Chapter Seven

Veronica

 

As much as I loved my sister, being stuck in a room with her, even a room in a castle, on the morning of her wedding, proved not to be my idea of fun. First, there was the hairdresser, determined to put my hair up using a band threaded with green foliage and tiny white fresh flowers.

“It’ll be a nightmare to remove,” I protested. My protests were ignored. I got no sympathy.

“Just be glad you haven’t got a veil and train to deal with as well.” Theresa had a point.

The next stage was makeup, something I didn’t wear except for work. Luckily, like me, Theresa hated too much, and I had to admit it was subtle. We took a break for a while, which turned out to be a mistake as the interrogation began immediately the others left. At least my mother wasn’t here, but I didn’t doubt she’d be getting as much out of Cass as she could.

“So,” Theresa said, handing me a glass of champagne, “tell me all about meeting her again. How did the weekend go? You didn’t say much over the phone.”

“Well, you know we met a couple of years ago in the States,” I teased.

“Yes, yes, I know all that and some other things.” Her raised eyebrows said enough of the other things I’d confided during that drunken conversation.

“The weekend was awesome.” I sighed. “We talked and did other things. We walked along the prom, went up the i360—which is amazing, by the way—went shopping and dancing. And she’s here with me. Oh, Theresa, I think I love her. I never expected to see her again, but now we have this chance to have a future together.”

“Are you sure she feels the same?”

Does she? Everything that’s happened over the last few weeks tells me she does. “I think so.”

“You sound doubtful.”

Am I? “Maybe I was, but she’s here, probably being interrogated by Mum at this very moment, which must prove something. I don’t want to take anything for granted. People aren’t always who they think they are. Relationships change.” Heat rushed to my face at the thought of the wonderful sex we’d had and how much I’d enjoyed spending time with her.

Theresa nodded sagely. “When I first met Marty, I thought he’d be one of those typical footballers who’re completely up themselves, but he isn’t. He’s so grounded and his family are wonderful.”

This would be the first time I’d met them, except for Marty’s sister, Helen, who was a staff nurse in London. I’d certainly never met a female firefighter like Marty’s mother.

“His dad is designing the garden at the new house for us. You’ll get an invite to the housewarming when we’re sorted, don’t worry. His older brother, Ally, who’s a social worker in Cornwall, and his middle brother, Steve, who’s also a firefighter, are already here. You’ll like them. I want everyone to get on. Did I tell you Marty’s working with me for this new charity we’ve set up with his club to get kids into reading, especially boys?”

“Sounds great,” I said.

“And Mum and Anna, Marty’s mum, are thick as thieves. I can’t believe how well everyone gets on with each other.”

“Sounds perfect,” I said.

She stared at me. “I know it’s hard to believe, but it is perfect, Veronica. I adore them all.”

I took her hands in mine. “I’m sorry. I am thrilled for you. Really. I know how happy he makes you.” The happiness did shine out of her. The door opened, interrupting the moment and both mothers came bustling in, already dressed and made-up for the occasion.

“We’ve brought a couple of sandwiches to keep you going. I see you’ve both hit the booze already.” Mum put the plate on the sideboard. “You both need to eat before you get dressed. Anna, this is my other daughter, Veronica.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Anna,” I said, holding out my hand. Her grip was firm, probably a result of holding all those hoses. “Theresa has told me so much about you. All good, I should add.” I didn’t dare ask how Mum had got on with Cass, but she spoke first.

“I like her,” she said, talking to me while Anna talked to Theresa. “Cass. She has a sensible head on her shoulders. I think she’ll be good for you and give you what you need.” She gazed at me, her eyes wide, and I knew that, somehow, she knew. My face flushed with heat. Had Theresa told her of our conversation? I side-eyed her, and she shook her head, having obviously overheard.

“I’m glad.” I spluttered, nearly spitting out my sandwich. “She’s been though a lot in her life.” I’d told her the basics of Cass’ background.

“She has. You could both do with some fun, and if there’s more to it, all the better. She said she’d pop in before the ceremony to see you dressed.”

I nodded. “Thanks for looking after her. Did you get shown around?”

“We did.” She explained the place and its history to us until it was time to change into our outfits. Once we were done, Theresa and I stood in front of both older women. Tears ran down their faces.

