That first night in Judy's cabin, was a hard one for Kali. She felt awkward about telling Judy she was pregnant. After all Judy had done to help Kane and her, the last thing Kali wanted to do, was to cause her pain. As it turned out, she didn't have to. Judy guessed it.
Taker had asked for and been given three more weeks off. He would be returning the week of Survivor Series. Kane would be returning then, as well! Judy had considered the information concerning Kali's shop, and toyed with the idea of suggesting she accompany Kane to the ring, be his valet in other words. It was really their decision to make, of course, but she meant to say something about it to Taker. Maybe he could suggest it to Kane.
After everyone had gone to bed, Judy went about locking up for the night! She bought a travel crib for CJ, after they got back home. CJ liked his new bed, and didn't put up a fuss at bedtime.
"Me sweepy, Daddy!" CJ would say, climbing up into the roomy lap of his father.
Taker laughed, scooping his son up, then got him ready for bed. By the time Kane and Kali arrived, CJ had gotten use to sleeping in the crib. Judy kept it low so he could climb in and out of it himself.
Stepping through the doorway of her bedroom, she paused, watching the big man coming out of the bathroom, toweling himself off. His wet hair was combed straight back, hanging loose down his back. The broad expanse of his back, the wide breadth of his massive shoulders, his whole magnificent body, took her breath away
"All locked up?" He asked, coming over to her, taking her in his arms, pulling her willing body against his.
Kissing the thickly muscled chest, she inhaled his scent. Not the soap smell, but his own unique man-smell! If God willed her to be struck blind and Taker walked in to the room, she would know his man-smell from any one else's.
Slipping her arms around his trim waist, resting her cheek against his warm body, she told him yes, all was secure for the night. Taker's hands were busily exploring the tempting curve of her backside. Looking up into his eyes, she smiled warmly at the love of her life.
"I'm going to take a bath, you go on to bed. I'll join you in a few." Then, standing on tiptoe, she pulled his head down towards hers and kissed him hungrily. Stepping away from him, she gave him a look that made him catch his breath.
The honey colored paneling, the rustic rough hewn timbers across the ceiling made this room a place to enjoy. The Queen sized wrought iron bed was a little small for his taste, but it fit perfectly with the decor of the room. Only yesterday she had taken the feather beds out of storage and aired them out, before putting them on the beds in the two bedrooms. Taker enjoyed the comfort this provided, not to mention the other delights to be found surrounded by their warmth. Crawling beneath the flannel sheets, Taker leaned back against the headboard waiting for her to join him.
Kali and Kane were delighted with their room! Kali had to admit Judy had excellent taste in furnishings! The King sized cedar bed matched the high boy and dresser in the huge room. A brightly patterned quilt and matching flannel sheets were turned down invitingly. She welcomed the idea of crawling in next to him. It had been a long day and both she and Kane were tired.
CJ was fast asleep and so was Kane by the time she went to bed. Kali had taken a long hot bath, and was now totally exhausted. Within minutes after crawling in next to Kane, Kali, too, was fast asleep.
The brilliant sunrise always made her think of God's majestic presence. Dawn had always been her favorite time of day. Crawling out from the warm bed, Judy realized as soon as her toes touched the cold hardwood floor, that the furnace was going to have to be lit soon! Slipping on her fuzzy mules, she went into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.
Glancing out the big bay window, she saw there had been a heavy frost last night. From the looks of the crystals on the window, it had gotten rather cold as well! Pouring a cup of coffee, she stood in front of the window admiring God's handiwork.
The blue mist drifting down low over the pond behind the cabin, gave everything a veiled appearance. The sun was just beginning to crest the mountain peaks, coloring everything with a soft rosy glow.
Taker wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against him,
nuzzling her neck. Her soft moan brought a satisfied smile to his
sensuous lips.
"Mornin! You're up early! I missed you in that bed back there! Came to see where you were!" He growled softly in her ear.
Turning in his embrace, Judy gave herself up to the pleasure his arms had to offer. Nipping playfully at his sensitive nipple, she told him of her enjoyment watching the day break.
