Part 11
by Paula B and CJ
5 October 2002
Perryville, Kentucky
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
1630 hours
AJ shook his head and laughed. Webb's gaze followed AJ's gesture to where Cordelia and Mac lay sleeping under a tree. "I think she can sleep anywhere," AJ muttered.
Ignoring him, Webb approached Mac. "On your feet, Marine," he made it sound like an order. Mac jumped awake, then flashed him a look that would curdle milk.
The sound failed to disturb Cordelia. AJ knelt beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder then shook her gently. Cordelia mumbled something then yawned and slowly opened her eyes. AJ gave her a bemused look. "I'm surprised the sound of the reenactment didn't wake you," he grinned.
"I don't remember hearing a thing," Cordelia shook her head in a sleepy daze.
AJ leaned close and whispered, "Cori, is there any possibility that you might be pregnant?"
"What?" Cordelia was awake now.
"Is there any possibility?" AJ raised his eyebrows and smiled weakly.
Cordelia blinked. "I'm taking birth control pills, but I guess there's always a possibility. At least, since we haven't exactly been abstinent. But I don't think so. Why are you asking?"
"Because the last time you slept this much and ate like this, you were pregnant," AJ said.
"That's why you think I'm pregnant?" Cordelia laughed. "I think there's nothing to worry about, but we can stop by a drugstore and pick up a test on the way back to the hotel if it will make you feel better."
For her vantage point on the ground near Cordelia, Mac heard the exchange. She stood then watched as Cordelia let AJ pull her to her feet. "So how was the battle?" Mac asked.
Clay grinned and shook his head as AJ began to describe the battle and critique the strategy. "It's worse than golf," Clay muttered under his breath. Mac grinned as she listened to AJ's enthusiastic descriptions and Clay's grumbling sotto remarks. She noted that Cordelia listened carefully to AJ as they began to walk to the car.
"I thought you weren't interested in the battle," Mac whispered as they reached the parking lot. The cars seemed anachronistic among the crowd of blue and grey uniforms.
"I couldn't care less about the battle," Cordelia answered softly. "But look at him. Listen to him. He's as fascinated as a kid on Christmas morning. I never had any idea he'd like something like this so much. We may have to go to another battle reenactment. But I guess that you and Clay won't be joining us on that trip."
Clay glanced at them and teased, "What are you two whispering about? Another dream?"
Mac and Cordelia glanced at each other as they reached the truck then grinned and rolled their eyes.
"Don't encourage them, Webb," AJ growled. He opened the door for Cordelia.
Smiling sweetly, Mac said, "We saw a wedding. Cori ran into the bride in the bathroom getting ready. They dressed in period clothes, even the minister. Would you like to do that, Clay?"
Webb's face went blank. He smiled weakly. "Is that what you'd like, Sarah?"
AJ gave them both an incredulous glance as Cordelia climbed into the truck.
Mac and Cordelia burst into giggles. "No need to worry. The thought never crossed my mind. I've never been fond of hoop skirts. I certainly don't want to be married in one."
Relief flashed in Webb's eyes. "It seemed out of character, but I wasn't taking any chances," he laughed and opened the door for Mac. Clay and AJ walked around the vehicle and climbed inside. As AJ pulled his door shut, Cordelia leaned across the front of the car and whispered, "Don't forget to stop if we see a drug store. Or a Wal-Mart."
5 October 2002
Danville, Kentucky
A Wal-Mart parking lot
1700 hours
"What's up with them?" Clay asked Mac as they watched AJ and Cordelia walk into the store. "What was that who's on first to decide who was going inside?"
"They're picking up a home pregnancy test kit," Mac stated matter-of-factly.
Clay stared at her. "No. How'd you know that?"
"He asked her if she might be pregnant when he woke her. Said she was sleeping and eating like she did on their honeymoon, and she was pregnant then," Mac nodded as she spoke.
Laughing, Clay sputtered, "She's eating and sleeping like she does on every trip I've ever been on with her. I don't think AJ has anything to worry about."
AJ opened the door for Cordelia and heard Clay's last words. "Who said I was worried about anything?" he growled as Cordelia sat and buckled her seat belt. AJ closed the door.
Clay mouthed, "Are you pregnant?"
