Haven's Promise (Divine Designs Book 3)

by Maggie Ryan

  Rolling her eyes, Barbara gave a huge sigh. "To answer Ariel's ridiculously nosy question, the first pair of panties were green with teddy bears, and the next were a simple purple and white striped set."

  "Hot, definitely hot," Nancy said, rolling her eyes at Ariel's exaggerated swoon as Barbara's sister fanned her face with her hand.

  "That was beautiful, Bunny," Elizabeth said. "As Ariel said earlier, we are all so incredibly happy for you."

  "Yes, and I can't wait to meet Angel! She so deserves to have friends just like us," Ariel added, just as the door opened and Helen popped her head in.

  "The boys are here. Are you ready to join us?" Helen asked, noticing the happy, somewhat guilty looking smiles the four women exchanged, loving the sounds of their soft giggles. Nodding, they all rose.

  "HOPEFUL note," Barbara said, drawing all their attention again. "When going to a meeting, bring a fresh pair of panties." Breaking into peals of laughter, all four wearing damp underwear, they agreed with Ariel's whispered suggestion, scampering up the stairs to her old room before running out to join their men.

  Chapter 13

  The men were on the patio, gathered around the outside kitchen, when the sound of laughter had them all turning to see the women coming to join them.

  Benjamin smiled and slipped his arm around his wife as they watched the younger couples; each woman being warmly embraced by the men who adored them.

  Seeing Barbara's rather flushed face, Craig grinned. "Did you have a good meeting?" Her face turned even pinker, and he chuckled. "I'm guessing that's a yes?"

  "Yes, it was, um, great," Barbara answered, her hips shifting a little when his hand dropped to caress her bottom.

  Craig bent closer, whispering his next question into her ear. "Does Daddy need to check to see if his little girl needs a change of underwear?" Her look of guilty shock had him chuckling louder. "I'm guessing that's also a yes."

  "No! You can't!" she said, a bit louder than she meant to, as faces turned towards where they were standing. Hearing Ariel giggle, she shot her sister a glance, and lowered her voice. "I mean, um, you don't need to check." She looked around before continuing, "I, um, took care of them already. How did you know they were so wet?"

  Craig chuckled and patted her behind. "Little girl, don't ever think that I can't tell, because as your daddy, I promise that I not only can, but if need be I'm more than willing to prove it to my girl."

  His promise, and another squeeze of her cheeks, had her moaning. "Honey, what sort of daddy would I be if I couldn't tell that my girl is happy, content and…" he paused, bending close to her ear, his hand sliding across her ass, "very aroused?"

  "Oh, God," Barbara said, feeling her face heating as she buried it against his chest. "And here I thought I'd learned to hide all my emotions."

  Craig's laughter was muffled as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "Don't play poker sweetheart. You may have been able to pull off the Ice Queen act in a court of law, but darling, to me, your face is an open book."

  She looked up at him and almost melted against him as he lowered his head. Just before his lips possessed hers, he whispered, "A book I will never tire of opening and reading, time and time again." His kiss reminded her of why she had stopped practicing law. There was nothing on earth that could compare to the absolute contentment she felt from this man simply holding her, teasing her, loving her.

  When they parted, she lifted a hand to his cheek. "Thank you for always making sure the story ends happily ever after, Daddy." She gave him a quick peck on his cheek before leaning in again. "Oh, and thanks for making sure I had a story hot enough to cause all our panties to become uncomfortable."

  Craig's bark of laughter had Logan also grinning as he looked at the others. "That must have been some meeting." Liz, Nancy, and Ariel all giggled.

  "They always are," Elizabeth admitted, smiling in acknowledgment of what the others were all thinking. It was absolutely amazing to see the woman, who had been so unhappy only a few months earlier, completely transformed.

  Dinner was delicious, as skewers of shrimp and perfectly grilled steaks were consumed. Everyone thanked Jason for his masterful grilling skills. As beers were chosen and glasses of wine poured, they all relaxed around the dining room table.

