Til We Meet Again (16 page)

Katie caught her reflection in the mirror in the corner of the room and thought the white satin did in fact suit her. 

“Thank you.  Don’t get used to it though, it won’t fit for too much longer.”

“I don’t care, you can go naked then,” Dean said as he walked to her and slid his hands over the smooth satin.  It slid up her legs as he pulled on it as he pulled her close to him. 

“I’m not sure you’ll want to see me naked then either,” she whispered as she bent her head back as Dean kissed her neck.  His hands slid up and cupped her breasts as she pressed into him.

They made love and Dean held her close.  “I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle and become my wife.  And I want to see you pregnant and naked too,” Dean whispered in her ear.

“It won’t be long,” Katie replied.

Dean wrapped her into his arms and went to sleep.

Chapter 15

The next six weeks flew by and Dean and Katie weren’t sure how they had managed to get entirely ready for the wedding around their busy work schedules.

It was the Friday night before the wedding and everyone was assembled at the church waiting for their instructions.

All of the staff at the library, led by Patty, had thrown Katie a shower and it was tonight at the rehearsal that she carried the bouquet they’d put together using all of the bows and ribbons from her gifts as she walked down the aisle on her father’s arm.  She was smiling and Dean stood at the front and watched her, smiling back at his beautiful bride.

He admired her strength and courage and he also smiled about their baby.

“I’m proud of you sweetheart,” her dad said to her quietly.

“Thanks dad,” she answered. 

They reached the altar and listened as the minister talked them through what would happen next.  He didn’t elaborate so it didn’t take long but he made everyone laugh which helped reduce the stress levels.

After the rehearsal had ended, they put the finishing touches on the decorations there before they all met at the restaurant where the reception would be the following night.  Katie had checked with her doctor about her drinking wine for toasts and the doctor had advised her that any alcohol would cross the placenta to the baby that she could take very small sips and should try switching to fruit juice instead.  So she managed to get a glass of red juice from the bartender and joined in the toasting without anyone knowing and would save drinking the real wine for the following evening.

She and Dean thanked everyone for coming and toasted those that would be standing up for them.  Most of the people in the room knew they were having a baby but made only discreet comments as they knew some in the room didn’t know. 

Dinner was delicious and the place looked fantastic.  There were poinsettia plants as well as other Christmas decorations all around the room.  They added their own special touches including their own centerpieces, guest book, and decorated cake and gift tables. 

“It’s beautiful,” Katie told Dean when he had pulled her aside to have her to himself for a moment.

“It certainly is, but so are you.  You are absolutely radiant tonight,” he told her.

“Wait ‘til you see me tomorrow,” she teased.

“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow and I can’t wait until you become my wife,” he told her.

“I don’t want to sleep alone tonight,” Katie told him before she reached up and kissed him.

“Mmmm, I don’t want to either,” he told her as he placed little kisses on her neck.  “Maybe I can sneak back to the house tonight.”

“That would be really nice,” she told him.  “But…”

Dean cut her off with a long kiss.  “I think I can sneak in without being heard,” he told her.  He knew that Beth and Stephanie were staying at the house.  “Besides, I don’t think they’ll tell anyone anyway do you?”

“No, I don’t think they’ll tell,” Katie replied and smiled.

It was late when everyone started saying they were tired and wanted to turn in. 

“Do you mind if I stay at the hotel with Steve tonight?” Beth asked Katie quietly.

“No, not at all.  All we’re going to be doing is sleeping right?” Katie asked unable to believe her luck.

It wasn’t long before Stephanie was quietly making the same request and Katie was once more nodding in understanding.

Dean had overheard the second request and couldn’t help winking at Katie and giving her a smile.

She smiled back at him and ran her tongue slowly around her lips.

It didn’t take long for everyone to clear out and soon after Dean and Katie were on their way back to the house.  Dean followed at a distance just in case there was anyone else who was following.  Her parents had left first so her mother wouldn’t really know until morning where her daughters-in-law had spent the night until it was too late.

It wasn’t long after Katie got inside that Dean came in and there in the dark he pulled her to him. 

“You feel so good,” Katie told him.

“So do you but how are you feeling?” he asked.

“I’m really tired,” she said.

“Then why don’t I take you upstairs, help you out of these clothes, give you a nice long backrub and then, if you’re up to it, we’ll make love and fall asleep wrapped in each others arms,” Dean suggested.

Katie nodded and before she could say anything Dean had scooped her into his arms and headed for the stairs.

He did as he promised, slowly removing all of Katie’s clothes, leaving her feeling very excited and sensual.  It was difficult to lie still while Dean ran his hands over her back stopping here and there to gently work out the knots.  She wanted so badly to touch him, to feel him next to her and making love to her.

It wasn’t long after that she got her wish.  Dean’s hands began to stray from her back and slid under her to cup her breasts.  He leaned in and nibbled on her earlobe and she rolled to face him.

“I love you,” she told him.

“I love you too Katie, more than words can ever say,” he replied before he claimed her mouth and his tongue dipped inside her mouth.

