Love and the White Wolf - Book 2

20. A Busy Week (Sexual content)

I phoned Michele early but she wasn't in so I left her a message about a maternity photo shoot with my husband. She phoned back quite excited at the prospect and asked what we had in mind.

"My husband wants a tasteful nude portrait of both of us but doesn't want his package showing. He wants his prosthetic arm in full view," I replied.

There was silence on the other end at first. "Forgive me for what I'm going to ask but are you okay with that? Most men opt for bare chest."

"My husband was an art student before World War II," I assured her even though I wasn't quite sure myself, "so he knows a tasteful nude portrait is possible."

We agreed to come in the following Friday morning, bringing our own robes, with my own makeup done ahead of time. I asked her not to stare, if possible. Her response was, "so the rumours are true?" I just laughed and said goodbye.

We went for our regular visit with Dr. Themba and Nadine. Everything seemed to be progressing well. They asked when Kyle's wedding was – April 20 – which was days before my due date. We changed our checkup date to the morning before we were leaving on the 17th.

Next we went to the bank to sign off on the transfer of funds to complete the purchase of our property. Officially the 60 days possession date occurred on Sunday, March 10, James birthday. Because it wasn't a normal bank day it would be done first thing on the Monday instead. Once the realtor confirmed the receipt of the funds we could pick up the deed from the lawyer. We had split the closing costs with Sheriff Chris Brandon and he had already paid for an inspection of the septic system and foundation which were the only things built, plus a post with an electrical outlet. James had already met with Mike the contractor and they had gone over the blueprints with an architect. We suggested some changes so the architect was meeting with us at the property on Tuesday to see the site for himself.

By the time we got home it was time we had dinner. I offered to cook so he sat and watched while I made a tomato and pasta dish that had been popular during the Blip. It had been an online sensation and easy to make for non-cooks like me. He watched with interest as I assembled it. When I presented it to him his praise was sincere.

"Outstanding!" he exclaimed. "It smells wonderful."

I dished it out and we sat side by side on the island as we ate. I explained the beauty of the dish was one could use just about any creamy cheese, any type of meat, and it could be seasoned any way you wanted, not to mention choice of pasta. He ate two helpings and raved about it. After we cleaned up we had a quiet evening watching tv until I fell asleep on his shoulder.

The next day was the neighbourhood party at Sam and Sarah's. We had agreed to help out with the setup. We took the dogs and spent much of the afternoon prepping. It was a lot of fun as Sam and James bantered back and forth like they would do on their pre-mission routine. Marcus Farrell arrived with his two kids, a ten year old boy and eight year old girl. At some point a football challenge was issued and the men and kids started playing around. As the neighbours arrived the teams got bigger, with more laughter until Sarah announced it was time to start cooking. All three men came forward so they decided to split the duties between them.

"I have to take a break," said Sarah, as she sat next to me. "I have three cooks but only one person, me, to get everything ready for them."

I smiled as Sarah was known to complain. "I'm sure they appreciate everything you did for them," I said diplomatically. "Marcus seems to fit in and his kids are sure well behaved."

We looked at the kids, both were petting Rowdy and Goldy.

"He is a nice man," she replied, "and he hasn't been pushy or presumptuous. I wish he would kiss me for real though."