31 Days of Autumn

by Fallowfield, C. J.

  ‘I’ll never tire of you,’ I whispered sincerely.

  ‘Ditto.’ His low, gravelly tone and his fingers slipping around, stimulating all of my nerves, had me close my eyes and arch my back in pleasure. He tightened his arm around my shoulder, his fingers reaching for my sensitive nipple and gently tweaking it. It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck me and I gasped in surprise. I covered his hand with mine, encouraging him to do it again. He bit the side of my neck and gently sucked as his fingers worked on me in both places at once. I was breathing hard and fast. Stimulation of my breast and pussy had me teetering on the edge of a climax already, that’s how needy my body was at the moment. Sex and food were my primary needs these last few weeks.

  ‘Dan, touch me, please touch me properly. The boys could wake up any minute,’ I urged.

  ‘I can’t wait until you’re ready for long and slow again,’ he chuckled, finally letting his index finger connect with my pulsating clit. I cried out as the powerful sensation surged through my body. It was like being submerged in a warm bath, everything tingled and hummed. He barely needed to stroke me a few times before I shattered in his arms, tears of bliss streaming down my face. ‘O, baby. You’re so responsive, I just love that.’

  ‘I love … that, too,’ I panted, my eyelids fluttering as I tried to regain focus. I moaned as I felt his plush head nudging against me, then his fingers curling around my hip as he gently eased himself into me with a groan. I took in a sharp breath. He went in so deep at this angle, the feeling was incredible. ‘Yes,’ I mewled, eager for more when he pulled out of me, then gently thrust back in again. ‘Yes.’

  ‘I also love how hot and wet you are for me. The way your muscles grip my cock, it’s better than my hand.’ His voice sounded incredulous, as if it was the first time we were doing this dance. I could understand that. Every time with him felt like the first time, like I’d die if he stopped and I never knew what it would feel like to climax with him. ‘As soon as you’re up to it, we’re having that meeting in the boardroom I promised you a year ago by the waterfall,’ he whispered, nibbling my ear lobe on the crest of another penetrating thrust that had me grind back against him. I tightened and released my muscles over and over, trying to squeeze the orgasm out of him so I could come, too. I was holding back, waiting for him, and it was killing me.

  ‘I’m up for it, very up,’ I panted, as we both found our rhythm and moved in unison. I reached behind me and clasped at his taut backside, not wanting to lose our connection.

  ‘I want you face down over the table so I can play with your backside as I fuck you. I’ll be fully clothed and you’ll be naked except for a pair of high heels and bondage rope.’

  ‘O shit,’ I moaned, clenching even tighter at the thought of it. ‘Now, let’s do it now.’

  ‘I can’t lie you on your stomach right now,’ he reminded me, making me groan in frustration. Him taking me from behind was probably my favourite position when it was all about raw sexual need. I loved that he could go deeper, dominate me as he grasped my hair, or had his hand anchoring my neck, with a free hand to play with my backside or clit. When I wanted soft and tender, missionary was best, so I could look into his beautiful, sincere green eyes, at his handsome face, and kiss him. The heat inside me had built up to furnace levels, I needed a release and fast.

  ‘Tell me … you’re close,’ I begged, digging my nails into his backside.

  ‘Nearly there,’ he confirmed, speeding up his plunges into my core. My body started to tremble, my jaw dropping and juddering as whimpers of pleasure burst from my lips, tangled up with his name.

  ‘Dan, please, I can’t … I can’t hold … back.’ My toes had cramped, my back had arched and a shivering sensation was working its way up my spine.

  ‘Let go, Ellie. I’ll catch you, I’ll always catch you,’ he reassured me, squeezing one of my breasts. That was all I needed to tip me over the edge. My hips jerked as my climax ripped me apart from the inside out. I heard him mutter something as he thrust into me one last time with force. His body tensed behind me, his cock flexing inside me as I felt his warmth filling me. Tears of contentment rolled down my face as I finally slumped against him, completely spent. ‘God I love you, woman.’ He plastered my face with kisses, while all I could do was nod, totally incoherent.

  He palmed my stomach again and we just lay there, him still inside me, as we rode the wave of pleasure all the way back down and calmed our breathing. Mornings with Dan were just the best. All I needed now was a waffle and maple syrup breakfast with some fresh fruit and to see my babies, and I’d be happy for the rest of the day.

  ‘Thank you,’ I finally whispered as we lay there in contented silence.

