| No matter how small and simple a wedding is planned there are still invitations, flowers, the menu, accommodations and all the last minutes details to be dealt with. But within the first week invitations were picked and ordered, Colby had ordered her dress, they had met with the caterer and arranged the menu as well as planned the ceremony. William left them alone as promised and as Thanksgiving approached a number of the items on Colby�s list were already checked off. But it didn�t come without a price. In early December Colby came down with some sort of stomach virus. She was in bed for a couple of days unable to keep anything down. Brian was worried about her. He told her she had been working much too hard between the wedding plans and getting the shop ready for the holidays. She scoffed it off saying it was just some twenty-four hour bug, but he could see that she was tired and the dark rings under her eyes only confirmed his concern. He doted on her encouraging her to try and eat and never left her side. It seemed to pass in a couple of days just like Colby said it would and she was up and resumed her schedule. Brian did his best to persuade her to take it easy but she just pushed on telling him there was too much they had to do. Occasionally she would get that queasy feeling as the weeks moved on but she ignored it. She was convinced it was just nerves. And then two nights before the wedding Colby woke with a start, shaking uncontrollably. She looked to see Brian sleeping peacefully and she slid quietly from the bed. Her stomach was churning again and she suddenly felt scared. Grabbing her robe she left the bedroom. All her insecurities resurfaced and fear seeped through her and she collapsed on the sofa and began to cry. Brian woke and finding the space empty he got concerned and searched the house till he found her all curled up sobbing. �Colby, baby, what�s wrong?� The house was cool as he stood in only a pair of lounge pants. �Colby.� Her body shook and when she looked up she just started crying again. �Brian, I�I�m�I don�t know if I can�� �If you can what?� He lifted her chin and brushed her cheeks. There were days he could see how tired she was. That stomach flu had hit her harder than she would admit. Well in a couple of days they would be on a secluded beach. �I love you, but I woke up with this strange feeling that I couldn�t go through with it. I..� She sniffed and looked at Brian only to see a grin on his face. �It�s called cold feet Colby, you should know that and I thought I was supposed to get that feeling not you.� He sat next to her and took her in his arms. �Remember, one day at a time. I love you and I will be here always.� He kissed her forehead. �Come on, it�s too cold to sit here. Come back to bed.� She nodded. They crawled into the bed and Brian held her close. Soon the sobbing stopped and he could only hear steady breathing. Little did she know that he was as nervous as she was. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Someone said it was snowing. A chill went through Colby at the thought. The room did look like a winter wonderland though with all the small white lights strung throughout the plants and trees and the pale blue and white flower arrangements on each table. Their small wedding wound up including 125 guests! Colby laughed to herself knowing that each and everyone present needed to be here. She had no family and even though there was only Brian and his brother, Harold there were aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins who needed to be part of this celebration. The only one absent was Garrett. She invited him out of courtesy and was not surprised when the response came back quickly with regrets. However, a beautiful crystal vase arrived a week later. His name the only thing inscribed on the card. She was taken back by the gesture and initially wanted to return the gift, but Catherine advised her otherwise. Let it be she told her, he was keeping up appearances for the sake of the family. Colby sat watching her husband and his fellow bandmates sing one song after another. His eyes just sparkled as his lips curled into a grin when he cast a glance her way. It had been quite a day. She had awakened in her bed at home. Even though they had foregone with some traditions, this was one Colby had demanded. She wanted some time alone. Besides it was the last time she would ever sleep in this house, especially since she had decided to sell it when they returned from their honeymoon. The house held so many memories but new memories would be made beginning today. She pampered herself, taking a leisurely bath and doing her hair and dealing with a few small last minutes details, including a call from Brian, which she terminated quickly. He whined about not sleeping well and missing her warm body next to his. She knew exactly what he meant but told him that in a few short hours she would never leave his side. As she had wrapped Brian�s wedding gift Colby