  "The floor is yours," Logan said, motioning to Craig. "If you don't tell us what's on your mind soon, then it will be your fault that Elizabeth continues to whine and pout which, of course, will lead to her receiving a rather red ass." Laughter sounded as Liz blushed.

  "That's far more of a reason to remain silent if you ask me," Nancy quipped. "We all know our girl enjoys having a red as—hey!"

  "The floor is Craig's, young lady," Jason said, it being obvious that his own girl had received a swat under the table. "It's rude to butt into a conversation." Nancy nodded, and her giggle caused others to chuckle as they turned their attention to Craig.

  "As you know, the kitchen is almost completed at Haven. The only thing left to do is to put in the appliances, which should be delivered within the next couple of weeks. Since we needed large commercial units, it takes a bit longer than just going to the store and picking out a refrigerator." He paused, squeezing Barbara's hand, and gave her a grin which she returned with a small nod.

  "We've given serious thought to your proposal, Logan. I am preparing to turn over both the catering business, as well as the restaurant, to my very capable staff. Since you and Liz have discussed needing someone to not only oversee the running of Haven, but are also in need of kitchen staff, Bunny and I would be very happy to offer our services for the job."

  Silence reigned for a nanosecond, before Liz gave a small shriek and jumped from her chair to run and wrap her arms around the couple.

  "Oh my God, thank you," she said, practically bouncing behind the two. "Oh God, this is incredible! Are you sure? Wait, don't answer that! I'm going to die if you change your mind. This answers my prayers. Thank you, God, thank you both!" She squeezed them again as Logan chuckled.

  "I can't imagine anyone better than Barbara to organize and make sure Haven runs smoothly. It's a huge bonus that she has found her joy in helping you run the kitchen. You'll have free rein as to menus, stocking the pantry, etc. Liz is an incredible designer, but let's face it, her culinary skills don't qualify her as even a line cook," Logan said.

  Elizabeth laughed, nodding her agreement. Returning to her own chair, she gave Logan a kiss. "Thank you so much for suggesting this. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders." She turned back to Barbara, her excitement palpable. "Oh—we should get your cabin finished so that it will be ready by the time Haven opens. Do you think that's possible?" she asked, turning towards Garrett, who had been busy over the past few weeks overseeing the beginning of the new construction for the five cabins that were to be built at the end of the lake.

  "I don't see why not," he said. "The plans are done and the framing started. It will be a tight schedule, but if most of the work is concentrated on completing one cabin first, instead of doing all five in stages, then, yes, it should work."

  "Great, but if it's not done, they can always just stay in the hotel. We can tell Ryan to concentrate on finishing a couple of rooms. It shouldn't take long, as a few are almost done. What do you prefer, Barbara?" Logan asked.

  "It would be great if the cabin was finished, as it is going to be fantastic," she said, looking up at Craig. "But if not, that's okay as well. As long as we're together, we don't care where we live."

  "Tell Ryan we only need one room," Craig instructed, meeting Logan's eyes across the table. Logan grinned and nodded, letting him know that he was totally in agreement with the man who had fallen in love with his sister, especially when Barbara gave Logan her own nod.

  "Not fair," Ariel piped up, making everyone look in her direction. "I mean, I think it is absolutely fantastic that Craig and Barbara will live on site and work together, but I'm telling you, if they get a room before we have our 'test' then I will feel
cheated." She sighed hugely, her shoulders drooping as she continued. "But, I suppose, since the drawing is going to be rigged anyway, it doesn't matter." Looking at her brother, her lips pursed into a ridiculous pout, she batted her eyes so he could get the full effect of her deep disappointment.

  "Jesus, you are like a little terrier, worrying a bone to death," Logan said, shaking his head. "I can't imagine why you would question my integrity."

  "Oh, good Lord, get real," she replied, reaching over to punch his arm. "You used to cheat at Monopoly, and believe me, we all know that testing your hotel's soundproofing will be a heck of a lot more fun than putting a plastic hotel on some fake property."

