Learning to Love Again
Page 4
The appointment lasted a couple of hours and I was starving by the time we got out of there, armed with a plastic bag full of pamphlets, free samples, and prescriptions for nausea mediation and prenatal vitamins. It was all kind of surreal.
Garrett asked if I was in the mood for some of Jonathan’s cooking and my mouth literally salivated at the thought of either some of his Italian or Bistro food.
Dillon jumped from his seat in the waiting room as soon as we entered. “Is everything okay?”
I was still feeling a bit dumbstruck by the idea I was carrying twins, knowing that twins didn’t typically run on my side of the family. Could I have released two eggs, without having my birth control medication or did I have a lucky draw with my egg splitting into two? I guess in time we’d know the answer.
Garrett spoke up, grinning ear to ear. “Have Thompson pull the car around. We’re going to make a stop at Jonathan’s restaurant before heading to the courthouse. Laurel and the babies are feeling a bit hungry.”
I’d never seen Dillon break rank, but his mouth hung open. “Babies, sir?”
Garrett pulled me close to his side, kissing me on my cheek. “Twins!” he exclaimed. It was like he was walking on cloud nine, hit the lottery, discovered a new technology, and had Christmas morning, all rolled into one.
“I forgot to ask the docs about something!” he said suddenly, turning to rush back. “Stay right here with Dillon; I’ll only be a couple of minutes.” He wouldn’t tell me what, just that he had a curious question that needed answering. He seemed to get the answer he was looking for, smiling ear to ear, when he returned a few moments later.
I knew it wouldn’t take long for word to spread amongst the members of Garrett’s household staff. Garrett wanted everyone to know that I was carrying twins and gave Dillon and Thompson the okay to pass the word around. They were all expected to take extra care of me and I could already see them being as bad, if not worse, than him. Just getting back into the car after leaving the doctor’s office was annoying enough. If I breathed wrong, Garrett, Thompson and Dillon were all asking if I was okay. This was going to be a long six months.
Thankfully, our families, with exception of Grace, were still in the dark. On the drive to his brother’s restaurant, we decided we wouldn’t reveal anything until after we were married. Now we just needed to narrow down a date. I certainly didn’t want it to be too long, otherwise the wedding photos would show a baby bump, especially with me already starting to show and carrying twice the load!
I felt like I was floating on cloud nine. I had a lovely fiancé who knew all my bad secrets and still loved me in spite of them, I had two amazing babies growing inside her womb, a wedding to plan, and all the happiness a man could ask for.
It was hard trying to keep a straight face and not divulge our morning’s activities to Jonathan. He had extrasensory radar and I was sure he knew something was up, especially since I let it slip that we had to stop by the courthouse after lunch, but neither one of us would budge on telling him our secret.
“You’re getting married!” he announced proudly, jumping up from the table and pointing a finger at both of us. “You know Mom and Dad are going to be pissed if you do the Justice of the Peace route.”
I had to shoot him down. “Of course we’re getting married. You already knew that. Today we’re just going to get the license. You knew we planned on getting married as soon as we can put something together, so don’t go spreading rumors about a Justice of the Peace. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dare deprive either of our parents of our special day.”
Jonathan glanced back and forth between both of us, considering. “Why the big rush? I thought you’d both settled on New Year’s Eve at midnight? If I didn’t know how much you loved one another, I’d swear you were rushing because you got her knocked up.”
I could see why he fell for Grace so easily. Both of them were up front, in your face bold with their remarks. I just laughed at the craziness of the idea, while Laurel snickered.
“Brother, you know about the scare we had in Atlanta yesterday, with Chase coming close to getting her again,” I reminded him. “It made us realize how much we mean to each other and that we don’t want to waste any further time being apart.” I reached over and grabbed Laurel’s hand, pulling it up to my lips, where I kissed it gently.
He finally got up from our table, waving a white dish towel. “I surrender. You two love birds are making me a little queasy.”
Laurel finally spoke up and gave him a poke in the arm and smiled. “Now you know how we feel watching you with my cousin.”
The courthouse didn’t take long, only about twenty minutes and we were done. Thompson had called over to secure an appointment time, gave them all of our information to be filled in ahead of time, and asked about a back entrance in so we wouldn’t attract attention.
Laurel must not have been feeling well, because she didn’t even bother to look over the information, other than making sure her name was spelled correctly, before signing the paper. Normally, she’d analyze every point right down to the most infinitesimal detail. I held my breath that she wouldn’t lift my hand and notice I was covering our intended wedding date. I admit I was being a little sneaky, trying to slip in an earlier wedding date, but I didn’t want to waste another minute not being married to her. Plus, I hoped maybe if Chase knew she was married, he might back off and all of his father’s attention would focus on me instead.
We had managed to take two steps out of the clerk’s office, when Laurel’s hand went to her mouth, indicating a need to throw up. It was our sheer luck that a bathroom was located right next door.
Dillon ran to get her a bottle of water and some crackers from the vending machine down the hall. I didn’t know if it was nerves causing her illness, the two children making her have twice the morning sickness, or what was going on. I just wanted to make it stop. I hated seeing her in any sort of discomfort.
