“Sure,” Elliott said. I’m going to take E on a short tour. We should be back in a couple of hours.” He turned his attention back to Renee. “You okay? We’ll stay around until you feel better. I’m going to stay until you feel better.”
Joe said, “I’ll be in the living room whenever you’re ready.”
Liza said, “I’m going into the office. I’ll see you in a bit.
After Joe and Liza left the room, Elliott sat on the bed next to Renee. He said “Do you want to have everybody over some other time? We can wait and tell them another time.”
Renee said, “No, we can do it tonight. I’m sure I’ll be better in a bit. I just needed something to settle the queasiness. Where are you and Joe going?”
Elliott replied, I’m going to show him around a bit, take him to the office. We shouldn’t be gone long at all.”
Renee stood up and said, “Okay. Oh, do you mind picking up some more ginger ale while you’re out? There were only a few left that last time I checked.”
Elliott stood up, kissed her and said, “OK, baby. Do you need or want anything else? I’ll pick up some more crackers and oatmeal.”
She said, “No, I think everything else is okay.”
He kissed her again and said, “If you think of anything, just call me.”
A few minutes after Elliott and Joe left, Renee went into the office and sat in the chair across from Liza. “Sorry about that. These queasy spells can’t end quick enough. I am completely over having them. So, tell me, what have you come up with so far? Please tell me that you are not putting something together that is going to take six months to plan.”
Liza was pleased to see that Renee looked much better. “You’re in luck then. I found a chapel on the web that looks absolutely beautiful. Of course we’ll have to go and check it out, but they did say they could reserve it for 6:00 next Saturday evening. I went ahead and asked them to reserve that spot. We could have the wedding and reception there and they gave me the name of a couple of caterers. The next thing that I absolutely need from you, of course, is finding a wedding dress. What style of dress would you like?”
Renee said, “Did you say the chapel is reserved for next Saturday? That’s great! I was thinking that finding a venue would be a major ordeal, but then I have to remember who is in charge here. I just need to remember to call Elliott as soon as possible so that he can see if Judge Nichols will be available to perform the ceremony. As far as a wedding dress, I would prefer something simple and tasteful. Nothing big and poufy like a 21-year-old would wear, and definitely not stark white. It needs to be off-white, very subtle.”
Liza eyed Renee and said, “Mmmm, I knew you would say something like that. My vision is to see you in something poufy. You would look like one of those 21-year-old child brides.”
Renee said, “And that’s exactly what I don’t want. I’m almost 40. I don’t want to wear something that makes everyone say, ‘awww, isn’t she cute.’ I’ll just not have it.”
Liza laughed and said, “Okay, okay, don’t get upset. We’ll just go try some on and take it from there. What about food? Do you want to have a small dinner or hors d’oeuvres? What about liquor? Do you want an open bar?”
Renee laughed and said, “Now, now, remember you said you were taking care of all of this? But, my preference is a small dinner, and yes, an open bar would be very nice.”
Liza laughed and said, “Okay, then. I think we should go out tomorrow and look at wedding dresses. I have already called and made an appointment at a bridal salon in Beverly Hills.
“That sounds fine. Oh, shoot, I need to call Lena and Ben and Kayla and Mik to get them over here for dinner this evening. How in the world did I forget to do that?”
Liza said, “Not to worry, my dear. I already called them and they will be here at 7:00. See, I told you, I got this.
Renee and Liza continued talking about the wedding.
~~~~
When Elliott and Joe returned from their outing, Liza said, “Good, you’re back. You can help me finish up for tonight. Where did you guys go?”
Joe said, “Elliott took me to his office. Wow, babe. I gotta tell you, Elliott has a very successful and busy practice going on. The offices are gorgeous, it’s in a prime location, and it is very, very busy.”
Elliott laughed and said “Yeah, it’s pretty good. Don’t know if it is on par with what you got going in New York, but I guess my little operation is alright.”
Joe said, “Oh, it’s way past alright. You done good, my man. Proud of ya.”