Cordelia wrinkled her nose and shook her head as AJ climbed behind the steering wheel.
«I'm glad I'm in the back seat and he's driving. At least he won’t break my nose for this.» Clay swallowed and asked, "Did you and Cordelia travel much the first time you dated?"
AJ raised his eyebrows. He glanced at Cordelia. "Not much. We went sailing a couple of times, but those were day trips, mostly. Why do you ask?" AJ stared at Webb via the rear-view mirror as he pulled out of the parking spot.
"So you haven't been around her much when she's travelling. Except on your honeymoon and then in England." Clay carefully chose his words.
Meeting Cordelia's eyes, AJ nodded and said, "Yes. And your point is?"
Clay coughed. "She sleeps more than usual when she travels. Eats more, too. I've never met a woman who could eat like Cori until I met Mac."
Cordelia blushed. «One of them must have heard us.» She caught AJ's eye and said, "I think they know what we were picking up and Clay is trying, ever so delicately, to tell you that he doesn't think I'm pregnant because my eating and sleeping isn't out of the ordinary."
Mac pursed her lips to keep from laughing. Clay nodded. "That would be correct."
"I think he's afraid you're going to climb out of the front seat and break his nose again," Cordelia grinned.
"That, too would be correct," Clay nodded.
AJ caught Cordelia's eye. «She seems quite amused by this discussion.» "Thank you for your concern, Webb. Cori and I will let you know if and when we have any news."
5 October 2002
Lexington, Kentucky
A suite in the Gratz Park Inn
2130 hours
It was late when they returned to Lexington after dinner in Shakertown. The home-cooked meal had been filling and Cordelia was tired. «I don't think there's any way I'm pregnant. But I want to be sure.» AJ had given her the bag with the test kit. He was waiting outside.
"I can never pee in cup. I always pee all over my hands and make such a mess," Cordelia moaned from the bathroom.
AJ chuckled and opened the door, stepping inside. He held his hand out for the cup. "I'll take it. Wash your hands."
Cordelia shook her head. "No sense in both of us getting nasty hands. But you could give me a washcloth. Please?"
AJ reached for the washcloth on the towel rack beside him and passed it to Cordelia. She wrapped it around the cup, and AJ handed her another as he took the cup from her. He placed it on the counter and dropped the stick in it. He and Cordelia washed their hands and stepped into the bedroom of the suite to wait.
They sat on the edge of the bed silently. Cordelia watched the second hand of her watch. Finally she spoke. "What if it's positive?"
AJ gave a nervous laugh. "Then we're going to have a baby."
"Another baby, you mean," Cordelia said softly.
"Same difference. We didn't count on any. Then we found out you were pregnant. We didn't count on two, but I don't think we'd give either of them of away. We weren't counting on another, but, if there's one on the way we'll love this one as much as the other two." AJ wrapped his arm around Cordelia.
"AJ, what if it's twins again?" Cordelia swallowed.
Raising his eyebrows, AJ blew out slowly. "Then we'll have to give Sam a raise," he deadpanned.
Cordelia stared at AJ and began to laugh. AJ squeezed her shoulder as she glanced at her watch. "It's time. You going to check or should I?"
"You gave me the news last time. I'll check," AJ said. He stood and disappeared quickly into the bathroom.
AJ came out of the bathroom. He closed the door behind him. "You looking forward to labor and late-night feedings?"
"Those would be some of the least enticing things about pregnancy," Cordelia grimaced.
"Well, good, because you don't have to worry about them. The test is negative," AJ grinned. "If you want another baby, we'll have to work on it."
"I like the idea of working on it. As long as we don't succeed. At least, not for a year or two," Cordelia whispered. She patted the bed beside her. "Let's go to work."
In two long strides, AJ made his way to the bed. He stepped between Cordelia's legs and lifted her. She kissed him and wrapped her legs around him. AJ turned, sat on the bed and leaned back, pulling her with him. She toed off her shoes and socks as AJ unzipped her jeans and pushed them, along with her panties, over her hips. Then he toed off his shoes and socks as Cordelia pulled her shirt over her head. She leaned to unbutton his shirt, pressing her arms against her breasts to emphasize her cleavage. AJ smiled at her, enjoying the contrast of her creamy skin against the deep blue satin of her bra. She pulled his shirt to each side and over his arms. Then she ripped his tee shirt over his head.
