by Alex Tryst

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@e-scribblers.com.

Now on with the show...

Copyright © 2005 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

I had gone to work as usual and had just come back from class when I got the news. Walking into my office, my boss was standing there waiting on me. "What's the matter?" I questioned seeing the scowl on his face. He thrust a magazine in my direction.

"Something you need to tell me?" he asked gruffly.

I looked at it. On the cover was my fiancée with a tag line of a sexual exposition. My stomach sank a little as I opened it and saw pictures of you, my lover, and me sharing a private moment in Central Park. "Oh, God. I can explain this."

"I sure hope so, because we don't like seeing our professors in flagrante delicto!" he snapped.

"I'm so sorry. Jana and I are engaged. We thought we were alone. This is really bad. I have to call her."

"Well, I didn't realize you were engaged. Congratulations. However, this is not appropriate for NYU. The president is furious."

"I understand, and I'm sorry. It will not happen again."

"See that it doesn't or else it might cost you your job."

As soon as I was left alone, I decided I had time to warn you in person and headed out to our apartment, knowing that you were still there and hoping you had not seen the photos. Getting home I heard you on the telephone. I could tell just by the sound of your voice that something was wrong. Going to where you were, I stood there in the kitchen as you paced back and forth yelling at the person on the other end of the line. Tears cascaded down your face. Finally when you slammed down the phone, I made a move toward you.

"Are you all right?" I questioned.

You shook your head as you ran your hands through your fair hair. "My life just took a turn for the worse. I've been outed with some risqué photos of us."

"I know. I saw the magazine. My boss actually confronted me with it. He was not pleased," I mentioned, placing it down on the counter.

You picked it up and flipped through it. "God, this is not good. I look like a whore," you said with a sigh.

I said nothing at first as I took another look at the pictures. There were several of us kissing, but the most disturbing one was of me with my face in your bare breasts. The article explained in great detail our escapade in the park, one in which we had thought we were alone. My name was in print right along with yours, and I felt overwhelmingly violated. However, knowing this was about you at the moment, I tried to remain strong. "What can I do for you?" I asked, wrapping my arms around your shaking shoulders.

You turned in my arms and sobbed into my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Cameron. I never intended for this to happen."

"I know, but being who you are, we have to deal with it. The article didn't say anything derogatory really. I mean it just basically talks about our date in the park and our intimate moments there. They don't make either of us out to be anything we aren't. It is the truth, you know. We were making out in the park."

"It's the pictures, Cam. People expect to see me a certain way, and this isn't it. They don't expect to see me cradling another woman's head into my chest and panting in ecstasy. Damn. My PR people are already getting calls on this. People want answers."

"Who says you have to give them any? I mean, can't you just tell them to bug off?"

"Cameron, I have to say something. We were practically having sex in a public place. I have to say something to pacify them and the sooner the better."

"Then what do you want to say?"

You shrugged. "I am not ashamed of our relationship, and I never will be. I suppose I should admit to it and put it to rest. Otherwise, it will just plague me indefinitely."

"Are you sure that's the wisest choice?"

"I think it's the only choice. It's what I have to do to be able to live with myself. I will not deny you to anyone. You're my lover and my life. Even though I didn't have intentions of telling the entire world, it would just be better if I did."

"But your career," I said.

"My career was built on my looks."

"And sexuality, Jana. People think sex when they look at your photos. That's what sells. Now your sexuality will be linked with lesbianism if you tell the world that we are together."

You sighed and pondered the statement. Breaking out of my arms, you went back to the magazine. "You know, these pictures are awfully racy. Is that what I really look like when we make out?"

Confused by the turn in the direction of the conversation, I didn't answer for a moment. Looking over your shoulder at the pictures, I curved my arms around your waist. "You're even more erotically beautiful, but yes, you do get this look on your face. It's usually the last look you get before you ask me to make love to you."

Shaking your head, you mumbled, "I look like a prostitute."

"You look strikingly radiant like that in my opinion."

You gave a soft chuckle. "Thank you for thinking so and for being here. You're the reason I'll be able to make it through this."

