The Girl In White

[Lovely]

July 31, 1988
Veinna Family Chapel

Dressed in a beautiful and elegant white gown, the young girl sat with her head bowed, her hands clasped in her lap. She was seventeen, barely, strong and stunningly beautiful. Her startling blue eyes shone with a slightly defiant pride. Josephine was an exquisite example of the Dunne stock, the eldest of Rhiordan's children she carried herself with a grace and sense of honor which defied her youth. Left alone with her thoughts for a few minutes, allowed these precious moments to collect herself before she took the first steps into her new life and position. Her head lifted to bring her determined gaze to the mirror before her and in that moment swallowed her fear and misgivings, transforming from a fresh girl, into the sophisticated woman she'd been raised to be. She was honor bound into marriage with an older man, the heir to the Vienna `throne'. A strong man set to take the reigns of a powerful family and a major player in the business world. Smoothing a curl of her wild red hair back into place, Josaphine stared into the mirror, a smile curling her lips. She put on a pleasant smile for the crowd of friends and family that had gathered to watch her wed a man she'd never met.

Scarlotto... Scott to closer family.. stood woodenly before the mirror, trying to find some semblance of a smile for his bride. He tugged at his sleeves to smooth the lumps in his more casual of suits, softening the squared shoulders and angular features of a hardened man for this special day. He was only in his mid twenties, but already the head of a household whose name commanded a respect that only a man of his ability could hold... or woman like the timid girl betrothed to him on paper whom he had yet to meet. Or so he was told. He had misgivings about his brothers' ideals yet again, but trusted them. The bloodline came first.

"Brother dear, you're actually looking charming. She might even like you," teased his younger brother, the one who swore the woman was worth gold to the family, though he was barely out of school himself and able to project such mysteries of science and genetics.

"Armand, please," he growled, adjusting the tie one more time with a scowl as it tightened a little. "Stupid noose. Fitting... marriage... hangman. If you weren't my brothers, I'd have some nice shoes waiting downstairs for you for having talked me into this."

"Oh shut up will ya.. god for a guy who's going to be able to bang the shit out of an -if I do say so myself.. and I think Mandy agrees- gorgeous young redhead, you're complaining an awful lot." He chuckled from where he sat relaxed in a chair.

He regarded Aberto's jagged grin from the mirror's point of view, smirking in return. "If that's all this was about, I could just pay her to go about her business when I'm done with her. But I can't do that, can I? I have as little choice in this as she does. Hoping she doesn't bang the shit outta my balls with a bat for looking at her so much as breeding with her. From what Armand here says, that Dunne line and it's firey redheads should give us Veinnas a f*cking good run."

"Well would you rather we married you to a limp rag doll? Figured at least this one will be interesting, maybe even enough for you to like her a little." He chuckled again. "Besides it takes a strong woman to stand beside a strong man... and we don't want her to break."

"Have yet to meet one that strong," he muttered, having been convinced through a string of bad memories just how easily some broke in his world. "It's not just me she's marrying... you know that. You're sure... the test... the compatibility at least...?"

He looked to Aberto and moved closer from his perch at the table. "Scotty... she's beautiful... perfection. The musculature alone... fit and fine... genetically fit, no flaws. Better yet... she's naturally feral. You know how father's tests haven't yielded a survivor yet. With her... just imagine..."

Aberto nodded and shifted in his chair, unable to resist adding a colorful remark. "And hey.. you just seed her.. if you don't want to bang her after that... I'd be happy to keep her from complaining for you."

Although he wanted to throw something at Aberto for being rude, he only tossed a glare and turned his attention back to his oldest brother. "You'll find you will want little opportunity to overlook her once you see her. She's truly captivating... and truly poised and charming as well, I promise you, brother. It's nearly time... are you ready?"

"Going for the hard-sell, boys... you're making me wonder. Does she have all of her own teeth?"

"Yes.. I looked over her dental records, of course... no cavities."

Richard chuckled at the doorway. "Not nice to leave the ladies waiting, boys. They're ready when you are," he looked at his soon-to-wed brother. "And oh... you're so handsome." He sniffled teasingly, clasping his hands to his chest then wiping a fake tear from his eye. "Better you than me, now get down here... then again.. you stay up here much longer, I'll marry her myself.. mmm mm."

