6 comments/ 10048 views/ 2 favorites One Piece at a Time By: EmeraldKitten The double doors of the church stood open, and a man outside was greeting people as they walked up. Kelly tossed her blonde hair behind her shoulder, and thought, 'Here goes nothing.' She could hear the piano playing and people singing as she approached. The man said good morning to her, and she replied with a smile. As she walked up the stairs, people came into view. The parishioners were milling about, talking, singing, greeting one another. One by one they saw her, and one by one they froze for a moment before greeting her warmly. Kelly felt tears sting her eyes. She was welcomed back into the fold. After she sat down, she glanced around as she sang, smiling and giving a small wave to those she recognized. She was a little early, so the people she dreaded and longed to see hadn't yet arrived. Betty, the woman playing the piano and singing, switched to a different song, and as she played the intro, she asked, "It's a beautiful morning. Have you thanked God for it yet?" It was answered by most everyone. Some said, "Amen", others said, "Yes, yes, thank you Lord." Betty again spoke, "Remember, when you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on. The Lord will help you always. He will be your friend when no one else will." Again, the congregation replied. The Pastor added, "If you're a hundred steps away from the Lord, if you take that first step, He will take the other ninety-nine." Betty began singing, and the church sang with her. Some clapped, some tapped their feet. Kelly's head tipped down and she shut her eyes. 'Lord, please help me with what I'm about to do today. Give me the strength to say what needs said, and help me win forgiveness. Please. Amen.' "Kelly. Gracious, I didn't expect to see you this morning." A man's jovial voice spoke at her side. "Hello, Papaw. How have you been?" Kelly stood, and she gave him a quick hug. He held onto her arms, and set her back from him slightly. "I've been good.. You look wonderful. You've lost quite a bit of weight!" "I have. About fifty pounds so far." "That's wonderful! Why are you here?" Papaw's eyes were shrewd. He knew something was in the air. "I've come for forgiveness. I figured this was the best place to get it." Kelly smiled at her ex-fiancé's grandfather. "You know, you're probably right. I don't think it's forgiveness from the Lord you're talking about, is it." It was a statement. "No. Does he still come?" "Oh yes, Rick still comes, and so does Pam. Every week. You know, Rick has gotten pretty involved with the church since.. Well, you know." "I know." Pam was Rick's mother, and they were due to arrive any second. "Just between us, I understand why you couldn't do it. I've talked to God, and I understand. I forgive you. I think Rick will too. Pam does already, but she's still hurt over how it all turned out, you know. You want him back?" "I do." "Then if he is being stubborn, Pam and I will talk some sense into him. If it's meant to be, which I think it is, everything will work out. God will gather the pieces, because he knows the master design. Let's pray." "Thank you." Kelly felt tears sting her eyes again. "Heavenly Father, help these young people see the truth. Help them work through their differences, and strengthen them Lord, give them the clarity to see what's right in front of them. Lord, we pray that stubbornness and pride won't cloud judgment, and that they can find happiness. One piece at a time, Lord. If it's not meant to be, it won't. In your precious name, Lord, we pray. Amen." "Amen." "Here they come." Papaw made a quick retreat, heading off to meet them by the doors. Kelly sat down with her back erect and her neck uncomfortably stiff, with her hands folded in her lap. She began singing, needing something to do to keep her mind focused. Hearing their approach, she sensed more than heard the hesitation in their step. She had been spotted. Her head turned on it's own accord, and she looked up into the deep brown eyes of the man she had left standing at the altar, in this very church, one year ago this very day. "Welcome back." The two simple words struck Kelly right in the sternum. He looked angry, and he looked hurt. He didn't mean it. Pam however, stood in the pew in front of her and gave her a tight squeeze. "I've missed you." "I've missed you too." Kelly blinked back tears, and she looked into the face of a woman she admired so, but had hurt so deeply. "I'm sorry." "I know." Kelly turned her gaze to Rick. She watched his eyes flash with a million different emotions, and she swore his chin trembled for a moment. Tears slipped over her eyelids and she blinked, keeping her eyes shut for a moment, gathering her strength. When she opened them, Rick was still looking at her with an indiscernible expression on his face, but he sat down beside her. That small gesture