Wedding Bell Blues

The disclaimers: Every character who matters is at least 18. A work of fiction (more or less). Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental (for the most part).

Part 7 picks up on Friday morning. This installment features more yachting fun in and out of doors, and a long overdue talk between Tom and Hayleigh, along with setting some boundaries and ground rules.

So sorry for the delay in publishing these next chapters. Too late I realized that I had written myself into an unacceptable corner, and that I would have to do a fair bit of reworking to fix my mess. And then real life and the need to keep my job intruded on my rewriting and editing time. And then I think I messed up and didn't properly submit it, so it sat in Drafts for four days! Fear not, I will finish this series, if for no one else's sake but my own. Thanks for your patience.

~~~@~~~@~~~

~~~ THURSDAY EVENING ~~~

I didn't have to wait until morning. I awoke around 4:00 a.m., still spooning. It took me a few moments to realize that she had my growing cock in her hand, and she was rubbing my helmet through her folds. She eased the first inches inside, then wiggled her hips until I was all the way in. Me moved together silently until I felt her pussy spasming, bringing me to my own climax. Instead of uncoupling, she pushed herself back into me, and brought me free hand up to her chest to rest in the valley between her tits. That's the last thing I remembered, until I awoke with the sun blazing into our stateroom through the window.

~~~@~~~@~~~

~~~ FRIDAY ~~~

When I woke up I was still spooning Hayleigh. I'm not sure whether it was Hayleigh stirring against me, or the sound of the couple in the adjoining stateroom bouncing the headboard against the wall that woke me. Not sure of the geometry, either, but I think it was Carlos and Rosalinda. Our neighbors got louder. Definitely Rosa!

Hayleigh wiggled her tush into my groin. My nose was buried in the nape of her neck, her blonde hair haphazardly splayed around my face. "Sorry I fell asleep on you last night," she said as she arched her back to stretch. "I was more zonked than I thought."

"I think you more than made up for it."

"Oh, that?" she said as if I had mentioned a mere trifle. "Someone once told me that he wanted to have a middle-of-the-night quickie and then fall back asleep. Seemed like a perfect opportunity."

"Maybe we could do it again sometime."

"Maybe. Only three nights left before we go home," she mused, "One of us had better set an alarm." She craned her head around and kissed my chin. At about the same time we heard Rosa and Carlos hitting their stride, causing Hayleigh to nod toward the bordering wall. "Give you any ideas?" Only minutes later we were challenging Carlos and Rosa for the Ruby Scepter's headboard-banging trophy. Hayleigh and I were going at it in venerable missionary. She suddenly wrapped her legs around my waist and crossed her ankles, followed by her trademark growl before she got squishy. I was right behind her.

Instead of disengaging, I asked her if I could stay inside for a bit longer. I didn't want to break our physical connection. The Bible verse about becoming "one flesh" flashed through my mind. For the first time I appreciated that Genesis wasn't just referring to the physical coupling; it meant joining with Hayleigh emotionally and spiritually, too. That level of bonding was at best an abstraction with Jennifer. With Hayleigh it felt real to my core. I craved it.

"Of course you can," she said as she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled my head to rest alongside hers. I silently took in the sensations of our closeness, mostly the feeling of her warm breathing registering in my ear. My erection soon shrank and slipped out, but we continued to hold each other. I finally disengaged and rolled off her, silently taking it all in.

"Tom, is everything OK?" she asked with a tinge of concern. "Did you want to go again?"

"Everything is great, Hay. Beyond great. I didn't want to break our connection. It's hard to explain."

She eyed me warily. "But you'd tell me if there was something bothering you, right?"

"I would. I was having a moment, and I didn't want it to end yet. Trust me?"

"Always." She lumbered out of our bed and padded to the head, grabbing my hand to tug me along with her. "I'm going to do a quick washcloth cleanup so we can get to breakfast. Seems I'm always hungry for

something

around you!'

I joined her for a quick shave and cleanup, and we threw on casual clothes. By pure coincidence we exited our stateroom to go up on deck for breakfast at the same time Carlos and Rosa exited theirs. The ladies gave each other embarrassed looks and turned five shades of red before busting out laughing. By silent agreement and for mutual self-preservation, Carlos and I didn't say damn thing.

We sat with Carlos, Rosa, Kellie, and Brian. Breakfast featured crepes, fresh fruit, and champagne. Most everyone decided afterward that the calm morning seas made it a perfect morning for ocean swimming and jet bike water-skiing, so we headed back to our stateroom to change into swimsuits. I mentioned to Hayleigh that I was finally going to see that naughty new swimsuit she bought. She surprised me again.

