When they arrived in Cambridge that night they were physically tired and emotionally exhausted.
It has been a long day, but although everyone had tried to convince them to stay and sleep in London, Tim and Carol had preferred to go home. Their home.
Just over an hour's drive was all that separated them from finally being alone. Him and her. Husband and wife.
After saying goodbye to their families and nodding to Shelagh's long list of motherly recommendations, they left.
All the instants that had made their special day so delightful and full of emotions continued to flow incessantly in their minds. Words echoed and images came to mind, memories that would remain indelibly in their hearts.
It was half past ten when Tim parked in front of their flat. He got out of the car, opened the door for Carol and helped her out, gazing one more time at her flawless figure highlighted by her soft lace wedding dress.
He pulled their suitcases from the trunk and climbed the few steps that separated them from the front door.
Carol drew her keys out of her purse and opened the door, but Tim stopped her.
"Hey…wait! Traditions must be respected!" he said, smiling. Without giving her time to reply or realize what he was referring to, he scooped her up and crossed the threshold. Once inside, they shared a sweet kiss to celebrate the moment.
"You better put me down now, you won't want to stay like this all night I hope..."
"I would stay like this my whole life…but I actually have other plans for us," Tim said.
"Mh...hope they're not too different from what I have in mind," Carol teased.
Tim chuckled as he pulled in the bags left at the entrance. He closed the door and took off his jacket, placing it on a chair.
"Would you like some tea?" Carol asked.
"Yes, that would be perfect. Also, can you please check if there is something to eat? I'm starving. I can't even remember if I ate to be honest..." Tim stated, before carrying their stuff upstairs.
Carol laughed as she fiddled with the teapot. "Tim, you ingested an uncontrolled amount of Fish & Chips…how can you say that?".
"Perhaps I was distracted…you know, my wife is outrageously stunning in her wedding dress. I really couldn't pay any attention to what I was doing!" he answered her from the bedroom, while carefully sorting the last things they had brought back from London.
"Tea is ready! Are you coming down or should I come up?" Carol asked as she placed two cups on a tray, pouring the hot drink into them. And she also added a few biscuits, for her famished husband.
"Wait there! I'm coming…"
They sat on the sofa, each with their own cup in hand, sipping tea in silence and crunching a biscuit. The soft light of a lamp in the corner helped them relax.
"Do you think it has been as we expected it to be?" Carol wandered.
"I do. It was a perfect day…wasn't it?"
"Indeed, definitely better than I wished…I didn't imagine my mother would show up to have a talk. Nor that my father was able to declare himself proud of me."
"And yet it happened… and the credit goes to you, my love." he stated, brushing her fingers and kissing her brow.
"Yeah…Everything was perfect. But I'm glad and relieved that it's all over, you know?" Carol affirmed.
"…me too. It was great, but this…this was the moment I was waiting for!" he confessed, intertwining his hand with hers and staring at her eyes.
Carol looked at him and smirked "Our wedding night?" she asked him, tilting her head.
Tim grinned, then grabbed her cup and placed it on the coffee table, together with his one.
"Actually, I was referring to our new life as husband and wife…" he specified, leaning towards to kiss her "But yes…our wedding night is also part of it." he added with a husky voice.
Carol curled up and settled her head on Tim's chest, he put his arm on her hip and they remained like that, contemplating and brushing the rings shining on their fingers.
Drifting off into a deep sleep.
- Poplar, 12 hours earlier -
"I - Timothy Joseph - take you - Carol Anna Grace - to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow."
"I - Carol Anna Grace - take you - Timothy Joseph - to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow."
Those words had been finally spoken in the presence of their families and friends.
The groom and the bride had pronounced them free and full and without let or hindrance, even if the emotion was palpable in their trembling voices.
Holding their gazes, up to touching each other's heart. Holding their hands, up to touching each other's souls. That promise of endless love had more than a few guests in tears.
No need to say, Patrick and Shelagh were on top chart among those who had their eyes wet. Their hands clasped together and their hearts bursting with overwhelming joy as their beloved son declared his love to that girl they already loved as their own.
Even Angela and May, the bridesmaids, had struggled to restrain the emotion. The attachment the two girls had always had with Timothy and the immediate bond they had established with Carol made them very sensitive and they could perfectly feel and share with them all the thrill in their veins.
Teddy, all caught up in his role as best man, stood strutting in his black suit next to his brother. The right hand rested on the pocket, containing the empty box where the wedding rings had been held. His new hairstyle, added to the serious and focused gaze, made him look all grown up, allowing a glimpse of the handsome young man he would become.