said more than any words could. He was on his way to forgiving her. Pam sat on the other side of her, and Papaw sat beside Rick. Together they sang, prayed, and listened to the service. Kelly hadn't felt so light in a long time. She smiled, feeling the wonder of the glorious day, feeling renewed within her soul. Betty sang 'Amazing Grace', and Kelly felt tears again. Finally, she broke down and let herself sob quietly. Pam put her arm around her and rubbed her back gently. Once her tears stopped, Pam gave her a squeeze, and put her arm back down to her side. Kelly smiled her thanks, then looked back up to the pastor, who was finishing his point. "God gave his son to us. Gave him up for us. If He is willing to do that, what else will He do? I want everyone to think about that. How profound that is. Look at your brothers and sisters, and think, what would you do for them? Love one another, help one another, and above all, don't judge each other, and be sure to forgive." The pastor looked around. "You're dismissed, have a wonderful day, thank you for coming!" He took off to the back of the sanctuary reading to shake hands with everyone as they left. Pam and Papaw started talking, but Rick and Kelly stayed put for a moment. She looked at his hands as he rubbed them absently on the thighs of his pants. "Pastor Dave is as entertaining as ever." Kelly finally looked at Rick's face. "Yeah. I've gotten to know him pretty well. He's an awesome guy. He truly cares about people." "Of course he does, he's a preacher." Kelly joked. Miracle of all miracles, Rick's mouth twitched into a smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He looked over at her and grabbed her hand. "Let's go." ~ "Why are you here?" Kelly hesitated. They had said their good byes, then headed out down the path behind the church. They walked through the cemetery, listening to the birds singing and feeling the sun on their faces. Rick had finally spoken, and Kelly didn't want to break the spell. She looked down at their linked hands and took a deep breath. "For forgiveness." "Do you know how bad you hurt me?" "I'm sure it was a lot. It hurt me too." "I packed all your stuff, expecting you to call, but I really wanted to burn it. You never called. I unpacked it all and put it back where it belonged. Your clothes are still hanging in my closet." Rick swallowed hard. Kelly was speechless. At the time, she thought she loved him more than he loved her. Apparently that hadn't been the case. "I did a lot of church things. I came to both services on Sunday, and on Wednesday night. I went to the men's group on Tuesdays, and the rest of the week was miserable. I needed God to explain to me why you left. I was angry. Betrayed. Embarrassed. And my heart was broken into a million pieces." Rick glanced over at her and stopped walking. "Did He have an answer?" Kelly met his gaze steadily. "He didn't, but He helped me see inside myself and I found the answer on my own. We'd been through so much, and were having a run of good times. You were afraid the bottom was going to fall out. My job wasn't very secure and things with mom were shaky. I think you panicked." "You're right." Kelly nodded her head. "I wish you would have talked to me. We could have held off. I wish you wouldn't have left me standing there with a church full of people and my heart on my sleeve." Rick's jaw tightened. "If I could go back and do things differently, I would. In a heartbeat." She sighed. "Rick, I stood there in my gown, my hair done, the veil trailing down my back, and I sobbed. I was so afraid. My make up was ruined, and I had wrung my hands so badly I mangled my bouquet. My mind just...sort of closed down, and the next thing I knew I was fifty miles away in my wedding dress, with a ruined batch of flowers in the passenger seat." "Kelly... I wish you could have talked to me.. Just called. Anything. I would have done anything to make it right. I wouldn't have forced you to marry me that day." "I know you wouldn't have. I was just terrified and on auto-pilot. I'm so sorry Rick, for everything. The fact you even looked at me today was amazing. I thank you for it." Kelly took a deep breath. "I wanted to knock you off the pew ya know. Just wham! See you hurting and embarrassed on the floor. Make you feel a tenth of what I felt. But God was in my ear quicker than my reflexes." Rick smiled. "I would have deserved it." Kelly took a deep breath. "So.. Was it only forgiveness you're after?" "No. Rick, I- well... I want you back. I want us to be together again. I've done a lot of soul searching myself this past year, and I know what I want. We were good together, when times were good anyway. I think we've both grown and matured, and I know that I am ready for a serious relationship again. With you." Taking a deep breath, she plunged on. "If you're not ready, or don't want it with me, just tell me now. I'll