As the sun shone through the curtains the next morning, James awoke to find Isabella still sleeping soundly on his chest. Sliding gently from beneath her, he carefully laid her down on the bed. He dressed quickly, and then hobbled downstairs with Cappy at his heels, to do the morning chores. As they headed out the door, her eyes opened and she smiled after them. Tentatively, she pushed herself up in bed, testing how her head reacted. When the room didn't spin at her movement, she slipped out of bed and made her way to the bathroom.
"In bed, young lady," he called from downstairs. "You are only allowed to go to the bathroom!"
She stuck out her tongue childishly.
"I saw that!" James called as he headed out the back door.
She laughed quietly, but the sound died on her lips when she caught a glimpse of her face in the mirror. She winced at her reflection and sighed. She then set to work at her best attempt to clean herself.
Outside, James worked as fast as he could through the morning chores. It took longer than normal with his limp and an eager puppy following him everywhere. The two finally made their way back inside and up the steps. As he entered the bedroom, he saw his fiancé looking in the bathroom mirror with distaste. He watched her cringe as she tried using a cloth to clean her face. He walked quietly up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I could always draw you a bath," he offered.
She looked at his reflection in the mirror. "I'm ok," she smiled. "Unless you'd like to take one with me," she replied as she brushed her long hair.
"Actually, I was thinking of bathing you." His eyes didn't leave hers in the mirror, his expression serious but tender.
Leaning back against him, she sighed, "that would be nice. But only if you want to."
He laid a soft kiss on her head. "Go lay down, baby. I'll come get you when it's ready."
She nodded, turning, and walked out of the bathroom. She moved slowly, but without assistance, and lay down on the bed with Cappy. She giggled as he rolled around on his back, whining for her to rub his belly.
James walked in and watched her playing with him, a smile covering his face. "My family," he murmured.
Having heard him enter the room, she looked up. Smiling, she asked, "what did you say, babe?"
"I was just looking at my little family." He paused as she blushed, looking down. "The bath will be ready in a minute or two."
She stood slowly, nodding, and found herself swaying just a little. He moved quickly to hold onto her, but she shook her head. "I'm ok."
"Well, I'm staying close regardless." He kept a hand on her arm, as the walked slowly into the bathroom. When they were standing next to the tub, he whispered softly, "Hold onto me and I'll take your nightgown off."
"Is that a proposition, Mr. Buchanan?" she giggled.
He winked, "nope, it's an order." As she held onto him for support, he leaned in and placed a light, but needy, kiss on her lips. He sucked gently on her tongue and she moaned softly. Her arms lifted, so that he could remove her nightdress. He lifted it off, tossing it aside, and took off his own shirt before scooping her into his arms and placing her gently into the steaming bath. She sighed in relief, feeling the hot water relaxing her muscles. He sat down next to the tub, leaving one arm behind her to cradle her head lovingly. She turned her head to look over at him.
"Hi honey," he smiled.
She returned it, "hi."
"Does that feel good?"
She nodded slightly, "I didn't realize how tense my muscles were." She closed her eyes and laid her head back against his arm.
"Just relax, baby. I'll add more hot water when we need to." He watched her lying there, completely content.
She smiled, eyes still closed. "You're quiet," she noted.
"I'm just happy to have you," he replied.
She opened her eyes and looked over at him. "Me, too."
"Good," he whispered, leaning forward and kissing her, his fingertips trailing over the outside of her thigh. As she moaned softly, he let his hand stray to the inside of her legs. She closed her eyes again, smiling. "I can stop," his voice was barely a whisper. He started to pull his hand from the water.
She shook her head, "I didn't say that." She took his hand, whispering, "you can put it wherever you like."
He watched her. "Why don't you put it where you want it?"
"Because I'm injured and don't know what's best for me," she stated solemnly as she looked into his eyes.
He let his hand slide down over her stomach and between her legs, letting rough fingertips trail over her lips. She gasped and leaned her head back over his arm. He smiled, "Mm, you feel so good."
He rubbed her clit gently, sliding a finger into her slowly. He smiled as he watched her reaction, rolling her clit back and forth in his fingers. She bit her lip, moaning, eyes closed, breathing hard. He leaned in as she looked up, her eyes showing passion, and kissed her hungrily. He slipped another finger into her as he explored her mouth with his tongue. She cried out into his mouth and he lifted his lips from hers only slightly.
"Are you ok, honey?" he whispered.
She moaned, nodding, "yes, I'm fine. I'm more than fine."
He pushed his fingers in again, rubbing up against her spot, listening to her moan louder and watching her eyes widen. "Do you like that, baby?"
She nodded, unable to say anything else as he dragged his hand over her clit. He nibbled at her neck as her body tightened. He rubbed fast, harder, and pushed in deeper. Her body tensed, and she moaned, reaching climax as he kissed her. Her body shuddered one last time, and she pulled away, smiling up at him.
"You're supposed to be cleaning me up, not making a bigger mess," she whispered.
"We'll get there," he smiled. He took a cloth and rubbed some soap into it, then rubbing it gently all over your body. She watched his face as a small smile spread across it.
