“Sigourney, what is going on?” Lady Irons demanded.
“Mummy, what are you doing here?”
“I had a layover coming back from Japan. I thought I’d come visit for a few hours.”
“You could have warned me,” Sigourney reasoned in exasperation.
Sebastian stepped into the vestibule. “Are you okay, Sigourney?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I think you need to leave. You weren’t invited to the party,” Sebastian said to Lily in a sinister voice.
Lady Irons ignored Sebastian and looked at Sigourney instead. “I specifically told you that I didn’t want you to have any contact with him. Have you forgotten?”
“Mummy, Sebastian is my brother. I’m not going to stop speaking to him just because you two had a falling out.”
“Oh, is that what we’re calling it?” Sebastian snickered.
Sigourney grabbed Sebastian by the suit coat and pulled him away, saying under her breath, “You’re not helping me. Go back inside and tend to the guests. I’m fine.”
Sebastian opened his mouth to protest, but Sigourney gave him a dirty look that effectively shut him up. He nodded his head in agreement and joined the ladies in the sitting room.
The double doors opened and Sebastian appeared. Tess walked over to him. “What’s happening?”
“Sigourney has it under control.” He turned to the other ladies. “Why don’t I refresh your drinks?” He walked around the room and filled their champagne glasses.
Alice reached out and patted his hand in support. “That was unexpected.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s pass around the canapés until Sigourney comes back,” Alice suggested.
They both went to the kitchen and came back a short time later, offering food to Tess, Kate, and Penny. The five of them sat quietly nibbling away until Sigourney joined them.
She breezed into the room with a smile on her face, as if nothing had occurred. “I’m sorry for the interruption. Tess, please continue to open your gifts.”
“I’m sorry if I put you in a difficult situation,” Tess apologized. “Please tell me she didn’t disown you, too.”
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed her worry. “I’m the favorite, she won’t disown me.”
Sebastian studied Sigourney. She may have looked cool, calm, and collected, but Lily’s visit had rattled her. Everyone was looking at his sister. “She’s right. Sigourney has always been the favorite. If Lily keeps kicking everyone out of the family, she’ll have no one to inherit all her money,” he said to make light of the situation.
Sigourney was the only person to find the humor in his statement and laughed aloud. “Enough drama for today. We have more presents to open.”
* * *
Tess continued making her way through the pile of presents that sat before her. When she finally finished opening the gifts, she had a new wardrobe for her honeymoon, a beautifully hand-stitched quilt from Alice, and a crystal and pearl beaded headband to wear with her wedding dress.
It was an overwhelming day. Talk about one extreme to the other! It wore Tess out and she was suddenly tired.
“Sigourney, thank you for the bridal shower. I do hope everything is okay between you and your mother.”
“No worries, Tess. I can handle her.”
Sebastian came up behind the two and placed his hand on the small of Tess’ back. “I’ve hired a car to take us home. Your mother and Alice can ride along. Are you ready to go?”
They dropped Tess’ mom off at Penn Station to catch the train back to Philadelphia. Alice went back to her condo, leaving Sebastian and Tess alone with a pile of presents neatly stacked in the center of the living room.
“What a day,” Tess said as she cuddled with Sebastian. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“It was a little bumpy there for a moment,” he admitted, “but I’m fine. Did you like your gifts?”
“It was too much, Sebastian. I’ll be the best dressed backpacker in Europe.”
“You need a few nice outfits if we’re staying at the Savoy.”
“And God knows where else you’ve booked,” she chided.
“That part is a surprise.”
“I’m so looking forward to it. You were right. I’m exhausted. I need some downtime, and I’m happy to spend the next three months alone with you.”
Chapter 12 - Your Big Day
Alice and Henry hosted a wedding breakfast in their condo, with Sebastian, Tess, and Kate Hamilton in attendance. The group sat around the table, relaxed and happy.
“I can’t believe how calm you look, Tess. I was a bundle of nerves on my wedding day!” Alice exclaimed as she cleared the breakfast plates.
“And you’re bucking tradition by seeing the groom before the ceremony,” Henry added.
“Very few things about this wedding have been traditional. Why should I start now?” Tess responded, reaching over to take Sebastian’s hand.
“Then let me come downstairs and get ready with you,” Sebastian suggested.
“No—out of the question. I want the dress reveal to be a surprise. You’re always surprising me. Now it’s my turn.”
“Okay, Tess. We should be going downstairs to get you ready,” her mom said, pushing back from the table.
Sebastian walked his fiancée to the front door. “I’ll see you in ninety minutes,” he whispered, kissing her on the lips.
Sigourney was fluttering about as Tess and Kate entered the condo. “Everything under control?” Tess asked as Sigourney moved about like a drill sergeant.
“Almost ready to go. Go have a shower. The hairdresser will be here in fifteen minutes.”
Tess saluted her soon to be sister-in-law and headed for the bathroom.
Sitting at the vanity, Tess watched as the hairdresser placed the beaded headband on her head. She slowly stood up from the vanity and turned to face her mom, who tried to hold back a tear.
“Don’t cry, Mom. You’ll make me cry and then I’ll ruin my makeup.”