never speak to you again." For long moments, Rick's eyes searched her face. Kelly swallowed hard, unable to read the emotions in his eyes. Kelly's shoulders slumped. He wasn't going to go for it. She took a small step backwards. "Thanks for talking to me today Rick. It meant a lot. I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know." Kelly's eyes had dropped from his, and she turned quickly. Taking off, she jogged towards her car, stopping for a split second to take off her high heels. Then she ran. By the time she reached her vehicle, her face was wet with tears. Kelly took deep gasping breaths of air, trying to control her sobbing until she was at least in the car, but as she fumbled with her keys she was losing the battle. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her waist and she was spun away from her car. She looked up, squinting in the sunlight. "I didn't answer." Rick was breathing quickly from his morning jog also. Bringing both hands up, Kelly wiped her face as she sniffled. She didn't notice he had kept his arms around her. "So? Yes or no?" Another sniffle. So quickly that it didn't have time to register, Rick tipped his head and claimed her lips with his own. In the church parking lot, with the sun beating down on their heads with her back against the car, Rick kissed her with a years worth of hurt and longing. Kelly's arms went around his neck, and Rick leaned into her, pinning her to the car. After a few moments, he leaned back. "That enough answer for you?" Kelly was shaken, and couldn't form the thought to tell him it was. Rick smiled. It was a slow smile, formed from his heart. "So what now?" Kelly regained her wits, and flashed him a grin. "I have no idea." ~ The couple spent their time getting to know one another again. A year was a long time, and they'd both changed. Kelly was amazed at how much he had grown up. Everything happens for a reason, and she knew in her heart that had they gotten married a year ago, they probably wouldn't be together today. She joined Rick at church functions and services, and started going to the women's group on Tuesday nights. She hadn't realized how much she missed the people there. They were planning a summer festival, and Kelly threw herself into the preparations. With only a few weeks to go until the big day, the members were more than happy for her help. Between all the church work and real work, Rick and Kelly didn't have much time for alone time. Adult alone time. Kelly sort of felt like they should wait...but there was a part of her that remembered his kisses, the way his work-roughened hands felt on her body, how it felt to be claimed by him...but she always shook the thoughts off. It wasn't very appropriate. She was different now...but apparently, lust was her favorite sin. Rick had much the same thoughts. He wanted to lead by example, but every day it got harder and harder to resist Kelly...he wanted nothing more than to take her to bed. It helped that he wanted to go to bed with her and wake up next to her every day for the rest of his life...but it wasn't official yet. He was biding his time. ~ "What do you think about these decorations? The fellowship hall is so bare. Oh, remind me to go to the store and get the cake mixes. I've got to make about a million cupcakes for the festival." Kelly was talking a mile a minute, exited about the festival. It was two days away, and she wanted it to be perfect. "They're cute. I like them. I'm sure everyone else will too." "I hope so. I've got to go over after work tomorrow and put them up. Do you want to meet me over there?" Kelly put the banners and streamers and balloons back in the bags. "Sure." Rick was currently getting meat ready for the grill. They were at Kelly's house, ready to have dinner and watch a movie. Kelly moved to the counter and got the sack that held ears of corn from Papaw's garden. Walking though the sun room, she opened the back door and left it hanging wide, letting the early summer breeze blow through the house. Settling herself at the patio table, she began shucking the corn, while Rick turned on the grill. "What are we going to do with us, Kelly?" Rick leaned back against the house and crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you mean?" She glanced up from her task. With a one shoulder shrug, he continued, "I mean, do you want to get married? Date? What do you want to do?" "I guess I hadn't thought that far. I mean, I have, but..." She trailed off, and looked down at the cob of corn in her hand. Suddenly it was very important to get every last strand of silk off of it. "But what? What do you want?" Rick moved and crouched down in front of her, resting his forearms on her thighs. "Have we known each other again, long enough? I want to be with you Rick, don't doubt that. Are we ready to get married?" "I think so. I just want you to be sure, because I don't want