“Everyone stop making such a fuss over me,” she whined when she walked out of the bathroom a few minutes later. “I’m fine. It’s just a little afternoon sickness. Whoever named it morning sickness ought to be shot, since mine’s all over the place. I just took a dose of the medicine the doctors gave me this morning. Hopefully it will kick in soon and help.” She thanked Dillon for the water and crackers and proceeded back towards the way we came in.
I was in awe of her ability to keep moving forward.
“Why are we stopping here at this dress shop? Can’t I just wear one of the dresses you have for me already to the benefit tonight?”
I could tell Laurel was getting a bit antsy and needing some rest. We’d had a busy morning and the day wasn’t even half over. I pulled her close to my side and ran my hand in circles up and down her arms. “Normally one of the dresses you have would work, but this benefit is themed. They are requiring all the ladies to wear a reddish colored gown. The men are to wear black tuxedos, though we can accent with red ties and vests.”
I placed my fingertips on her chin and pulled her in my direction until I was staring down into those mesmerizing hazel eyes. I brushed my lips gently across hers, seeking a response, and found her mouth pressing hard against mine, tempting me with the sweep of her tongue against my lips, urging me on. The glowing embers of our fire were starting to get brighter when Dillon announced, “We’re here, sir.”
I pulled Laurel into my chest and breathed in the wonderful fragrance of her strawberry vanilla shampoo. My lips found the spot just behind her ear that drove her mad, sending a shudder through her entire body as I licked and nipped at her skin. “Later, my love.”
Dillon was already out of the car and opening my door. I offered my hand to Laurel to help her out of the limo. Apparently the fire was still burning, because her face looked a tad flushed and she bumped her hip up against my crotch, making my cock stir, before looking back over her shoulder with a sultry look of seduction and an extra sway of her hips.
This dress shopping just got fun!
“My name is Amber,” the sweet, middle-aged lady said, smiling as she approached us with her hand outstretched. “You must be Mr. Andrews and Laurel. How may I be of assistance to you today?”
Laurel looked at me with a puzzled look on her face.
“We have an appointment, darling. I had Charlotte make the arrangements yesterday,” I whispered in her ear as she nodded, making sense of the introductions.
I reached out to shake Amber’s hand. “Please, call me Garrett. My fiancé and I are attending a benefit gala tonight and are in need of a reddish colored dress.”
“We have had several come in recently with the holiday season upon us,” she said as she guided us over to a sitting area that faced a three way mirror and small platform. “Please have a seat so we can get an idea of style preference before we get your measurements.”
Amber took a note pad in hand and pulled up a rolling chair in front of us. “Were you looking for a formal or tea length gown? Do you want sophistication, a bit of flair, a touch of seduction or a little of everything? And did you want a simple design, a little detailing, or a lot of embellishment?”
Laurel was silent for a bit before speaking up. “I really don’t know much about this event we’re going to other than I need a reddish colored dress.” She squeezed my hand. “I’m going to have to defer those questions to Garrett.” A smirk spread across her face as she added, “Looks like you get to dress me for the ball and unwrap the package later tonight.”
Why that little minx of mine was being playful! Two could play this game.
Amber didn’t even flinch. She just looked in my direction and expected me to answer. “The length should be formal, definitely sophisticated and elegant, though a hint of seduction is always appreciated.” I looked over in Laurel’s direction and raised my eyebrows in a suggestive manner, causing her to flush beet red. “As for detailing, I’d have to say it would depend on the dress. Sometimes the simplest of designs are the most fetching, while the embellishment may add or take away from the beauty of the woman wearing the dress.”
I guess they didn’t expect a man to know anything about clothing. It was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Do most men not care that his woman looks amazing?
Amber shook her head only slightly before regaining her composure. “Why don’t we get you measured and see what we have that would require little to no alterations.”
We both nodded our heads in agreement and Laurel followed Amber into one of the dressing rooms so she could help her remove the dress she was wearing and get the necessary measurements.
While they were in the dressing room, the owner of the store, Caroline Valenteen, came out bearing champagne and Evian for us to drink. She passed me a note that read:
We’ll have everything ready per your requests, by the desired date. – C.V.
I nodded and mouthed the silent words, “Thank you,” as she smiled and walked back into the rear of the store.
I handled a couple of quick calls while Laurel was gone. One was to Harry, my Vice President, who was fielding most of the calls today, and another was to Charlotte to check on the progress of my special project her and my mother were working on. Everything seemed to be running as scheduled, so I took a moment to sit back and sip on the champagne while I waited for my Laurel to model a few dresses for me.
I watched as Amber left the fitting room to go retrieve some dresses. “Are you doing all right, sweetheart?” I called.
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Just going to try a few dresses on and see what works best.”
I couldn’t wait to see what they came up with. “They offered us some Evian and champagne. Would you like some water?”
She peeked out the door, smiling ear to ear, looking almost like a schoolgirl waiting to try on a dress for the prom. “Thank you, sweetheart, but I’m good.”
