Steele an Uncertainty - Part XIV

    "Marry me, Laura."  

    "Are...are you...serious?"  she stammered.  "I mean marriage?  Us?  But what..." 

    Laura was babbling on, but then stopped and stood up suddenly.  Too suddenly, because the room began spinning out of control.  She reached out for something to hold on to.  Remington noted the odd pallor of her skin and her rapidly heaving chest and took charge.  He put both hands on Laura's shoulders and quickly guided her out the house to the deck.

    "Breathe Laura,"  he quietly instructed while rubbing her back.

    Taking deep breaths, Laura slowly felt the hysteria dissipate.

    "Better?" 

    "Much, thank you," she said, sheepishly.  "To be honest, I'd always wondered how I'd react if you ever proposed to me.  This wasn't what I expected."

    "Nor I,"  he chuckled.

    "Are you serious?"  Laura repeated again.

    "Laura, affairs of the heart are no joking matter.  Of course, I'm serious.  I've never asked another woman to marry me--besides you.  Then again, I've never known a woman that has made me feel such variations of love and hate before,"  Remington admitted.

    Laura pondered that for a moment before laughter bubbled up and out of her.  Looking at his serious face she laughed harder.  "I feel the same way,"   she gasped out between chuckles.

    "I suspected you might."  Remington said before joining the laugh fest.

    "But...are you sure?"   Laura said giving him on last attempt at a change of heart.

    "I love you, Laura, and I couldn't bear losing you.  I can't be surer than that." 

    "In that case Remington Steele, yes," Laura said smiling up at him.  "I certainly will marry you." 

    Remington pulled her to him and kissed her soundly.  She put her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.

    "So, where will this wedding of the century take place, eh?  Los Angeles?  Ireland, Cannes, Malta, Acapulco?" He cringed.  "Ok, maybe not Acapulco." 

    "Are you going to hold that fan dance against me for the rest of our lives?"  Laura laughed and kissed him.   "How about..."

    "Monte Carlo?"

###

    The next day they broke the news to the household.  Felecia screamed with glee and clapped her hands with delight.  

    "You two getting married, and in Monte Carlo!  I can't believe it!  Well I can, but I can't believe you've decided to have the reception here at our house,"  Felecia gushed enthusiastically.

    "It's largely due to your ministrations that we're back together, so what more fitting place?"  Laura reasoned.

    "Oh Laura, this is wonderful news!  You all stay right here while I go get our best bottle of champagne!"

    "I must say Linda, I'm not as chagrined by the news as I would've expected." 

    Felecia returned followed by her husband and three children.  There was a servant behind her with champagne and sparkling cider filled glasses. 

    Everyone took turns toasting the happy couple.  Remington and Laura thanked them profusely.  Sometime later Remington announced he was taking his newly appointed fiancée to town for dinner.

    "Uh, take the limo this time, no?"  Rene said, tipping his glass toward them.

    Remington cleared his throat, Laura blushed, and Felecia poked her husband in the ribs.  Remington quickly assured Rene his newly purchased Audi and Porsche would be safe from them.

###

    Laura and Remington decided on a small, intimate affair at a local countryside church with only close friends and family in attendance.  Felecia rolled her eyes heavenward when she found out she'd have only three weeks to plan the reception, but she happily accepted the challenge and drafted Mildred and a balking Daniel to assist her. 

    The happy couple planned all the decisions about the rings, guest list and flowers together.  Laura chose her gown and her bridesmaid's dresses while Remington took care of the tuxedo selections.

    Laura asked Felecia and Mildred to be her Matron and Maid of Honor while Remington asked a very shocked Milo de Winter and Monroe to be his best man and groomsman.  Daniel would have the privilege of giving the bride away and he was delighted by his important duty.

    The chateau was a bustle of activity on the eve of the wedding.  Felecia was in her element.  Elated at the news, Laura's mother, sister and brother-in-law arrived the day before.  Felecia surprised Laura with a bridal shower and though Mildred lost the toss on the male exotic dancer, she was still jovial.

    Daniel had planned a bachelor/gambling party at a posh casino in Monte Carlo.  Remington laughed when he saw that Daniel had secured a private gaming room complete with waitresses, a buffet table brimming with food and a professional dealer.

    "You've outdone yourself Daniel,"  Remington observed patting his father on the back.

    "But of course.  It isn't everyday you decide to get married, my boy.  It's a momentous occasion that requires a high standard of celebration."  he winked.

