Chapter 2 - Journey to Wakefield Manor


Inara slowly woke to the touch of his lips and smiles sleepily up at him, "Mmm, a journey I have looked forward to for days," she purred and looked up at him with a gentle smile.

He had already bathed and dressed while she was sleeping, but it still took all his willpower to not want to get back into bed with his beautiful lady and make love until they missed their ship. "Come, my love!" He pulled back the covers. "While you're getting ready I'll grab Garry and get the wagon loaded. Ali is preparing breakfast."

Inara nodded, "Okay," she answered softly slowly sitting up and stretching before reaching for the clothes she had laid out the night before, wanting to be on their way as soon as they could be.

He just had to kiss her while she was stretching because there's nothing more sexy then a stretching lady! "I'll be downstairs." He left and knocked on Garry's door and waited for a response.
Garry opened the door, "Hey...it's the big day! Let's go get you loaded up into the wagon." Garry and Gavilean went into the barn and teamed up the horses to the wagon that Gavilean had borrowed from the livery stable in Rhydin.

Inara slipped from the bed, tugged on her clothes, straightened the velvet dress, warm for the trip at sea and slipped on her shoes before turning to arrange her hair up over her shoulders and slipping out of the room headed for the dinning room to get something to eat.

Alat?riel saw Inara come into the dining room, and went up to her and gave her a hug. "I'm going to miss you so much, Inara." She smiled, "But you'll be coming back married!"

Inara grinned at her and brushed hair from the other woman's face, "I'll miss you too, but you'll have plenty to keep you busy, what with Garry and all," she answers and moves to sit at the head of the table.

"We'll watch over your home for you while you're away, and don't worry about Jewell. I'll exercise her every day." She went into the kitchen and soon returned with coffee and the breakfast.

"Just watch out for an strange men approaching the house," She answers softly, a touch bit nervously.

By the time breakfast was served, Gavilean and Garry had the horses teamed to the wagon and the luggage brought down from the bedroom and loaded into the wagon. Ali poured the coffee, "What strange men?"

"Any strange men," Inara answered and sighed softly, "There?s a hunting rifle in the front den if you need it too."

Alat?riel smiled, knowing she could handle just about any man if necessary. "I'll shoot his balls off!" she said with a grin and went back into the kitchen.

Gavilean nearly choked on his coffee. "Garry, you've got your hands full with that one!"

Inara grinned and chuckled at Gav, "As long as he stays close to the house he doesn't have to worry about her mistaking him for a stranger," she laughs.

He laughed, "That's one girl I wouldn't want to mess with." Soon breakfast was over and it was time to depart. Gavilean went to get Inara's coat and held it for her.

Garry stood there with Alat?riel watching the couple get ready to depart. "Wish we could go with you, but I've got a venture down in the harbor and I need to strike while the iron's hot.

Inara slipped into her cloak and tugging it around her carefully and moves to hug Ali and Garry goodbye "We'll be back before you know it," She turned to Gav, "Ready?"

He had put on his own coat and was set. "I'm more than ready, darling. This is truly going to be the best Christmas of my life." He shook Garry's hand and gave Ali a kiss. "We'll be back after the first of the year."

Inara smiled and slipped her arm around Gav's, waving goodbye as they headed out for the wagon, stepping carefully through the snow despite the nice new boots hugging her feet warmly. Gav helped her onto the wagon's seat and put a blanket over her legs, then sat next to her. With a final wave to Garry and Alat?riel, they were off to the harbor of Rhydin city.

(To be continued. . .)

She grinned and nodded enthusiastically, "I would love to be up there to see us leave dock," she answered kissing him once more.

He looked at her and swallowed the lump in his throat, the one that seemed to well up within him because he loved her so much. He opened the door and they went back through the narrow hall and up to the main deck. "We'll have to climb to the quarterdeck for the best view." They went up to the quarterdeck and made their way to the stern railing. The city harbor laid before them, still teaming with activity and sounds as it approached an hour before midday.

Inara walked with him, staying close to him, but finally beginning to feel the first sense of relaxation in days as they approached the time of their departure. "I can't wait to be under way, just to see your home makes my heart flutter with anticipation."

He stood behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, his mouth was near her ear. "It's so much different than Rhydin, as you know. We are going to have such a wondered time, and the next time we board this ship, we'll be married. I'm so excited I'm almost tempted to ask the Captain to do it!"

:
"A valid idea, but not at all practical," she grinned at him and snuggled in under his embrace. "Besides, then you'd miss the dresses and the flowers and the honeymoon," she teases.

A mock horrified look, "I definitely don't want to miss the honeymoon!" He kissed her cheek and noticed that the dock workers had begun to removed the heavy ropes from the dock cleats and the ship's crew was pulling the rope up to the deck and laying it in curls.

"No I didn't think you would," she chuckled, and leaned over the edge of the rail slightly to watch the activity and the water below lapping at the ship. The ship began to move away from the docks. Many of those on land were waving, and Gav joined those on board the ship in waving back. It was a beautiful day and at least the first part of their journey would be made in reasonably calm waters. Inara added her own wave to Gav's and smiled brightly as she looked up at Gav and moved to kiss him once more, feeling as if a weight had lifted and a freedom came over her. "Thank you Gavilean, you give me such peace," she whispered softly to him, love reflecting in her gaze.

