THE SIGHT OF Gwen in her wedding gown overwhelmed Andrew. His heart raced, his palms sweat, and he had to keep himself from running to meet her halfway. He felt his eyes fill with tears and unsuccessfully tried to keep them from falling. He didn’t think he could ever love her more. Andrew met her and her father at the top of the aisle. He kissed her hand and then slipped it into the crook of his elbow. “You are beautiful,” he whispered and led her to stand in front of the minister.
The ceremony was joyful and reverent and when the minister told Andrew he could kiss his bride, he took a moment to look at her. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her eyes glistened with tears.
Cupping her cheek, he leaned down to kiss her. There was something magical about the fact that he was kissing his wife for the first time. She was no longer the girl he longed for or the woman he was engaged to. She was his wife.
He felt so blessed to have been given such a gift. All of a sudden he felt someone tapping his shoulder and sound of the congregation laughing. He reluctantly broke the kiss and took the hand of his blushing bride while he sent Jamie a look that promised retaliation.
Jamie laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
The minister cleared his throat and then chuckled. “Please give a warm welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Simmonds.”
They rushed down the aisle and out to the carriage. Andrew lifted her in and then jumped in beside her. Leaning over he kissed her. “Good afternoon, wife.”
Gwen sighed. “Good afternoon, husband. I’m so glad you got my message about the kiss.”
Andrew chuckled. “Hannah delivered it with a rather big smile. I think she approved. I have to admit, it was somewhat awe-inspiring to kiss my wife for the first time in front of witnesses.”
“Will you always be this romantic?” she asked.
“Was that romantic?”
Gwen nodded. “We have kissed multiple times, and yet, you’ve elevated our wedding kiss to awe-inspiring.”
Andrew kissed her cheek. “Well, it was… as will all of our future married kisses.”
Gwen snuggled against him and they drove around town, as was the tradition, so the guests could get to the reception before them. As they pulled up in front of the Wades’ home, Sophie and Jamie waited on the porch to greet them. The reception seemed to move too fast and in slow motion, all at the same time.
Christine came and stole them away to eat and then it was time to cut the cake. The music started as they each took a bite of the delicious dessert and Andrew pulled her out on the dance floor.
“How’s your knee?” she whispered.
He leaned down and kissed her ear. “It’ll be fine, sweetheart.”
“I’ll massage it later.”
He smiled. “I look forward to it.”
In the middle of the second dance, Vincent stepped in to dance with Gwen and Andrew collected his mother. Before she knew it, Gwen was being pulled aside by Hannah to change. Hannah helped her out of her wedding gown and corset.
“Shouldn’t I leave my corset on?”
“I have a surprise for you.” Hannah giggled. “Well, actually for Andrew.”
Gwen raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment. Hannah pulled out items Gwen had never seen before. “What are those?”
“They are intimate items that are going to drive Andrew wild. Guaranteed. This is called a bra, and these are called bikinis.”
Gwen held up the underwear in a beautiful light green with lace accents. “Where’s the rest?”
“This is it.” Hannah suddenly had an evil smile. “Just these two things.”
“Scandalous,” Gwen whispered.
“Isn’t it, though? Andrew won’t know what to do with himself.”
Gwen grimaced. “I won’t know what to do with myself.”
“You’ll be fine. Believe me, he will love it.”
“I don’t know if I can wear these, Hannah.”
Hannah laid her hand on her arm. “No one will know, Gwen. We’ll put everything else on and the corset over the top. Trust me.”
Gwen nodded, but her face burned red. Hannah showed her how to put everything on and then let her see her reflection in the mirror. Gwen gasped. The bra was demi-cut and pushed her full breasts into an attractive cleavage. The bikini underwear was outrageous but showed off her flat stomach and shapely legs with the slight rise at the hip.
“You look incredible, Gwen.”
Gwen turned a confused gaze to Hannah. “Is this what you wear in the future?”
Hannah nodded. “Yes.”
“Oh, my,” Gwen whispered. “Every day?”
“Yes, Gwen, every day.”
“What about a corset?”
Hannah shook her head. “No corset.”
“My word.”
“Let’s get your corset back on and then into your day dress.”
Gwen nodded and quickly got dressed. They made their way downstairs and found Andrew waiting in the foyer for her. She blushed once again, and he raised his eyebrow in question. She simply shook her head. The couple was showered with rose petals as they made their way to the carriage and then they were off.