“I have never seen you more beautiful. I love you, honey.”
Tess hugged her mother. “I love you, too.”
“Let’s get you out of the robe and into your wedding dress.”
Tess carefully slipped into the Chanel gown and turned around so her mom could zip it up. Tess smoothed out the tulle skirt and smiled. She couldn’t wait for Sebastian so see her in her new dress.
Next she slipped on the blue satin garter—something old and blue. The headband was something new. “I don’t have anything borrowed,” she fretted.
There was a knock on the door. Sigourney popped her head inside the room. “You look absolutely amazing, Tess.” She walked into the room, holding something in her hand. “I would be honored if you’d wear this today. It was Sebastian and my grandmother’s diamond bracelet.”
Tess looked at the ornate yet delicate nineteenth century piece. “I don’t know what to say. It’s so beautiful.”
“Being a countess has its advantages, and Granpapa did love to shower her with jewels,” Sigourney explained. “Put out your wrist.”
Tess let Sigourney secure the bracelet. “Something borrowed,” she said to her mother.
“We’re all set. Kate, do you want to take your seat?” Sigourney asked.
They left the room, leaving Tess alone. She thought she should be nervous, but it was the complete opposite. She was comfortable and at ease. Even though she had fought Sebastian on the date, she knew in her heart the time was right. Marrying him was right and she couldn’t wait to become Mrs. Sebastian Irons.
Sade’s Cherish the Day began to play. This was her cue. She picked up the small bouquet of white and pink roses and opened the bedroom door. Across the room, in front of the full-length window with the view of Manhattan, stood Sebastian. He was wearing a tuxedo, his brown hair perfectly groomed and his sapphire blue eyes sparkling with excitement. He was the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on. She smiled bac
k at him and started her walk across the room to join him.
* * *
Tess was stunning. Sebastian reminded himself to keep his mouth shut, lest he look like a fool agape at her beauty. The dress was perfect. The sheer tulle skirt, in the palest pink he had ever seen, suited her perfectly. The fitted bodice and beaded short sleeves showed off her creamy skin. Her brown hair was pulled up, showing off her slender neck. Even he could never have picked such a spectacular gown. She couldn't get to him fast enough and Sebastian wanted to rush to her and kiss her for all he was worth.
When she joined him, Sebastian took her hand and, leaning into her, he whispered. “You take my breath away.”
Tess blushed at his comment and together they turned to face the justice of the peace. He greeted the guests and began the ceremony.
Tess handed her bouquet to Sigourney before Sebastian took her hands and recited his vows. Gazing into her eyes, he began: “I thought I might quote a poem to express my feelings for you, but no matter how beautiful the words, they just seem to pale in comparison and they could never express how deeply I love you. You are the most beautiful person I have ever known. I am in awe of your grace, caring, tenacity, and ambition. I’m not sure how I lived before you came into my life, but I am certain that I could never face another day without you by my side. I never thought that being someone’s soul mate was possible—but you make me believe the impossible. I used to tell Nanny that I loved her more than anything in the world, but you—you are my world, Tess. I love you with everything I am and everything I hope to be. I promise to spend every day for the rest of my life loving and cherishing you.”
The timbre in his voice, the feeling in his eyes, and the way he poured his emotions into the vows simply melted her heart. A few delicate tears ran down her cheeks. When it was her turn to speak, she decided to forgo the speech she had written ahead of time. After hearing how Sebastian felt, her speech seemed inadequate and rehearsed. She decided to forget the written text and spoke these words from her heart.
“You are the most amazing man I know: my best friend, my partner, my everything. I can’t even properly describe what I feel for you—the depth of the love I have for you. It would take a lifetime to do that, and that’s what I intend to do. I will show you every day how in love I am with you, Sebastian.”
Sebastian slipped the gold band on her ring finger while pledging his troth. Tess followed and slipped the wedding ring on his ring finger.
“I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You can kiss your bride,” the justice of the peace concluded.
Everyone in the room clapped, but Sebastian didn't hear any of it. He simply honed in on his wife’s supple lips and kissed her with abandon. When they finally pulled apart, they were surrounded by their family and good wishes.
* * *
They danced to No Ordinary Love in the middle of the living room and Tess felt complete contentment. “I’m so happy right now,” she told Sebastian as she nuzzled against his shoulder.
“You were right the entire time—having the wedding here was perfect.”
They posed for photos, mingled with their guests, until it was time to cut the cake. Sigourney had outdone herself by having the cake made by the go-to cake maker in Manhattan. It was a two-tiered round cake, draped in white fondant and covered with fresh flowers. It was almost too pretty to cut. After removing the top layer, Tess and Sebastian joined hands over the sterling silver cake knife and then cut a slice. They shared the first piece, carefully feeding each other, to avoid spilling anything on their clothing. The chocolate cake with raspberry filling melted in Tess’ mouth. “I could eat this whole cake,” she whispered to Sebastian, who was beaming down at her.
“Later, in bed,” he whispered before kissing her.
When the reception was over, Sebastian closed and locked the door. Leaning against the door, he admired his new wife, whose back was turned to him as she looked across the Hudson as the sun set over the city.