  ‘It’s hardly a chore. Getting up to go to work is, though,’ he sighed. ‘I’d love to spend the day in bed with you.’

  ‘Me too. But what you’re doing is important. I get that.’

  ‘You’re one in a billion, Ellie,’ he replied, kissing my shoulder. ‘I’m so sorry, but I need to get up and showered if I have any chance of making it back for lunch.’

  ‘I’ll come and shower with you, then maybe we can go and get our boys up and have breakfast before you go. Just the four of us.’

  ‘Five of us,’ he reminded me, gently patting my stomach. ‘I’d love that.’

  We crept into Oliver’s room at seven-thirty. Everyone else seemed to be asleep. He was on his back for once, his arm wrapped around his favourite teddy. He was the spitting image of Dan. Luiza had shown me photos of him at Oliver’s age and the resemblance was uncanny. Dan bent down and carefully scooped him up, kissing his forehead while I planted one on his cheek. He let out a moan as his fingers gripped Dan’s waistcoat. It was hard to believe that one day he might be dressed up just like his dad, getting ready to go into Davenport Technologies. That’s if he wanted to follow that path. Dan was adamant that both boys were going to join his firm. I wanted them to have the choice, not to feel pressured to follow in his footsteps. We’d had a few heated arguments about that already and they were both still under four years of age. Oliver yawned and slowly opened his eyes.

  ‘Morning, gorgeous,’ I smiled, feeling my eyes prickle with tears. I loved him so much.

  ‘Mummy.’ He held out one of his hands as a smile broke over his face. I grabbed it and kissed it repeatedly, making him giggle.

  ‘Shall we go and get Jonas and then have breakfast with Daddy?’ I asked.

  ‘Yes, please,’ he nodded, looking up at Dan, who kissed his forehead again.

  ‘Quietly then, we don’t want to wake everyone up, ok?’

  ‘Ok, Daddy,’ he nodded solemnly. We went through the connecting door we’d had put in to find Jonas already awake and standing up in his crib, his fingers gripping the wooden bars to steady himself. He started laughing and stamping his feet excitedly when he saw us, but when he held his hands in the air to be picked up, he fell flat on his backside with a sulky pout. Oliver giggled.

  ‘He’s wobbly, like jelly,’ he observed.

  ‘He is,’ I laughed, hoisting Jonas up, then putting him on my hip and giving him a kiss. ‘He’s not learned to walk as fast as you did.’

  ‘I’m a clever boy, aren’t I, Daddy?’

  ‘You are, Ollie, very clever. Come on, Mummy has a craving for waffles, what do you say?’

  ‘Yes, please,’ he nodded vigorously. Jonas clapped his hands as his smile widened. We carried them down and Dan got them settled into their chairs as I got the already-prepared batter mix out of the fridge and made a start.

  ‘You realise this is going to be the last breakfast we eat with just the boys?’ I smiled at Dan as we all tucked in.

  ‘The men in the family will still outnumber you, three to two,’ he winked.

  ‘Think again,’ I laughed as Jenny headed over.

  ‘Morning,’ she called. The boys’ faces lit up and she went and gave them both a kiss. ‘Anyone for any more if I make some?’

  ‘I’m good, thanks Jenny. I’ve
got to go,’ Dan announced, pushing his empty plate back. ‘I’ll hopefully see you all later. If not, have a great time.’ He leaned over and kissed me, then caught Jenny’s eye. ‘Keep an eye on her for me, will you? I don’t want her overdoing it or getting overexcited, and you phone me if anything happens, ok?’

  ‘No problem, boss,’ she saluted.

  ‘What was that you were saying about men in the family?’ I teased, as Molly came down hand in hand with Brooke.

  ‘I’m going before mother and Magda turn up, too. Take it easy,’ he warned, kissing me again.

  ‘I will, you too,’ I nodded. I watched him as he went to kiss and hug Molly, then Brooke, holding her for longer than normal.

  ‘Oi, Davenport, I’m married. I warned you that you’d fall in love with me one day.’

  ‘You make sure that doctor gives you a private referral letter this morning,’ he warned with a pointed finger as she grinned up at him. ‘I’ll sort it as soon as I get home.’

  ‘It’s like I get to have my cake and eat it too. I get hot girl-girl action with my wife and sugar Daddy treatment from my best friend’s husband. Thank you,’ she said sincerely. ‘I really appreciate it.’

  ‘You’re family,’ he replied, clasping her face and kissing her forehead. ‘See you later.’

