Til You Come Back to Me Again - A Love Story

Mackinac

Mackinac

We flew into Pellston City, Michigan and took a taxi to the lodge where we had reservations for the night. The hotel was just minutes away from Mackinac City where we would then take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. I was beyond excited, and Angelo chuckled joyously at my giddiness. Our room at the lodge was nice and cozy, and I was looking forward to spending our wedding night there.

Kissing Angelo's lips lightly, I went into the bathroom with my overnight bag, closing the door behind me. Glimpsing my reflection in the mirror, I stood for a moment, holding my hands against my flushed cheeks. The cause of this rush of heat wasn't nervousness, but anticipation and desire. I was coming to him completely inexperienced, and I was grateful to have the gift of sexual purity to give him. I was also grateful for his experience. I said a silent prayer that none of the pain from my illness would intrude upon our night. I had sensed Angelo's nervousness, but I knew he would be tender with me. He would be the first and only man I ever made love with, and I wanted to remember every single moment.

Pulling the comb from my hair and giving my curls a shake, I quickly changed into the gown I had purchased for tonight and exited the bathroom. Angelo had turned down the bed and was sitting on the edge. He stood as I approach him. He was shirtless and beautiful. His hands shook as he drew me to him, but as soon as I wrapped my arms around him and pressed myself against his muscular body, I was lost. Our kiss was full of passion, the taste of one another stoking the fire burning between us, each touch creating a mutual hunger and thirst that were only assuaged when we finally became one.

* * *

"I never knew it would be like that," I said, resting my head against his chest, looking up at him with a loving smile. "I've dreamed about it almost every day since putting your engagement ring on my finger, but . . . I never realized." Truthfully, no imagining could have ever prepared me for the love I had just experienced with him.

Caressing my face, he kissed me, whispering against my lips, "It was never like this for me before."

Surprised, I drew back a little, looking into his eyes, wonder filling mine. "Never?"

He shook his head with an earnest smile. "Never."

Not even with Suzanne? My trembling lips curved. "I'm so grateful to have experience it, with you." Words failed me and I couldn't say more. But in his eyes, I saw understanding. One day this part of our marriage would no longer be possible. I knew he would miss it, but I also knew his love for me was strong enough that we would be okay.

He caressed my back. "I am grateful as well. We must savor the experience while we can." Smiling, he kissed me again, whispering, "I plan to take advantage of every opportunity to make love to you."

I grinned. "You took the words right out of my mouth, Mr. De Luca. So how about you take advantage of another opportunity now?"

"Mrs. De Luca," he murmured, rising over me, "you don't have to ask me twice."

* * *

Later, I fell asleep in his arms, listening to his heartbeat. I had never felt so fulfilled, or so happy.

* * *

The next morning, we had breakfast and checked out, anxious to be on our way. Taking a taxi to the dock, we boarded the ferry with our luggage.

Once we were settled in our seats, we took a few selfie shots with Angelo's camera. He kept his arm around me and I relished the wind on my face as we sailed to Mackinac Island. I pointed excitedly to the Round Island Lighthouse in the distance, which was used for one of my favorite scenes in the movie.