Elliott said, “Where’s Renee? Did she go out?”
“No,” Liza said. “She’s in the office looking at that wedding venue on the computer. We’re going to look at it in person tomorrow and pick out dresses.”
Joe looked at the time on the microwave and said, “It’s 6:00 now, so I’m going to get showered and changed. Liza, you coming?”
Liza said, “I’m right behind you. I just need to slice the cheesecake and then I’ll be there.”
Elliott went into the office, but Renee wasn’t there, so he checked the bedroom. She was in her closet trying to decide what to wear that evening.
She smiled and said, “Hi, baby. I didn’t hear you come in. When did you get back?”
Elliott kissed her soft, full lips and said, “We just got back a few minutes ago. Liza was in the kitchen making sure that everything was in order and Joe said he was going to get ready for this evening. So, I hear that you were looking at wedding venues and dresses.”
Renee found the perfect outfit for that evening. A black V-neck wrap sweater and a pair of cream-color side-zip pants. Mid-heel strappy sandals completed the outfit. She said, “Yeah. The venue that Liza found looks really nice online, but I really want to see if it is really that nice for real, or did they just put select pictures on the website. As far as dresses go, there were so many gorgeous choices, but I have an idea of what I want, so hopefully I will find it tomorrow.”
Elliott pulled her close to him and kissed her again, this time passionately. “Are you sure you’re okay with doing all of this? I don’t want you overdoing things.”
Renee looked into Elliott’s dark blue eyes and said, “I promise you I’m okay. I just get a little queasy at times, but I’m sure that will end soon enough.”
Elliott continued kissing Renee and walked her over to their bed. After she sat down on the bed, Elliott began to lay her down, kissing her lips, her face, her neck.
Renee was moaning softly as Elliott kissed her and slid his hands under her sweater. “Elliott, it is 6:15. Your parents and Kayla and Mik will be here at 7:00 if not sooner. We probably should stop right now.”
They continued to kiss for a little bit longer and Elliott said, “Okay, you’re right, we’d better stop before things get completely out of control.”
Renee said, “I’m going to take a very quick shower and I’ll be right out, okay?”
A few minutes after Renee was in the shower, Elliott was joining her. She said, “Do you think this is a good idea right now?”
Elliott responded by pulling her close and giving her a kiss so fiery that it made her head swim. They touched and kissed until they were crazy with desire.
“Elliott,” Renee said, “We have to get dressed now. They’ll be here any minute.”
Elliott sighed and said, “Can’t we just postpone this dinner until tomorrow? Maybe we could take everyone out for lunch instead.”
Renee laughed as she stepped out of the shower and said, “No, we can’t postpone until tomorrow. They’re probably on their way here by now.”
Renee and Elliott quickly dressed and went into the kitchen where Liza and Joe were putting the finishing touches on dinner.
Joe said teasingly, “We were beginning to think that you two got sucked down the drain or something in there.”
Renee blushed slightly and Elliott shook his head.
Before he could say anything, Lena and Ben were pulling into the driveway.
Lena said, “I’m so glad the two of you could come out to see us. We didn’t get to spend nearly enough time together in New York.”
After a few more minutes, Kayla and Mik arrived. Kayla hugged Liza and Joe and said, “Sorry we’re late, but Mik had to finalize some paperwork before leaving the campus this evening.”
After a few minutes of chatting and getting caught up, Renee said, “Liza cooked dinner for us tonight and trust me, she is an amazing chef. I am absolutely starving right now, so let’s all move into the kitchen so we can eat.”
After Ben said the prayer, pots were passed around so that everyone could get a serving of the delicious-smelling meal that Liza had prepared.
Ben said, “E, you better hold on to that one. Beauty, brains, and a good cook? Doesn’t get any better.”
E said, “Oh, believe me, I know I got it good like that.”
Everyone laughed as Liza blushed at E’s and Ben’s compliments.
Liza said, “I certainly appreciate it, but before you say anything else, let’s see how dessert tastes.”