  I blew him a kiss, feeling so proud to have a man like him as my husband, then got up for the good morning round of hugs and kisses. I sat back in my chair, watching them eating, talking, and laughing. This felt so much better than yesterday morning.

  ‘Danland?’ called Brooke, bouncing Jonas on her knee.

  ‘For once no, familyland. I’m just so lucky to have you three girls in my life. You know I love each and every one of you, right?’

  ‘I love you, Mummy,’ Oliver called.

  ‘Of course we do, sweetie,’ Molly smiled, squeezing my hand. ‘And we all love you back just as much. Right, we’d better go and get this diagnosis confirmed, Brooke.’

  ‘We’d better go before I finish off Jenny’s waffles. I can’t believe you all ate in front of me, it was torture,’ she moaned.

  ‘I’m doing a three course lunch, Brooke. There’ll be plenty when you get back,’ I reassured her. ‘Do you want me to ask James to take you? He’s looking after me for the next couple of weeks. Andy’s driven Dan to work.’

  ‘No, it’s ok, thanks. I can drive Megan. Just make sure you set aside some extra helpings of food for me.’ She handed Jonas over to Jenny and stood up, and her jeans dropped down onto her hips again. I’d never seen her so skinny.

  ‘Will do,’ I nodded, reaching up to hug her as she came to give me a goodbye kiss. ‘Good luck and text me the minute you know for sure, as you know that I’ll sit here worrying.’

  ‘I’ll make sure she does. See you later, don’t overdo it,’ Molly warned, kissing my cheek. We went to the French windows to wave them off. Jenny rubbed my back as I let out a sigh.

  ‘She’s going to be fine. My dad is a type two diabetic, he just has to watch what he eats and drinks and take his blood sugar levels every day. She’ll soon get her head around it.’

  ‘I hope so. Right, why don’t you go and play with the boys while I tidy up and get lunch on the go?’

  ‘No, you’re going to sit with the boys while I tidy up. Don’t get mad with me, but Dan’s hired a cook who’ll be here any minute. He didn’t want you slaving over a stove all morning and wearing yourself out.’

  ‘A cook? Honestly!’ I exclaimed.

  ‘Ellie, you’re having your caesarean tomorrow afternoon, you should be taking it easy. Go and sit down with the boys before Luiza and Magda arrive to collect them. When I’m done here, I’ll go and pack the boys' suitcases, then I’ll be in the gym if you need me, ok?’

  ‘Thank you, Jenny.’

  I made the most of my couple of hours with Oliver and Jonas, one either side of me sitting at the dining table, drawing and doing jigsaws. Jonas wanted to sit on my knees, but my tummy was far too big, so I sat with one arm around him as he scribbled. I was going to have to put my foot down with the publishers until the boys and Eva were a bit older. I was really going to have my hands full for a couple of years until they could amuse themselves and I could get a few hours to myself. Writing was going to have to take a back seat. I looked up as Oliver shot off his seat and raced across the room.

  ‘Carino, what a welcome,’ Luiza laughed as she bent down and picked him up for a hug. She looked as glamorous as ever, in a pair of black boot cut trousers, high heel boots, and a grey cashmere tunic.

  ‘Nana.’ He snuggled into her, with his arms around her neck, and she beamed over his shoulder at me when Jonas called for her as well. I set him on the floor and held his hand as he walked unsteadily over to her.

  ‘Ellie, how are you?’ she asked, as I kissed her on both cheeks.

  ‘I’m great, thank you. You?’

  ‘Perfect, now that I have my grandsons to entertain me,’ she smiled. She set Oliver down and lifted Jonas up into her arms and he pursed his lips for a kiss. They were lucky boys to have so many people who loved them.

  ‘Where’s Magda?’ I asked.

  ‘She is busy baking for the boys' afternoon tea. She sends her love and can’t wait to see you and our granddaughter tomorrow. Are you nervous?’

  ‘Not at all,’ I replied as I led her back to the kitchen to make her a cup of tea. ‘Your son is a whole other matter, though. He’s sent me four texts already this morning, checking that I’m ok.’

  ‘I had hoped he’d be more relaxed this time around,’ she sighed. ‘He loves you so much, Ellie. He tries to be brave, but inside he is still a scared twenty-something, back at Rebecca’s side.’

  ‘I know, and I feel awful for putting him through it, but it’s the last time,’ I nodded, looking down and rubbing my stomach. Desperate as I was to meet her, I was going to miss being pregnant, seeing as how this was going to be my last time. ‘How’s Daniel?’