"Look, I'm not trying to tell you what to do here. I'm here to support you regardless of what you decide. I'm going to stand with you no matter what. You need to make the best choice for you. If you choose to deny this relationship, I will understand your reasons for doing so."

Glancing over your shoulder, you gave me a teary smile. "Thank you, Cameron, for the support. You truly are my champion, and I will never deny you, not to anyone, ever. No, I should just be honest and let people decide what they will about me. If this ends my career, then it ends my career. I still have you, and that's what means something. I have more money than I need to support our family, and you still have your job. This will work out fine."

"Are you sure?"

You nodded. "You know, when I was a little girl growing up in Germany, I didn't have very much. My parents were humble people that worked incredibly hard, and I just happened to fall into this business by fate. A talent scout just saw me on the street with some friends. If I hadn't been standing on that corner just at that exact moment, my life might be completely different. I believed fate brought me into the business, but now I believe that chance meeting all those years ago was not just to become a model but to find you. You were my destiny, Cam, not this career, not necessarily this life. The real reason for it all was you. I know that in my heart. No matter what happens, you are what gives my life meaning."

"You are a brave woman, Jana Mueller, and an inspiration. If this is your decision, then I'm with you."

"Maybe I could even introduce you to the world. They might be more accepting if they see how wonderful you are."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I'm not sure the world is ready for Cameron Grant."

"I think they are. I mean, if I'm going to go out there and tell everyone that we're in love and going to get married, you might as well be along for the ride. After all, as soon as we are married, you're my escort to all my major events for the rest of our lives. You're going to have to get used to it sometime. It might as well be now."

"I'll do whatever you want, Jana, but I'm still not sure I'm meant to be in the glamorous spotlight."

"You belong there with me." There was silence for a few minutes as we just held each other. You sighed deeply, and I felt the tension beginning to fade from your frame. "I love you, Cam. Thank you for being here."

"Always, love, always."

"You were so brave to come on interviews with me after that. People were curious there for awhile about you."

"Yeah but once they realized I was just a bookworm, I lost my fan base, and they all went back to being Jana Mueller lovers," I joked.

"In the end it really didn't make that much difference at all. I still have work, you and Lily."

I nodded. "Yeah and I never liked you modeling lingerie anyway. Didn't like everyone seeing my goods."

"Sucked that after ten years with the same company they tried to ask for my diamond bra back, though. They really were assholes. I was just too lost in my own world to realize it. I'm glad they let me go, but I was even more thrilled to be wearing that bra the day they terminated my contract and being able to flash it in their faces before leaving," you chuckled.

"You still have your swimsuit covers, too. Apparently jocks are a little more forgiving about their swimsuit models," I teased. "And you are still one of the most popular supermodels in the world. I think you have more respect now, though. After all, when you got canned for being gay that was such great press for you and terrible for them. You got even more offers from just that one event."

You nodded in agreement. "Much more respect, which has been more valuable than I ever realized. People now take me seriously and admire my mind as much as my looks, and it's all because of you, my sexy brainiac."

Silence encompassed us for a few minutes as we both glanced up into the sky. The sun felt good on our bodies. Reaching for your hand, I smiled at you. "Come swimming with me," I suggested.

Giving a nod, you allowed me to pull you out of our chair. My heart sped up at the sight of you standing there naked. Tugging you out to the lagoon, we waded in up to our chests. I watched as the ends of your hair became soaked in the salty water. You gave me a bright smile as we embraced each other.

"How did I get to be so lucky as to get you?" you asked.

I blushed and shrugged. "I'm the lucky one here. You could have anyone in the world, and you chose me. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how fortunate I truly am that you picked me as your spouse and as a mother to our child."

"Lily," you said. "Such a blessing. Our little wedding night miracle," you teased. "I never thought you had it in you."

"I promised you a night you'd never forget, and I did my best to deliver. It wouldn't have been possible without you, and I know that."

"But just because I was ovulating, I had no idea what you had in mind. You really surprised me in the best way possible."

