Fashion's End

Settled again in New York, Marc smiled and mumbled some platitudes as Katya and Anna came back in. They sat and drank the rest of the bottle of Pinot Grigio and nibbled on cheese and crackers. At 9.30 Anna yawned and made noises for bed while Alicja tidied up and prepared bits for breakfast with Katya. Peter could hear then giggling in the breakfast nook.

Katya poked her head around the corner.

"I'm off to bed, give me 15 minutes in the bathroom."

Ten minutes later Marc joined his wife. He liked to think of her as 'his wife' as well as 'Katya'. He had a brief shower, cleaned his teeth and snuggled up to his wife. With air conditioning they both slept in the nude, and as usual they were all over each other despite their tiredness. Marc fancied he could feel a little 'bump' on his wife's belly. They were soon asleep.

There is a period of light-sleep during the night for many people. Perhaps this was one such period when Marc woke up. But perhaps it was the presence of another body sliding into bed alongside him, and a hand reaching down his lower abdomen.

A finger touched his lips - 'shush' - and resumed fondling his cock, which reacted in true fashion.

A leg crossed over his and a faint aromatic perfume reached his senses, just before a shadow face appeared over him and soft lips brushed his. He reached around and found a breast, larger than he was used to. He took a nipple in his mouth and sucked gently while his new partner reacted, humming. His cock had come to life and was being manipulated with unexpected skill. The second leg moved inside his and his pole was trapped between Anna's legs as she squeezed her thigh muscles, lubricating her lower lips. Marc was becoming excited.

Anna pulled the sheet back and sat upright on Marc's thighs. Both her hands were around Marc's cock and she was rubbing it up and down her slit. Katya rolled over and with eyes-closed whispered.

"You go for it girl."

They needed no encouragement as Anna aligned and slid down Marc's cock. Not as thick as Peter's she thought, but pleasantly long and it touched all the right places. It hit bottom and she stopped moving, savoring the feeling: nice and full. After half a minute Anna raised herself and eased back down. And stopped again. Then she slowly got into a rhythm, leaning forward and pinching Marc's nipples. He reached up and twisted hers. They rolled over away from Katya and Marc began to pump vigorously while Anna raised her hips and opened her legs wide. Marc reached down and began to rub her clitoris and before long they were both writhing as Marc pumped what little he had left.

Marc held Anna under her backside while he slipped a pillow in to keep whatever he had produced inside her.

All three slept.

Next morning Anna was gone.

Katya snuggled up to Marc as he woke.

"Good time last night?" she asked, grinning. "Anna's gone to feed the girls with mother."

"I'm so glad you are spending time with Anna. She's lovely and she's my sister - sort of. She said she had a good time with you last night: she had a grin on her face when she got up this morning. I told her to take advantage of you whenever you can, to increase the chances."

"Don't worry, I know you love me. I can afford to share you with my sister!"

Katya crawled over the bedclothes to lay over Marc and kiss him, one leg over his and her fingers playing with his nipple. Marc nuzzled her hair and turned her face upwards to kiss her back. They lay there together till Anna poked her head around the door.

"You two getting up? Breakfast is getting cold and the girls need their uncle to play with."

So, the second American trip unfolded almost scripted. The week passed quickly. Some days Katya and Marc went off on their own to an exhibit, or a gallery. Other times the four adults and two children had a family outing to the park, or MacDonald's, or Chuckie Chicken. Katya spent two half-days with her model friends and Marc had a single day shoot with one of the models, prearranged with YSL.

Almost every night Anna and Marc would have sex. Sometimes while sharing the bed with Katya and other times Marc visiting Anna. Sometimes tender, sometimes less so. Katya made sure that Marc didn't neglect her but she was happy with the arrangement and told him so.

Marc watched, almost enviously, as Anna looked after her daughters. They played well together and mother (and grandma) were always near to entertain, instruct, and correct. Marc could see how a son would complete their family. Except, of course, there was no father. Should the plan work out, he believed he would try to fill that void in part, but how to do that when his life was in England and theirs in the US?

The week in New York soon came to an end and they flew across country to San Francisco. Sophie collected them from SFO and left them all at Katya and Anna's apartment. Alicja joined them on the trip and sometimes stayed with her sister Marissa or they both joined the family for a couple of nights. So many stories to tell!