    "I must admit Xenos, I was taken completely unawares by Daniel's telephone call.  Imagine you, getting married.   Who would ever have believed you had it in you?"  Milo chuckled heartily.

    "Personally I didn't think Mick would ever find a woman crazy enough to be tied to him forever,"  Monroe remarked over his cards.

    "I'm sure Linda is many things, but crazy?  She just doesn't seem the type.  Of course she does wear those distasteful espadrilles so I suppose anything is possible."  Daniel said, dryly.

    Rene looked around the room and settled his gaze on Donald.  "I suppose you have an alias, too?" 

    Donald looked up from his cards and quirked an eyebrow.  "Are you kidding?  I'm a dentist."

    Laura looked at the small, elegantly wrapped box and shook it.

    "Oh really Laura," her mother reproached.  "You've been doing that since you were a child." 

    "It didn't help then Laura so I don't know why you think it will now,"  her sister teased.

    Laura scrunched her nose at her sister and carefully began to unwrap the gift.  After two minutes her small gathering let out a unanimous "LAURA!"

    "Ok, ok.  It's just that the paper is so pretty,"  she protested.

    When she'd finally opened the box she gently pulled back the tissue paper and gasped.  She pulled out a white gossamer silk, floor length, spaghetti strapped nightgown and her lip quivered.

    "Oh Francis, this is so elegant!"  Laura sniffed, smiling warmly at her sister.

    "I'm sure Remington will think so, too.  Just ask him to be careful of the direction he tosses it, okay?"  

    "Oh mother, lighten up.  We all know that newlyweds don't sit around making toast with their new toasters." 

    "I think mother needs another Mimosa,"  Laura concluded.

    "Damn, I can't believe you won again!"  Remington said, with mild annoyance before tossing his cards on the table.

    Rene smiled and drew Remington's chips to his side of the table.  "Ah you forget we Frenchmen are superb at cards.  And I do live in Monte Carlo, do I not?" 

    "Your problem my friend is that you don't know when to fold,"  Milo concluding rapping Remington soundly on the back.

    "Milo, I swear, if you start up that bloody rendition of "The Gambler" again I'll clobber you,"   Remington warned.

    "What?" Milo said, innocently.  "You've got something against Kenny Rogers?" 

    "All right men, you'll have to amuse yourselves for a tad while I have a word with my son,"  Daniel replied as he nodded for Remington to follow him.

    "I say, isn't he too old for the birds and the bees talk?"  Monroe laughed.

    "Are you kidding?  You've been around Laura when she's given Steele the what for.  I don't think anything is wrong with her stinger,"  Donald snickered.

    "Well, I hope for his sake he remembers to bring the honey!"  Milo roared with laughter.

A few minutes later...

   Daniel took a cigar from his jacket pocket and handed it to Remington who lit it and inhaled deeply.

    "Another one of the things I've acquired from you over time,"  Remington remarked.

    "Your love of cigars?   I find it goes exceptionally well with a good, stiff brandy,"  Daniel concluded blowing swirls of smoke away from them.

    "This evening was a pleasant surprise, Daniel.  I thank you for it,"  Remington replied, humbly.

    "Think nothing of it, Harry.  I'm your father.  Throwing you a bachelor party has been a wonderful honor.  I'm glad I was here to be able to celebrate such a joyous occasion,"   Daniel admitted.

    Remington immediately straightened.  "You're not ill--are you Daniel?" 

    "I know you are, Daniel and I'll let you in on a secret,"  Remington whispered looking around.  "Laura already knows it and in truth she's quite taken with you, too."

    "How could I not accept you, eh?  You were the father I wished I'd had and to find out it was really true, that my hopes and prayers had been answered, that was the most important moment in my life, Daniel."  Remington said, softly.  "I only wish I could've known my mother.   It's hard missing someone you've never met." 

    "I know, son.  She was a beautiful, lovable woman that melted my heart the instant I laid eyes on her.  She had a fiery Irish temper and wouldn't hesitate to blister me when she was riled," Daniel's smile was sad.  "I miss her, with every breath I draw."

    Remington shook his head in amazement  "I feel the same way about Laura, father." 

    "If that's true my boy, then I think you've found the woman that was meant for you, and you'll be happy."  Fighting back tears, Daniel added gruffly, "That's all I've ever wanted for you."

    The two embraced tightly and a few sniffs were heard drifting through the cool night air.

    "Now enough of this nonsense," Daniel said, louder.  "We've got more celebrating to do." 