The day had started before dawn. Our wedding day, so full of promise as we rose at three in the morning. Sleepily I looked at you as you dressed. You had too much energy for such an early hour, but I knew the excitement of it all was why you were up getting ready before the alarm had even awakened us. Even though I too was ecstatic about the arrival of our special day, the thought of venturing out in the cold of night was less than appealing than the warm bed in which we had been sharing.

Nevertheless, I rose and headed for the shower that you had occupied half an hour before. I was tired but adrenaline kept me going as I bathed and then dried my body. By the time I was clean and had finished drying my hair, I could hear you on the phone ordering us a light breakfast. I thought you looked adorable standing there in your thermal undergarments and wool socks. I started dressing, pulling on the same type of clothes you were already wearing and then adding all my black snow gear while you did the same, except your clothes were bright white.

"You know I love you when I agree to go hiking in Alaska in the middle of the night, so we can have a dawn wedding in the snow."

"I know you do, but this is the perfect way. No one will be able to find us, especially the press, and if by chance they do find out the location, there is no way they could get out there in the dark. It will just be you, me, the photographer, and the minister out there in nature."

I shrugged and smiled. "You said that's what you wanted, so that's exactly what you're getting. Our families and friends are going to be surprised when they wake up to find we've already been married. Most of them are expecting a service this afternoon. We should have told them all."

"We told our parents. They can't make this hike anyway. It's too dangerous for them. This is the wedding I want, not what they want, and we all agreed that it was fine. Our parents are going to tell everyone at breakfast this morning."

"Well, you are getting exactly what you want then. Do you think anyone is going to be upset?"

"I hope not. My Oma might be, but my parents will explain, and we'll have the pictures. This is a private moment. They are lucky you talked me into letting the photographer come along."

Breakfast was fairly quiet between us as we were both lost in thought. However, then the phone rang. It was our guide, who happened to also be doubling as the minister, telling us that he was in the lobby waiting for us. Knowing it was time, each of us pulled on our last bit of apparel, securing out hats and gloves before heading out. It was brutally glacial when we stepped outside as wind whipped against our faces, stinging the exposed skin. For a moment I thought we were both crazy, but you seemed perfectly content, and we started off with nothing but flashlights guiding the way.

The next few hours were spent hiking through ice and snow. No one talked, not even us, even though we walked side by side through the rough terrain. Glancing skyward, I took in the wonder of the stars. This was the beginning of not only a new day but also of a new life where we would live as one. The thought was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. Needing something to steady my emotions, I reached down for your hand and clasped your heavy glove in my own. We hiked the rest of the way with our fingers interlaced.

Just as the sun began to announce the dawn, we reached our destination. I was overwhelmed momentarily as I glanced out over the expanse of the icy Pacific Ocean to where chunks of ice buoyed along the surface of the water and mountain landscape layered in pure snow surrounded us in the small cove. The loveliness of this sacred place touched my heart deeply, especially as I thought of how you had chosen it just for us. The fact that you thought so much of me to bring me to this secret place of perfection made my heart feel as if it would burst from my chest.

Looking at you I smiled. Your face was flushed but smile luminous. You truly were in the place of your dreams, and I was glad to be there with you. Pulling you into my arms, I hugged you closely as we just gazed at our surroundings for a little while, largely ignoring the fact that we were not alone. At that moment we truly were in our hearts.

"Well, was it worth getting up early?" you questioned lightly.

I nodded. "Every step with you is worth it, Jana. Now are you ready to take our first steps together as a married couple?"

"I'm more than ready for that. I've been ready to become your wife for my whole life. What about you?"

"I've been ready to have you as my wife for my whole life, too," I replied with a laugh. With that I motioned over the minister, who had been standing at a distance to give us privacy, to begin our short ceremony.

Even though both of us were covered head to toe to protect us from the elements, I thought you had never looked more angelic standing in your white outfit, your fluffy faux fur cap nestled tightly over your fair hair and the ringlets tumbling over the shoulders of your white down jacket. Even in all that gear, you managed to look incredibly sexy. Your eyes and smile showed all I ever needed to know, that you loved me as much as I loved you.