At least until the moment when he had witnessed Carol swearing eternal love to his brother, with her broad smile and her hazel eyes shining and brightening. That had been too much. He couldn't hold back his childish pout, not even stop a teardrop from falling on his face.
Julie had been the most enthusiast being the flower girl.
She really loved flowers and she was delighted with her new princess dress. She had walked the aisle preceding Carol and her sisters, scattering petals as she had been taught. Sitting on Sister Julienne's lap, she kept asking questions to her granny on what was happening, gently holding her hand on her jaw to get her attention. Before meeting the demands of the little one, Sister Julienne addressed a silent prayer of blessing for those two young people so in love and quickly swiped her eyes.
While looking at the newlyweds standing at the altar, Doug Campbell thought about how he had felt when that morning saw his daughter in her white dress. And when he walked her down the aisle before letting her go in Tim's hand.
He had found the way to whisper "You're beautiful. I'm proud of you.". The words came out of him spontaneously. He didn't know how he managed to say it, but he did it. Judging by the look on her daughter's face, he was sure he just made her happy. And he was happy too.
Despite the difficulties and disagreements, even Patricia Campbell had given in to the joy that splashed in her daughter's eyes. A feeling she had never felt either, or maybe she had never allowed herself to live.
At last, she had talked to Carol that morning. Her husband had convinced her that she couldn't let their daughter live that moment with their heart still overshadowed by their quarrel. It was time to let her go and let her know, it was time to let her live her life according to her wishes and give her their blessing.
Patricia stepped in while was adjusting her veil and did as requested, somehow she knew her husband was right.
Following the ceremony, the bride and groom greeted all their guests at the Community Hall.
It had truly been their celebration. Everything spoke of them.
Angela, May and Colette had created beautiful decorations for the hall and Fred helped to place them.
The ladies of Poplar, directed by Sister Julienne, had contributed a sweet or savory dish to the refreshments.
Sandwiches weren't missed nor the best Fish and Chips from Mr. Granger, who had parked his van right outside the hall for the occasion.
It was a party open to all people who wanted to take part in that moment of blissful joy. Tim and Carol had thanked every guest and each person who had helped to create their gathering.
There had been fun, there had been tears and laughs, there had been music.
The new husband and wife danced, lost in each other's gaze, as if they were the only people in that room. Tim took his eyes off Carol just to have a dance with each of his favorite girls, beside her of course. So Angela, May and also Julie had their heart-to-heart moment with their big brother and every single person there just melted at the sight of it. Taking advantage of the moment, Teddy didn't hesitate to ask his new sister-in-law for a dance and Carol was glad to accept the invitation.
Last but not least, the groom dragged his mum center stage to share a special slow-dance with her.
"Mum…there's something I want to tell you."
"What is it, dearest?" she asked him, looking adoringly at his eyes.
"Thank you. Thank you Mum…'cause you have always been there, to love and care for me." he declared while they kept swaying.
"Tim…" she murmured.
"I know…I just want to make sure you know how much I love you and how lucky I feel having you in my life. If I am the man I am today, it's all up to you and Dad. But if you hadn't entered our life…nothing would have been the same," he said before kissing her cheek and holding her close.
Shelagh couldn't keep the tears from rolling over her face again. Tim tenderly smiled at her, while collecting a drop with his thumb.
The most touching moment though, came when Teddy got on stage and took the microphone to have his speech. Apparently no one saw that coming.
"Why are you so surprised? I'm the best man after all…!" he exclaimed, making everyone laugh.
"For those who don't know me, I'm Edward - Teddy - Turner and I'm Timothy's little brother.
As you can imagine, I have never been a best-man before. Therefore I will give this speech together with my sisters, whom I invite to come by my side: Angela, May and Julie," he presented them and while they reached him, he continued.
"Tim… You have been Dad's best man, and when you asked me to be yours, you made me the happiest person in the world because in my life I've always wished to be like you. You could have chosen one of your friends, because that's how it works…but still you wanted me, your little brother, at your side. That made me realize how much you love me…thank you Tim it's been an honor to stand at your side today!"
"Oh my God, guys…" Timothy muttered. Carol looked at him tenderly smiling, caressing his cheek.
After his speech, Teddy passed the microphone to Angela.
She cleared her voice then started speaking: "Timmy, you know what you mean to us. But we thought it was important to say it outloud and let everyone know that you are the best brother anyone could ask for. You have always been our best playmate but you are also our guide, our example to follow. And even if you live far away, we know that you are always by our side. What you do matters a lot to us!" Angela declared, as Julie kept bouncing trying to reach for the microphone.
It was Tim's turn to shed some tears. To find some comfort, he rested his head on Carol's, who lovingly embraced him, proudly kissing the back of his hand.