"Always has been my favorite time of day! Want some coffee?" After he nodded, she poured him a cup and handed it to him. "What do you think of Kali being Kane's ring assistant? She said her shop wasn't doing well, and I thought maybe the change might do her good!" She suggested, meeting his warm green gaze.
Taker thought about it, then nodded his head! "I think it's a wonderful idea! Do you want me to suggest it?" He asked, his tone soft and low.
"Yes! They may think me interfering if I brought it up! I certainly don't want to offend either one of them!" She said.
"Ok then! I kinda had the same idea concerning you!" He said quietly, watching her closely.
Surprise widened her eyes! "ME! Babe, I don't think so! I have a
business to run, at least for a few more weeks anyway. We have several weeks of really bad winter weather here, and I close the shop down during that time. Usually right after Christmas through the first of February."
Before anything else was said, the guest room door opened, and Kane appeared, looking very much like a rumpled little boy. Grinning at each other, Taker called out a greeting.
"Morning, buddy!" Taker grinned at the owlish look on Kane's face.
Kane blinked at the couple standing in front of the window, their arms around each other. A sleepy grin spread across Kane's lips. "Mornin you two! Any of that left?" Kane indicated their cups.
"Sure thing! How did you sleep last night?" Judy asked as she poured him a cup of coffee.
"Thanks! I slept like a baby! Got cold last night didn't it?" He said, looking at the frosted window.
"No, not really! We had a good frost, but that's all! In the next few weeks, we'll get some cold weather." She said grinning up at her big friend.
Just then, the door opened again, and the little boy came running out. "Daddy me cold! Me hawngry too!" CJ grabbed hold of a hand from each man. Throwing back his head, the little boy looked first at Taker, then at Kane. His happy grin brought smiles to all their faces.
Laughing softly, Judy said,"What would you like this morning?" Kneeling down, she met the little boy's eyes levelly.
"Gwits with butter and sugar!" He said matter-of-factly.
"Grits! How bout some bacon to go with them?" She asked brightly.
"Yes, please!" He replied, eyes so much like Taker's stared back at her.
Laughing with genuine pleasure, she stood up and went over to the range to start breakfast. Just about the time it was ready, Kali joined them as well, looking worlds better after a good nights sleep.
"Morning all!" She said sleepily, heading toward the coffee pot.
"You hungry? Just finished making breakfast." Judy smiled at her
friend. The drawn, taut look was gone from around her mouth. She was glad to see Kali looking refreshed and well rested.
"Yes, surprisingly, I AM hungry!" Kali grinned back at her friend, as she went to sit between her husband and son.
The table was loaded with enough food to feed a small army! Judy had made home fries, country ham and bacon, hot home made biscuits, scrambled eggs and gravy, and even a platter of French toast. There were also sides of grits and oatmeal. Jars of apple butter and peach and strawberry preserves also graced the table. CJ had a sippy cup full of milk to drink, while the adults all had coffee and juice.
As Kali looked at all the food, she spotted the plate of French toast. That looked better than anything, to her! But then again, those fluffy biscuits and strawberry preserves had her mouth watering, too! Kali began filling her plate, suddenly quite ravenous.
CJ watched with huge eyes, grits making his little cheeks bulge, as his mother piled her plate high! "Momma hawngry, too!" He informed the group. Kali blushed delicately as the others laughed at the child's remark.
"That's ok, CJ. Momma needs to eat!" Judy said, still chuckling, as she met Kali's eyes. "You go on and eat as much or as little as you want! Grammy made this apple butter, if you would like to try some! It's very good!" Judy offered.
"Thanks, I think I will!" Kali said as she took the small jar from her friend.
Some time later as the women cleared away the empty dishes, the men took CJ in to get dressed, then deposited him in front of the TV.
Judy made a fresh pot of coffee and poured them all a cup, then sat back down at the table.
"So where do you two think you would like to live?" Judy asked after the men rejoined them.
"I don't know! Hadn't thought much about it, I only know that I don't want to live in Reno any longer." Kali said looking down at her cup.
"Have you thought about working with Kane?" Taker asked, looking first at the big man, then at Kali. Kane liked the idea, and had already thought of it, but hadn't had a chance to ask her, himself.
