His Wife

by Ashley Hastings

  He smiled at me and stroked my hair. The boat rocked gently from side to side as he settled me against his body. God, I loved being in his arms.

  "It is fast, and most people would call us idiots for rushing into marriage. I've lived a little longer than you, and I've seen a few things. I knew when I laid eyes on you that you were the one. It wasn't just physical attraction, although I definitely felt that. It was so much more. It was the look on your face as you were taking it all in. It was the way you were so eager to try new experiences.” He kissed my cheek.

  “I know what you are saying, but...” My voice trailed off.

  “Give me a chance. I know I can make you happy, and give you a good life." His voice was low, sweet, and seductive.

  I stared up at him as I considered his words.

  I could see my future. I would be Mrs. Nathan Randolph, Darby Randolph, lady of Peacock Alley. I would run the house, and host parties for our friends and family. He would go on the occasional business trip, and then rush home to be with me, his beloved bride. He would invite friends and colleagues over to the house, saying, "Come meet my beautiful new wife."

  One day in the future, there would be little Nathans exploring the fields and woods around the old home, coming home muddy and tired after a long day of play. Maybe I would have a daughter to have tea parties underneath the big live oaks dripping with moss lining the driveway. I could see my future, our future, and it was perfect.

  I realized I had a huge smile on my face. This was crazy. He was crazy. We were both crazy.

  “Yes. Yes, I will marry you!” I beamed at him, and he laughed.

  He grabbed me again for another kiss before starting to row back to shore.

  I looked down at my hand while he rowed. I loved my engagement ring. The large diamond sparkled so much it was blinding if I looked too closely in the sunlight. A cluster of smaller diamonds surrounded it, and even the sides of the ring were encrusted with more jewels. There were sapphires, rubies, and emeralds to complement the breathtaking diamonds. I couldn't believe this gorgeous piece of jewelry now had a home on my finger.

  After we left the park, we stopped at a boutique on Fifth Avenue and shopped for my wedding attire. Neither one of us cared about him seeing me ahead of time in the dress, and I found a beautiful white gown with gauzy tiers of material that fell down like petals on a flower. The bodice was strapless and encrusted with pearls, and I felt like a bride. I was able to find shoes in the same store, and then Nathan took me down the street to a jewelry store to get me something to wear with the gown.

  "Baby, look at these diamonds. I think they are just what your wedding dress needs." He was holding up a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings, and he had a necklace draped across the counter.

  "Nate, that's way too expensive." I leaned against the glass case and studied all the pieces laid out for our inspection.

  He ignored my protests and purchased the jewelry. I knew I would feel like a princess wearing the jewelry, although the exorbitant cost made me nervous. He also bought me a ruby anklet, not for today's ceremony, but just because he could. That led him to buy me a pair of emerald earrings and a delicate pink pearl necklace.

  Next, we looked at wedding bands. I found very simple gold rings that I loved, but I knew I wanted to personalize them in some way. I lifted the rings from the velvet display to show him.

  "I would like to get the bands inscribed. Let's put our wedding date on them. Maybe our names, too?"

  He agreed, smiling at my ideas. “I like it, but let’s wait until we get back to Mississippi. I’m sure it will take a few days to get the inscription done, and we need these rings today.”

  The next thing I knew he was examining platinum cuffs to be monogrammed with my new initials. I had to stop him after that because he looked like he might buy out the store.

  The salesperson was ecstatic. She seemed to be spending her commission in her head, and she kept pulling out new items for his perusal.

  I made him wait outside the lingerie store, where I selected delicate pieces to wear underneath my wedding dress. I found the palest pink bra and panty set, with matching garters. I had never owned anything like that before. I blushed to think of Nathan removing it from me in just a few short hours, but I was very excited by the idea.

  I took my selection to the sales person to ring up, and saw Nathan striding through the store towards me.

  Before I could faint at the price, Nathan was back at my side and handing over his credit card to the clerk, ignoring my objections. I had very little money, just some leftover from college, but Nathan wouldn't hear of me spending a dime of it.

  “You’ve paid for everything. I can at least get this by myself. I told you to wait outside for a reason.” I smiled to take the sting out of my words, but I didn’t want him to think I was marrying him for his money.

  “I most certainly should pay for this. I will be the one getting a direct benefit from it, after all.” He winked at me.

  I blushed.

  “You just turned the exact same pink as the lingerie.” Nathan chuckled, and I blushed even more.

  Another quick stop at a florist netted me a lovely wildflower bouquet and a single flower for Nathan's lapel.

  "These blue flowers grow wild at Peacock Alley. I know you haven't seen the place yet, but it would mean a lot to me if you carried them when we get married."

  Touched by the sweet gesture, I agreed. “You are so romantic.”

  He turned to face me, startled. “Nobody has ever accused me of that before.”

  Despite his surprise, he seemed to like my description of him, if his slow, deep kiss was any indication.

  We were almost ready for the ceremony.

