“How far along is she?” Chris asked.

“I don’t know, she just told me a few minutes ago…we have not been together for more than three months – so I would guess three months.” Michael answered.

The doctor and the EMT looked at each other. There was no trace of another heartbeat, of another life within this woman. Chris informed Michael of this while the woman was being placed in the ambulance and asked if he could be wrong about the length of the pregnancy. Michael rubbed his chin slowly.

“I checked my calendar when she told me…my secretary is very good about calendaring stuff and I am anal about it also…so I can assure you it was exactly 98 days ago.” Michael informed him having checked his electronic calendar.

“This may not mean anything Michael; the baby may be in such a position…” Chris went on. “Hell Michael, I don’t even see why she is unconscious.”

Michael asked the EMT what hospital she was being taken to. The doctor advised the Ambulance attendants that he had privileges in that hospital and that he would follow with Michael. The police who had arrived with the Ambulance approached the men.

“How do you know Ms. Jones.” Looking at the automobile rental agreement.” The officer asked the men.

“Her father is my attorney, she was coming to visit me – we are friends. She is from Philadelphia.” Michael answered.

“Well, I can’t understand why she hit the fence. I see were she swerved to avoid the parked car, she could not have been traveling more than 15 miles and hour, but I don’t know why she sped up and hit the fence.” The officer advised them.

“I was a witness Officer and I can assure you she was so far from the fence that I can’t believe she hit it. It should have not been anything more than a fender bender. Go figure.” Chris reported.

“Well, we are going to have to charge her with reckless driving because that is how I see it." The officer said tearing the citation from his pad and handing it to Michael. “You can now move the car off the sidewalk please.”

Michael entered the automobile and asked Chris to follow in his own car, he wanted to leave the car in the hospital. Then he called Lisa’s father and gave him all the details of the accident and the name of the hospital, assuring him first that his daughter was perfectly fine. He did not mention the pregnancy.

“Michael I’ll be there as soon as I can make arrangements, will you be in the hospital when I get there?” The old lawyer asked.

“No, I am sorry Edward, I have a date with my fiancée as soon as I check up on Lisa. The doctor and the EMT find absolutely nothing wrong with her.” Michael reported.

“And the baby…” Pause, silence, calculated. “Is the baby alright?”

“Baby, what baby…” Michael answered – fishing.

“She is pregnant Michael, I guess she didn’t have a chance to tell you.” Edward answered.

“How far along is she?” Michael asked. “Has she gone to an Obstetrician?”

“Yeah, the OB told her she is a little over a month.” Edward answered from the top of his head.

“In any event, the EMT nor the Doctor who saw her at the scene say anything about the baby or the pregnancy, so I guess everything is alright. I need to go, concentrate on driving. She was ticketed, I’ll leave it in the rental car and leave the keys with her.”

He didn’t let the old lawyer answer or tell him he was the supposed father. He hung up as he was arriving at the hospital. Michael next called Nikita and Adam answered the phone.

“Pappa where are you, Nikita and I want to eat supper with you. The Birkoff’s invited us to join Nikita.” Adam said.

“I know Adam, I am on my way. Please put Nikita on. I love you.” Michael said.

“Nikita is Pappa for you.” Adam handed her the phone and went back to his drawings.

“Hello handsome, where are my gifts?” She said.

“Do you have a certified copy of your birth certificate?” Michael asked her.

“Yes and a passport and a certified copy of my diploma, why? Am I in trouble with I.N.S.?” She answered laughing.

“Because we are getting married tomorrow morning in Burlington Vermont…do you think you will be available?” He asked.

“Michael. What is going on, why the rush?” She asked.

“I’ll tell you when I see you. I am going to be a couple of hours more then I’ll be there to get you and Adam and go to the Briefs. Do you think they would like to come with us and be our witnesses.” Michael asked.

“I am sure…why Vermont? She asked.

“Vermont has no waiting period.” He answered

“And Adam?” She asked.

“He will be my best man.” Michael answered.

“No Michael, I mean how do you think he will react to the short notice.” Nikita worried.

“Kita he loves you…so do I. Talk to you later.” Michael said, blowing a kiss and hanging up. He had arrived at the ER reception and didn’t want Nikita to hear were he was.

“I am here about Ms. Lisa Jones.” Michael said.

“Are you family?” The nurse asked.

“No, not really.” Michael answered trying to read the computer information upside down.

“Then I am sorry I can’t give you any information on the patient.” The nurse answered. “All I can tell you is that she is in stable condition.”

Michael left the hospital. He wanted to go to his bride-to-be, to marry Nikita immediately making sure he would be married to her before anyone tried to stop him. In any event he was not going to take Lisa’s word on the paternity, he needed scientific proof and that took a while.

He hated to lie, but Nikita didn’t need to know about this small predicament. If she found out about a potential baby, she would make him marry Lisa. So he decided, he would do like Scarlet O’Hara and think about it tomorrow… tomorrow was (after all) another day.

///

“My baby… I am pregnant.” Lisa screamed as she woke up from her repose.

“I am sorry Ms. Jones, there was no evidence of a pregnancy.” The doctor answered, the EMT personnel were still present.

“Oh my God…I lost my baby…please go get Mr. Samuelle, he is the father.” Lisa said crying.

“Nurse” the doctor went behind the curtain and said loudly enough for Lisa to hear. “This woman is suffering from delusions, I need a Psyche consultation. If she doesn’t calm down before I return, please restrain her...” and went on to write orders for a prescription psychotropic to calm the obviously upset woman.

----

“Dr. Davenport? I am Dr. David Fanning, Ms. Jones’ family physician, this is her father and we understand you have been treating her, that you were a witness to the accident…”

The doctors started discussing the woman’s stress filled moments and of course her medical condition. There was a convenient explanation for the pregnancy, or lack of it – something to do with a recent miscarriage. And of course Dr. Davenport had to allow the family physician to take over the care of the woman, who was released to her father’s care.

Michael was already gone and Chris could do nothing but leave a message in Michael’s home phone. The man was upset, he didn’t know how, or why, but it was obvious that his neighbor was being set up. He made a note on his PDA to follow up with this on behalf of his friend.

--- Michael went back home to pick up the black Bentley. The convertible super expensive automobile sat, along with his other cars, in the detached garage of his mansion. He did not bother to go into the main house and thus retrieve the doctor’s message.

Before the Lisa incident Michael had showered and changed into blue jeans and the white sweater Nikita had made for him. His coat, gloves and other winter covers were equally stylish. He had packed a bag for himself and for Adam, stuff to keep in Nikita’s house. Later that bag would quickly become their Vermont clothing. All the gifts for the other women were packed in the car – Michael still needed to call them… but that could wait.

Michael started the car and pulled away from his property, he was quickly dialing the airport to hire a helicopter to take them to Burlington. He was making reservations, plans and organizing the rushed wedding – Lisa was not going to get away with her ridiculous plans - $30 billion was after all a very powerful magnet. Michael smiled for the first time that day – he would give it all away for Nikita and he decided to tell her this much.

“Hey lover.” Nikita answered, moving around in the kitchen picking up the glasses and plates her and Adam had used while snacking.

“I am on my way, but I wanted to tell you that I have decided I would give up the $30 billion for you.” He said smiling.

“Wow! …Err … hurry up I need to give you something you can’t buy with the $30 billion.” She was overwhelmed with joy.

“And what is that?” He smiled warmly.

