Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 46

Brittany arranged the cups on the rack, humming a familiar Sunday hymn. Mark entered the kitchen, leaning against the door frame as he watched her work.

"You really love that hymn, don't you?" he asked before moving to take a seat.

Brittany blushed, glancing back at him. "Yeah. It's been my favorite since I was a child. Welcome home, sir."

Mark raised an eyebrow, leaning on his right hand. He hummed playfully to catch her attention.

"Sir?" he teased.

Brittany quickly took off her gloves and turned to face him. "I'm sorry... honey." She looked away, embarrassed, and touched her lips with her fingers, drawing attention to the wedding ring gleaming on her finger.

"It's nothing, babe," he said with a quick smile before turning to grab a bottle of water. As he reached for it, Brittany couldn't help but stare. How could he come in here shirtless? His back muscles were well-defined, rippling with strength and flaring out on either side, giving him a broad, imposing frame. His biceps and triceps were thick and powerful, even relaxed. She bit her lip, trying to hide her desire but couldn't stop staring. When he turned back, gulping down the water, she quickly looked away.

"My mother dropped by today," Brittany said, moving around the kitchen. "I gave her some groceries from the pantry—just a few things near the expiration date. I hope you don't mind."

"You don't need to tell me when you spend my money," Mark replied, shrugging. "I don't care about that. I only want to make you happy."

Brittany's cheeks flushed. This was the life she had dreamed of, a life she never thought she'd have. But she knew she had to bring up what was bothering her.

"But... you're not making me happy," she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness.

Mark stood up and walked toward her, stopping just short of touching her. "I don't understand."

"You... you said you want children, but you've refused to engage in the activities that will bring us children. It's been two weeks since our wedding, honey, and I... I'm scared," she whispered, looking away.

He sighed and gently cupped her chin, guiding her face to meet his. "Babe, I just don't think you're ready yet."

"I'm not a child," she whispered back. "I know what it means to have sex. I waited patiently to give everything to my husband, and..."

"Make love," Mark corrected her softly. "The word sex sounds too vulgar. You have a beautiful body, and I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself. I'm scared of what I might do to you."

Brittany's eyes softened as she reached up to touch his cheek. "I'm at home, my love. I'm your wife. I know it might hurt at first, but I'm willing to go through it. I'll heal. A marriage isn't complete if we haven't consummated it."

He exhaled loudly, grabbing her waist and pulling her closer. "Alright. Here's what we'll do—you go serve my dinner, then freshen up. I'll meet you upstairs after I finish eating, okay?"

Brittany's face lit up with a bright smile. She looked up at his handsome features and nodded eagerly. "Okay."

****

Mark walked into the room and stopped in his tracks when he saw Brittany leaning over to pick something from the side of the mirror. She was wearing a big, vintage nightgown. He immediately recognized it. It was Emily's. One of her favorites.

Brittany turned around, catching his reflection in the mirror. "Isn't it cool vintage? Look how free it is," she said with a smile. "Could be good for pregnancies too."