Chapter 16
The wedding took place in July when she was seven months pregnant because Sebastian refused to wait any longer. They argued about it until Mia agreed. He hired a wedding planner who even though she got on Mia’s nerves was able to pull off sending out the invitations, finding the minister and getting the area around the pool of the manor decorated. Mia wasn't having any attendants and it would only be her with her Uncle Beres walking up the aisle.
“I want my son to be born in wedlock Mia, so deal with it,” he had told her to end the argument.
“What’s the big deal? It’s not like we're not going to get married?” she had asked him in exasperation.
“Mia, I know that you thrive on disagreeing with me but this time I intend to have my way,” he'd warned her. “I've already apprised the members of my club and they've told their wives. It's happening even if I have to drag you to the altar.”
“This caveman tactic of yours might work with other women but not me,” she'd told him heatedly.
“No other woman has ever been so contrary and gotten on my nerves the way you do!” he'd told her in exasperation.
“Then you must like a challenge to be with me,” she'd responded, offended.
“For the life of me I can't seem to be able to live without you,” he'd told her in his cool unflappable voice. “I'm stuck!” With that he'd turned and left the bedroom.
She'd stared after him with a slow smile on her lips. He hadn't fully told her that he was in love with her and she had a feeling that he was fighting the powerful emotions that existed between them. At times she would catch him staring at her as if he had no idea that he was doing it and the expression on his handsome face was something that caused her heart to quicken.
He was arrogant and stubborn but she would never exchange what she felt for him in the entire world! So that night when he came back into the bedroom she hadn't exactly apologized but she'd climbed on top of him and told him that she would be honored to be his wife so soon. He'd gazed at her for a moment and then brought her lips down to meet his.
She'd called and given Gabriel his invitation over the phone.
“Darling, why
the hurry? Are you knocked up?” he'd teased. “Oh wait!
You are!”
“Sebastian can't wait to be my husband and I
can't wait to be his wife,” she'd told him airily.
“You really know how to break a guy’s heart over and over again,” he'd said with a sigh. “I'll be there.”
*****
They had another fight about when she should stop working.
“I'm hiring a
temp to take over for you for the next two weeks,” He told her
one day when she came into his office with his reports. The entire
office was abuzz with the news that their boss was getting married to
his assistant, and the speed of the wedding. The entire staff had
been invited, much to Sebastian’s annoyance, but Mia had
insisted. “It wouldn't look good for some to be invited and
some not. It would send the wrong message.”
“What
message would that be?” he'd asked her impatiently.
“That some of the staff members are more important than others.”
“That’s a fact,” he'd told her.
She'd sent him a wry look and went on her way.
Now, standing in his office she stared at him, puzzled. “Why would you do that?”
“We're getting married in three weeks and after we come back from our honeymoon you'll be staying home,” he told her in his authoritative voice.
“First of all: you're not hiring anyone to replace me,” she told him coolly. “Secondly: I'm not staying home until it's time for me to do so. I'm expected to deliver in September and I'll take my leave in August and that's final.”
He got up from his desk and stared at her. “This isn't something I'm willing to negotiate, Mia. You stop working as soon as we come back home.”
She put the documents
on his desk and stepped back.
“Did you hear what I just
said?” he demanded.
“I'm sure the entire office heard,” she told him coolly. “The only way you're going to stop me from coming in to work is if you fire me.”
“Good, then you are goddamned fired!” he told her angrily.
She stared at him for a moment and then turned and left the office without saying a word.
*****
“Shit!”
he swore softly as he sat back down on his chair. He hadn't meant to
say that to her but she got him so aggravated that he sometimes
didn't know how to deal with her! He waited for her to come back in
and when she didn't he pressed the line to her office. She didn't
pick up, although he knew she was in there. He rang again and still
she didn't pick up. He was heading out to his two o’clock
appointment when she came in and handed him the folders he needed to
take with him.
“I was calling you on the intercom.”
His grey eyes searched her face for any indication that she was
seething with anger but there was nothing there except the cool
professional mask she always wore.