Little Katherine and Alice were happy to be home again, and to play with Sandra and Mark when Sophie called by. Sophie's husband Peter took two days off from his lab work and the group spent a long weekend at the cabin at San Gregorio: seven adults and four children. California driving regulations required one seat-belt per person, so Sophie drove the old Acura Legend while Peter borrowed a 6-seater from his friend Alastair McKenzie.

Marc could not wait to get to San Gregorio and see the progress on what he called The Hobbit House. Peter had sent photos of the building progress: the excavation, deep and low, the framing inside and the plans for the outer part. Although he was now a full-time photographer, at times he reverted to his previous occupation of architecture. It gave him great satisfaction to design an eco-friendly house and see it come to life before his eyes.

Peter was happy to see his brother-in-law's enthusiasm for the new building, even though there would have been plenty of space in his own large chalet-style 'cabin' 50 meters away. After the success of his own building construction Peter had happily re-engaged the same crew for Marc and Katya. The foreman gave him FaceTime shows at intervals and Peter visited every few weeks.

When they arrived at the site Peter and Marc spent a while looking at the building's progress and talking with the tradesmen. There were several questions for Marc, minor problems, and the sequence of stages for what was an unusual design. Marc explained what he wanted and the rationale for the sequence.

"Hadn't thought of that" said Jim the foreman, "that will make the later stages much easier." Marc nodded and Peter smiled: Marc knew his stuff and Peter was happy to see his brother-in-law so enthusiastic

The women decided lunch was to be on the beach, at least at high-water mark. Alicja and Marissa were happy to look after the 4 children and Lady Margaret joined them after lunch. Peter and Marc sat with Sophie, Katya and Anna watching the grandmothers, all spread out on beach blankets.

The big family, 'together again' Marc thought. 'It really feels good,' as he smiled at Katya. Peter sat next to Anna and talked with her, probably about the girls. Katya got up and walked around to Marc. She lay down beside him and kissed him, taking his hand and placing it on her belly.

"Can you feel anything yet?" came the question.

Marc smiled and answered truthfully "not yet my darling, but I'll keep checking." She was so beautiful, he thought. Bikini or as today, a one-piece, she is every inch a fashion model.

"Tell me again why nobody ran off with you before now?" Marc smiled and nibbled on her ear.

"Just keeping myself for you, you hunk!"

Peter moved closed to Sophie and Anna. The three were talking seriously about something so Katya and Marc walked down towards the ocean and waded in the shallows. The afternoon passed quickly and the children needed to rest. The adults quickly cleared the toys and blankets from the sand dunes and headed back to the chalet.

Marc started a fire in the fire-pit and they all had a wiener roast followed by marshmallows cooked on wire coathangers. This reminded Sophie of Guy Fawkes Night, and the fun she had with Marc and Peter as schoolchildren. After the children were down for the night, the women sat around drinking wine for an hour while the men had beer. At 10.30 the women drifted off to bed while Peter and Marc talked construction and progress; Marc raised the subject of money but was quickly shut down.

"Your sister tells me it is all under control," Peter stated. 'Who said men run the world!' Marc thought, and said no more.

He washed and cleaned his teeth. When he went into their bedroom, Marc was greeted by two faces in the bed.

"Please" Katya asked.

"Delighted!" Marc replied, and got in between them. He was occupied for a full hour.

It was well known and accepted that Marc was having sex with Anna. The activity was met with full approval by all members of the families. Sophie and Katya seemed to make extra time for Anna to be with Marc. When the group returned to Palo Alto, Anna told Marc that she thought her 'most likely time' would be yesterday and the next 4 days. Marc wondered if the past week was just practice? And he said as much to Katya.

"Go on with you!" Katya replied. "It was good for you, and Anna, you know. You have kept me satisfied - well, more or less - and she is my 'sister'. Just think of us as your two wives. But I am number one!"