history to repeat itself." He gave her a lopsided smile. "I don't either. I think we're ready though, don't you?" Rick reached up and caught the back of her neck, pulling her mouth to his. His lips molded against hers, and his tongue snuck between the seam of her lips and fought with hers. After several long moments, Kelly was ready to throw him on the patio and rip his clothes off, but he pulled back. She heaved a frustrated sigh. "Why do you insist on answering me with kisses?" "Because you like them. And it confuses you. And you're awfully precious with that little line between your eyebrows." Rick stood and jumped back as she made a swing with the ear of corn. "Here. You do this. I'm going to go cut up the veggies for you to throw on the grill too." "You women sure are bossy." Rick gave her a quit swat on the behind as she walked past him. "If men would listen, we wouldn't have to be." Kelly laughed and made her way into the house. After dinner, they decided to not watch a movie. Back out onto the patio they went, carrying glasses of iced tea. Her table had a mini fire pit in the center, so Rick set it up and got a little fire going. Her house faced the wrong way to watch the sun set, so they were content to watch shadows fall. As it grew darker, they sat in companionable silence, breaking it only once in a while with some mundane chit chat. They listened to the crickets and birds and the neighbors dogs down the road. Occasional traffic broke the spell, but it was still pretty quiet. Rick was lost in his thoughts, snapping twigs and throwing them into the fire. He knew Kelly was watching him, and it made him smile. Never in a million years had he thought he'd ever really see her again, let alone for them to be together again. And what was scary, was that he had bought a ring. A new ring, full of new promise. He was just trying to decide how to ask her. He had called Papaw and talked to him about asking her to marry him again, and of course, Papaw and everyone else was all for it. They had prayed together over it, and he'd actually even talked to Pastor Dave about the situation. Everyone seemed to think it was a good idea. They could all look at Kelly and see her heart in her eyes, and that gave them the confidence to say that he was making the right decision. Kelly stared at Rick as he contemplated the fire. He looked awfully serious about something, but there was also a half smile on his face. She felt tears sting her eyes as she looked at him, still surprised that he spoke to her, let alone took her back. She had chopped away at his confidence with one move, and she knew she was blessed that he loved her so deeply. She made a promise inside herself right then, that no matter what, she would never hurt this man again. Her heart lifted, she sat her iced tea on the table and Rick didn't even blink. He was still lost in thought. Feeling frisky and tired of the cat and mouse games, she stood. That finally got his attention. Rick glanced up as Kelly took the few steps that separated them. It was almost completely dark, save a tiny purple tint in the horizon and the orange glow from their little fire. Her hair glowed golden in the light, and he jerked in surprise as she settled herself astride his lap. "What are you doing?" "Being friendly." "I'd say so." Rick laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm cold." She nuzzled the side of his neck. "So let's go in." "No." Her voice was barely more than a whisper as her lips settled against his skin. Rick knew he was in trouble. Her lips shifted to his ear, and her tongue peeked out to trace the curve of his lobe. She nibbled it gently, then moved to that spot just below and behind his ear that had always been his undoing. She breathed a sigh that sent a shot of heat straight to his groin. Kelly wasn't stupid; she knew exactly what she was doing. "Kelly...you're not playing fair." "I never said I was going to." She gave a soft laugh. Rick felt the heat from between her legs radiating into him, and his cock lurched in response. His body knew that in under ten seconds he could be sheathed inside the love of his life, but something...moral...held him still. Kelly's hands moved, trailing into his hairline at the nape of his neck, then holding him still as her mouth plundered his. Rick was trying to restrain himself, but each second made it harder. Literally and figuratively. Her fingertips massaged his scalp, then her hands moved to his shoulders, kneading the tension from there. Rick held himself in check, willing to let her play. It was ironic; he'd spent four years with her, living in sin. Now, everything was different...somehow he didn't want to dirty what they had. He really wanted to wait until they were married. He hadn't told her that, and she had no idea that he was going to propose to her soon. He just had to get through this one encounter, and he'd be home