###

    Felecia insisted that Laura stay at the main house the night before the wedding.  Laura was exhausted by the time she'd reached her bedroom, and promptly collapsed across the bed.  She stared at the ceiling contemplating her impending marriage to a man that had become the center of her life.   The rapid double ringing of the telephone startled her from her reverie.  She quickly got up and went to answer it.

    "Hello?"  she replied, with uncertainty.

    "Hello, soon to be, Mrs. Steele." 

    Laura's heart raced when she heard the deep voice over the line.  "What are you up to, Mr. Steele?"  

    "Thinking about you."

    "I was just doing the same thing.  Where are you?"  Laura asked when she heard muffled male voices in the background.

    "In Monte Carlo.   Daniel arranged a bachelor/gambling party for me.  I've just about lost my bloody shirt.  Don't be fooled by that quiet, innocent demeanor, Rene is a cut throat card shark!"  Remington whispered conspiratorially.

    Laura laughed, and sank against the chaise lounge by the phone. 

    "So, what presents did you get?"  Remington inquired.

    "You knew about the bridal shower, too?" Laura laughed.  "How did everyone manage to keep that a secret?" 

    "I only kept it a secret because I didn't know.  Daniel filled me in only a short time ago."  

    "We're blessed to have such a close knit group of people that care about us, Remington." 

    "You're right.  I can't imagine where we'd be without Felecia, Daniel and Mildred butting in."  

    "I know.  We probably wouldn't be here, now," Laura concluded.  "We owe them a great deal."

    "Nervous?" 

    "Well, I do have a few twitches here and there, but I suppose that's normal," Laura replied.

    "Me too.  Mostly I'm just...extremely relieved that things worked out for us.  There were so many bloody obstacles over the years.  I didn't think we'd overcome them all."  

    Laura smiled with relief.  "But we did."  

    "Yes, we did."  

    "Ok, loverboy, enough gushing on the phone.  You'll be seeing her in a few hours, so say goodbye,"  Milo said, loudly.

    "That's the telephone police.  They're getting quite rabid over here."  Remington spoke loudly into the phone.

    "I can tell.  Well, enjoy the rest of your evening and don't overdue it,"  Laura warned.

    "I shant be too much longer, and fear not, nothing will keep this Prince Valiant from declaring his declarations of love to his blushing damsel," Remington promised.

    Laura's face beamed with pleasure.  "I love you."  

    "And I love you.  Sweet dreams, Laura,"  Remington whispered in her ear.

    Laura hang up, and almost floated to the bed.  She couldn't believe that in less than 10 hours, she'd be Mrs. Remington Steele.  She laughed aloud when she thought how not many women got to truly pick their own last names.

A few hours later...

    From the moment dawn broke, Laura was besieged by visitors.  Felecia led the pack when she swept into her room, pulled the curtains aside, and yanked the covers back.

    "I pity your children,"   Laura said, sleepily.

    "Believe me darling, they're used to it by now,"  Undaunted, Felecia smiled.  "Rise and shine, Lisa, we've got a wedding to attend!"  Felecia bubbled with glee as Laura's mother and sister rushed in.

    It wasn't long before Laura was bathed, perfumed, lotioned, coiffed, adorned, stockinged and bedecked.  She didn't think she could take another teary eye as her bridal party swarmed around her alternating between crying, laughing, cooing and exclaiming how beautiful she looked.  When Laura thought she'd reached the end of her rope, her mother shooed everyone out for a few moments of privacy with her daughter.  Abigail helped Laura with the finishing touches on her appearance.

    "How did you know I needed some quiet time?"  Laura uttered with relief.

    "I'm your mother dear, I know everything." Abigail choked back tears.  "Oh Laura, darling, you look wonderful.  You're a beautiful bride, and you'll make an even better wife.   Remington is quite fortunate to be gaining a lovely, smart, talented woman like you.  I can't believe my baby is finally getting married.  Believe me, I thought this day would never come.  Now that it's here...I wanted you to know how incredibly proud I am of you, Laura.  Though I don't say it often, you are so special to me, and I love you darling," Abigail sniffed.

    Laura stood up from the vanity, and turned to embrace her mother.  "Oh mom, that's the best thing you've ever said to me,"  she croaked.

    "I meant every word.  Now don't cry, dear, you'll ruin your makeup," Abigail warned. "and Felecia's dream team will have to start from scratch." 

    "Oh, goodness, no!"  Laura wailed.

