Heart Of Stone (22 page)

“Sure, honey. I’m sure that’s what you’re
just
doing.” Mary slammed her hand on the door playfully.

“Well that killed it for me.” Matthew hung his head. “Having your mother know what you’re doing does not help for the sex drive.”

Donnella laughed. “It’s okay, baby. If we’d kept on, I’m sure we’d have broken our promise to Father Francis anyhow.” She gave him a little jerk then a pat on the head before standing up, the water pouring off of her in rivulets as she stepped out of the tub with a grin.

“You tempestuous woman.” He growled mockingly, following her out of the tub. He grabbed her wrist, spinning her toward him. “Father Francis be damned.” He pulled her down to the warm tile floor, sliding her up his bent under knees. She let out a more than audible laugh wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he pulled her on to him. She grunted and sighed, as he filled her slowly, inch by merciful inch, until he was in completely. It was painful at first, but he was gentle, moving slowly. She stared into his eyes. “Sapphire pools of loveliness.” She whispered. “That’s what they are.”

“What’s that?” He asked, running his fingers down her back slowly, as she moved on top of him.

“You’re eyes, they remind me of a pool of Sapphires. Is that silly to say?” She laughed picking up her speed, she could feel him tensing.

“No.” He pulled her against him. “It’s not. You have the heart of a poet. Full of profound thought and longing. Full of love.”

She started to breathe heavy in his ear. “I like
that
.”

“I
know
.”

“I meant what you
said
.” She moaned tossing her head back as her body tightened up, that electrified feeling returning to her. The hairs on her body soared upward, the feeling that her insides were made of liquid running through her lowest of parts as they pulsed and twitched against him. He smiled as he came down from his own orgasm.

“I
know
.”

***

“Was it worth breaking your promise to a priest?” Mary frowned as Donnella and Matthew came laughing out of the washroom. Donnella was in fresh clothes from the bath but Matthew also showed signs of having been wet.

Matthew stopped laughing in short sputters. “C’mon mom, we held out as long as we could.”

Mary just shook her head. As Cordell looked up. “I’m surprised they lasted this long to be honest Ma’am.” He broke his usual indifferent frown into a slight smile.

Mary erupted in to laughter, as Donnella put her hand on her hip in protest then shook her head.

“Yeah, I’ve got no come back. He’s right.”

“No arguments here.” Matthew walked over to the computer Mary sat in front of with a notebook and the phone at her side. “So what have you found?”

“Well I found the school. It’s beautiful, like a castle out of a fairy tale. Well maintained, so he’s been well taken care of at least. The schooling is top of the line. Which I would think is to be expected.”

“Ma, get to the point, is he still
there
?”

Donnella hugged herself, her foot and leg shaking nervously.

“I don’t know. I can’t find a phone number. But what I did find was a contact email. So I sent a correspondence explaining who I was, who you are, and the circumstances… Now we wait.”

Donnella nodded. “Okay. If that’s what we have to do, then it’s what we do. In the meantime…” She paused. “I’m not really sure what to do. I mean… My son… The wedding… The flowers. It’s just too much all of a sudden.” She sat down, looking exhausted and stressed. “Didn’t I just take a bath to chill out?” She whined. “Oh great now I’m crying again.”

Mary got up, going over to her. “It’s okay, sweetie, this is all normal. You’re pregnant and hormonal. A lot is going on and is going to be going on. Be glad you took some time off at least.”

“Oh, please. I think I’d be better off if I
were
working!” She hopped up. “Then at least I’d have something to direct my attention at, instead of these four walls. Christ this place needs to be redecorated.”

Matthew stood back, not sure what to do, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. Staying out of her way as she tossed pillows around the room. “I think we may need reinforcements.” He pulled out his cell phone, making a call.

***

“Sanity Squad!” Raj cried as he and Harold came bursting through the door to the Penthouse. Suitcases and makeup kits in their hands. Janet behind them with a few bags of her own.

“Thank you so much for coming. I didn’t know what else to do.” Matthew hugged Janet taking the bags from her. “I’ve set up the guest bedrooms down here for you guys. Hope you don’t mind staying up here. I’ve got mom downstairs with me.”

“Not a problem, man.” Janet smirked. “I think I can cope.”

Matthew laughed. “Just take it outside, don’t need my kid born with the munchies alright?”

“No problem, Matty boy.”

“Where is our New York Princess?” Harold called after them.

“Over here!” Donnella called out. Lifting her arm pointing down at herself from a slouched position on the couch. She appeared to have melted into it, the buttery fabric surrounding her, the pillows all over the floor.

“What happened here?” Raj asked kicking a torn apart pillow.

“I had a little meltdown.” She frowned.

“Looks that way, toots.”

“I liked that one too.” Harold chuckled.