When he finally came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she let out a languid sigh. “Perfect ending to a perfect day.”
“Perfect life,” Sebastian corrected, kissing her neck. “You look so amazing in this dress, but I can’t wait to get you out of it.”
Tess giggled. “Be careful. It cost a fortune and I need to pack it for Europe.”
Sebastian carefully unzipped the gown and slowly slipped if off her shoulders. With great care, he draped the dress over the back of the chair. He got down on one knee and admired her beauty as she stood in front of him wearing lacy white lingerie.
He took her hand and pulled her down so she sat on his knee. “I know we have an early flight tomorrow, but I need to spend the night making love to you.”
The corner of her mouth turned up as she nodded her head in agreement. “Sleep is overrated, anyway.”
“Indeed.” Sebastian picked her up and carried her to their bedroom.
* * *
“Are you happy, Mrs. Irons?” Sebastian asked, holding his wife in his arms after they made love.
“Very happy, Mr. Irons,” she replied, looking up at him. “Do I get to learn a little bit more about our honeymoon now? You and Sigourney have had your heads together for months planning this and I can’t help but think it will be grandiose.”
“Henry will be here at seven o’clock tomorrow morning to take us to JFK. From there we’re taking the Concorde to Paris.”
“The Concorde! We can’t afford that!”
“The honeymoon trip is Sigourney’s gift to us, or as she puts it, she’s simply spending the cut of my inheritance she gets.”
“She’s done too much. How can we repay her?” Tess questioned with worry.
“Shh,” he muttered, placing his lips over hers. “We’re only doing this once, remember? I want you to enjoy it.”
His kisses made her feel dreamy, like she was floating on a cloud. “When do we get to go to London?”
“We will start with a week in Paris at the George V and head to the Cote D’Azur, cross over into Spain and visit Barcelona and Madrid.”
“What about Vienna? I want pastries!” she exclaimed.
“I’ll buy you pastries in every city we visit.” Sebastian promised. “We’ll end up in London and catch the plane back home from Heathrow.”
She was so excited that she all but jumped up and down on the bed. “Am I going to have enough clothes?”
“Sigourney has packed for you. We’ll have the concierge launder the clothes when we run out.”
Tess looked down at her rings and then looked into Sebastian’s eyes. “Thank you—for everything. I can’t wait to leave.”
Chapter 13 - No Ordinary Love
The Concorde landed at Charles de Gaulle airport three and a half hours after they departed JFK. They took a taxi into Paris, their destination the George V hotel on Avenue George V, just off the Champs Elysees.
Their room was adorned with white and gold accented Louis XIV furniture. The bed was a four-poster canopy with ostrich plumes jutting from the top of the posts, replete with light blue and gold embroidered silk linens, and rose petals scattered on top the duvet. Tess eagerly walked around the room and looked in the armoire, checked out the marble bathroom, and finally stopped in front of the window that overlooked the Eiffel Tower.
“It’s so—” she stopped, lost for words.
“French,” Sebastian finished, coming up behind her and placing his hands on her waist. He turned her around to face him and untied the knot of her belt of the Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress she was wearing while he continued. “Ornate, elaborate, ostentatious.”
“Yes, all of those things.” She slipped out of her wrap dress, saying, “You know how turned on I get when you use fancy words.”
“And speak in a British accent,” he cooed, sitting in a nearby chair and pulling her onto his lap.
“Make love to me, Mr. Irons.”
“It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Irons.”
Seb
astian picked up Tess and playfully threw her onto the bed; rose petals bounced into the air as she landed on the soft mattress. He stripped out of his clothes and crawled toward her, planting little kisses along her body. Then he took one of the stray rose petals and ran it along her cleavage and over her pebbled nipples.
Tess grabbed the linens in her fist. “Too slow,” she whispered.
“Not slow enough,” Sebastian countered. “I plan to make love to you at a leisurely pace, working you into a frenzy until you are delirious with pleasure.”
“I don’t think I can wait that long, Sebastian.”
“Patience, Tess.” He reached over and grabbed his silk tie. “Put your hands together.”
Tess followed his order and soon he was wrapping the tie around her wrists and lifting her arms over her head.
* * *
Tess was taken aback at the move. She wasn’t afraid of sex, but yet again, Sebastian had surprised her. They had never done anything like this in the bedroom, and Tess couldn’t help but feel a pang of excitement as she relinquished control.
Sebastian leaned back on his knees and stared at Tess, lying there in her bra, panties, and garter belt. He watched her chest rapidly rise and fall in anticipation of his next move. He slipped off her panties and spread her legs, the cool air touching her and making her shiver. Sliding his hands up and down her inner thighs, he leaned in and kissed her belly. Sebastian’s tongue trailed down her middle to her clit.
She let out an audible gasp as she felt his tongue flick back and forth. He was teasing her, long and slow, like he promised. Tess had other ideas. She took her tied wrists, which were above her head, and reached down to grab his hair. Sebastian looked up at her face, a mischievous look in his eye, and then his tongue resumed its languid pace.
Love This Life: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2 Page 8