Amber turned out to be quick. She had four or five dresses, all in varying shades from bright red to burgundy, lined up on a dress rack to the side. “Which one would you like to see her in first, Garrett?”
I knew they would all look fabulous on Laurel, but I decided to start with the most uncomplicated of the dresses, a deep burgundy with the barest of sleeves, and work towards the more seductive.
Within minutes Laurel was out modeling the first dress. It fit her features nicely, but was a bit too simplistic. Next we tried a red strapless satin dress, which she refused to come out of the dressing room in, citing, “I look hideous in this one.” I walked over and glanced in to see that it didn’t do her curves justice, only covered them up.
The third was a bit too flashy, with rhinestones dotting the keyhole surrounding her uplifted cleavage and a slit that shot too high for my taste. Not to mention I would want to hurt any man who even glanced her direction.
I started to pace, all this waiting around getting to me, when I heard, “Oh, wow. This is amazing. I love it, but do you think it’s too much?”
Too much what? Did she think it showed too much skin? Was she concerned about the price? I hope she realized how amazing she looked in most anything and that price wasn’t a problem with me.
She walked out slowly and I felt my cock start to harden at the vision of loveliness before me. The deep, vibrant red of the dress brought out the golden highlights in her auburn hair and the sparkle in her eyes. Laurel literally glowed in this dress. It wasn’t overly decorated, a simple, one-strap dress that hugged her breasts nicely with only a moderate amount of silver lacing, a few decorative stones at one side, and a modest slit up to mid-thigh.
When she stepped up on the platform and turned around to reveal the back of the dress, I swear my cock stood up and saluted her on the spot. The shoulder strap split across the back to hold up the opposite side and bottom of the dress. I was mesmerized by her beauty.
“Garrett?” I looked up at her in a daze, her hands waving at me. “Are you paying attention?”
I blinked hard. “Did you say something, darling?”
Both she and Amber started laughing. “I had asked what your thoughts were on the dress, but I guess I have my answer.”
I got up and strolled over to her, pulling her into my arms so I could kiss her deeply, not caring that we were inside a dress shop. Looking over at Amber, I nodded and said, “We’ll take this one no matter the price. Please make sure she has matching shoes and accessories for this evening.”
“You sure the dress doesn’t cost too much or reveal too much skin?” Laurel asked in a sheepish voice while Amber was getting everything finalized. “What about the little bump that’s starting to form?” She laid a hand across her lower stomach and bit into her lip, which drove me just about mad with thoughts of pleasuring her later.
I pulled her in front of me and ground into her backside. Leaning in, I licked her earlobe and whispered into her ear, “Can’t you tell just how turned on you have me from that dress? It looks smashing on you. Let’s say that later tonight, I’ll have fun unwrapping a fabulous package that I can’t wait to sink into.”
Her breath caught and I could smell the scent of her arousal beginning to fill the air. I needed some fresh air soon or we’d be visiting the dressing room and having some pleasure right here and now.
The whole day seemed surreal with all that we had done. I was in the midst of getting my hair and makeup done for tonight, after having had a facial and a mani/pedi at the shop in Garrett’s building. He was busy handling some calls from his V.P. and getting his hair trimmed and nails buffed.
I’d wanted to spend the day focusing on the shocking news we’d received that morning. I still couldn’t believe I was carrying two babies inside me.
After hearing their heartbeats and seeing their arms and legs flailing around, I was already in love with them. I wish I’d had this visit a couple of days ago. I’d have been less likely to have run away from Garrett.
I would have never pegged him as a man who wanted
to be a father, but to see the joy in his eyes and the love he held for all of us…it really reached into my soul and made me realize that my prince charming was right by my side and had been all along. My dad had always said, “When you find the one you’re meant to be with, your heart will know and your search will be over.” He was right, my heart had known from the first moment I laid eyes on Garrett, it was just my mind that questioned things. But no more! I was ready for my happily ever after, if the Petersons would just leave us the hell alone!
I’d do almost anything to protect my babies and the love of my life.
A few hours later we were in the limo, en route to the cancer benefit that Garrett would be speaking at and providing them with a large check on behalf of “Mr. Waters.”
I had gotten used to the press being at some of these benefits, but as we pulled up in the limo, there looked to be at least double what were normally present. Thompson pulled us up to the entrance while Dillon jumped out and opened our doors.
Garrett stepped out first, offering me his hand to help me out. As soon as I was on solid ground, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me tightly into his side. Leaning down, he whispered, “I want you to stick close to me. I don’t like how much media is here tonight. Something’s off.”
“Mr. Andrews! Mr. Andrews!” several people called from the crowd. “Does your presence here tonight indicate that Mr. Waters is still traveling?”
His face became all business. “I’m afraid Mr. Waters is currently unavailable, so I’ll be presenting on his behalf.” He aimed us towards the door.
“We’ve heard rumors that you are engaged? Is this true?”
I wasn’t sure if Garrett would acknowledge me as his fiancé or if we’d continue walking. I held my breath.