"I'm so in love with you, darling. I just wanted this time together so much." He kissed her right there on the deck and didn't care who was watching. He even ignored the few whistles that came from the crew.

She quickly sunk into the kiss, wrapping her arms around him as she pulled him down towards her, her tongue brushing over his as she held the kiss with a passion that rivaled anything he had felt from her.

His arms tightened around her, nearly lifting her off the deck as he responded to her passion with his own, kissing her deeply, breathing in her fragrance and her breath. Slowly the kiss broke and he just smiled at her and held both hands in his. "Lady Inara Wakefield...hmmm, has a very nice ring to it," he winked.

She grins, "Yes it does," she nods "very definitely, I can not wait to be just that," She answers and hugs him tightly, resting her cheek to his chest, "I think we should head down to break in our room," she teases softly.

Together they walked toward the bow and down to the main deck, then they descended below and back to their room. Gavilean opened a port window to allow air into the room. "Would you like something to eat or drink? There's food in our cabin. Not much, mostly wine, cheeses, bread, that kind of thing. It's not much a meal, but they figure for one day we can rough it," he said with a wink.

She turned back to him from examining the room and smiled softly, "That sounds fine, love," she answers softly and moves to sit on the edge of the bed, her eyes never leaving him now.

He laughed, "You are so easy to please, darling. Another reason why I love you so much. But I have a surprise." He reached into a bag he had in his luggage and pulled out a smalled bag of shortbread cookies and some water with lemon. "Would this be any more appetizing?"

She grinned as he pulls out the cookies, her eyes brightening, "Oh much more so," she answered with a quick nod and moves to crawl back onto the bed slightly to give him room to join her, "You do watch me so, don't you," she asks happily, how she loves the distinctly Christmas cookie.

He sat down and held up a cookie to her lips. "I watch you all the time. Can't take my eyes off of you, in fact."

Inara's lips immediately move to the small treat taking a gentle nibble, her lips brushing his fingers as she looks up at him in unending love, as she chews softly waiting till the cookie is long from her lips before speaking softly, "Such devotion I fear you may stumble over some unseen object if you continue to watch me so," she teases gently, her fingers moving to her lips as she licks the tiny crumbs from them.

He took her hand in his and brought his mouth to her finger, taking it into his mouth. He sucked upon her finger, bringing it deep into his mouth, sliding his tongue around it as he kept looking into her eyes. He slowly pulled his mouth away from her finger. "I just love these cookies," he said softly, then took two fingers into his mouth, sucking on them and running his tonger between them and along their length.

Inara shivered at his touch and moans softly as she sidles closer to him, her body moving just enough to bring her leg against his as her breath picks up a little, "Mmm, I must agree, but love, it isn't the cookie you need worry about she mutters softly, her cheeks warming as her body does to his attentions. His tongue plays with the soft tissue between her fingers, then he takes three fingers into his mouth, sucking on them, letting his soft, wet tongue move over her fingers. Inara made another soft noise as she moved again closer, her dark eyes on his, a passion burning in them. "You are driving me to a precipice my love, if you do not kiss me I fear I will explode." She whispered, licking her lips slightly.

He let her fingers slide from his mouth and immediately he brings his mouth hard upon hers. His mouth opens on hers and his tongue immediately penetrates her mouth, seeking the taste of shortbread, sharing the cookie between them.

Inara gladly sank into the kiss, immediately moving to straddle his hips as best she could in skirts and petticoats, her arms wrapping around him as she inhales his scent and deepens the kiss as best she can. His hands went to work on her dress, loosening ties as he continued to ravish her mouth with his. Giving up on the ties, his hands moved up her legs beneath her skirts, feeling her soft, smooth legs. Higher they went until he found her even softer thighs, moving his hands between her legs as she straddled him. Inara, gasped against his lips are his wonderings and groans softly as his hands find what he seeks, her hips grinding against his touch as she finally breaks the kiss, her lips brushing lightly over his, her breaths still coming in ragged gasps as she nips at his lip, "So much for cookies," she teased a bit breathlessly as she moved her fingers to the dress ties, undoing them herself.

His one hand stays occupied between her legs, feeling her through her undergarments, his other hand helping her with her clothes. He kissed her neck as she worked on her clothes. She was quick to lose the ties, slipping the dress from her shoulders, her undergarments as always are of lace a frill and match her dress exquisitely as she raises her chin to give him better access to her neck and moans softly, her fingers moving from her own gown to his shirt, tugging to free it and immediately searching out the warm soft skin beneath her hands brushing over the muscles across his back, tugging him closer as she shifts against him moving to lose his own shirt ties and pushing at the offending fabric to get it out of her way.

He helped her remove his shirt, and then laid Inara upon the soft bed covered in thick multi-colored quilts. He threw off his boots, removed his pants and brought his naked body on top of hers. "I love you so much," his words barely a whisper in his hunger for her.