free. Kelly moved her hands from his shoulders. The fire had died down and all that was left was embers. Her backyard was draped in shadows, and he could just barely make out her form in front of him, so he wasn't worried about neighbors seeing them. Her hands moved to the hem of her shirt, and she pulled it off over her head. Rick's eyes grew wide. One Piece at a Time Her bra was light pink and edged in lace. Something about the innocence of it hit him in the gut. She was vulnerable, just like he was. Kelly wanted him, and he was going to reject her...just not yet. And not forever. As she reached behind her to unfasten the garment, her hips rolled across his lap slightly, and he groaned. He couldn't help it. Maybe he was weak after all. As she dropped her bra next to her shirt, his hands moved on their own accord and cupped the fullness that was inches away from his face. The chill night air already had them puckered, but as his hands made contact they tightened to the edge of pain. Kelly gasped and instinctively her hips wriggled against him. Rick leaned in the last couple inches and kissed his way through her cleavage. His head moved slowly, his lips trailing across her skin. Goose bumps broke out and Kelly tossed her hair over her shoulder, looking down to watch as Rick's mouth encompassed her nipple. She sighed, bringing her hands to the back of his head. He sucked and flicked his tongue over the pebbled flesh, grazing her with the edge of his teeth. Moving to the other side, he gave that breast the same attention. He pulled back with a last few lingering swipes of his tongue, and Kelly's mouth made a moue of disappointment. "Kelly, I-" She leaned in and kissed his words away, trying to get him to reach that breaking point that would push him past being a gentleman. Her body was screaming for release, so she knew his had to be too. Their love life in the past had been nothing short of perfection, and with things being so different now...well, she was on the verge of begging. Wetness gathered between her legs, and she could feel his cock pressing up against her. Every touch on her skin was almost painful; each nerve on fire, imploring for his touch. Rick grabbed her hands and stretched forward, putting both their arms behind her back. His fingers held her loosely, but with enough strength for her to know he was serious. The only problem with his plan, he quickly realized, was that it arched her back and her breasts heaved with each breath she took, scant inches from his mouth. Her skin had tasted like vanilla...he took a deep, calming breath through his nose, which was a mistake. Her scent filled his nose, and he almost swore he could smell the musky hue of her womanhood...but he was pretty sure his mind was making that up. He shook his head to clear it, and leaned back in the chair. "Kelly, I want it to be perfect for us. I have a plan...I need you to stop seducing me, because I can't take much more." Miraculously she laughed. He was so afraid to hurt her, but she took it in stride. "Damn you and your honor, Rick." He released her wrists and she stood. "Go home before I slip you a date rape drug." "Just be patient, sweets. You'll be happily surprised." Rick stood also and put out the fire in the pit, then followed her into the house. Kelly had put her shirt back on, but left her bra off. She locked the sun room door behind him, then together they walked to the front door. He grabbed his keys off the sofa table, and turned. "Thanks for dinner." "Tell Papaw I said thanks for the corn. That was nice of him." "I'll talk to you later." Rick wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a quick kiss. "I love you." "Love you too, baby doll." ~ "I was up until two, then I got up at seven to finish these cupcakes. I'd forgotten. My trip to the store to get the stuff didn't happen until ten o'clock last night!" Kelly flew around her kitchen, boxing them up. "Calm down. We've got plenty of time." Rick was loading the car. "I cannot believe I did that! Oh, this last batch isn't cool yet!" Her tirade trailed off until she was mostly talking to herself, and Rick couldn't help but laugh. It was Saturday, the day of the festival, and it was due to start in an hour. Everything but that last batch of cupcakes was ready to go. "Forget it. I'll ice them there. It's going to be a hot one today, isn't it?" "Sure is. I might volunteer for the dunk tank just to cool off." Kelly froze. "I forgot I volunteered to do that." She glanced down at her white shirt and made a mad dash for the bedroom. With a change of clothes and the uncooperative cupcakes in tow, the pair made it to the church with plenty of time to spare. There was live entertainment, food in the fellowship hall, as well as some arts and crafts for sale. The festivities began, and everyone was surprised at the amount of people that showed up. Kelly helped make funnel