by D. R. Bailey
Eve’s tongue went to work, needing no second bidding. Bernadette knew Eve would like the feeling of being submissive.
“Oh… oh my… oh God… Eve… oh my God… fuck… yes… oh yes… oh my God… yes…” Bernadette felt her orgasm building as she moved her pelvis against Eve’s mouth, harder faster until she could not hold it back. “Oh… Eve… Eve… I love you… Eve… oh… oh… ohh!” Bernadette suppressed a scream.
As the spasms subsided, she undid Eve’s bonds and held her close.
“Did you like it?” she asked, “It was part of my special present to you.”
“Part? And yes, I did, I loved it so much. I loved it when you sat on my face, you should do it more often.”
“I just wanted you to know your place,” Bernadette giggled, then seeing Eve’s eyes widen slightly, “I’m joking. Playing with you, darling, you know it. You are on a pedestal forever as far as I’m concerned.”
“Well, I loved it, I really did, and I want you to do it again,” said Eve smiling, “So what’s the other part?”
“Later…”
“OK.” Eve made a mock pout.
“I love you and I’ve been wanting you all day.”
“And now you’ve had me.”
“And I will again.”
“And again, and again, and again…” Eve kissed her passionately becoming aroused once more.
✽✽✽
Having made love again and they had dozed off. Not long afterwards they were woken by a knock at the door. Bernadette got up, put on a robe and went to open it. It was Imogen.
“That’s where you got to, I thought as much,” she said coming into the room.
“And where did you get to?” Bernadette enquired closing the door behind her.
“Oh well, you know, we circulated for a while and then I made it up to D’Arcy in the bedroom, not for long though being the hosts. I assumed you two were consummating your marriage.”
“You’re not wrong,” Bernadette said with a naughty grin.
“Is everything OK between you two now?” Eve said sitting up in bed.
Imogen sighed. “Yes, it’s fine, I grovelled, much against my better nature, I took a leaf out of your book Eve and kissed her feet. She liked it. She forgave me.”
“You’re learning,” Bernadette said smiling.
“Learning to be humble sometimes, yes. Learning not to be a bitch.”
“Good girl.” Bernadette kissed her lightly on the cheek.
“I know, it’s a good job she loves me as much as she does.”
“And you love her!”
“I do. Anyway, how did you like your wedding so far?”
“The best thing ever,” said Bernadette earnestly.
“Well, it’s not over. You need to get dressed in your evening attire, there’s going to be a band, cutting the cake, dancing and more food. D’Arcy is downstairs organising and I have to get back, so hurry up and don’t be long. No more consummating until later.”
“We won’t, honeybunch,” said Bernadette affectionately.
“Good, then I’ll leave you to it.”
Imogen slipped out the door, and Bernadette locked it.
“Shall we have a wash and get dressed?”
“Of course.”
“What are we wearing?”
“I’ve got us something nice,” said Eve.
They showered, and then Eve did Bernadette’s hair putting it into a French Plait. Eve left her own hair loose. She did Bernadette’s makeup, and then Bernadette did hers.
Reaching into the wardrobe, Eve pulled out a dress. It was a red satin material, flounced with a Bardot neckline, thigh split and a wrap tie at the waist.
“Oh, God, that’s lovely,” said Bernadette, when she saw it, “And it’s like my wedding dress but shorter.”
“Put it on, I’m dying to see you in it,” said Eve.
Bernadette did so and looked this way and that, in the mirror. “You’ve got a thing about thigh splits, haven’t you.”
“You’ve got such sexy legs, I like looking at them,” Eve said in matter of fact tones.
“I can’t argue with that,” Bernadette laughed.
Eve handed her a shoebox.
“More shoes?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“Ooh.” They were red stilettoes, with a see-through band, and a red ribbon which secured them around the ankle. “They are lovely, thank you, and they go so well with the dress,” said Bernadette putting them on, and admiring the way her feet looked in them.
