United

by Karen Nappa

  “Wait, Yvonne,” Suzie called out. “We wanted to let you know we’d like to throw the wedding reception for you here as our present to you and Chris. Since you said it was going to be small, I thought it might work, or if you’d like to do it elsewhere we can cater it.”

  “That’s so sweet of you both.” Yvonne swallowed hard and blinked rapidly. These two! “It’s going to be very small. Less than twenty people, I think. But we wanted both of you to be guests, not working.”

  “That’s the beauty of having it here at the café. We only need to pop back in the kitchen occasionally. And we would really like to do it for you.” Suzie seemed determined to cater.

  “I’ll have to check with Chris and Kate, but I think the answer will be yes. You both have been so wonderful to me. Thank you so much.” She gave both women a hug and rushed out before one of them spotted the tears brimming in her eyes.

  Chris sat with his knees jammed against the seat in front of him on his flight to Tucson. Flying last minute he’d been unable to get an exit row and something like enough room for his long legs was a luxury he didn’t have. Chris thought back to the meeting with Josh Ellis. He was pleased with the lawyer. It sounded like getting Yvonne a green card would be straightforward. It was just a question of filling out the paperwork, getting married, and surviving an interview or two. If only his parents would be so easily convinced. After several phone calls with his mother, she had suggested they meet in person. Unwilling to risk his father’s displeasure, he had agreed to come and talk to her at the airport. He would only come to the house if his father was willing to listen.

  His head went round and round over the events of the past few months. Everything was happening so fast. He had to pinch himself sometimes to convince himself he was going to be a father in six months.

  The plane landed, and he waited impatiently for his chance to get off. He stood hunched over his seat and considered his approach to his mother. No matter how many times he went over things, he had a hard time believing he could convince either of them to accept his lovers after what had happened at Thanksgiving. When it was finally his turn, he moved more slowly than he had planned. Each step was taking him closer to something permanent. Finally, he reached the jetway and had to speed up to keep from getting trampled by the other travelers. Chris was happy with the view his height gave him as he followed the crowd through the terminal and past the security checkpoint. He looked anxiously around for his mother. Instead, the first face he recognized was his father’s.

  Someone bumped into him from behind and let out a frustrated expletive; Chris muttered an excuse and resumed walking.

  He separated from the crowd to join his father, and saw his mother there, too. He allowed her to pull him into a hug, and slowly rose to lock eyes with his father. “Dad, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

  Eyes the same color as his looked back from under bushy eyebrows. “Ever since you left the house at Thanksgiving, your mother has been telling me I was too hasty. When she said she’d convinced you to come, I had to be here, too.” Although the words weren’t hostile, his father’s tone was brusque.

  They shook hands awkwardly, and Chris turned to see his mother had tears in her eyes. Chris wondered how he could enjoy making submissives cry, but it killed him to see his mother like this. “Mom, thanks for coming. I thought we were going to talk first.”

  “You’ll have to forgive me for jumping the gun a little.” His mother lifted her chin defiantly. “It didn’t seem like there was any point in waiting. Why don’t we find somewhere to sit so we can talk?” She herded them in the direction of a scattering of chairs.

  As soon as they were settled, Chris explained his plans for marriage and the future while his parents listened, their faces strained.

  “So, you’re going to marry the blonde girl, but the both of you will also have a relationship with the redhead because the women are bi-sexual?” His father still didn’t sound too pleased, but at least he wanted to talk and seemed interested in Chris’ reply.

  Chris wondered how to answer and decided on a bit more of the truth. “I’ve been in love with Kate since the moment I met her, but she has needs I can’t fulfill.” He scrubbed the back of his head. “When I met Yvonne, my attraction to her confused me, but after we all three got together, it clicked. Yvonne is the missing puzzle piece that connects us. It’s hard to explain. Without Yvonne, there isn’t a Kate and me, but without Kate a relationship with Yvonne would always be lacking too.” Chris shrugged and looked his father in the eye. “I love them both very much.”

