Holding On (9 page)

“True.”

He stood up and Marienne snorted. He looked down at himself and laughed. “Hmmm. That won’t do either…but I think the cold air will probably take care of it.”

Chapter Eleven

“Doctor’s orders.” Marienne came up alongside Daniel as he was getting ready for bed. She ran her hands down the front of his shirt, pausing before dipping her hand inside his boxers. He swelled in reply.

“Remind me to thank your doctor.” He kissed her, his velvety tongue licking its way into her mouth. “Aren’t you supposed to be lying down?”

“I was given permission for petting, remember?”

“How could I forget?” He wove his fingers into her hair.

“I thought maybe you’d want to get in the shower. I’ve noticed you have an affinity for it.”

“I have fond memories of the shower. That’s where I first discovered sex.”

“Really?” she asked, undoing his shirt buttons.

“Yes, well, you know, it’s warm and private, and you’re actually supposed to be doing lots of rubbing.” He massaged her hip.

She leaned her head against his chest, brushing kisses along his ribs. “How old were you when you made this discovery?”

“Around thirteen. I started showering two or three times a day. My poor mum was afraid I was becoming some sort of germaphobe. It took weeks before I realized that soap and water weren’t necessary parts of the process.”

Marienne smiled. Her fingers went to work, teasing their way down the length of him. Her palm circled his swollen head. A rumble sounded deep within his chest.

She studied his expression. Eyes half closed, lips parted. She wished sex wasn’t out of the question, but she loved what her touch was doing to him. A slow, purposeful stroke drew a low moan from his lips.

“Shower?” She kissed his neck as she stroked back to the tip. “Bed?” She kissed the hollow at the base of his throat. “Or should we stay right here?” She pushed him back against the marble vanity, feeling his legs tense as he braced himself.

“I’d say it’s all in your hands.” His voice shook as she swiveled her palm again.

“Hands? Interesting. Plural.” She reached down with the other and ran her fingers beneath his balls.

“Mmmmmmmm.” His mouth was on hers before any words could escape. She sucked on his tongue as she stroked. Every time he was close she varied the speed gauging his breathing until she knew he was back in control.

“You’re killing me,” he said, between kisses.

“Well, we can’t have that.” She gripped firmer, the pad of her thumb brushing back and forth against his most sensitive spot. He expanded exponentially in response. His body was rigid, every muscle held taut, as she pressed against him, the anguished look on his face had gone beyond sexy into something otherworldly.
And…now
. The growl that tore through him echoed in her ear, sending waves of pleasure through her own body.

“Good God.” He rested his forehead against hers, breathing hard. “You’re amazing.”

Marienne giggled.

“It’s not funny. You’ve ruined me for my own hand.”

Chapter Twelve

The flower shop was filled with men picking up bouquets. Daniel checked his watch as he waited in line. He hadn’t thought about how many other people would need flowers on Valentine’s Day weekend; all he was thinking about was celebrating his first anniversary with Marienne.

The florist noticed him. She smiled and waved. He’d become a regular, stopping in at least once a month to get a bouquet for Marienne and a single flower for Ella. Today he’d pre-ordered, and he was glad. The refrigerated case, normally overflowing with every flower imaginable, was nearly empty—cleaned out by last minute shoppers.

Another worker came out from the back of the store, carrying three long rose boxes. He set them down on the counter.

“I’ve got your order ready, Daniel.” The florist disappeared into the back room. She returned a minute later, two small boxes and one large one. “Happy anniversary. You and Marienne have big plans?”

Daniel nodded, unable to keep from grinning. “We do indeed.”

“Awww, that’s sweet. Well I hope you have a lovely time. And I hope she enjoys the flowers. Ella too.” She gave him a friendly wink.

“Thanks.” Daniel carefully took the boxes from her.

He loaded them into his car and drove home. Marienne didn’t know that they were going away overnight. She thought they were just going out to dinner. She’d arranged for Ruth to come down and watch Ella, but Daniel had called and asked Ruth if she’d mind sleeping over so they could have a night alone. Ruth had agreed without hesitation. She loved spending time with Ella, and Daniel was grateful for all the times she’d watched Ella for them.
That would be a big change if we moved
. Ruth would be a plane ride away if they relocated to Dartmouth. Certainly a big consideration, but not the only factor.

Ruth already had every right to resent Daniel. He’d survived the car accident that had killed her son. He was married to Marienne. He’d taken Frank’s place in Ella’s life. She could hate him, but she didn’t seem to. She was warm and gracious. And a most loving grandmother. He couldn’t help but wonder how she’d feel when the new baby arrived.

Ruth’s car was already in the driveway when Daniel arrived home. He grabbed the shopping bag from the backseat of his car. He maneuvered his way into the house, careful not to drop the boxes.

“Daddy’s home!” Ella ran toward him.

He braced himself, preparing for the impact as she flung herself against his legs. “Hi sweet girl.” He placed the boxes on the kitchen counter then set down the bag. “Where’s your mum?” He stroked Ella’s hair.

“I’m right here.” Marienne walked into the room, struggling with the clasp on her bracelet. She was wearing a burgundy velvet dress with a deep v-neck, her belly round and full. He couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful.

He walked straight to her and kissed her. Her warm lips were faintly sticky from lipstick but he didn’t care. He pressed his hand against the soft velvet on her back.

“Something’s up with Ruth,” she whispered. “She’s acting all secretive.”

Daniel laughed. “That would be my doing.”

Marienne’s brow furrowed.

He smiled at her expression. “I asked if she’d stay with Ella for the night, I have a surprise for you. I also have these.” He pushed the large floral box toward her on the counter.

Marienne ran her fingers along the edges of the box, breaking the tape seals. Daniel watched her face as she lifted off the lid. Her breath caught as she looked inside.