Inara's hands immediately spread over his chest as she draws him to her kissing him deeply as she quickly nudges her skirts the rest of the way from her body, leaving her in the scantly covering lace corset and garter as she moves to draw light kisses over his chin and neck, "I love you too," she breaths hotly, lightly brushing her nails over his skin and fallowing them with wet butterfly kisses.

Just the feel of her body and the touch of her fingers and kisses had his already aroused body wanting her. His kisses found resting places on her face and neck as she kissed him. His hands moved to her corset, loosening it. He lifted up his body and watched her has he removed the corset and garter. His eyes examined her body with such desire. He wet his lips, moved lower and began to kiss her sexy smooth legs. She whimpered softly in need as she spreads her legs for him, letting out soft moans of encouragement as she runs her fingers through his hair as he draws too far from her lips for any other kind of contact.

His kisses moved up her soft leg, running down the silken flesh of her thighs. She gasped in pleasure, her eyes moving to his as she brushed her fingers deeper into his hair, her legs spreading wider for him. Inara groaned softly her head dropping back to the blankets her eyes drifting shut in pleasure, "You can be a very cruel man," she groaned in pleasure as her fingers curl into the sheets, her hips rocking slightly against him. She cried out softly at the invasion of his tongue, her hips rocking harder as she longed for more of him, her back arching slightly as she gasped in deep hot breaths, already her body lighting with the pleasure of his touch, her vision an explosion of color as she cries for more of him.

(content edited)

Their lovemaking continued for a very long time, leaving each exhausted and lying in each other?s arms as they slept until the morning.


(to be continued. . .)

Inara smiled softly at Gav's words, rising to cross the room to peer out before turning to look at Gav once more, smiling softly at him, "I can hardly wait my love, I'm sure your home will well put mine to shame."

He took his beautiful woman into his arms, "I have no home except that which is ours, and your home in Rhydin is lovely and elegant and I feel so much at home there already. Let's bundle up and go on deck. I have the most beautiful pair of gloves to keep my hands warm and I'm dying to try them out again."

Inara smiled brightly and moves to kiss him gently, "I think that is a wonderful idea," she answers and moves to retrieve their coats offering Gav's to him before dressing herself in her own and tugging on the warm boots and gloves, offering him her hand.

They went out of their room and ascended the narrow set of stairs that took them up to the main deck. Immediately the cold air was felt, but their clothing and each other's arms kept them warm. The ship was coming up the Themes River, and the harbor docks and the entire London skyline was before them. The great Tower of London, the Westminister Cathedral with the tower of Big Ben, all the other famous buildings of that day were visible in the cold afternoon air. Carriage could be seen lining the streets that were crowded with men, women and children pedestrians. Gavilean smiled as he saw it. This was home to him.

Inara smiled softly, she had only been here once and straight from the harbor to the palace and back again, "I've never seen this except for by the light of moon, it is so beautiful," she stated softly and looked up at Gav and smiled, "I feel very small in such a big city," she adds. "Its a wonder you don't get lost in so many streets," she smiles up at him.

He laughed, "We all feel small in this city, and who said I don't get lost? It's very easy to get lost here, so I keep to those areas that I know best, or else I get a carriage to take me where I need to go." It was not long before the shipped docked and the gangplank was lowered. Gav had already spotted and signaled the man he was looking for. His frequent travels between England and Rhydin and his status as Lord Wakefield had given him some influence over the transportation provided at the dock. He walked Inara down off the ship and to a waiting driver. "Good to see thee again, Lord Wakefield," the driver said in a heavy British accent. "And who is the lovely missus with you?" "Albert, I'd like to introduce to my fianc?e, Inara Serra. Inara, this is Albert. He runs the best carriage service this side of the Themes."

"Please to meet you, my dear. And don't listen to Lord Wakefield. I run the best carriage service on BOTH sides of the Themes!"

Inara smiled softly, "A pleasure," she answered softly with a nod of greeting, offering him her hand for a moment.

Albert took her hand into his and bowed. "Please allow me to help you to the carriage. It's cold as the Pole out 'ere. I've already sent a few lads to retrieve your baggage, so ye needn't be worried about that now."

Inara's smile brightened slightly at his words and nodded, "Thank you," she answered softly, letting him help her into the carriage, stepping carefully, collecting her skirts to make sure she didn't step on them on the way up.

(To be continued. . .)

Gavilean dressed early and took a stroll about the Manor house, greeting the guests. Diedre went to Inara's room to see if she can be of any assistance to the Lady. Inara woke slowly with the morning dawn, the big bed around her feeling desperately empty as the sun streamed in through the main windows leading into the room. It was early yet, too early for her care, she had grown use to late mornings and the persistent tapping on her door was reminding her as she such as she smoothed her hair slightly and slowly sat up. It must be Diedre, Gav's maid had been nothing but kind to her, but rather rough with Gav. She stifled a tired yawn before calling out softly, "Come in." She doubted highly that she could have raised her voice at this point, the slight feeling on nausea still lingered, but was dissipating quickly as sleep began to fully ease from her mind and allowed her to think clearly one more.

Gavilean descended the steps of the large marble staircase that was at the entrance to the Manor. He waited around for Inara, and while he waited he announced to the head butler that all the staff was to assemble in the great hall after breakfast.