Cordelia leaned forward still more, her breasts touching his chest, the satin of her bra silky against his skin. She wriggled out of her jeans, kicking them off. AJ snapped the hook to release her bra. She raised her body exposing her breast to him and he reached to touch her, gently stroking her nipples. She pulled back reluctantly, sliding over his thighs so that she could reach his belt and the zipper of his jeans. AJ rolled, his arms supporting his weight as his body covered Cordelia. She pushed his jeans and his boxers over his hips and past his thighs. She hooked the waistbands with her toes and slid the last of AJ's clothes to the floor.
AJ lowered his body to hers and they kissed as he rolled into a reclining position with Cordelia on top once more. She straddled him and he raised his knees behind her. She leaned back, cushioned on his thighs. With her hands, she found his hardness and guided his shaft inside he slick wetness. His hands caressed her thighs and traced a path to her sex, his fingers gliding over her folds, his thumb circling her nub. She moaned and thrust, taking him inside then pulling back, only to take him inside once more. She closed her eyes and her head dropped over his knees as she arched her back. AJ watched her every movement, excited by her ecstasy.
Pulsing harder and harder, Cordelia gasped. She reached for AJ's hands, and he lifted one arm. She grasped his hand in both of hers, using him for balance as she lifted and lowered her hips. With his other hand, AJ continued to rub her clit. He could feel her walls tighten around him; knew that soon he would explode inside her. Cordelia strained, awash in wave after wave of warm delight. Her body shuddered against his thighs and her legs quivered on either side of his torso. She felt him throbbing inside her; knew before his groan of pleasure that his release had come. Trembling, she rested against him, then leaned forward into his embrace. They rested, only their breath breaking the silence.
6 October 2002
Alexandria, VA
Clayton Webb’s Townhome
2130 hours
While Sarah was in the bathroom, Clay stripped out of his clothes, pulled back the covers on the bed and settled in, his head resting on several plumped pillows, his cock already twitching in anticipation. The flight back had been crowded, even in first class, and the couple across the way kept switching seats to try and keep their rambunctious three year old, who hadn’t wanted to sit still, occupied. Cordelia, of course, slept through it all and AJ read a report. The three-year old had taken a liking to Sarah, who cooed and talked to him for most of the 90-minute flight. The two couples parted at National and the taxi drive to his townhouse was swift.
He knew something was bothering her. Chegwidden probably hadn’t even noticed it. Even Cordelia hadn’t seemed to think anything was amiss. Mac carried her end of the conversation when the four of them dined together and watched the last race avidly. But she had been subdued around him whenever they were alone. He caught her watching him carefully when she thought he wasn’t looking. And last night, she made love to him with an intensity and determination that, while pleasurable, had given him pause when he considered it afterwards. He tried to ask her about it but she curled into his embrace and promptly fell asleep – at least he thought she had.
At first, he just thought it was wedding jitters, but there was something else there too. She had told him about the two dreams she had shared with Cordelia. Clay really wasn’t sure if he believed it. He suspected that it was all a strange coincidence and that while the dreams might have been vaguely similar, the telling had merged the tales to the point that both women were convinced they were dreaming in tandem. No way was Webb going to mention that belief to either woman.
"Hi, there." Her sultry voice roused him from his musings. He gulped at the vision of her standing in the light from the bathroom. She turned it off, plunging the room into darkness. The night was cloudy and he could barely make out her shadow as she crossed the room to the bed. When she detoured, he growled; but she continued to the dresser and struck a match. Her skin glowed in the soft candlelight.
"You are so beautiful, Sarah." She blushed at his praise but when she hung her head slightly he sat up and reached out to her. "Come here and tell me what has you so upset."
"I’m not upset," she whispered.
"Yes, you are. What have I done?"
"Don’t!" she said with vigor. "Don’t say that! You’ve done nothing."
He was really worried now and he went to her and embraced her. "Hey. What the hell happened in that dream of yours?"