Kali thought about it then looked at Kane. He was smiling, obviously very pleased with the idea. "I don't know! That's something I'll have to think about." She replied softly, glancing in at CJ watching cartoons.
"Angel, other families travel together and do just fine." Kane said softly, his hazel eyes, holding her blue ones.
"So, you want me and CJ with you 24/7?" she asked softly, a ghost of a smile touching her lips, a wicked look in her eyes.
"Absolutely!" He said without hesitation, reaching out for her hand, looking at her rather warmly.
"Sounds like that's settled to me!" Taker said, grinning wickedly at his friend.
"Kali, I have a question. Pardon me if I'm being nosey, but what about your stuff in Reno? Your clothes, your furniture, CJ's stuff! What do you want to do about that?" Judy asked, watching her friend.
"I hadn't thought about that! I guess we better decide about a house, then try to get my stuff out her!" She hadn't even thought about that.
"If I may make a suggestion? Why don't y'all take a place here, get your stuff out here, then when you have the time to decide where you want to live, you won't have that problem to worry about! All your stuff will be here!" Judy said quietly, watching Kali's expression.
"That's a wonderful idea! Can we go house hunting today?" She looked at Kane, waiting for his input.
"Fine by me! But how are we going to get the stuff here?" Kane asked.
"We can fly out, pack and hire a mover to bring it back." Taker
offered.
"Kane, I don't want to go back there! I'd rather just leave it and start all over again, if that's the case! I can't go back in that apartment!" Her voice barely above a whisper! Fear was clearly visible in her eyes.
"Well, how bout this! Judy and I will go out there and pack your stuff and arrange to have it brought back here! You two can stay here and go house hunting." Taker said watching them closely.
"That'll work! But one thing!!!! I don't want the bedroom furniture! I never want to see that stuff again!" Kali said nervously, holding
Kane's eyes.
"Deal! We'll leave today! Kane and I have the next three weeks off, so there will be plenty of time to get you two settled. Judy and I will spend a few days out there taking care of things. You do need to call your landlord and let him know that we're coming." Taker was beginning to look forward to this unexpected trip.
"Kali what about your shop?" Judy questioned.
"Just load everything up! I'll deal with it later!" Kali, too, was looking forward to house hunting with her husband.
"Good! Now that's settled, I'll call the airport, while Judy packs." Taker grinned wickedly, leaning back in the chair, his hands behind his head.
Judy and Kali went in to pack, Kali keeping her friend company.
"I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me! I don't know what I would have done without you!" Kali was misty eyed as she lay across Judy's bed, watching as her friend packed.
Judy stopped and sat down on the edge of the bed. "You just take care of yourself and have a healthy baby! And you and Kane be happy! Put all this shit behind you!"
The startled look on Kali's face at the mention of the baby was
priceless! "How did you know?"
Grinning happily at her, Judy replied,"You were glowing!"
The two women grinned at each other, sharing the good news. Soon, the bags were packed, and they were all on the way to the airport. Kane and Kali were seeing their friends off.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Chapter Forty-One~~~Kaliegh
"What do you think of this one, Kal?" Kane asked as he stopped the car in front of the old house. This was the fourth one they had looked at so far and Kane had not seen Kali's eyes light up on the others the way they lit up at the sight of this house.
Kali did like it. The house was a turn of the century Victorian with a large fenced in yard that would be perfect for CJ. Kali knew immediately that this was the house she wanted.
"Kane, I love it! This is the one I want!" Kali replied, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Alright then! Let's go take a look inside then." Kali's excitement was infectious and Kane found him self hardly able to wait to see what the old house looked like. Kane got out of the car, and after taking CJ from his car seat, Kane went around to the passenger side and opened Kali's door.
The inside of the house was exactly as Kali had pictured it. All of the original woodwork and hardwood floors were still in place. An open staircase led to the upstairs and a second story porch was just off to the right of the top of the stairs. French doors made of oak led to each of the four bedrooms, with fireplaces in two of the rooms. Kali was pleased to see that the master bathroom had recently been redone and a large garden tub replaced the original one. In the kitchen, a skylight had been added that let in all kinds of sunlight.