“Me… I have all these ideas…while Adam read Harry Potter, I read the Kama Sutra…baby.” Nikita said.

“Really? I bring fur, gold, perfume and haute couture and you bring the Kama Sutra? – Yeah fair exchange.” He laughed. “Fair exchange.”

“No buddy… fair exchange is the $30 billion, I don’t know what those gifts would get you.” She laughed.

“Hmm… I’ll think of something…thank you for the phone sex.” He said.

“Wait… and if you give up the $30 billion you would have to be like me?” She said trying to lighten the moment.

“I could never be like you – you are perfect.” Quiet, deep, sultry confession. And then to break the ice – “And Kita…I have a couple of billion of my own…” He laughed, she laughed and the conversation continued.

Michael had arrived at the house and was having so much fun on the phone that he sat in the car chatting with her. She could see him through the front window and beamed with joy. “Now get out of the car if you ever again want to have sex.”

“With just anyone?” Michael asked releasing the seat belt.

“With me…you’ll never have sex with anyone else.” She said and watched as he opened the car door and rushed to the now opened house door.

“Hi.” He sultry said as he stood in front of her.

Kissing him hard and wet. “Get in here, not even your heat can keep me warm in 0 degree weather.”

/////

Following a last minute decision, the couple had left Adam with Seymour and Carla after having Christmas supper together, with the promise of meeting around 10:00 a.m. to travel to Vermont. The Briefs had insisted on taking the sleeping child for the night, their idea, and Michael had woken the child to tell him. Adam had loved the plan since he proclaimed that Seymour was his best electronic game opponent.

Armed with the knowledge of Lisa Jones’ antics, Michael wanted the reunion to be early the next day, but the blonde would have none of it. She wanted to spend time with Michael without the interruptions of family and friends. So Michael had agreed to give her three extra hours in the morning for luxuriating in post coital bliss.

They chose to stay in the old luxurious hotel in the surprisingly busy downtown. The five star lodging was closer to the Birkoffs and totally lacking in the memory department for either of them – a blank canvas to be filled with Nikita and Michael’s memories. While the luggage-less couple registered, Nikita noticed that the person next to them was a famous Sex and Relationship Therapist she had seen on television. Nikita giggled and told Michael who shamelessly introduced himself, asking for a consultation no matter the cost.

The Hungarian woman, who was now speaking with Michael in her native tongue was totally taken with the handsome couple and agreed to have a cup of coffee and desert with them. After the registration was finished, the doctor’s luggage sent to her suite with her assistant, she followed Michael and Nikita to their own suite. The couple had agreed that Michael should fill the therapist in. She was laughing at the gorgeous man’s tale of the couple’s first meetings.

“Wonderful,” she had said in English for Nikita’s benefit. “So your story has a fantastic beginning.”

Nikita smiled and nodded. Michael was obviously getting away with murder since Nikita could not understand what he was saying. The blonde woman hung from his arm and spoke to the Bell Captain for she could not participate in the other conversation. She was wondering what her sexy fiancé was telling the doctor who laughed at every other word that the smiling Michael spoke.

“Nikita” the woman addressed her while they walked down the hall to their suite. “You must have him buy you a BIG diamond – pausing – he CAN afford it.”

“Really?” Nikita laughed.

The trio sat in the well-appointed living room and within minutes tea service, coffee, small sandwiches, pastries and the likes were brought in. The blonde woman served the doctor and herself tea and served Michael coffee. Michael smiled and one last time in the doctor’s native tongue told the woman that he could hardly breath when he saw Nikita performing just about any little task.

“This is easy, since you two have no relationship baggage. This is all new and thus quite easy to assess. There is also the necessity of Michael to get married – you both know that the precipitating factor for this union is the Grandfather’s Last Will and Testament, so there is no surprise there. So your first step towards a life together is this ‘contract’ you two must enter into - to enter into matrimony in order to retain your vast wealth.” The therapist said. “Now Nikita, let’s hear your side a bit…

“Meaning?” The blonde was confused.

“What propelled you to say yes. Initially probably the wild sex…” everyone laughed. “His looks are another given…” more laughter, “tell me in your own words.”

“I…I think I have loved Michael since the moment he saw me flirt with a gay guy.” Michael smiled, watching her intently with green eyes that wanted to devour the world and hand it to her.

“I was feeling sorry for myself, a stop-over in a strange country, on my way to another strange world. No family, no friends, no home…just the prospect of a job, not even the job I wanted or had worked for…and there he was…” Nikita rose and paced dramatically exposing her feelings, her thoughts.

“He was sitting in that Michael way of his – terribly elegant, awfully menacing, terminally alluring – calling to me. So I threw caution to the wind, did something I had never done before or since and followed some inner voice, letting myself go…wallow in self-satisfaction, self-absorption, self…” Nikita sat next to Michael and held his hands, bringing them up to her lips.

“This man, with his extraordinary looks and phenomenal eyes, watched me be myself. Not the woman I expected to be or wanted to be or pretended to be – no, myself. A self I had never met or even imagined existed… a raw neophyte, a novitiate in the art of being. How could I not love this stranger?” She let out a long breath, “and I not only mean him.”

“He made you feel?” The therapist asked.

“No…he didn’t make me feel, or let me feel…somehow that evening - I felt. Had little to do with him, or maybe a lot – I saw him and wanted desperately to forget my inhibitions, to forget my self-imposed restrictions…and I did. I saw him, knew what I wanted and went for it – damn the torpedoes full speed ahead.”

It was Michael then who lifted her hands to his mouth and kissed them, his eyes never leaving hers. She continued. “His son…Adam had been my favorite student, the child I wanted around, wanted to help, wanted to talk to and spend time with. The child that for some reason fascinated me – my favorite student. At every turn this child spoke of Michael…such love and pride… Now I know why this was; this was Michael’s essence. I knew Adam’s Michael.” She smiled, there were tears of joy in her eyes – his also.

“And then when I saw him at my door. When I felt him in my home, when I watched how he moved, how he loved his son, how he respected my space – I knew I would hate to have him leave again, would die inside with rage. I knew… I loved Michael the moment I saw him that night and he saw my vulnerable self, not taking advantage of a me who was being born that day.”

She breathed loudly again, letting the stress of her deepest joy come out – baggage-less in more ways than one. Michael stood a little ashamed of his emotions – afraid of letting go completely. This was all new to Michael, raw emotional confession seemed good for the soul, but exposing himself to anyone had never been his way, and yet. Nikita was not just anyone. So he told them this while he served more coffee for himself.

“I’ve never trusted anyone enough to be able to disrobe emotionally. As the doctor said there is no point in hiding here, we know were we come from – I must marry and it must last for 20 years; that is the financial part of this equation. The symbolic representation of this necessity should be love, but that is far from a symbolic representation here – that is my truth.”

“When did I find out that I loved Nikita? Perhaps I continue doing this as the minutes go by. A smile here, a look there, a word unspoken, who knows…I am walking down a road I have never traveled – I am in love.” He smiled and moved towards the window, talking as if to himself and as if no one was around.

“I want to share with this woman every last bit of me. Not only physically, although God knows I want constantly to be inside her and not for the joy of coupling with a creature that looks like an angel. I am scared that a thought will pass that she doesn’t care to share with me and yet I want her to have her space, to be herself, for that was who I fell in love with.”