“Hate to see what you do to something you don’t like.” Janet mumbled.

Donnella pointed to the fireplace, inside was a vase full of calla lilies.

“I see…” Raj sat down next to her. “Remind me not to get on your bad side okay, munchkin?”

***

Raj stood over Donnella at her vanity playing with her hair. It had taken several minutes to talk her out of torching the Livingroom curtains, and into a bit of glamour play, but Raj had managed it gracefully.

“I may have found my son.” Donnella whispered after a few minutes of nothing.

“I’ve heard. That’s a wonderful thing to have happen. So why the freak out?”

“Well what if I do get to him.”

“Isn’t that the point of finding him?”

“What do I say? It’s been nine years since I’ve seen him. Since I gave him away. How do you explain that it took so long to realize what a mistake I made?”

Raj looked at her in the mirror holding her hair up. “Did it really take so long? Or did it only take this long for you to say it out loud?”

Donnella look down at her hands. “When I first gave him up I thought I did the right thing. That it was the proper decision. The responsible decision. It took me years to realize that all the money, the power, the men… They didn’t matter to me. I couldn’t love them, not like I’d loved that little boy. He was the only person who I ever felt like they loved me without judgments, you know? Who saw me for me and just
loved
me… Until I met Matthew. He’s the only other person who’s ever made me feel that way.”

Raj wiped a tear from his cheek. “I know what you mean. It’s hard growing up fabulous and having to hide it. I spent thirty years in business suits and married my high school sweetheart, just to make my parents happy. It wasn’t until I turned fifty that I finally came out to everyone. Now I’m out, I’m proud. My children accept me. My Ex-wife even lets me borrow the occasional pair of heels.”

Donnella smiled, and her shoulders shook with a laugh. “I had no idea you were married, and had grown children. You look so young.”

“Bless your heart, munchkin. I’m gonna be sixty-two next month. It’s the Indian complexion and diet. We don’t start to age until our like nineties.” He laughed.

“Then it’s all downhill from there, I tell you.” Harold added with a snort.

Donnella laughed then clasped Raj’s hand gently. Looking into the mirror. “I really love what you’re doing here. Thank you. Would you be willing to do it again for my wedding but add some flowers? And if you’re not too busy. I need a Maid of Honor.”

“Of course sweetie. I’d love to.” He hugged her tenderly.

“And Harold? Since you want to be Mister Entertainment over there. I got something for you to do.”

“Coffee run?” He bemoaned.

“More like a walk… As in you walking me down the aisle.”

Harold stared at her as she turned in her chair to face him. He was dumbstruck. Not sure of how to respond.

“Harold, you’ve been with my family since I was in braces. When my dad beat it, you stayed, you advised me. You took care of me when I got sick, when I was being irresponsible, you pointed out my flaws when I needed someone to do it. You’re the closest thing to a best friend, and a brother I have. Harold your family to me. Please. Will you give me away?”

“Awe.” Raj gasped, his hand to his heart.

Harold blinked a tear rolling down his cheek. “Why do you insist on making a grown man cry?” He wiped at the tear, standing up. “Of course I’ll do it.” She stood up and he hugged her. “I’ve been trying to for years anyhow.”

“Harold!” Raj smacked him on the shoulder. “Way to ruin a touching moment!”

“Yeah, well it was getting too serious.”

22

West 65
th
street was blocked from one end to the other, making many a Friday afternoon driver angry, but it didn’t matter, as all of Manhattan Society was under a tent in Central Park awaiting the appearance of Donnella Stone.

The air outside was hot, nearly eighty five, but Donnella had prepared for it. Ordering huge blocks of ice which had been moved in with fans to blow cooling breezes on thankful guests as the scent of Tiger and Oriental lilies wafted through the air.

Matthew stood at the alter with Janet as his “Best Man.” It was unorthodox, but the priest looked the other way. This
was
Manhattan, and stranger things did happen. For instance there was Raj, dressed in his finest wigs and best makeup who stood beautifully as Maid of Honor. His gown was of sweeping purple and silver silks, with a halter neckline embellished with swvarski crystals and silver accents. His shoes were a mile high, sparkling and glittering in the August sun that peeked through the canopy of trees. Matthew took some deep cleansing breaths as he shook out his hands.

“Nervous?” Janet laughed, touching his shoulder gently.

He tensed. “Only scared outta my mind.”

“Why?”

“What if she suddenly changes
her
mind?”

“Why would she do that?”

Matthew sighed. Turning to his best friend. “You know she’s never actually said it.”

“What’s that?”

“
It
. She’s never actually said
‘I love you.’
.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’re projecting. The woman proposed to
you
remember? Before you could pop the question yourself. I’d say it’s a lock.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, Man.”