"Told ya.... " He winked at Scotty as he stood and reached to tug, Armand along behind him as he started for the door.

Armand balked in protest as Aberto pushed him to the door, "But I wasn't finished yet. I could tell him about what his children will look like... and likely how many... and when even... Aberto... no need to shove...."

"Oh goodness Mandy... give the guy some room... He's about to leave his roving days behind.." Aberto kept laughing, shoving Armand a little more and grinning at Richard as they stepped out.

"Yeah, stop putting the damn cart before my horse and my dick. I haven't even met her yet. Let me get the ring on her and get her f*cking garter off, then we'll talk business, boys.... after I'm done with mine. How old did you say she is?"

"Seventeen," Richard called in unison with Armand from the hallway.

Aberto's laughter and a light howl was heard floating back.

Scott sighed and leaned on the back of the chair a moment, taking solace within the empty room. Once he descended the stairs, it was his descent into hell, he was convinced. Family, honor, tradition... he could spit right now, but he had to do it. Set the example and adhere to his father's wishes. The f*cking bloodline... His hand swung the chair wildly across the room where it skittered and cowered on its side by the wall beneath the smirking portrait of the man he was going to make proud today. He blew a kiss to the oil and canvas then flipped it off joyously before slipping out of the room to meet his wife

[Lovely]

She stayed at the mirror, carefully smoothing her hair into place, the brilliant red locks stubbornly wanting to go their own way. "I will shave you all off if you don't behave!" She warned the unruly curls.

"I refuse to behave, so you can start with mine? Then maybe they won't recognize me and I can get out of this," Scott said, popping the door open to hear her speak out loud. He ducked in to catch his breath and avoid his brothers' teasing for a few more moments, leaning against the door with his eyes closed.

"You'd look awfully silly... but good sumaritan that I am, I'd help you.. if you help me... You know a back way out of this maze?" She gazed at his reflection in the mirror, her hands lifted as she secured some of her hair into the pins. She let her hands drop and turned to face him. "Why do you want out?"

His head lifted from the doorway and his eyes opened to see the girl turn. She was a young redhead, curly locks barely tamed by gracefully placed pins. It didn't register to him other than a friendly and understanding face and voice for the moment. "I know lots of ways out, but not for me," he chuckled dryly. "I want out because I never wanted in. This is my father's doing."

She huffed slightly. "You're a man.. there's always a way out..." She said softly, a hint of warm smile coming to her lips. "Why don't you just tell your father you don't want to do this?"

"Not an option. The only answer is 'yes, Dad'... guessing you don't know much about this family, though. Sorry," he sighed, pushing from the doorway. "You're one of the Dunne's, huh?"

"Yes Dad... don't I know that.." Her startling bluer than blue eyes regarded him with an arched brow as he moved into the room. "I am... one of the Dunne's..."

He offered his hand to take hers if she'd accept after his rude entry. "Sorry again... for barging in. My brothers aren't too high in the 'slack' department today, finding a great deal of humor at my expense," he grinned warmly.

"poor thing... forced to take to hiding with the skirts... it's horrible." She reached to take his hand, offering him her 'condolences' and understanding. "Give me five bucks and I promise to break one of thier noses at the reception."

His grin widened and he winked, bowing and kissing her hand with flawless Continental flair. "A lady after my own heart. Too bad it's being given away to a new owner today."

"Too bad... I thought you wanted out? That sort of gives the impression... that your heart isn't in the offering." She smiled, holding his hand a moment longer before letting go.

"If it were mine to offer to the woman of choice...," he smiled curtly, the grin fading as he stood back, swallowing back the rush of spit and bile he could curse out about his feelings on the subject. He remained polite, though his face registered the restraint. "Were.. that it were mine to offer, my dear, the very thought of such an action on my behalf would win you showers of favors. Should I point out my brothers to you just the same, should you feel inclined? I wouldn't object to some old fashioned family fun during the reception."

"Oh yes.." She murmured softly. "Please point them out... I think now I'll change the price of the bargain though.... if it will cause you to smile, I'll break all their noses." Her lips curled into a near amused smirking smile, which she covered with one, seemingly delicate, hand. "Any other requests?