Kayla helped Liza bring out cheesecake slices for everyone,
The cheesecake was absolutely divine and everyone said so.
Lena said, “Oh my goodness, that was delicious. How in the world do you and E manage to remain so fit with good eating like that?”
Liza laughed and said, “Please believe me when I tell you I don’t cook like this all the time. Only for very special occasions”
Kayla was talking to Renee and Liza. “Aunt Liza, I can’t wait for you and Uncle Joe to come over and see our place. Do you think you can come over tomorrow?”
As Kayla was inquiring to Liza about coming over, she happened to catch a glimpse of Renee’s hands.
“Mom, Kayla said as she took Renee’s left hand. “That ring. It’s beautiful. When did you get it?”
Elliott was in earshot. He quickly excused himself from his conversation with the other gentleman and walked over to where Renee was sitting on the sectional.
Renee smiled at Kayla and then at Elliott.
Elliott said, “We wanted you all to come over this evening to help us celebrate our best friends coming into town. They’ve been so good to us through everything. And now we’re here.”
Joe was pouring glasses of champagne as Elliott continued.
“Renee and I love each other so much. We always have and always will. Renee and I are getting married in two weeks.”
Lena’s eyes were filling with tears. She said, “This is the best news ever. I knew it would happen soon. I’m so happy right now for our son and now Renee is going to be like a daughter for us.”
Renee’s eyes started to mist with tears as well. She looked up at Elliott and smiled.
Renee said, “We have so much to be happy about. Elliott finding me and the kids. Me coming to my senses and coming here to get married to and spending my life with Elliott. Making a baby with Elliott.”
The room went silent.
Then a burst of excitement as Kayla squealed, “Mom, Dad! You’re having a baby?”
Kayla pulled Renee into a tight hug and then Elliott.
Lena was laughing now and saying, “So, my suspicions have been right all along! I knew something was going on. Elliott has been so protective of Renee lately. This is fantastic.”
Ben hugged and kissed Renee and hugged Elliott. He said, “So, Dr. Moore really was congratulating me on the new baby. You kids are something else. Congratulations, you two. You have made Lena and me so happy.”
Mik gave Renee a hug and shook Elliott’s hand. “This is wonderful. We’re so happy for you,” he said.
After things settled down, Joe and Liza passed around glasses of champagne to everyone, except Renee, who was given a glass of ginger ale.
After all the excitement had settled down, Lena, Liza, and Kayla huddled around Renee.
Liza brought Lena and Kayla up-to-date on the wedding plans so far. She said, “Tomorrow we’re going to try on dresses. I have already made an appointment at a bridal salon in Beverly Hills.”
Kayla said, “I want to go. Do you mind if I tag along? And I can help with the plans, too. Just tell me what I need to do.”
Liza told Kayla that she was certainly welcome to come along. “Lena, would you like to join us?”
Lena said, “Absolutely. I can help, too. Anything you need.”
Renee said, “Is there anything that I can do?”
Liza turned to Renee and said, “After tomorrow, you’re going to start taking it easy. Of course you have to come for the dress selection and to check out the wedding venue, but after that, we can take care of everything else.”
Elliott was walking over to their group. He heard Liza tell Renee to take it easy. He said, “Can I get you ladies anything?”
Renee said, “I think we’re okay, thanks though.”
He kissed her and whispered in her ear, “Love you, baby.”
She placed her arms around his neck and drew him into a deep kiss.
After the excitement had somewhat settled, Kayla called Matt to tell him the news, and Renee called her dad to let him know.
~~~~
After everyone had left, Renee and Liza were cleaning the kitchen. Liza said, “Oh, by the way, we’re going to Vegas. We leave Friday and come back Thursday, rehearsal is Friday and Saturday is . . . well, you know the rest.”
Renee looked incredulously at Liza. “We’re what?! Liza, I can’t just . . .”
“What?” Liza said. “Of course you can. Look, this gives you and Elliott a break from sexing every night right before the big day. Besides, I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas and we’re right next door to it. We’re staying at the Bellagio.”