cakes under a tent, and Rick disappeared to go assist with the car show. Everyone was busy feeding people, directing traffic, and talking. The music pumped from speakers that were set up in the back of the parking lot, and the Elvis impersonator sang a variety of songs from the 50's and 60's. Their were some fair-food vendors as well, and the church provided free pop and water. People danced and ate and had a great time. A few minutes before one, Rick came and retrieved Kelly from the tent and told her it was almost time for some dunkin' fun. On their way to the tank, several church members spotted them, and made a fuss over the fact it was Kelly's turn. Pastor Dave happily relinquished the 'throne' as he called it, and Kelly climbed the ladder and got seated. Immediately she was dunked over and over again by church members, then they finally left her alone. The crowd outside had tapered off some. People were getting food and taking it into the air conditioning to eat. Kelly leaned back carefully and swung her legs in the water. It felt nice. It had to be close to ninety degrees, and the humidity was getting bad. The news that morning had said there was a chance of storms for the afternoon, and everyone hoped and prayed they held off until after the festival. Rick appeared from inside the fellowship hall and made his way towards her. "Bored yet?" "Nope. Happy I'm getting a break." "Enjoy it while you can. Pastor Dave has been heard saying that it's unfair you're out here drying off." Rick laughed. "Poor thing. He's just jealous that it was so busy when it was his turn." On cue, a group of people came back outside, and Elvis was done with his break. The music started again, and several people took to dancing. Unfortunately, there were some people heading towards the dunk tank, and Kelly prepared herself. It always made her jump when someone hit the target. Rick stood to the side to take money, and a few kids stepped up to try and dunk her. More and more people came out, and Kelly noticed that it was mostly church people. She thought to herself, 'Wow, these people are out for blood.' With a good natured laugh, she sat the bench back up and climbed on. As she wiped the water from her eyes again, she saw that Rick stood there with a ball in his hand, tossing it nonchalantly in the air. "What do you think you're doing?" Kelly laughed. "Kelly, my love, I have a question." Rick continued to toss the ball. "Okay, what is it?" "I want you to marry me. And if you say no, I'm going to throw this ball." A wicked gleam lit his eyes. Kelly was momentarily stunned. She never in a million years would have dreamt that's what he had up his sleeve for today. She wasn't worried about him dunking her, or her saying no. With the sun beating on her head, dripping wet, and in the midst of an unconventional proposal, she was as happy as she could be. "Well?" "You never asked." Kelly was trying not to laugh. "Oh. I apologize. Kelly, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?" Rick tossed the ball over his shoulder and headed towards her. She knew all the church people and festival goers were watching. Kelly climbed out of the dunk tank and threw her arms around his neck, and he held her tightly against his body. "I love you, and I promise to do that 'til the end of time." "Well, in that case, how could I not marry you?" They looked at each other for a moment, and then Rick turned his head. "In case you guys didn't hear, she said yes." A cheer went up from the crowd. Rick quickly retrieved the box from his pocket and slipped the ring on her finger. Kelly only had a moment to be dazzled by it's brilliance; Rick was kissing her and then the well-wishers converged. The rest of the afternoon passed in a hazy blur. Kelly was still a little surprised. And every time she looked down at the ring, she got a lump in her throat. Rick had an incredible amount of faith in her, and a lot of forgiveness in him. She supposed she had God to thank for that. She caught sight of him and waved, and the people headed into the church. Pastor Dave was doing a quick sermon for any who wanted to attend. She stayed behind with a handful of members to start the clean up process. Trash was taken out, decorations taken down, and tubs of ice water were dumped. Kelly had never been so happy washing coffee pots in her life. The women ooh-ed and ahh-ed over her ring, and once everything was set to rights, they went back outside. Clouds had rolled over the perfect day, and thunder started rumbling in the distance. On cue, all the car show people that were left made a dash for their precious automobiles. The parking lot cleared out, and guests and members made their way out of the sanctuary. "Well everyone, I'd say it was a job well done today." Pastor Dave looked very self satisfied. Applause broke out and Rick made his way to Kelly's side. The first raindrops started to