"They love you so much…it's one of the many reasons I love you too," she purred in his ear.
They intertwined their hands as May started her talk.
"Tim, you taught us how to be good children to our parents. Above all you showed us what it means to be siblings and the importance of always taking care of each other. As you once told us, having siblings to grow up with is a great fortune... and today we want to tell you that having you as an older brother is our greatest treasure. Thank you Tim for being the person you are." May added, before offering the microphone to Julie who finally had her moment to say her line.
Sitting at their table, Patrick and Shelagh were completely unaware of what their children had planned, and were staring at their kids speechless. Before their eyes they had clear proof of their success as parents, despite all the difficulties and despite the fact that theirs was certainly not a common family. Their hearts were engulfed by feelings as they kept discretely wiping their faces with a handkerchief, holding each other's hand.
Julie grabbed the microphone with her little hand and looked around at all the people staring at her. Her three siblings were encouraging her to speak, but she froze.
"C'mon Juju, tell Timmy what you want to say…" said Teddy softly, while May and Angela smiled at her to prompt their sister.
Julie shook her head, then waved Timothy to come closer. He didn't hesitate to go under the stage, just above his little sister.
When he was close enough, Julie left the microphone and rushed into his arms. Tim caught her, holding her close and kissing her forehead. That's when the little girl whispered the sweetest "I love you Timmy" in his ear.
"I love you too Itsy-Bitsy!" he told her while she kept hugging him, snuggling in his neck.
Angela reprised their speech.
"Most of all though, we wanted to thank you for introducing Carol into our family." she paused. Then she addressed her sister-in-law, who in the meantime had reached Timothy.
"Carol, to tell the truth, at first we were concerned and we weren't very happy about the wedding, because we thought you might take our brother away. When we met you, however, we immediately realized that we were completely wrong. You are an extraordinary, unique and special girl. And the night you asked me and May to be your bridesmaids we realized we were not losing a brother, but we were getting a bonus sister instead. We love you very much and we're ecstatic for the two of you!"
Carol beamed at them, moved, as Tim passed his free arm around her shoulder to embrace her.
Teddy concluded by saying "We don't know if our speech has been a good one, but it was what we felt in our hearts…"
As a response, all the guests applauded the Turner kids who in the meantime had jumped off the stage and had surrounded the newlyweds in a big hug.
- Cambridge, September 18th. 5.08am -
Tim suddenly opened his eyes.
He remained for a few seconds staring at those unfamiliar walls with no clue on where he was, until Carol's weight sleeping on his chest brought his mind back to reality.
"Darling…" he whispered to her, trying to gently wake her. Unsuccessfully.
"Carol, love…let's go upstairs. Come on..." he insisted.
"Uhm… five more minutes please…" she slurred.
"Love, we fell asleep on the sofa…let's go upstairs and go to bed," he suggested, finally reaching his purpose.
Sleepily, they got up from the settee and walked hand in hand up the stairs.
"What time is it?" Carol quizzed, voice hoarse from slumber.
"Five in the morning…we were really worn out I suppose!" he replied.
"I admit that these were not my plans for tonight," she complained, making him laugh.
She entered the room and stopped to stare at their bed, wishing to be able to undress herself with the sole power of thought.
Timothy took off his shoes and began to undo his shirt. He turned and saw that Carol was standing there still and steady.
"Wait, let me help you undo your dress," he offered, approaching her and starting to cope with the long row of buttons that ran along the line of her spine.
His eyes got quickly lost in the beauty of her exposed collarbone, a sight offered by the boat neckline of the dress.
"Did I already mention that you're breathtakingly gorgeous?" he questioned.
"Yes, you did…countless times," she answered, flattered.
His lips instinctively went to lay on her neck, slowly tracing a line of kisses along her shoulder as his fingers made their way through the buttons, finally coming into contact with her bare back.
"I am a lucky man…am I?" he teased, breathing on her skin.
"You are…as I am a lucky woman to have married you," Carol replied, shivering as her body aroused, starting to respond to his touch.
Her brain had put on hold the need to sleep. Another impelling desire was quickly making its way into her head and between her legs.
"You are my best friend - " he whispered, continuing to gently bite her neck, " - my sunshine -" running his hands along her shoulders to remove the sleeves of her dress which at last, slipped softly to the floor.
"You're my everything -" he purred, sliding his fingers on her bare arms until reaching her hands, " - my beloved wife…" he finally said, kissing her wedding ring.
Carol intertwined her hands with his, wrapping her waist in that embrace.
"I love you so much, darling," Tim whispered in her ear.
"Prove it to me," she breathlessly taunted, brushing her lips along his jaw.