“Do you know that when the Will was read I thought of you?” He turned to her. “I did. Of all the women that had been in my life – a one-night stand with a total stranger was the one that came to mind, go figure! No one can be sure if marriage is the right thing to do, or your couple is the right one for you. We can Kita, we must be married and it must be for the next 20 years…but I want it to be for longer. I want it to be forever…I don’t think I could live without you now…live really live, not just exist as I have been doing…live.”

The doctor spoke with her thick accent. “There are some points that I consider being the keys to a successful union. I think you both encompass most if not all of these. We all know that the attraction wears off. We all know that at some point you are going to really dislike your partner, hopefully for a short period of time. We all know that you are going to do something, say something, mean something that would potentially hurt the other – hey you must expect this – because it will happen. But you must not turn and run, and that is the good thing about your ‘contract’; you two can’t for 20 years and two more children. So as promised, let’s see…” The therapist said looking at some notes:

“Trust each other for counsel. Support the other’s decisions although not necessarily agreeing with them. No rancor – talk with each other; resolve problems by satisfying both; don’t sell each other short. Continue to respect, admire, listen and just like each other. And never feel that you are alone – that is what you have each other for.” Michael and Nikita were paying attention.

Now the therapist smiled: “Money – well it is silly to go into this, it is obvious that you two will have a pre-nup.” Michael shook his head vigorously.

“I refuse to do it that way.” Michael said.

“Well, then you are stupid Michael. Not because of what you could loose at the end, who cares, but because she could walk…yeah life is like that, she could and then what, what does your grandfather’s will say…” The doctor said.

“She is right Michael.” Nikita said. “And I don’t want to be angry one day and walk away with your family money…”

“In the doctor’s presence we will write our own simple document, just stating that you will remain for at least 20 years and give me at least two more children – preferably girls…” He laughed, they were busy writing what he said.

Nikita added, “I will walk away with what I came in with - nothing…” Michael interrupted.

“$2 billion, is that fair Kita?” He asked.

The therapist laughed and Nikita answered. “More than fair.”

“I still don’t like it.” Michael said, “Stupid or not.” The therapist’s assistant, a lawyer by profession witnessed it and left with the now official document. Michael retained him on the spot.

“So we have taken care of the money issue, God help us. Now the Sex.” The older woman said.

“Yeah…let’s talk about sex.” Nikita mocked, Michael smiled and kissed her face.

“Sex is very important. Are your compatible and satisfied; ok with sexual suggestions and requests?” She asked they both grinned and nodded.

“Birth control not an issue. Sexual past -” looking up at Michael for Nikita had no other sexual past. He started to speak and Nikita said – “Have you had any kinky or deceased sex partners I should know about?”

“Kinky, just you and no rashes – ever.” He smiled and looking at the Therapist, “we discussed this at length the first time out.”

“All right – is sex fun and an assertion of love? Never use it as a weapon or a tool for problem solving.” She looked over her reading glasses. They were nodding and she said. “I could have probably answered this question; fun, it probably is a lot of fun.”

“Lastly as to Family and Religion. Both are practicing Catholics. Neither of you have families, just close friends, and you have told me how you feel about Adam. You must feel that you three and later the two ‘girls’ are your most important familial relationships. But remember when the children leave hopefully to make their own life…you two are it.” They both nodded holding hands. “Well my new friends, you are as good, or better, than long time boyfriend and girlfriend, you will have a great life, if you just continue down this path…”

The couple and the Therapist then switched to idle chitchat. They finished their tea and coffee and the woman left them to discuss their future, and to have ‘fun.’ A well spent hour and a couple of thousand bucks.

-------

“Ni-ki-ta come to bed I have something I must tell you.” He said, she came in wearing nothing but a smile and brushing her hair. “Have I told you lately how beautiful you are?”

“Michael, if what you want to tell me has to do with anything that will remotely concern me, worry me, annoy me or otherwise interest me, I suggest arduously that you save it until the morning. Now my love, I want you to show me some of that need you referred to earlier.”

“Hmm Kita.” Michael said as she manipulated his ‘interest.’

“Your bank account is not even this big.” She giggled. She was right he would talk about Lisa the next day.

////

Michael moved slowly towards Nikita, his green eyes fixed on her blue ones. The silent promise of what was to come sending the blonde woman reeling into a fantasy world of wants. “Mykholl” She whispered, and something snapped in him, he was covered in fear.

“I can’t…” He said and kissed her mouth with anguish clearly displayed in his handsome face.

“You can’t…what?” She asked concerned.

“I can’t wait to tell you…” he moved her away from him and incorporated himself on the bed. Worry written all over him.

“You are scaring me…alright, was is it. Out with it.” She said, sitting next to him, their naked backs to the headboard.

“Promise that you will listen to the complete story and not reach a conclusion or a decision before I speak my piece.” He begged her.

“God Michael, get on with it. I promise…” She said and cradled his head. “I love you.”

Michael started softly recounting his relationship or lack thereof, with Lisa. He pinpointed their last laison, the little house and the fish tank scene. He spoke of convenient couplings, of empty pairings and unfulfilling unions and mostly of Lisa’s lack of empathy for any other human being. And then he told her of Lisa’s phone call, her almost visit, her accident and the conversation with her father...and then he watched as Nikita digested the news of a possible child.

“Kita?” Michael whispered, now moving an arm to embrace the blonde beauty. “You haven’t said a word or made a sound…”

“Are you finished?” She asked, still looking forward, not at him.

“Y-yes.” He answered.

“May I speak now?” She asked.

“Oui.” He said, eyes shut with fear.

“If the child exists, from where I sit I am beginning to even doubt that, we will test the baby’s DNA when it is born. If the child is yours, then you will step up to bat and give it all your love and financial support. I’ll love him or her just like I love Adam…” She held his face. “But I am not giving you up… time is short and you are mine, now where were we?” She asked.

He smiled, fixing her eyes with his. “I think we were starting the honeymoon before the wedding.” Breathing a sigh of relief he proceeded to give her what she wanted, what he wanted - what they wanted.

As he kissed her lips gently he quizzically said. “Sometimes it does not pay to wait.”

“Sometimes it is imperative to trust – trust me Michael, there should be nothing I can’t accept from you.” She said.

“Blow me Kita. Let me feel your soft mouth … argh…Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” She had moved down to his still sitting lap and affixed her moist mouth to his very erect manhood. She took the hard shaft in her palm and insured that her wet tongue covered every inch of the exposed skin. Her fist making the stiff pole do as she wanted and quickly she had him ready to spill his seed.”

She moved quickly to sit on him, straddling his lap, folding her legs around his hips as he entered her. His right hand holding her hips, his left one racking his nails softly over every inch of her back, from her neck to her ass. Softly caressing the tempting skin while his mouth rained kisses on her neck, chin and face.

She moved with sure movements that insured full satisfaction for both. She was manipulating her inner muscles to achieve total fulfillment and he enjoyed the role she had taken as the aggressive one. She was calling the shots; her grunts and grinds in concert. He was humming while approaching completion.

She saw his face contort in passion. She moved in such a way that the depth of his strokes touched her most sensitive center and she commanded in an unintelligible grunt. “Now, cum with me NOW.” As they, in harmony, achieved a rock my world climax.

They sat holding each other, impelled in congress. His mouth opened over her salty skin. Her thirst quenched by a searing kiss. A tiny movement of her spastic center and the man was ready for a ‘one more time.’ So he dexterously flipped her onto her back, legs still wrapped around his mid section and he went at her with great force.

