Of Body And Soul

by L. J. Valentine

  "Come on, Andrea. Stop the tears. You just said your parents would be happy." Emily walked over and took the albums from her and led her to the bathroom to dry her eyes and freshen up her makeup.

  "I'm making the right decision, aren't I, Em?"

  "If you have any doubts, it's not too late to call the wedding off for a few months," Emily said, as she held Andrea close and patted her back in a motherly fashion.

  "No, I love your brother with my whole being. I want to spend as much time with him as I can. I want to start a family as soon as possible."

  Emily pulled away from Andrea and looked at her with question frozen across her face. Oh God, she thought. Kurt hasn't told her he doesn't want children.

  "To answer that surprised look on you face, Em, yes Kurt and I have discussed the children issue briefly. He said he didn’t mind if we had children. He just wants to wait a while. But, if I did get pregnant, I know in my heart, he’d be happy."

  "That's something only the two of you can decide. You must talk with Kurt about this. Promise me, Andrea."

  "Don't worry, I promise."

  Emily checked her watch. "Come on, Andrea. You're going to be late for your wedding."

  Andrea peeked out of the window to see if Kurt's car was still in Emily's driveway. "Kurt must have left for the church, Em," she said softly.

  "Yes, I know. He wanted to get there early to make sure the flowers were arranged properly and also to greet the out-of-town guests who arrived this morning."

  "Did he appear to be nervous?"

  "Not as nervous as you are," she said, as she took the candlelight satin wedding dress from the closet.

  Andrea turned to the mirror to get a full view of herself. "Oh my God, Em. I look beautiful."

  "Yes, you do. Wait until Kurt sees you."

  Emily placed the lace veil on Andrea's head. "This completes the picture. It's the most beautiful lace I have ever seen."

  "It was my mother's bridal veil. I couldn't believe my good fortune when I found it in her attic. I had it preserved in the hopes of wearing it one day."

  Emily removed the veil from Andrea's head. "Why don't I just cover it with plastic and I'll place it on you once we're in church. I'll call Michael. He should be at my house by now. Oh good, there he is," she said, when she looked out the window and saw his car in her driveway."

  "Em, my suitcases are in the entrance hall. They'll need to be taken and also, don't forget the veil. I'll get an umbrella. It's a mess out there."

  "Don't do a thing. Just get downstairs and let Michael in."

  Michael stared at the vision walking down the stairs. "Andrea. You look like an angel."

  "You're not too shabby either." She straightened his tie and smoothed the lapels of his tux.

  "Has Michael arrived yet?" Emily called, as she raced down the stairs. "Whoops," she said, as she ran into Michael.

  "You look great. Why don't we make this a double ceremony?" he said, as he drew her into his arms.

  She snuggled briefly. "We'd better get moving. It may take us longer to get to the church. The weather's not getting any better."

  A shudder ran through Andrea.

  "Are you okay?" Emily asked, as she draped the sable jacket around Andrea's shoulders.

  "I'm fine," she smiled. "This is the happiest day of my life."

  "Okay, let’s get going. I’m going to pull the car into your garage.”

  “Great idea,” Emily said.

  On the ride over to the church, Andrea realized how much she and Kurt cherished their relationship with Michael. They couldn't be happier for Emily. She had made a wonderful choice and she knew the four of them would be sharing a lot of good times together.

  "We're here," Michael announced joyfully when he pulled up to the Church. Andrea’s friends waited with umbrellas and helped Michael get the girls from the car. Someone had thrown salt on the icy walkway. With a gentleman taking each one of their arms, the procession walked gingerly into the church.

  Once inside the church Emily helped Andrea with her veil and handed her a cascade of violets, orchids, stephanotis and greens. As Andrea turned to walk down the aisle, she took a quick breath of utter astonishment.

  "Em . . . Look. Look how beautiful!"

  The church was in total darkness except for the light that shimmered from what seemed to be a thousand candles. Attached to each pew was a vase of ecru and white roses, baby's breath, and a tall white candle. The vases stood about three feet above the pews.