Both of us began to cry as we recited our vows to each other, but the cold froze them as they trailed down our faces. It didn't matter though as we held one another closely, committing ourselves to a life together and promising with every breath never to forsake each other. Kissing you that morning, I felt reborn a better person for having pledged myself to something greater.

Our hike back to the hotel where we had been staying took longer than the trek out as we constantly got sidetracked with each other, kissing, hugging, and frolicking in the snow. Our guide and photographer had the decency to give us distance, allowing us to feel alone in that stunning white wilderness. By the time we returned, it was already time to prepare for the reception, so we raced off to our room to change.

Everyone was thrilled to see us when we arrived, and we were immediately swept up into the excitement of the party we had orchestrated for all our family and friends, which went into early evening. Finally though, we were sent on our way out to the yacht we had rented for our honeymoon, and once we were onboard alone with the exception of the crew, I sighed.

"What a day," I mentioned, wrapping you in my arms as we watched our loved ones get smaller on the horizon until they were out of sight.

"An incredible day," you said with a smile for me. "It's getting cold out here. Maybe we should go inside."

I nodded and took your hand. Immediately a crew member appeared seemingly out of nowhere and offered to give us a tour of our accommodations for the next ten days. We agreed and allowed ourselves to be led through the large boat. I found it interesting that the entire crew was female and mentioned it to you, but you only responded that you had wanted it that way. Even our captain was a woman, and we spent an extended amount of time discussing our itinerary with her. I think she saw the desire on my face to be elsewhere though, and finally suggested that we make ourselves comfortable in our quarters with the assurance that anything we might want was only as far away as a phone call.

Being escorted to our room, the crew member said to let them know if we needed anything and then promptly departed. I opened the door to our room and then flashed a grin. "Shall I carry you over the threshold?"

You didn't even answer, instead jumping into my arms. I managed to catch you in mid-air and took you into our suite, closing the door behind me with my foot. Sitting you on the bed, I also took a seat and slipped off my shoes. "It's so nice to finally be alone."

You nodded in agreement. "I'm so glad you agreed to a cruise for our honeymoon. I really just wanted some privacy, and this was the best way to assure it."

"It's a wonderful idea. How did you manage to get an all-woman crew?"

"I asked my assistant to call the lesbian cruise line and tell them what I wanted. They were more than happy to oblige. All of them have signed a privacy contract, so we're safe. Everything that happens on this boat stays here."

"Do you think they're all lesbians?" I asked curiously.

You nodded. "You should have seen the way they were looking at you when we came aboard, practically drooling over your hot body. I bet you made them all wet," you teased.

I laughed. "No, I think they were drooling over you, darling, but thanks for trying to stroke my ego anyway." Checking my watch, I said, "It's been such a long day."

You agreed. "I'm actually sleepy."

"Well, we've been up for seventeen hours already, and we've had quite a busy day at that. We started with that seven hour hike and then immediately had to go to a party. Between the food, the alcohol, and the dancing, I'm about ready to skip dinner and hit the sheets."

Giving a seductively grin, you said, "That sounds really good actually. Maybe a soak in the hot tub first, though."

"Whatever you want, love. Tonight I want to give you anything you need."

"I hope so, because I have lots of needs tonight," you whispered, leaning to kiss me.

"Hot tub first," I reminded after a few moments of intimate kissing.

"Hot tub," you mumbled.

Together we had a long soak. Even as much as I wanted to escalate our activities, I decided to wait. I didn't want our first time after being wed to be in a hot tub, opting instead for something more traditional. Knowing that I had my own little surprise for you, I left you soaking in the tub and headed back into our bedroom. The crew was supposed to leave my package in the floor of the closet, and I found it there just as I had requested. Quickly preparing it, I moved to the bed, slipping in without even bothering with clothes. I knew I wasn't going to need them anyway.