"Sorry again, not in the job description. I'm supposed to be respectful, charming, forthright, strong... mm... nope, smiling isn't part of the territory," he said flatly, although a spark to the corner of his eye indicated the humor lurked closely under the surface. "Requests...," he paused, folding his arms and looking skyward in thought before returning his gaze to her. "Fourty feet of rope, a fast car, a boat at the pier with the motor running, a case of Vodka and no place else to be for a month should do it. How quickly can you deliver?"

"The rope might take me awhile.. not sure of a store around here that has it and is open... though robbery would be a nice addition to my resume... Hmmm fast car, have one... case of Vodka, grab one from the bar on the way out... boat at the pier, bet your family has plenty... they wont miss one... a month of nothing, I'll write you a sick note.. leave it pinned to front door..."

The corner of his mouth gave way to a slight curl. "I can only hope all the Dunne women think like you... I might not mind what I'm stepping into so much."

"Sorry..." She frowned, giving a slight shake of her head. "I'm the worst... nothing but trouble..." Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement.

He sighed, "Of course..my luck... and my accurs'd father, thank you, Shakespeare. I'm sure you're a far fairer Juliette than what's waiting for me downstairs... no offense. If you heard my brothers, though, you'd understand. I don't trust their opinions any further than I can knock their teeth from their heads in a fair... or unfair fight."

"Pity then that you have to go down... Still could be worse... and hey look at the bright side... you'll be related to me after you've taken on the burden of this wife... and I could help you knock your brothers' teeth out... I'm up for some good fun."

"More the pity for you being related to me," he shook his head sadly now. If the wife he was taking was half the woman who stood before him, he took back everything he'd said. This one was strong and bold, beautiful as well. It hardly seemed fair to tie someone like that to the likes of him, he thought. He was hardly in the shape to take care of himself, yet saddled with that much responsibility already. To be forced now to add another to care for.. he shook his head more with a sigh. "If I could be strong and forthright, perhaps not as charming as I'm supposed to be, I wish that it were you. I can talk to you, but I've never met this woman. I pity her... being dragged into this."

She chuckled. "Don't pity her... I know what she'd do with your pity... and it's not very pretty." She winced, shaking her head. "She has her honor and her pride to keep her warm... if you are cold." Her voice soft as she sighed. "And you don't know me, really... perhaps you'll be surprised at your blushing bride, hmmm?"

"I can hope," he nodded, finally unfolding his arms, lacing his fingers behind his back, accentuating his square and solid frame. "'Cold' is on the resume where 'smiling' isn't, so you have that part right, but stranger things have been known to happen in this family. I might even surprise myself and find I adore her... if she's anything like you, that's highly likely."

"If it's any consolation... she is... but I guess you'll have to find out whether you like her for yourself.. certainly can't take my word on it... I only advise you to go into it with an open mind... let go of the 'anger' of being forced into it and give the girl.. and you a chance to make something... at least something you both can live with, without being miserable. I know she's not very keen on marrying some guy she's never met. All that duty, honor, obey thy father... she is doing what she has to do, just like you are... unless you take me up on sneaking out the back."

"I'd love to, but you know...," he smirked with a 'not a good idea' expression. "I may be good with a gun, but the dogs.. they're damned fast.. too fast and this is one of my favorite suits." He smoothed a lapel between his fingers as he said it, but paused, looking her over, wondering if she meant it. Running away with the likes of her would make him much happier than stepping out the door into the unknown. The consequences for himself and for the girl that waited for him were too great, however. Being 'removed' was not a pleasant task let alone being on the receiving end. He'd delivered his own share on that assignment. Shaking his head, he looked at her with honest sadness in turning her down. "In another life, I really would, but that's not this life.. the life that's downstairs with lead and lace, waiting for me."

"Alright... suit yourself." She puffed out a sigh and folded her arms, blue eyes watching him. "Save me a dance?" She pouted a little, giving him sad eyes and batting lashes.

"If the groom can steal his last kiss as a single man, I'll save the entire ballroom for you."

Her eyebrow arched, though she shifted as though she'd accept if he tried. "Is that a promise?"

The smile she'd beckoned peeked out gently, warmly as he stepped to her, leaning just slightly. "Of course.. charming, remember?"