“You look so beautiful,” Anna said.

Theresa had chosen a full dress with longer sleeves in white lace to match the yoke and train. Her bouquet contained white and orange flowers with greenery woven through. My dress, in green, fitted perfectly. The door burst open and two bundles of energy rushed in ready to pounce on the bride until their grandmother held them off. They were already dressed. Their mother appeared and took hold of a hand from each.

“You two look gorgeous,” Theresa said, bending to their level. “Like two princesses.”

“Am I okay to come in?”

I glanced at the door. Cass stood there in her outfit. I knew she’d be wearing the lingerie underneath I’d bought for her.

“You look wonderful,” I said.

“You do too.” I needed to stop staring. “You’ve met my mum, and this is Anna, Marty’s mum, and Angela, Marty’s sister-in-law, and finally these two scamps are Carly and Maisie. It’s okay, you won’t be expected to remember all the names,” I assured her. She looked shell-shocked.

“I’ll get to the ceremony and see you after,” she said.

I followed her outside and kissed her. “You do look stunning.”

“You too. I hope the best man knows he has no chance with the chief bridesmaid.”

“Don’t worry, he does, and I don’t think he’d be interested in me anyway—he’s gay too. I’ll see you for the first dance.”

The wedding was beautiful, with so many tears of happiness. The food was scrumptious and even the speeches were funny. By the time the dancing started, several people had already consumed too much alcohol. The groom swept his bride onto the dance floor first.

“Mum,” I explained to Cass as the words and music of All of my Life filled the space. “She loves this song.” I held out my hand. “Dance with me?”

Cass hesitated and glanced around. “I’ve never danced with another woman on an occasion like this.”

“Then I’m honored your first time will be with me.” And I was. Being here, at my sister’s wedding, with my mother and others looking on, sent a warm glow through my body. I took her hand and pulled her into my arms. We moved to the music as others joined the happy couple on the floor, oblivious to their presence. I only cared about being there with her, knowing how right it felt to have her in my arms, knowing now I couldn’t bear the thought of her being with anyone else other than me, that I loved her. Maybe I’d always loved her.

For the rest of the evening, we danced with each other, with others, to slow and to fast and even to the ridiculous. The sight of all those people doing Y.M.C.A. reduced us to giggling fools. By eleven, the bride and groom had slipped away to their room in the tower, away from the crowds. People started to drift away to their cars and taxis, until only the family members staying at the castle remained.

Cass leaned toward me. “Let’s go upstairs before we’re too tired for anything else. You haven’t seen what’s underneath this dress.”

I licked my lips. “You haven’t seen me either. I treated myself too.”

She groaned and took my hand. I waved at the others as we passed them. We’d both removed our shoes to take the steps to our room until we finally stood on the other side of the door, staring at the four-poster bed with its ornate headboard perfectly designed for holding on to. I knew exactly what I had in mind and hoped Cass would agree with my plans.

“I want to see,” I said.

“Do you indeed? And what is it you’d like to see?” She giggled. God, I could drown in those eyes. I ached with need. She grasped the hem of her dress and slowly lifted it over her thighs, revealing her panties. I put a finger into my mouth and sucked on it.

“Who’s teasing who here?” she asked. I didn’t answer, just gestured with my other hand for her to continue. She raised the dress farther until it reached the edge of the basque-like bra, revealing the myriad colors in the central section.

“More,” I whispered, enjoying the sensation of control I usually gave up. Somehow the dynamic had changed between us. Cass lifted the whole dress over her head, threw it over the nearest chair and stood facing me. She performed a slow twirl.

“Well, are you pleased with your purchase?”

I nodded. “You look stunning.” I turned. “Unzip me.” She did and I stepped out of my dress, taking care to fold it carefully before putting over the same chair. Underneath, I wore the green lingerie I’d chosen.

“You too,” she said.

We faced each other. Cass reached around and undid my bra, slipped the straps from each shoulder then eased down my panties, leaving me naked. I removed the decorated hairband and shook my hair over my shoulders.

“So, these plans,” she said, licking her lips.

“I thought you might like to take advantage of the substantial headboard,” I said. “I want you astride my face so I can feel you surrounding me.” I’d always loved this, sticking out my tongue as Cass moved over me—smell, taste and touch combined.