“Oh my God.” She reached toward the flowers, fingering the petals. Her eyes met his. “They’re just like our wedding flowers.”

“Yes.” He reached into the shopping bag and extracted a large gold foil candy box. “And these—”

She interrupted. “Are the chocolates we gave out as favors.” She opened the box and pulled out a heart shaped candy. She took a bite, her tongue swooping down to catch the caramel that oozed out. “Ohhhhh.”

He loved seeing her so happy. She closed her eyes as she popped the second half into her mouth.
We need to leave. Soon. I just want to be alone with her.

****

The sweet creamy chocolate and buttery caramel tasted like pure pleasure. It brought with it all the wonderful memories of their wedding night. Marienne sighed. She opened her eyes to see Daniel staring at her, his eyes hungry. “Want one?” She held up a chocolate.

“No thanks.” He pulled her into his arms. “Well, maybe just a taste.” He lowered his face to hers. His tongue licked gently against hers, and she melted into him like the chocolate had melted in her mouth.

“Oh sorry,” Ruth said.

Marienne looked over to see Ruth standing in the doorway. “Don’t be sorry. I hear you’re watching Ella for the night. Thank you.”

Ruth waved her hand. “Don’t thank me. It’s my pleasure.”

Daniel grabbed one of the smaller flower boxes and walked over to Ruth. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Ruth’s eyes widened. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Of course I did. You’re helping to make our anniversary extra special.”

She lifted the top off the box. “Oh, they’re beautiful.” Her mouth spread into a smile as she lifted out a teacup filled with miniature red roses. “Thank you.”

Ella skipped into the room. “I wanna see.” She came up alongside Ruth. “Ooo, pretty flowers.”

Marienne eyed the other small box on the counter as Daniel reached for it.

“I’m glad you think so,” he said, handing the box to Ella.

“Careful.” Marienne guided her hands as she opened it.

“Grandma, look! It’s a teacup just like yours, only mine has pink flowers.” She grinned at Daniel. Marienne’s heart swelled. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re very welcome.” He crouched next to her and reached into the shopping bag. “But I have more.” He handed her a gold heart shaped candy box and a tiny white velvet box.

She set them down on the kitchen table and climbed onto the chair. Her eyes were wide as she knelt, looking at the boxes, clearly debating which to open first. Marienne knew she loved the moment of mystery. She chose the candy box first. “Can I have one?” she asked as soon as she saw the chocolates.

“One,” Marienne said. “You and grandma will be having dinner in a little while.”

She nibbled on the edge of a chocolate heart then shoved the whole thing in her mouth, chewing with a big smile on her face. She reached for the white box and cracked it open. A small gold heart shaped pendant with a tiny diamond chip sparkled up at her. Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, Daddy.” She touched it with her finger, as if she was trying to make sure it was really there. “Can I wear it?”

“Of course.” He took the box from her hands and gently took the chain out the slits that were holding it in place. He undid the clasp and reached around Ella, fastening it behind her neck. He was clearly pleased that Ella liked his gift. The look on his face was pure contentment.
We’re so lucky.
Marienne caught Ruth’s eye. She had a sad smile on her face, and Marienne wondered if she was thinking about what a good father Daniel was. A better father than Frank was capable of being. For a moment she felt as though she might cry.

“We should get going,” Daniel said.

“Oh, okay.” Marienne shook her head to clear it. “Where are we going? What should I bring?”

“All you need is an overnight bag and a change of clothes.”

“But where are we going?”

Daniel answered with a smile. “You’ll see.”

Chapter Thirteen

“Seriously,” Marienne said, as Daniel drove down Route 27. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see when we get there.” He turned to glance at her, a smiled tugging at his lips. “I love it when your face gets all scrunched like that.” He exited, heading toward Route 1.

“Ah ha,” she said. “We’re going to the Hyatt.”

Daniel smiled. “You’re too clever for your own good.”

The outside of the hotel glistened under a coating of snow, just as it had on their wedding night the year before. Daniel pulled the car under the porte-cochere to unload their bags.

As he reached for the door handle Marienne put her hand on his arm.

“It’s perfect,” she said, leaning in and kissing him.

He stroked the side of her face. “I’m glad.”

The doorman held Marienne’s door open while Daniel lifted the bags from the trunk. “Let me get those for you, sir.” He took the bags from Daniel’s hands.

Marienne shivered.

“Go on inside while I park. I’ll be there in a minute.”

She nodded and followed the doorman into the lobby.

Marienne sat down on one of the couches and waited for Daniel to return. The lobby looked exactly like she remembered it—beautiful atrium with tall glass windows, open all the way to the top floor. She couldn’t believe Daniel had arranged for them to spend their anniversary at the same hotel where they’d been married. So many good memories. All their friends gathered to wish them well. Ella in her beautiful gown. The whole night was like a dream come true. She’d felt like the luckiest woman in the world that night, but tonight she felt even luckier.

The baby thumped on her belly, and she rubbed her hand against the kicks. “You have such a wonderful father.”

“And a wonderful mother as well,” Daniel said.

Marienne jumped at the sound of his voice. “I didn’t even see you come in.”

“I was just watching you talk to our baby.” He placed his hand next to hers. The baby tapped twice in reply. “See, we’re all excited about our evening.”

The smile on Daniel’s face made her wonder what else he was up to. She sensed a bit of mischief in his eyes.
Maybe he’s just looking forward to the honeymoon suite.
She braced her arm on the back of the couch to push herself up. He cupped her elbow to help.
Not that I can be much fun in this condition.
She grimaced.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing. I’m just thinking I had a much more appealing figure the last time we were here.”

Daniel’s hand traced its way around her back. “I can’t imagine anything more appealing than your figure.” His eyes glowed as he leaned in to kiss her. “Come, let’s go check in.”