"You still want this one, love?" Kane asked as he walked up behind her, wrapping his huge arms around her lovely body.
Kali turned around facing him, gazing up into his eyes. "Yes, I love it!" She told him as she pulled him close to her. "CJ, do you like this house?" Kali asked the little boy who stood behind one of Kane's massive legs, smiling happily up at his mother.
"I like here, Momma! We live here!" CJ said to her.
Kali kneeled down and hugged him tightly. "Yes, I think we will." Kali said as she picked CJ up and carried him downstairs.
They made all the necessary arrangements with the realtor that day. Kane and Kali agreed that they would rent the house and if they decided that they liked the area well enough in a few months they would buy it. When all the paperwork was done, the three of them had dinner and then went back to Judy's home.
CJ fell asleep right before they got back. Kali carefully changed him into his pajamas, not wanting to wake him. Then she changed into a pair of windpants that showed off all of the right curves. She pulled a warm sweatshirt over her head and then took her hair out of its ponytail. Walking down the hallway, Kali noticed how chilly it had gotten since the sun had gone down. After living in Reno for so many years, Kali knew this colder weather was going to take some getting used to.
While Kali got CJ ready for bed, Kane went into the kitchen and made them each a cup of hot chocolate. He was just walking into the living room when Kali joined him.
"I made some hot chocolate." Kane said, his voice soft and husky as he handed her the cup.
"Thanks. This will definitely hit the spot." Kali replied as she took a sip of it. She was about to take another when Kane took the cup from her hands. Kali looked up at him in surprise. "Hey! I was drinking that…." She began but stopped suddenly when she saw the look that had entered his eyes.
"Come, here, Angel." Kane's deep voice sent shivers racing up and down her spine as he reached out and took her hand into his. He backed up slightly to one of the chairs and pulled her down onto his lap facing him. Their lips connected instantly while their arms went around each other. Kane slipped his hands under her shirt, loving the feel of her soft skin. Kali tugged at his t-shirt, freeing it from his jeans and pulling it off over his head. Kali's eyes flamed with desire as she raked her long fingernails down his massive chest, her mouth leaving a flaming trail along his neck and shoulders. Again their lips came together in a kiss that burned with every ounce of fire and passion that Kane and Kali had in them. Kane picked her up easily and carried her down the hallway to their room. Carefully he laid her down on the big bed, his large body covering her much smaller one. Slowly Kane removed her clothes, his eyes growing dark as he gazed upon every one of her breathtaking features. Then he broke the contact long enough to remove his own clothing. Lying back down beside her, he pulled Kali on top of him and looked deep into her eyes.
"This is okey? We won't hurt the baby?" Kane asked as he tenderly caressed her cheek, his eyes filled with love.
"No, it's fine." Kali told him as she continued to nibble and suck on his neck and chest.
Kane groaned deeply and pulled her closer to him, his hands roaming freely over her smooth backside. His mouth found hers again as his fingers became entangled in her hair.
Kali moved slightly and gently eased herself down onto him. Slowly she began to move as Kane's eyes rolled back and a low moan escaped his throat. Putting a hand on her hips, Kane began to move with her. Before long their breathing became ragged and uneven as their bodies were consumed with passion and desire. Their movements became quicker and more intense, and their skin drenched with each other's sweat. Suddenly Kane's fingers dug into her skin. The unexpected pain jarred her for a moment, and then inflamed her even more, sending her straight over the edge. Both of their bodies stiffened and jerked in unison and then became limp. Kane wrapped his arms around Kali, pulling her close to his huge body. Gradually their breathing slowed, becoming deep and even. Seconds later, both were in a deep sleep.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The couple rolled over on their sides, as their breathing slowly
returned to normal. This had been the most intense bout of lovemaking yet! She turned to look up at the big man laying beside her, eyes filled with wonder! For some odd reason, THIS time touched her in ways that other times had not. What exactly made this time different, she didn't know. She just knew that she sensed a deeper connection, not just a meeting of the bodies.
