I was starting to realize that my father had been a very unhappy man. No, it didn't excuse him being such a crap father. But maybe, just maybe, there was a better relationship in our future.
And Nev was happy. Happy for her mother, happy for me, she even seemed to like my father. It turns out he'd been pretty decent to her over the years.
If she was happy, I was happy.
Well, other than the time she'd presented me with a repayment plan for her tuition. Neat rows of amortized amounts. Like a mortgage.
I'd crumpled it up and chucked it into the gas fireplace. I'd explained to her that as my future wife I would prefer she not incur needless debt. Then I'd pulled her over my lap and taken turns spanking and soothing her gorgeous little bottom.
She's laughed and tried to rear up at first. She'd gone silent and breathy when she realized I was serious about spanking her. And then even breathier when she realized how much she enjoyed a good spanking now and then.
It turned out my future wife was a little bit kinky.
I wasn't complaining. Not one bit.
Nevada
I stood in the chapel holding the bouquet of pale pink roses. Across the aisle from me stood Clay. He looked so handsome in his gray suit and blue tie. It nearly took my breath away. My dress was blue silk. I felt like an old school movie star in it with my hair professionally styled.
Classy.
And cool.
A far cry from Mouse. Or the girl who slung cocktails in a strip club. But I was all of those people and more.
I wasn't going to forget it either.
The church was filled to the brim with people. I recognized a lot of them from the club. Usually they ignored me. Today they were all smiling.
The organist began playing and I stared down the aisle, craning my neck with the rest of the guests.
My mother appeared in a white dress that would put a fairy princess to shame. High waisted, with a bustier covered in pearls. The floating full skirt trailed out behind her. Her hair was twisted up artfully on top of her head. She wore her mother's wedding ring on a blue ribbon. You would never notice it unless you knew it was there in her shiny curls.
But I knew.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
I'd loaned her the ribbon. Just to make sure we had our bases covered. Unfortunately, it had made her cry so hard that her makeup had to be reapplied.
I glanced at Mr. Westfield. He looked ecstatic. He should. He'd gotten a second chance with my mom. I'm not sure I would have given him one.
Apparently he'd been after her for years. She'd kept him at arm's length even though she'd had feelings for her boss. But he was married.
Finally things had come to a head and they'd had one night together. But my mom had immediately regretted it. And Mr. Westfield had behaved like an ass, offering to set her up in a condo.
Things had already been strained by the time Claire found Clay and I in bed together.
So in a weird way, it had been a good thing. Of course, at the time I wanted to murder him. And kiss him.
All at the same time.
Love was funny that way.
I watched the ceremony with misty eyes. Clay kept giving me warm looks. I knew what he was thinking.
He was thinking of our wedding day.
He'd turned out to be entirely devoted to me. More than devoted.
Enamored.
I had to admit it was nice. Especially since he had my heart as well.
My mind wandered during the ceremony. I cheered with everyone else as the pastor pronounced them 'man and wife!'
I smiled at Clay over my bouquet as he escorted me down the aisle behind the bride and groom. Outside we were swarmed by well wishers and people looking for gossip.
Nosey Parkers, as my mother called them.
One of the guests lifted my hand to stare at the enormous yellow diamond engagement ring I wore.
"You're next dearie!"
I shook my head. Not for a couple of years. And it would be nothing as big as this. Clay and I agreed on that. We wanted something small, intimate.
Besides, being engaged was enough for now.
I had stuff to do. Like graduate.
Six Months Later
Nevada
I sighed, rubbing my neck. I was determined to do well on my exams. The semester had gone by so fast. It was already getting chilly out. Well, chilly for Southern California.
Something touched my foot.
I kicked my foot in the air and turned the page. I'd had such a heavy class load the fall semester that I'd used post it notes instead of highlighting. Besides, I was forever frugal and planned to sell my books back to the bookstore.
That sort of thing always made Clay laugh. I asked him what he did with his books when he was done. He honestly hadn't known.
Something tickled my foot again. And then my ear. And then a heavy weight landed on me.
"Oof! Clay!"
He was kissing my neck as he pressed into my back. His hands started wandering almost immediately. He was incorrigible really.
How much sex could one man have?
"Come on Nev, we have to pack."
"I'm almost done."