fall, and with shrieks of dismay, everyone said good bye and took off to gather their things. Kelly and Rick made it to his car in record time. Slamming the doors shut, Rick started the engine and flipped on the air conditioner. "Wow. Today was truly spectacular...I can't wait until they add up that money. I hope the youth group raised a ton." Kelly lifted her damp hair off her neck. "I think they did. Stuff was cheap, so people bought more than they would have, I think." "It's hard to believe we're engaged." Kelly smiled and brought her left hand to her face, admiring the stone. "Weird, isn't it? Sorry the proposal wasn't very romantic." Rick glanced at her and smiled. "I think it was perfect." She laid her hand on his and gave it a squeeze, The last several minutes of the drive were made in happy silence. The sky had torn open, and rain lashed at the car and everything else in its path. Rick was forced to slow down; visibility had turned to zero. He pushed the button that turned on the hazard lights, and crawled the last few blocks to Kelly's house. "That's really coming down." She peered through the murk at the vague shape of her house. "Yeah it is. Want to wait for a few minutes out here?" "Mmhhmm. Got any ideas?" Kelly sent him a sultry look from beneath her lashes. "Oh no. We're waiting until we get married. I decided." "What would it take for you to un-decide?" Kelly unbuckled and slid as far over as she could get. "Give it your best shot." Rick almost immediately regretted his words. Kelly's mouth moved to his ear, and her tongue flicked across his skin. She tasted the heat of the day, and moved on to his neck, then nibbled her way across his jaw. Rick finally turned his head and let their mouths meet. They explored, and it seemed different somehow...in the way that they were about to belong to each other. Kelly's hand moved and settled between Rick's legs, feeling her way along the seam of his pants, smiling into their kiss as his cock rose to meet her hand. She rubbed gently against him, testing his length; remembering how he felt inside her. The memory brought a moan to her throat. Rick caught it, and suddenly there was a sense of urgency that wasn't there before. But he was still determined to hold out. Deciding that some mutual teasing wouldn't be terrible, he twisted slightly and stroked the exposed skin of her thigh. Kelly parted her legs, and his hand moved higher; his fingertips just brushing against her hot skin. Their tongues warred with one another, and their breathing grew ragged. Kelly unzipped his pants and dove her hand in before he had a chance to offer protest. Her hand was cool from the air conditioner and his hips jerked as her fingers wrapped around him. In response, Rick slipped his hand up inside her shorts and panties, and let his fingers part her lips. He quickly settled on her clit, and then realized that she was completely wet. His fingers slipped easily along her slit, and Kelly scooted down, tipping her hips in offering to him. Rick plunged a finger into her depths, and she sucked in a breath, breaking their kiss. Suddenly realizing their session had gotten out of hand, Rick pulled back. The rain hadn't let up any, but they had fogged up the windows. "I, Kelly, take you, Rick, to be my husband. I promise to love and cherish and honor you. Until death do us part." She gave him a smile, and he noticed the glint of tears in her eyes. "You're going to marry me in the car, so I'll get in your pants?" Rick grinned. "I'll do whatever it takes. I love you, Rick. I want to be with you. I want to feel you inside me. Is that so wrong?" "I, Rick, take you, Kelly, to be my wife. In sickness and in health, I'll stand by you and love, and cherish, and honor you. Until death do us part." "You may now kiss your pretend bride." Rick leaned in with a laugh and pressed his lips to hers. Somehow, it wasn't that all consuming passionate kiss, but it was a heartfelt declaration of their intentions to one another. Kelly pulled back. "I am going in this house. I am getting naked and laying on that bed. I plan to have sex in a few minutes, and I hope you're there for it." Rick barked a laugh as Kelly threw her door open and made a mad dash for the house. He was hot on her heels. It didn't take long for both of them to get soaked to the skin. She fumbled with the keys since her hands were wet, then finally shoved the door open and ran inside. Rick slammed it shut behind him, and Kelly turned, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a spray of water. "That rain actually hurt, it was coming down so hard." Rick stripped off his shirt and wiped the water from his face. Kelly took off for the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothing in her wake. Rick smiled as he stepped around her bra and panties. True to her word, she climbed up onto the bed and laid on her back. Goose bumps had formed