  "My brother did a wonderful job, didn't he," Emily said proudly.

  The organ began to play the wedding march and the guests rose as she proceeded down the aisle on Michael’s arm. Half way down the aisle she saw Kurt and his gaze held hers, until she took his arm at the foot of the altar. He leaned over and whispered, "I love you."

  As their traditional Catholic ceremony proceeded, tears flowed freely down her face and it became impossible for her to repeat her vows.

  The soloist sang the 'Ava Maria' during the blessing and the exchange of rings, and when the priest pronounced them man and wife, their guests stood and applauded.

  They kissed and held each other and turned to the beaming faces of their guests.

  The door of the white stretch limousine was held open by the chauffeur as they walked carefully down the church steps. A bottle of Dom Perignon sat comfortably in a sterling silver bucket. Crackers and Russian caviar rested on a Waterford serving dish. Baskets of indigo violets adorned the floor and corners of the limo.

  "Oh, my darling," were the only words she could utter.

  He took her in his arms and kissed her from his soul. "You are my life, Andrea. I've made a vow to you, and I'll always keep it."

  "I know, my love."

  Kurt poured the champagne and settled back and enjoyed the wonderful taste. He took Andrea's hand. "I'm sorry about this morning. This is not the time to go into it, but I need for you to realize, I didn't know the circumstances of your parents' accident."

  "Please, don't." She pressed her fingers to his lips. "It's not your fault," she said softly.

  They reached the Country Club on schedule, despite the weather. They'd reserved a banquet room for the occasion.

  "Wait until you see the Club, Andrea. I ran over early this morning, before I went to Em's. It's magnificent."

  "You never cease to surprise me, my darling," Andrea said, and embraced him. She nestled in his arms one last time before they faced the guests.

  Upon entering the reception, their guests stood and applauded. Once everyone was seated, they danced their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Purcell. Andrea felt safe and happy as Kurt sang, 'I'd gladly surrender, myself to you, Body and Soul."

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  He held her in his arms as he kicked open the front door to their Victorian home.

  "Kurt, put me down."

  "Isn't it tradition that the groom carries the bride across the threshold?"

  “Yes," she said, and laughed uncontrollably.

  "Stop laughing. I'm going to drop you if you don't stop." He climbed the stairs to their bedroom, hesitated a moment then kissed her gently. He kicked open the door and entered. The room glimmered with flickering candles. Violets in every hue cascaded over baskets and pots. Her laughter ceased at the sight and she kissed him back. He laid her gently on the bed and knelt beside her.

  "Make love to me now," he said, emotion pouring from him.

  She placed her two forefingers together and pressed them against his lips as she watched his eyes grow hungry. She could almost feel his thoughts.

  Andrea felt the warmth of his eyes caress her. Her body tingled. They both seemed to be in a process of revelation. She opened her arms and he came into them. Her senses throbbed with the strength and feel and scent of him.

  His fingers fumbled with the buttons of her dress. She felt his impatience. "Let me help you with the buttons," she said lovingly.

  "No, I want to do it." He slid the dress from her and felt th
e raw warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips. He stood a moment to undress himself and gaze at her body. Then he lay down next to her and felt a mutual shudder run along their length.

  Their hands feathered over each other's bodies in wonderment. He moved against her, fanning the sparks of arousal into leaping flames. His body burned her flesh with fury and she found it impossible to wait and yearned to be conquered. A sound of wonder escaped from her throat and his warm lips smothered her mouth in a sensuous exploration.

  He insisted she answer his kiss and his mouth massaged hers with provocative persistence. Parting his lips, he let her possess his mouth. Their tongues danced together in silent rhythmic sound, as their hands played each other’s bodies like the strings of a harp.

  They both felt the tremors of ecstasy and the sensation of need as they caught each other on the overwhelming tumble down to complete surrender.

  Love surrounded them. It rocked them with the surge of an incoming tide, picking them up as they rode this wave of ecstasy and sending them into the deep fathoms of passion.

  After, they lay exhausted, their bodies touching from head to toe, each to his own thoughts. Kurt pulled the down quilt up over them.