Minutes later you came back into the bedroom. You were wearing a brilliant smile and that fantastic diamond lingerie set that I hadn't seen since the first time we had ever been together with a white satin robe. "Starting without me?" you inquired lightly, moving over toward the bed.

"Never. I just like getting the full effect of when you walk into a room. You're beautiful, Jana. You never cease to amaze me."

Crawling onto my frame, you didn't answer with words. Instead you claimed my mouth sweetly. "I've been waiting my entire life for this moment. Take me. Make me yours, Cam."

I did just as you asked. Taking our time, we loved each other thoroughly. However, after we both had peaked once, I pulled back and said, "I have something I want to give you."

"Oh, I love presents," you answered flashing happy eyes at me. "What is it?"

"Close your eyes and keep them closed," I instructed.

Gamely you did what I told you. Pulling the gift out from under my pillow, I put it on and adjusted the straps. As much I didn't particularly like the idea of loving you with assistance, I knew it was a chance I wanted to take this once, in hopes that something wonderful might become of it. Without a word to you, I rolled you onto your back and pulled myself between your thighs. I kissed you deeply and pushed my way into you.

You gasped and opened your eyes in surprise. "Cameron?"

"It's okay. Trust me, love. I'll make this so good for you."

You simply smiled and nodded, showing full trust in me. Since I had both hands free, I took the opportunity to adore you even more slowly than I usually did, just allowing our hips to find the right rhythm. It wasn't long until our passion had taken hold of us again, and we were grinding together, trying desperately to find fulfillment. Feeling that you were about to reach the summit, I knew it was time to go through with my plan and reached down between our bodies to do just that. The look on your face as you climaxed was divine, head thrown back crying out your pleasure.

However, as the moment subsided, your hazy eyes met mine. "Something you forgot to tell me, Cam?" you joked. "Last time I checked, which was all of half an hour ago, you were still the woman I married, but I could have sworn I just felt you come inside of me."

I shrugged with a sly grin. "Surprise," I said.

"Indeed. I didn't know you possessed such talent. How did you just do that?"

"Actually, I just wanted one chance to conceive a baby the old-fashion way. Since I don't have any swimmers of my own, I took the liberty of getting some from the donor we decided on. Special measures call for special equipment," I explained, pulling out of you.

Immediately you threw back the covers to investigate. "Cameron, you're the sweetest. I can't believe you would think to do that."

"I just thought it would feel more like ours if we did this the fun way," I teased. "We don't have to do it again if you don't want."

"Are you kidding? Oh, this is the way we're going to have a baby, or at least, we'll have a ton of fun trying. For now though, take this off, so I can see the woman underneath. She's the one I married and that I want to make love to again."

You giggled as your fingers trailed through my damp hair. "I still can't believe you got me pregnant from that. I've never been so thrilled for something than the day I found that I was pregnant from our wedding night. It just made it that much more special. You really did make all my dreams come true that night."

"Outside of marrying you, Lily's birth was the most incredible thing that's ever happened to me. Even now just thinking about it makes me feel so emotional. I felt so close to you that day, in a way that I never had before. It was magical."

You nodded your head. "I know what you mean. Although if we ever have another child, I swear I will not be talked into having a natural birth without drugs. I wanted to kiss you and kill you at the same time for allowing me to think it wasn't going to be that bad. All that nonsense about not remembering the pain once your baby is born is just garbage. I still remember the pain. It was worth every second of it, but I still remember," you teased, ruffling my dark hair.

"That makes two of us," I joked with a smile.

The day had started like any other. I woke up curled against you to find you still sleeping. Your round belly protruded out from under your cotton pajamas. I thought you looked adorable and just lied there gazing at you. However, the moment was short-lived as you soon awoke, wincing in pain.

Immediately concerned, I reached for you, placing my hand delicately over the baby and asking, "Are you all right?" You shook your head. "Tell me what's wrong," I softly requested. You didn't answer at first, but I quickly realized the problem as I felt something soak through the sleeping pants I was wearing. Your water had just broken in bed.

"I'm sorry, Cam," you said regretfully, but I shook off your apology.