Just a few thrusts, that is all it took. Impossibly deep, majestically executed and terribly necessary, plunging into her most volcanic center to help her achieve a mind-boggling climax. Her hard pebble receiving no attention, he smiled as she moved to service herself.

“Tsk, tsk, that is what I am here for.” He said as he slid his powerful hands between their sleek bodies.

The deeper the plunge, the harder the manipulation. He kept missing the nub because it was slippery with love juices. She whispered, or maybe supplicated announcing “I am cuming.” And he plunged one more time, holding her ass to make sure they were one.

Michael separated, lay her disembodied frame down and spooned with Nikita. “Don’t, listen to me…when you need to say something, say it…it can never be as bad as you think. Perhaps you were right, let’s get going around 7:00 am, time’s awaisting.”

He raised his head from the pillow, kissed her mouth hard and as he settled behind her to sleep, his willful erection took over, so he entered from behind. The last coupling was more than quick but oh so fulfilling and engaged the lovers would sleep until the wedding morning.

“Love ‘ya.” He said. “What a couple of days.”

“I love you too. I promise you it will get better.” She answered before total joy rocked them to slumber.

///

The early morning found the lovers sound asleep and seeking each other’s nearness to warm their resting bodies. Somehow the truthfulness of the previous evening had taken a heavy burden off their shoulders. The weather outside the hotel room was below zero, no more falling snow just bitter cold, one of those days were one’s best place was indoors.

The phone rang and it was their early morning wake up call. Nikita had not moved, too glutted to make the effort of answering the phone. Michael’s nonchalant demeanor amused the blonde, who solicited his warmth like a heat-seeking missile.

“Don’t leave me.” She whimpered as the man moved a mere inch to the phone.

“I wouldn’t think of it…good morning my love, did you sleep well?” and then, “Merci” to the Operator.

He turned to face his lover and smiled at her form, bundled up beneath the blanket, whining again for the loss of contact. “Mykholl…don’t move so much.”

“We must get up Kita, we have a date, remember?” He said, kissing her nose and biting her chin, before kissing her mouth.

“I’m up.” She said, not moving.

“Come on sleepy head.” He said getting completely under the covers with her.

“I am freezing.” She complained, surprised for she was usually a quick ready riser. “Look what you do to me, I’m glued to the bed covers, need your warmth.”

“I’ll draw you a hot bath, when the tub is ready I’ll come get you.” He left the bed.

“Mykholl” she yelled whimpering, but he was up and about, whistling some silly tune.

Nikita, under the covers, smiled at her good fortune. She was getting married this day to the man of her dreams and she could not understand why she was so lucky. He was by far gorgeous and enthralling and oh so good in bed. She felt him pick her up, blanket and all and carry her to the bathroom.

When she entered the warm room she noticed the clock said 7:30 a.m. and she fretted. “Geez you let me over sleep – I wanted to be at the airport already.”

“Eager?” He laughed.

“I don’t want that witch to interfere in our joy.” Nikita said.

“That witch doesn’t know we are getting married today Kita…and anyway what could she do…I am marrying you no matter what. Now take a bath.” He started walking out of the room.

“But Michael come bathe with me, I am lonely.” She laughed.

“You bewitch me Kita…if I get in there, there is no going back…and we have this room by the hour…” They laughed.

Michael went into the bedroom and got on the phone. He was making all kinds of arrangements he didn’t want Nikita to know about. Then his cell phone rang about 8:00 o’clock and it was Seymour Birkoff, they made plans and Michael advised Seymour that his chauffeur would pick them up in an hour. Michael then spoke to his son who told him a long story about the previous night and insisted on speaking with Nikita. Michael explained she was bathing and would see him shortly anyway.

Finally around 9:00 Michael and Nikita were on their way to the private airport where Michael had made arrangements for a helicopter. When they arrived Nikita couldn’t see her friends and Adam. Michael smiled and took the short helicopter ride to another airfield where Michael's corporate jet was waiting. All convoluted plans to insure that they were not being followed or devised by ‘the Witch’ and her entourage. Inside the luxurious plane Birkoff, Carla and Adam were being served breakfast.

“Pappa” Adam called out. “Nikita.” He was happy to see them both and hugged and kissed them. The friends were saying their hellos, talking about their destination, when…

“Mr. Samuelle.” His pilot stood by the cabin door.

“Yes Chuck, good morning.” Michael answered moving towards the man.

“Good morning sir, I have a communication from Burlington Vermont.” Chuck answered.

“Who is it, could you handle it, is probably the Judge wanting to know the ETA, I gave him your name as a contact, being that you knew the plans.” Michael said.

“No Sir, it is your Grandfather’s attorney, Mr. Jones.” Chuck answered.

“Have you told him I am here?” Michael asked.

“No sir, he was fishing - wanted to know if I could go pick him up. When your Grandfather was alive he allowed him to use his plane, even to his detriment…” Chuck was saying.

Michael interrupted. “Tell him the plane is down for repairs and that you can’t get a hold of me to ask for permission to pick him up. If he asks where I am, tell him I am on my way to?”

“I understand Sir. Leave it up to me. Congratulations…I was wondering when someone was going to tell this guy he doesn’t own me or the plane.” Chuck said and Michael smiled.

“My Grandfather’s friends are not mine Chuck…go and thank you.” Michael answered and then thought again. “Chuck, where did you say Jones was?

“Burlington Vermont Sir, where we are headed.” Chuck answered respectfully.

“File a new flight plan, refuel the plane, we are going to the Bahamas.” Michael added and winked at the man.

“Which Island?” Chuck asked.

“San Salvador, I have a house there…Elise.” Michael called his Senior Stewardess.

“Yes Sir?” She asked.

“Get me the Justice of the Peace in San Salvador Bahamas. And make arrangements for Neiman Marcus in Bal Harbour Florida to send hot weather clothing for everyone.” Michael smiled.

“A wedding dress for your fiancée?” The elderly woman asked.

“Just tell my Personal Shopper that we want the same stuff we spoke about, just for the beach instead of the snow.” Michael whispered and the woman who had been with Michael’s family for a long time smiled and nodded.

“Nikita, we are going to the tropics, we’ll be warmer as we get married ok?” Michael sing sang.

“Did ‘the Witch’ rear her ugly head?” Nikita whispered knowingly.

“Yes…and it is too cold in Burlington anyway.” Michael put an arm around her, kissed her mouth and told her to come meet the crew.

////

The view offered by the soaring jet capacitated those aboard the aircraft into a languorous and delighted celebration. The emerald-blue sea, the color of Nikita’s eyes, sparkled with such clarity that one could see the marine life enjoying the ecology there present. Even from the plane, visions of the challenging reefs and wreck’s accessible to divers who ventured into the depths with 150 feet of visibility.

San Salvador the first land Columbus saw on his initial voyage was easily catalogued by the large stone cross on the landing site at Long Bay. Then the small island became the center of operations of the buccaneer George Watling, who so influenced the demarcation including changing its name for a long time to Watling Island. Beauty, adventure and history as far as the eye could see. . The pace of life in the island changing little over the centuries; the ultimate escape, with its miles of pristine sands and secluded beaches. But the most enjoyable and intriguing part of this paradise was Michael’s secluded enclave with its Old Spanish house boasting of the best beach in all the chain of islands. Its name said it all “BelloMar” – beautiful sea.