“Yes, darling, your feet are beautiful,” Eve giggled.
She had, in the meantime attired herself in a silver dress with a leg split too, and a Bardot neckline with a flame sequin pattern. She was wearing crisscross strap silver stiletto mules.
“Oh!” said Bernadette, “That’s stunning, where did you get it?”
“My favourite shop,” Eve said being coy.
“You have a favourite shop now, this from the girl who never shopped.”
“I’ve changed, just a little, I like shopping,” said Eve sidling up for a kiss.
“I love the shoes too.”
“Well, you can wear them sometimes, we share remember?”
“Yes, yes I do, and I’d like to, and I will I’m sure, but they look very sexy on you.”
“Kiss me and let me fix your lipstick.”
They went downstairs together and out onto the back lawn, where the sounds of the band tuning up could be heard. There were lanterns and coloured lights festooning the garden and, in the marquee, too. As soon as she saw them D’Arcy came rushing up to them.
“Oh, darlings, you two are breathtaking, absolutely beautiful. I knew the dress would suit you, Bernadette.”
“So, you’ve been shopping too, why am I not surprised,” said Bernadette with a wry smile.
“Yes, I went with Eve, we had a little day out in the last couple of weeks to choose them, and the wedding dresses too.”
“Well, you’ve both got impeccable taste.”
D’Arcy was wearing a very short and figure hugging ruched pink dress with ruffle lacy sleeves, and a strapless sweetheart neckline. She had very high pink strappy stilettoes on her feet. Bernadette could not help a few sidelong glances, as D’Arcy had the most gorgeously pretty feet.
“Oh my God, that’s so you,” said Eve taking in the dress.
“Do you like it?” D’Arcy did a twirl.
“Love it.”
“Love the shoes,” Bernadette said.
“Oh yes, I knew you’d love the shoes,” said D’Arcy slyly turning one foot this way and that so Bernadette could have a better view.
Imogen joined them, in a midi crochet lace style blue dress with a silver underdress. She was wearing silver mules and Bernadette mused her red flaming hair looked amazing in contrast.
“You look stunning, sweetness,” she said to Imogen.
“Doesn’t she!” D’Arcy added possessively.
“She does,” Eve agreed.
“Well, you two are drop dead gorgeous,” Imogen replied, “As are you, my darling, so beautiful.”
This last to D’Arcy who could never be left out of a round of compliments, as Imogen knew very well.
“Anyway, go and talk to your guests, and soon we’ll cut the cake. Then there will be a buffet and dancing,” Imogen said.
“Yes, let’s go.”
Hand in hand, Eve and Bernadette went into the tent. Circulating around and chatting amiably with everyone while taking compliments. All her staff had stayed and were all very smartly done up. She made sure to admire everyone’s attire and even spent some time talking to Juanita who predictably was wearing the shortest figure hugging outfit she could and high platform heels which Eve mendaciously referred to as ‘stripper heels’ when they were out of earshot. One or two people had gone but the majority were still in attendance, and many were staying the night.
Eventually, the
y cut the cake, which was quite a simple three-tiered design with white icing and decorated in white and red icing sugar roses. On the top was a pair of figurines which had apparently been specially made to look like Eve and Bernadette for them to keep as a souvenir. They cut the cake, which was duly distributed to the guests to accompany the extensive buffet of cold cuts and salads.
After the meal, and a suitable rest, the band struck up, and Bernadette led Eve onto the dancefloor for a slow passionate first dance. Everyone cheered and clapped particularly when they kissed. Then the dancing began in earnest, and the women kicked off their shoes dancing with their partners and each other. There was a mix of modern and folk style music, the atmosphere was heady, and the wine flowed freely. Nothing more occurred to mar the joyous occasion, and late into the night, Bernadette and Eve found themselves walking alone in D’Arcy’s garden barefoot and holding hands.
“This has been one of the best days of my life,” Bernadette said at length, “Of all the ways I could have imagined having a wedding this was perfect, so perfect.”