Inara had been right in her guess that it was the plump little woman and with much reluctance drew herself from the bed. The lady was sweet and all, but she would have much rather have slept a few more hours. She got herself cleaned up and dressed in one of the few gowns she had brought, a blue velvet off the shoulder gown with white lace trim. She settled her hair up slightly, pinning it in place and assuring the woman that she was quiet well and fine, that mearly the travel had worn her just the past night. She gathered herself together before moving to head for the door, gathering her skirts as she let Diedre guide her to Gav.

The scents of breakfast were wafting through the lower halls and Gav couldn't wait to get started with the day. The staff would meet his fianc?e, they would be given instructions regarding what was to happen regarding the wedding, and the planning put in place. Then he and Inara would take a sleigh ride and cut down the Christmas Tree. Gavilean stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. He smiled when he saw his beautiful woman at the top of the stairs.

Inara smiled back at Gav as she slipped down the stairs towards him, holding her skirts from her feet as she approached him, "Good morning love."

"Good morning, my darling." He took her in his arms and gave her a kiss. "Are you feeling better. I know you were quite exhausted last night, as I was also."

"I am, though I could have slept longer," she adds softly and almost teasingly.

He smiled and whispered, "Tomorrow morning you'll sleep much longer....and not alone." He led her into the dining hall where they were seated together at the head of the table. Servants quickly attended them, serving a full English breakfast.

"Black or white?" a serving lass asked Inara.

The lady looks up from straightening her linen napkin over her lap looking half confused at the question , "I beg your pardon?" She asked softly.

"Black or white, milady,? she asked again with a curtsey.

Gavilean whispered to Inara, "She wants to know if you like cream in your coffee or want it black."


Inara mutters softly about spending too much time in the inn, "White please," she answers, then seems to clue into what Gav had said, "Tea," she adds quickly, "if it can be arranged."

"Of course, milady," the girl said.

He was careful where the tree would fall. Later in the day it would take several strong men, a wagon and a team of horses to get it to the manor. Finally the creek of limbs could be heard as the tree crashed to the ground. "That's one!" he shouted out."

She grinned as she heard his voice call out to her, "Very good my manly husband, now come here and get the other," she teased as she happened upon the perfect little tree, full around and thick and green with just a touch of white on the end of its needles.

He walked over to her, the ax over his shoulder. "This is the tree that shall keep us company at night." He winked and began to chop away. In no time the tree was on the ground and he started to pull it to the sleigh. "Don't just stand there...help me." He grinned.

"If you need the tree, then I fear I have not done a good enough job and shall have to redouble my efforts to please you, my soon to be husband," she grinned at him. She curls her nose again but reaches for the end of the tree and gripping it firmly lifts it from the snow and helps him carry it back.

They get it close to the sleigh when he lets go and tackles her, bringing her down into the snow. "Now you are mine!"

She squeals in shock as she feels snow envelop her body, his coming down on top of her and lets out a soft, oof, and blinks looking up at him, then grins a wicked grin, "You do huh?" She smirks and hooks a hand on his jacket kissing him deeply just before dropping a handful of snow down the back of his shirt.

He enjoyed the kiss, but not the snow down the shirt:: "Ahhhh!!! No fair. You cheat!!"

She laughs, "Who?s cheating? You jumped me remember," she grins, "alls fair in love and war," she adds.

"Oh yeah! Well then, this must be fair!" He took her hands in his, spread them out, and began to kiss her like he'd love to make love right there in the snow.

Her arms tense under his as she returns the kiss deeply, moaning in need, her tongue pressing against his a soft, unhappy needful whine escaping her throat, being away from him the night before had left her wanting and needing his touch and he was driving her insane, at that point she would have gladly hiked up her skirts and taken him, despite the cold.

He slowly ended the kiss and looked into her beautiful eyes. "I can't wait for tonight"

"I don't think I can wait to get home," she breathed softly, "I missed your touch so last night it burned inside, I need her," she breathed softly, her eyes on his.

He helped her onto her feet and into the sleigh. He then placed the tree in the back of the sleigh and headed back. The snow was not fallen harder.

Inara curled up against Gav once more, it hadn?t been the answer she had been looking for but all the same she wanted to get back, just to be with him, her gloved fingers made soft movements over his leg as she listened to the sound of the horses movements once more.

He put a blanket over them both as they rode through the snow. His arm went around her and he kissed her cheek. "I love you so much."

She smiled softly at his words, "I love you too," she answered softly, her fingers drifting farther up his leg, "I think we should play that game of hide and seek when we get back," she adds with a tiny playful smile.

Her touch was magic to him. He clicked his tongue and sped up the horse...then started singing, "Jingle bells...."

Inara laughed as he started to sing, "Can I make that voice higher?" she purrs playfully, as she drifts her fingers even father up his leg, towards the deep warmth and softness between them, cupping gently with her gloved fingers.

Moans and his song is suddenly shortened. He releases the reins and takes her into his arms, and cradles her as his mouth comes against her. "I'm so in love with you, my darling."

She shocked when he lets go of the reins and looks up at him, "Gav the horse," she states quickly.

He eyes widen. "Oh shit!" He had forgotten what he was doing and the horse was now running wild.