It wasn’t long before they were making love. 

After, Dean held Katie, kissing her neck and shoulders.

“Tomorrow night we will make love for the first time as an old married couple,” he told her.

“Hey, watch who you’re calling old eh,” she teased.

“Oh, terribly sorry,” he teased back.  “Goodnight Katie.”

“Goodnight.”

Katie fell into a deep sleep and didn’t wake until morning.

Chapter 16

Katie woke with Dean’s lips on hers.  “Mmmm,” she moaned.

“Morning my beautiful bride,” he said.

“Morning,” Katie said as she rolled over and smiled.  “Today is the day,” she said.

“Yes it is and since nobody’s here, I want you to stay in bed until you
have
to get up because I want you to be rested for the day,” Dean told her.

“Yes sir,” she replied, giving him a playful salute.

“Oh, and I’m going to bring you breakfast in bed, and then I’m going to cuddle with you to be sure you stay put,” he said.

“You are absolutely wonderful,” Katie told him.  “I love you so much.”

“I love you too and I’m going to love you for the rest of my life,” he replied.  “Do you know when I first fell in love with you?” he asked.

“No, when?” Katie replied pretending she hadn’t heard this before because she enjoyed hearing it again and again.

“When you first walked into my office for your interview.”

“I was soaking wet,” Katie said.  “And late.”

“Yes, you were late and I was actually quite annoyed and had no intention of hiring you,” he told her.

“Then why did you?” she asked.

“Because you were gorgeous, even soaking wet,” he said.  “And when we talked, your laugh was so infectious, I just knew I had to have you near me.”

“Oh, so you used me for my laugh,” she teased, pretending to pout. 

“I fell in love with your laugh and needed you near me so I could fall completely head over heels with the rest of you.”

Katie laughed.  “I first fell in love with you when you gave me a ride home the first rain storm after I started working,” she told him.  “You too were funny and just so very kind to offer me, a total stranger, a ride home.”

“It was an excuse to get closer to you,” he replied.  “And find out where you lived!”

“Well I’m glad you asked me to help with the Canada Day festivities and I’m even more glad you showed up that night, even if it was to apologize for not being able to drive me home,” she said.

“Me too because it was Canada Day when I truly realized that I had feelings for you and the night I couldn’t drive you home I realized I was very much in love with you and there was no stopping those feelings anymore,” he said.

“You never told me that,” Katie returned.

“This hasn’t exactly been a lengthy relationship,” Dean said, “or uncomplicated for that matter,” he added with a smile.  “We’ve had our visits from Grace, and the dreams, and the baby, it’s been a whirlwind of activity hasn’t it?”

Katie looked at him.  “You’re not upset about any of it are you?”

“Katie, I love you.  If our relationship had started a year ago, or two years ago, it wouldn’t matter to me, I would still love you today and I would still stand at the front of that church and declare my love for you in front of all our friends and family,” Dean told her.

Katie felt tears come to her eyes.  “Dean, I can’t wait to become your wife this afternoon.  But I do have one tiny complaint,” she said.

“What’s that?”

“I’m hungry.”

“Right! Breakfast, I’m on it,” he said jumping off the bed.  “I’ll be back as soon as it’s ready.”

He left the room and Katie looked around her.  She was thrilled that it was finally the day she would be marrying Dean and she was so excited.  She looked at the ceiling for a moment before she closed her eyes.  “Thank you God for bringing us together and thank you Grace for leading us to the truth.”

“You’re welcome,” a quiet voice said.

Katie’s eyes flew open.  “Grace?” she said as she looked around the room.  Her eyes settled on a light in front of the curtains which were still closed, blocking out the light.

“Hi Katie,” the light said.

“I thought you weren’t coming back,” Katie said.

“I heard your prayer and wanted to reassure you that everything will be fine.  Relax and enjoy the day.  Don’t be nervous or afraid.  Your love for Dean, and from Dean, will see you through it all.  And enjoy the babies.  Enjoy everything they will give you.  The two of you will be truly happy, the same as I should have been with Donald.  I led
you
to the two of us because I knew
you
would understand. 
You
carry the same romantic heart I do.”

“Grace, I wish you could stay,” Katie told her.

“I know Katie, but you know that I will be with you always.”

“I am you aren’t I?” Katie asked.

The figure appeared to nod. 

“Why didn’t you ever tell anyone else about Donald?” Katie asked.

“Because I knew nobody else would understand.  It’s difficult to tell someone something when they don’t believe in it.”

“But I believed in it,” Katie replied making sense of it all.

Grace nodded once more.  “I will be with you forever Katie.  I will be there this afternoon,” she said.

Katie nodded.  “I will remember all of this forever Grace.  I’m glad you picked me and I’m glad you led me to Dean, you’re first true love and I’m glad you have given me reassurance.  I can’t wait to marry Dean this afternoon.”

“Katie, I have to go now, but all the best to you my dear.  And remember, everything will be fine, there will be ups and downs, but please never stop loving each other and never stop talking.  Your love is what will hold it all together.  Take care of those babies.”