Anna had the feeling that the next few days would be successful. She had enjoyed her times with Marc. He was a gentle and considerate lover and she told him so. In another life she would have made a play for him but as it was, he was the husband of her cousin Katya whom she loved like a sister. She was so grateful for the chance to have a baby boy, yet she realized the chances were 50:50 at best. And no matter how much she admired and had affection for Marc, her life plan did not include a male. She was complete, with healthy children, a profession she enjoyed - and was good at, and a supportive family.

In their last few nights together in Palo Alto, Anna and Katya literally shared Marc. He alternated between the two women, fondling and sucking which ever one of them was closest and doing his best to impregnate Anna. The women attacked him from both sides, rubbing him, playing with his cock, and kissing him all over his body. While Katya attacked him most, she always ended up directing his stiff organ at her cousin who gladly accepted his donation until, spent, they slept.

The flight back to London was direct, and long. As before they slept for much of the flight, eating little and chatting occasionally. Marc insisted he could see the bump of 'Michael'; Katya hoped Marc had been successful with Anna.

Again, as before, their life was busy in London. Katya had fittings for the new season and Marc continued to film the various models. He did little photography outside the fashion houses as he was called on more and more by the industry.

Most weekends they spent at The Manor, watching the finishing details being applied. Every other weekend Gerald and Estaban joined them, though they travelled separately. The older couple always prepared at least one meal in Mrs. Bradshaw's kitchen much to her entertainment, and the endowment organization was flawless.

One Monday, Naomi, Chrissie and Giselle, Katya's old roomies at the London flat, asked if there was a chance of another weekend at The Manor. Katya was delighted but gave the proviso of 'running it past Marc first'. She knew he would be fine with the idea but she wanted to be sure Estaban and Gerald would be there too. Marc also called the estate manager knowing he would alert the local pub to the planned invasion. The 4-day weekend was a roaring success and once again the women were very popular in the surrounding villages.

When Katya was 6+ months and showing well, Sophie called and asked if it was OK to visit. Of course, the answer was 'yes please: it is still your home!' Lady Margaret would come with them with the excuse of helping with the children but she also wanted to see the changes to The Manor. The details were left to the US people: 'just let us know when' Marc said to his sister.

A few days later Anna called to say yes, she was pregnant: she had missed 2 months and had tested positive. She and Katya talked for hours that evening and she thanked Marc for all his 'help'. Marc smiled.

"On the contrary," Marc replied on speaker phone. "Thank YOU Anna for delightful interludes!" Katya poked him in the ribs.

"I'm so happy for her, Marc," Katya looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "I hope it all works out. We shall know in another two months with the ultrasound."

While it was no longer novel to see heavily pregnant models on the runway, Katya decided to take a break. She was now more eight months into her time and while healthy she tired more easily. She and Marc spent more time at The Manor though Marc travelled up and down to London for his assignments, arranging them so he spent no more than one or two nights away.

It was during one of these trips to London, a few days before Sophie and family were due to visit, that Marc had a call from Katya.

"Marc, darling, when are you coming home? I've just had a call from Anna. Her ultrasound showed she is having a girl again. I'm so sad for her."

"Just let me postpone this last appointment Kat, it shouldn't be a problem, and I'll be there in about four hours. Just in time for tea."

So saying Marc quickly tidied up his darkroom, and left the studio while phoning his last client to postpone the sitting. He would pick up the client when he returned to London. After a quick stop at home he was on his way down the M6 within the half-hour.

Katya was sat by the stables on a bench. Her eyes were red from crying and she jumped up and ran to Marc when he parked at the back of The Manor.

"Marc, I'm so sad for Anna. She had her heart set on a little boy this time. We talked for a long time and she sounded so down. I think she is resigned to the news now. I do hope it will not affect her in the long-term. I would like to go and visit but I am too close to the end to take chances. Mind you, I will be running up the phone bills for the next few days."

"My darling, you are doing all the right things. Remember Anna is a physician and she knows how to keep a positive outlook. This is just a small blip in the big picture and it will sort itself out, just you wait and see."

Marc comforted Katya for the next hour or so, then he made a light supper which they ate in the kitchen.

'I'm not surprised' Marc thought to himself. 'Everything had been going so smoothly: it was time for some turbulence.'