"Of course.. what was I thinking?" Her smile was soft and inviting, as she remained where she was, letting him come to her.

"Thank you for listening, my dear," he whispered to her, offering a tenderly heated, but all-too-short kiss. He peeled away, left wanting know more about her, but resigning himself to the duty that awaited him to father a new generation with a complete stranger.

She gave him a small smile as he stepped away, looking regretful that he had to leave. Which in fact she was... she'd rather have run off with him as some unnamed woman and spend a month on a boat getting to know him, than to march down the stairs and marry him on the spot. She gave a small wave of her fingers. "I'll see you on the dance floor." She whispered.

He nodded, one hand to his stomach, but out an inch or two, the other extended in air as he 'waltzed' his phantom partner to the door, humming softly. "I'll be the one with the lead weight on one hand and a bottle in the other... save me when you can."

Her eyes followed him, the soft warm smile and gaze drifting after him. "I will... you can count on that..."

He paused as he closed the door behind him, peeking his head back in, a look of genuine concern as he heard Richard's voice coming back up the hall toward him. "Our little secret?" His hand motioned somewhat circularly, indicating their conversation moments before and anything that had happened. He looked at her face and realized his mistake as his brother clapped a hand on his shoulder while he tried to rub the color off his lips.

"I don't need to tell you that last minute boinking of the bridesmaids will make for one very unhappy Daddy, do I, hm? Is she cute?" Richard teased, trying to look around the door as it shut firmly.

"Our little secret.. for sure.." She murmured, not sure if he heard as he scuttled out the door, with who ever had come up to retrieve him.

[Lovely]

A squared fist planted firmly into his brother's shoulder. "f*ck you, get downstairs. I was just talking with someone," he said, loud enough she'd likely hear. He wiped his lips again, inspecting his fingers for remaining bits of the lovely warm copper she'd been wearing.

"That-sa-ma boy," Richard beamed, clapping him on the shoulders and making a smooch face at him, himself and batting his lashes, before returning the punch with a fond laugh, then hugging his brother firmly around the shoulder to escort him down. "You sure about this? If you really don't want her, I'll take her, man... seriously."

"No," he said softly. He'd do this, give the woman a chance. Her sister.. cousin... the girl he'd met had been sincere and forthright enough to change his mind a little. Give her a chance, he reminded himself. "We're good, Richie... life's good."

Armand nudged Aberto and motioned to the stairs. "Finally looks like we're getting started. What do you suppose happened to him?"

"I personally hope he got his rocks off with the maid of honor.. the guy needs to loosen up... and she was cute, and it would give me a chance with the bride if she found out he was such a cad..." He rambled, lightly nodding his head.

Much as he loathed it, he agreed with Aberto, something that happened rarely without a long debate attached. He nodded, offering a quiet chuckle, but composing himself as Scott and Richard came up near them.

Aberto glanced at Armand, surprised that they didn't end up debating the topic. He chuckled and nodded to Scott and Richard. "Alrighty big guy.. you ready for this?"

"Yeah," Richard puffed up, inhaling deeply and stretching. "All set... big day, big plans... waited for this for a long time. Oh.. you mean him?"

Aberto shook his head chuckling. "I saw her first... dip shit, get in line."

"Stop it, both of you... and don't you start," he growled in a quiet warning, giving Armand a look as well though he'd not opened his mouth yet. His hand tipped the back of Richard's head, flipping his hair up lightly with the sudden 'rap'. "Knock it off and get these two over by the podium. You have the rings? I'm doing this... by god if only to save her from you guys... shet..."

He laughed as his brother was cuffed, though he ducked and took off to get in his place. "Come on Mandy.. Scotty here thinks we're a bunch of animals.."

"You are a bunch of animals.. ya freaks... get a move on, I'm tired of waiting and I'm sure her family is too," he sneered, teasingly. He waited for his brothers to take their places and eyed his father in the front pew of the family cathedral, staring skyward in his prayers. The man looked as tired as he felt. Composing himself, he slowly walked to the front, motioning that the music could start and took his own place, putting on a thin smile for his father's sake.

