Summertime Dream (34 page)

Laughter spilled from her and she leaned back, her eyes twinkling with joy. Her breasts right in his line of sight, taut pink tips calling to his mouth, made concentrating to get his fingers working to rip open the package impossible.

He groaned. “You’re not making this easy,” he gasped, eyes nearly rolling back in his head from her next stroke.

“I know.” Her smile glowed with her pleasure.

Giving up, he tore at the package with his teeth and covered himself. He tugged her to him for a hard kiss, aligning their bodies, rising in searching strokes against her slick, heated center. “Teasing is over.”

“Thank goodness.” Love shining in her eyes, she sank down over him, enveloping him in heated ease and pleasure. He was home.

Gripping her hips, he nudged her into motion, rising and rocking together, finding the perfect rhythm of passion. A beautiful sight, Margie riding him, with her curls swaying around her shoulders, her skin flushed, breasts taut, and back arched. The new ring glittered on her finger. His, she was his. He was home.

Lips softly parted, breathing in little whimpering sexy gasps, her hands tightening on his shoulders, she shifted, grinding down with a sweet groan, and leaning forward to nip at his mouth and sinking back to take him deep.

“I love you.” Overwhelmed with a startling sense of completeness, he’d never tire of telling her that.

****

Love shone in Christopher’s wonderful, rough-hewn face, so beautiful to her heart and soul. They had spent so many hours together, talking, sharing, working, but despite the so short span of days, she’d come to know him more deeply than she’d ever known Eddie. Love was an amazing puzzlement.

His firm lips curved in a sexy smile, his green eyes sparking with pleasure. He stroked his fingers over her, skimming shivery touches everywhere, her hips, her breasts, her face, fueling the joyous heat building within. His muscles rippled beneath her. His clean musky sweaty scent tantalized her with every breath.

Their gazes locked together.

“I’m so glad you’ve come home. I’ve missed you. Missed loving you.”

He tenderly traced the curved of her breast. “I’m sorry I took so long to figure out I’d found what I’ve been waiting for, looking for, was you.”

Her gasp ended in laughter. Love and delight swelled, her body thrumming with pleasure as she pressed down to meet his every upward thrust. “Long? We’ve known each other just a little more than a month.”

“Forty days, give or take some minutes. You hit me like fireworks that first day and I haven’t been the same since. Which is a good thing.”

She rolled her hips, tightening with a jolt at the sharp rush of pleasure. “Oh!” Another circling roll of her hips, meeting his hard rocking thrusts. Yes, that was the way. Yes.

“Yeah, there, good, honey, so good.” He slipped his hand between her thighs, raking his thumb over the sensitive nub.

She arched, biting her lip as she chased the rising intense waves, taking him deep, faster and faster, succumbing to the tremors, straining, crying at each deep, shuddering breath. “Chris, oh, Chris!”

“Come on. You’re so beautiful. I love you.” He surged hard, with a harsh shout of masculine satisfaction.

And at that, her climax hit, wildly, explosively shattering her with fireworks of her own, more intense than anything she had ever experienced. She cried out, over and over, stunned at the dazzling rush of pleasure.

Overcome, she collapsed into his arms, gasping, spent, and astonished. He held her tight, stroking her back, his chest heaving as he caught his own ragged breath.

She could lie in his embrace forever like this, her head pillowed on his shoulder, their bodies still one with shivering aftershocks of bliss running through them both, and sweat bringing a welcome chill over her skin as they rested together in quiet, perfect peace.

He stirred and nuzzled her cheek. “You want to take a nap for a little?”

She smiled. “No, I’m good. I feel incredible. How about you? Good?”

“Good? Not even close. Heck, awesome.” He stroked her back, trailing his fingers downwards to trace and cup her bottom. “Very awesome. Am hungry though. How about some lunch?”

She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment to savor his touch. “I’m afraid we missed lunch hours ago.” Stretching lazily, she raised up, enjoying the possessive clutch of his hand, and lifted his wrist to peer at his watch. “Hours and hours. It’s almost time for supper with Mom and Dad. We better get moving here.”

“Right.” He let her pull away. “First, we need a quick wash up.”

By the time they’d tumbled upstairs laughing, wrapped together in the throw from the sofa, and reached the shower, quick was forgotten under the warm rush of water for steamy kisses and slippery, sensual play.