"About that," she said pensively, "I don't think I'm going to wear it."

"Not brave enough after all, eh?" I taunted.

"It's mostly that," she began. "but something else, too. Nothing bad though, promise. I'll explain later. Trust me?"

"Always."

She changed into the red one-piece that she wore on the beach a few days earlier, and we headed to the main deck to rejoin the others. Between the swimming and water-skiing the morning flew by. After lunch there was more of the same, until the women decided to get all-over tans on the flybridge, out of sight of male eyes. The word came down from Tahj that it was No Boys Allowed. That left we boys to engage in the manly pursuits of fishing, drinking, sports talk, and bullshitting. Things were fine until Mike the Arsehole walked up, towering over me as I was sitting with Carlos, Tim, and Brian.

"Can I have a minute?" he asked politely.

What's this now? I was in no mood for more BS. "Sure. Do you want to talk privately?" I did my best not sound confrontational, but Carlos nonetheless readied himself to spring out of his chair.

"Here is better. I'd like to apologize. I've been a real jackass. I disrespected you and your girlfriend, I was insulting, and over all I've been a real dick. I'm very sorry."

Not at all what I was expecting. I was caught off-guard. Even if not sincere, this was a good development. "Apology accepted, Mike. But to be frank, it's Hayleigh who deserves an apology."

"I know. Would tonight be OK? I'd do it now, but Tahj advised that the flybridge is ladies only, and I'm in enough trouble as it is." He said it with a slight smile, trying to keep it amicable with self-deprecating humor. Worked for me.

"Yeah, that might cause a ruckus. Grab a seat," I offered as I motioned to the chair next to me. "They're discussing whether BMWs or Porsches are more expensive to maintain, a topic I know absolutely nothing about."

Mike the Former Arsehole took a chair, and ruefully explained that nothing could vampire your wallet faster than a second-hand Ferrari. The more they talked and exchanged anecdotal car repair horror stories, the more fond I became of my boring but trusty Subaru. Wisconsin winters are tough teachers, and give hard lessons. The afternoon moved along with more ocean swimming and waterskiing, until about 5 p.m., when everyone headed off to clean up and get dressed for dinner. It was black tie that evening. I couldn't wait to see Hayleigh in her new gown.

Hayleigh and I showered together, which naturally led to smooching between the shampooing and attending to nooks and crannies. Hayleigh helped me get dressed in my new suit, and then politely invited me to step out while she dressed. Like the last time I was banished, the unveiling was worth the nearly hour-long wait. The new gown was deep burgundy chiffon, sleeveless, with a moderate V-neck and an offset ruffled shoulder. It gathered tightly at Hayleigh's waist and then flowed firmly over her hips and flared out to the floor. Moderate 3-inch heels gave her added height. She went with simple for the hairstyle. It was much like Meg Ryan's doo at the end of Sleepless in Seattle, but more intricate and curled. I suppose you know by now she was stunning, but the word didn't do justice to the overall effect.

"Worth the wait?" she asked as she twirled, causing the bottom of the gown to flare out and swirl around her legs. I couldn't resist teasing her, just a little bit.

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible! But I think you're missing something."

That threw her. I enjoyed surprising her for a change. I went to my garment bag and retrieved the gift-wrapped box for the pendant that I'd squirreled away in a hidden pocket. "Perhaps this," I said as I handed her the box.

I had been worried that Hayleigh might have discovered the box while picking out some clothes for me, but her expression told me I'd achieved complete surprise. She carefully unwrapped it; I think she wanted to save the wrapping paper and silk ribbon in pristine condition, somewhat like having the sorority dance corsage pressed. Her eyes went wide when she lifted by lid.

"Tom, this is...it's beautiful! But I can't accept a gift like this, it's too much!"

"Of course you can accept it. It's only a small token of my affection, and of our friendship. I'm more than fond of you. You know that, don't you?"

She teared up before giving in. "Help me with this?" she asked as she turned her back to me and lifted her thick hair from around her neck. I had made a good guess on the length of the chain; the pendant naturally rested at an eye-pleasing spot on her bare chest just above the top edge of her new gown. She admired it in the full-length mirror hanging on the inside cabin door.

"It matches my eyes perfectly! I will cherish this forever! Does it make me a bad person if I can't wait to show off?"

