Christmas In Virginia

by Mlyn Hurn

  Laena bit her tongue to hold back the words that she loved him. But she still felt that she wasn't sure about his... commitment. Was he really sure that he wanted to take on a new family at this age? Part of her wanted to ask him outright. Yet a little voice told her to wait and take every single moment with him that she could get. Memories might be all she had to cling to in the future. She met his gaze.

  Jack's hands lifted, curving to either side of her face, cradling it tenderly. Leaning into her, he kissed her lips lightly. "I'm sorry for acting like such a jerk. I guess age doesn't improve us for all the challenges we face in life."

  "I know. I've had some trouble adjusting to the thought of motherhood. Even though I wanted to have a child with Jeff, since the divorce and with the way I was feeling about men in general, it didn't seem like much of a possibility. You pretty much knocked me off my feet." She paused, half-afraid she'd revealed too much with her last statement.

  "Laena, honey, that feeling was mutual. When I came home last Christmas, I was finishing out eight years of nonstop adrenaline rush and stress-producing work. My plan was to relax for a few days, and then finish out the term. After that, I figured I would settle down here for a while, spend time with my family and let the world go by without me in it. And then I saw you."

  Her gaze met his. Easily she recalled the heart-racing, breathless encounters of those first few days. Suddenly she wanted him more than ever. Maybe this was just pregnancy hormones, or abstinence. None of that mattered as she stepped away from him, slipping the caftan from her shoulders.

  Jack lowered his gaze to watch as the dress slid down and finally off her body, pooling at her feet. He was a little surprised to find she was completely naked. And then he realized that she probably didn't have underpants that fit either. He made a mental note that tomorrow they would go shopping.

  He could feel her nervousness as if it were a tangible thing. Gazing at her body, highlighted by the afternoon sunlight coming through the windows and skylight, he marveled at how truly beautiful she was. His eyes lowered to her breasts and he saw that some of her weight gain had been delightfully distributed evenly between them. He took a step closer, unable to resist the lure of touching her.

  Laena stood uncertainly, fighting the almost overwhelming urge to cover herself with her hands. She stared intently at Jack's face, wanting to read his thoughts as he looked at her body. She had seen in her own mirror the changes that had occurred so far. And she had not felt in the least bit attractive lately. She gasped as Jack lifted his hands and covered her large, tender breasts with his hands. Her nipples were already peaked and poked at the palms of his hands.

  Tenderly, Jack just held her sensitive flesh for a moment. And then, he began a sensual and slow massage of her full breasts. Jack looked into her eyes, smiling as he continued to massage her breasts. "Now this is nice. I've got even more to play with now."

  Laena giggled nervously, but stopped as he started to pluck at her nipples. "Now it isn't just my bras that don't fit," she whispered softly.

  "Hmm, such lovely big tits, it would be a crime to bind them." He lowered his head and took one nipple into his mouth. His sucking was gentle but firm and a moment later she had to grab at Jack's arms as her legs buckled. He pressed her back onto the sofa and quickly removed his jeans before he lowered himself to lie beside her. He cupped her breast, resuming his erotic massage. He leaned down and kissed her parted lips, their tongues meeting and dancing.

  His hand slid down to stroke over her rounded belly. He explored her flesh slowly before he slid his hand to the apex of her thighs. He growled low in his throat and murmured appreciatively, "Smooth like silk."

  Her wetness made it easy to slide one finger between the folds to her clit. Soft, gentle flicks to begin with, and he coaxed her passionate response from her very depths. Soon he slid two fingers inside her tight channel, adding increased teasing and massage.

  Lastly, he returned to her nipples, sucking them intermittently. Back and forth he would go, taking his time to pleasure each nipple. Long pulling motions with his mouth, circling each nipple with his tongue. "I love your nipples, honey. Long, thick and responsive. Sucking your nipple is amazing. When I pull away, there is always a loud 'plop' sound when you leave my mouth."

  Laena couldn't stop or hold back her body's response to his words. Letting the words replay in her brain, she cried out loudly, "Yes, oh my God!"