"No need to apologize, love. It just took me by surprise. Looks like today is the day. I should call the doctor. You stay put and try to relax."

You did as I instructed while I went to make the call. Pacing at the foot of the bed, I spoke to your obstetrician about your condition. I was excited but nervous as I observed you struggling to get out of your soiled pajama bottoms and looking decidedly uncomfortable. Hanging up the phone, I announced, "The doctor and the midwife will both be on their way shortly. Are you sure you want to do this at home?"

"I don't want to go to the hospital if I don't have to, Cameron. You know that."

"I know. I just want to do what's best for the baby."

"The doctor said she was perfectly healthy, and there was no reason we couldn't do this here at home. I don't want to leave if I don't have to. You know the press is out there just lurking for a picture of me like this, and I don't want to give it to them. Not today," you stated firmly.

I shrugged, knowing it was not worth a disagreement. After all, you were having our baby, and I was thrilled just to be able to be apart of the wonderful experience. Taking a tentative seat on the bed next to you, I once again touched your stomach. "What can I do for you? Are you hungry? Do you want to shower? Do you want something to drink? Tell me what you need."

"I should walk a little. The doctor said walking would help if I could stand to do it. Help me out of bed."

Assisting you from the bed, I slowly escorted you around the room. However, every time a contraction struck, you squeezed my arm tightly. I felt bad witnessing your suffering, and I wished there was something I could do for you, but I knew there was nothing. At that point in time I could only lend my support. Leaving the bedroom, we toured the top floor of the apartment. I was too concerned that if we got you downstairs we wouldn't be able to get you back up again, so I opted to lead you from our bedroom to various rooms, including the baby's room next door.

Even though I knew our little girl was going to be sleeping in our room for the next several months, you and I had taken a great deal of care and time to create a room just for her, a place that we hoped she would love when she was old enough to appreciate it. Standing by the side of her changing table, both of us gazed at all the little clothes neatly stacked and waiting to be used. In an effort to distract you from your discomfort, we had a lengthy discussion about what outfit we should put her in first.

That having been decided, we started talking about what she might look like when she made her grand appearance, placing bets on what hair and eye color she might have. I predicted she would be like you with golden hair and brown eyes. You, on the other hand, were convinced she would have my darker hair and eye coloring. I thought it was incredibly sweet that you wanted our child to look like me. We had decided on a donor similar to my own background for that reason, but secretly I fantasized about an angelic little girl just like I imagined you were in your youngest years.

When you grew tired of walking, we returned to the bedroom. I sat you in the most relaxing chair we had and then proceeded to change our bed linens. You protested my actions, saying it wasn't worth the effort, but I refused to let you lie in a bed that wasn't clean. Then I gently moved you back to the bed, propping you up on the pillows for comfort.

By that time the midwife arrived and took over duties from me. I patiently waited, sitting by the bedside holding your hand through every contraction. As they grew closer together, I began to get anxious. The pain and perspiration that appeared on your brow was a clear sign of your hurting, but I was helpless to stop it. It made me feel weak and inadequate. All I could do was hold you and tell you it would pass, but what I really wanted was to be able to alleviate it with whatever means necessary. I had vowed to protect you from pain, and it hurt me to see you in it, voluntarily submitting to it to bring our baby into the world. Your will and determination appeared so much stronger than my own, and I was awed by you in that moment.

By that afternoon, your doctor had arrived, announcing that it was time. The midwife instructed me on what to do, give your left foot something on which to brace to keep your knees bent while she did the same with the right. My heart pounded heavily, but I followed her directions. I knelt next to you on the bed and took your leg, propping your foot up against the muscles of my upper chest. Extending my right hand to you, you grabbed it with a grip much stronger than I expected.

You were sweating profusely and breathing erratically but resolve was set on your face. Our eyes locked. I was terrified for you of the unknown about to follow, but I did my best to remain strong. "You can do this," I coached, trying to motivate you.