Inara, duck in against Gav slightly nervousness crossing her face, but expected her fianc? to pull off some feat of magic to calm the horse or get the reins back.

He leans forward and reaches for the reins..."I've almost....." suddenly he disappeared over the front of the sleigh.

She waited till he was completely naked to move from where she had been leaning against his bedroom door, her steps quickly clearing the distance between them her lips coming down hard on his as her fingers curled into his damp hair, her body pressing against him, the soft velvet dress the only thing between them now.

"Mmmmm..." was all he could say as he held her to himself, and kissed her deeply. "I think I would get w-warmer if your naked body was pressed against mine. They say that's a good way to warm someone."

She growls softly at his words, thinking about saying something more about the whole thing, but dismissing it a moment later as she moved to slip free the ties of her dress and let the garment fall to the floor followed but her corset and underwear.

Gavilean watched her clothes fall to the floor, his eyes upon her beautiful body, shining with appreciation. He took a step forward and lifted a hand to gently cup her breast and feel her nipple. His lips began to kiss her eyes and then her cheeks, and then her nose...and finally to her lips.

Inara moved to quickly meet his lips, despite the cool of his skin as she wrapped her arms around him, her fingers burying themselves in his hair as she pressed her lips hard to his before slowly breaking the kiss, "Your cold my love, I think I should put you to bed," she purred softly. She carefully nudges him back towards the bed, shoving him down onto it as she straddles his hips, drawing him into another deep kiss, her tongue invading his mouth as she rocked her naked body against his.

He was helpless to resist in any way, not that he wanted to; but she had such an effect on him that if were to push up off a balcony he'd go willingly. He looked up at her as she straddled his hips, then stared at where their bodies came together, seeing himself positioned against the warmth of her body. His hands reached into her hair and grasped it, holding her tightly to his mouth as he sucked on her tongue and rocked his hips against hers.

She groaned hotly at his attentions, gods she loved this man. Then his expression changed into a mischievous grin. He suddenly tossed her off to the side and swung his leg over her and positioned himself on her back. "So, my beautiful horse rider...I'm beginning to think that you tricked me into losing those reins just so that you could show me up!" He sat on her butt and held her hands pinned down. "Now, what should I do to you?"

She squealed as he threw her off hitting the sheets with a soft oof and looked back at him as he pinned her. "Show you up?" She asked incredulously and fighting hot panting breaths at him leaving her empty and wanting, " I was scared to death," she rumbled, her hands fighting his hold slightly only because she wanted him back in her and he was driving her insane, feeling him sitting so close to where she wanted him, but not being buried in her.

"Oh, I think you just wanted me to look like a snow man," he teased and slipped his legs between hers and nibbled on the back of her neck.
His face moved forward to be against hers. "Oh, my love," his breathing was hard. "Oh, what you do to me...." his lips moved against her cheek and his arms held her tightly against him. "I love you, Inara...with all my heart. I shall love you forever."

Inara smiled softly as she looked back at Gav and moved to kiss him softly, "I love you too," she answered softly and moved to guild him down to the bed with her, tugging the sheets around them, "Lay with me for a minute, Then I think we should clean up and get dressed and start on some of those wedding plans."

He laid down, exhausted and facing her, embracing her in his arms, totally spent. His hand playing with her hair and tracing the contour of the side of her face. "I can't wait to be married. I never want to spend another day without you being with me."

She smiled softly up at him, "Does that mean that tonight we will be sleeping in the same room?"

"Yes," he whispered. "I don't care what Deidre says, I need you with me."

She smiled softly and moved to curl deeper into his arms I love you so, give me a couple of days and we will be married. Can you get a minister in three days?" She asked softly.

Oh yes...the Wakefields are members of the local parish and that part of the arrangements has already been made.

She nodded, glad for that, "Then there is little left for me to do then to decorate your hall and get the flowers delivered."

"Yes...you just tell them how you want it done and direct the staff. They all seem to like you very much. I can tell because not once has Deidre accused me of being out of my mind." He gave her a wink.

Inara grins at him, "Well then I'm glad for that I would hate to think they disliked me in anyway," she answered with a soft smile.

He kissed her lips. "All is going so well and smoothly. It's such a relief. We should be getting ready and discuss plans in the library. You can wear my robe to your room."

She smiles sweetly, "Thank you my love," she nods and moves to slip from his bed, retrieving his robe and all but burying herself in it, checking the hall before disappearing out of the room and heading for hers to gather fresh clothes and get dressed.

CHAPTER 5 - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN LONDON


The following morning the sun broke through the clouds but the temperature did not pass 0 Celsius. It was mid-morning when Gavilean awoke with Inara in his arms, as he was learning how nice it was to keep her hours. He kissed and said, "I have a surprise for you today."

Inara slowly opened her eyes at his words and smiled softly, the evening had been a very pleasurable one and she looked up at him, her fingers playing lightly over his chest, "A surprise huh? I like surprises."

He grinned and reached into the draw of the nightstand and pulled out two tickets. He waggled his eyebrows. "Today we're going to London! And these are two tickets to the theater for tonight. We're going to stay in London at the great Horseheads hotel."

Inara blinked in surprise, "You?re taking me to the theater?" She grins.