all over her body, and her nipples were puckered as tight as they could be. The air conditioner was running, and Rick also got a chill as he stripped out of the rest of his clothes. Kelly's eyes were appreciative as she took in his body, and she smiled as he climbed in next to her. "I'm going to need some friction to warm me up." "Oh, is that right." Rick laughed. "Mmhhmm." Kelly rolled to her side and propped her head on her hand. Rick did the same, and just laid there looking at her. She was beautiful. Inside and out, and the best part; she was his. Rick leaned in and caught her mouth with his, pushing Kelly onto her back. He half laid across her, wrapping her in his arms. Kelly's lips parted, inviting him in with her tongue. He slid a hand over the curves of her side, and brought his hand between her legs. Instantly her knees fell open, and he stroked her sensitive skin gently. He knew was she was wet; he'd figured that out in the car. He knew he was hard; he thought he might die if he didn't get inside her soon. Kelly finally decided that Rick was going to take too long to consummated their pretend marriage. He was going to be a gentleman and tease her endlessly. She wanted that- oh, yes she did- but not right that second. She was ready to cry with the need to feel him inside her. She pushed at his shoulders, and Rick immediately backed off. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, ya goon." Kelly smiled as she climbed to her knees and straddled his midsection. "Oh." Rick adjusted himself so he was lying completely flat. Kelly reached between them and stood his cock to where she needed it. Lowering herself, she eased onto his length. "Oh is right." She smiled as she rested her hands on his chest and sat the rest of the way down. "This is what I've been waiting for." Rick reached up and grabbed her hair with one hand and pulled her face down to his. His other hand went to her hip, and he kissed her as he began thrusting his hips up into her. Kelly gasped against his mouth and leaned forward, planting her hands on the bed. She worked her hips as he bucked beneath her, and finally tore her mouth from his, gasping at the sensations. Her breasts swung enticingly before his face, and Rick caught her nipples in turn, sucking and biting for a moment, then moving to the other. He grabbed onto her hips with both hands then, and held her down to him tightly, slamming up into her. Kelly bit her bottom lip, and pushed off the bed to sit up. The change in angle caused both of them to gasp, and Kelly smiled. Rick pushed her off of him and onto her back, then crawled on top of her. His cock bumped against her entrance, and she tipped her hips invitingly. As Rick slid inside, Kelly closed her eyes. The silken drag of him being inside of her, his width pressing against her walls, and the head bumping against her womb almost sent her over the edge right then. Then Rick caught her right knee and pushed it up so it was caught by his upper arm, spreading her wider, tilting her hips so she took him deeper. As he slid that final fraction, Kelly felt like weeping with joy. Rick started rocking against her, and each time he hit bottom she tightened around him. Finally, he began moving for real, pumping inside of her with abandon. His eyes moved to her chest, watching her breasts shift with each thrust. Rick leaned in, catching one of her nipples, flicking it with his tongue and sucking it roughly into his mouth. Kelly moaned, her hand drifting up into his hair. She watched his muscles flex as he moved, and she hitched her other leg up along his side, increasing the depth even more. He released her nipple and pumped faster, and Kelly knew he was close. She reached between them and found her clit, and rubbed her fingertips over it quickly. It only took a few seconds, and she exploded, her pussy convulsing around him. Her muscles stayed tightened, twitching around him. Rick grunted and the first spurt broke loose even as he was pulling out, his hand sliding over his length as he came onto her stomach. Rick sat back on his heels and strove to catch his breath. Kelly let out a tinkling laugh- he looked like he'd ran a marathon. He finally got off the bed and went to the bathroom, returning with a wash cloth to wipe off her stomach. Pitching it to the side, he climbed back in bed but got under the covers. Kelly crawled under with him. "That's what I've missed." "Me too." Rick laughed. His arm automatically went around her shoulders, and Kelly scooted close, resting her head on his shoulder and sighed happily. His hand stroked the length of her arm, and their hearts ceased galloping in their chests. "So, is this our honeymoon?" Kelly's breath tickled his neck. "Hmm. I guess so, unofficially." Kelly pushed up and moved the blankets, settling herself astride Rick's hips. "Well then, we better get started." Rick rolled his eyes and smiled.