Helena slipped into bed beside John, who was reading. He laid his book aside as she pulled the bedcovers over her. She laid her head against her pillow and sighed softly. She turned to him as he moved closer to her.
“Tired?” He said moving his hand across her.
“Not really. You?” She said, covering his hand with hers.
He responded by kissing her neck.
She chuckled as she rolled onto her side to face him. He smiled as he kissed her lightly.
He rolled back onto his pillow and she rested against his shoulder, her hand going to his chest.
“What do you think about Mel and Alan’s plans for their trip?
“I know Alan was worried when he couldn’t contact his parents. I’m sure they’ll have a good time.” He stroked her silky blonde hair. “Are you disappointed that we’ll probably be spending more time here in Houston than in Florida?”
“Not really. I know how much being a part of the Space Commission means to you, and how much it means to the space program.”
John sighed. “I wish I could have convinced Alan to stay on. And Tony.”
Helena smiled. “I think Alan wants to stay close by Melissa. I can’t say I blame him. If you had been on Alpha and I had been left behind…” she shuddered, unable to continue and snuggled closer to him.
He closed his eyes and nodded.
“John,” She said, softly. “When I was talking to Mel, she mentioned that maybe we should have a trip as well.”
“A honeymoon. You know we never really had one.” He said covering her hand on his chest.
She smiled in the darkness. “I know.”
“Where would you like to go?”
“Alaska.”
“That’s an interesting choice, I’ve never been.”
“Me either, we can explore it together.”
“Sounds promising. Just when would you like to leave?”
“A week from tomorrow.” She said.
“What?” He exclaimed, looking at her.
“It’s all arranged, Mel took care of it.”
“I should have known.” He said shaking his head. “Now do you want to talk or ...” He stopped short and kissed her cheek.
A week later they boarded a plane for San Francisco and an eleven-day cruise to Alaska.
They spent the night at the Mark Hopkins Hotel and had dinner and drinks at the Top of the Mark and enjoyed watching the fog roll in across the Golden Gate. Plenty of people recognized the famous pair from Alpha, but the two had eyes only for each other.
The next day they were piped aboard the ship and met by the cruise director. Thanks to Mel’s connections, they would be well looked after.
“Ah, you must be the Koenigs.” The young lady offered extending her hand to John.
“Yes, John Koenig. My wife, Helena.” He said returning her firm handshake.
She reached for Helena’s hand as well. “Welcome aboard the Alaskan Sky. My name is Kathy Rogers. We have the Owner’s Suite ready for you.”
John smiled at Helena, circling her waist with his arm. “Lead the way, Miss Rogers.”
She led them to a waiting elevator and to the Viking deck. They negotiated the narrow passageways until they arrived at the owner’s suite. Kathy opened the door and they followed her inside the large suite.
“This is the largest stateroom on the ship and has everything one could need,” she said as she moved through the room describing it. “Private dining area, private balcony, and a well-appointed master bedroom with a Jacuzzi tub.”
She moved to the balcony doors and opened them. “There’s even a hot tub for your private use.”
John and Helena were struck by the size of the room on a ship. Much larger than either had been accustomed to on Alpha.
John looked down at Helena. “What you think?”
She smiled up at him. “I think it’s perfect.”
Kathy moved back to them. “Your card keys are on the table along with your table assignments. You’ll understand that the Captain Jorgeson insisted on having you at his table.” She said with a smile.
John nodded. He was still not comfortable with his ‘celebrity’ status. “Of course, please tell him, that we will be honored.”
“If there is anything you may need,” she said moving for the door, “Just let Randall know, he will be your suite steward and will help make your cruise enjoyable.”
Helena smiled at the young woman. “Thank you, Kathy.”
“Oh, one more thing, there is a safety drill just before we leave port. It is a requirement for each passenger. Randall will give you your instructions.”
John moved to her. “I completely understand that, Kathy. We’ll be there.”
Kathy nodded at John. “The ship is yours.”