realized that in a few hours her life would change dramatically yet again. She tied the ribbon around the small box and a grin danced across her face. Concessions would have to be made on both sides. This next year would be a real test for both of them. Colby felt her stomach churn and picked up a piece of dry toast and nibbled on it. Just let me get through today she thought as she swallowed the bland bread. Colby sat lost in her thoughts when she was brought back by laughing from the crowd that had gathered near the band. There was Brian and AJ singing some old Motown number while the rest of the guys were singing back up complete with dance moves. She smiled at their penchant to entertain no matter what the occasion. Brian was cutting up and she laughed along with the rest of the guests and when his eyes met hers and spoke to her heart with love so deep she thought she would burst. Colby fingered the diamond wedding band on her finger. Just a few short hours ago they had each pledged their love for the other, their eyes never wavering, as they promised to love, honor and cherish forever. The wedding ring had been a total surprise to Colby and when Brian placed it on her finger he proclaimed that his love was like the ring never-ending and faithful. In her daze she never saw William come up beside her and only realized his presence when he took her hand. �Colby, child, you seem a bit perplexed.� She blinked and shook her head. �I�m fine, thank you.� He looked handsome in his tuxedo and Colby had begun to truly love this man who had been such a thorn in her side for so many years. So much had changed in the last year and his devotion to Catherine and his friendship towards her had wiped away all the old hurts that had transpired between them. �It would please me tremendously if you would dance with me.� Colby noticed that the impromptu show was over and a soft ballad was being played. She nodded as William took her to the dance floor. �You have made Catherine very happy. You are the daughter she never had.� He guided her slowly around the floor. Colby never realized what a good dancer he was. �I know.� She could see something was troubling him as he swept her around the floor. �Is there something wrong William?� Colby asked and saw that his eyes were glistening. Brian watched them from the side of the dance floor, a worried expression creasing his brow. As much as Spencer had kept his promise, and Brian had acknowledge the change in the man, somehow he could still not feel one hundred percent comfortable in the man�s presence. �No, just that I hope we will continue to see you occasionally. Catherine looks forward to your visits and I, well,� he stopped in the middle of the floor. �I�� �William, there is nothing to say. What�s in the past is best left there. The man you were then doesn�t exist any more. I may not be true family any more, but you and Catherine are the only real family I have left.� At that moment Brian walked across the dance floor and stopped next to them. �Do you mind if I cut in,� he asked. William stepped back giving Brian access to his wife. �Not at all.� William looked at Colby and she at him. He kissed her cheek and Colby put her arms around him. He stood rigid at first but then his arms went around her as well. �I hope you will be very happy my dear.� He squeezed her tight and Colby felt tears form in the corners of her eyes. �Thank you.� As he left to join Catherine, Colby felt so strange. She never imagined she would feel such a sense of loss at leaving them. She fleetingly thought of Rob and how they had missed so much all those years that they were at odds with each other. �Hey there, you okay,� Brian took her around the waist. Another song began and they slowly swayed to the music. �Uh huh,� she mumbled still in a bit of a daze over the exchange with William. �I guess I�m still in awe of the change in him.� Colby looked over Brian�s shoulder to see William and Catherine chatting with some of the other guests. �That�s understandable,� he said as they glided around the floor. �Come with me,� he took her hand and grabbing her jacket they slipped out the patio doors. It was still flurrying and they stood with their faces skyward letting the flakes fall on their faces. At one point they looked at each other and laughed. �Do you know how happy I am?� Brian held her close and Colby could feel the swell of his manhood against her. �Uh huh, I can feel it,� she smirked. �Besides that,� he said devilishly giving her a quick kiss. �This was a dream and so many times I thought I had lost you and then the dream would fade. But you are here with me and I don�t need anything else.� He took her face and kissed her softly. Her lips were cool and wet from the snow that had melted on them and Brian deepened the kiss. Colby moaned as their bodies pressed against each other. �Here you are,� Kevin appeared in the doorway. �Everyone thought you had left.