When they arrived at their newly refurbished home Andrew carried her over the threshold and then gently set her feet down in the foyer. “Welcome home, Mrs. Simmonds.”
“Thank you, Mr. Simmonds.”
He stroked her cheek. “Are you hungry? Can I get you anything?”
“No, Andrew, I’m not hungry.”
“I have something to show you, then.” He took her hand and led her upstairs to their bedroom. Andrew picked her up again and carried her over the threshold.
Gwen gasped in awe. The room was decorated in deep chocolates and creams, with more blue, slightly deeper than the shade in the parlor. The large bed looked surprisingly small in the large room. “Andrew, this is beautiful.”
He set her on her feet and took her hand. “I’m glad you like it. I want you to feel at home.”
“Well, you’ve certainly made me feel that way.”
“I can’t take any credit. Sophie and Emma were once again the masterminds behind this.”
“How thoughtful of them.” She continued to walk around the room and she noticed three wardrobes on various walls. “Why are there three wardrobes?”
“Two are currently housing your gowns.”
Gwen frowned. “I don’t recall having that many gowns,”
“Your mother sent your things on ahead and we found we needed both. If you find you need the third, you may also have that.”
“Thank you.”
He kissed her, and she wove her arms around his neck. She felt him pull the pins from her hair and comb his fingers through her locks as it cascaded down her back. “Your hair is of the gods.”
Gwen giggled.
“Are you concerned about anything?” he asked. “Do you have any questions?”
She shook her head. “I trust you.”
“How are you feeling?” He stroked her chin. “Do we need to wait a few days?
She smiled. “I feel fine. No need to wait.”
“If there’s anything you don’t like, you must promise to tell me.”
“I will, Andrew.” She laid her palms on his chest. “Now, would you please stop asking me how I am?” She blushed. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Why are you blushing, beautiful?”
“You’ll just have to see.”
He grinned. “Sounds intriguing.”
“Turn your back.” When he did, she removed her blouse and skirt. “Don’t look until I tell you to.”
Andrew chuckled. “I won’t.”
She didn’t try to step out of the hoops on her own, just let them fall in a circle at her feet. She slipped the hooks on the corset; thankful Hannah had left it loose enough for her to do quickly. She let it fall to the floor and took a deep steadying breath. She felt a blush form over her entire body. “You can turn around now.”
* * *
Andrew turned, and his lungs were suddenly devoid of air. “Gwendolyn,” he whispered.
Gwen squeezed her eyes closed.
“What are you wearing?” he rasped.
Gwen covered her face. “Hannah had them made for me. She said this is what they wear in the future.”
“What are they?”
“This is called a bra and these are called, um, bikini, I think.”
Andrew quickly figured out why Chris and Clayton had left the library so quickly when they talked about Jamie having to wear one of Sophie’s bras.
Gwen’s eyes filled with tears. “You hate it, don’t you? I’m so sorry, Andrew. I should have told Hannah, ‘no, thank you.’ I think I might be sick.”
Andrew rushed to her and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her and then lifted her over the discarded hoops. “Gwendolyn, you are magnificent. I was just surprised, that’s all. I never want you to be afraid of showing me your body. I never dreamed you could be any more beautiful, but now I know how wrong I was.”
He leaned down and kissed her again, already wholly aroused and uncertain how he was going to make anything last long enough to give her pleasure.
Gwen was tentative as she pushed his jacket from him shoulders but grew more confident with each passing moment. She took her time unbuttoning his shirt and made an audible gasp when she pushed it from his shoulders. His chest was muscular and smooth, and she looked at him as she ran her hands down it. “Andrew.”
He bent down, picked her up and carried her to the bed. He gently laid her down and kissed her, moving his mouth to her neck. Gwen let out a little moan and it spurred him on. “You are so beautiful.” He reached behind her but could not figure out how to unhook her bra. “Roll over, sweetheart. I’m going to get this off you.” She turned to her side, but it didn’t really help and tried to keep his frustration from showing in his voice. “Sorry, Gwen. I’m unaccustomed to removing women’s clothing.” She gave him a detailed description of how to slip the hooks and he managed to undo it. Letting out a sigh of relief, he chuckled. “I thought I might need to get a knife and cut this off. It would be such a shame to ruin it.”