The door closed behind her and John turned to Helena, who was smiling. “Mel certainly outdid herself this time. This place is huge!”
John laughed and went to the doors of the balcony, opening them. “That hot tub looks inviting.”
Helena moved up behind him, wrapping her arms around him, lying her head against his back. “How inviting?”
He covered her arms with his and turned to her. “Very.” He said embracing her for a long kiss.
There was a quick knock at the door. They parted reluctantly and John moved to open the door.
Standing there with a silver wine bucket in hand was their steward. “Good afternoon, Mr. Koenig. My name is Randall and I’ll be your steward for the cruise.”
John moved aside to allow him entry. “Ah and you would be Dr. Koenig. Nice to meet you ma’am.”
Helena nodded at the young steward who crossed to the bar to prepare their bottle of champagne.
“Compliments of the Captain,” he said, as the cork popped. “He is looking forward to meeting you, tonight.”
“We’re looking forward to it as well.” Helena responded, watching him pour their drinks.
Randall sat the glasses on a silver tray and presented each of them a flute. “Happy sailing.” Both accepted a glass and raised it to one another across the room.
Randall replaced the tray on the bar. “Your luggage has already been placed in your bedroom. Your excursions are booked and are listed on your itinerary. If you wish to make any changes just let me know and I’ll see to it. I am here to make your voyage as pleasurable as possible. You just let me know if there is anything you desire and I’ll see that you have it.”
He moved back to the door. “I will return at three-thirty to collect you for the mandatory safety drill. Please have your life jackets. You will find them in the top of the closet. Welcome aboard.” He said closing the door.
John looked at Helena as he sipped his wine. “What was that?” He said moving back to the balcony.
“Our steward, evidently.” She said, following him.
He stood at the railing, looking out over San Francisco Bay harbor. The Golden Gate Bridge was just ahead of them, gleaming in the sunlight. “You know, I think I’m going to like this.” He said as she stood next to him.
“That’s the idea.” She stated. “I wonder what excursions Mel chose for us?” Helena said.
“I’m sure a little bit of everything, knowing your sister.”
Helena nodded, sipping her wine. “Well the champagne is excellent.” She said looking at her glass.
“Very nice.” John turned to her and kissed her cheek.
“What’s that for?”
“For doing all of this.” He said moving a hand to her hip.
She moved closer to him and placed her hand against his chest. “I didn’t do anything. I just made the suggestion to Mel and here we are.”
He looked down at her, with a smile. “Then remind me to give Mel a kiss when we see her.”
“Well, it was my idea.” Helena said with a bit of a pout.
“And a wonderful one it was.” He said bending to kiss her.
He had a mischievous look in his eyes, when he parted from her.
“Just what are you thinking?” Helena said, responding to his look.
“That hot tub looks awfully good and we do have some time before Randall returns.”
Helena looked over at the tub. “I’ll get my suit.” She said setting her glass aside.
John caught her hand. “Who said anything about suits?” He said with a smile.
A slow smile crossed her face, as he removed his jacket.
They luxuriated in the tub, until just before time for Randall to collect them for the safety drill, finishing most of the champagne. They were shown to their designated station and the safety protocols of the ship were explained. They both understood the necessity for the drill, perhaps more than anyone else on board. Afterwards, they were invited to join the departure party on deck, joining the other passengers watching as they passed under the Golden Gate.
Later that evening, they dressed and joined the Captain at his table for dinner. Helena wore a deep blue velour dress that clung to her in all the right places. A random pattern of silver sparkles made the dress look like a starfield. John was enchanted by it. As he zipped up the back for her he told her so, running his fingers down her back, feeling her warm body through the smooth material.
“I had you in mind when I bought it,” Helena said with a smile.
“Glad to hear it,” John joked. He kissed her bare neck softly, offered his arm and led her from the room.
Captain Jorgeson rose as they approached the table. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Koenig, how nice you could join us.” He said pulling out a chair for Helena.
“Thank you, Captain.” She said sitting beside him.