Nikita dropped her winter coat and sweater and stripped down to the camisole she wore beneath the heavy wool clothing. The rest were given by the stewardesses tee shirts that read ‘Welcome to the Bahamas’ – everyone including Michael quickly put on the garments, making them look like some band that had escaped from a musical mad house.

“God Michael, I can’t believe how beautiful this is.” Nikita said peering out the jet’s window.

“They said that is what Columbus said upon seeing the island for the first time.” Michael answered kissing her head.

“Reminds me a bit of home.” Nikita said nostalgic for her native Australia.

Each of the passengers seated at a window watched the miles and miles of islands, beaches, clear waters and surf pass beneath them. One didn’t have to disembark to realize that the golden sun was warming the sandy shorelines, inviting them to come and sit for a spell beneath a swaying palm drinking a sinfully luxurious rum drink.

When they landed on the surprisingly modern airfield servicing the four private properties on the island, Michael made an announcement. “We will wait here until they bring us the clothing I ordered. I think that if we get off with these wool things on, instead of transporting us to BelloMar we would need ambulances to carry our dehydrated bodies to the morgue.” Everyone was talking at the same time and agreed that Michael was probably right.

The stewardesses brought frozen alcoholic concoctions for everyone except Adam who got a virgin offering. The colorful drinks wore umbrellas in sweating glasses and the canapés boasted tropical fruit pieces cut up in silly little marine life shapes. The passports were collected and like in a Cary Grant movie the customs officials came to them ceremoniously welcoming them to the Bahamas.

Within minutes some locals brought up packages marked with Neiman’s*** logo. Each box listing specifically what was inside. The stewardesses passed them to the passengers and everyone changed into colorful bermuda shorts and loads of cotton stuff. Nikita smiled for Michael had been busy making sure everything was perfect – how romantic.

For example, Nikita looked like Annette Funniciello in some Beach Blanket movie and Michael looked like Frankie Avalon** - white shorts, white bikini top with bright orange polka dots, orange flowered blouse which tied at the midriff and flip-flops with a large flower matching the ones on the shirt. She was given a straw hat with the same flower on the brim. Michael – Mr. dress in Black – was given a pair of white cutoffs and an aqua and white-stripped polo shirt, he wore a cute little cap, its brim to the back of his head. All in all perfect fit!

As they exited the aircraft down metal steps, the wedding party was given sun glasses to ward their eyes from the sun and a strong sun-block to protect their winter white skin. A band played on their metal oil drums rhythms of the Islands and Nikita and Carla danced their way to the ground. One large jeep waited to transport them to the other side of Paradise, all luggage left at the plane since their content was useless in the tropics. Michael drove giving them a tour with little Adam shimming in every once in a while and their cameras clicked repetitiously capturing the unforgettable moments.

The very lush landscaped road was made of black asphalt that shined in the afternoon sun. The contrasting perimeter of the perfectly empty road was a crystal clear blue that equally sparkled all around them. Seymour realized his lips hurt from smiling so much as Carla stood next to Nikita and Adam singing some Bob Marly song. And at the end of the road, BelloMar with its native stone walls and red clay roof appeared in the distance, a string of white starched men and women waited for the wedding party to arrive by standing next to shocking pink flowering bushes with indigenous names.

The bride bent down and kissed her groom, wrapping her arms around his neck and screaming “I love you. I love you.”

Michael beamed and worked hard to control the car he was driving. ‘Another fantastic beginning’ Michael thought thanking his maker for his good fortune and of course his Grandfather - the idea man.

---------- ***Neiman Marcus is an exclusive high-end department store carrying designer labels and such.

** This is a reference to a series of 60s teenage movies about the beach, rock and roll, surfing and young love.

////

The people that Nikita spotted from the Jeep were most definitely not all house staff members. The few additions were not wearing the uniforms of those who worked for Michael. There was an elderly elegant woman wearing a wide brim straw hat, white pedal pushers and navy blue blouse with a sailor collar, she held a basket of wild flowers in her hands.

An elderly man wearing jeans and a tee-shirt that boasted ‘Bahamas Breeze’ stood next to the woman, a startling contrast between her gentile demeanor and his bad ass deportment. Instead of a hat, he wore a bandana and a gray ponytail. He moved around a fringed top jeep of the deepest pink color.

There was also a dark haired beautiful woman in her forties who was busy chitchatting with the elderly one, she wore a yellow pique sundress and she looked stunning. Her hat not as wide-brimmed as the other woman, but it too was made of straw. Both women obviously enjoying their conversation.

Michael honked the car horn as he approached the house and therefore the group. The bandana wearing man waved and slapped his knee yelling at Michael. “Woohoo, you’ve done good my boy.”

Michael brought the car to a stop before the mansion. The servants stood waiting as a stuffy British man moved forward to welcome him home. After greeting them all and introducing Nikita and the Birkoffs, the group moved into the house with young Adam in tow. Then Michael turned to the others as they moved around the convertibles.

“Walter thank you for coming down.” Michael said hugging the man to him.

“Wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Walter answered and moved to greet the women.

“Adrian, Madeline thank you. I wanted you here, were is Paul?” Michael asked of the pretty brunette.

“Will tell you in a minute, now is this beauty the bride-to-be?” Madeline asked.

“Nikita, these are my Godparents Walter and Adrian.” Michael said holding his fiancée by her hands.

“It is such a pleasure to meet you.” Nikita said shaking their hands.

Walter grabbed her in a bear hug and whispered. “Oh Sugar, you are radiant…if I was only 20 years younger.”

Michael had an arm around Adrian and he separated the two. “Hey, hey – she is spoken for… and so are you for that matter.”

Then back to Madeline - he introduced Nikita to the woman. “Kita this is Madeline, who together with her husband Paul are my right hand, my legal counsel, my trusted team.” Madeline hugged Nikita and kissed her on both cheeks.

Then came the introductions to the Birkoffs with Michael advising Madeline that Seymour, who worked for Michael’s concern, had been promoted by Michael on Christmas day. “We will talk about his future role tomorrow.”

The group moved inside and Nikita was blown away by the enchanting place. The windows stood from the cathedral ceilings to the pristine white terrazzo floors speckled in black and lined with gold. From wherever you stood you could see the aqua sea moving gently, never stopping. The warm air cooling the palace as if it was air-conditioned.

The furniture on the first floor made out of white rattan with colorful flowered cushions. The tables made of tortoise shell and glass. The luxurious interiors reflected the eclectic tropics; it was obvious that there had been no expense spared.

The willowy curtains moving rhythmically with the tropical breezes. The kitchen modern and the bedrooms obviously from the islands; vibrant colors, soft materials, cool designs. The bathrooms light and airy and the guest cottages just far enough to offer everyone their privacy.

A sumptuous lunch of lobster, shrimp and crab legs, all chilled was served with drawn butter and lemon juice. Cold soups, cold salads and loads of fruit dishes for everyone to enjoy. The group sat around a massive round dining room table made of glass and iron, in a wall-less room that seemed to float in the sea. The conversation was being held by little Adam who recounted how he had gotten his Pappa and soon-to-be Mamman together.

Paul Wolfe entered the house by the beach side. He was a handsome man in his very early 50s, who wore a pair of white pants and white pullover. “Glad you are here Michael, you owe me a round of golf…”

Michael stood and hugged his friend. “Everything ok? This is Nikita.”