Gwen giggled. “Are you certain you like it?”
“I’m going to show you how much I like it in a moment.”
She rolled over to face him. “Shall I have more made?”
His eyes widened. “Is that an option?”
“Apparently, yes.”
Andrew grinned. “Oh, then by all means, have more made. I don’t even mind if we end up in the poorhouse, if it means I can see you in more of these. Perhaps in red?”
Gwen bit her lip. “Red it is, then. You might regret that comment about the poorhouse.”
He chuckled and went back to kissing her. “Are you all right? Do I need to slow down?”
She blushed. “Actually, could we go faster?”
“We can do whatever you like, sweetheart.” He stroked her cheek. “We can stop anytime you want. You tell me if you’re uncomfortable about anything.” He secretly hoped she wouldn’t want to stop. He thought for sure it might kill him if she did.
She nodded.
“Anything, sweetheart,” he pressed. “Understand?”
“Yes.”
He kissed her, and with gentle intensity, made love to her. Although, the act ended faster than expected, neither could have anticipated the emotion it would bring. She started to cry and Andrew pulled her into his arms. “Shhh. Did I hurt you? Sweetheart, please don’t cry. I’m so sorry.”
“No, it was fine. I didn’t know… I had no idea… I love you so much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.
Andrew pulled her closer. “I love you, too, beautiful girl.” She continued to cry as Andrew held her and whispered sweet words to her. When she began to calm, he wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed each one.
Gwen blushed. “I feel silly.”
He cocked his head. “Why?”
“I just do. I don’t know why.”
“Well, don’t. I want to know all of you, sweetheart.” He stroked her hip. “My beautiful wife.”
She smiled. “I love the sound of that.”
“Me too.” Easing out of the bed, he pulled his pants and a shirt on.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to organize a bath for you and get some food. Just relax and I’ll be right back.” He kissed her and left the room.
Gwen slipped from the mattress and pulled on a robe. She glanced back at the bed and with a blush, pulled the sheet from the mattress. She threw it in the corner, and then explored the bedroom.
Other than Andrew’s surprise the day before, Gwen had only visited his home once before, and she’d certainly never been on the upper floor before today. She was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming it was. She opened one of the wardrobes and found several of her dresses hanging neatly. She went to the other wardrobe and found several gowns she’d never seen before. She ran her hands reverently over the expensive fabrics just as Andrew came back in the room carrying a tray.
“Where did these new gowns come from?” Gwen closed the wardrobe.
He took her hand and kissed her wrist. “I took the liberty of having Madame make a few.”
“They’re beautiful, but perhaps a little extravagant?”
Andrew laughed. “Never.”
“You’ll spoil me.”
“That’s the idea. Come and eat. A bath is being prepared for you in the dressing room.”
Andrew held Gwen’s chair for her and when she sat, he leaned down to kiss her neck. She smiled, relishing the feeling of his lips on her skin.
He sat in the chair facing her and sliced a few pieces of cheese for her. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel very well.”
“Are you tender?”
“A little.” After a few minutes, and concerted effort to stomp down her embarrassment, she looked up at him. “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“How many—” she cleared her throat. “How many others have there been before me?”
He paused his pouring of the champagne. “How many what?”
“Never mind.” Gwen took a sip of her champagne and then sneezed, the bubbles having tickled her nose.
Andrew stroked her back. “Are you all right?”
Gwen swallowed. “Yes. Thank you.”
“Are you asking how many women I’ve been intimate with?” He tipped her chin up and she squeezed her eyes shut, but nodded. “None.”
“But, how is it you’re so…” She hesitated, but he waited patiently, “… skilled?”
He took his seat, leaned forward and rubbed the outside of her thigh. “I took some advice.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, I talked to Jamie.”
“You asked him questions about… me?” She blushed crimson.
“I wanted to be certain you would be satisfied, and I knew that Jamie would be the best person to assist. Does that make you uncomfortable?”
“A little bit, yes, but not for the reasons you might think.”
Andrew smiled. “Enlighten me.”
“Just knowing that Jamie knows will probably make me blush every time I see him. But, I’m humbled that you would seek advice for me, so I’m not upset. There is something I’m confused about though.”
He went back to pouring her a glass of champagne. “What’s that?”
