Into the Flames (Out of the Ashes #2) (20 page)

Where December went I’
ll never know.  One moment I was getting the okay to travel from Dr. Somers, the next we were in England and now it is only a few days before Christmas.  Ian and I have spent days in town getting ready, buying presents, picking out decorations; he even got a tree for the living room.  Everything is beautiful; the very picture of a country Christmas.  I don’t think I have ever been this excited for the holidays before.

Gavin, Marlene and Claire all arrived together about a week ago and so that has meant more shopping and lunches than I could have imagined.  Surprisingly I have been able to keep up with work and everything going on there as well.  Luckily with the holidays things are slowing down some so I hav
e even had some time to work ahead on upcoming projects.  Ian seems to be enjoying the London office and of course there is nothing not to enjoy about the estate even with the ongoing construction.  There has also been no word from either Dean or Rebecca, which has only bolstered my spirits.

Marlene informed us a couple days after she arrived that she and some ot
her designers are hosing a New Year’s Eve party and she brought designs for all of us to wear that night.  This is going to be one fantastic holiday and they will all ensure that every last piece is done up right.

Christmas arrives with all the fanfare I would expect of a family filled holiday.  The only thing missing is children waking us up at the crack of dawn to open their presents.  Though Ian and Claire do their best to fill that role. 
They are giddy like children who have waited all night for Santa as they rush down the hallway.

“No presents until after breakfast.”  Marlene calls from the table in the dining room which is overflowing with a lovely breakfast buffet.  Everything from eggs to pastries to waffles wait for us to dig into.  “I won’t have all this food getting cold while you spend hours
oohing and aahing over presents.  Now come and make a plate.”

We all do as we’re told.  We know better than to go against Marlene in anything.  The food is delicious and soon most of it is devoured.  The few leftover pastries and fruit will keep in the fridge for a snack later if anyone wants any.
  As if on cue when the last plate goes into the sink, Ian and Claire pounce on the tree and begin to pass out presents.  When there is nothing left, we all take turns opening our gifts. 

I can hardly believe that
family once again surrounds me.  I haven’t had a Christmas like this since Daddy died.  It’s amazing all the little things you miss.  The sound of paper tearing, the laughter as one person jokes with another about something that they received, picking up all the wrappings when the opening is finished and simple things like the smiles on all their faces.  Of course, Gavin did our own small Christmas’ when he was home but often times holidays meant photo shoots and so I spent several alone. 

Ian hands me a small box and I feel my breath catch.  Is it?  Could it be?  I greedily rip off the paper and open the box to reveal the most gorgeous diamond studs I have ever seen.  They are so clear they seem to emit their own sparkle. 
Okay I was hoping for something else in the box, still a diamond but one to wear on my hand.  There I admit it but I’m not disappointed in the least with these. 

“I have another gift for you as well but it is not something you can open.”  He says removing a small envelope from his pocket.  “I thought we could finally take that trip to Fiji whenever you were ready
, so I got some information and hoped that we could look at it when we get home and find a good time to go.”

“Oh
, Ian, thank you.  And all I got you was a lousy set of cuff links.”

“Hey now, I love my cuff links and they aren’t just any cuff links they are monogrammed and they are from you.  You would have been enough of a gift for me; well you on my bed naked.”  He whispers making me blush.

The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the apartment with plenty of food and enough wine for a party of 100 but we manage it all just fine. 

“Did you have a happy Christmas?”  Marlene asks as we are cleaning up before bed. 

“Marlene, I honestly forgot how much I love the holidays with family.  You all have made this so special for me.”

“I look forward to many more special events and holidays with you my dear.”  She says as she kisses my forehead.

“Hey, don’t forget about me.”  Gavin hollers as he walks into the dining room.  “I deserve some kisses under the mistletoe too from these two beautiful women.”

“Oh
, we could never forget about you, Gav.”  I giggle giving him a kiss.  Then Marlene proceeds to do the same.  We spend a few more minutes polishing off the last few glasses of wine then I head to bed to give Ian the rest of his present.

“I did have something else for you.”  I say as I walk into the bedroom to find him typing away on his keyboard.

“Oh you did, did you?”

“
Yes, I did.  Would like to see it?”

“Hmm, very much.”

