hold her. When her brush was clean and dried, she turned in Kevin's arms so she was facing him and wrapped her arms around him. "Now, Kevin, if I recall your letter correctly, you kept saying you didn't want to describe any illicit activities and would rather experience them together. We are together now."
"That's true; we are," Kevin smiled and swayed back and forth with Amber. He moved closer until his nose touched hers. She licked her lips and appeared to become a little nervous. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Amber nodded. In an act of boldness, Amber lifted her head that last bit so they would kiss.
When their lips met, their kiss started tender and sweet, but Amber wanted more. So she pushed her tongue through to gently lick his lip. Kevin parted his lips so their tongues could meet and touch. Their heads tilted in opposing directions to further deepen the kiss. Amber was the first to move her hands from their original spot and she moved them to Kevin's short hair. The feeling of Amber's fingers tickling his scalp while they moved made Kevin shiver and pull her flush against him suddenly. The sudden movement made Amber release a breath and an utterance of surprise, but she did not pull her lips away. In an effort to not knock anything over, Kevin slowly sidestepped away from the easel and closer to the well of water where the candles were carved.
After Kevin moved them, Amber's hands moved further to Kevin's face and rubbed her thumbs tenderly over his jaw as she had previously. She loved the feel of his jaw under her fingers. He had such a strong smooth jaw. Kevin began trailing his hands starting by going up into her hair to do to her what she'd done to him. Her hair was so soft and slightly tangled. Her loose curls added a distinct feel to her hair as Kevin ran his fingers through it. From there, Kevin rubbed his hands over her neck and shoulders trying to feel her skin past the light linen. His hands returned to her waist briefly only to move daringly towards the round flesh of her butt past the linen. She sighed into his mouth from the feel of his hands but Kevin knew what she wanted.
He returned one arm up around her waist while another went from the butt down to her thigh where he began to bunch the fabric of her nightgown. Amber wrapped her arms around Kevin's neck again in excitement and pressed her lips more firmly against his, sucking on his lip and nipped before returning to the previous dueling of tongues. Finally, Kevin had the hem of her dress in his grip so he was able to place his hand on the bare skin of her thigh. Her skin was just as soft as he remembered and she was so warm. Amber shivered when she felt his hand against her skin and she moaned into his mouth. Kevin ended up pressing her against the well and he brushed his hand up to the cheek of her butt making Amber moan again. When she did, Kevin pulled his lips away from hers and began kissing her jaw to her ear down to her neck.
"Much better than trying to explain it, wouldn't you agree?" Kevin whispered in her ear with a gentle lick to the lobe. Amber responded with a shiver and Kevin chuckled. "Now, can I convince you to go upstairs and get some sleep?"
"I don't want to," Amber protested. Kevin smiled and pulled away to look down at her. He glanced down at the dog tags of his that she wore and smiled.
"I can't believe you still have those," Kevin smiled. Amber was initially confused until she glanced down at the dog tags and smiled.
"Of course I do," Amber smiled sweetly. "I keep everything you give me." Kevin smiled at her and felt rather touched. He looked at her neck again and realized she was wearing the star of David he'd given her too. It was just hidden under the collar of her nightgown.
"Same here," Kevin smiled and pulled out the star of David she'd given to him years ago. "I always have to make sure I take it off before shifting so I don't break it, otherwise I'm always wearing it."
"I'm happy to see it," Amber smiled fondly at the necklace. "Do you think she would have loved me? If she'd lived I mean?"
"She would have adored you," Kevin smiled lovingly. "Mrs. Lavoie always said Charlotte wanted to be a mother and you said yourself she smiled at you when she saw you. I think she loved you from the start."
Amber looked slightly teary eyed, but kept smiling. "I hope so," she said. She returned her gaze to Kevin and her smile brightened.
"I know so," Kevin smiled back reassuringly then bent his head down to kiss her again. "Come on, Amber. It's late. Let's get to bed."
"I said I don't want to," Amber said.
Kevin chuckled, "Stubborn. So stubborn." Kevin returned his hands to Amber's hips and gently brushed his thumps over their curves. "Since you refuse to go to bed, did you want to finish painting?"
"No," Amber answered. She looked up at Kevin hopefully. Her eye lashes went on for miles and her lips were so pink and soft. He wanted to tease her more, but looking at her made him lose the desire and patience to.
Kevin smiled at her while he crept closer until their lips met again. He'd long since lost himself to her. Even with the layers of fabric that separated them, he could feel her warmth. The more he tasted of her, the more he craved. But he didn't want to give in just yet. He wanted her desperate just as she'd made him. He wanted to tease them both, sampling and tasting just a little longer. But then, such plans were currently being undermined and he wasn't confident he could withdraw completely. Then he decided they would strike a compromise. With the thought in mind, Kevin smiled just a little and worked to bunch the fabric of her nightgown once again. Amber sighed, triumphantly from what Kevin could tell, and pressed her hands against his chest trying to feel his skin through his shirt. Kevin allowed it, but she'd not get much further than that.