  Jack jerked his head in surprise as her body trembled in passionate response. He didn't pause, though, and immediately worked her flesh to a second and then a third climax. His hand was wet as he dragged it back up her body, spreading her wetness over her distended flesh. He moved to lie above her, keeping his weight suspended with his arms.

  Without a word, Laena moved her legs farther apart. When he held himself away for a few more seconds, she lifted her legs and wrapped them around him. She tightened her thighs and pulled him closer. He resisted for a moment only and then thrust his hard cock deep into her wet and eager channel.

  Laena cried out as he filled her body. She curled her fingers into his muscular chest, whispering softly, "Fuck me, Jack, please."

  Jack still held back. He was concerned about the baby and was fighting the nearly overwhelming urge to sink into her flesh hard and fast, over and over. He groaned harshly. "I need to be careful, honey," he told her softly. "Did you ask Michael if it was safe to have sex?" Jack's arms shook with the strain of holding back.

  Laena tightened her legs around Jack. "I haven't been back to ask him. Ruth gave me several books to read. Oh, God! Up to eight months...this is okay. Jack, please, I need you."

  Her softly spoken words and hot flesh were too much.

  Jack started thrusting in and out of her eager, needy body. Each time he pulled back, her channel seemed to tighten and hold him within for a moment or two. Jack tried to go slow, but it was too much. He moved his hand between them and worked her clit to her fourth orgasm. As he felt her contractions take over, he let himself jerk into her body hard and fast. He thrust forward once more and shot his seed deep into her body.

  Even as his passion washed through him, Jack was still amazed with the reality his seed had made the baby in her belly. It was real. He was a daddy all over again, and he liked the warm feeling he got deep down inside. Starting to collapse onto her body, he caught himself and slid to the side at the last second. He closed his eyes, listening to Laena breathing beside him. After a few moments, as his heart calmed and his breathing slowed, he lifted his eyelids to look at her face. He saw the rosy flush on her cheeks and the sweat-dampened curls that clung to the sides of her face. He lifted one hand to caress down the side of her cheek.

  Laena turned to look at Jack and smiled. She spoke quickly. "Wow!"

  Jack laughed. "My thoughts exactly, honey." He moved his hand down and cupped her nearest breast. He enjoyed the feeling of the full, firm globe overflowing his hand. "I missed you, Laena."

  Laena took a deep breath. "Me, too." She yawned and her eyelids drifted shut. It was just a moment later and she had fallen asleep.

  Jack watched her as she slept, her body curling towards him a few moments later. He shifted to hold her close. He would have to tell her about his job-hunting expedition. But all that could wait. The first priority would be a trip to the doctor, followed by an extensive shopping trip. He slid off the sofa and covered her with a soft blanket. After he dressed, he walked up to the house. He called Michael and set up an appointment for first thing in the morning. He made one more call and then started back towards the studio.

  As he reached the door, he heard a car pulling into the long drive. Turning, he saw his mother driving her sporty convertible. He grinned and waved. Pointing towards the studio, he walked into the studio and awakened Laena slowly, helping her to dress once again. They walked back to the house together with Jack's arm curved around her back.

  All the way back, he let his gaze roam over the house. He recalled how much his father had wanted him to
carry on here, at the farm. But he had had his own dreams and those involved law school and possibly politics. Almost thirty years had passed since his arguments over his future with his father, and here he was, back living in his parents' house. This could be a strange world at times.

  He resolved that he would speak to David once more. This time he'd let him know not only would he enthusiastically support his decision, but if he wanted to take classes part-time, he would pay for that as well. Strange how easy it was to forget what it was like when you were young and had dreams you wanted to pursue. Undoubtedly, he owed a lot of his father's change of mind to his mother. He had turned out all right. No doubt, David would as well. Jack pressed a kiss to Laena's forehead, feeling incredibly happy just then.

