This is the last installment. Thanks for reading, and especially for the comments, as always.
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Hardy woke with a start, trying to understand why he felt so happy. Then Gwen stirred and snaked a hand over his chest, hugging him lightly.
"Good morning, my love. Did you sleep as well as I did? I have to tell you, it's the best nights' sleep I've had in over three years."
He caressed her hair lightly.
"Like a rock, you wore me out. In my defense, I'm still not quite up to my old self."
She moved languidly over his body, rubbing every inch of skin she could into to him.
"Don't worry. I've got a new kind of physical therapy in mind for you, one designed to improve you endurance and flexibility. It'll have to be at night mostly. Scheduling and all that."
"He had moved a hand down, capturing her breast and rolling the nipple.
"I don't know, I've always enjoyed early morning workouts."
He was reaching farther down when the door banged open and Melissa flew into the room, jumping into the middle of the bed. Gwen shrieked and covered her chest. Melissa rolled her eyes.
"Good morning, parental units! Mrs. Hendricks said to tell you breakfast is getting cold, and that she has errands to run, so one of you has to take me to school. And mom, if you were so interested in modesty, you should have shut the door last night, or at least covered yourself. What a sight for a shy young, impressionable girl!
I'll probably be scarred for life."
It was all she could do to hold her laughter in as both of them glowed red.
"So, chop chop. Get your showers, and I don't mean together. I'd hate to explain I was late for school because I couldn't get my parents out of the bathroom."
She was up and bounded out before Gwen could even fuss at her. Hardy broke down, and soon she joined him.
She got a serious look in her eyes.
"Better get used to this."
"What?"
"Our children barging in on us at inopportune times."
"How many children are we talking about here?"
"Well, this house has five bedrooms, and you know how I hate to waste space."
"Four? How long will that take, we're getting kind of old you know."
She punched him in the arm.
"Speak for yourself. But I agree, we should start soon. I don't want you changing diapers in your fifties."
The looks they exchanged seemed almost magical. They reached for each other when Melissa barged back in.
"Gee, am I gonna have to hose you guys down? Mom, just give me your keys, I'll see you this afternoon."
"Young lady, you are not driving my Rover! I'll take you, and on the way we're going to have a LONG talk about respect for your elders and recognizing the need for privacy."
"I guess this is a bad time to tell you I called Aunt Daisy and told them you were back together. She wants you over at her house, soon as possible."
Something in Gwens' eyes warned her she had finally stepped over the line, and she fled the room.
"MELISSA SUE WILKES, GET YOUR BUTT BACK HERE RIGHT THIS SECOND!"
They heard the front door slam, and her yelling something about waiting in the car.
Hardy held her grinning.
"Don't worry, she's just happy. You know this Facebook generation, it hits their mind and the whole world knows about it."
"Facebook, oh shit. You know how many family members she has as friends? All of them. The old ones that don't have computers will be getting calls, if they haven't already."
She noticed the change in his eyes.
"Having regrets all ready?"
"No, baby, no. I just wanted a little more time for us to get to know each other again. I know we think we already do, but three years is a long time. We have to get used to each other, we're both different now. I just wanted a little quiet time, that's all."
"Don't worry, I'll just tell everyone you tied me down and raped me into submission. That'll shut them up."
Gwen almost fainted.
"Please don't tell anyone about last night. I'm kind of ashamed, but I was desperate. But, it got you back to me, so I don't regret it a bit."
"Don't worry, Gwen. I'll never tell, think of the damage it would do my reputation."
"I have to tell you, honey, that I now know that reputation is mostly smoke and mirrors. You're a very decent man disguised as a rogue. Besides, being the woman of the most dangerous man in town is kind of good for my image. Now, I've got to get going, or Melissa will be late."
She dashed out while Hardy ate a large breakfast. Mrs. Hendricks was pleased her efforts were appreciated. Greg came in and got a cup of coffee, sitting across from Hardy, grinning.
"Say it."
"Say what, Hardy?"
"That I told you so. That you were right."
He laughed.
"I don't have to, you just did. Welcome back to the family."
"Huh?"
"Welcome back to the family. It was close there for a little, but they liked Gwen a whole lot more than they did you, so push come to shove, if you hadn't straightened up you were out. They almost had a pool going to see how long you could last. I'm glad we didn't, I would have lost. I thought you were a lot more stubborn."
"Well, I'm glad to have provided so much entertainment to you all."
"Oh, don't get huffy, one of your cousins is bound to screw up, and we'll have something else to talk about."
"In fact, I have a feeling I know what it's gonna be, and no, I'm not telling you, you'll see soon enough."
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Gwen felt like she was going to an execution. Marcus opened the door, and folded her into a big hug and a kiss on her cheek.
"Congratulations."
She rolled her eyes.
"God, does everybody know?"
Aunt Daisy had come up behind them, and as usual rapped her cane on the floor when she wanted attention.
"Marcus, if you're done mauling your cousin, would you please shut the door. My goodness, no manners at all. Come on girl, we have things to discuss."
They went into the parlor, a room so formal it was rarely used. Oh, man, this must be serious.
She sat at a small table covered with books.
"Come on girl, we haven't got all day."
She surprised her by not mentioning Hardy at all. In fact she didn't say anything at all about him for the next ninety minutes.
"Gwen Marie, this is our year to host the Commemorative Cotillion. I can't believe it's been ten years already. You are official hostess, so you've got a lot of things to get done in the next few months."
"Huh?"
"What communication skills! Are you sure you're a lawyer? The Commemorative Cotillion of the Daughters of the Confederacy, girl, the biggest social event in Birmingham, at least to the older members of the social elite. Invitation only, full costumes. If the man has been in the military, he has to wear a uniform, preferably one matching the rank of an ancestor, the higher the better."
"We only have it every two years, and combine it with the coming out of our female children sixteen and older. Melissa Sue will of course represent us. Any questions?"
"A lot. I thought you brought me here to talk about Hardy and me. And I'm not even a member of the Daughters, am I?"
"Why would I want to talk about you and Hardy when there is so much other important stuff going on? You got him back. Hurrah for you. I always knew you would."
"Not could we focus here, and yes, you're a member, have been since last year. You're welcome."
For the next hour she overloaded Gwen with details. What was expected as hostess. What was required attire. As hostess, she was expected to foot most of the bill, there were many members who had no wealth left, only a proud heritage.
She was expected to make discrete inquiries, and fund the attendance of as many as possible. Not to worry, she would have help. Daisy, Hildy, and two women she didn't even know would take care of that part.
She would also have a decorating, catering, and entertainment committees. There was to be a historical consultant [who turned out to be Marcus] on the proper dress. Basically all she had to do was referee arguments and write checks.
"Think you can handle it, girl?"
She smiled wryly.
"Do I have a choice?"
"No."
"Well, all right then, when do we start, and what's the time frame?"
"Five months. No time to waste. Lots to do you know."
Aunt Daisy was really excited, far more passionate than she had ever seen.
"Look here, girl. This is what you're supposed to look like."
The woman was absolutely beautiful. She had a parasol, a shawl around her bare shoulders, and a dress that was magnificent, resplendent with petticoats and a hoop. There was another woman, much younger, just as attractive, standing beside her.
"They're so beautiful. Why do they look familiar?"
Aunt Daisy laughed.
"Because the older one is your grandmother, and the younger one is me. I told you, except for the hair color, you look just like her. I'm sure you'll top us both. Hardy will be so proud."