“I feel the same way.” Eve smiled. “And it’s perfect because of you, and because I’m married to you.”
“Are you happy?”
“I’m ecstatic, gloriously so, and you?”
“I’m so happy, my heart is so full.”
“Was it so important then, to get married?” Eve asked her seriously, pulling her close into an embrace.
“It turns out somehow it was. I wanted to somehow bind you to me forever.”
“I was already bound to you, but I wanted this too, for both of us. You and me against the world.”
“You make it sound so dramatic,” Bernadette laughed.
“Kiss me, my darling wife.”
“I will…”
Nothing more was said for quite some time.
✽✽✽
After a late start in the morning, and breakfast with all those who had stayed, people began to drift away until at last, it was just the four friends, Bernadette, Eve, Imogen and D’Arcy.
“God I’m worn out,” said D’Arcy as they flopped in her living room.
“We’ve got some gifts to open yet,” Eve told Bernadette who was similarly laying back at ease on one of the sofas.
“Oh goodness, yes, we should have done it while everyone was here,” she said at once contrite.
“We will write them pretty thank you notes,” said Eve practically, “But we should open them just the same.”
“They’re in a living room downstairs,” said D’Arcy, “I had them brought in last night.”
They all repaired to the aforementioned room, where the gifts were laid out on a table at the side. There were several envelopes too. Eve and Bernadette spent a happy few minutes opening the cards and reading them out, and then all of the gifts. These were very tasteful and not too ostentatious. It seemed people had been asked to give something personal rather than practical, and they had done so. It was not as if they were setting up home, and they had all the usual things couples need already. There were ornaments, pictures and other mementoes which would mean something to them both.
“How lovely, these all are,” said Bernadette as they got to the end.
“There’s erm, actually one more,” said Imogen, handing them a rather thick envelope, “It’s from D’Arcy and me.”
“Oh God!” Bernadette exclaimed, “But you’ve done so much already.”
“You’ve done so much, darling, over the years, you have no idea. All of this time being our friend, both of you. This is something you deserve, and you will accept it. It’s something you both need and I know you won’t do it otherwise.”
With this cryptic utterance, Eve urged Bernadette to open the envelope. When she did so, Bernadette burst into tears. It was a fully paid holiday to Phuket including first class return flights.
“Oh God…” she sobbed, “It’s so nice of you… oh… oh goodness… I can’t believe it… I… but this must have…”
“Hush,” said Eve putting a finger on Bernadette’s lips, “Remember the rules.”
“Yes, you’re right, sorry,” Bernadette said as Eve wiped away her tears, “I’m so grateful, we both are.”
“It’s gay friendly,” said Imogen smiling, “We checked, and honestly we felt it was the best present we could give you.”
“It’s more than just the best, it’s, well, it’s just… I’m over the moon… so thoughtful and so generous… thank you…”
On impulse, Bernadette jumped up, she hugged and kissed Imogen, and then D’Arcy who was beaming at their pleasure.
“Imogen let me indulge myself on this one,” said D’Arcy, “And believe me I have, wait until you see the hotel.”
“Thank you again, so much!”
Eve embraced them both too kissing them both soundly.
“You can go right after this court case,” said Imogen, “In fact, I’m ordering you to.”
Bernadette laughed. “OK.”
“See, she does everything I tell her,” Imogen quipped.
Eventually, the day came to an end, and their things were packed away in D’Arcy’s car so that Carragh could drive them home. Teams of people had also been packing up the contents of the marquee in the meantime, and D’Arcy said they would be taking it away on Monday morning.
They had spent the rest of the day talking, relaxing, reminiscing and swimming. When it all came to a close D’Arcy was in floods of tears as they said goodbye.
“Oh, D’Arcy, I’m the one who should be crying,” said Bernadette giving her a hug.
“I know but well, it was so lovely, and I hate it when things come to an end.”