He laughed, "You better believe it, my dear!" He poked her teasingly. "We'll do some shopping, have dinner and then go to the theater. It'll be too long a trip to come home tonight, so we'll stay in London and return tomorrow."

The grin grows, "You do spoil me my love, it sounds wonderful," she answers and moves to push him over and straddles his hips, "I love you so."

He looks up at her with a big smile on his face, "And I love you...and I love you in this position."

Inara chuckles, "I know you do," she answers softly, "but you have plans and sex wasen't in them," she pointed out.

He laughed, "My darling, with you sex is always in my plans. That's a given." He looked at the way she was sitting on him, ?So if you don't want me to suddenly adjust our plans, you better adjust your position quickly!"

She grins and moves to slip off him, standing to slip from the bed and moving to the change of clothing she had brought with her the night before.

He got up and walked behind her, taking her breasts in his hand and pressing up against her. "See what you do to me?" He kissed her on the neck. "You are just irresistible, my love."

She grinned feeling his arousal against her naked ass and looked up at him, "Next time you'll have to wake us earlier or schedule in extra time," she teased softly.

He nibbled on her neck. "I shall surely remember that, my love." They got cleaned up and dressed, and had a quick breakfast that the kitchen had prepared. By an hour before noon they were in a carriage drawn by six horses. It was Wakefield's own carriage and driver, and they would remain at their disposal throughout the trip.

Inara settled into the carriage, in much better shape this time around and looking forward to the trip as she made sure to give Gav room to join her, humming happily to herself.

Gavilean had the customary top hat and cane and looked rather dashing. "This would never do in Rhydin, but for London it's required." He winked, happy to see Inara so happy and humming. He also wore a black topcoat with a white scarf about his neck.

Inara herself had settled in a deep blue silk and velvet gown with trims and flashes of gold, a black and deep blue cloak of rabbit fur, with a flowing skirt and high heeled shoes, a scarf of blue and gold weave around the collar of the gown.

With the roads reasonably clear and the sun shining brightly, they made good time, arriving in London by two in the afternoon. The driver had been instructed to bring them to the central market district and to a particular jewelry shop. "Here we are, sweetheart, our first stop. To get you a wedding ring that will knock people's socks off." The door opened and the driver waiting to help them exit.

Inara had enjoyed the day and was comfortably on his arm, "Sounds like a wonderful idea my love," she answered softly. "I could use the air and the walk, keep feeding me like that and I'm sure not to ever lose the baby weight I'm going to gain."

He chuckled, "I'd love you if you were as big as an elephant. It might hurt a bit when you straddle my hips, but...." he glanced in her direction to see if he was about to get hit.

There was a slight twist to Inara's lip, a dirty look before she laughed, "Well in that case I might as well give up on staying trim and just get fat and lazy," she offered.

"HEY! I was just joking," he laughed. I love this cute, sexy body of your. Besides, if you're fat and lazy you won't be able to rescue me from the sleigh next time!" He put his arm around her shoulder and pointed to a Christmas display in a shop window that showed snowmen in kilts. "Now that's interesting."

"Very, I haven't got to see you in yours yet," she grinned looking up at him sidelong.

He just raised an eyebrow and said in a mock Scottish accent, "Well now, lass, there'd be nothing ye be seein' beneath m' kilt th' ye haven't seen already."

She grins, "Hmm, now why would you be avoiding showing me your kilt hmm?" She leans against him slightly, "I may have already seen it, but just think about how accessible you would be to me," she grins playfully.

His face brightened, "Ah, good point! I shall be wearing my kilt more often!" He laughed and they continued down the street until they heart carolers in the center of the street, singing Christmas carols. Gavilean stopped and put his arms around Inara. The afternoon had clouded up and snow was once again falling lightly. He looked at her, and no words were needed to express his love.

Inara listened to the words of the song before feeling his gaze and looked up at him again and smiled sweetly, "My sweet love," she breathed softly, and snuggled in against him, kissing his chin.

He sighed and just enjoyed the moment of pure peace. How nice it was to have just the two of them together. In a few minutes they continued to the theater and walked inside. It was a majestic theater and Gavilean had obtained seats in the orchestra section, only 6 rows back from the stage.

Inara walked with him on his arm and down to their seats, sweeping her skirts beneath her as she sat and waited for Gav to sit with her before leaning slightly on his arm, "I thank you Gav, for taking me here, this day has been nothing but perfect."

He looked at her and smiled, "I was hoping you'd like this. It's a romantic comedy. I'm so proud to be with you, darling. My heart is filled with love."

She grinned at him, "As am I, just to be here with you," she answered softly, and kissed him softly, "unfortunately were too close to the stage to make out in the dark," she teased.

He tried not to smile, catching the condescending glance of a stuffy old woman in the row in front of them. The lights went down and the stage lights lit up; and Gav's hand went to Inara's knee.

Inara smiled sweetly and tried not to laugh at the look they got for her words, her gaze for a moment moving to his hand before she went back to watching the stage as the play began.

They topped off the shopping trip with a night of love in the famous hotel, and the following morning they left London to once again attend to the wedding plans at Wakefield Manor.

Inara smiled softly at Gav, "I do," she answered softer then Gav had spoken, but only because she was just that type of person.