It was almost as though their souls had become one, as well as their bodies. Taker had felt it too, judging by the almost startled look in his eyes. Unknown to her, he had never experienced anything like that before! Not with ANY of the women that had shared his bed through the years!
She placed her soft hand in the center of his deep, thickly muscled chest, running it up and down the tight, firm belly. He had rolled over on his back and thrown an arm across his eyes. His other one was around her, pulling her close to him.
Taker was a noisy lover! Smiling slightly, thinking about his grunting and groaning, his snorting and other sounds she could not identify, even these she found exciting! He had been more energetic than usual, as well.
Tilting her head back so she could look at him, Judy studied him
closely! He met her warm gaze with one of his own.
"What are you thinking about, Babe?" He asked, his voice deep, husky, gravelly.
"Nothing really! I've rather enjoyed these last few days! Worked like the devil, but enjoyed the time spent with you!" She said softly, her blue eyes filled with love for this big man!
Pulling her even closer, he kissed her tenderly on the forehead. His heart swelled with love for her. He had "finally" come to a decision! Tomorrow, while Judy finished the last of the packing, he had something to do! Her deep even breathing told him she was fast asleep. Holding her close to his heart, he too, drifted off in a contented sleep.
The next morning dawned clear and rather warm! The happy couple went in to breakfast holding hands, looking for all the world like newlyweds. They drew many an admiring glance from the other diners. After selecting a table near the window, the big man held her chair for her, before taking the one beside her. The waitress brought them coffee, and after placing their order, left them to enjoy the early morning.
"Judy, if you don't need my help today, I have a few things to take care of in town. I still need to make arrangements for the movers to pick Kali's stuff up!" He said looking deep in her eyes.
"No, I can finish up what little there is left to do! I shouldn't be more than two or three hours! Will that be enough time for you to finish what you need to do?" She asked, looking at him warmly. She REALLY didn't relish the idea of being alone in that apartment any longer than necessary!
"Yeah, more than enough time! When do you want to go back home?" He asked, sipping from his cup.
"OH! in a day or so! When ever you are ready!" She was missing her mountains, and was more than ready to go back. Yet, she didn't EVER want to be away from him again!
"That's fine! We'll call the airport and check on a flight for day after tomorrow!"
Just then, their breakfast arrived, and all talk stopped while they ate. Both were starving, having had almost nothing to eat since the afternoon before. Taker watched in delight as she consumed her Blueberry Belguin Waffle, topped with a generous portion of whipped cream. He enjoyed the almost sensual way she licked the fluffy topping from her finger! He had put his fork down and just watched her. When she stuck out the tip of her pink tongue, cleaning the sweet stuff from the corner of her lip, her eyes just happened to meet his! That "innocent" look only served to fan the flames of desire even higher!
Pushing back his chair, he pulled out some money and tossed it on the table, even as he grabbed her by the hand leading her from the restaurant, and toward the elevators. As the arrived at their floor, Taker slung her across his shoulder and all but ran down the hall to their room. Just before he locked the door behind them, he hung the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the knob. They would just have to use the same towels, if need be!
In seconds, their clothes were all over the room. As he lowered her to the carpeted floor, he covered her slender body with his own much larger one. It was MUCH later, before they left the room again!
Taker dropped her off at Kali's old apartment then headed downtown. His first stop was to the movers. After making the necessary arrangements to pick up Kali's stuff the next day, Taker soon moved on to the next item on his agenda.
The RING! It had to be special! It had to be unique! It had to be one of a kind! As he entered the shop, the first thing he saw, was the huge display case of diamond engagement rings. Walking over to the first one, he examined each one in the case. Not really seeing any thing he liked, he moved on to the next one, then the next one.
"May I help you?" The sales lady asked as she approached the hug man.
"I'm looking for something very special in the way of an engagement ring!" He replied politely.
"Ok! Come with me please!" She lead him to the back of the exclusive shop. She showed him everything she had, but nothing interested him.
"Is this all you have?" He asked, preparing to leave.
"Well, I have some estate jewelry. You might see something in it!" She said, leading him over to a small display case in the corner.