  His father stayed silent and narrowed his eyes.

  His mother shuffled in her seat and answered instead. “We were in shock at first.” She held up a stern finger. “You should have talked to us about this before bringing both of them here at Thanksgiving. I was so looking forward to a daughter-in-law. Like in a marriage, not this modern living together you young folks do. You can’t marry them both.” She sighed. “And I really want grandchildren, Chris.”

  His father shook his head and addressed his mother. “Didn’t we discuss how we would give Chris some time and space to sort things out with the women?” He pulled his wife against his side and kissed the top of her head. “There you go talking about marriage and babies in the first five minutes.” He looked at Chris again and held out his hand, which Chris took gratefully. “I’m sorry, boy. I reacted badly, but all I wanted to do was protect your mother.”

  She huffed. “Like I need protection from life.” She turned her attention to Chris. “Would I rather you have a traditional relationship? Of course. But what I want the most is for my only son to be happy. Are you happy, sweetheart?”

  His eyes and throat burned. “Yes, mom, I am. And you would make me the happiest man in the world if you would come to Kansas City for my wedding next weekend.”

  Rosie’s incredulous, “What?” couldn’t prevent Chris from hearing his father’s sucked in breath.

  Chris allowed himself his first genuine grin since he entered the airport. Everything would work out with his parents, and he couldn’t wait to tell them about the baby. But first, they would come for the ceremony.

  Chapter Ten

  Valentine’s Day arrived clear and bright. Yvonne leaned at the windowsill in the bedroom, it had been cold and dreary for weeks and she basked in the rays of sunlight stroking her face even through the glass. She hoped the sunny weather was a predictor of the day. Her future in-laws had arrived the day before, and they had all had dinner together. Although there had been less tension than Thanksgiving, she still wasn’t sure about them. They had kept looking from her to Kate and back again as if something about them would change if they only looked hard enough. Or maybe they were afraid they would tear off their clothes and start some orgy. Yvonne giggled.

  She stepped away from the view and stroked her belly, pleased her morning sickness seemed over. She’d had a solid breakfast every day for the past week without any nausea. Her belly grumbled; breakfast sounded good.

  Lazily Yvonne left the bedroom. She wasn’t in a hurry. The wedding would be at two in the afternoon with a small reception at The Sweet and Savory Table following. She hadn’t wanted to take advantage of her friends, but Suzie and Sonja had insisted it was their wedding present. Yvonne looked forward to the wedding, but even more so to their evening plans. They were going to Club Indigo, and Kate had been mysterious about it. She hadn’t shared her intentions with either Yvonne or Chris.

  Out in the kitchen, Tante Wilma had a typical Dutch breakfast for her last day at the house. She had already moved her things to Kate’s, but everyone had insisted she had to spend the night before the wedding with her aunt and uncle. Apparently, there was some American superstition about the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. She kissed her aunt on the cheek and thanked her for the gesture. There were even chocolate sprinkles for her bread. “Hagelslag?” Yvonne exclaimed in surprise at the typical Dutch spread.

  “Of course, Yvon
ne. It’s your wedding day. I wanted you to have all your favorites. I keep a small supply for special occasions. Cameron ate already, have as much as you like, dear.” Like usual when alone they spoke Dutch. “I want you to know how much we appreciate your coming to help out these last months. It’s made a real difference in Cameron’s recovery and taken a huge load off my mind when I had to be elsewhere. And now you’re leaving, but you’ll be close, and I love that, too. I hope your American marriage will work out as well as mine has.”

  Yvonne hugged her aunt, who now seemed more like a mother to her. When she pulled back, they both had tears in their eyes.

  Yvonne accepted a tissue. “I hope so, too. Your support has meant so much to me since I’ve been here and with my complicated relationship.”

  She sat at the table and buttered two slices of bread. Aunt Wilma place a steaming mug beside her plate and Yvonne inhaled the bergamot scent of Earl Grey tea.