    Abigail kissed her daughter on the forehead, and quietly slipped out the room.  Alone, Laura sat back at the vanity and looked at her reflection in the mirror.  She looked the part of a blushing bride from head to toe.  She'd chosen a simple, elegant design that had a scooped neckline and short sleeves.  The gown was straight and hugged her body all the way to the floor.  The train was detachable at the waist and flowed out behind her in a small train of tulle and lace.  Her mother had given her the pearl necklace and earrings that she and Francis had worn at their weddings.  Felecia had given her a dark blue lace garter that reminded her of Remington's eyes.  Mildred had tearfully given her a new three rowed pearl bracelet that fastened with a diamond clasp.   She looked in the mirror and calmly surveyed her appearance a final time.

    "I'm as ready as a bride will ever be,"  Laura said, aloud.  "Goodbye, Laura Holt.  It's been quite a ride,"  she whispered and headed for the door.

    A white limo awaited to escort the bridal party to the church.  The women chatted about various things, but Laura was oblivious.  She looked out the window and lost herself in her own thoughts.   When they arrived at the church, her mother asked if she was all right.

    "As icy calm as I'll ever be." 

    Felecia squeezed her hand.  "Well, if that's the case darling, let's go get your man." 

***

    Mr. and Mrs. Remington Steele took their place in the middle of the terrace and when the musicians began playing, they danced their first ceremonial waltz.

    "Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you look, Mrs. Steele?"  Remington whispered in her ear.

    "Only six times, but who's counting?"  Laura giggled.

    "Have I told you how drop dead gorgeous you look, Mr. Steele?"  Laura countered.

    "Repeatedly, but I never tire of hearing it,"  Remington said, wickedly.

    "We did it!  I can't believe everything went off without a hitch.  No guns firing, no bullets whizzing, nobody trying to chase us.  You can't believe how long I held my breath while the minister asked if anyone objected to this union."  Laura remarked.

    "I'd have strung up anyone that dared open their mouths," Remington growled in her ear.

    "I just can't believe we're married.  You and I are legally joined together in matrimony,"  Laura said, dreamily.

    "Just wait until later my darling wife, we'll be as joined as two can be,"  he promised.

    Two hours later, Laura and Remington had taken more pictures than the law allowed,  toasted so much they were pickled, and smiled more than a campaigning politician.  When they were finally ready to depart for their honeymoon, they gathered the wedding party together to give them their heartfelt thanks for all that had been done to get them back together.  Their friends and family wished them well, and sent them off under a hail of rose petals and cheers.

    Sometime later, Laura and Remington were ensconced in the honeymoon suite at the famed Hotel de Paris.   Remington was eagerly awaiting the return of his bride.  She had disappeared into the bathroom twenty minutes prior, and he hadn't seen her since.  It had given him time to change into his lounging pajamas, light candles, open a bottle of the hotel's finest champagne, and have room service deliver their dinner.  When he was just contemplating sending up a flare signal, the door opened and Laura came out.

    She was wearing the nightgown her sister had given her.  Her hair was piled on top of her head in loose curls.  She stopped short of Remington and studied him openly.  He was wearing dark gray silk pajama bottoms and a matching robe that was open and revealed his hairy chest.  She noted that he looked just as appealing now as he did the night her house was blown up and she'd spent the night with him.  Remington walked over to the table that was set up by the fireplace and poured out two glasses of champagne.  He returned and handed her a glass.

    "To my exquisite new bride, whom I love beyond reason, and will thank God every morning that I wake to her lovely face." 

    "And to Remington.  The most intriguing man I've ever known, and could ever hope to call my husband.  I'll love you always,"  Laura promised tearfully.

    They clinked their glasses and drank their champagne.  Remington took Laura's free hand and guided her to their table.  When he'd seated her, he sat down across the table and stared at her.

    "You're so damn beautiful, Laura.  I don't think you've ever looked better to me than right here--right now,"  he said, with feeling.

    Laura blushed under his intense stare and unabashed compliment.  "Thank you.  I was thinking earlier that you look as good now as you did the night my house was destroyed.  I wanted you so much that night, and I'm happy to say that feeling is so much stronger now."

    Remington picked up her hand and kissed her palm.  He turned it over and gazed at her wedding rings.  "It's odd looking at your hand and seeing those rings there,"  he said in wonder.

    "I know.  I keep staring down to make sure they're really there,"  she laughed.

    "They're there all right, and I want to see them there every day for the rest of my life,"  Remington said, softly.

    After dinner, Laura pulled Remington onto their balcony to look at the lights of Monte Carlo below them.  She sighed in pure bliss when he wrapped his arms around her.

    "Happy?"  he asked her.