  Logan gave her hand a squeeze and chuckled. "Just to make sure the game is fair, and more importantly, to shut my baby sister up, I hereby swear there will be no rigging of the drawing. God, I can't imagine having to spend the rest of my life hearing about how I cheated Ariel out of the chance to scream her ass off if she wins the drawing. Whoever's name is drawn can have the honors of bolting out of the Go square, and hope to God that Ryan is right, so the police don't arrive and slap those 'testers' into jail for disturbing the peace. I promise, if it is Ariel, she can just sit behind bars while I wave my 'get out of jail free' card in front of her pouting face."

  Ariel laughed and shrugged her shoulders. Turning to Garrett, she begged, "Please, honey, even though I know I would be the perfect cell mate, it will be so worth your while to make sure their cabin is ready. I know I can trust Liz not to run the test without us, but I'm not exactly buying Logan's newfound sense of fairness. He used to cheat us all the time!" She shot her brother a look that said she seriously doubted his promise, but was more than ready to adapt to any game.

  Nancy burst out laughing. "Sorry," she said, with a look around the table. "It's just that the bullshit in here is getting so deep that I need knee-high boots to wade through it."

  Ariel laughed, and then spoke about her new idea of offering photographic services to Elizabeth's guests. "Barbara has her kitchen, Nancy has her boutique, and I just want to help. I'm thinking of offering those sexy boudoir shots. They can buy something at the boutique, or wear whatever they desire." She paused and giggled. "Or, wear absolutely nothing at all. I know we've talked about me taking photos of weddings, anniversaries, commitment ceremonies, et cetera, but even if a couple isn't celebrating something special, it might make a good memory for them. What do you think?"

  "I think it's a lovely idea," Elizabeth said, her face revealing that she was already imagining the pleasure a couple could experience—during the session, as well as remembering the trip to Haven with special photos later. "You go ahead and work out the pricing, design some type of order form and brochure, and we'll include it in the welcome basket that Barbara and Craig will be prepping for every couple to enjoy in their room."

  Nancy agreed that the plan was a fantastic one. "God knows you must have taken a thousand photos already, what difference do a few million more make? However, it might be a good idea for you to make sure you have all the 'before' shots of the Woodshed taken before Bunny moves in. I mean, now that she has seen other, shall we say, rooms of possibilities, the next girl who is sent out there may find the walls painted a sunny yellow, with piles of cushions on the floor, stuffed animals to hug, and pictures of flowers and animated characters everywhere."

  Pretending not to notice Craig's quirked eyebrow, or the question she could already imagine forming in his mind, Barbara shook her head. "HOPEFUL note: Remind members of our most important policy of discretion, or install a tremendously harsh discipline protocol, to be executed by a democratic, majority vote."

  "Ohhh, look who's going all lawyerly on us!" Nancy teased.

  "I'm voting with Bunny, and suggest we instigate that protocol this very evening," Elizabeth said, shaking her head with a grin at Nancy.

  "Oh, goodie! That's three to one," Ariel giggled. "And we all know there's got to be at least one paddle around here."

  The men were all following the conversation, their faces showing their amusement as everyone heard Benjamin chuckling from where he had been sitting quietly. When heads turned to him, he just shrugged and smiled, while Helen's face turned a soft, beautiful pink—both knowing there was far more than one paddle in the house where they shared a very full, very intimate life.

  "Y'all are just no fun at all." Nancy pretended to pout. "I was simply concerned about the possible desecration of a historical building. I mean, do you want Liz and Logan to lose tax credit if some inspector looks in the window to see a comfy playroom instead of an old, rustic, perfectly restored well-house?"

  "God, you could argue that the sun doesn't come up in the east," Jason said, and then turned to Barbara. "I hereby promise to remind my love that it doesn't pay to take teasing too far. Deal?"

  "Deal," all three women said, sticking out their tongues when Nancy pretended to glare at them.