"Is there anyone here who can show good reason why this man and this woman should not be married? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The crowd was silent. Even Andrel, in the first row, did not speak.

Inara held her breath nervously, worried someone would speak ill of the Lord Wakefield marrying a common courtesan.

The reverend then went into a short homily about the sacredness of marriage and the commitment that was required. After five minutes of such encouraging discourse, time was made for the orchestra to play and for a trio of young women to sing a beautiful song of love, their voices echoing in the hall. Following the song, Rev. Hume looked at Gavilean and Inara and said, "The time has come for your vows and the giving of rings." He looked to Gavilean. "Please state your vows and promises."

He turned to face Inara and he took her hands in his.

"Inara," he swallowed the lump in his throat, "I stand here and promise you that I will love and cherish you every day of your life. I will protect you, provide for you, put you first in everything, freely sacrificing for you. I will be faithful to you, loving you and no other. I will love you through good times and bad, sickness and health, poverty or wealth, loving you, forsaking all others. I give myself to you, all that I am, all that I have. I'm unworthy of you, but shall always strive to make you the happiest woman in the world. These are my vows and promises."

Rev. Hume turned to Inara, "Milady, it is your turn to express your vows and promises."

Inara's fingers tightened over Gav's and she smiled softly before speaking, her words carried shortly, for she spoke them as if he was the only person in the room, "My sweet loving Gavilean, I am for you, I cherish you and love you, will be with you through sacrifice and lose, through love and gain, illness and times of need, and times of giving and love. I give myself to you, with all my heart, forsaking all others and taking you solely, to be with me, until death parts us and beyond, this I vow to you."

Gavilean could feel his eyes welling up with emotion and he gave her hands a gentle squeeze. He could hear some sniffling from those in attendance, but his attention was totally upon Inara and her beautiful eyes.

The reverend cleared his throat, "It is time to seal your vows with the sharing of the rings. Just as a ring has no beginning or end, may that also be so with your love and devotion to each other." He signaled for Robert to give him Inara's ring. He took the ring and handed it to Gavilean. "Milord Gavilean, please place this ring on milady's finger and say, "With this ring, I do thee wed."

Inara never moved her gaze from Gav's face, her couldn't tear herself to look away just yet.

Gavilean took the ring that he and Inara had selected together. He took Inara's left hand in his left and held the ring with his right hand. He slipped it onto her finger and said, "Inara, my love, with this ring, I do thee wed."

She smiled softly at him, her eyes floating down to the ring, and then back to his gaze.

He turned to the lady in attendance and took from her Gavilean's ring. He handed the ring to Inara. "Milady, please place this ring on Lord Gavilean's finger and say, 'With this ring I do thee wed.'"

Her gaze again moved, this time to the ring, taking it carefully and moving to slip it carefully onto his finger, her hand closing over his, "With this ring I do thee wed," she repeated softly.

THE HONEYMOON

The time came for the Lord and Lady Wakefield to leave the wedding reception. A signal from Gavilean to Robert, and Robert immediately left to have the carriage brought forward. Several minutes later Robert came back into Oxburgh Hall and gave Lord Wakefield a nod. Gavilean leaned over to his wife and kissed her cheek, then whispered, "I think it's time that we leave the reception. The guests are drunk enough to not notice."

Inara smiled back at him, "Sounds like an idea, I think the babe has had enough as well," she answered and offered him her hand as she stood from the chair she had settled in a few minutes prior, letting him help her to her feet.

He helped her up and they slowly made their way through the several hundred guests who were involved in eating, drinking, dancing, flirting, talking and other forms of socializing in the great hall. When they came to the front hall, Robert and Deidre had their coats in their hands. Gavilean helped Inara on with her coat then took his and slipped it on. They stepped out into the cold and into the waiting carriage. Inara slipped into her seat, sinking into the cushions with a soft happy sigh, waiting for Gav to join her before curling into his arms, "Well, here we are my husband, and I couldn't be happier."

His arms went around her and held her close as he placed a kiss upon her lips. "I know I'm the most blessed of all men, my love. I still can't believe that we are indeed married. I love you so very much." The carriage moved forward, heading to a prearranged location.

She smiled softly at him, "I love you too," she answered softly then glanced out at the passing world, shrugging deeper into her cloak, the white rabbit fur keeping her warm, "So where are you taking me?"

He grinned, "You'll just have to wait and see, my love." She didn't have to wait long. The carriage climbed a wooded road until it finally came to a clearing. In the clearing was a large, three-floor cottage with thatched roof, all brilliantly lit up and prepared for the newlyweds. "Here we are, Lady Wakefield; our own honeymoon cottage where we'll not be disturbed."

Inara smiled, "Peace and quite with just you and me, that will be nice, as long as you promise not to take us on anymore sleigh rides," she adds with a smirk.

He blushed and pouted, "That was just a fluke; but just to be extra careful, there will be no more sleigh rides." The carriage door opened at the door of the cottage (looking like a Kincade painting) and the driver stood there to help the lord and lady exit.

Inara slipped out carefully with the help of the two men, lifting her skirts slightly as she quickly tip toed her way through the snow to the cottage door, pulling her cloak even tighter to herself smiling at Gav's assurances that he would not take her on anymore rides.