He extended his hand to John, who shook it firmly. “Beautiful ship, Captain Jorgeson. My compliments.” John said as he took his seat beside Helena.
“Thank you. It is a fine ship and crew.”
John nodded across the table to the cruise director, who sat opposite him.
“Good evening, Mr. Koenig.” She said.
“Call me John, please.”
She smiled at him. “John.”
“Are you happy with your accommodations?” Kathy asked.
“They are just perfect, Kathy, we couldn’t ask for anything better.” Helena responded. “The shore excursions look exciting as well.”
“I think you will enjoy yourself, doctor.” The Captain jumped in.
“I’m sure we will.”
Captain Jorgeson introduced them the to their tablemates which included a well-known network talk show host and his wife. The dinner continued with lively conversation and fine food and drinks.
As the coffee and deserts arrived, the conversation had turned to their space adventures.
“Just how did you manage to return your crew, John?” Jorgeson asked.
“It was all possible because of a new engine development made by Dr. Peter Rockwell at MIT. It really is remarkable. We were able to modify the engine to work in our Eagles and return to Earth.”
“Extraordinary.” Jorgeson replied.
John smiled. “It was, but of course I, too, had the benefit of having a terrific crew.” He said, covering Helena’s hand with his.
“It certainly does make for an interesting story.” Kathy interjected.
Helena laughed. “Yes, we have a lot of those.” Helena said looking at John, who nodded his agreement.
“Maybe you’d like to come on the show and tell us about your adventures.” The talk show host interjected.
“I think I have had my fill of the media for the time being.” John responded.
“Oh?” the hosts’ wife responded.
“Actually we’d just like to have some time to spend together, we never were able to get a lot of that while we were gone.” Helena said.
“And it’s been fairly hectic since we returned.”
“Yes I saw the interviews and the Senate coverage. Were they really going to try and hold you responsible for breakaway?” Kathy asked.
“They almost succeeded.” John said, “If it hadn’t been for one of our communications experts, I don’t think I’d be sitting here.”
Helena squeezed John’s hand. She didn’t want to think about that.
“Well, I hope your journey with us is much more enjoyable.” Jorgenson said.
“I’m sure it will be.” John said with a smile.
“I hope you will be publishing something about your travels, it would certainly be better than anything some authors are coming up with.” Jorgeson said.
“They all have their inspirations.” Helena said.
“I’ve told her she should write some of them down, it would be much more interesting than our log entries.”
“Well we have been a little busy with arranging a house in Houston for us, haven’t we?”
It was true they had barely had time to breathe since they had returned to Earth. With the Senate inquiry, which vindicated him and now the likelihood of him replacing Commissioner Simmonds on the Space Commission. “I suppose we have been a little busy, lately.” He laughed.
Helena leaned to him and whispered to him. “In more ways than one.” She said.
John laughed and gave her an affectionate look.
Helena tasted a forkful of her chocolate dessert. “Oh my goodness, this is delicious.”
The Captain beamed at her reaction to the dessert. “We have one of the most
talented pastry chefs in the fleet.”
“Please pass him my compliments.”
John sat down his coffee cup and leaned over and whispered to Helena. “As good as that Chocolate Orgasm cake I brought you?”
Helena laughed and blushed slightly. “Well almost as good, dear.”
“My dear wife has a fondness for chocolate.” He said with a smile.
“Oh then you will want to visit the chocolate shoppe in Vancouver.” Kathy said.
“Oh?” Helena said.
“Yes, I’ll make sure Randall gives you directions, it can’t be missed.”
“What’s the name of the place?” John asked.
“The Chocolate Shoppe.” She stated.
“Easy enough.”
The dinner came to a close and the Captain excused himself for ship’s business. Kathy suggested that they visit one of the many lounges that the ship offered.
They opted for stroll on the deck. They paused at the rail near the bow of the ship, and John put his arms around her. The stars were brilliant and the ship’s wake glowed with its own phosphorescence. A movement caught his eye.
“Look. Are those Dolphins?”
A sleek form broke the surface just where the first wave curled away from the ship. Then two more followed in close formation.