I step into the closet and change into the lingerie that I bought for tonight.  When I come back out into the bedroom, the lights are all off and soft candlelight fills the room.

“So what do you think?”  I ask giving him a little turn so he can see the red lace that covers me or more accurately covers very little of me.

“I would have to say this is a very fine present indeed.  Do I get to unwrap my gift?”

“Well that depends were you a good boy this year?”

“I hope I was because I really want to unwrap that present and I’m not sure I’ll take no for an answer.”

“Well since I went to all the trouble I suppose you can.”

“Oh I’ll show how much trouble you are in for teasing me like this.”  I laugh and run around the bed but Ian is quick and has me up on the mattress in no time flat.  “Are you done teasing?”

“
Yes.”  I squeak.

“Good, now time for the unwrapping.” 
It’s not long before we are both thoroughly unwrapped and sated.  We lay there together for a long time afterward neither of us saying anything, just content to hold one another and enjoy our time together.

The week between Christmas and the New Year is filled with not only parties to attend but all the preparations for the New Year’s Eve party are in full swing.  Luckily Marlene has Claire here to help her.  Of course Gavin and I try to help as best we can and while he may have some experience in attending these things, I am so far out of my element I begin to wonder how I will ever plan a wedding if Ian should ever ask.

New Year’s Eve starts off with all the pampering one could ever want to get us ready for the party that night.
  Ian brings a few people from a local spa and using the facilities at the estate we have a full spa day.  The treatments are fantastic and it’s wonderful to see this place in full swing.  It’s not hard to imagine what the bustling spa will look like when the resort opens in a just a few short months.  We all start with some relaxation first in the hot tub with some champagne followed by massages.  After that we each go our own way for treatments.  I am waxed within an inch of my life and fairly convinced that there can be no hair left anywhere on my body except the top of my head when they have finished with me.  I have my hair colored and styled for the evening.  Of course, manicures, pedicures and makeup are a definite must.

In between treatments
, they serve a light lunch of finger sandwiches and fresh fruit along with fresh fruit juices and of course the champagne is freely flowing to all who want it.  The spa rooms are gorgeous and serene; done up in all shade of blue with tile and polished wood floors. 

Marlene, of course, has designed all of our clothes even the tuxes for Ian and Gavin.  I can’t wait to see them all dressed up.  Few men can wear a suit as well as mine and my best friend.  Their bodies seemed to have been made for tailored lines.
  I cannot wait to see what she has in store for me and I don’t have long to wait.  As soon as the cosmetologist finishes with my hair and makeup Marlene is there to whisk me away.

Being Marlene, she doesn’t have just one dress for me
but several to choose from, there is one in particular as usual that she would like to see me in that evening.  She pulls the red silk gown from the bag.  I can’t hide my gasp of astonishment.  This has to be one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen and that’s saying something considering all the creations Marlene has made for me.

“Oh my god, Marlene, it’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it dear.  I was worried that you wouldn’t like the color.”

“Well,
it’s definitely not a color I would ever pick for myself but you definitely know better than me when it comes to these things.”  The dress is draped silk with a slight cowl neck and one shoulder.  The back is slightly longer than the front giving it the look of a small train.  I look at the unforgiving fabric and know it will cling to every surface of my body.  Silently I pray that I will be able to pull it off.  The dress is very simple, almost too simple.  Marlene’s designs usually trend toward the extravagant.  The fabric is definitely luxurious but other than that there are no embellishments; in this piece she is just letting the dress speak for itself.

“Alright, let’s get this on you
so you can see what you think properly.”

Marlene has also once again thought of everything for underneath the dress as well.  I’m surprised not only by the fact that there is no corset but also by how skimpy the bra and panties are.  Marlene must have real faith in my exercise routine if she brought only this for me to wear underneath.

She must notice my suspicion.  “Dear, everything is going to show under this dress so the less you have on the better,” she says with wink.  Marlene is so naughty and I can’t help but notice.  I mean who else has a boyfriend whose mother is constantly trying to get them in bed together. 

“Marlene, you are truly terrible.”

“Lauren, if you are going to make me a grandmother while I am still on this earth then I will help you along in any way I can.”

At least she’s not trying to be subtle about it.  “Marlene, don’t you think there is something else that needs to happen before I start having babies with your son?”