Of course, then they were late and she still needed to stop home on their way to the restaurant to change into fresh clothes. While Penny greeted Christopher with ecstatic wiggles and sharp yips, as if scolding him for his absence, Margie ran upstairs.

She swiftly did her makeup and slipped into the blue dress with pearl buttons Christopher had mentioned he liked. What a day, what a wild rollercoaster day…Christopher, Joe, Loretta, Nico, the letters…Overcome, she paused in brushing her hair, hand over her heart, Christopher’s simple, perfect ring sparkling in the mirror and her body still echoing with their lovemaking. How much had changed since this crazy morning.

Her changes for the better had come. She twirled in the dizzying rush of joy—and the pieces of Loretta’s story fell into place.

As they finished the drive to the restaurant, she shared her thoughts. They’d never know the truth for certain, of course, but as a story, her conclusions all made sense. “I think Reba destroyed the pictures. Not one of the pictures of Loretta and Matthew was damaged, except when Carl was cut out from the scene. I think they were all in the trunk, even the fragments of Carl, because whatever made Reba a hoarder wouldn’t let her get rid of them completely.”

“Makes sense. She couldn’t face seeing her family, but couldn’t throw anything away, so she stashed them instead.”

“And I think Carl was the one to rip up those dresses and books and everything. That was rage. I can’t see Reba having the strength to do that amount of damage. He found out Loretta’s secret, beat her, locked her in the bat room—that’s why there’s that knot of sheet on the bed—and he continued taking out his rage on her belongings.”

“And because Grandma was locked in that room and escaped out the back window, that’s why she didn’t take Nico’s letters with her. She couldn’t.”

“Right. Reba was the one to store the ruined dresses. They were packed lovingly, just like the baby clothes. A mother does that. I want to believe Reba had remorse, that she did love Loretta. And you inheriting the house proves it, I think.”

“How’s that?” He snapped a glance over to her, his brows furrowing.

“You mentioned Reba made that will after Carl died and she specifically left everything to Loretta, didn’t she? She could have done whatever she wanted with her money and the property, but even though she didn’t know where Loretta was, Reba made sure it would all go to Loretta and eventually to you. She still loved Loretta.”

“But why not hunt for Grandma after Carl died? Why not try to reunite?”

“Guilt? Fear? Her mental problems? She hadn’t protected Loretta from Carl. If she didn’t find Loretta, she couldn’t be rejected for her failure. Maybe it was Reba’s only way of holding onto hope.” She stroked her hand over his thigh.

He nodded, lips pressed in a pensive frown, and curled his hands around hers. “That makes sense. Thanks.”

Christopher found a parking spot two blocks from the restaurant. Pleasant fatigue filled her and the late afternoon heat wrapped her like a comfortable blanket as they strolled along the sidewalk holding hands. What a day. A little guilt crept in. She hadn’t worried about Joe and Stephanie for hours. No, she wouldn’t let worry win. Joe and Stephanie were together and Joe was in good hands. They were going to be fine. She snuck a glance at Christopher, only to be ambushed by a teary, joyous rush of love.

“Hey, you okay?” Christopher paused their walk, studying her with concern. He brushed a strand of hair back over her ear. “Worrying about Joe? I’m sure there would have been a call if there were any problems. He’s in good hands.”

“No, well, yes, a little. Mostly immensely happy, truthfully a little tired, and very full of thoughts. I’m good. Honestly.” She rose on her toes and kissed him. “You’ve made me so very happy.”

Mom was waiting in the front booth, her knitting bag on the table, keeping an eye out for them through the window. She greeted them with emotional hugs at the door. “You look rosy and rested. Did you nap? We told Ida and Stig about Joe and Stephanie and—” Her voice shook. “And the baby. And I called your grandparents. Stephanie hasn’t called with any news. I suppose it’s still too soon for test results. I wanted your Dad to rest, but he said he’d be better off working. Ida and Stig are in the kitchen, covering for Joe. And I’m so glad you’re here now so I don’t sit here worrying and dropping stitches. I’ve never made such a hash of my knitting ever.” She waved helplessly at the raveled mess of a snowflake pattern scarf.

Then she spied Margie’s new ring. “Oh, honey!” She looked up with a beaming smile, erasing the last of Margie’s worries of what Mom might think of their quick engagement. “Is it what I think? I’m so happy for you two!”

“Yes. Chris asked me to marry him.” Joy fizzed through her once more.

“And she said yes, thank God.” Christopher winked.