    "As if there was any doubt?" 

    "I'm glad, but it does get better than this,"  he replied, leading her back into their suite.

    "Oh really?  Mmm, you've got my interest peaked." 

    Disappearing into their dressing room, Remington returned carrying a small box.  Lowering his wife to the couch, he handed her the wrapped box.  Laura looked at the shiny silver gift wrap and smiled.   Slowly, she began peeling away the tape holding it securely against the box.

    "Laura,"  Remington warned.

    "What?  It's just so pretty I don't want to..." she protested.

    The raised eyebrow Remington gave her spoke volumes.  Laura closed her eyes and ripped the paper off the box.

    "Thank you!  I shudder when I think of how long you'll be opening the rest of our wedding gifts," Remington said dryly.

    Laura poked him before returning her concentration toward her present.  Eventually, she opened the box and pulled out a gold ID bracelet.  It was almost identical to the one Remington wore.  It was smaller in size and when Laura looked at the inside, small elegant writing caught her eye.  It had their wedding date and three words:  Truly, Deeply, Madly."

    "Oh Remington, it's gorgeous.  I'll treasure it always!"  Laura vowed hugging him to her.

    "I'm glad you like it,"  he said, slightly embarrassed by his sentimentality.

    "Wait, I've got something for you, too," She replied hopping up from the couch.  She disappeared into the bedroom and returned carrying a larger box.

    Unlike Laura, Remington pounced on the box ripping the wrapping paper to shreds.  When piles of wrapping and tissue paper lay around him Remington stared at a small black and white photo in a silver picture frame.  Laura saw his lip quiver and water well up in his eyes.

    "Oh my God, Laura.  Is this..." he croaked.

    "Yes darling,"  Laura quietly confirmed.  "It's her."

    Remington stared through eyes heavy with unshed tears at a picture of Daniel and his mother.  His fingers shakily caressed the outline of her image as his brain etched her into his memory.  The woman in the photo was almost as tall as Daniel with wavy hair and a smile that washed over her features.  It mesmerized him.  He could tell her eyes were light and her hair was dark.

    "Daniel told me you were Briget's image.  I see he didn't exaggerate." 

    "But...how did you get this?"  Remington said, in a tremulous voice.

    "I spoke with Daniel about it weeks ago.  After some searching on his valet's part, it was found and mailed here.  I had it framed."

    "Thank you Laura,  My God, from the bottom of my heart," Remington squeezed her tightly.

    "I can't take all the credit," Laura protested.

    "Still, you thought enough of me to orchestrate it.  You'll never know how much this picture means to me.   I can finally see the mother I never knew,"  he said, sadly.

    Laura just held him.  After a few moments, Remington sat up and his lips sought hers.  He kissed her first with gratitude, and then with increasing passion.   Laura responded like a lantern that had just been lit.  Her passion flickered and then turned into a raging flame.  She melted against him and returned his kisses with equal ardor.  Remington's hands roamed over the diaphanous gown she was wearing.  It felt as soft as her skin, but it was a hindrance nonetheless.

    "Laura, you look like a goddess in this gown but..." he said heavily.

    "It's in the way?"  Laura surmised.

    "Hell yes,"  Remington agreed as he stood her up and slowly relieved her of it.

    Laura had to stifle a laugh as she remembered her sister's words.  When he laid it gently on the couch behind them she laughed in earnest.

    "What's so funny?"   Remington asked.

    "Francis told me you'd love it--but lob it,"  Laura's voice shook with mirth.

    "Oh, I see.  Well, there's much to be said for patience isn't there, Laura?"  he said deeply.

    Laura didn't mistake his meaning.   "Yes, Remington, there is."   

    She put her hands on his shoulders and slid his robe down to the floor.  Her fingers roamed over his body of their own accord.

    "I'd almost given up on ever being able to do this,"  Laura admitted in a voice thick with need.

    "Don't despair darling, you have license to undress me whenever you like--you always have." 

    Laura smiled and moved her hands to the waistband of his silk pants.  She slowly eased them down and when they were in a pile at his feet, she bent down to retrieve them.  In one swift motion Laura threw them across the room.

    "So much for patience,"   Laura said, seductively.

    "Laura, what will poor Francis say of your exuberance?"  he teased.

    "That a girl!"  Laura mimicked in Francis' perky voice.

    Remington laughed and swooped Laura up in his arms.  She wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him passionately.  Every time Remington went to break away she'd pull his lips back to hers.

    "Laura, how am I supposed to see where I'm headed?" he asked between kisses.