She had barely gotten her veil into place when she heard the music begin. Josie could not help the butterflies in her tummy as she stepped from the room, to take her father's arm. Her bridesmaids and maid of honor came down the aisle before her in slow procession of lovely young Dunne cousins and a couple close friends of hers. She waited near the end with a trembling hand hooked into the crook of her father's arm, as he stood proudly next to her.

Riordhan's dark, nearly black hair was all that stood out of him in contrast to the radiance of his young daughter beside him. He patted her hand gently and waited for her feet to start in motion, not desiring to push her further than he already had with this arrangement.

Rory Junior sat at the back, hunched over his knees, looking bored and small, completely rumpled in too much suit for small boy but as handsome and proud as his father. He blushed a little himself seeing how pretty his sister was and thankful she was in a dress so she couldn't wrestle with him today. He blew a bored breath upward into his unruly hair and watched them start to move slowly down the aisle.

All he could see at the moment were the silhouettes, one tall and dark beside a smaller, flowing frame in white. His eyes closed as he counted the steps along with the processional music, keeping his breath as calm as he could until the music stopped, indicating she was near. He couldn't open his eyes... not yet... he didn't dare.

She held her breath for the final steps, letting go of her father's arm and turning to him so he could lift her veil and kiss her 'good bye'. She smiled softly at him, letting him know everything was fine. "Love you, daddy." She whispered as she leaned against his cheek a moment. Then she turned to take the last few steps to stand beside the man who she was about to bind her life to.

He smiled gently and stepped back, waiting for the moment he would officially 'give her away' as the minister took his place to begin.

He stood nervously now, turning to keep the minister in his full attention as he opened his eyes, only catching the glimpse of white beside him and becoming rigid with a loathe to turn to see her, fearing that she'd be some monster of his undoing. His smile remained in place, thin, cold... scared. For once in the life of Scarlatto Veinna, fear had form and it wore white.

Richie did his best to stay composed, looking down over his clasped hands as solemnly as his smirk would allow. A barely contained chuckle leaked out and he glanced up, giving Josie a wink and looking to his brother who looked faint.

Josie almost chuckled after Richie did, her nervousness bubbling just under the surface. The man beside her had not even looked at her and she felt the tension in the air around him. She winked back at Richie though she did not know if he could see it with the veil and all. She was almost sorry she might be breaking his nose later... he was being very nice -trying to make her more at ease. She listened to the words spoken and glanced to Scott now and then, though he wasn't looking at her.

Riordhan nodded as he was asked who would give the girl away. His rich tenor projected warmly around them, "I will." Proudly, he took his seat to watch, silently, amused, yet concerned with the boy's behavior. Seated beside his partner in this crime, he leaned to the Veinna conspirator at large, Scott's father, and grinned, whispering and pointing about what could only be construed noting that the boy hadn't collapsed and his daughter hadn't yet injured him.

"The ring, Scotty?" he repeated after the minister paused a long moment. He held the gold bands out on the small pillow that had been designated for them.

"What?" His reverie was broken, looking at Richie in a daze, then down at the bits of metal tied to the cushion, taking another moment for it to sink in. "Oh.. yes... right." He unlooped the bands and took them in hand, turning to place his in her hand and ready her other hand for her own. His eyes focused on the gold and its taunting cold gleam, not traveling up.. not yet, he choked silently.

She held her breath and his hand, slipping the ring into place as the vows were repeated for each of them. The gleam of gold not nearly as cold as he was, at the moment.

[Lovely]

His breath was shallow and his face more pale than moments before, his hands surely letting her know his discomfort. The moment came that both rings were placed and his gaze rose tentatively, glancing at the fabric of the veil, then looking away to his father and hers, seeing them both with folded arms and unamused, flat expressions, waiting for the deal to be finally sealed. His last breath caught and wouldn't let loose as he glanced back, focusing on the cloth he lifted slowly to reveal... copper? He lifted a little more to see the graceful, simple pins and misbehaving curls longing to be freed in a breeze in a boat somewhere. The grin was slow to form, but broadened and stayed fixed as her brilliant blue eyes met him..."You?" he whispered.

That delicate eyebrow arched and she smiled softly. "You were expecting someone else?" She whispered, so only he would hear... and perhaps a few feral ears. "Hurry up and kiss the bride before the natives start a riot.." Her eyes a warm inviting shade of blue that beckoned him to dive...