You didn't respond as the doctor told you to push. The scream that broke the air petrified me. I had never heard you make a sound like that in all the time we had known each other. You clasped my hand so tightly that I wanted to whimper, but I did my best not to, knowing you were in far worse shape. Instead I bit my own bottom lip.

"You're doing great, darling," I applauded. "Keep going."

"Cameron," you groaned. "This hurts."

"I know, but it'll be over soon. You have to keep pushing, though."

We went on for long minutes until the doctor declared that he could see the head.

Intrigued I looked down to try to see for myself. Sure enough there she was, the crown of her head making its emergence. I was fascinated. You, my wife and lover, were bringing a child into the world.

"Jana, you're doing it, love. I can see her head. Keep pushing."

Bearing down harder on my hand and chest, you grunted as you continued to push her to freedom. Another scream burst from your lungs as the doctor proclaimed the shoulders were out. A few minutes later you gave an exhausted sigh as another cry broke the air, but this one rang in my heart like music, creating a song my soul would never forget.

Putting your leg down on the bed, I moved up to your head and cuddled you close to me. I was as emotionally exhausted as you were physically, but adrenaline kept my attention rapt on you as the doctor and midwife tended to our daughter. Kissing the top of your wet head, I whispered, "I love you so much, Jana. You did it."

"Love you too," you mumbled barely able to speak in your fatigued state.

A moment later a crying little girl was placed against your stomach. Her eyes were tightly shut, and she was shaking slightly in her displeasure as she shrieked, but I thought she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen just then. We were allowed to linger in that moment for a short time, but then the doctor asked if I wanted to cut the umbilical cord. With shaking hands I did so before she was taken away once again to be cleaned up a little.

Once the doctor was gone, the midwife stood by the bed and gave us an impromptu lesson on breastfeeding. I watched intently as your right breast came into view. They had changed over your pregnancy, becoming heavier and fuller, but you were still as beautiful as you always had been in my eyes. Seeing you place our little girl to your breast to feed was fascinating. Both of you seemed to take to it naturally.

It was only when we were alone that the weight of what had taken place struck me. Standing in the doorway of the bedroom, I watched you gazing down at the tiny infant swaddled tightly in a pale pink blanket. On her head she wore a matching little cap. I smirked to myself thinking that she was a girl of fashion already, just like her mother.

You and I were the mothers of this innocent being. She was a completely blank slate for us to impress our hopes, dreams, and values while at the same time allowing her to discover her own. She was a book of life just starting to be written. You and I were to guide her in creating her own story, and the thought of it frightened and exhilarated me.

Coming to where you were sitting in the bed, I sat next to you. You passed our daughter to me to hold for awhile. She was settled, sleeping soundly.

"Looks like I lost the bet," you said with a smile.

"Yeah. She looks just like you, love. She's the most perfect thing in the world."

"Yes, she is," you agreed. "Thank you for giving me this, Cam. You two make me whole. I love you."

"I love you, too, Jana, more than you'll ever know."

You gave me a grin as you pinned me against the sand. "You are the most wonderful spouse anyone could ever have. You are always so sweet to me. Right now I want to prove how grateful I am by loving you senseless," you growled, kissing along my neck.

"It's my job to be the greatest spouse in the world. You deserve only the best," I mentioned, feeling the sand scraping against my back and floating up my shorts as your body pressed me harder into shallow tide of the beach. "Whoever came up with the idea that having sex on the beach was romantic was full of it. Sand is getting all up in places it shouldn't be," I joked.

Both of us laughed. "Maybe you should just take me inside," you proposed, straddling my hips and sitting up.

Looking up at you, my breath caught. The sun cast a halo around your wet white-blonde hair, and the salt water trickled down your golden skin, creating an erotic vision as it dripped from the tips of your breasts onto my body. "Whatever you wish," I whispered. "I am your love slave forever, you know."

"You're more than that, Cameron. You're my entire life," you confessed. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too, Jana. You make my life complete." With that I picked you up out of the water and headed back to our cabana, leaving our clothes and the world behind to reunite ourselves in our love and by doing so vowing ourselves to our future together.

The End

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