  Chapter 16

  Laena felt self-conscious as they entered the doctor's office the following morning. She didn't have anything to wear, so she'd borrowed a pair of pants which had stretch waistbands from Ruth. A shirt was a problem and she had ended up wearing one of Jack's T-shirts.

  Jack had told her their next stop would be the store. He went back with her when her name was called, ignoring her glare.

  Laena turned her back to Jack as she shed her clothes and pulled on the gown. She got up on the end of the table and sat there, her feet dangling. She ignored Jack, who grinned at her the whole time.

  Michael came in a moment later. He smiled at Laena, but gave a startled jerk of real surprise when he saw his brother sitting there as well. He looked back to Laena. "I had decided to give you a few more days and then I would come out to pay you a visit. I told you to see me. I thought you understood it should be soon."

  Laena flushed. "I know, but things have been-"

  Jack interrupted her, "She's here now, so none of that matters."

  Michael nodded and started his examination.

  Laena stayed quiet because Jack had more than enough questions for them both. She sat up finally, relieved that it was over.

  Michael took a large Styrofoam cup from one of the cupboards in the exam room, filling it with water. As he held it out towards her, he instructed her. "Get started on that, Laena. I want to do an ultrasound, and you need a full bladder." Michael handed her the glass. "Refill it as soon as this one is done."

  Laena started drinking the water.

  Jack stood. "What time do you think you'll be ready to start, Mike? I have a few errands I could run and save Laena waiting on me once we'd finished here."

  Michael grinned. "Considering the average time, I'd say you have an hour."

  After learning how long, Jack winked at Laena. "I'm guessing that you want to shop another day, right?"

  Laena nodded, his perceptiveness catching her off-guard.

  "Happy drinking, honey. I'll get a few things out of the way." He kissed her lightly, and then left.

  So, she sat alone, drinking two big glasses of water. A nurse popped in as she finished the second, smiled and told her to do one more. A little over an hour passed before Jack came back.

  Not more than a few minutes passed before the door opened to admit one of Michael's staff, pushing the ultrasound machine. Michael came a few moments later.

  Laena was soon lying on the table with her rounded belly exposed for the world to see. She joked lightly, hoping it would make her feel better. "I feel like a beached whale."

  Michael laughed. "This will be cold," he told her, squirting conducting gel on her lower stomach. "It will sound a little strange at first."

  A few moments later, the room was filled with a "sloshing" sound.

  Jack leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Not a whale, honey. More like a dolphin." He laughed when she stuck out her tongue.

  Jack moved so they could both see the monitor.

  Laena stared at the screen, unable to tell what anything was. She half-heard Jack asking more questions and Michael answering them. She heard when the sloshing became louder and Michael pointed out that was the baby's heartbeat. He asked her to turn to one side, then the other and finally again on her back. She was mesmerized by the sound and barely registered Michael's surprised, half-choked shout. She looked up and Jack had moved closer to the screen. She felt tightness in her throat. "Is something wrong? Is the baby okay?"

  Michael turned to smile and told her where to look on the screen. He began moving the sensor device on her belly again. Slowly he pointed out one foot, and then another.

  Laena smiled seeing the tiny feet.

  But then Michael pointed to a third foot.

  Her heart seemed to stop. "Something's wrong with the baby? Why are there three feet? What's going on?"

  Michael grinned. "No, Laena. Look, here's the other foot. That makes four-" He paused, and then he readjusted the sensor so it displayed one heart beating. "There's the heartbeat, and if you'll turn towards me a little..."

  Then Laena saw the second heart beating. In disbelief, she watched as Michael slowly pointed out two heads, and at least three hands. Then the babies shifted again. That's when Laena saw one of them sucking its thumb! Four hands. Four feet. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Two babies...her stomach turned a somersault. Fear filled her, followed by a growing sense of wonder. Two! How was she to cope with two babies when the thought of one still scared the bejeebers out of her!

  Jack looked from the screen to Laena. "Can you tell the sex yet?"

  Michael shook his head. "I've tried to see, but they won't spread apart enough."