She took a sip of her drink. “Did you not have other offers?”
Andrew sat back. “Other offers?”
“Yes. Why did you not, you know, with anyone else?”
“Because they weren’t you. I have already told you that.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Yes, about the kiss.”
“Gwendolyn. I believe that although kissing doesn’t always lead to more, more generally involves kissing.”
“That means…” Tears filled her eyes. “You waited for me? I don’t know what to say.”
“Did you not also wait for me?”
She nodded. “Yes, but it’s different.”
He pulled her onto his lap. “How is it different?”
“You’re a man.”
“I’m glad you noticed.” Andrew laughed. “I’m uncertain I can explain it adequately, but when I met you, I loved you. I knew we couldn’t yet be together, but I made a commitment to you the day I pulled you from that horse.”
She settled her head on his shoulder. “I thought you were angry at me.”
“I was angry at the groom who saddled your horse.”
Gwen smiled. “You did keep my secret, I suppose.”
“Yes, I did.” He kissed her. “Time for your bath, sweetheart. It will help.”
He stood, keeping her firmly in his arms and carried her to the dressing room. He set her on her feet and opened the door.
“It smells amazing, Andrew.”
“Roses.”
“Mmm. How is it that you have organized all of my favorite things?” She linked her arms around his neck.
“I have my ways.” He moved his hands to her bottom.
“Mm-hmm.” She raised an eyebrow. “Char.”
Andrew laughed. “Yes, she was very helpful.”
“I love you.”
He kissed her. “I love you, too. Now, into the bath.” He slipped the tie on her robe and pushed it from her shoulders. “You are exquisite.” He took her hand and assisted her into the tub.
Over her initial shyness, Gwen felt completely natural with Andrew. She now felt as though she were exactly where she was supposed to be. Home. She slunk down in the warm water and closed her eyes. “Heaven.”
Andrew knelt beside the tub and she turned her head to look at him. She took his shirt in her hands and pulled him close for a kiss. “Sorry. I got you wet. I suppose you should take your shirt off.”
“It’s really not that wet, sweetheart.” He brushed the dampness. “It’ll dry.”
She splashed him. “Oh, now look at what I’ve gone and done! I’m so clumsy,”
Andrew gave a mock growl. “Gwendolyn. I’m surprised. You’re usually so graceful.”
“I know. I’m quite surprised myself. I suppose you’ll need to remove your shirt now.”
He chuckled and pulled it over his head.
“That’s much better.” She grinned. “You have such a magnificent chest. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of looking at it.”
“I would have to say the same about yours.” He leaned over and kissed her.
The kiss turned heated and he lifted her from the tub, the bath quickly forgotten, and carried her to the bed. Gwen found herself unable to control her excitement and when they finally fell together in a heap on the covers, she started to laugh.
Andrew gathered her close. “My lovemaking is funny to you?”
“Not at all. I just had no idea that I would be so vocal.”
He grinned. “I did.”
She slapped his shoulder. “How?”
“The way you yell at me when you’re angry.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
He ran his hand down her hip. “I knew that passion would show itself in the bedroom.”
“You’re terrible!”
“And you are perfect.” He kissed her. “Now, you need to rest.”
She wrinkled her nose. “But I’m not tired.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Not at all.”
“Well, it’s late and you should get some rest. It’s been a long and full day.”
She reluctantly put on her nightgown and slid over to him. She laid her head on her open palm and traced a finger down his chest. “Do you not wear nightclothes?”
He shook his head. “Never.”
“Not even in the winter?”
“Not even in the winter. And now that I have your beautiful body to keep me warm, I won’t start this winter either. Come here.”
She laid her head on his chest and he pulled her close. She sat up with a gasp. “Wait.”
“What?”
“How’s your knee?”
“It’s fine.”
“Let me massage it, anyway. Just lay back, love, and I’ll take care of it.” She moved to his leg and began to dig into his muscle. Andrew winced in pain, Gwen frowned. “Sweetheart. Why didn’t you tell me it was this sore?”
“I honestly didn’t notice.” Andrew let out a short breath. “Ease up, beautiful.”
“Sorry.”
She continued to massage his knee until he no longer flinched, grimaced, or winced. When she was done, she moved back up his body and let him pull her into his embrace. “Better?”
“Much.” He kissed her, doused the candles and they fell asleep quickly.