“Lauren, dear, I hope you don’t think of me as so old fashioned that I would expect things to happen in any certain order.  As to marriage and children I am sure they will both happen for you and Ian; I couldn’t care less about the order as long as I am around to see both.  And I have to say you have no idea how happy you just made me when you said ‘babies’.”  Ugh, I’m going to have to be much more careful about my words around her from now on.  Not only are Ian and I getting married now in her mind but I have also committed us to having multiple children.  I try not to think about the possibility of children at all.  Having never had that sort of role model growing up, I often worry about what kind of mother I will be if I ever am one.  Marlene must notice my look.

“Dear, I didn’t mean to upset you.  Ian is going to be furious with me.  He made me promise not to upset you today.  And now look we’ve just been getting dressed and already I have you almost to tears.  I think I understand you
r fear.  But trust me in this dear, no one as kind and selfless as you could ever be a bad mother.  Just because Natasha was… well, Natasha doesn’t mean you will be anything like her.  You just don’t have it in you to be unkind or cruel.”  She wraps me in a hug and kisses my forehead.  This woman is so intuitive and has hit the nail on the proverbial head with her assessment of my situation.  That is exactly what I am worried about, being my mother.  I just hope that she and Ian are correct; luckily I have time before I have to worry about that.

“You didn’t upset me
, really.  Just thinking about children always makes me think of her and my own upbringing.  I just hope if and when Ian and I have a child I will live up to everyone’s expectations.”

“My dear, you’
ll be just fine and we will all be here to help and support you in any way we can.  You know that don’t you?”

“Of course Marlene.”  It’s my turn to hug the woman
who’s been more of a mother to me than my own.  I will be eternally grateful to both Marlene and Kathleen for all they have taught me about what being a mother truly means.

“Alright enough of that then.  Let’s get you in this dress; you have to be freezing standing there in nothing but your dainty knickers.” 

I step into the dress and it slips over my body like a second skin.  The feel of the silk on my skin is delicious and erotic.  It reminds me of nights spent in Ian’s bed; I can’t help but smile as I think of him. 

“There you are my dear and perfect if I do say so myself.  Now I don’t mean to spoil the surprise but I believe my son has something for you that will add some sparkle to this gown, as if it needs it.  You should have been on my runway.  You are pure perfection.”  She lightly kisses my cheek.

“Thank you, Marlene.  For everything.”  I don’t have the words in the moment to convey to her my overwhelming appreciation for everything that she has done for me.  And even if I could find the words there would never be enough time to say them, she has done so much, been so generous and loved me beyond anything I had ever imagined from a mother.

“No tears, Lauren.  You have to go meet Ian now and I don’t want to be responsible for him thinking you’re upset.  He would never forgive me.”

“Oh I’m sure he would since they are tears of happiness.  I just can’t tell you how happy you have made me, how happy Ian has made me.  Despite everything these last few years have been the happiest of my life.  My only regret is that Daddy couldn’t be here to see it all.  You’ve raised an incredible man and I will spend every day I am with him trying to be worthy of his love.”

“Dear, it is Ian and I that are the lucky ones.  You’ve shown us all what it is to love again and brought the life back into my boy.  So for that I am forever in your debt.”

I hug her, like I’ve never hugged another woman in my life.  Love pours between us, mother to daughter and in that moment I truly feel that is what I am.

When I finally pull myself from our embrace, I turn to see Ian watching intently from the doorway.

“Good thing I was already dressed, Mr. I forgot how to knock.”

“You would have been gorgeous either way.”  He whispers but I know Marlene heard and the blush creeps up my skin.  “None of that or I won’t be able to find you in that exquisite dress.  Now ladies, I need to find the other two in our party and we must leave otherwise we’ll miss the dinner that mother spent so much time planning.”  He kisses Marlene on the cheek and squeezes her hand.  The love between mother and son is unmistakable.  I hope to have
that someday with our child.  Holy shit, one afternoon and one conversation and I’m thinking about children with a man I’m not even married to.  I need to have my head examined.

Ian rounds everyone up and escorts us to the waiting limo but not before presenting me with a gorgeous ruby and diamond necklace and matching teardrop earrings for the evening.  I feel like a princess getting her very own happy ending to her fairytale.