***

“You look stunning.” Mary cried shortly, dabbing at her eyes trying not to mess up her makeup which had taken Raj two hours to apply just right.

Donnella turned around to face her, the gown lingering behind her, making a slight swishing sound. “It’s not too much?”

“Oh, no. It’s just enough. He’s gonna love it.”

“We picked the colors together but shopped separately, so I don’t know what he looks like either.” Donnella bit her lip. “Have you seen him, Ma? Does he look good?”

“Oh baby, you’re going to love it.”

Harold nodded. “He does look sharp if I can boast.” He pulled at his black suspenders, which sat against a black dress shirt with silver buttons and cufflinks. His jacket was also black, a deep contrast to the white of Donnella’s gown.

“Well. I guess I’m ready as I’m gonna be.” Donnella smiled taking Harold by the arm.

***

Mary came round the back of the separation that hid Donnella from the onlookers with a smile. She nodded to her son and to the small quartet that had been hired to play the Bridal Chorus. Within seconds they began to play and everyone stood turning their attention toward the back of the tent. Harold could be seen rounding the corner first his bits of black fabric the more obvious of colors, then she appeared.

***

Matthew looked up, and his breath stopped. Donnella’s face was covered in a short veil of white, adorned in small glittering crystals that stopped just below her chin. Her hair was half up, a waterfall of loose copper curls running down her shoulders and back. The dress hugged her hourglass figure, in shades of purple and white at the top, sending her cleavage high. As she moved his favorite eye candy swayed and jiggled just slightly in their tightly corseted confines. His heart began to flutter, and a burn started in the pit of his stomach. The torso of the gown had silver lines of design dotted with swvarski crystals and then the silver fell down into the length and breadth of gown, finishing it off to the train that swept behind her. He was in awe, he was in love.

***

Donnella’s heart crawled into her throat as Wagner’s notorious music began and they started their walk. She hesitated a moment.

Harold squeezed her hand. “You can do this.” He whispered as they turned the corner. “He loves you dearly. Remember that today and always.”

“I know…” She held her bouquet of lilies, baby’s breath, and forget-me-not’s, tied with sprays of silver and ribbons of purple and white close to her side. She looked up at the altar, finally seeing Matthew for the first time all day.

He wore a black suit with a purple dress shirt underneath, with buttons in silver that perfectly matched the tones of her dress. His cufflinks were crystals and sparkled just a touch, as he crossed his hands in front of himself staring at her. His hair was gelled up just a little spiky and she bit her lip as he smiled at her and his dimples deepened, his perfect white teeth showing. He let out a little nervous laugh as Harold put her hand in his.

“Hi.” He managed as they turned toward the alter.

“I love you.” She whispered squeezing his hand suddenly.

He turned to her not sure he had heard her correctly. “What?”

“I said. I love you. I realized I’ve never said it. And thought maybe I should before we did this.” She turned to him.

“Aghem.” Father Francis tried to silence them so he could proceed.

“Yeah, one sec Father.” Matthew put up his hand. Getting a laugh from the crowd. “Sorry we need just a second.” He smiled, lifting her veil. “Say it once more.”

“
I. Love. You
.”

“Son if you could, we have a ceremony, it has…” The priest went silent with a sigh as Matthew kissed her like no one was watching and the crowd hooted, clapping.

He pulled away lowering her veil. “Thank you.” He whispered. Then they turned back to the priest. “You may proceed Father.” He tried to hold his chuckle unsuccessfully.

***

“So how does it feel?” Matthew asked, running his hand down Donnella’s bare back as he pulled her corset from her. The reception was still going strong in the Penthouse suite but they couldn’t wait any longer. They didn’t need to stay, it wasn’t necessary. They’d made their appearance, danced, ate, drank. Took some photos. Now it was time for them.

“Your hands feel great.” She teased.

“I didn’t mean
that
.”

“I
know
.” She turned in his arms. “Missus Donnella Mayfield.” She sighed. “It does have a certain ring to it.” She kissed him. “I do love you, so very much. And I promise to be your lover always.”

“I promise to protect you, and take care of both of you for the rest of my life. Nothing will keep me from that.” He kissed her belly softly and she ran her hands through his hair with a purr.

“I like the sound of that.”

He ran his hands up her thighs, finding her garters, unsnapping them, then hesitated, stopping he recapped them. “You know. One does not often get a blushing bride in their bed.” He got up grabbing his camera. “Can
I
?”

She held up the front of the gown, with a smirk, arching her back, for him. “If you must, but after you’ve gotta ravage me like it’s last time you’ll ever see me.” She tossed a pillow at him as he began to smile.

“I think I can handle that.”