“I think so. It’s so dark.”
“I miss the moonlight.”
“Would you think I was silly if I told you I missed the moon?”
John was quiet for a moment, then shook his head. “No. I know what you mean. There was something… intimate about Alpha. Safer, despite everything that happened to us.”
Helena nodded. “Exactly. Alpha kept us alive. It was our home for a long time.”
“I still reach for my commlock instead of door knobs.” John laughed softly.
“And expect to be called in the middle of the night for some
sort of emergency.”
“You too? Sometimes I wake up and wonder why it’s so quiet, and if we’ve lost
communications or something.”
Helena laughed. “Maybe we’re not suited for leisure time.”
“Maybe we haven’t given it a chance.” John leaned down and nuzzled her ear. His hands slid down to her hips.
“You could be right. Shall we continue this conversation in our quarters?”
John nodded and they moved away from the rail.
“Mr. and Mrs. Koenig,” a voice called. It was the TV show host and his wife, strolling arm in arm.
“Yes?” John couldn’t remember the man’s name and couldn’t even recall hearing of his show before.
“At dinner tonight, it sounded to me as if the two of you have a lot of stories to tell, but are not terribly interested in publicity. Is that right?”
“Yes, it is.” Helena answered. “We’re both professionals, not celebrities.”
“Please take my agent’s card.” The man held out a business card and Helena hesitated. “Believe me, it helps to have someone who can market your talents properly and suggest outlets for your creativity. I’ll put in a word with him, and he can make your life easier.”
Helena accepted the card. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your trip. It’s obvious that the two of you need some time alone. Is this your first cruise?”
“Yes, it is.” John answered. “It’s not something we ever took the time for before.”
“Well, relax and enjoy the pampering they give you. That’s one of the reasons we keep coming back.” The man patted his wife’s arm.
Mrs. Talk Show Host added, “And don’t think you have to put in an appearance at every dinner. The Captain doesn’t expect it. Especially with honeymooners.”
Helena smiled. “Thank you,” she held up the business card. “For everything.”
The couple nodded and strolled off. John and Helena proceeded to their quarters.
John removed his jacket as he closed the door behind them. Helena went to the bar. “Would you like a drink?” She asked.
“You playing bartender?” He said removing his tie.
She pulled out two glasses. “If you keep it simple.”
“I have a better idea.” He moved to stand in front of the bar and faced her. “Why don’t we dial up Randall and see if he can come up with some more champagne and some strawberries.”
She leaned across the bar, looking up at him. “I like strawberries.”
He leaned to her and touched her lips with his. “I remember.” He said with a smile.
He moved to the phone and pushed the number that connected him with Randall.
“Yes sir.”
“Randall. Could you bring us some champagne and strawberries?”
“Yes sir I can. I’ll have them for you in ten minutes.”
“Thank you. Randall.” John said, hanging up the phone.
“On his way.” He said turning to her.
“In that case, I think I’ll get more comfortable.”
John smiled as her watched her enter the bedroom. He opened the doors to the balcony and ventured out. The stars were bright and the air was crisp. He took a deep breath of the fresh air and considered just how lucky he was. To have found his home again and a women he truly loved. He was indeed a lucky man.
A quick knock on the door broke him from his thoughts. He moved across the room quickly and opened the door to find Randall with his request.
“Good evening, Mr. Koenig.”
“Randall.” He said moving aside to let him in.
The steward crossed again to the bar and laid out the wine and fruit. “Shall I pour?” He asked looking at John.
“No thanks, I can handle it.”
“Very good, sir.” He said moving to leave. “Goodnight.” He said closing the door behind him.
“Goodnight.” John said as the door shut.
He moved back to the bar and plucked the bottle from its container as Helena opened the door to the bedroom.
“John…” She called.
He turned, catching sight of her standing framed in the doorway, her hand holding the door. She was a vision in a pink satin chemise with touches of black lace. It was slit up each side revealing her thighs. She had a knee length wrap draped just off her shoulders.