� The couple broke the kiss and Colby felt a bit unsteady on her feet and was glad Brian held her firmly around her waist �That sounds like an excellent idea,� Brian said his eyes sparkling. �What do you say Mrs. Littrell, how about we go start the honeymoon.� He raised his eyebrows. She laughed and nodded her head. They said their goodbyes to everyone and Colby promised to see Catherine in the morning before they left. �Be happy Colby,� the older woman whispered to her as they hugged. �I know you will have a good life together.� �I love you,� Colby kissed her cheek. She looked at William. �Thank you William.� She kissed his cheek and then they were gone. Brian�s car sat at the curb all decorated with streamers and bells and he helped her in the front seat and as they pulled away Colby looked back to see a small group gathered waving to them. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The snow had begun to stick. The trees hung a bit low with the added weight of the lace crystals on their branches and the ground, covered in a thin white blanket, reflected the moonlight. Colby stood at the French doors watching the delicate flakes fall softly to the ground. Brian came up and wrapped his arms around her waist kissing her neck. She had heard the door close as the owner of the cottage left. The little house was like out of a fairy tale with a few added modern conveniences. A large four poster bed and fireplace dominated the room and off in the corner sat a hot tub across from which were a small round wooden table and four chairs. The French doors opened up onto a deck and a dense cluster of woods. Colby rested her head on Brian�s shoulder, as they watched the snow fall silently on the ground. �I don�t want this to end,� Colby turned in his arms and Brian saw the hint of tears. �Hey,� he cupped her face in his hands. �I�m okay. I�m just so happy.� �It�s only beginning. We start today making memories so when we are both old and gray and still loving each other like teenagers, we can look back and recall all the wonderful, special times we shared together.� His optimism at their longevity made her smile. It had been one of the things that held her back, the fear of losing him. To know a love so complete and fulfilling and have it taken away was a hurt Colby never wanted to face again. Losing Rob and then the baby nearly destroyed her, even though outwardly no one really could see the depths of her despair. But here she stood on the brink of a new beginning in more ways than one, and that fear was gone. There were no guarantees and Colby knew there would be times when life wouldn�t be as perfect as this very moment, but her love for Brian went so deep it was like a bottomless well springing forth each day sustaining her. His hands slipped her jacket off her shoulders and his mouth left a trail of kisses along her neck and shoulders. Slowly they removed each other�s clothes until they stood, bodies pressed tightly, hands touching and caressing all those sensitive spots that evoked so much pleasure. Their joining was slow, rhythmic; each playing the other�s body like a fine instrument, until the final crescendo and they lay spent in a tangle of limbs and bed linens. �I love you,� Brian whispered against her, as his lips made love to her neck and shoulders. �I love you too,� Colby muttered, her hands stroking his back loving the feel of his muscles under her fingers. Neither one moved, both savoring the comfort of each other. Their bodies still warm and sated, their hands and mouths continued to kiss and touch each other as they lay in the afterglow. Brian went to move and Colby held him close. �Don�t leave, I love this feeling of your body flush with mine.� She rotated her hips and he groaned at the sensation but still he slipped from her body. �Brian,� she called as he put on his boxers and went and brought the champagne and two glasses and a small black box to the bed. He poured them each a glass. �To us,� he kissed her and they sipped the sparkling wine. He placed the box in her hands. �For you my love.� He took her glass and placed it on the table along with his. �Open it.� Slowly she slipped the ribbon off the tiny velvet box and lifted the cover. One look and Colby knew. �I had it made into a pendant.� There on a bed of black lay the diamond strung on a thin woven platinum chain. Colby couldn�t speak and Brian took the necklace and put it around her neck. The diamond lay at her throat. �It�s almost as beautiful as you are.� He leaned in and kissed her, letting his warm tongue caress hers. �Brian�� she fingered the stone, �it�s too much�� �Nothing is too much when it comes to you.� He kissed her again. �I bought it for you and I want you to have it. It will last forever just like my love.� �I�� the words caught in her throat. �It�s beautiful and I will treasure it always. Thank you.