The last year-and-a-half had passed so quickly. From this quiet single architect-turned photographer, to the photo session with this beautiful model and finally, married to her and expecting their first child in a matter of days. He was a changed man. And he was part of a large, loving family. He could not have wished for anything better! The disappointment Anna and Katya shared was nothing more than that - a disappointment.

Two days later Sophie and her family arrived, complete with Lady Margaret, grandma-to-be. As usual the flight came in around noon and they drove in to The Manor by 4: just in time for tea. Marc helped Peter get the children fed and settled: a quick wash and they were asleep in no time, so tired.

The five adults sat around talking for a couple of hours. Of course, Anna's ultrasound result was a big topic and all the adults in the family knew of Marc's involvement. Peter, as the father of Anna's twins, said nothing. He and Marc walked around the paddock leaving Sophie, Lady Margaret and Katya to talk 'babies.'

"You know Marc, when Anna has got over this birth, you could always offer your services again!" Peter dug Marc in the ribs, smiling and very much tongue-in-cheek.

"Yeh, right," he replied. "That would go over like a ton of bricks. But you never know: they are so close, those two."

Peter wondered if he should tell Marc of his first meeting with Katya - and Anna for that matter. Discretion is the better part of valour he decided. Let sleeping dogs lie!

During the first night of the visit, Katya woke Marc at 3 am.

"I think I'm going into labour," she said, with hands locked across her belly. "That's my third contraction in two hours. Hmmmm, plenty of time yet: go back to sleep darling."

Marc obliged.

At 7 am Marc woke. Katya was up and out of the bedroom. He showered and dressed just as Katya reappeared.

"If the book is right, Sophie says I will be going in to Bristol around noon."

And so it was. Sophie went in with her brother leaving Peter and Mrs B. to look after the children, to Mrs B.'s delight.

"En em some luverly lil buggers," squealed Mrs B. "You'm best ge em a rade on Miss Sophie's oss."

So Peter introduced the children to their mother's horse, now superannuated from when Peter rubbed her down 15 years ago. They were fascinated.

"Marc is in the delivery room now," said Sophie, replying to Peter's phone inquiry. "Should be soon, now.'

"Petey," said Lady Margaret on the phone, "you are now an uncle to my new grandson, Michael, born 15 minutes ago, weight 7 lb 5 oz; mother and son doing well."

Lady Margaret and her two children arrived back at The Manor at 6 o'clock. Peter had fed his children and put them down; the other three had stopped for food.

Marc called his mother-in-law Marissa, and gave her the good news. He was told she was catching the first available flight and not to worry she would find her own way to The Manor.

"Kat had an easier time than I did with Mark,' Sophie confided to her mother and Marc. "But I'm glad they are keeping her in for 2 nights, she needs the rest."

The next day Marc and his mother spent mostly at the hospital while Sophie and her family visited some of their old haunts: on their last visit there was no time for anything other than the wedding.

The following day Marc brought Katya and Michael home. Sophie and her mother waited on Katya while Marc watched in amazement. Everybody seemed to know what they were doing! Later, Marc was instructed on his duties, both the modern way (Sophie) and some shortcuts from 30 years ago.

Two days after the return from hospital the presents began to arrive. The flatmates from London, Gerald and Estaban, Fiona and the MacAllan clan, Anna and Alicja. Clothes and toys, but what a collection: some of the clothes would not be used for another year or so ...

Sophie, Peter, Margaret and the children stayed for almost two weeks. As Sophie said "we can say longer, if we can be of help!" But Marissa was in quiet control of her daughter and grandson. She had brought a package of manuscripts and the laptop, and appeared to be settled in for the duration.

Marc started to return to work after about a week. He would leave early in the morning, stay overnight (or maybe two nights) at the flat, and travel back down in the evening to stay four or five days with the family.

The weeks passed.

A routine was established which suited Marc, and the lifestyle he hoped would evolve. Most weekends he spent with Katya and Michael at The Manor. Marissa had arranged a working 'sabbatical' and was with her daughter and grandson most of the time. She had extended her time away from the UN and was translating foreign transcripts for the record.

Several of the models visited The Manor on a regular basis. One of them appeared to have a 'steady' local rugby player, much to the mirth of her friends. Katya and Marc were always happy to see visitors and there was no financial stress with the endowment to back up all activities.