“Who said we’re sexing every night? And even if we were, is a break really necessary?”
“Liza laughed and said, “Girl please, as fine as Elliott is, I know you get that on a whenever basis. That, plus the fact that you’re pregnant. But really, Vegas will be fun. We can see some shows, stay at a very nice hotel and get ogled by men before we have to come back and be wives.”
Renee had to admit that it did sound like fun. “Okay, but you get to be the one to tell Elliott since this is all your idea.”
“And when he asks, I’ll just tell him exactly what I told you,” Liza said.
Just as Liza had finished saying that she would tell Elliott about the Vegas trip, Elliott was walking into the kitchen. Joe had broken the news to him about Liza’s Vegas plans.
Elliott said, “I don’t think Renee needs to be going to Vegas right now.”
Liza said to Elliott, “There’s nothing to worry about. I promise to take very good care of her, I won’t let her overdo things, and I will bring her back all rested and ready for your big day.”
Renee glanced over at Liza, who was looking very satisfied with herself, and said, “I don’t want Elliott to be worried about me. Maybe we should go another time. After I have the baby maybe would be better.”
Liza said, “Well, it would be ashamed to do that, Renee. I mean, we came all this way and everything. And you know how I told you I would like to go to Vegas. Well, this is our big chance. I promise, it’ll be fun, and Elliott, I really promise to take excellent care of your little pretty-pretty. It’s for a very short time.”
Joe said, “Liza, maybe just let them sleep on it tonight. It’s kind of a surprise for them, and with everything going on, they just need some time.”
Liza, totally exasperated said, “Okay, fine. But, please really think about it.”
Before going to bed, Elliott and Renee promised Liza that they would give the Vegas plan further consideration.
~~~~
As they were settling into bed that night, Elliott was voicing his concern over Renee going to Vegas. “What if you start feeling sick or something? I just don’t want you to be too far away in case you start fee
ling bad. Maybe we should call Dr. Middleton.”
Renee said, “I’m sure everything will be just fine. I will make sure to keep ginger ale and crackers in the room and if something major happens, I could be seen there. But trust me, I will be fine.”
Elliott took a deep breath and said, “If you’re absolutely sure, then I guess. But just for the record, I am not completely on board with this whole idea. Besides that, I absolutely love knowing that you’re here in our home every day and in our bed every night. Now you’re going to be gone for a week.”
Renee said, “I know and believe me, I feel the same way, too. But it is for just a few days, and we’ll all be so busy getting ready for everything, I’m sure the time will go by really fast.”
Elliott propped himself up against the headboard, pulling Renee on top of him. She pulled her sleep wear over her head, revealing her still flat stomach and breasts that were starting to swell, and nipples that became even harder as the air touched them. She had already removed her panties.
Elliott took in Renee’s sexy frame and said, “Mmmm, so does this mean you are breaking your no sex before marriage rule?”
Renee licked Elliott’s lips before kissing him and said, “Well, I don’t think I have very much choice, seeing as I’m being whisked away for a week. I think we have to do this, don’t you?”
Elliott said, “I’ve always thought that we have to be doing this.” He took her sensitive nipple into his warm mouth, alternating between using his tongue to gently bathe it, and gently sucking it. Renee moaned softly as Elliott made her hotter and wetter.
Renee cupped Elliott’s head to her breast, enjoying the sensation that he was creating. She felt as if there was a connection that ran from her breasts to her sex. She took Elliott’s erection into her hand and stroked it from the base all the way tip, swirling his precum around the top of its reddened, exposed head.
Elliott groaned audibly and placed his hands on Renee’s hips, pulling her closer so that her slit made direct contact with his penis. “Mmmm, baby, you make me feel so good,” he said in a husky voice.
Elliott continued licking and sucking Renee’s nipples and gently squeezing her bottom, keeping his erection in contact with her clit. “Ohhh, yes, Elliott, feels so good to me, too.”
A Couple of Forevers (This Time Forever Book 2) Page 3