  Finally, the realization of the day hit them. They turned and faced one another, smiled, and made love again; this time slow and sweet. Yet again the moment of ecstasy exploded all around them and they shuddered from this world of awesome sensations. As the earth fell away, she went with him to that place of rapture, wholly devoured.

  Hours later, they lay in silence, listening to the wind howl. She moved over to the other side of the king size bed.

  "Hey, where do you think you're going?" he said, as he grabbed her arm and pulled her next to him. She crawled into his arms and snuggled there. They slept as he held her through the night.

  The heavy drapes at the bedroom windows were partially opened, letting in some of the morning sun. Andrea blinked, adjusting to her new surroundings. Unconsciously, she held her breath, as she listened for the sounds of Kurt's breathing.

  When she turned to look at him, she found him staring at her, in deep thought.

  "And what in the world do you think you're doing?" she said in a husky morning voice, as she watched his gaze roam over her, engrossed in memorizing every part of her.

  "I want to remember this forever. You look beautiful when you wake up."

  She blushed, as he kissed her neck, letting his lips linger. She sighed deeply and let his hands do their wonderful magic to her body. She realized his breathing was just as heavy as hers when their bodies became one, and they rediscovered once again the trembling thrill of making love.

  The phone pierced their world with a shrill demand and both jumped up from the bed. Andrea automatically reached toward the nightstand beside her, but the phone was on Kurt's side of the bed.

  "Hello," he said, still groggy from lack of sleep. "Is it that late already? Thanks for calling, Em. Yes. I know. No, that's unnecessary. I'll just leave the car at the airport. Okay, if you insist."

  The sun had already melted some of the snow from the freak storm of the day before. Emily drove them to the Albany airport and dropped them off. Shortly after takeoff, they enjoyed a delightful continental breakfast. Andrea's stomach fluttered as she thought about their wedding: about how they’d build a home rooted on trust, loyalty, and love. And from these roots, a family would bloom. She positioned her chair back, rested her head and closed her eyes.

  Kurt watched as Andrea's expressions changed. He leaned over and kissed her neck and her ear. "What are you thinking, my love?" he whispered.

  "So much has happened since November. It's like a minute at the head of a pin." She locked her hand within his. "I love you, Kurt," she said, as she stifled a yawn.

  “Tired?” he asked.

  “A little,” she said with her eyes closed.

  They arrived at John F. Kennedy Airport and had an hour layover which gave them just enough time to get to Terminal 1 to board the Turkish Boeing B777 for Istanbul.

  Andrea entered the plane and was impressed with the seating of the ‘one-two-one’ configuration.

  She turned to Kurt. “This is wonderful.”

  He smiled. “The seats turn into flat beds. They also had pillows and comforters for the nine hour trip.”

  “I never expected such luxury.” Andrea stood in front of her seat and studied the rest of the plane. “There must be at least three hundred seats.”

  “Come, let’s sit and wait for the rest of the passengers to board. The staff on this airline is extremely efficient.”

  Within minutes the attendant arrived with a bright colored bowl of salted peanuts. “What would you like to drink,” he asked.

  “Two glasses of champagne, please,” Kurt said.

  Before long, they were ready for take-off. They secured their seat belts and heard the announcement. Once in the air, they were served more champagne and an assortment of canapés. Ossetra Molossal caviar, toasted melba with smoke fish roe paste and shrimp salad.

  “I can get use to this,” Andrea said.

  “You’re in for a treat. The dinners on this airline are outstanding.”

  “Did you plan our menu?”

  “Grayson had a hand in it.” He smiled. “She is something else.”

  For the next hour and thirty minutes they dined on Artichoke soup with a large crouton spread with olives and peppers, pan-fried Prawns in a lemon-butter sauce, Mediterranean sautéed vegetables and delicate Jasmine rice. Pouilly Fume Grande Cuvee 2007 was the wine of choice.

  Andrea put her fork down and drank the last drop of wine which remained in her glass. “I don’t think I could eat another morsel”

  Kurt smiled. “For dessert, I ordered poached pears. One of your favorites.”