� She kissed him softly. Colby pulled the sheet around her body and went to her bag, taking out the small white box. She crawled back on the bed. �My gift to you,� she said as she handed the box to Brian. She felt a fluttering in her stomach as she watched him. He grinned like a child as he removed the wrapping and ribbon. He opened the box and pulled back the tissue paper. There nestled in the tissue was a pair of booties. A laughed escaped his lips and a confused look spread across his face as he removed the tiny shoes from their resting-place. �A pair of satin booties?� Colby nodded. �They are very nice, but, Colby, booties?� She grinned at him but still he didn�t get the significance of the gift. �Yes Brian, booties.� �I don�t get it. I mean these are baby booties. What am I going�� The words trailed off and he looked at her and then at the two satin shoes laced with pink and blue ribbons in his hands. �Colby?� He looked down again and Colby felt her heart inch it�s way into her throat. Please, God, she prayed. �Baby booties?� She nodded. �A�a baby. You�re�pregnant?� She nodded slowly. �How? When?� He sat there stupefied. �Well I think you know how,� she giggled. �And as for when, it must have happened during those three days we were secluded at the farm after I said yes to your proposal.� Brian was silent and Colby wasn�t sure what to do. �Brian, I know this wasn�t planned and it�s not exactly the right way to go�� He grabbed her hands. �We�re�going�to�have�a�baby?� The words came out slowly as he digested what she had said. �Yes.� Her breathing got a bit shallow. �I know it wasn�t planned and not what you expected,� he touched her lips. �Stop. A baby is a gift from God Colby. You don�t make excuses.� He touched her abdomen. There was new life growing in her, their baby borne out of their love. �I didn�t think today could get any better, but you have proved me wrong.� He reached out and took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. �A baby, we�re going to have a baby.� He took hold of her and they collapsed onto the bed. His kisses were randomly placed all over her face and neck. Colby tugged at the waistband of his boxers but Brian took her hand. �I want you,� she pleaded leaning up and kissing him soundly. �It�s okay, I mean nothing will happen to the baby, will it?� He searched her face and held his body above hers not wanting to put too much pressure on her. �Yes it�s okay. I mean we did earlier, didn�t we,� she said caressing his face. �Yeah, but now I know and I don�t want to hurt you. Maybe we should wait until the doctor sees you.� He rolled on his side and Colby leaned on her elbow and looked at him. �I saw the doctor yesterday.� He shot her look of surprise. �How long have you known?� �Only since Tuesday and the doctor worked me in yesterday. Everything is fine and I have no restrictions. He will want to monitor me closely, but as long as I don�t overexert myself everything will be okay. We can make love Brian. You won�t hurt the baby.� She smiled as she ran her hand down his chest. �When you were sick in December, could it have been�� It never crossed his mind that her illness could have been related to her being pregnant. �Maybe, but I really think it was a virus or something.� �And you have been so tired. I should have known. Oh Colby, I should have guessed all the times you didn�t feel well.� He leaned up and kissed her rolling her onto her back. Colby pulled him close wanting to feel his body next to her. �I love you, you have given me more than I ever expected. And now, we are going to have a child.� Colby slowly nodded her head and could feel tears beginning to well. And they would have this child, he was sure of it. It was all in God�s plan for them. They had been through so much and each time they had found their way back to each other. Their love was strong enough to carry them through whatever problems came their way. His mouth touched hers and their bodies molded into each other. They made love again, Brian being gentle and loving. At one point he kissed her stomach and rested his head on her as Colby held him close. She could swear she heard him saying something and tears fell on her cheeks. Their child, their flesh and blood, conceived out of their passion and love was within her. How or why it happened at that time Colby didn�t know and she wasn�t going to question it. Was it all part of what God had planned, like Brian had said? She didn�t know. All she did know was that she had been given another chance and Brian�s dream of having a child of his own was now a reality. His hands continued to stroke her stomach as he lightly kissed her skin. She remembered how he had looked after her last year, not caring that the child wasn�t his. This time he could truly share in the experience. His child! Tears filled her eyes as she urged him back to her, their lips meeting. Their need for each other so strong as again they sought the solace of each other�s bodies. And as the snow fell silently blanketing the earth in a pristine garment, Colby and Brian fell asleep in the security of each other�s arms, their hearts and souls forever joined. |