As he helped her from the car, Bill pulled her close again. The day had been bright, clear and cool. Now it was becoming late afternoon and chilly. He held her, warming her with his body.
"This has been very fast, love. I am going to make it even faster. You have seen my home. I am a wealthy man, but you have added to my wealth immeasurably today, by agreeing to marry me. You need to know that I am the President and CEO of Branson Enterprises. I know the money means nothing to you, but you do need the information. I love you. I promise to make your life wonderful and happy. Now, tonight is for you. It is your choice. We can go inside and have a wonderful party, celebrating our future marriage and just enjoy the evening. Or, we can go inside, hug and kiss our guests and be married. Tonight could be the start of our lives, unless you want a long engagement....."
Allison's mind whirled. She knew Bill had money once she saw his house, but never expected this. Suddenly, visions of the Branson Building, the premier office building in the skyline, popped into her head. Oh, my! She almost missed the next part. Party or wedding? Could that be what he said? A long engagement? Today had been long enough. She wanted to begin her new life, she wanted to meld her life with his. Blushing, she also thought about being in his bed, learning with him, free to touch and be touched, with no restrictions. Yes, she was ready. There were no doubts that he was meant for her and she wanted everything he offered her.
Looking into his dear face, she nodded, not trusting her voice. He beamed and wrapped his arm around her, guiding her forward. As they entered the building, Allison realized they were at the nursing home where they spent Thanksgiving, only a few days before. The huge hall was decorated with bells and streamers, silver hearts and intertwined rings. All her new friends were there, dressed in their finest clothes, ready to celebrate with them. As Allison looked at the guests, she had another surprise. Her family was here!
Bill whispered that he couldn't marry her without her parents' permission, without meeting the people who had created her. He had flown in her entire family, even the nieces and nephews, while he diverted her all afternoon.
Allison was so happy. She loved him, wanted to marry him, but there would have been something missing, not sharing the occasion with all her loved ones.
Bill had thought of everything. A priest stood ready to perform the ceremony. After the exchange of vows, and their first kiss as a married couple, the party began. He had brought in a swing orchestra and the air was filled with songs from the 40's. They danced together, the only couple on the floor, their bodies fitting together so wonderfully. It reminded Allison that tonight their bodies would fit together again, even closer and more intimately. She blushed and Bill noticed. He held her close, whispering to her, reassuring her, promising her all the time she needed.
Her family loved him. How could they not? He was welcomed by them all, particularly the pretty little girls who kept asking him to dance. He was wonderful with children, a fact not lost on Allison.
The food was plentiful and varied. Again, not knowing exactly what to order, Bill had selected all sorts of foods, something to suit every taste. His own family, the nursing home residents, welcomed Allison heartily. They congratulated themselves on foreseeing this from the minute they had met her.
The party went on into the night. Everyone was happy, thrilled to be part of this great love story. It was exactly how Allison would have wanted her wedding. She and Bill stayed close together, holding hands and gazing hungrily into each other's eyes. Finally, neither could wait another minute. They kissed their friends and family goodnight and left, encouraging the celebration to continue.
Bill drove to his house. He had a honeymoon planned, but they wouldn't leave until late tomorrow. As they entered the gate, he turned to her, asking "Happy, Mrs. Branson?" She loved her new name, she knew she would love her new life. She rested her head on his shoulder, tired from all the activities, uable to believe all that had happened since she woke beside him this morning. She watched him drive, a gold band on his left hand matching the smaller one on her own. They were married! She was his and he was hers. Now, they were going to begin the life of happiness and joy she had always dreamed about.
He pulled up to the front door. Helping her from the car, he kissed her and nuzzled her neck. "Welcome home, Mrs. B. I have waited for you my entire life. Thank you for being mine."
He carried her over the threshhold, unwilling to put her down. He continued up the staircase, his hands warming her through all of her clothes. When he set her down, she was in the master bedroom. It was elegantly furnished, the centerpiece being a huge king size bed that was high off the floor. Reading her thoughts, Bill brought a step stool and placed it on the right side of the bed, marking it as Allison's from this night. She stood shyly, mesmerized by the bed and anticipation of the activities to be conducted there. Bill hugged her and went into the bathroom. She heard running water. She began to undress, uncertain of the etiquette of tonight. She hadn't gotten very far when he returned. "Here is your dressing room, darling. You have closets here, an armoire for your lingerie, shoe racks. I have bought some items for you and had them placed in here. Everything is for you."
Allison walked into a room bigger than her bedroom at home. Dresses and other items filled the rods. The armoire drawers were full of delicate underthings and gowns. She removed her wedding dress and carefully hung it on a satin hanger. She kicked off her shoes, grateful to feel her muscles pull as she became barefoot. She stood in the center of the dressing room, unsure of what to do. Bill walked in quietly behind her. He turned her until she faced the wall of mirrors and saw them standing together. Bill, so tall and handsome. Ally, short and in her lingerie, looking scared and pale. Then he placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her neck, warming her entire body with desire. He wrapped his arms around her, and she watched his hands as they touched her body and marked his territory. With one final kiss, he left the room, calling her into the bathroom. The huge bathtub was filled with fragrant bubbles and candles illuminated the extravagant room. He slowly undressed her, touching lovingly all the skin he unveiled. Then he helped her into the tub. She sank down gratefully, suddenly so tired she could barely move. He left her there, and went to start some music and prepare the bedroom.