  “Now eat,” Wilma urged her, “can’t have you fainting at your own wedding.”

  Yvonne chuckled and added the chocolate sprinkles to her breakfast. While Yvonne ate, they continued talking about the last few months and her aunt’s hopes for her future.

  Kate arrived at 12:30 to help her get ready for the ceremony. She appreciated the attention and was glad she could have her Mistress as maid of honor since Els hadn’t been able to come for the wedding. Still, she had family here, too, and she knew it would be all right. Wilma had created dresses for both of them for the ceremony, Yvonne’s in traditional white, with a design that completely hid her baby bump. Yvonne hadn’t cared about it, but it seemed to matter to Wilma, and Yvonne let her do what she wanted. Kate’s dress was a deep jewel green that matched her eyes and complemented her hair. Wilma, herself, looked stunning, too. She wore a dove grey ensemble with soft pink accent that went well with her grey hair and complexion. Yvonne was happy to see her aunt in one of her own stunning creations.

  With a last kiss to her cheek, Wilma went inside the small chapel where the wedding would take place. Wilma and Cameron’s pastor had agreed to officiate even though Yvonne and Chris weren’t members of his church.

  Kate squeezed her hand in a comforting gesture and Yvonne smiled at the beautiful Mistress. Although she was a little bit sad she couldn’t also marry Kate, she longed to be become Mrs. Smith. They hadn’t seen Chris, yet. He and his parents were already at the church along with the rest of the wedding party. Aside from best man James, the exclusive guest list included his wife Laura as well as Suzie and Sonja and their respective partners. Since the group was small, the ceremony would be in the large church’s side chapel. As the church clock chimed twice, Kate, Yvonne, and her Oom Cameron gathered at the entrance to the chapel. The pianist began playing Pachelbel’s Canon in D, and Kate walked down the aisle.

  “Are you sure this is what you want, Yvonne?” Cameron stared intensely in her eyes while they waited for Kate to make it to the front of the chapel.

  “Of course, Oom, why would you ask?”

  “Because this is practically your last chance to back out; I just want to make sure you have the option if you need it.”

  Her uncle wore a blue pinstriped suit; he was her knight in shining armor in that moment. Yvonne melted a little. “Thank you, but I don’t need it. I’ve never been so happy as I am today, marrying the man I love with the woman I love by my side. The three of us, soon four,” she patted her belly, “will make a very happy family.”

  “Good enough.” Cameron patted her hand and turned so they were both facing the entrance.

  When Kate reached the front, Yvonne squeezed Cameron’s arm, and they began the trip to the altar, her last as a single woman. The next thirty minutes went by in a cloud of images. She couldn’t recall the words, either in the vows she and Chris made to each other or those the pastor said in his message to them. But she could look at her hand and see the ring Chris had put on her finger, and she could look at his face, which seemed not quite the same as before and know she was married, for better or for worse.

  An hour later, Chris was hoping he never saw another camera. The photographer they had hired had insisted on pictures of every possible combination of the bridal party at the church following the ceremony and now continued to take more at the reception. Josh Ellis had recommended they make sure to properly document the event and he was prepared to go along, but it seemed like they must have enough by now. Every time he tried to talk to someone, the camera seemed to get there first.

  Still, he supposed it was an excellent reception. Suzie and Sonja prepared wonderful food. Their Dutch week had been so successful they had decided to use the menu from it for the reception. The cake, however, was a Suzie special and she had made a second one for the party at Club Indigo.

  Chris looked at the ham and cheese sandwich he’d selected ten minutes ago. He didn’t understand why the café called it a “Healthy Heart Attack” on the menu card. It wasn’t his usual, but he didn’t see anything particularly bad about it. He’d have to ask Yvonne later. She had created the menu if he remembered the food discussion correctly. He lifted his gaze for the sandwich to see his mother talking with Kate across the room. From the smiles on both their faces, the conversation must be going well. His shoulders relaxed, an unexpected release of lingering tension perhaps? Even when he’d met his parents at the airport the day before, he wasn’t sure they stood behind him, but from the way they interacted with everyone it seemed they did.