His breath caught in his throat as a slow smile crossed his face as she moved slowly toward him.
“My God, you are gorgeous.” He said as she stood beside him looking up at him with wide eyes.
“I thought you might like it.” She said moving her hand up his chest and fingering the buttons on his shirt.
“Like it, I love it!” He said, moving his hand down her side across the satin material.
He pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
She peeled herself away from him with a smile. “We don’t want to waste our goodies.”
He turned his attention back to the bottle and sent the cork sailing across the room. The bubbly liquid flowed freely from the bottle as John held it away from him.
“Letting it get the best of you.” She chuckled.
He gave her a look as he replaced the bottle and looked for a towel to dry his hands.
She retrieved two crystal flutes as he wiped his hands.
“Why don’t you go wash up and join me in something more comfortable as well.” She said taking a strawberry from the plate.
He returned the towel to the bar and nodded. “Don’t start without me.” He said moving toward the bedroom.
She smiled and popped the strawberry in her mouth.
He returned shortly, wearing a robe. She had moved the wine and strawberries to the table in front of the sofa. She was waiting for him, sipping from her glass.
“You closed the balcony doors.” He said sitting next to her and taking up his glass.
“It was a little chilly.” She said taking another strawberry.
‘Won’t be for long’ he thought. He popped a berry into his mouth and had another sip.
“You know, I think I could learn to like this.” He said thoughtfully.
She leaned to him, caressing the back of his neck. “It is very nice.”
“Mmm huh.” He agreed.
He kissed her softly and his hand went to her cheek. “I love you.”
She smiled, “I love you, too.” She said, kissing him.
He took her glass from her and set them on the table beside the plate of berries.
He turned back to her and she moved into his arms.
He held her close, kissing her neck and shoulders. Her hand strayed to his waist and loosened the sash of his robe. She slowly moved her hand back up his chest as he continued to kiss her.
Her hand moved underneath his robe, pushing it from his shoulders. “I know what you’re thinking.” He said softly.
Her hand went back to his waist and she smiled, “I can see you do.”
He laughed as he brought her face back to his. “Just where would you like to do this?”
“Where ever you like, dear.” She said covering his mouth with hers.
They next day they toured Vancouver and their obligatory stop at The Chocolate Shoppe. They enjoyed a lavish lunch at the Empress Hotel and strolled the lush gardens of Victoria Island.
It was cloudy and misting lightly. Both reveled in the changeable weather—something they hadn’t experienced in years.
“It reminds me of London,” Helena said as she pressed close to John under the umbrella he had just bought.
“And that little bed and breakfast?”
“Mmm, yes. We should do that again for Valentines Day.”
“And I hope it rains again so I can keep you in bed all weekend,” he told her, pausing on the street corner to kiss her slowly. She tasted slightly of chocolate.
“Have you been sneaking some of those chocolates I bought you?” He peered into the shopping bag she was carrying.
“Just one!” she protested.
He laughed and they stepped off the curb. “That’s why I bought it, my darling. Enjoy.”
Despite the rain, it was a beautiful day.
They re-boarded the ship just an hour prior to sailing. Helena opted for a nap and John sought out the gym. When he returned, he found her in the hot tub, relaxing.
“You look comfortable.” He said, standing beside the tub.
“Mmmm, I think I could get used to this. Maybe we should have one put in at the new house.”
John kicked off his tennis shoes and pulled his t-shirt over his head. Helena watched him as he stripped down to join her. Once in the tub, he stretched out next to her, letting the warm water surround him.
“I think you might be onto something here, this would be great after a long day.”
She nodded and closed her eyes.
He looked over at her. She was just as beautiful as when they had first met. He turned to her and gently moved his hand across her belly. The movement brought a slight smile to her face. He moved closer to her and softly kissed her cheek.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “You are so damn beautiful.” He said appreciatively.
“Thank you, sir.” She said with a smile.
He kissed her, pulling her to him. He wanted to feel her skin against his. When they parted he pulled away from her and looked at her, touching her cheek gently. “Maybe we could just sail around the globe for awhile and just be together.”