“If you’re sure,” she said.

I moved and lay on the bed. “I’m sure.” She removed her panties and undid the few top hooks of the bra, letting her breasts spill out a little. “You remember the signal if I get carried away?”

I nodded.

She edged forward until she sat above my face. I breathed in deeply. I longed to taste her. She lowered herself until I could take her clit between my lips.

“Oh yes, just like that,” she said, leaning forward and grabbing the top of the headboard. I licked and sucked, drinking her in, loving the wetness on my face, wanting to go deeper and deeper, to drown in her. I slipped one hand backward and pushed a couple of fingers inside her then out again, fucking her. She moved and moaned, and I kept pace with her.

“Close,” she cried and tensed around me, lifting herself so only the tip of my tongue reached. She contracted around my fingers, her breath coming in pants, until she called my name and sank down, letting me lick her through the waves until she could stand no more and rolled away from me. She held out her arm, still recovering from her orgasm, and I tucked myself under it with my head on her still-heaving breast. I licked my fingers.

“Wow,” she said, turning slightly to face me. “You’re so good at that.”

“Can’t help myself,” I said. “Guess I’ve an oral fixation.” I licked my lips and glanced at her nipple, now dark pink and engorged. I longed to touch the nub and roll my tongue over it.

“Can I?” I asked.

“Later. I want to suck you first and make you squirm under my touch.” She rearranged us, lifting my arm and latching on to my nipple.

“Harder,” I said. “You know I need more.” Cass nipped me and I groaned. She slipped her hand between my thighs and found my clit.

“Please,” I said. “Just suck and rub.” I had the feeling this wouldn’t take long. I was soaking already.

She nipped and bit at my breast, hard enough to leave marks. I arched, wanting more, needing a slight hint of pain. My body tensed as small waves began to hit. I held my breath, waiting each time for the wave to crest, but each time it subsided only to rise again until I was desperate but then again not—wanting to hit that high but wanting the feeling to continue. Finally, every sensation gathered inside me burst out. I let out a small scream.

“Yes, oh yes.” She continued until I could stand no more and I moved my hand over hers. I relaxed, settling back on the bed, still panting. Cass kissed me as if wanting to feel what I felt. I still tasted of her. She pulled away and gazed at me.

“I love watching you come,” she said.

“I love you watching me.” I yawned. It had been the perfect end to a perfect day. “I hope I wasn’t too loud.”

She grinned. “Who cares? Anyway, these walls are thick. Thank you for inviting me today. Your family are lovely.”

I yawned again. She stroked my face. “Time for sleep, pet.”

I laid my head on her chest and closed my eyes, knowing this was what I wanted every night and hoping Cass felt the same.

 

* * * *

 

Breakfast was noisy, despite the sore heads. Goodbyes were made with promises to see one another again soon. Then it was all over and somehow, we were back outside Cass’ block of flats.

“When will I see you again?” I asked, holding her hand.

“Whenever you want,” she replied, her other hand on the car door.

I needed to speak. “Look, this might be too soon, but I don’t want to say goodbye today. We’ve lost so much time already. Move in with me. I have enough room. If life has taught me one thing, it’s to grasp onto happiness when you find it, and you make me happy.” I smirked. “You make me lots of other things too.”

She turned toward me and held both my hands. “I’d love to move in with you.”

I stared at her, not sure I’d heard right. “Did you just say yes?”

She nodded. “I did. All my life I’ve never let anyone get under my skin, never taken a chance on love, but you managed to sneak in. Even after two years, I couldn’t forget you. I don’t intend to let you go. So yes, I’ll move in with you whenever you want. Now, if you want. There’s no time like the present. I don’t want to waste a minute.”

“I love you.” The words burst out of me.

She pulled me into a hug. “And I love you too,” she whispered. “I’m going upstairs to pack a case. Wait for me.”

“Forever,” I said, amazed but so happy.

She opened the door, leapt out of her seat and hurried up the steps. In the car, I hugged myself. Thousands of plans flitted through my head of where we could go and what we could do. Don’t run before you walk. But I didn’t care. Cass loved me. In a few minutes we’d be driving home. To our home. And nothing else mattered.