  Jack laughed. "Must be girls then." He laughed even harder when Laena huffed testily. "Two girls will be perfect since we already have two boys."

  Laena felt a roaring in her ears. Warmth filled her inner being at his words. Apparently, he was thinking of them as a family already. He had so easily said "we" have two boys. She quickly brushed the tears from her eyes and tried to focus on what the two brothers were saying.

  But Michael was already turning off the machine. His assistant wiped her belly and offered to help her sit up.

  The rest of the appointment passed quickly and she soon was back in the car with Jack, the videotape resting on the seat between them. He asked her once more about going shopping, but Laena shook her head.

  In the car, Jack tried several times to start a conversation. Each question was answered with only one word. He gave up, and they drove home in silence.

  As soon as the car stopped, Laena jumped out and went straight to the studio.

  Ruth had just come out and saw Laena going into the studio. She looked towards her son.

  Jack climbed from the car, the videotape in his hand.

  Ruth saw it and asked immediately, "Is everything all right?"

  Jack heard the worry in his mother's voice. He smiled and nodded reassurance. "It's all in how you look at it, I guess. Everything is normal, for two babies."

  Ruth yelped in joyful surprise. She rushed down the steps and hugged Jack close. "Twins! How wonderful!"

  Jack returned his mother's embrace. "I'm not so sure Laena is of the same opinion, Mom. She hasn't said more than a few words since we found out."

  "She is probably just feeling a little overwhelmed. I remember that Celia was a little numb at first. I'll go and talk to her."

  Jack reached for his mother's arm. "I should go."

  Ruth shook her head. "You can't understand how a woman feels when she is pregnant, dear. Let me go. We won't be long, and we'll come back up to the house."

  When Jack still held onto her arm, Ruth turned back towards her oldest son. "I promise you. Why don't make us tea and cut some of the cake I made? We'll be up to join you in about ten minutes or so."

  * * * * *

  Laena looked up as Ruth entered the studio. She had grabbed some clay and kneaded it on the table. "Hi, Ruth. Did Jack send you down here?"

  Ruth sat across from Laena. "No, he wanted to come, but I told him it would be better if I came to talk with you. He told me the news."

  Laena looked up from the clay. "You didn't say great news."

  "W
ell, women tend to see these things differently from men."

  Laena laughed shortly. "Yes. Jack and Michael were crowing about it. All I could think of was how can I manage two when thinking about one has me scared?"

  Ruth smiled at the younger woman. "I felt the same way when I was pregnant with Jack. And Celia was quite bowled over when she learned she was having twin boys. And even though I'm sure he doesn't remember it, Jack wasn't all that excited in the beginning, either. Celia called me several times on the phone, worried Jack wouldn't be able to cope. But they both came around, and I went and stayed for a while until they got a routine established. And with you being here, we'll have no trouble coping with two babies." She reached over and covered Laena's hands with her own.

  Laena smiled slowly, sniffling.

  Ruth patted the younger woman's hands. "I think of you as my daughter, Laena. You and I have become very close, in spite of the difference in our ages. I want to be there for you, as you have been for me when I needed help. Now," Ruth pulled a hankie from her pocket. "Let's wipe away our tears and go have some tea. I made a cake while you were gone, so we can sample that as well."

  When the two women entered the kitchen a few minutes later, they found Jack was already there, fixing the tea and munching on a piece of cake.

  He turned guiltily when his mother called his name. Jack grinned and shrugged. "I never could resist one of your cakes."

  Once they were all sitting around the table, Jack started talking. "First, I still owe you an apology, Laena, for taking off like I did. But the crux of the matter is that I've settled my next career. You'll have nothing to worry about whether I can provide for you and our babies."

  Ruth stared at her son. "I know you've had lots of offers, both to speak and do the graduation circuit. Phillip said you'd had several very lucrative offers from DC firms, which have talked partnerships. On the news, they reported that you were approached to practice by an international law firm. My preference would be for you to stay here, but I don't want to unduly influence you, dear."