  “Well, maybe just a taste.”

  Once the plates were removed, Andrea reached for his hand. “That was lovely, but I think I’m ready for my pillow and comforter.”

  Kurt brought Andrea’s hand to his lips. “That makes two of us.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Kurt awakened when he felt the tires hit the tarmac. The pilot announced their arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, and their good fortune with the weather. Istanbul was experiencing unseasonably warm weather for April.

  Andrea stretched. “I slept through the whole flight.”

  “I did too.”

  Chaos greeted them when they entered the overcrowded airport.

  "This is something you never get used to," Kurt said. He took Andrea's hand and directed her to the immigration queue. “Once we get the visa stamp, we can then go through passport control. This is going to take at least an hour,” he growled.

  When they were handed back their passports, a young boy offered to find a trolley and helped them with their luggage. Two hours after they landed they walked through the doors into the arrival area and the masses of people. Kurt scanned the area and looked for his name among the chauffeurs holding cardboard nameplates. "There we are," he said.

  Once they and their luggage were settled in the car, Kurt informed the driver they would be staying at the Yesil Ev hotel in Sultanahmet. During the drive to the hotel, they were astonished at the luxury which existed side by side with the poverty; the beauty with the ugliness; the glamour with the squalor; and the sanitation with the filth.

  As they continued the drive, they experienced a mixture of the quaint, the spectacular and the tacky. It was a city that thrived on its rough-edged tradition. Its streets were filled with tantalizing smells of curry and cinnamon, curious sounds of people chanting, clanging bells in the far distance and constant honking of horns. Bold colors illuminated from every crevice of the city.

  Andrea knew the women in Turkey were subservient to their male counterpart, but to witness the tainted practice shocked her. She directed her attention on the beautiful architecture and tried not to dwell on customs that were centuries old.

  "Kurt, let's stop and explore. Look at this place. I f
eel as if we're on the movie set of Casablanca."

  "Aren't you exhausted? I just want to get to the hotel and soak in a hot tub for a while," he said, as he caressed the inside of her thigh. "You'll have plenty of time to explore. We're going to be here for two weeks.”

  Before long, they pulled up to the Grand Dame of Sultanahmet's stylish hotels. This Old World hotel was designed on the lines of a winter mansion. When they entered the conservatory, lush plants greeted them along with fountains, fig trees and palm trees. The Ottoman style of the hotel was ornate, bordering on the gaudy.

  Liveried porters waited patiently for the car trunk to be popped. There were some Americans on the staff, but the majority was Turkish. The Head Concierge, Deniz, sophisticated and gracious, greeted them with a warm smile.

  Once in their suite, Kurt turned to the porter, handed him a tip and said, "Tesekkur ederim." The porter answered, "Bir sey degil.”

  "I didn't know you spoke Turkish."

  "I can get by," he smiled, "but don't put me in a lengthy conversation with anyone."

  Andrea went over to the window and pulled back the heavy gold and burgundy tapestry drapes. "Kurt, look at this," she said, like a child seeing her presents under a Christmas tree.

  "What a beautiful place." Gardens, rock pools and fountains greeted their eyes. Marble top tables and bright red and gold cushioned iron chairs sat on a carpet of thousands of blue Mosaic tiles. "This alone is worth the trip," he said.

  "Maybe we can have dinner in the garden this evening, if the weather stays warm," she said hopefully.

  On the other side of the room were more heavily draped windows. When she drew them back, a bazaar with everything imaginable greeted her. "Kurt, come look at this. It looks like a huge outdoor department store. No . . . I take that back. It looks like a carnival of sorts."

  He nodded in agreement and drew her into his arms. He proceeded to undress her while he led her to the bathroom. "Why don't we take that hot bath now," he said, his arousal already beyond the point of control.

  The tingling effects of their contact in water spread through her like wildfire. He pressed every inch of her body to his in a primitive act of domination. The piston-driving strength of him possessed her and she passionately bowed to meet him.