“But we’ll see you soon.”
“You can take me to lunch,” Eve told her hugging too and giving her a kiss, “This week.”
“Oh yes!” D’Arcy brightened up, “I know just the place.”
Their last view was D’Arcy and Imogen hugging each other and waving goodbye.
“I’m sorry it’s over too, in a way,” said Bernadette a little sadly as the limo pulled out of the driveway and into the road.
“We’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, together, and a wonderful holiday to look forward to,” Eve said relaxing back into the cushions.
“I know, I didn’t know what to say when I opened the envelope, it was so generous, beyond generous.”
“Love isn’t counted in Euros, darling, but in the actions and gestures which give another pleasure no matter the cost,” Eve pronounced sagely.
“You always know the right thing to say.”
“I try.”
Bernadette’s hand stole across to take Eve’s in hers and hold it fast. She closed her eyes and let all the happiness of the last two days seep through her like a balm to her oft troubled soul.
Chapter Fourteen
With the wedding behind them, Bernadette turned her attention to the court case. The hearing date was looming ever closer, and they needed to prepare the submissions and filing of any evidence. The next two weeks would be crucial in gathering what they need and getting it into the court on time.
On the Monday after the wedding, Imogen was drinking coffee with Bernadette in her office.
“Have you recovered?” Imogen asked, taking a sip of her drink.
“Yes, kind of, it was a lovely day, one of the best days of my life to be honest. I never thought I’d say so but it’s true,” Bernadette replied with a smile.
“Do you feel… different?” Imogen cocked an eyebrow at her.
“It’s funny but I do, and so does Eve. I feel somehow more connected and it’s as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
“The worry she was going to leave you?”
Imogen was nothing if not perspicacious.
“Yes, exactly.”
“You know it was all in your head though, right?”
“Yes, I do, but because we said those things, our vows, and we made that commitment,
it just feels, I don’t know, more secure, if it makes sense?” Bernadette sighed.
“It does and I’m not trying to rain on your parade, I was just trying to go over it in my own head, considering I’m going to go through the same thing in a few months.”
“Don’t tell me you are getting cold feet, because I’m going to be very cross with you,” Bernadette said at once.
“No, not cold feet, just wondering if it makes that much difference. It’s why I wanted to know from you.”
“Well, it does. You know it does legally for a start. For you, that is a huge issue considering D’Arcy’s position. I don’t mean to be mercenary, but you are my friend and I want you to be protected, I’m sure D’Arcy does too.”
“I know that! But I wanted to understand the emotional part of it better.”
“Emotionally I just feel more settled, secure. I feel as if we’ve solemnised our commitment which we have. It doesn’t change my feelings, but it has strengthened our bond. I got to say the things which I needed to say formally, officially and in front of everyone, and so did Eve.”
“What you did and said was truly wonderful,” Imogen agreed, “I cried, D’Arcy cried, we all did. There is no doubt it was a fabulous day all round. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“You were very much part of it, and I’m so grateful to you, both of you.”
“It’s nothing, believe me. If you’re thinking of the financial stuff which you should not be, then forget it. Don’t ever give Eve a hard time about it either, promise me that. If you ever do find out, and you probably will, who paid for what, then you need to let it go. I need you to promise me this one thing.”
Imogen sounded so sincere, that as much as Bernadette was curious, she never wanted to upset her friends. They had undoubtedly covered a lot of the costs of the wedding. She didn’t know how she could repay their kindness but knew somehow, she needed to for the sake of her own peace of mind. If not financially, then some other way, of which she wasn’t certain.
“I know exactly what you’re thinking,” said Imogen cutting into Bernadette’s musings, “And let me remind you that without you, D’Arcy would not have won her libel case, and without you, I wouldn’t have been with D’Arcy and found the love of my life. Those are just two things I’ve thought of, and I’m sure there are many more. You don’t owe me or D’Arcy anything, we are your friends, we love you, so much, you and Eve too.”