***

Matthew awoke to his cellphone vibrating off the nightstand. He picked it up seeing his mother’s number. “Yeah?” He mumbled getting up, not wanting to wake Donnella who was fast asleep next to him. “What’s the matter Ma?” He asked going into the bathroom.

“It took you long enough, I’ve only called a dozen times in the past six hours!” She reprimanded him sternly.

“Sorry, wedding night and all.” He chuckled. “What’s up, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s
wrong
. I finally got a response from that
Loretto School
in Scotland. They apologized for taking so long but assured me that Alexander is quite safe, and sound. That they did not answer sooner because they had to verify the information about Harmon’s death and Ella’s being the birth mother before they would talk to us. Apparently upon Harmon’s death custody of Alexander returned to her.
Matthew
she can go get him whenever she chooses. Although of course the school believes it in the child’s best interest he finish his schooling. But you know how schools are…” Her voice was excited.

“That’s… That’s awesome. I’ve got to tell her. Ma. Thank you. You don’t know what this is going to mean to her. I gotta go. I love you.”

“You’re welcome sweetie. Give Ella my love.”

Matthew hung up the phone going back into the bedroom. He looked down at Donnella, who was curled up in the center of the bed like a kitten. He slipped in next to her, wrapping his arms around her gently kissing her shoulder. She stirred, wiggling her backside against his groin. He laughed. “Not what I had in mind, but I like the way you’re thinking.” He whispered, as she reached behind and stroked him with a sigh.

“Why not? I’m still horny.”

“I’ll gladly take care of
that
in a few if you still want me to
after
I tell you something.”

“No…
Now
.” She grasped him stroking him hard.

He groaned, pulling her hand away. “I’m serious, baby. It’s about Scotland.”

She bolted upright. Looking at him, with hopeful eyes.

“I thought that would get your attention.” He chuckled. “My mother heard back. They have him. He’s fine and he’s yours.”

“What do you mean he’s
mine
? I gave him up. Don’t I have to apply for custody and all of that?”

“Apparently from what my mother said it sounds like you only signed over temporary custody to your
father
. Didn’t you read the documents?”

“I was such a mess in the hospital I just signed the papers and they took him away.” She pulled her legs up under her. “So he’s okay? I mean he’s doing well? Even with my dad gone?”

“Apparently they didn’t even know.”

“He must have had the school paid in advance, and only gone up there once in a while.” She got up. “I want to go see him. Not necessarily take him. But to see him. Talk to him a bit. Would that be wrong?”

“No, not at all.”

“But I want to do it soon.”

“Well…” He climbed from the bed and wrapped his arms around her. “Why don’t we trade our Mediterranean Honeymoon in for a European one? Starting in East Lothian?” He smiled widely.

“Would you really be willing to do that?”

“For you?
Anything
. I’ve told you that. Besides it’s not like we can’t go some other time. It will be there.”

She jumped up into his arms and he caught her as she kissed him all over his face. “Thank you. Thank you. You are the greatest husband in the history of husbands.”

“Wow, and it’s only my first night.” He smirked. “So are you still horny?”

She gyrated in his hands. “For you the horniest.”

***

The drive from Edinburgh was short and it didn’t take long before Donnella was escorted into the court yard of the Boarding Schools facility. As they felt it would be an environment in which Alexander would feel safe. Having never met his mother he had been brought in to the Headmaster’s office and it was explained to him that she would be coming for a visit. The boy seemed happy but reserved over the news. He took the death of his Grandfather with a tear and a nod. The boys were taught well. The British and Scottish customs of boys to be men instilled. He was a smart boy, if not a little rambunctious. He excelled in sports which helped to quell his excess of energy.

***

Donnella sat in the open courtyard surrounded by brick and mortar buildings in grey stone and goldenrod, a circle of English lavender all around her. Matthew stood off to one side of the court, reading and re-reading a plaque, he looked up as a woman came outside with a boy in a red blazer with dark blue short pants on. His hair was not as dark as it appeared in the pictures in the outdoor light bits of red highlighted it on the top from days spent in the sun.

Donnella stood perfectly still. Although she could feel her entire body shake as they approached. Alexander held tightly to his knapsack as the woman, called Miss Abigail smiled.

“Alexander, this is the person I was telling you about. Is it okay if I leave you here with her for a little while? I’ll be just over there.” She pointed to the other side of the garden.

He nodded quietly, gripping the bag. Not looking up.

Donnella shifted in place. Not sure what to say. He broke the silence.

“You’re my mum?” He said quietly, his tone hinting at a mild English accent from years in the school as he looked up. His seafoam green eyes meeting hers.

“Yes.” She swallowed hard. “I am. I-”

“I have pictures of you… He added, pulling his bag to his front. He pulled out a book letting the rest of the bag fall discarded to the ground. Flipping it open he showed her, proudly.