  ‘Driving me around the loop,’ she replied with a roll of her eyes. ‘He is talking of retiring. What will I do with him under my feet all the time?’

  ‘He has his golf and his steam engine fascination. Maybe he could volunteer his services to a steam engine club and get involved with that?’

  ‘Now that is a fabulous idea, Ellie. I could ship him off for a few days at a time.’

  ‘Is he that bad at home?’ I laughed, handing her a mug of black tea with no sugar.

  ‘I like to shop. Sometimes I don’t want or need anything, but I enjoy the browsing. Daniel has no patience for shopping, but he insists on coming with me, then moans every second of our time out. I then lose my temper and shout at him in Portuguese, he gets mad, and before you know it, we are talking divorce and spending the entire day and night in silence.’

  ‘Divorce?’ I looked at her, shocked. ‘Are things that bad?’

  ‘No,’ she giggled. ‘I love him dearly, but he can drive me out of my mind sometimes, as I’m sure I do him. It pays to keep him on his toes with the odd threat.’

  ‘That’s so good to hear, you had me worried for a moment, but I know what you mean.’ I filled her in on Brooke’s illness and Dan’s insistence that Molly hide it from me, as the boys played at our sides. Just as I was reassuring her that Brooke was ok, my phone pinged.

  It’s diabetes, sigh. He thinks I’ve had it for a while and it’s caused some nerve damage to my bladder. So on top of me drinking too much and having to pee so often, it’s made my muscles weak. I’ve got a referral letter, but I’m under strict instructions to cut back on sugar and carbs immediately, including alcohol :-( He thinks that’s what got me into this mess. On our way back and I’m starving! You’ve not dropped any baby juice, have you? xx

  Diabetes is serious, Brooke, but at least it’s treatable and a whole lot less traumatic than chemo or radiation. We’ll get you to see the specialist and a dietician who can help you, please don’t stress yourself about it. We’ll all help you deal with it. Baby juice?! You’re so revolti
ng. And no, I’m fully intact. You’re premature! See you soon xx

  I filled Luiza in on Brooke’s results and was about to offer her another cup of tea when Jenny appeared with the chef Dan had hired. It took all of my self-control not to ask her to pack up and leave me to it. Cooking was one of the things I really loved, but it wasn’t worth an argument with Dan over, not when he was stressed with work and the birth. Jenny brought down the boys’ cases and let James know that Mrs. Davenport was ready to go home again. I shed a few tears as I hugged my boys goodbye. They were staying with their grandparents for three nights, the longest I’d ever been without either of them. I was going to miss them terribly. As Luiza picked Jonas up and carried him to the front door, he started crying and calling for me, breaking my heart.

  ‘Don’t worry, carino,’ she soothed, stroking his head. ‘You’ll see her again soon and your pappy is so looking forward to spending some time with you and Oliver.’ She blew me a kiss as I tried to hold it together. Jenny put her arm around me when we watched James drive away with them all.

  ‘Gosh, even I’m going to miss them,’ she sighed, throwing a sympathetic look my way. ‘Are you ok?’

  ‘I will be,’ I smiled weakly. ‘But I need something to distract me. At least let me make my frangipane tart, if I promise to do it sitting at the dining table?’

  ‘Deal, though I shall deny all knowledge if Dan asks me if you did any work,’ she warned.

  ‘Fine with me,’ I nodded with a wink. She let me get away with things that the men on watch never would. As a woman, she was more in tune with me and my needs, but wasn’t afraid to put her foot down if she felt it wasn’t in my best interests. She’d really been a great find.

  Day Six

  Thursday 10th October

  Ellie

  I winced and clutched my stomach as a sharp pain woke me up. I blinked and tried to adjust to the dark room, glancing over at the clock. It was only just after two a.m. Dan was fast asleep with his arm around me. I waited a moment for the pain to subside, then took a deep breath, wondering if it had been a contraction. I’d much rather have had Eva naturally, but I’d been warned of the dangers, hence the reason for my scheduled caesarean. I lay there silently, watching the alarm clock changing from minute to minute. When it got to ten minutes later, I relaxed and closed my eyes. It must have just been something I’d eaten. No sooner had I thought that than another painful episode occurred. I put my hand on my stomach as I tried to keep my gasp and panting as quiet as possible. Dan needed as much sleep as he could get, so there was no point in waking him up if this was just a stomach cramp.