“Ms. Wirth…a pleasure I am sure.” Paul said. “Thank you for insisting on that pre-nuptial agreement…”

“Paul.” Michael warned.

“No Michael.” Nikita said. “Honesty is important…you are welcome Paul, call me Nikita.”

Paul then added. “Before we continue with the festivities and the introductions, let me tell you were I was…”

The staff served lunch and Paul held his story until everyone was amicably feeding their faces. There had been an instant rapport formed between Walter and Seymour and that made Nikita feel good. Adrian and Carla had established a conversation about the wood used on the construction of the home and furniture.

“Well. Because of the blizzard Walter and Adrian came from Paris to Florida and were staying with us on Key Biscayne when Michael called me about the reading of the will. I had advised him not to go at it alone, but because of the weather he did.” Paul sucked on a crab leg.

“Let’s face it – Nikita, Michael not always listens.” Walter said everyone laughed.

“I didn’t hear again from Michael until he called me to tell me he was getting married and that you had insisted on a pre-nuptial agreement. It was faxed to me shortly thereafter. Then we packed for our trip to Burlington…” Paul was saying when Adrian interrupted…

“Which by the way we are so glad you cancelled, it was 5 below today – wind chill factor and all.” Everyone agreed with Adrian.

“Then quickly you asked us to come to the Bahamas, a hop skip and a jump from Florida, so here we are.” Paul raised a glass of white wine to those sitting at the table.

“But that is certainly not the end of the saga.” Madeline said patting Nikita’s hand.

“No, certainly not. Guess who happened to call me and ask me if he could come down to Florida to see me?” Paul continued.

Michael answered. “Edward.”

“Exactly.” Madeline added.

“And the Witch?” Nikita kind’a whispered.

“Exactly.” Madeline repeated laughing. “It seems that poor Lisa was in a car accident and they wanted to borrow Michael’s Florida home for her recuperation…”

Paul continued. “We told them we were on our way to Burlington for your wedding and would ask you if it was ok to loan him the home once we got there.”

“Sneaky.” Carla who had been quiet piped in.

“Exactly.” Madeline said once more. “So now my dear,” addressing Nikita. “Let’s hurry up, eat and get dressed for your wedding. Wouldn’t want them to show up here….”

“Where did you go before.” Nikita asked Paul.

“To get the Justice of the Peace and Priest they should be here shortly.” Paul added eating a piece of sugar cane.

“Michael we set up everything like you asked.” Adrian said. “And Nikita the dress Michael ordered is on the bed in the master bedroom, if you need us…”

“No thank you, I think that I shall help her if you don’t mind. You two go get dressed.” Carla said.

The lunch was finished. The deserts and coffee taken in the parlor. The Justice of the Peace had arrived and they needed to get the ‘show’ on the road.

Everyone went to their respective cottages. Nikita and Carla moved to the master bedroom with Michael and his son going to Adam’s room. Michael asked Carla to leave him alone with Nikita for a second and the woman went to take a quick shower. Seymour had told her he could handle his wardrobe by himself.

“Kita, this is your last chance. If you want to get out of this…” Michael stroking his hands up and down her arms said.

“You are one foolish man… I am sure, I want to marry you.” She kissed him.

“If you don’t like this ceremony, if you want anything more affluent…” Michael was playing with her bottom lip.

“Again… foolish man. What woman wouldn’t think this was the most romantic setting for their wedding?” She kissed him again. “Now get out, you have not seen the wedding dress and are certainly not going to…get out. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He whispered.

The lovers parted after a long and sultry kiss that lasted forever. Carla had to clear her throat a couple of times before they separated. Michael still insisting on kissing Nikita until the door closed completely.

On the bed there was a white gauzy delicate strapless dress with a long skirt reaching her ankles. Flat ballerina style shoes with sating ribbons, a wreath of baby’s breath and sweetheart roses for Nikita’s head and bouquet. She bathed and put her hair up in tiny curls and Carla, who had added a piece of lace as a veil to the wreath placed it on her head.

Carla wore a baby blue equally gauzy short dress, cap sleeves and satin ribbon waistband. She picked blue flowers from the arrangement next to the bed and placed them on her hair. The friends were busy with the understated makeup when a knock came to the door.

It was Adrian and Madeline, both looking very elegant in their summer clothing. “Nikita, Michael’s mother was like my daughter. When they died in the car accident my world came tumbling down. You can ask Walter…but that was long ago. I never had children, so Michael has been more than a Godson to me. Marie, Michael’s mother, left me all her jewels…these she wore at her wedding and I know she would want you to have them.”

Madeline approached Nikita to help Adrian put the jewels on her. A three-strand choker made of 9-cm fresh water pearls, with a diamond broach as a clasp, matching earrings and bracelet.

“Marie was like a sister to me, we grew up together.” And looking at her misty eyes Madeline added. “Nikita make him happy, he deserves to be happy.” Handing her the enormous marquis cut yellow diamond, surrounded by baguettes matching the band.

“I don’t know what to say.” The blonde woman said crying. “Thank you.”

“Well for one, stop crying you’ll ruin your make up.” Madeline said. “Carla, I like the veil addition…have you ever thought of designing clothing?”

The four women walked downstairs and towards the beach. The wooden edifice close to the shore had been converted into a flower garden. Pillars covered with colorful blooms, canopies made of fragrant blossoms and even the carpet was woven with natural products. Whoever had set this up could have put together a float for the Rose Parade.

With the shore as a backdrop the Justice of the Peace and a Catholic priest from Freeport had come to officiate. Michael and Nikita had asked to say their own bows and each had written a brief piece from their hearts. Seymour Birkoff wearing a guayabera and chinos walked Nikita down the aisle with Carla preceding them.

Michael stood by his son Adam; both wearing white linen suits. Michael thought Nikita looked ethereal as she floated down the flower petal carpet. Adam held his father’s hand and was proud of his place as his father’s best man. Michael noticed the jewelry and looked at Adrian and Madeline and nodded thanking them.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in this hollowed ground and in the eyes of our maker to join this man and this woman in the most sacred of ceremonies that of Holly Matrimony. Michael and Nikita have written their own bows and will recite them remembering that what God has brought together, may no man put asunder.”

“Kita you came into my life when I needed it most…you gave me back the freedom to feel, to dream, to hope. You rescued me and helped me love you with an intensity that governs my every move. For Adam who helped me choose and for myself I take you as my lawfully wedded wife, until death us do part.”

“Michael you are a dream come true. Too good to be true. A handsome man, rich in much more than money. You are romance, love and devotion, a need that I have come to love, a dream that I have come to live, a hope that I thank God for. And I my love take you…and Adam until death us do part…you are my husband for evermore.”

Adam added. “And we’ll live happily ever after. Amen.” Everyone laughed and clapped and joined in saying Amen. Including the staff and most of the island people who had been invited.

“So by the Power bested in me by the Bahamas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may…” Before the Justice of the Peace could finish a helicopter flew over the site, the guards rushed to a grass field close by as the whirly bird landed.

Michael kissed Nikita hard and long slipping an eternity band on Nikita’s wedding ring finger. Adam handed Nikita a wedding band for his father and she put it on. Michael whispered “No one can stop us now, my wife.”

Lisa, Edward and David Fanning, moved away from the still rotating propeller of the rented helicopter, accompanied by a minute oriental woman with beautiful long black hair that shined in the sunlight.