    "Just keep walking straight until you hit something," she replied.

    "Actually, it's until you hit something.  You're in front of me, remember?"  Remington informed her.

    "So I'll live dangerously,"  Laura remarked boldly claiming his lips for another kiss.

    They made it to the bedroom without incident.  Remington gently placed Laura in the middle of the bed and followed her.

    "I'll bet this room is breathtaking,"  Laura said to her husband with a lustful stare.

    "I'll bet it is, but right now I only have eyes for you my lovely bride,"  Remington ground out and sought out her neck.

    "Good answer,"  Laura moaned burying her hands in his hair.

    They explored each other with wild abandon until their passion had transcended thought and reason.  They were delirious with the need to consummate their long, long, overdue desire for each other.

    "Laura, I can't hold up much longer,"  Remington gasped in her ear.

    "Nor can I.  The appetizer's over, skip the salad and go straight to the main course...please,"  Laura begged.

    "Oh, I love it when you talk food,"  Remington moaned and rolled over on top of his wife.

    He paused in his onslaught long enough to smooth the hair from Laura's eyes and gain her attention.

    "I love you, Laura and I feel like I've waited for this moment for an eternity,"  Remington said in a barely controlled voice. 

    "Me too.  I'm sorry I kept you..."

    "Don't, darling.  No recriminations.  Not now, not ever," he said, kissing her lips. "The slate's clean, remember?" 

    She shook her head.  Tears slid down her face.  She loved this man so much her insides hurt.  Rational conversation was over.  They showed each other with their bodies just how much they meant to each other.

    Remington thought he'd shrivel up and die the moment he entered Laura.  Her body felt so incredibly inviting he knew he'd never get a welcome as good as this one for as long as he lived.  He briefly recalled Daniel's words about finding the one woman that fit him perfectly and as Laura's body expanded and accommodated him--he knew he'd found her.

    Laura was trying to keep the emotions flooding her at bay, but they were just too strong.  She felt something so powerful when they joined that she instantly knew she'd never felt such a thing before, and would never feel like this with anyone, but him.  It was a sobering realization for Laura but she refused to become afraid.  Remington would never leave her.  She knew she couldn't feel this intense alone.  The thought that he was right with her comforted her and allowed her to relax and give herself over to the pleasure their bodies and souls were creating.

    With each decisive thrust, Remington transported Laura closer and closer to Nirvana.  Laura moaned affirmations of love so much her throat was dry.  Remington returned each declaration and continued pulling her along with him until at last, he was able to push them both overboard in a sea of pure bliss and contentment.

Some time later...

    "I think this is the moment I tell you how incredible that was, how this has never, ever happened before and how I love you so much I want to father your children,"  Remington gasped, raggedly.

    "I think this is the moment I tell you how incredible you've just made me feel, how my body is singing on the inside, how I want nothing more than to make love with you till I die, and produce a whole slew of beautiful babies.  But right now, I have enough energy to say two words,"   Laura breathed.

    "And what are they, my darling?"  Remington yawned sleepily.

    "LEG CRAMP!"   Laura yelled in his ear.

    Remington somehow found the energy to get off Laura and sit up.  As soon as he did, Laura bounded out of bed and walked around trying desperately to relieve the pain her constricting muscles were causing her.  Remington laid back against the pillows and surveyed his wife with interest.   She was howling in agony and cursing at the same time.

    "Would you like some help, darling?"  Remington said, sweetly.

    "No...I think it's subsiding."  Laura ground out in pain.

    Remington got out of bed and went to assist his wife.  He gently grabbed the offending limb and slowly, but efficiently, worked the protesting muscles until they relaxed.

    "Better?"  

    "Goodness yes.  Thank you!"  Laura said, in relief.

    "Anything for my bride," Remington kissed her cheek and stood up.

    "Now that was a wonderful conclusion to an unbelievable round of lovemaking,"  Laura said dryly, flopping on her stomach across the bed.

    "Wonderful and completely realistic, darling.  With us, how did you think it would turn out?"   Remington said seriously before lying down beside her.

    Laura looked at him a few seconds and burst out laughing.  "Touché."

    Remington traced his finger along her backside. "So, would you like to eat that cold, culinary masterpiece out there?" 

    "Mmm, I suppose we should," Laura said turning on her side toward him.  "I'd wager it's going to be a long night, Mr. Steele." 

    Remington looked at the view she afforded him and smiled wickedly.  "The longest ever, Mrs. Steele."    

The End.

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