Helena reclined against John's chest as she lay against him in bed. John was stoking her lovingly as they enjoyed some quiet time together. His hands moved down her arms, around her waist and to the top of her thighs. He kissed her neck and ear as he slowly retraced his path. He whispered softly to her, bringing a smile her face. He brought one hand to her breast and one went between her thighs. He touched her gently then began stroking her, making her lean back against him.
"Mmmm." Helena moaned at his touch.
He smiled against her ear as he played his tongue against it.
He massaged her gently, his fingers sliding against her. His other hand caressed her breast, kneading it, pinching her nipple.
Helena took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Oh, John," she moaned.
He continued kissing her neck and ears.
Her hand covered his as she pressed his hand against her. He increased the speed of his fingers and she took a sharp breath as her orgasm overtook her. John stopped his hand motion and she pressed back against him. Helena caught her breath and turned back to face him, kissing him.
"You shouldn't stay away so long." She said looking at him.
"I don't know, I kinda like the welcoming committee." He said touching her cheek.
She lay against him and they moved further down on the bed to get comfortable.
He wrapped his arms around her as she moved to lie against his chest, moving one leg between his as she pressed herself against him.
She smiled up at him. "So how was spending a week in an Eagle with Bill Fraser?" She asked, lying back against him.
"Not as much fun as the last time we went out together." He said stroking her hair.
She smiled against his chest, remembering their last outing. She decided that zero-g wasn't for her. She liked her feet planted firmly on the deck.
"I suppose I should welcome you home." She said moving her hand to stroke him.
He growled at her touch.
She looked up at him and he bent to meet her lips for a fierce kiss.
She moved on top of him and he slipped inside her, bringing a smile to his face and a sigh from her lips.
She began moving against him, building a momentum that brought him deeper inside her. He watched her eyes as she moved above him. She reached down and kissed him. His hands moved to her hips and he arched against her. "Helena," he cried as he came inside her, letting out a long sigh.
She continued moving against him until she too, climaxed.
She lay against him, enjoying their union.
"I have missed you John." She said against his ear.
He smiled and held her tight against him. She moved back above him and kissed him deeply.
He slipped from her and she rolled to lie beside him.
He kissed her as they snuggled together.
They lay together and John's thoughts went back to the conversations he'd had with Bill Fraser. Bill and Annette had been married for three years now and they seem to be very happy together. John had asked Bill how he handled things with Annette, when it came to serious problems that often arose in space and their situation.
John had made a decision while on his trip. It was time for he and Helena to get married.
She was safe and snug in his arms and he couldn't think of a more appropriate time.
"Helena?" He asked, quietly.
She looked up at him with a slight smile. "Yes, John?" She said softly. She saw the serious look on his face. "What?" She asked concerned.
He took her hand and kissed it and looked into her eyes. "Will you...marry me?"
Her eyes went wide and a smile spread slowly across her face. "You know I will." She said as she reached to kiss him.
He met her lips for a long kiss.
As they parted he smiled at her, feeling as though he'd just been handed the world. He grabbed her and hugged her tight.
He kissed her again, hard. They parted, breathless.
"Why so all of a sudden?" She asked him slowly.
"Because I love you and I finally realized that I'm ready to make my commitment to you. We should be together permanently."
She put her hand to face, caressing his cheek. "You've made me very happy John."
He took her hand and kissed her fingertips. "You've made me happy, since the first time we met, Helena. You are truly the one."
She kissed him. After all the years and discussions, he'd finally made his decision. Her heart was soaring.
He pulled her to him and covered them with the sheet. They would have peaceful dreams tonight.
The next morning, Helena woke to find John staring at the ceiling.
She moved to him, kissing his shoulder. "Morning." She said.
He smiled at her touch. "Hi."
"Uh oh, not regretting what you asked me last night all ready, are you?" she joked.
He shook his head. "Not a bit."
"Then why the frown, this morning?" She asked, placing her chin on his shoulder.
"Just thinking..."
"About...?"
"Nothing of any consequence." He replied, turning to gather her in his arms, changing his mood. "So, when do you want to do it?"
"Do what?" She asked with a smile.
"Get married. I was thinking Saturday morning looked good."
"Saturday morning! John that's only two days away!" She exclaimed.
He looked at her surprised. "Well, how long do we need, I mean it's not like we've never done this before."
"I realize that John, but we need a little time to make some arrangements, put together a ceremony, find a dress..." She ran a hand through her hair, thinking out loud about what had to be done, it seemed a little daunting.
"Okay, how long?"
"A month." She stated.
"A month! Come on Helena, it can't take that long. I'll help make whatever arrangements you need." He said. "Two weeks." He negotiated with her.
She considered the time frame and nodded. "Okay, two weeks." She kissed him to seal their agreement.
He smiled at her assent, "Now, about the wedding night..." He said pushing her back on the bed, moving to covering her mouth with his.
She pushed him away. "John, I have a proposition for you?"
John gave her a huge grin. He always liked her propositions. "What it is?" He leaned down to kiss her shoulder.
"Well, why don't we save ourselves for the honeymoon?" She waited for his reaction.
"What?" He lifted up to face her.
"You know that I mean. Let's not make love any more until our wedding night." She smiled at the look of annoyance on his face.
"But that's two weeks away!"
"Two weeks isn't that long. It's not like we haven't done it before. Besides, it will make our wedding night more special."
John sat back on the bed and looked at her. "Do you realize what you're saying?"
"Yes, John. I know what I've suggested. What's wrong, don't think you can go that long?" Her smile was bright as she teased him.
He looked down at the sheets still damp from their previous activities then glanced at her. "Sure, I can go two weeks, but can you?" Secretly, he was hoping that she was only teasing him.
"I certainly can. Do we have a deal then? Let's shake on it." She held out her hand.
John realized she was serious. "It's really that important to you?"
"Yes."
"Okay. I'll agree to it." He shook her hand reluctantly. A sly smile crossed his face as he released her hand.
"Oh no you don't, John Koenig. I know that look. You think you'll be able to talk me into something before the two weeks is over." It was exactly what he was thinking but he wasn't about to admit it.
"Helena! I'm not thinking that at all." He gave her a look of mock indignation.
"Then, what are you thinking?"
He moved to cover her body with his. "I'm just glad this deal doesn't start until tomorrow."
Helena squirmed out from under him and jumped from the bed. "Sorry, John. It starts right now." She winked at him over her shoulder as she closed the bathroom door.
John fell back on the pillows and exhaled deeply. He didn't know what game she was playing but somehow he would be able to talk her into a little treat before their wedding night.
Dorothy Burton
Maureen J. Long
May, 2000