The lush garden surrounds an elegant white gazebo. There are cascading floral arrangements that are draped gracefully over the lattices. Not to mention the sweet scent in the warm air. And beneath the canopy of flowers, I stand with Liam. We are gazing into each other’s eyes as our family and friends gather around us. Everyone is dressed at their finest, chattering excitedly amongst themselves while sipping champagne and nibbling on mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres. My mother is wiping away a tear as she looks at us. My father is beaming proudly at her side. With all our relatives around us, this is a far cry from when we had our first wedding. “Ready?” Liam asks beside me, his voice full of tender reassurance. I nod, my eyes shining with happiness and love. “Friends and family,” the officiant begins. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment of Liam and Cassie. Today, they choose to renew their vows, solidifying their bond and reaffirming their devotion to on
It’s already late in the afternoon when the four of us, Liam, Lukas, Andy and me, start the stroll through the bustling market in Morocco. All the vibrant colors, the tantalizing scents and cacophony of voices are overwhelming. Andy seems to enjoy everything, and she has become very curious. Once, she even asks what the two locals are doing. I explain to her that they are haggling over prices. And every time she sees some exotic wares, she will clap her hands in delight. Something that never fails to put a grin on Lukas’ face. “Mom! Stunning!” Andy exclaims as she points to a beautifully embroidered scarf. Liam chuckles. “It is. You can take what you like, Andy.” Andy squeals and pulls Lukas with her into the shop. On the other hand, Liam takes one scarf and drapes the fabric around my neck. He gazes at my face and whispers, “It really is stunning.” I blush, especially when last night was very hot—too passionate, in fact, that I wasn’t able to get up until it was close to lunch.
I chop vegetables for dinner as I note the instructions Lukas jotted down for our dinner. Liam enters the room, wraps his arms around my waist, and playfully nuzzles my neck. “Guess who?” he whispers, his breath tickling my skin. “Could it be... my handsome husband?” I tease. I turn in his embrace, meeting his lips with a sweet kiss before returning to my task. “Any updates on our lovebirds?” Liam asks, referring to Lukas and Alinn. “Actually, they went on a date yesterday evening,” I respond. “I think things are getting more serious between them.” “Good for them,” Liam says sincerely. He leans against the counter, watching me. “Remember how nervous we were when we first started dating?” “Of course,” I laugh. “We are so nervous that we shared a kiss during that same day and even made love when the evening came.” He laughs. “But look at us now. I want to ravish you every time I lay my eyes on you.” I caress his cheeks. “And we’ll do that once we are done with food and shower,” I
********* A FEW YEARS LATER *********** I run my hand over my bulging stomach, savoring the warmth of the afternoon sun as it filters through the living room window. I am close now. The doctor says that any day this week I will give birth to a boy. Nearby, Lukas and Alinn teach Andy how to play a new board game, while Liam hovers close by and places snacks and drinks on the table. “Are you okay? Anything you need?” Liam asks. I grin at him. “I need my husband to sit beside me and hold my hand.” Liam’s face softens, and he nods, quickly making his way over to the couch beside me. As he sits down, he takes my hand in his, his fingers lacing through mine. I lean into him, my head resting on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around me, holding me close and kissing my forehead. This time, I am not afraid. Because now, I feel safe and loved, surrounded by the people who mean the most to me. We will move forward, because we know now, that we are unstoppable together. ********* ANOTHER FEW
I can feel pure excitement bubbling up inside me as I dash through the school corridor to my boyfriend’s classroom. The clock says I still have one hour before our date — a planned romantic dinner at a nearby restaurant. But I can’t wait for us to be together! Honestly, I am ecstatic. It is my thirtieth birthday and our sixth monthsary. I have my own house and own a car. I have investments, some savings and a stable job. Mark, my boyfriend, is also a teacher like me. It’s a simple life, but all in all, life is pretty good. My mother is right, simple things are always the sweetest. Moreover, maybe now, after six months, we can take a step further in our relationship. I can finally offer myself to a man. It’s been long due. I’ve been a virgin for three decades of my life. It’s not that I am adamant about keeping it until my wedding day, but I just don’t find the right time or the right man to lose it to. I just can’t go on a trip and give it for free, right? Just the idea of it makes m
I stop the engine and step out of my car. My hands are shaking as I place the keys in my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I traipse across the parking lot towards the reception of the police station. “Where’s Mr. Ellis?!” I ask, my heart pounding. The woman on the desk raises her eyes at me. Still, she answers, “He’s in his office. Don’t come in now. They are pretty busy.” “When can I come in then?” I ask politely this time. “Maybe in two hours.” “But it’s just 6.30 pm.” “Then come back at 8.30 pm. This is a police station. There are times when this place gets too busy.” I grunt, and yet, I move away from the desk. “Fine, I will return at 8.30 pm. Should I wait there?” “Yes. I will inform him that someone is waiting for him. So, may I ask your name?” “Miss Cassie Curtis.” “Oh, you are that prodigy teacher!” I stop myself from rolling my eyes. I don’t like being called like that, so I say, “I am not. I am just an average teacher.” “I heard about you from my daughter. She’s happ
Suddenly, his kisses become more insistent. Every time I try to catch my breath, he pulls me to him and kisses me again. It is disconcerting. I have never been kissed like this before. Did he… Maybe he and Hilda are no longer having sex? Maybe she’s always with my asshole ex-boyfriend and when she’s home, she’s already too tired to take care of his desires? Well then, Mrs. Hilda. You don’t have to worry because I will take good care of your husband. And so I snake my fingers on the back of his neck and pull him closer to me. I press my chest against him and he groans at the gesture. Suddenly, he lifts me, and I squeal. I wrap my legs around his waist and kiss him again. He’s a great kisser. No chaste kisses from him. I feel like I am being devoured and I like to do the same with him. So, I did. Before long, I learn to play with his tongue. I learn how to allow him to scour my mouth. More importantly, I understand what it means to ‘deepen’ a kiss. When I am dropped on the bed, I rea
It has become common knowledge that the charming Mr. Mark and me are no longer together. However, there are no rumors of the reason. No reputation damage on Hilda as well. All I know is that Mark is reaching out to me to fix our relationship. I said that we were off the instant I caught him cheating. All he said was that Hilda was already his secret lover even before I came into his life. It’s supposed to be their last sex, their last goodbye, because… according to him, he plans to live his life with me. The idiot! Who would f*ucking believe him?! I snort. I may, or may not, destroy Hilda, or my ex-boyfriend. I am still thinking about it, especially after that recent misstep at the police station and the hotel afterward. Who, in their right mind, would think that a man wearing really expensive casual clothes is a police officer? He also smells of fancy perfumes! Something that a provincial salary will not be able to cover! I groan. That’s exactly because I am not in the right mind!