Gavilean opened the door of the cottage and even he was surprised at the decorating that the staff had done. Red and white roses were everywhere, candles lighting the interior. There were candles and rose petals on every step leading up to the second floor bedroom. In the bedroom was a large tub with a hot bath drawn in case the newlywed would want that. There were bottles of Champaign and glasses in every room. Music played from an old French music box.

Inara smiled brightly as they entered the cottage, slipping off the cloak and looking around, "Its all so beautiful, and warm," she added with a grin, looking up at Gav. "It?s all too perfect. I keep fearing it is but a dream and I will wake at any moment, heaven forbid someone pinches me," she looks around once more.

Fires are blazing in the fireplaces of every room, heating up the cottage so that they would be warm enough even when undressed. "Before we go up to our room, I still have to give you my gift."

He smiled and looked over toward the tub, biting his lip and looked back at her. She was so beautiful that she took his breath away. The fire was blazing in their fireplace, the room was lit with candles and the tub did look very inviting with its soap bubbles and rose petals. His hands moved over her arms. "This is such a beautiful wedding dress; I hate to take it off you. But...I will." He began to help her, then said, "What th'...!! Look at all these buttons!!"

Inara laughed as she looked up at him, "?tis a gown fit proper for a lady, my lord," she teased, mirth in her voice.

He decided to turn a problem into an advantage. His hands moved over her hips and then up to the top button. He let her lean back against him as he unbuttoned the top buttons and began to kiss the skin exposed each time a button was released. Inara grinned softly, licking her lips as he worked on the buttons, shivering from time to time when his lips brushed her back, tickling slightly or leaving wetness to cool in the warm air. She waited till he had the last one open before speaking softly, "At least you didn't try out your new dagger on them," she laughed.

"With the way you have my hands shaking, I'd be afraid to touch anything sharp and pointy." His hands were indeed shaking. They had made love many times, but this was different. She was now his wife and she was the most beautiful, exquisite woman he had ever seen. All the buttons released, he helped the gown to slip to the floor, and then hung it up when she had stepped out of it. As she stood in her undergarments, he began to work at his uniform buttons.

She moved forward to stay his hands, returning the favor as he had to her, she slowly undid each button, her lips taking exposed flesh time and again, lapping lightly at him, leaving a soft wet trail as she worked his uniform open. He watched her work on him, and as he watched, his breathing quickened and his heart pounded. The uniform jacket, sword, belt, boots, pants....all were discarded and set aside, until he stood there in only his under shorts. He then pushed down the straps of her undergarments and let them slide down. Inara slipped from her corset, and thong before slipping to the floor to free him from his underwear, her lips gracing small kisses on him, playful but loving. Inara smiled and slowly stood, her fingers trailing softly up his body, "I think we should get into that tub now," she purred.

Gavilean stood behind Inara, his hands on her bare shoulders, staring at her naked back that was a softly aglow in the light of the candles and fireplace. He moved his naked body close to hers and his hands moved down her arms. "You are now my companion...forever," he whispered in her ear. "And I am yours...forever." His hands moved down and slid over her thin waist.

Inara grinned softly and looked back at him, "And what a position to be in too," she purred, "I do love you so, I will forever be with you. Now, about that tub?" she added looking back at him and smiling brightly.

The tub was before them...candles surrounding it, bubbly hot water inside, rose petals all about - inside and out. "I'll hold your hand as you get inside the tub."

She chuckled as she offered him her delicate fingers, "Just do be careful, I fear swimming is not one of the things I do well," she moved to carefully climb into the beautifully hot water.

Once she was settled down into the tub, Gavilean moved behind her and slowly stepped into the tub, a leg on each side of her and her back against his chest. "Mmmmm...this feels so good."

Inara leaned back into his embrace, lifting his hand to her lips and pressing soft fluttery kisses over his palm and fingers, "It does," she agreed, "I could be here forever, if this moment would but freeze in time," she licked at the tip of his index finger before pulling it lightly into her mouth.

He moved his face forward, rubbing it against her hair as she put his finger into her mouth. Her mouth felt so good - hot, moist, soft. The feeling was quite erotic and his body was responding to those sensations. "I love you so much, Inara," he whispered. "I can believe we're actually married, and we're having a child!"

Her tongue brushed over the tip of his finger before she slowly released his hand, taking the other and starting the same treatment, "Yes we are," she breathed between kisses, "and nothing will ever come between us," she added before sucking his finger once more into her mouth.

"We'll never be separated again, my darling," he whispered just before his mouth came down on her bare shoulder and began to place nibbles and kisses all over it. The hand that was now free moved through the water and traveled up her smooth body.

Inara moaned softly in need, tilting her head to give him the room to get at her smooth skin as she let his hand roam over her body, her lips once more releasing his finger. "I love you," she breathed as she opened her legs so they were laying over his now.

His mouth moved inward from her shoulder to her neck, opening against the side of her neck and lifting up to her ear. "I love you, too. Completely. You make me so happy.

"I do try," she purred almost playfully licking her lips. The bath, the atmosphere...everything was perfectly romantic.