Mom called over her shoulder, “Amy, honey, go get your Uncle Mats and your parents. Tell them Margie and Christopher are here, and with happy news!”

After more congratulations, hugs, and handshakes, Dad herded them all to sit at the table he’d set up. Uncle Stig headed across the street to get champagne. However, even with the toasts and congratulations, Joe and Stephanie remained foremost on everyone’s mind. Grace and a hope-filled prayer for Joe and Stephanie evolved into more somber discussion over appetizers and rolls on how best to support them in their loss and in their efforts to mend their marriage.

“Nothing worse than your kid hurting and you can’t fix things for them.” Dad swallowed hard and wiped a hand over his face. “Last year was plain hard.”

Mom patted his arm. “Everything is going to be okay. Now that we know, they won’t be doing it alone. We’ll get through this, as a family. A better family, now that Christopher is joining us.”

After another round of hugs, Aunt Ida and Uncle Stig returned to the kitchen to cover for Dad and Joe.

Over supper and between more congratulations from staff and customers stopping by the table, Mom and Dad pelted Christopher with questions about his sudden move and plans, Margie broke her news about the apartment, and Christopher shared some of the story they’d learned about Loretta.

“What an amazing story.” Mom dabbed a napkin at her eyes. “You’ve got me all teary again. You two are going to bring happy new life to that sad old house. You already have.”

Dad topped off her glass and Christopher’s with the last of the champagne. “Not meaning to rush you two, but have any thoughts on what you’d like to do for a wedding or when?”

“No, we still have to discuss that, but I’m good with whatever Margie wants.”

As Mom’s eyes brightened and bubbled with ideas, Margie opened timidly, “I’d maybe like to…” She straightened her shoulders. No more wish-washy yielding. “If it sounds good to you, Christopher, I know exactly what I’d like for us.”

“Tell me.”

“I always dreamed of having a simple wedding in Mom and Dad’s backyard. Something small, easy, and homey, with lots of good food, fun, and family.” That was what she’d always wanted, what she’d hoped for with Eddie, until she’d lost control of her own wedding plans, and watched helplessly as what should have been an enjoyable family celebration exploded into a major production.

Mom glanced at her, eyes puzzled. “I never knew. Why didn’t you ever say?”

Looking back now, it was easy to see all the times she should have spoken up and hadn’t. The fault was hers. Margie shrugged. “I just wanted everyone to be happy.” She’d learned a little about speaking up for herself since then.

“Aw, honey, I wish you’d let us know. I’m sorry we didn’t see.”

Christopher nodded with a widening grin. “That sounds perfect to me. I don’t have much family, just on Mom’s side. And as for my friends, there’s nothing they like better than a get-together with plenty of food and fun.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely. If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll have.”

Dad reached across the table and patted her hand. “We’d like that too, sweetie. When?”

Margie hesitated, fluttering between wanting her apartment experiment and wanting Christopher now. Realization punched her. Far more important than standing her ground on private space alone was learning to set realistic boundaries for herself. She’d never set those boundaries with anyone before or made her personal wishes clear. No wonder things had gotten out of hand. Christopher might get completely task-focused, but he’d already proved he wouldn’t run roughshod over her wants. Unlike Eddie, Christopher had shown from day one he’d be supportive and open to her opinions.

So then. What did she really want? “Soon?”

Delight filled Christopher’s face and he exhaled as if he’d been holding his breath for that answer. “Exactly what I was hoping.” His expression grew thoughtful. She could see him mentally scanning his calendar. “I do have some trips to work around, but how about the first Saturday you want and that your parents don’t mind closing the restaurant for a day? Mr. and Mrs. Olsson, how does that sound?”

Dad nodded. “Sounds good to me. We’ll need to see what dates Pastor Lundgren has available.”

Mom wiped happy tears away. “And you’ll need time to invite people and give them time to make arrangements. Even a simple wedding still takes some planning. I’ll help, if you still want me to?”

“Oh, Mom, I do want your help.” Margie leaned over and pulled her into hug.

Dad’s phone rang. He squinted at the display. “It’s Stephanie.” He gave Mom a watery smile, but couldn’t hide his fear as he answered on the next ring with forced cheer. “Hello, honey?” He listened quietly, adding in the occasional, “Okay, good.” He rubbed the back of his neck and the tense lines in his face eased. “We’ll see you in a little while then.”