She rested her head on his shoulder. She knew it was silly and she knew he didn’t really believe that she and Cordelia shared the occasional dream. She paused, surprised that even though she and Cordelia hadn’t said anything about it, she was sure that this was another dream that they had shared. She knew what Clay thought. She vowed to write this one down before saying anything to Cordelia. Perhaps she would suggest Cordelia do the same thing.
"Tell me, Sarah. I watched you while you and Cori were sleeping yesterday. You didn’t look like you were having a nightmare."
"You did?" Her whispered sigh caressed his neck and he considered just allowing her to work her magic. However, when her finger began to trail down his chest toward his erection, he gently took her hand in his and pulled her, not to the bed but to the large overstuffed chair by the window overlooking his backyard.
"Stay here, I’ll be right back." He pulled the comforter off the bed, settled into the chair and pulled her onto his lap. He wrapped the warm down around them then took her into his arms. "Tell me about it. I promise, I won’t laugh."
"You really love me, don’t you, Clay?"
"Yes, Sarah. Now, what the hell did I do in this dream of yours? I figure if the first two were set in Merry Old England and the Revolutionary War then this one was what? War of 1812? The old west? No, let me guess. The Civil War, right?"
"Right." She settled against his shoulder. His erection, now softened a little, pressed against her thigh. She knew she could distract him, but there was something about the dream that seemed so important to her.
"So what was I? A northern spy who seduced the daughter of a Confederate General – you, of course, and then left you?"
"No. Actually, you weren’t really a spy this time. Not by choice anyway."
"Well that’s a switch? What was I?"
"A gambler."
He sighed in resignation. "Did I at least dress well?"
"Beast." She slapped his chest, then rubbed away the sting. "I was the spy. Only I was a gambler too. Not a very nice one either. You loved me so much, and I just treated you terribly."
"I see. So uhm…well…who…I mean, in the last two dreams you said…Damn it Sarah, just tell me."
She knew instantly what he was trying to say. They had never really talked about her relationship with other men. He respected her friendship with Rabb and he had never shown any signs of jealousy. "Oh, we were together. It’s just, it’s just I didn’t really appreciate you for a long time." At his grunt, she kissed his forehead. "Sorta' like now."
"I never said I thought you didn’t appreciate me, Sarah." But he held her tighter as if he was afraid she might try and get up.
"I know that." She nibbled down to his ear before continuing. "In the first two dreams, if I remember correctly, my childhoods were pretty decent. In this one we were both a bit awful."
"Oh yeah? What awful thing did I do?"
"You lost your family’s fortune at cards and spent a long time just trying to make ends meet. I…well my mother anyway was a…" she stumbled over the word and grew silent. Clay didn’t say a word. Gently he stroked her skin, letting her gather her thoughts. "Well, let's just say, my background was wrong side of Canal Street in New Orleans."
"Hmmmm. I love decadent women, Sarah." He nuzzled her neck, wanting to lighten the mood just a bit.
"Well, you loved this one, a little too much for your own good. I nearly got you killed this time."
"Sarah. You told me you nearly got me killed the first time. When you almost went over the side of the ship. I like the way you said you made it up to me. You showed me in great detail."
"Mister, you are asking for it." She tried to hide her grin.
"Yes ma’am." But he made no move to touch her more intimately. "What’s this really about?"
She had though about it a lot last night after he had fallen asleep and again, on the plane while she was making faces at the adorable little boy across the aisle from her. She bit her lip. "Clay, do you resent the fact that this wedding is all my idea?"
"Whoa. I proposed to you. Remember. In front of all your colleagues, and not because you found the ring either, though I have to remember to buy AJ Roberts a really nice gift for Christmas this year."
"Oh, I know that. But the wedding itself; I know you wanted a big wedding at the cathedral and all."
He brought her face to his and gently kissed her. "Sweetheart, if you had suggested anything up to, but excluding having Elvis marry us in Vegas, I would have agreed. You asked me what I wanted at the time, but the look of panic on your face was enough to change my mind. I am perfectly happy to get married wherever you want, by whomever you want as long as my mother and what few friends I have are there."
She saw the truth in his eyes and sighed, her memory of his declaration in her dream fading to where it belonged. "Have you figured out who you’re going to ask to be your best man?"
He blushed and she cocked her eyebrow. He ran his finger over her cheek, tracing the contour of her jaw. "I asked Rabb to join us for lunch tomorrow. I thought I would ask him."
