Linger in love

(59) Creamy Skin

Watching Pen step closer to me, as the lights danced off her beautiful silk dress. I had to ask myself, how did I get so lucky. All those years not truly seeing the woman in front of me. Or perhaps never tried to see. Denying all those feelings and longing looks. What a fool I have been.

Funny how all my insecurities were lost in those blue eyes of hers. So bright I felt as though I was swimming in the clear seas around Greece. The dress softly clung to her curves. She is stunning. I cannot wait to be her husband. Her brothers lead her to me. Each one the epitome of love and respect for my small bride. They walked their steps with pride and determination.

Her red curls tempting me to run my fingers through them. To smooth her lips. To remind her every day how much I love her. Our Bloomsbury home is not too far, but far enough that I may wish to claim her in the carriage on route. A greedy man am I not to take my wife now, before the impatience overwhelms me and I have to go in search for a broom closet.

She takes her last step until she is opposite me, passing her flowers to her mother. She looks me in the eyes. I already feel like I'm a goner. I am dead. She is heaven. Her expression is full of nerves. Pen has always been on the edge of things and never smack down in the middle. This must be terrifying for her.

As I start my vowels and take her hand. The world and my worries with them evaporate into the air. God, I love her so much.

When it comes to the kiss, I can't help but smile into it. For this is forever and now we both know it. I know I should not, but I'm already picturing the corset underneath and hoping I can untie her laces at great speed.

I should not be thinking of such things, I still have the Wedding Breakfast, which I was looking forward to. Now though, all I want to do is lay claim to my new bride. Over and over again. Does my patience know no bounds.

Our mamas have done a wonderful job on the food and decorations. Too many people for my liking. Then if I had it my way, it would just be us. Only us in the grand hall full of cakes. I have an appetite for the sweeter things in life. Hmm Pen and cake. Possibly kissing pen while she eats cake. I start imagining her bare laying on the cakes. I have to mental strike myself across the face. Get it together, man.

Colin's stomach started to growl. Anthony looked at him surprised "Was that your stomach, brother"

"How you heard that over the hoard of guests, I have no idea"

Hyacinth skipped to Colin "I made you a plate"

Colin's eyes bulged. She must have grabbed a slice of each cake for him. Colin had never looked so delighted "Hyacinth you are an angel"

She shrugged "I know"

As Colin started to devour his first slice, his eyes met Pen. She bit her bottom lip. Colin let down a big gulp. Kate noticed the change in Colin and followed where he was looking "Penelope has made a beautiful bride"

"Indeed" he wiped a little crumb from the corner of his mouth.

"No one would question if you both were to leave"

"Ah you have not met Lady Featherington" it wasn't a question. If they left, Colin was pretty sure steam were disperse from Portia like a kettle.

Kate laughed "I believe you are right"

Still, extricating Pen from the crowd may be plausible. Yet, he hadn't managed to reach her yet. Too many people.

Pen started to move closer to him. Still not quite in reach. He took a step towards her only to get stopped by Hyacinth again.

Next thing he knew, Pens fingers intertwined with his. He didn't even need to look next to him. He just smoothed his thumb in circles over her hand. My eyes caught hers. God, she's beautiful.

She wants to dance. Here?

When we begin to dance, the world disappears around us. I am lost in those eyes once more. As I trace my hand down her face moving her closer to me, she reminds me of our guests.

Damn it. Why do we have so many guests.

So, what feels like an eternity, which was only about two hours, we made our excuses to leave. Pen explained that she was exhausted because of the baby. Smart wife, I could help but be proud of her for making such a lie of an excuse. I'm not a man who appreciates lies. But anything to get her alone is a fine choice by me.

We say our farewells and head to our carriage. He smiles to himself when he remembers it is now their carriage.

He helps Pen in the carriage and the moment he shuts the door, his lips claim hers.

"Oh Pen"

"Colin!" she sounds startled, then a little giggle escapes her which turns me on even more.

I can't dismantle the corset in here, I'm unsure what type it is and I would hate if I could not put it back together before we leave.

Pen wriggles a little, "this corset is not made for sitting in for long periods of time. Perhaps we should remove it"

He couldn't agree more. With a small nod she bent over with her arms leaning on the seat cushion. He pulled her dress above her waist and attempted unlacing "... unfortunately this may take a while"

"... less talking, more concentration"

Colin laughed "Yes ma'am"

Pen felted the relief fly through her. Between the whale boning and her bump, no one should be sitting for a whole carriage ride.

Colin sat on the floor, just incase Pen needed a hand sitting back onto the seat. Instead she decided where she wanted to sit, it wasn't on the deep red seat covering. It was over her new husband.

She gazed longly into Colin's eyes. His hand traced the side of her jaw line. Her creamy skin begging to be touched. "You are so beautiful" he expelled seductively.

Their lips met, softly at first. Colin then realised how happy he was that they were taking a bumpy route through harsh terrain. If he wasn't already enjoying himself immensely, he was now.