The limo ride to the ballroom is filled with laughter and of course more champagne.  I wonder if the whole point of this day and evening is to have me intoxicated, but I’m having such a wonderful time even the slight headache I’ll have tomorrow can’t spoil it.

Dinner is an elegant event right down to waiters in tuxedos serving us our 5 course meal.  After dinner the designers have a short fashion show for our entertainment before the full band takes over.  They are truly amazing singing everything from old school Ella Fitzgerald to Top 40.  Every piece they perform is perfection.  I find myself stuck in my seat mesmerized not even interested in dancing.  My revere is interrupted by a large hand taking my own.

“May I have this dance?”  Ian’s panty dropping smile is out in full wattage tonight.  He extends his hand to me, helping me from my seat just as the band begins to croon about it not being a bad thing to fall in love.  I immediately recognize it as one my favorites from JT.  “Are you having a nice time?”

I look over Ian’s body covered in a perfectly tailored tuxedo.  Black tie never
looked so good.  Every piece clings to his body just right, accenting the perfect body underneath.  I wrap him more tightly in my arms.  “You make everything perfect.  I couldn’t have asked for a better night.”  I lightly brush my lips against his.  “Your mother did wonderfully tonight.  The designs are spectacular.  I expect we’re going to have to fight her to keep your sister though.  Claire really has a knack for party planning.  I can’t wait to see what she does at Jacobs Enterprises.”

“Ah sweetheart, always talking shop.  Let’s not think about that just now.  Right now, I’m holding the most precious thing in the world in my arms and I want to show her how much I love her.”  His lips join with mine once again, in a lingering kiss this time.  It feels like it goes on and on and I never want him to stop.  It’s not a hard kiss just the right amount of pressure with some discreet t
ongue action thrown in.  After all, we are in public.  God, I love this man.  I can’t imagine a second of my life without him.  “Close your eyes, my love.”  He whispers in my ear and pulls my body closer to his.  “No, eh ah, no peaking.”  I do as I’m told and close my eyes as he continues to spin us across the floor.  I feel like I’m floating.

Then suddenly everything comes to an abrupt halt.  A collective gasp goes out amongst the crowd.  My
heart rate jumps afraid of what could have happened.  Why had Ian stopped our dance?  What’s happening?  I can’t keep my eyes shut any longer and they fly open.  I don’t see Ian.  Oh no!  Where is Ian?  Wait! I can still feel him holding my hand.

I look down at my hand which remains firmly in Ian’s grasp to find him on one knee in front of me.  Oh by all that’s holy!  My knees begin to buckle and I feel the floor rush up to meet me.  “Oh no you don’t sweetheart.  This is no time for your theatrics.  You will stand there and let me do this properly.  Or I will set my mother loose on you.”  His smile grows as he traces my palm with his fingers.

“Lauren Celeste Carmichael, you have shown me what true bravery is and what it means to fight for those that you love.  Your heart is pure and holds so much love, more than you even know.  I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on a girl of only 18.  I have waited far too long for this day.  Lauren, you have most definitely been worth the wait; you are worth more than I could ever offer you but I hope that my heart will be enough.  Lauren, sweetheart, please do me the very great honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears cloud more eyes than just mine.  I look out into the crowd and find three pairs of eyes glued on us.  Taking in the scene with much anticipation.  As I stare into the sapphire pools in front of me, waiting for my answer I can’t help but think that all of our lives will be changed by my answer.  Ian’s grip tightens and his eyes plead with mine.  His gaze moves down and I notice the box in his other hand.  A large cushion cut diamond set in platinum surrounded by two sapphires in a raised setting with diamonds studding the sides.  It is beautiful.  I gasp as it takes my breath away.  “Lauren?”  The hurt in his voice at my delay is audible.  Whispers around the room say what can she be waiting for.

“Oh, Ian.  Ian, I love you so much.  I can’t imagine my life without you.  I’m not the brave one; you make me brave.  I’m not the one with so much love in my heart; you put that love there.  Your love makes me who I am; makes me complete.  Yes, Ian.  Yes, I would love to be your wife.”  He moves like lightning taking me into his arms and twirling us in a circle.  His lips capture mine just as applause rings out from the crowd around us.