"Harm?" She sat up and turned until she was straddling him, her knees resting under her. "I think that’s great. Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Well. I mean, I figured you really wanted him in the party but couldn’t bring yourself to ask him to be your witness."
She snorted and touched her forehead to his. They looked into each other’s eyes, saw the same visual and burst into laughter. "Oh, my god. Do you think he would wear tulle for me?"
"Hey. Miss Feminist Marine Lawyer. It’s been done – and not in drag! He could have worn his dress…" He was going to say dress uniform but the word caused them both to laugh again.
When she had calmed down she said, "Well yeah, but can you see the look on his face if I asked." She pushed off the chair and held out her hand. "Come here, lover." He stood and followed her to the bed. She stood there a moment considering him. "Pity you’re all undressed, I could have showed you how I made love to you in this dream."
Roughly he pulled her into his arms crushing her breasts to his chest. "I don’t want to talk about the dream anymore. You’re here, in my arms, and you are very real. Let me make love to you, Sarah." He didn’t wait for her answer but captured her lips in his for a searing kiss.
Reverently, he laid her on the bed and as she lay there, her hair framing her face, her eyes staring back at him, her lips curled in a sweet invitation he felt almost lost in the way he loved her. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself in her. He lay down next to her, resting his head on his hand leaning over her. "Do you know how often I lie awake at night and just watch you sleep?"
She closed her eyes for a moment, the intensity of his gaze, the tenderness of his words so much like the Clay of her dream. Taking a deep breath she opened them again and whispered, "As often as I’ve done the same, Clay?" She reached out and cupped his cheek. "Make love to me, Clay."
Their lips fused and he thought they would go up in flames. He covered her with his body, pressing her into the bed. She tried to spread her legs to invite him into her, but he wasn’t ready for that yet. He straddled her, grinding his rock hard cock against her mound but he held her thighs together with his. Bracing his weight on his forearms he finally broke the kiss. They were both panting hard, their eyes slightly unfocused, but he didn’t wait long. He attacked her neck, nipping and then licking the pulse point just below her ear.
"Clay." The moan escaped her lips. All she could do was buck underneath his weight. When she reached up to embrace him, he sat back and captured her wrists. Pulling her arms over her head, he placed them on the headboard.
"Don’t let go," he demanded hoarsely. She held on to the base of the board and let him pleasure her. His lips seemed to find every sweet spot on her body. His tongue worried her nipples until her first orgasm crept up on her; a promise of what awaited her.
She was reduced to whimpering and begging for more. "Please Clay," she cried as his breath caressed her mound. Finally, he parted her knees and brought them over his shoulders before descending to feast upon her fevered core. She tried to move so he would do what she wanted, but he continued to tease her with his lips and tongue. He parted her labia and thrust his tongue as deep as he could, nuzzling her clit with his nose. "Clay." Her whimper drove him to take the engorged bundle of nerves between his teeth and worry it until she cried out, coming so hard that she arched off the bed driving the heels of her feet into his back. He held her until she fell back against the now sweat soaked sheets. "Oh, God!" She panted, trying to catch her breath. "Oh, Clay." She sprawled there, her hands still clutching the headboard. When she finally let go her fingers tingled from the sensation of blood finally pumping through them again. "Come here, you’re not done by half, mister."
Kneeling before her, he pulled her thighs apart. "Look at me, Sarah. Always know that in this or any other lifetime that I could never love anyone but you." He plunged into her falling forward to cover her again. This time she embraced him, holding him, kissing him hard. Their tongues thrust in time with his almost frantic rhythm. Her ankles locked at the base of his back holding him tight to her, driving him deeper until he stiffened and she felt him pulse deep within her, sending her over the edge once again. Still she held him not allowing him to roll off her. "Oh, God, Sarah." He sighed as he worked his arms under her, rolling them until they faced each other on the bed. "You don’t have to work tomorrow, right?"
"That’s affirmative, Mr. Webb."
"Good. We’ll stay in bed all day."
"Indeed. I do have to work Tuesday, sir."
"We’ll deal with that later," he whispered. "Now go to sleep and dream of me."
"Always, Mr. Webb," she sighed as her eyes grew heavy.