“That would be nice. You, me and a ship.”
“And the pastry chef,” he added.
“Definitely.” She chuckled. “I suppose we’d better take advantage of our time now, we don’t know what the future holds, do we?”
“We’ll make time. We always have.” He said, positively.
She reached up and kissed him lightly. “I know we will,” she said, “now enough talking. Make love to me.” She said pulling his face to hers.
He looked at her. “With pleasure, ma’am.” He said with a smile.
He was more than ready and she knew it. He moved his hand down her body, his fingers searching for her welcoming wetness. It was a different feel than the water surrounding them. He slid one finger deep inside her and she closed her eyes and smiled with pleasure. He smiled at her response, enjoying the look on her face. Her breasts were just out of the water and he leaned down to kiss them softly. She moaned with pleasure, and he moved to enter her fully, pressing his hands against the small of her back to bring her more fully against him. He covered her mouth with his own, probing her deeply. She pressed more tightly against him. No longer able to wait, he began to thrust against her.
“Oh—John—yes!” She moved above him, complimenting the rhythm he set. “Oh!” she moaned again, louder. For a fleeting moment he hoped they could not be heard on the promenade below. And for a fleeting moment he hoped they could. She trembled as she reached her peak and he felt his world explode as he came with her. She collapsed against his shoulder, still shaking. “Oh, John… that was… so good,” she purred into his ear.
“I think this cruise is off to a good start, don’t you?”
“Oh, yes, a very good start.”
The next few days they took in the sights and sounds of Alaska. The glaciers were much more impressive than they had been told.
Randall advised they buy sunglasses and they were glad they took his advice as they hiked in the bright sunshine. The reflection off the ice increased the brilliance considerably.
One day they were scheduled to try kayaking. Helena was hesitant, but John talked her into it. The water was ice cold but glassy smooth in the sheltered bay where they joined a few dozen other adventurous passengers. They donned waterproof clothing and flotation devices and were snapped into their kayaks. One couple set out bravely. They obviously had some experience. One of the instructors quickly headed out after them. All their charges needed to remain together. Helena watched the instructor’s motions carefully. She could see that John was eager to try this, but she would certainly have a long talk with Melissa for signing her up for this.
The little craft was actually more stable than it looked. Several others in the party managed to turn their boats over, and the instructors quickly righted them. Helena stuck close to John and the two of them glided through the still clear water together. Once she got the hang of it, she rather enjoyed it. The scenery was breathtaking, and she could tell that John was enjoying himself. It was a delightful day but the next day she had no trouble persuading John to sleep in.
The fifth night out John returned to the stateroom and found Helena lying across the bed in the bedroom, covered only by a towel. She looked up at him as he closed the door behind him.
“I thought you were the masseur.” She said with a smile.
“I hope you weren’t going to greet him like that.” He said giving her an appreciative look.
“Well, you’ll do fine.”
“Oh I think I can be persuaded.” He said with a smile. “Be right back.”
John disappeared into the bathroom and returned quickly attired in a robe and carrying a bottle of lotion. He climbed onto the bed and straddled her backside. He poured an ample amount of lotion into his hands and rubbed them together then placed them gently on her shoulders. He began a slow, gentle massage of her shoulders and back.
“That is wonderful, John.” She breathed.
“You did say full body, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
He peeled the towel from her and moved up and down her back.
She relaxed into her folded arms.
He was becoming aroused, moving against her backside as he continued his massage.
“John?”
“Mmmm?” Concentrating on her back.
“I think something of yours is getting a massage as well.”
“You do? I can’t imagine why. I mean I walk in here and find you draped across our bed, wanting a massage and you expect me not to want to take advantage of that situation?”
“Well, I guess maybe we’ll both get the benefit then, won’t we.” She laughed.
He leaned forward and kissed the base of her neck. “I suppose we will.”
He moved to lie next to her, draping his arm across her. “Better?”
She nodded, contentedly.
