My fiancé Ben is taking a nap with Luna sleeping on his chest after spending most of today on an extension-ladder painting the intricate gingerbread work on the second story of our house. Luna is our four month old female beagle puppy; we bought her to celebrate our engagement.
Goodness, our little dog follows Ben everywhere. Luna would have climbed up the ladder to be with him if she could; they look so precious sleeping like this.
I need to wake Ben soon; we plan to shower together before having an early dinner. All these intimate little things like showering together are so new to me; not to mention the endless hugs and simple touches from an affectionate man who basically is so delightfully kind and gentle.
It took most of my adult life to find Ben.... for Fate is cruel as well as kind, and Fate brought us together.
Tomorrow I am taking Ben to meet my family for the first time. My parents are looking forward to meeting him; especially my father. They are hosting an ox roast for us in celebration of our engagement and everyone will be there.
I am somewhat apprehensive about my uncle Cain who will be attending. Uncle Cain believes that anyone who does not subscribe to his narrow hard shell Baptist views is going to hell.
Cain is a large and strong, domineering man, and somewhat of a bully. Cain gave up trying to argue religion with Dad. My father discretely knocked him unconscious behind the garage at a Fourth of July Picnic. They both agreed it was an accident and shook hands; we don't talk about it outside the immediate family.
Other good news; yesterday Ben and I received written confirmation from my attorney that my divorce has been finalized.
My ex-husband, a defrocked Baptist Minister is now hiding somewhere in Mexico after embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from our church. Luke burned it down for the insurance money and stole that too.
I am a native Mississippian born and bred and can trace my roots to the founding of the country. I met my husband Luke here at a Born Again Christian Revival meeting on the county fairgrounds.
I was seventeen years old and a virgin. I was saving myself for marriage. Luke was twenty-three with a worldly air about him and a bright future ahead of him.
Luke looked incredibly handsome with his longish and thick wavy black hair...his baby blue eyes. He has such wonderful long eyelashes and a dimple in his chin. Even then Luke was a well known charismatic speaker. He had his audience eating out of his hands.
They were swaying in joyous rapture praising the Lord. Women were fainting and a few men were crying openly being caught up in the moment.....I was in love.
Reverend Scott introduced me to Luke later that day at our evening church social. Luke was wearing his trademark white linen suit. I had butterflies in my stomach when I shook his hand. Luke's hand was cool and smooth. I noticed that his nails were freshly manicured and thought this so sophisticated.
Luke was being groomed to take over when Reverend Scott retired in the spring.
When we walked over to the refreshment table for punch Luke's hand lingered on mine. He told me I was a very pretty girl. He complemented me on my dress and this caused me to blush and feel light headed. I was tingling all over and of course more butterflies.............
I awoke to the sight of my miracle, my golden haired angel touching my face with her hand saying softly, "Ben, you said to wake you."
Mary Beth leaned forward to kiss my lips as Luna stood, stretching and yawning, wagging her little tail for Mary Beth to pet her.
Always a Lady, Mary Beth's golden blonde hair was put up in a bun that was held in place with two carved hair sticks and nothing else. She was wearing a translucent airy pale green muslin dress and like me will go barefoot every chance she gets.
Women from the city where I grew up and lived most of my life never dressed like this. I love the fact my angel always wears a hat outside to protect her fair, creamy skin from the sun; what good common sense.
And then there is the way Mary Beth talks; I find her soft accent sweet and endearing; the syllables just roll off her tongue to caress my ears.
"That's my baby," Mary Beth said picking the puppy up to hug Luna to her bosom, "do you need to go outside to do your business?" Mary Beth put her on the floor and followed Luna to the back door to go outside.
Shortly after, I then joined them outside barefoot; the warm grass felt wonderful underneath my feet. Luna was smelling everything in sight; the innocent joys of a puppy, where every new scent and sound, the slightest movement is an adventure to explore; Luna is a smart little dog and already house broken.
Luna came running to greet me in that clumsy, awkward way many puppies do at this age; it's a miracle they don't trip over their little feet.
"Yes, Luna, you're a good girl," I praised petting her and then putting my arms around Mary Beth's waist to hug her and to kiss the back of her neck, "I love you, Mary Beth my golden haired angel."
"I love you too, Ben," Mary Beth said squeezing my hands as we watched Luna let out a little yip and spin around to bravely chase a yellow and brown striped tiger swallow-tail butterfly that flew by. Luna stopped once to assure herself we were still in her sight before pursuing her dangerous prey to the edge of the stand of magnolias bordering the east side of the property. "The chicken is marinating in the refrigerator and will be ready for the grill after our shower," said Mary Beth, turning to put her arms around my neck to kiss my lips with her warm, sweet kisses; heaven on earth kisses, my angel's kisses.
"Luna," I called, "come good girl," I encouraged, also using the hand signal I taught Sophie; "we're going in the house now."
Mary Beth was my first time with a woman. My angel says this is what makes me special....can you imagine that; a woman who actually thinks an ugly cuss like me is special.
We have so much to explore and experience together. My thoughts and imagination of what is erotic and intimate are no longer merely words or dreams: Mary Beth is my reality......
Ben closed the wood accordion gate across our open bedroom door so Luna could see us. He told Luna to be a good girl and lay down; amazingly she did. Ben has a way with animals; they instinctually sense his goodness.
Taking the initiative, "Please close your eyes, Mary Beth. I want you to undress me with your imagination and sense of touch."
Closing my eyes, I reached up and put my hands on Ben's shoulders leaning forward to kiss his warm lips. Ben is special; incredibly thoughtful....and oh, so very gentle.
I'm so glad Ben is getting over his initial shyness with me. I tingle all over when Ben kisses me and this is not puppy love.
I ran my hands up his neck and touched his face trying to memorize the features of his face with my fingers tips.