“I was busy.” She handed him the files.
“Mia—”
“You need to
read up on the proposals before going into the meeting.” She
glanced at the man-sized wristwatch she liked to wear. “You
have two minutes to get there.”
“Mia, talk to me.”
She turned and left him standing there.
*****
His heart pounded as he walked into her office later that day and didn't see her there. Her desk was clean and as neat as a pin and she was nowhere to be found. He went to find his sister. “Where is she?”
“Mia? She went home,” Sandra told him.
“To her place or to the manor?”
“She said she was going to her apartment. What’s wrong?” she asked as her brother came in and closed the door behind him.
“I screwed up,” he muttered as he sat on one of the soft cushy seats in her office. He dragged his fingers through his thick dark hair.
“What did you do?”
“I told her she was fired,” he said ruefully.
“Why on earth would you tell her that?”
He explained what had made him say that to her.
“Oh, darling!” Sandra shook her head in exasperation. “What are you doing?”
“I want her to
rest.”
“And you know by now that if you order Mia to
do something she's not going to do it. Sebastian, you know this!”
“What can I do?”
“Get over to
her place and grovel, darling.”
“I don’t know
how,” he said truthfully.
“You're going to have to learn.”
*****
Mia stood at the door and listened as he knocked softly and begged her to let him in. She stood there and closed her eyes as he continued. She frowned as she realized that she wasn't hearing anything else and opened the door. She looked out and didn't see him there. Suddenly Gertrude’s door opened and he stood there. “Gertrude took pity on me and invited me in,” he said softly as he stared at her. She came out and entered the woman’s apartment.
“I hope he didn't wake you Gertrude,” she said, brushing past him to get to the woman sitting in her usual chair.
“Of course not, honey! It’s a thrill for me to see a handsome man in my apartment at this time of the night,” she said with a chortle. “Lover’s quarrel?”
“It’s nothing—” Mia began.
“It’s my fault,” Sebastian interrupted softly. “I've never been in love before and I keep making the wrong decisions on how to show her that I love her.”
“You can show me by not ordering me around. I don’t take kindly to being told what to do, Sebastian.”
“I'm learning that.” He advanced slowly. “Please forgive me. I hate when you're not talking to me.”
“Am I still fired?”
“No, but please
take a reasonable time to stay home, Mia. I want you and the baby to
be okay.” He pulled her to him. “Am I forgiven?”
“Yes,”
she whispered. “Now, let’s go home and let Gertrude get
some sleep.”
“I insist on seeing a kiss first,” she told them.
Mia started to say no but was interrupted as he bent and kissed her full on the lips, much to the woman’s delight!
*****
July 26th, the last Saturday in the month was a dazzlingly bright day that brought out the crowds of guests who'd been invited. Although it had been short notice, every single invitation had been accepted and the chapel was filled to overflowing. The press was there in full, wanting to follow up on the fascinating story of the billionaire who'd almost lost his life and had been in a coma for six months before waking up. It had also been leaked that it was during his coma that the woman who was now becoming his wife had with the urging of his sister agreed to implant his sperm inside her. It made for a fascinating love story and the press was eating it up.
Her dress was reported about in detail. The off-white Romano’s original light lace over silk dress had a Victorian high waist, which managed to cover the obvious baby bump and came only to her knees. Her hair was styled by Giorgio, a famous stylist, and was twisted in dozens of curls on top of her head with jeweled pins all around it. Diamond earrings and a diamond necklace that Sebastian had given to her completed the look. The bride walked towards her very anxious and eager groom on the arm of her stepdad who was beaming with pride as he gave her away.
Cameras clicked as they said their vows and Sebastian Andrew Bell promised to love, protect and care for his bride, Mia Ana Gooden. The vows were said and the rings exchanged in the delightfully short ceremony. When he was asked to kiss his bride Sebastian’s lips lingered and his fingers tightened around her waist, unwilling to let go. Then it was time for the minister to introduce the husband and wife for the first time.
“Please stand with me and welcome Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Andrew Bell!”
