Je t’aime

“There is so much space in that old house that we just can’t use. It’s expensive to heat all those rooms not to mention keeping them clean. Normally, we only keep one wing open, the rest just sits there closed up. The days when a single family can afford to keep a house this size are quickly fading, besides people want more modern conveniences than a house like this can provide.” Barbra explained.

“I would be happy to help you any way I can. What about turning it into a bed and breakfast?” Kendra said.

“Martin is still hoping we can find a way to hold on, but I know the time is coming that something will have to be done.” She said with a sigh. “I’m working on a way to use the property to help some of those kids I see each day, you know, the ones that just need a little help to succeed.”

“I know only too well, how much difference a little help can make.” Kendra said, putting her hand over Barbra’s. “If I hadn’t won that cooking contest when I was a kid, there would never have been enough money for me to go to culinary school.”

“Oh, I didn’t know about that, but you understand don’t you. Well, it’s just a dream of mine. The house is such a part of the family that it’s just not possible now, but I don’t know how we’re going to continue to pay for the upkeep, it’s getting really expensive.” She said, looking toward the house, which was ablaze with lights.

“I can imagine.” Kendra said, thinking about what must go into maintaining a house this size. All the breath left her lungs when she realized that if she married Remy this would eventually be her problem as well. She promised herself that she would learn as much as she could from Remy’s mother so that when the time came she could show this house the respect it deserved.

As these thoughts were circling in her head she heard the first boom, signaling the beginning of the fireworks that had become the traditional end of the families’ week long celebration. As the first colors burst into the sky, casting colorful light across the lawn and grounds, Kendra wondered where Remy was.

Just then he materialized out of the dark, approached her chair and took her by the hand. “If we hurry I know the best spot to watch the show. The first one is just a warning, we have a few minutes.”

They ran through the woods, Kendra following blindly, up a slope and onto an outcropping of rocks. From their perch they could not only see the fireworks but the lights of Paris off in the distance. Remy spread a blanket out on the rock and Kendra snuggled into Remy’s arms, Kendra felt more content than she had in a long time.

They watched the fireworks in silence, just enjoying being with one another. It had been a good day for both of them. Kendra was happy, she loved his family and many of her reservations about their relationship had started to fade. Remy was happy because he realized that he was in love with Kendra.

It had happened quickly, but he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He thought that she might feel the same way but wasn’t sure. He was more than willing to give her more time to adjust to all that their being together meant. At some point in the future his life would change when he became head of the family and Kendra would have a major role in that life.

When the fireworks were over, they both agreed that they should go back to the house but neither wanted to move. Remy had brought a thick blanket for them to sit on and the rock was still warm from the day’s heat. Laying back, Remy pulled Kendra with him, then propped himself up on one elbow.

Stroking his finger gently over her lips, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Have you ever made love in the woods?”

Slightly breathless with the thought of being naked out in the open with Remy, she said, “I’m afraid I’ve never been much for s*x in the woods, there aren’t many woods in the city.”

“Well, it’s never too late to learn to appreciate a new experience.” He said, reaching down and running his hand up her thigh to the waist band of her panties and giving them a gentle tug.

Kendra started to protest but as his finger found her most sensitive spot, all thought left her head, as Remy created fireworks of his own.