When the fabric was in his hand leaving her leg exposed to the cool air, Kevin hurried to move his hand to her skin to warm her and to feel her. Amber deepened the kiss in response and Kevin gently pressed her against the well once again. This time, however, his hand trailed forward. He rubbed her thigh tenderly and kept his touch light as he moved his hand around. He felt her tremble and his body thrust forward out of carnal instinct. She breathed in sharply through her nose and wrapped her arms around his neck so their lips wouldn't part. Finally, his hand reached just where her thigh met her hip and the delicate fabric that rested there. Amber trembled again but otherwise didn't move. However, this position was proving to be just a little awkward with his hand between them. So Kevin pulled her with him as he walked backwards towards the general direction of the chair. Once the back of his legs hit it, Kevin sat down and pulled Amber down onto his lap. Their lips parted as they descended. Amber barely opened her eyes and returned her lips to Kevin's the instant she was on his lap.
He returned his hand to her thigh where he'd started and worked his way up back to her hip, touching the delicate fabric of her panties. He wrapped his thumb around it and moved back and forth between the fabric and her skin. Amber sighed into his mouth and brought her arms around his neck, but this time she slipped her right hand into the back of his shirt so she could touch his back. Now it was Kevin's turn to take in a sharp breath and groan approvingly. He'd stopped moving his hand suddenly when she did that and didn't move it again until he grew accustomed to her hand on him. He pulled her even closer, or at least attempted to as though he wanted to fuse with her. She moved in his lap a little to adjust and get comfortable. Her movement rubbed his erection, making him ache all the more. Finally, when he moved his hand, he dipped his whole hand into her panties and crept slowly closer to her core.
It made Amber move again in his lap and Kevin groaned. Amber nipped his lip and pushed her tongue against his in response. He decided he'd grown tired of trying to be slow and caressed his hand between her legs that last bit until she whimpered with anticipation. He rubbed his middle finger against her folds and reveled in the warmth and wetness that welcomed his touch. Amber released an audible squeak and brushed her nails against his skin. He didn't want to stop kissing her. He wanted to savor her taste. So rather, he asked silently.
Can I? was all he asked.
Amber managed a muffled, 'Hmhm,' against his lips letting him know he could. So he slipped his finger inside her and curved it until he felt the smallest little round elevation indicating he'd reached a pleasure spot. She sighed when his finger slipped inside her but she whimpered when he curved his finger against her. She finally pulled her lips away to breath and placed her head right into his shoulder. Kevin pressed into that little bump over and over and adjusted his hand so his thumb would press against her clitoris. Amber sighed and moaned repeatedly, muffling her utterances by pressing her lips into Kevin's neck. She stopped moving her hand over Kevin's back, sticking with scratching his skin with her nails. Just that simple touch from her was arousing, coupled with her kisses to his neck and the feel of her on his fingers. Kevin pressed kisses to Amber's neck and gently licked her skin all the while continuing pressing her with his fingers. Kevin kissed his way up her neck to her ear. He ran the tip of his tongue along her ear and then kissed her jaw. Those gentle breathy kisses caused Amber to giggle while simultaneously moaning from a fresh wave of please.
"Does that feel good, Amber?" Kevin whispered in her ear. He maneuvered his fingers and made her moan. She didn't do more than moan. Kevin pressed again and felt her body contract. She was getting close. "Does it?" he repeated.
"Yes," Amber managed before releasing another moan of pleasure. "Kevin," she whimpered.
"What is it, Amber?" Kevin asked seductively, continuing to rub her clitoris and that small spot inside her. "Tell me."
"I'm almost," Amber started, but stopped to moan. He felt her start to tighten around his finger. With just a few more rubs of his thumb, Amber tightened her hug and sucked on his skin when the wave of euphoria crushed down on her and her body tightened around Kevin's finger. She whimpered when it first hit her and sighed contentedly when it started to die down. "Kevin," Amber sighed.
Kevin pressed a kiss to Amber's ear. "Did that feel good, Amber?"
"Yes," Amber breathed more than said with her head still resting in his shoulder. She lifted her head and looked at him. She looked a million miles away. "What should I do?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked, but realized what she meant. "Nothing," he finally answered and kissed her. "Don't worry about me. You need to get to bed."
"But aren't you…..aroused?" Amber asked nervously.
"Yes," Kevin answered bluntly with an amused smile. "But it's alright."
"Are you sure I shouldn't-"
"Another time," Kevin encouraged and kissed her. "Now let's get to bed."
Kevin finally pulled his hand from between her legs and lifted her bridal style into his arms. He walked to the door and Amber opened it. But then she stopped him.
"Hold on," Amber said. "Your candle." She went to the now dried candle Kevin had carved and returned to his side. "This turned out beautiful."
"You know how to carve candles," Kevin smiled and kissed Amber's forehead.
"You made this, Kevin," Amber smiled and kissed him back. "And I want it in my room with all the other things you've made me and given me." Kevin smiled and kissed her again before taking a free hand and leading her upstairs. He brought her to her bedroom and guided her in.
"Good night Amber. Get some sleep."
"Okay," Amber smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," Kevin responded and they shared one more kiss before parting for the night.