"Of course not. That's part of the fun!"

She dabbed at her eyes with tissue. "Sorry, you know how leaky I get when I'm emotional, which has been almost this entire week."

"No apologies! It was worth it just to see your face when you opened the box." I took her hands in mine. "Making you happy makes me happy. Now let's get upstairs and mingle, and we'll see if Tahj will take a few pics with our phones. Danni will go crazy when she sees you in that dress!"

Hayleigh gave me a hug that nearly squeezed the life out of me before taking a parting glance in the full-length mirror. We were about to leave our stateroom when I remembered about Mike. I told her about Mike's apology to me, and that he wanted to apologize to her, too.

"Thanks for letting me know. FYI, from what Christine said while we were sunbathing, their marriage is hanging by a thread, and she made sure he knows it. She still loves him though, so for her sake I'm going to make it as easy on him as I can. That OK?"

"You bet. I don't want anything to put a damper on tonight."

We joined Carlos, Rosa, Brian, and Kellie for cocktails before dinner. Kellie's eyes zeroed in on Hayleigh's pendant before we sat down. Kellie gushed, and then Rosa joined in. Soon they had Hayleigh's cell phone and were taking seemingly endless pics. Some of them even included me. Before long everyone was in on it, taking couples pics, group pics, candid shots, etc.

Tahj came around to get cocktail orders before dinner was served. Hayleigh went with her standby Whiskey Sour, but unlike the previous evening, Rosa asked for a flavored sparkling water.

"Nothing to drink tonight, Rosa? Are you feeling OK?" asked Carlos.

"We're feeling fine." Carlos's confusion was obvious. Rosa leaned over to him, whispering.

"Estoy embarazada, mi amor.

" Rosa reached into her clutch purse and pulled out a home pregnancy test kit. The blue cross was unmistakable.

Carlos was momentarily stunned. "But how...how did it happen?" he sputtered.

Brian couldn't resist the lay-up. "Well, Carlos," he intoned, "when a man and a woman love each other, sometimes they show their love physically, and--" Kellie stifled a laugh and playfully punched him in the arm. "Men!"

Carlos collected himself and embraced Rosa with the biggest smile I've ever seen on a man. I think he had tears in his eyes. In no time flat the women were fawning over Rosa and the men were congratulating Carlos with handshakes and back claps. It was like scene from an old black & white movie. The only thing missing was Carlos handing out cigars. My attention was drawn to Hayleigh and Kellie, who looked so happy for Rosa that one could be forgiven for thinking it was their own announcement. I pondered if there was a universe where Hayleigh would be giving me that news, and if she'd be as good a mother as my own has been to me and Danni. I returned to congratulating Carlos when I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Hayleigh eyeing me. Her head was oddly tilted, clearly in contemplation. I'd ask her about it later.

The hubbub had mostly died down when Christine and Mike made their way over to join in congratulating Rosa and Carlos. Congratulations made, Mike took the opportunity to beckon Hayleigh and me over to an adjoining table, where he sat with Christine.

"I didn't want to steal their moment," he began, nodding in Carlos and Rosa's direction, "but I shouldn't wait any longer to say this." He looked at Hayleigh sheepishly as he continued. "I was a Class-A jackass to you yesterday. I was disrespectful to you, to Tom here, and to my wife. I regret how I behaved, and I am deeply sorry that I upset you. I hope that you'll accept my apology."

"Thank you for that," Hayleigh replied gently. "Of course I accept your apology." She gave Christine a quick glance. "Why don't you and Christine sit near us at dinner tonight? We haven't had much chance to get to know each other, and it's our last evening."

"We'd love to!" Christine said before Mike could answer. "By the way, Hayleigh, that's a beautiful pendant! It so complements your eyes!"

"Thank you!" bubbled Hayleigh. "I just got it tonight. It's a gift from this silly guy," she said as she tilted her head at me, then leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"That's quite a gift," Christine remarked. "You must really like her!"

"She's my best friend," I said simply. Hayleigh gave me a knowing smile and squeezed my hand. I think there was a hint of jealousy in Christine's face. Whatever Mike and Christine were, they weren't best friends.

"Well, thank you for hearing me out," Mike said. "We look forward to chatting with you at dinner." They politely excused themselves and rejoined the rest of the group to fawn over Rosa.

"I think that went well," I remarked. "By the way, you were giving me a funny look before when you and Kellie were with Rosa. Did I say something dumb again?"