  Nathan sent for one of his suits at the hotel, and we made our way to a giant cathedral in the heart of the city. Apparently, when Nathan said he wanted us to get married, he meant right away. A man met us at the entrance of the church, and we showed him our IDs for our marriage license. Nathan explained that he had found a judge to waive the twenty-four hour waiting period, and had arranged for a priest to do the ceremony immediately. We finished the paperwork in no time at all, and soon it was time to get married.

  WHAT IS THAT OLD SAYING? ‘Marry in haste. Repent in leisure.' If my mother were here, she would be screaming that line. Not me. When I entered the private sitting area off the foyer of the church and pulled my wedding gown out of the box to hang it from a hook in the wall, my thoughts settled. Somehow, it seemed right for it to be just the two of us, standing before a priest, binding us together for life.

  I changed into my wedding attire, fumbling just a bit with the unfamiliar garters, and walked all alone down the aisle. My thoughts drifted towards my mother. She should be here, walking with me, but I knew that would never happen.

  I focused on Nathan. Our eyes met as I walked, and he was a little misty-eyed. I met Nathan at the altar, anxious to begin my new life as his wife.

  I couldn't wait to become Mrs. Nathan Randolph.

  We exchanged vows in that majestic church, looking into each other's eyes. The priest started the simple ceremony by reading scripture. Then the priest told me that Nathan had written our vows. Surprised, I squeezed his hands, touched by the thoughtful gesture.

  "I, Nathan Randolph, take you, Darby Turner, to be my wife, my soul mate in life and my one true love forever and ever. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and for all time to come. I will trust you and honor you, no matter what comes our way. I will laugh with you and cry with you in good times and in bad times. Whether the waters of life are calm or marked by storms, I will love you faithfully, with all my heart and soul. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep. You are my dearest treasure, and I trust you to cherish our love for all eternity."

  Nathan took the wedding ring I had selected out of his pocket and handed it over to me. It was hard to believe we had just purchased it only about an hour before now. I slipped it on his finger wi
th trembling hands.

  When it was my turn to speak, I surprised myself even more by saying the vows after the priest with a strong, clear voice, never faltering or stumbling over the words. Although they weren't my words, I was speaking from the heart.

  "I, Darby Turner, take you, Nathan Randolph, to be my husband, my soul mate in life and my one true love forever and ever. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and for all time to come. I will trust you and honor you, no matter what comes our way. I will obey your wishes, and strive to please you always. I will laugh with you and cry with you in good times and in bad times. Whether the waters of life are calm or marked by storms, I will love you faithfully, with all my heart and soul. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep. You are my dearest treasure, and I trust you to cherish our love for all eternity."

  Nathan had tears in his eyes as I finished speaking. He slipped the wedding band on my finger slowly. He leaned his forehead down to touch mine, and I held his hands even tighter. I smiled up at him. If a girl could have stars in her eyes, I had entire constellations in mine.

  The priest proclaimed, "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."

  Nathan gathered me to him. He kissed me, long and sweetly. He pulled back and then kissed me again, this time with more passion. No moment in my life had ever been this perfect.

  "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph."

  We broke our first kiss as a married couple, and turned back to the beaming priest. I barely noticed him.

  I only had eyes for my new husband.

  Six

  We left the cathedral and headed back to the hotel. For the first time since Nathan proposed, I really thought of my mother’s feelings, not just her potential disapproval of the lightning-fast marriage. Does that make me a horrible daughter? I don't think so. I think that maybe I was finally growing up. I had no doubt she would be upset by our engagement, and I certainly hadn't needed her at the wedding. However, we did need to tell her that things had now changed in a significant way.

  I said as much to Nathan, and he agreed. "Let's call her now."

  When I placed the call, she didn't answer. I knew she was in her real estate seminar, so I texted her.

  Call me. It’s an emergency. I need to talk to you right away.

  I bit my lip as I waited on some sort of reply.

  Soon my phone was ringing. Nervous, I answered and put it on speakerphone so Nathan could be part of the conversation.

  "Mom?" I was vaguely aware of honking outside of the taxi as we pulled up to a red light. Two people argued loudly on the street corner, and a man tried to clean our windshield to make a fast buck. Our driver waved him off.

  Life was going on as usual, even though my life had just experienced a major change.

  "What's going on, Darby? Has something happened with Michael? He told me he was going to take you to lunch today." My mother was as impatient and distracted as always.

  "No, Mom. I haven't spoken to Michael since last night, and you heard me make plans for lunch with Nathan today."

  I paused, unsure of what to say. My mom and I had never been close, but we didn't fight much, either. We simply co-existed. I hoped that she would be politely happy for me, and just let it go. Just let me go. She really didn't seem to need me in her life, anyway. I was always an afterthought for her.

  Nathan jumped in. "Mrs. Turner, Darby and I just got married. We wanted you to be the first to hear our happy news."

  Dead silence on the phone for a long moment.

  Then my mother screeched in outrage. "Married? Well, you certainly are a fast worker, Mr. Randolph. You swooped right in and took over her life."

  I turned to Nathan, wide-eyed. He didn't look too impressed or concerned. His face was blank. If anything, he was bored by it all.