///

The Security Personnel had approached the helicopter in quick, sure strides. Headed by Mowen, a tall burly efficient fellow who followed Michael’s dictates to the letter. Of course Mowen knew the members of the group that had just disembarked from the chopper, however they were not on the guest list.

Mowen had his orders and the confidence of his boss who had told him ‘especially the Jones’ when advising him who could and could not be allowed at the wedding. But unfortunately the helicopter had taken off before the apt security detail could reach it, so Mowen made an executive decision. Before he even approached the group, he called Chuck, Michael’s pilot, and asked him to come get the group of party-crashers.

“Good afternoon Mr. Jones I respectfully regret that I cannot allow you to proceed towards the compound, Mr. Samuelle’s helicopter is on its way to take you back to the airport.” Mowen advised.

“Don’t be ridiculous, do you realize who you are speaking to?” Jones asked.

“I truly regret this Sir, I have my orders and you, or anyone here, are not on the guest list. This is a private affair.” Mowen quietly proceeded.

“I insist you allow us through.” Jones continued, already Lisa was making noises, grumbling. The uninvited guests huddled surrounded by Michael’s Security detail, with Mowen steadfast as to his position.

---- Meanwhile Michael was sure that Mowen would do his job. The wedding party had moved to the white reception tent that had been set on the leeward side of the property gratefully away from the uncomfortable incident. It was truly magnificent done entirely with miniature white lights and extravagant silver and crystal settings and fantastic food on fine white china.

The center pieces and flower arrangements made of sweetheart roses to match Nikita’s bouquet. The Crystal Champagne flowed, the band played and the small group quickly forgot of the helicopter incident, even Nikita.

Michael, after finishing at the reception line that helped him greet his few guests and happily introduce his new wife, called Paul and Walter to a corner for a report. The handsome groom was obviously upset by whatever news he had received and his bride caught his slight change in demeanor and approached him. He had finished saying something to Paul who nodded and moved out of the tent.

“Michael, is everything ok?” Nikita asked, concerned marring her beautiful face.

“Of course my love… how do you like our wedding?” The handsome man tried to change the subject.

“Michael, we have been married for what amounts to 15 minutes and you are already hiding stuff from me?” She smiled knowingly.

Michael moved forward and held Nikita to his body, he smiled quickly and said. “Alright, the group that…”

Nikita interrupted, “…invaded us…” laughing.

“Beach head and all…” more laughter, from Michael a nervous one.

Nikita again, “let me guess, your lawyer and his daughter…right?”

“Yes, but…Simone is with them…” Michael said.

“Simone?” Nikita asked.

Michael continued his train of thought, his eyes fixed over his bride’s head. Mosey green gaze lost in the blue of the sea outside. His memories pounding in his brain, like the waves persistently did to the shore. “I’ll deal with all this tomorrow, told them to transport them to Freeport…”

Nikita was pissed now…he was being evasive and she was not going to have this at scant moments of becoming his wife. “Listen bub…” surprising Michael, “I can have this annulled quicker than you can say my name, so you better come clean and stop treating me as though I am in a need to know basis. Because guess what…as far as anything that has to do with you or Adam… I need to know!”

“Can we please wait until…” Michael couldn’t finish one of his stupid excuses, she was not going to let him.

“No we can’t…the party can go on…we are going into the house, up to our room and we are going to have it out…you are coming clean…” Nikita admonished, kissed his mouth and pulled him away from the tent.

Paul approached them as they entered the house. “Michael…”

“Go ahead. Are they gone?” Michael asked.

“Yes, they are being transported to Freeport and Jones understood you were already married and…” Paul reported and stopped himself.

“You might as well finish Paul, I am not moving…” Nikita was interrupted by an exasperated Michael. He pinched the crown of his nose and shuttered his eyes for a moment.

Michael added in a soft commanding voice. “Paul, I cannot have secrets from my wife…Kita I promise I’ll explain everything as soon as we finish with Paul…go ahead.”

Paul swallowed. “He is making noises about Simone…”

“Where did she come from…I thought she was dead.” Michael said, his face becoming haunted again.

“No… something to do with your Grandfather and him keeping her from you?” Paul said.

“Merde…” Michael cursed, holding Nikita’s hand so tightly that she had to control herself as not to wince. “Come Kita, let me tell you the whole story…Paul can you make our excuses please…”

“Of course Michael, I’ll just say you two retired…we’ll keep Adam entertained, I assume you are going to LagoMar?” Paul asked.

“Yes, I have my cell phone…” Michael holding Nikita’s hand, fingers intertwined, moved to the car that awaited them to transport them to another house on the other side of the island. The house belonged to a Rock and Roll star that had gladly lent it to the couple for their honeymoon.

--- The trip on the car was quiet. Nikita’s thoughts jumbled, she was scared. What did she really know about this man? She was convinced she had been checked out, someone in Michael’s organization had made sure this late comer was in the up and up. But, what did she know about him – nothing.

“Who is Simone?” She asked, her voice low, full of tears and eerily calm.

“Adam’s mother.” Michael said.

“I thought Adam’s mother was dead?” Nikita said. “Some terrible decease.”

“So did I… a car accident, only Adam thought it was from an illness because I didn’t want him to know the circumstances of the accident.” They had arrived at the private house; Michael entered some numbers on a keypad and drove into the completely wall-less home. Secluded and hidden behind flowering trees, the beautiful home sat on a cliff.

“Michael…I am sorry, I hate to make you re-live any of this… you don’t have to…” She started to say and now he interrupted her, moving with her away from the car and into the home.

“No, you are right Kita, I need to tell you all, you are my wife…I love you.” He said, plopping himself on a couch overlooking the sea around them.

“And I love you…I was – no - I am nervous, but I didn’t vault – first test passed.” She laughed, he smiled and leaning forward kissed her, she was removing her headpiece, he his jacket, tie, etc.

Michael began, “I married Simone because…if truth be told I did it to… I had never rebelled against my grandfather. She was…is Vietnamese. My father had lost 7 years of his life in a Vietnamese detention camp during the War, which is where he met Paul and Walter. My grandfather who was otherwise a reasonable man and had been a liberal became obsessed with the fact I was dating a Vietnamese woman. Had never cared who I dated and then this… I got careless, she got pregnant.”

“Michael…” Nikita whispered.

“Don’t get me wrong, Adam was born of this union. He, and now you, are the best things that ever happened to me.” He smiled a sad smiled and kissed her.

“Michael…” again, their sorrow was plainly edged on her face, on his.

“We married when she was two months pregnant, I don’t understand, I thought Grandfather had accepted Simone. He was not too wild about the way she took care of herself during the pregnancy – drinking ‘socially’ she used to say. But he left it up to me…we fought, she wanted to go to the club for drinks after Adam was born, I said no…she took the car and on the way back hit a tree. The car went up in flames, we buried her in Ho Chi Ming City, got special permission…” Michael held his face in his hands, he sobbed.

“You never…” Nikita started to ask, he read her mind.

“We never had her DNA tested, we assumed it was her…I can’t believe my grandfather would have her hidden, or banned…he was not like that.” Michael said.

“How old was Adam?” Nikita asked.

“Adam was 2 months old. He never knew her… I have constructed memories for him so he wouldn’t miss her – he knew she was dead, why tell him the truth. What is he going to say now?” Michael dropped his head unto Nikita’s lap and wept for a long while.

“Michael…why now?” She asked stroking his head. Suddenly Nikita’s voice had changed.