He didn't have to be told twice, as he was already running his lips over every inch of her back.
Tim skilfully unclasped her bra and took it off, caressing her breasts with his fingers. Then he turned her towards him and placed a kiss on her lips. A deep one, full of desire and love, while he took his time to loosen her hair.
Carol finished undoing his shirt and took it off, throwing it on the ground.
Tim moved down until he reached her hardened nipples with his lips, before delicately cupping each of her breasts with his mouth. He was completely focused on giving her pleasure.
Carol let out a moan, digging her fingers in his hair. That very inviting torture was slowly leading her towards ecstasy.
When he was satisfied enough, he made his way to her belly. He grazed his lips over her navel, watching her tummy rise and fall as her breathing became more animated. And further, until he buried his head between her legs.
"OOOH…TIM…" she gasped as he groaned.
"Lay down, love" he begged, kneeling at her feet.
She did as requested, starting to tremble as the rhythm of her breath increased with her arousement. He slowly removed her knickers and gazed at the alluring vision between her legs, kissing the inside of her right thigh, then suckling the inside of her left.
He peered at her, he had to watch the effects of what he was doing to his ravishing wife. And he was pleased at the sight when he spotted Carol biting her lips and clenching the sheets around her fingers, attempting to hold back the pleasure.
He could feel her shaking under his touch, anticipating what was coming next.
This was something they never did before. An act that required intimacy on a higher level. A sacredness that was lacking until that moment. But now they were husband and wife, there were no more barriers or boundaries between them.
He was hers, she was his.
He kindly parted her legs, then he tasted her with his long and flat tongue.
Carol moaned louder and arched her body as a reflex, calling out his name.
"Was that a yes?" he asked…to make sure he hadn't gone too far.
"Yes…oh God…YES!" she implored, pinning her body under his touch.
He wrapped his arms around her legs and pulled her closer to his face, burying his mouth in her delicious core. He could feel her wetness soaking his lips and it only made him more excited. Her flavor was so sweet, so juicy, so pleasing!
He let his tongue swirl around her nub until her pleasure-filled wails resounded in the bedroom as she reached her peak.
Giving her time to catch her breath, he let go the grip of her bottom and got rid of his trousers and underwear to set free his stifling manhood.
Once done, Timothy gently settled over her. He saw her eyes widen and her tongue traced across her lips in anticipation.
He crushed his lips onto hers, remaining locked in a deep kiss, her legs wrapped around his waist, grinding on him as her hands traveled all over his bare back.
"I love you Carol…more than my own life," he gasped, struggling to resist the urge of plunging inside her.
He looked at her as he stretched his hand out to the bedside drawer.
"No need to…I have an IUD now. Consider it my personal wedding gift," she giggled, grabbing the lob of his ear with her teeth.
"Mmmmh…my surprising wife," he chuckled, coming back to kiss her as his groin tightened up.
She looked up at him and noting his pupils dilated for his arousal, she felt her burning feelings rise again inside her body.
Carol kept grounding against his shaft as it continued to harden. They kissed passionately; their tongues fighting playfully.
Finally, Tim settled between her thighs and leisurely sank into her. And they both gasped, as their hearts were beating faster and faster.
He started thrusting into her slowly, wanting her to feel every ridge and vein of his shaft. Making sure she was aware of all the power she had on him. Her eyes were fixed on his and she was moaning with every down stroke.
She could sense every inch of him, their being one. She was complete, loved, cherished.
They were perfectly in tune. Her cheeks flushed and he could feel her inner walls tightening around his length. She knew how to drive him crazy and he loved that.
"I love you too…indefinitely," she said in a whisper, closing her eyes as their breathing was almost erratic now.
When she opened her eyes and looked at him pleadingly, he sank his member back inside her knowing they were close to the edge.
"To have…and to hold…" he panted, then she began to quiver and he lost his control. They both came undone in a long drawn out orgasm.
He collapsed at her side, panting and breathing hard.
They held their hands, gazing at each other until they were able to speak again.
"So that's what has been on your mind?" Carol asked in a low-voice. Still overwhelmed by the aftermath of their lovemaking.
He proudly nodded, smiling at her.
"Was it good enough?" he cockily asked.
"I have nothing to complain about," she said giggling.
"Is your plan as good as mine?"
"You'll discover it later…I've got some cards to play too," she revealed.
"Can't wait to find out…" he said, pulling her close to him and kissing her once more.
"I'm too weak even to slip under the sheets," she said, giggling.
"Let's have some sleep then," he tenderly hushed her, letting her head lay on him.
And as the first light of a new day pervaded the room, Tim gently covered their naked bodies with a blanket before falling asleep.