  My mother continued. "Darby, he is so much older than you, and in such a hurry to seal the deal. Mark my words; you will regret this hasty marriage. Both of you will. Something fishy is going on here, but since you didn't consult with me, I guess you are just on your own."

  I winced, but found my backbone. “I’m not on my own. I have my husband now.”

  She paused for a brief moment to catch her breath, but the assault wasn't over yet. "You don't have the life experience to manage a household. You don't have the skills to have a successful marriage. You don't even know what skills are needed for such a task. I wish you both good luck. You are going to need it."

  I opened my mouth to reply, but I was too late. The call ended abruptly.

  Briefly stunned by my mother's vitriol, I said nothing, but I was wincing on the inside. Nathan didn't speak, either, but really, no words were needed. He reached across the leather seat, took my hand, and held it against his leg.

  I drew immeasurable strength from the simple gesture.

  UPON ARRIVAL AT THE hotel, Nathan accepted congratulations on our marriage from both the valet and the door attendant. I didn't miss the fact that strangers congratulated us, but my own mother scoffed at our happy news.

  We went straight up to his suite, and Nathan lifted me in his strong arms and carried me across the threshold. I was impressed to see a small feast laid out for us, and several bouquets of flowers on tables scattered throughout the room.

  "I called the hotel while you were shopping this afternoon. I asked them to upgrade my room to their best suite, and move all of our things from both of our previous rooms."

  He loosened his tie, and my heart skipped a beat at how handsome he looked. I wasn't accustomed to being with him in private, and I loved the intimacy of the moment.

  "I also ordered some food because I didn't think you would want to go out after the ceremony. Of course, if you would rather..."

  "This is perfect, Nate. Thank you for being so thoughtful." I leaned against the sofa for support.

  "This is just the beginning, Mrs. Randolph. There is nothing you cannot have going forward. All you have to do is ask, and I will make it yours." He came forward and took my hand. "Would you like a glass of champagne?" When I nodded, he poured me a glass. "Would you like some help with your dress?"

  Suddenly nervous, I dropped my eyes. My nerves must have been evident to Nathan because his voice softened and deepened.

  "Come here, sweetheart."

  Crossing the room, I tried to look more confident than I felt, and I took the glass of champagne from him.

  “Turn around, baby. Let me help you.”

  Turning, I sipped from the glass while he slowly unbuttoned my dress. I was breathing faster, but Nathan's breathing had slowed and deepened.

  I was facing the window, but I wasn't looking outside. Instead, I looked at our reflection in the pane of glass. What I saw fascinated me. I looked beautiful and fragile, and Nathan looked all man, strong and in control.

  When he had finished with the buttons, he grasped my hand and led me to a large wing chair. He sat down and then held out his hand for my champagne glass. He took a long drink, and then patted his lap. I sat down, and he held me close, offering me another sip of alcohol. I shook my head, and he put the glass on a small side table and turned his head toward me.

  One large hand cupped the back of my head and pulled me in for a kiss. I was conscious of the loose dress, precariously falling off my body. I was small and helpless in his embrace. Nathan could do whatever he wanted with me at that moment, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was nervous but ready to be his at last.

  "You are so beautiful, Darby. So precious and perfect."

  With one hand, he stroked my hair and freed it from the simple chignon. He tugged on my dress, and it slid off my torso. The upper half of my body was revealed to him, and he stared. That same slow hand traced down my neck and then trailed across my cleavage, whisper soft, barely brushing my skin.

  "Lift up, angel."

  I did as I was told, and the dress slithered to the floor.

  "
Good girl."

  He pulled me back into his lap and pressed delicate kisses to my neck.

  "Now that you are my wife, we need to discuss a few rules."

  "Rules?" My voice was unfamiliar, faint.

  "Yes. I have rules, Darby. I expect you to be a very good girl for me at all times. Do you know what that means?" Nathan’s voice was as gentle as his touch.

  I shook my head, breathless. His hand trailed across my thighs, teasing me.

  "I expect you to try to please me at all times. I expect you to obey me without question." That damn hand slid between my thighs and pressed firmly against my silky panties. "Good girls listen and obey, and then they get rewarded for their behavior."

  "What happens to bad girls, Nate?" I gazed into his eyes, lost.

  I had to ask.

  "They get spanked, very hard."

  His fingers moved with a steady rhythm against my clit, and I moaned softly. I should be horrified by the way he was speaking to me, but I was not. Not at all.

  I was nervous. Spanking? I knew some people were turned on by such things, but I had never thought I would be one of them.

  "At Peacock Alley, I have a library that also serves as my office. It's where I spend most of my time. I rarely go into my company's office anymore. Instead, my work comes to me."

  He stood up suddenly and held me high in his arms against his chest. Despite his serious words, I felt protected and loved, even though he had never said he loved me. He strode to the bed, and laid me down on my back. He gently turned me over on my stomach.

  "Bad girls get spanked in my library, with their panties off." He leaned over as he spoke these shocking words, and his breath tickled my ear. I shivered.

  With that, he stripped my panties from my body and swatted me firmly on my backside. I jumped in shock and a squeaky noise slipped from my throat. He flipped me over without warning and smiled at me.