"I will," he said for any to hear, the relief evident in his voice and the color that returned warmly to his cheeks. "I will, I will, I will," he repeated hungrily to her lips, not caring that each movement smeared the glowing paint over him.

"Save some for us.. tradition, you know... we get one too before you sweep her off to ... mmm... you know?"

"F*ck that... sorry father," he said to Richie, then apologized to the minister who was still within hearing.

A girlish giggle parted her lips more for him as he murmured his slight chant into her lips. He pulled from her and she covered her mouth with her hand to hold back further laughter at his words to his brother and the quick apology to the minister. Taking a deep breath She leaned to whisper softly to him, before they turned to face their guests. "I don't want to be a pestering wife... but..." She motioned with her fingers over her lips. "The shade is lovely on you.. but you're smudged."

"Ask me if I care... plan on being a lot sloppier when we get out of this place," he murmured back.

"In that case I still have that fast get away car.." She murmured, reaching to take his hand in hers.

"You're on sister... ready to make a break? They're armed for bear with that rice and crap," he whispered, eyeing the fastest way back down the aisle and past the pelting shower they were about to get.

"Hey Scotty... what're you waitin' for, man... take her before I do... go on.. git..."

"Four... easily... maybe five... what do you think, Aberto?"

"Wow... your brother is eager for you to leave.. you think he heard us plotting broken noses and missing teeth?" Her fingers clasped his. "On three we book it?"

"Six.." He nodded, rubbing his chin softly. "I bet you a thousand they have six."

"Six... hmm... likely twins," he mused, rubbing his chin and looking over Josie closely. He turned to his brother again. "Bears looking into, don't you think?"

"Three.. now," he said, giving her a tug before Armand went into anymore detail.

She turned with his hand tightly held and ran. Her head ducking down as the rice was pelted at them. She laughed, giving a soft triumphant whoop as they broke free.

He laughed at her sudden burst and whooped in return, shuffling quickly to the car that waited for them. They'd have a couple hours before the reception demanded them and after that, the rest of their lives.

Richie spun as if he'd batted them back down the aisle and out, landing back around to face his remaining brothers. "Alright... I'll give you each twenty bucks says lay off.. the garter's mine, I tell you... mine mine mine."

"F*ck that.. why should we?" Aberto gave him a look that said 'no way'.

Armand shook his head. "You? Next to get married? Dad couldn't hook you up with rope and a ladder... who'd marry you?"

"Wiseass... you think you're funny? You'll see.. plenty of girls out there for the Rich-man...," he said, snuffing and puffing up with contempt against Armand's slight. "You think he'd try though? Maybe if I asked him real nice..."

"Maybe if you get on you knees and beg real nice... you have alot of experince with that right? At least the on your knees part.."

"Oh, I'm sorry Aberto... didn't I suck hard enough for you last time, huh? C'mon... give us a kiss," he said, making a puckery face at his brother as he leaned to punch his arm this time.

"Aww Richie.. you know you're the best.. if only girls could give as good as you.." He bear hugged his brother, lifting him a few inches off the ground and setting him back down.

"Um.. boys... looks like Dad wants a word with us," Armand mumbled, motioning to the calm and quiet man who still sat, looking somewhat annoyed.

"Shit.." He mumbled under his breath, stepping away from Richie, but shoving him in front of him, closer to their father.

[Lovely]

((meanwhile in a fast getaway car))


Josie slipped into the car beside Scott, giving him a soft smile. She was doing her best to be calm and not show how nervous she'd been and was now.

Once she was in beside him, he pulled her closer, grateful, reassured, hopeful that his future was blessed. "Hmm... seems someone told me to give the new girl a chance.. see how well we get along," he grinned. "Think she'd mind a little non verbal communication to start?"

"I.. um.. no.. I have it on good word that she won't mind." She laughed softly, letting her arm gently drape over his shoulder.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He whispered closer, taking her soft coppery lips in his own, lingering gently this time.

"I don't know... I thought maybe if you knew it was me.. it would change things.. that you wouldn't have been so honest.." She shrugged, looking away a moment.