Pulling out a try of antique rings, Taker saw the one he wanted
immediately. Picking up the ring, he turned it over, looking at it from every possible angle. The huge center stone was a perfectly cut square canary diamond. Two smaller stones of a delicate pink hue set on either side. The antique setting made the ring perfect. Luckily there was a matching band.
"This wedding set was made for a gentleman over 100 years ago. When his grand daughter came of age he passed it on to her, since he survived his wife. At the grand daughter's death, there was only a distant cousin living and he didn't want or need the jewelry, so we bought it!" She explained.
"I'll take it!" He said, grinning with satisfaction! As he started to turn away, something in the tray on the bottom shelf caught his eye. "May I see that bottom tray please?"
As the sales lady brought out the tray, Taker picked up the piece, and after hearing the story behind it, took it as well. Grinning wickedly, he couldn't wait to tell Judy THAT story! Very soon, he was on his way to pick her up. He would give her the bracelet over dinner.
That night, after finishing dinner, he turned to her and asked her to hold out her right hand.
"Now close your eyes!" He said, a wicked gleam in his beautiful green eyes. When she did, he pulled out the bracelet, slipping the ring part on first. "Alright, now you can open them!" He said, grinning at her pleasantly surprised expression.
"OH! This is beautiful! Oh, Taker, Thank you!!" Then leaned
over kissing him thoroughly.
"I'm glad you like it!!!! It's a slave bracelet! It's an antique, over 100 years old! It was made for a gentleman farmer's wife! She had a tendency to want to roam, so he had this made for her, to remind her that she WAS married." He showed her the lock on the back of the heavy silver cuff. "There's a key that fits the lock. I had it put on a chain. It's upstairs in the room! Do you like it?" He asked, a warm look in his eyes.
"I do! It's very beautiful! And the workmanship is incredible!" She couldn't take her eyes off it! Reaching out, she gently caressed his check with soft fingers.
The look in his eyes had her pulse racing. Her thoughts turned to
another activity far more enjoyable than simply "talking" to him. She found her thoughts had wandered to bathing! Sharing one WITH him, to be more to the point!
"Darlin, please, I'm suddenly feeling VERY tired, and wanting nothing more than a RELAXING bath! Would you mind if we skipped the show, and went back upstairs instead?" She said softly, her eyes nearly black with desire.
Not missing the look she gave him, he took her hand, leading her out of the restaurant. As the doors of the elevator closed behind them, the big man turned to her. Bending down, he covered her mouth with his, in a kiss that was scorching in it's intensity!
Wrapping her arms around his neck, the fingers of one hand entangled themselves in his long hair, pulling him even closer. Sliding his arms around her, Taker lifted her up, holding her tightly against him. Judy wrapped her legs around him, bringing her body more intimately against his.
Groaning deeply, his hands cupped her backside, bringing her even
closer. She had no doubt as to his desires. He reached out a hand, hitting the button stopping the elevator between floors. Reaching between their bodies, he freed himself, then ripped off the bit of lace that passed for her underwear.
Pushing her skirt out of the way, Taker buried himself in her velvety softness, all the while the alarm in the elevator sounding shrilly. In minutes, she cried out his name even as he grunted as his own release came. Finally, in a second or two, he set her on her feet, readjusted his clothing, and started the elevator once more. A scrap of cream colored lace caught his eye. Bending down to pick it up, he just did have time to stuff it down the front of his tight jeans when the doors opened.
Seeing the HUGE man standing there with his hand stuck down the front of his jeans, the woman's eyes widened in shock. "A, we'll wait for the next one!" She said nervously, tugging on her husband's arm, preventing him from getting on the elevator.
Taker met her eyes, stuck out his tongue and rapidly flicked the tip of it at her. Gasping in alarm, the woman blushed hotly, stepping back out of harms way.
Judy chocked back the laughter threatening to erupt. That thing he'd done with his tongue had looked deliciously perverted. Desire swept through her again. She couldn't wait to get back to their room. Giving him a decidedly wicked look, she grinned up at him as the doors closed. Later, much, much later, Taker slipped the ring on her left finger.