  "I do believe I'm seeing a pattern here," Logan said, sitting back in his chair and looking around the table. He grinned at his parents, feeling truly blessed that he had a family that was truly amazing. "I see it like this… First, Bunny over there practically screams the word 'no' to her daddy—which, as every sub here knows, is a definite no-no. Then, Ariel attempts to use her, um, talents, to bribe her Dom, instead of trusting his impeccable work ethic—as well as accusing her brother, who by the way has impeccable morals, of cheating. And lastly, Nancy not only interrupts a conversation, she then attempts to accuse Bunny of some scheme to change a perfectly functioning Woodshed. Gentlemen, I do believe our subs are all trying to tell us something. Anyone want to guess what I'm thinking?"

  "Hell—no guessing required. You are right on target," Garrett said. "Now, how am I supposed to put this? Oh, yeah," he paused, as he slowly looked at each of the women. "Alpha note: Be prepared to spank, paddle, switch or wear out the derrière of your own personal club member after their meetings. I'm not privy to what is discussed for hours on end, nor do I need to be, to know that whatever it is has a very obvious effect on our subs."

  "An effect that I am more than happy and prepared to deal with," Jason said.

  "I vote with Garrett and Jason. Care to make it unanimous, Logan?" Craig asked, seeing Barbara squirming yet again on her chair, her eyes bright with a combination of humor and desire.

  "Absolutely," Logan said with a grin.

  "Only one problem," Garrett noted, nodding at Elizabeth. "You correctly listed our subs' transgressions, but Liz appears to be the token 'good girl' member of their club."

  Elizabeth's smile was beautiful as she reached out to entwine her fingers with Logan's before looking around the table. "If you need a spanking, or," she paused and used her other hand to rub Logan's forearm, "anything at all—I suggest you simply be a good sub and follow my example." Pausing once more, she lifted her eyes to her Dom's. "Please, Sir, take me home, spank my ass until I beg for you to stop, and then love me until I beg for you to never, ever stop."

  The room was silent as Logan smiled down at her, lifted their linked hands to his mouth, and brushed her knuckles with his lips.

  "And, ladies, that's the way to do it," he said, standing up and pulling Elizabeth from her chair, causing her to squeal as he draped her over his shoulder, patting her backside as she giggled. Nodding his head, he looked around the table for the last time.

  Elizabeth lifted her head, pushing the river of black hair away from her face. She gave them all as serious a look as she could manage from her upside down position, before she giggled again. "I guess our meeting is now officially adjourned."

  EPILOGUE

  Cars pulled away from the River Oaks home, the occupants thinking about the games they would play that evening with the partner who made their life whole. They thought about the incredible blessings they enjoyed, having friends and family who joined in their lives as dreams were dreamt and shared by all. Haven was well on its way to being completed. In just a few months, its doors would be opened—ready to
share its promises, and embrace those who dared to live the unique lifestyles they had chosen.

  THE END

  Note to My Readers

  I give my sincerest thanks to every one of you for your continuing support of the books that make up the Divine Designs series. I hope that this offering has made every one of the people who are sharing this dream come alive for you. This series may be nearing its end as Haven prepares to open its doors. Love, laughter, fears and friendships are indeed part of every book. Just as the dream of Haven is being fulfilled, I hope your dreams will always be magical. Look for the next installment of the series, where the dream that began years earlier will be fulfilled. Book number four, Haven's Gift, will come out in December 2014. If that one does happen to end up being the last of the series, in my heart and soul, these characters will always continue to live and share their love with one another, and I hope they live in your heart as well. Thank you again.

  Happy Reading –

  Maggie Ryan

  Maggie Ryan

  Author for Blushing Books. I write both contemporary erotica and historical spanking romances. I enjoy writing about characters that enjoy the provocative D/S lifestyle of today’s times as well as taking a step back into the past to write stories that take place in the Victorian era with age-play as a theme.

  I live in the great Lone Star state with my wonderful husband. I have always loved reading. Growing up in a family with four children, it was difficult finding a place to be alone. I was probably one of the squeakiest clean girls on the planet as I would spend hours in the tub so I could read without being bothered. It wasn’t long before I began to make up my own endings to the books I was reading. From there, it just seemed natural to begin writing my own stories.