He lay beside her relaxing with her.
“You know a this rate, we’ll miss dinner.” He said.
“Do you mind? Maybe we could have something brought to us.”
“Great idea. I’m tired of making small talk.”
“Me too, besides I don’t think I can move.”
“Shall we work up an appetite for some lobster.” Tracing her shoulderblade with his finger.
“Sounds delicious.” She said rolling onto her side, facing him.
He kissed her and moved his hand down her side. “Yeah it does.”
They loved one another slowly, deliberately, until they lay entwined together, sated.
When John opened his eyes, he found Helena sleeping next to him with her arm across his chest. He carefully moved off the bed, not wanting to wake her. He picked up his discarded robe and watched her as he tied the sash at his waist. He pulled the sheet over her and left her in slumber.
Half an hour later, he returned to the bedroom with a piece of parsley in hand. Helena was on her side and he sat gently beside her. He carefully tickled her nose with the sprig of parsley to arouse her. She sighed and moved her hand to her face to bat the offense away. He smiled as he watched her and tickled her again. This time she opened her eyes and moved her hand to her face. She slowly focused on him.
“Good evening sleeping beauty.”
She stretched, luxuriously and reached for him. “Coming back to bed?” She asked.
He held up the piece of parsley. “Dinner is ready.”
“Oh?”
“I thought you wanted to eat in?” He said, thinking she’d changed her mind.
“You cooked?”
“Every bite.” He said smiling.
“Very funny, I know about your culinary talents.” She said, moving from the bed.
He placed a robe around her shoulders. “What about my other talents?” He said kissing her neck.
She turned to him and kissed him quickly. “I like those, too.”
He followed her into the dining room of the stateroom, where soft Dave Grusin music was playing and watched as she surveyed the properly set table, with silver candlesticks, china, and crystal glassware.
“John it’s lovely.”
He retrieved a bottle of bubbly from the bucket and poured them each a glass and handed her one. He returned the bottle to its place. Smiling he took up his glass and touched it to hers.
They sipped the wine, enjoying its fruity taste.
“You did all this?”
“Well I had a little help, but I did choose the desert.”
“Which is?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.
“A surprise. But I do think you’ll like it.”
“Sounds intriguing.”
“I hope so,” he said pulling out a chair for her to sit.
They dined on lobster and scallops, Caesar salad, and scalloped potatoes. He was pleased that she enjoyed the selections. He left the table to retrieve the desert. He slowly lowered a piece of the chocolate confection in front of her. “Ta da.” He said.
Her eyes were wide with anticipation. “Looks wonderful.”
He handed her a fork, which she immediately plunged in to the piece. She placed the piece in her mouth and closed her eyes, savoring the taste, thoroughly. When she swallowed she looked at John with satisfaction. “It’s marvelous,” she said, “what is it?”
“The double chocolate voodoo cake of love.” He said trying not to laugh at the name.
“Perfect name.” She said taking another bite. “Where’d you find this?”
“Oh I had a chat with the pastry chef, seems the Captain mentioned your fondness for chocolate to him.” He said returning to his seat and his drink.
“He is very talented, this is delicious.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
He watched as she finished the last bite with flourish. “I hope he has the recipe.” She said putting the fork aside.
He filled her glass again and rose from his chair. He reached for her hand and she joined him.
“Dance with me.”
She smiled up at him as he placed her glass in her hand. He moved them away from the table and pulled her to him, kissing her softly.
Soon after, as their dance became more amorous, they returned to the bedroom and Helena pulled the sheet aside and slid over as he joined her. She moved into his waiting arms and sighed contentedly.
He kissed her forehead. “Enjoy yourself?” He asked quietly.
“The perfect evening, making love with my husband, a wonderful dinner, chocolate, slow dancing, what more could I need?” She responded.
“Seconds?” He asked, amused at her description.
She tilted his face to hers. “Please.” She said smiling.
He laughed and pulled her to him for a long kiss.
Maureen J. Long and Dorothy Burton
November, 2000