  He was glad he had told them about the baby before the wedding. He credited a good part of their change of heart to the news of impending grandparenthood.

  How much longer did they have to stay at the reception? He was anxious to get his bride and his Mistress alone together before tonight. He wanted to know what Kate had planned for the club.

  Although Kate had enjoyed the wedding and reception, she was happier now as she walked into Club Indigo. This was the third time in a row she had been the maid of honor, but this time was the most meaningful. She smiled inwardly as she remembered Chris and Yvonne’s reactions when she had told them what she had planned for the evening. They had almost knocked her over in their excitement. She looked over her shoulder at the couple she loved with her whole heart and received a radiant smile from Yvonne and a chin lift from Chris. Let’s do this!

  Kate marched into the main room and announced in a clear voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Yvonne Van Dijk-Smith.”

  The club erupted in cheers and applause as Chris led his young wife into the room. Yvonne looked beautiful in her strapless wedding dress, and Chris was equally stunning in his dark blue suit, crisp white dress shirt, and a matching tie.

  Kate wrapped the tie around her hand and pulled Chris in for a passionate kiss. Without letting go of the necktie, Kate leaned over to Yvonne, and the blonde met her halfway for a lip lock that rivaled with the one she’d shared with Chris.

  Kate led the couple to the center of the room, the crowd making way for them. Both Chris and Yvonne started to shed their clothes.

  As the good-looking couple revealed their bodies, Kate went over the scene in her head. She checked the tools on her belt and forced herself to slow her breathing.

  Completely naked now, both the bride and groom knelt in the standard submissive pose, hands with the palms up resting on their legs and heads bowed. She stepped in front of them. Kate’s nipples pebbled, and her pussy tingled as she looked at the pair before her. Mine!

  “Today you declared your love for each other in a way the vanilla world knows and understands. Most don’t accept the relationship the three of us have, but in this place, we know we’re welcome. Tonight, we want to honor and celebrate our bond.”

  Kate heard soft murmurs and sounds of surprise as their friends understood what was about to happen. She gave them a moment to let the realization of what they were about to do sink in.

  “Chris, do you agree to submit to my will and accept my collar as a symbol of my mastery over
you?”

  The big man lifted his head, and his love and resolve sparked from his eyes. “Yes, Mistress. I vow to obey your orders. I’ll wear the collar proudly. As my wedding ring is a symbol of my relationship with Yvonne, this collar will symbolize the one I have with you,” he replied with steady voice. Kate unclipped a sturdy silver and leather necklace from her belt and fastened it around Chris’ neck.

  She gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. “I want you to stand up and take your place at the stocks.”

  Strong leg muscles bunched as Chris rose and he gave Kate a good view of his ass as he sauntered over to the stocks, where Connor was waiting. James had been Chris’ best man at the wedding, but for this part of today’s festivities, Connor was the best choice.

  “Yvonne, do you agree to submit to my will and accept my collar as a symbol of my mastery over you?” Kate concentrated on the kneeling woman. She looked young, healthy, and fertile, with a little baby bump, blushing cheeks, and glossy blond hair.

  Yvonne looked up at Kate, and her eyes glistened with tears, but her voice was clear as she stated, “Yes, Mistress, besides my marriage to Chris, there’s not a thing in the world I’d like more.”

  Kate gave a short nod. Yvonne’s answer was simple but enough. Kate unclipped a similar but thinner necklace from her belt. Yvonne inclined her head and allowed Kate to wrap it around her neck. When Yvonne faced Kate again, she captured her lips in a sweet kiss and ordered, “Join Chris, my Angel.”

  Kate turned to the audience and announced, “You are all my witness that I accept the gift of the submission of not one but two amazing people. As their first act of submission as my collared slaves, they have consented to a public whipping. Each of them is going to receive ten lashes from my dragon tail if you all could please keep a safe distance.”