Hayleigh was searching her thoughts trying to remember what I was talking about. Then it came to her. "Oh, that," she said off-handedly. "I was wondering what kind of father you'd be."

I was dumbstruck. "OK, now that's just weird. At that same time I was wondering what kind of mother you'd be!"

"We better stop thinking like that," Hayleigh said through her laughter. "My mother's paranoid ESP will pick up our thoughts about being parents and she'll have a massive freak-out!" We looked at each other and doubled over laughing.

About then Tahj appeared to announce that dinner was served. We made our way to the table, and arranged to sit near Mike and Christine, with Carlos and Rosa close by, too. It was an enjoyable meal. The main courses were a braised salmon or something I'd never seen before, a smoked prime rib done with a Caribbean dry rub. Hayleigh got the salmon and I got the rib, and we shared. Sides included Calypso rice and Cassava salad. Hayleigh was right; we were going to gain ten pounds minimum. Dessert choices included Belizean Fudge and a killer Key Lime Cream Pie. Maybe fifteen pounds would be a closer guess. Mike went out of his way to be the perfect gentleman with Hayleigh, so I was relieved that fences appeared to be mended. Oddly, I found myself pulling for Mike to rescue his marriage. He was a decent guy when he wanted to be.

As we finished our desserts a small tender pulled alongside the Ruby Scepter to deliver the live band and offload their equipment. By the looks of the gear, it was an eight-member horn-based group. Tenor and alto saxes, trombone, trumpet, drums, keyboards, string bass, and guitar. Carlos, Rosa, Hayleigh and I decided to stay on the main deck and enjoy the sunset before heading back to our staterooms to freshen up before the dancing.

Hayleigh and Rosa renewed their chatter about balancing a nursing career and a family. When that topic petered out it gave Carlos an opportunity to venture into uncertain waters.

"So, Tomas," asked Carlos, "You are not married, and not engaged?" He was curious, not critical.

Hayleigh stepped in quickly. "That's right, this is a vacation trip before Tom goes to law school in a few months."

"And you will go with him, to the law school?" asked Rosa. She justifiably thought that we were a full-fledged couple, as did everyone else. Hayleigh deflected.

"No," Hayleigh explained, "I have a year left before I graduate from college. Tom will be in Chicago, and I will be in Madison."

"These are not in the same place?" asked Rosa.

"No," Hayleigh replied, calculating in her head. "They're about 250 kilometers apart. It's only a few hours trip by car, counting the traffic."

Carlos leaned back in his chair, speaking directly to me. "Then you will excuse me for saying, Tomas, but you are a fool."

Carlos intended no insult. "Never has been much of a question about that!" I replied with a smile. "What am I a fool about this time? I have trouble keeping track."

"You and Hayleigh are young. You think you have all the time there is. You do not. This life is short. You must seize it! I speak of my own regret." He reached out to take Rosa's hand. "Even though my Rosa and I were in love, I waited to marry her. Two years I spent before we are married. Those years will not return, and will never come again. Your circumstance may not permit, but if it does, do not let this year go by apart."

Carlos and Rosa shared a look that communicated volumes to each other, but was a mystery to others. Rosa stood and beckoned Carlos to follow. "My Carlos is a romantic, and he wants everyone to be as happy as we are. Do not pay him too much attention!" Hayleigh and Rosa exchanged another of those girl-hugs, and I shook Carlos's hand yet again.

"Thank you for your advice," I told him. "I will consider it. And congratulations again on the next addition to your family." Carlos was beaming when they departed. Hayleigh was deep in thought.

"We might have dug ourselves into a hole with our backstory," she mused. "Everyone thinks were quasi-engaged, and who can blame them? When you think about it, this is an unusual trip for a couple that's only Friends With Benefits. Great benefits, but still!"

"Yeah, but the truth is so absurd that not even Lifetime or Hallmark would OK this script. I couldn't make this one up if I tried."

"And yet, here we are," she observed with a wry smile. "Let's go get fixed up so we don't miss any of the dancing! You have no idea how much I'm loving this, and I don't want to miss a minute of it!"

It didn't take us long to get ourselves ready. Most of the delay was Hayleigh admiring her pendant and giving me contemplative looks. We arrived back on the main deck just minutes before the band started its opening number. It was a horn-based arrangement of the theme from the movie

Ice Castles

, with a glorious trumpet solo to open the number, joined in steps by the two saxophones and the trombone. I took Hayleigh's hand and led her to the floor.