"Josephine, look at me... this is me being honest... I fell in love with you the minute you wanted to break my brother's nose for me... only thing it would have changed is my hands would have been a lot warmer. Not because of the offer, but because you offered it. I meant what I said... about my heart. You won it."

His brothers and father weren't stupid and the tests didn't lie, damn them, he thought. Prearranged, preplanned, it didn't matter. It was true. In the space of a minute alone, he'd fallen in love... Scarlotto... caught.

She was floored, speechless, awed. She swallowed, looking into his eyes, searching there for some sign that he was being false. When she found none, her heart soared, racing and thundering in her chest. She let a light laugh, part her copper lips as she brought them to his. A sweeter more tender heartfelt kiss, he could not ask for.

"Mmm... I will, I will," he repeatedly softly, chuckling and tickling her lips and his own. He savored the blissful moment and pulled back from the girl who seemed so far beyond her years in grace and dignity. Resting his forehead on hers, he ran a gentle thumb over her cheek. "I died walking out that door, I want you to know that. My heart shrunk into a cold corner and died thinking that I'd never know you. Now I've never felt so alive," he smiled. It was a smile only for her, one he'd never felt before as it beamed.

"But you did.. the right thing.. for your family, for your honor.. and for mine... I saw it in your face, when you turned down my offer to run off. You wanted to, but you weren't going to. I gained far more respect for you in that moment." She spoke honestly, softly with candor. "Part of me wanted you to say yes.. and for us to take off... leaving all this hoopla in the dust... but I knew neither of us could." Her blue eyes shone brightly at him.

"Well... some other part of you knew something I didn't, so I hope you'll forgive me someday. I'm happy with how this turned out. I mean, I did say yes... eventually... and we are leaving all that hoopla in the dust, mmm... for a while." The limo had started off and he rocked toward her as they turned away from the chapel and he fell a little more into her lap.

"Forgive you for what? I don't understand.. I had figured out who you were when we were discussing things in the room. I formed my opinion of you knowing the truth.. that was my point and why I felt the way I did. You made a diffucult choice for honor not knowing it would be me walking down the aisle.." She shook her head a little. "We did all the hoopla I was talking about.. the wedding is done."

"Thank you. I think I made an excellent choice," he confided, kissing her softly. He thought about the rest and nodded. It made sense now. "Oh that hoopla. I was too busy thinking about you the whole time to notice it, I guess. Just hope my wife doesn't mind that."

"You think? So you're not sure yet?" She was teasing him, one delicate eyebrow arched up. "I think maybe she'll understand.. well I hope she does, or you're in big trouble!" Josie chuckled quietly, letting a soft smile shine out at him.

He sat back to admire her a little, then glanced at the world outside he'd just as soon forget. Knowing where they were didn't seem important. "I'm hoping I'm in big trouble," he grinned, turning back and inviting more of the danger that lurked behind that arched brow that had caught his attention earlier. He nodded her closer to him. "Don't let this old man get cold over here."

"You hope, huh? Hmmm.. I think it could be arranged." She teased him again with more of a playful smile and her eyes lit with a sparkle of happiness. "You're not old.. just older." She said softly looking over at him as he nodded her toward him. She started to crawl over the seat. "Mmm older than me.. "

"Uh huhn and I'm not cold now, either... wanna see?" His own eyebrow wiggled as he whispered and pulled her into his arms for the moment.

"Oh?" She giggled but also nodded her head, wondering exactly what he'd reveal, her mind danced with some mostly tame ideas though they made her blush softly. It just felt so wonderful to be in his arms and to know she was his.. and he was hers.. she was married to this amazing man!

He reached around her to roll up the inner tinting blinds to blot out the world beyond and closed the slide window between them and their driver. He turned himself out of the half embrace to move to the seat across, in front of her where she could see what he had in mind. The cumberbund was nearly the only thing holding his trousers up over his lean form and once he'd taken it off, it only took a slight tug on his pockets to show her.

Her eyes widened and she sat back, her mouth opened and then closed is mild shock at his more bold gesture. She found herself staring for a long moment, her eyes fixed just below his waist. Josie swallowed and bit lower lip gently, beckoning him with crooked finger. "Try not to hurt me... too much." She whispered softly, the delight showing in her eyes.

[[continued at our sister site due to content]]