*****
Numerous small tents dotted the wide space around the pool at the manor and chairs had been placed around the tables there. The brilliant sunlight sparkled on the bright blue water of the pool and the flowers in the gardens permeated the place with the wonderful aroma that could never be replicated. Caterers, along with the household staff, kept coming out with food and there was a fountain in the middle of it all flowing with expensive champagne. No expense had been spared for the wedding, as the guests could see for themselves. The ‘wives’ were all congregated at one table, which they'd joined together and their husbands with them. Mia had met them at the rehearsal dinner the previous night and had gotten to know most of them. They had a network of communication and she'd been added to that as well so she knew that very soon she would be hearing from them pretty often. Because as she'd been told by both Leesa and Kelly: “We're always here whether it be birth, hurt or anything in between, darling.” She already liked and respected them and was happy to be a part of the group.
The towering pink champagne cake was cut and Sebastian fed her, much to the amusement and delight of the guest and she paid him back by doing the same. She'd changed out of her wedding dress into a teal blue cotton dress which was also a Romano’s original and looked stunning on her. Sebastian had taken off his dove grey jacket and his matching vest and was wearing his pearl grey shirt.
Their first dance as
a couple was next and a red carpet had been spread along the thick
carpet-like grass to accommodate the dancing. Music came from a live
band that had been hired and Sebastian took his bride’s hand
and led her onto the dance floor. “We've never danced with each
other before,” he murmured as he circled the red carpet with
her in his arms.
She looked up at him and smiled. “That’s
true,” she murmured. “We've never been out on a date
before either. Ours has been a really strange courtship.”
“I intend to remedy that by taking you everywhere,” he promised her.
“I don’t mind, as long as I'm with you.” She pressed one hand on his chest and felt his heartbeat. “I love you, Sebastian Andrew Bell.”
“And I love you, Mia Ana Bell,” he whispered as he touched her lips with his.
“Are you going to monopolize the bride or is her friend allowed to get a dance?” A familiar deep voice sounded at their elbows.
Sebastian lifted his head and his grey eyes glittered as he looked at Gabriel.
“You win, man. She's your wife and soon-to-be mother of your child. I lost, so the least you can do is let me have one dance with her and feel her in my arms.” His dark blue eyes dared Sebastian to say no.
Sebastian released her with a grim smile. “You're right Bryant,” he said graciously. “You lost so there's no need for me to deny the only thing you're going to be able to do with my wife.” The emphasis on the two words wasn't lost on any of them.
“Behave guys,” Mia said mildly as she stepped into Gabriel’s arms. “One day he's going to punch you and I'm not going to defend you,” she told him mildly.
“Darling, I was just messing with him,” he said with a grin as he looked down at her. “You make a very beautiful bride. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider and run away with me?”
She laughed at that and kissed him on one cheek. “It’s too late.”
*****
“They're just friends,” Sandra said as she looked up at her brother as they circled the carpet.
“I know.”
he tore his gaze away from the couple and looked down at her. “You
look very nice.”
‘Thank you. I didn't know you had
eyes for anyone else but your bride,” she teased him.
“I don’t, but every now and then I see others.” His eyes drifted over to where his best friend was talking to some of the members of his club. “Like I noticed that Simon has deliberately not asked you to dance and isn't sitting with you,” his grey eyes met hers. “Why is that?”
She shrugged a little bit. “I have no clue.”
“I already know you two are involved, Sandra,” he told her mildly.
“How
long?”
“Before I went into a coma,” he smiled at
her. “You thought I wouldn't approve?”
“Something like that.”
“The only way I would have a problem is if he's screw things up,”
“That’s why we didn't want to tell you,” Sandra said with a sigh. “I'm an adult, darling, and I happen to be older than you are.”
“That doesn't matter. If he's in love with you he should do something about it.”
“Sebastian, mind your own business,” she told him.
“I'm happy for you.” He kissed her cheek. “Now, I'm going to get my wife away from that wife stealer.”
*****
Later that night after the guests had all gone for the night and they were up in their bedroom suite, Sebastian undressed her slowly, his hands lingering on her flesh and cupping her belly, feeling the movements of his son inside her. “My wife,” he whispered softly as he bent his head to kiss her neck, his tongue tasting her skin. He'd taken off his clothes and she could feel his erection against her butt. Mia brought her arms up and wrapped them around his neck from behind as she leaned against him. “My husband,” she murmured. He turned in his arms and brought her hands up to put them around his neck. “You were worth the wait,” she told him.
“Is that so?” he asked her in amusement as he lifted her and took her over to the bed.
“Hmm.”
She ran her fingers over his chest, loving the feel of him. “Every
sometimes-excruciating moment of it.”
“You were always
so cool and professional.” His fingers brushed away the
tendrils of hair that settled against her cheeks. “I noticed
you from the very first time you came into my office but you were
always so unapproachable. I had no idea.”
“That was the idea.” She brought his head down. “No more talking.”
“I agree.” His mouth tasted hers and his tongue dipped inside and explored. He'd been hard since he'd kissed her at the chapel and had barely managed to control himself. He'd been impatient with the long proceedings and had wished that people would start going home so that he could be alone with her. Now he was and he intended to spend the rest of the night showing her how much he loved her!
One hand cupped her breast and she arched her body as his thumb went over her nipple, the bud hardening even more at the touch. He wanted to use his mouth on her body but he feared that he was too far gone to even do that. He climbed over her and she eased her legs open. He felt the movement of his son and paused for a moment, his head lifting to look at her. “It’s okay, baby,” she whispered huskily as she used her hands to frame his face. “He's just letting us know that he's alive and well.”
“My family,” he breathed against her mouth, causing her heart to flutter. He entered her slowly, his movements measured, but Mia was too impatient for that. She angled her head to his and reclaimed his lips as she moved against him, her body inviting him to increase the pace. He did and his lips delved into hers, his fingers tangling into the elaborate hairstyle that she'd been given for the ceremony, dislodging pins as he gripped her head.
He could feel his heart thundering and knew that he wasn't going to last long. It was always the same when it came to her. This madness racing through his body, the shudder, the passion that made it hard for him to stay still and not speed up the process. He tore his mouth from hers and eased out a little bit, just to try and prolong it.
“Sebastian?” she murmured as she looked up at him, her dark brown eyes sultry and her lips parted. He breathed through his teeth. “You were before me all this time and I never saw you, never dreamed that something like this existed. I've wasted so many years—”
She pulled his head back down to hers and with a groan he gave in and let go, sinking back into her and going in deep. His testicles tightened and his heartbeat accelerated as the orgasm tore through him and had his body stiffening. She dug her fingers into his muscled shoulders as she came with him, her body melting and giving in to the amazing release that had them clinging to each other!
*****
Their son Steven Beres Bell was born on the fifth day of September, weighing seven pounds exactly and was a fairly easy birth, the labor only taking six hours. Sebastian was there with her the entire time and had taken time from the office to be with her when she went in. She'd stopped working the middle of August to please him but had made sure to run things from home, much to his exasperation! They'd honeymooned in Bora Bora and had flown to Paris and Italy two weekends. He'd taken her out to dinner two times a week and had surprised her one weekend by taking her to Costa Land. She'd fallen in love with the place and had become fast friends with Princess Debbie who hadn't been able to attend the wedding.
She was able to go home the day after their son had been born and Sandra and Uncle Beres had been there waiting, as well as the members of household staff. She'd received dozens of cards and gifts, not only from the members of staff at Bell’s Technologies but also from the ‘wives’ and a huge stuffed toy from Gabriel with a card that read: “I insist on being the child’s godfather, darling, no matter what your husband says. I was cheated out of being the father, so there you go.”
She looked at Sebastian but he just shook his head and smiled. He was too happy to be bothered by anything.
Later that night as they watched him sleep with his fingers curled beneath his cheek and his curly dark hair close on his scalp, Sebastian put his arm around her and held her close.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you back.”
It took them a few minutes before they could leave him there.
The end... but wait:
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