“What?” He was confused.

“Why now…your grandfather has been dead for a year. His so called lawyer knew about this all when he read the will four days ago, when he told you his daughter was pregnant…why now?” She asked, he sat up.

////

“Kita” Michael said as he moved to find the cell phone he’d left in the car, she followed wearing only the slip to her wedding gown. “For so long I have told the story of Simone’s death like I wanted Adam to remember her. I even started believing it myself.” He had opened the jeep’s door and stood by it reflectively.

“I learned, right after her death how alcoholism was a decease usually diagnosed improperly. Her psychiatrist never diagnosed it as such, but in retrospect, she was a drunk.” Michael was now looking for the phone.

“But this story about my grandfather, somehow I doubt he would pull anything like this, he would have respected my decisions even if he didn’t agree with them – he did so many times…and who did we bury in Vietnam them?” Michael finally found the phone that had fallen under one of the seats.

He turned to his bride, her white slip swaying with the breeze, her blonde hair like a hallo around her head, her radiance intoxicating. ‘Don’t ever settle – you deserve more than that. Find yourself an angel.’ George Samuelle’s legacy spoke to Michael in the form of the woman he’d married. There by the door stood the angel his Grandfather had spoken about.

“This must be Mr. Jones’ plan.” Nikita said holding her hair in one hand, the other one holding her slip. “The pregnancy story must be Lisa’s plan.”

“This must be all George’s convoluted plan Kita. There is no way in hell that Lisa could come up with the pregnancy story on her own.” Michael laughed. “That ‘witch’ is too…”

Nikita piped in moving into the house, looking for the kitchen. “Stupid, horny, greedy.”

Michael had relaxed and was commanding the phone with his voice to call Chuck. “No really Kita tell me how you feel.”

“Yes Michael.” Chuck said.

“How did it go?” Michael said, holding Nikita by the hand as they walked into the fully stocked kitchen. Michael was down to wearing his trousers. Leaving Nikita in the kitchen he moved to the bedroom area were he found his clothing and started to change.

“They are safely in Freeport, I just landed at the airport in San Salvador.” Chuck answered, as always there was laughter in his voice.

“I want you to do me a favor…the brunette...” Chuck interrupted Michael.

“Paul Wolfe called me during the flight and asked me to make sure to get probable DNA samples and prints if possible – I have done so already.” Chuck laughed, “Relax Michael, enjoy your honeymoon, we’ve got you covered.”

“Thank you Chuck…I’ll see you tomorrow.” Michael’s next call would be to Paul.

“Michael…I have asked Chuck to gather evidence. I have also spoken with Edward Jones and explained that there is little to be done since you and Nikita are already married” Paul Wolfe laughed. “He told me you were therefore a bigamist…did the Will say he would take control if the caveat was not fulfilled?” Paul asked.

“I am beginning to wonder the authenticity of the entire Will. I need to make some phone calls tomorrow. Can we meet, all of us tomorrow morning…come over for breakfast at say 8:00 a.m., and please bring Birkoff… he is getting his first assignment.” Michael asked his counsel and friend.

“Will do Michael…enjoy your wife kid, you finally found yourself that angel George spoke about.” Paul said as Michael bided him farewell.

Michael clicked the phone close as he walked towards the kitchen wearing nothing but a black silk pair of pajama pants. In the light of the late afternoon Michael looked himself like an angel, Nikita sighed as he approached her. He kissed her head and checked on the food she was preparing.

“I hope you don’t mind, I asked Paul to come over, with everyone, around 8:00 a.m.” Michael said.

“Call him back and tell him I am not cooking, to bring breakfast – or maybe Christopher.” She laughed, kissed him, handed him a glass of wine and handed him the phone.

She returned from the bedroom all dressed in a white peignoir - satin, lace and elegance. “You know Kita, Grandfather told me to find myself an angel to marry. He had gone to a psychic when he found out he was dying and the woman said she saw me finishing my life with an angel.” Michael pulled her to sit by him, handing her a glass of wine. “Edward reminded me how obsessed Grandfather was with his quest for an angel for me.”

“Oh so you let him down?” She said.

“No, I married you…you are an angel – my angel.” He said and pulled her to him.

“Michael” she said after the kiss ended. “That is it…they brought Simone in a helicopter – wearing white. They were bringing you your angel.”

“Too late. Can we not talk about this now.” He asked kissing her one more time.

///

The wedding night had been a slow burning passionate one, full of promises and achieved ecstasy. Michael and Nikita had made love time and time again during the night, finally falling asleep wrapped in each other’s embrace. Their cloyed bodies now in restful slumber that was replete of fiery dreams.

Something awoke Michael at 6:00 am. The chirping of a bird, the rustling of the leaves, the smell of morning flowers or the fast approaching day break could have been the culprit to the loss of the dreams. But whatever it had been, he was grateful indeed, for in the penumbrae of the early morning Michael could watch his angel’s repose.

Nikita’s body, facing away from Michael’s was exposed to his green gaze. She wore nothing but a rouge, a glow and Michael dove head first into the intoxicating sight she offered. Her long lean body huddled beneath the silk sheet that was doing a piss pour job of covering her and warding her from the cold. He moved to gain a better look.

Her back exposed to Michael showed a perfect spine that curved where it needed. Her shoulders a perfect display for the sprinkling of freckles he liked to lick and count. How many minutes had he invested into the enjoyment of her freckled shoulders?

He watched the shoulder blades, rounded and softened by her position on the bed complementing the astonishing smooth transition between shoulder and waist. If it was possible the monotony of all that perfection interrupted momentarily. The woman’s beauty too tempting and he traced a finger softly down the roundness of her back, leaving not an inch alone.

He heard her sigh, a satisfied sigh and he smiled. She lay on her back, a forearm draped gingerly across her midriff. Her slow breathing making her chest slowly raise and fall, following a tribal rhythm that fascinated him. How could this creature of light allow him such exquisite pleasure? Her nearness intoxicating, calling to him like a siren. So he watched, gladly becoming a voyeur.

Michael watched Nikita’s hair, the color of spun gold, lying in disarray. The pillow displaying the contrasting gold strands, some almost platinum. Her eyelashes fanning long and thick unto her high cheekbones and framed by perfectly sculpted eyebrows. He could not resist and stroked his thumb on her skin.

Her dainty ears, a perfect shell. Her luscious mouth, pouty and bow-like. She smelled of Patchouli and his brain swam in an ocean of male hormones. He imagined her blue sea eyes dancing at some memory, thought or proffered smile.

His eyes continued slowly to the rosy tips of her raising and falling breasts. The perky twins had an imaginary finger extended like Cruella Deville calling him to their web, enticing him with the pureness of her love.

After the impossible battle of wills he was fighting to stop his lascivious thoughts, Michael could not take his eyes from the delicious feast lying beneath a tapestry of love. He felt his arousal further grow, taunting him to act. He softly licked a perfect tip, then the other, finally moving quickly to the feast he saw before and licking lightly the main dish, sucking passionately the weathered nub.

On his second round he ventured to wrap his warm, wet mouth over a nipple and carefully not to wake her, sucked softly. She meowed in her sleep and proceeded to open her legs, granting him even more access, silently suggesting he continue.

In her state of sleep Nikita moved the hand resting on her stomach and searched to find her center, but taking a detour, she wound up brushing Michael’s growing concern with the back of her hand. Michael winced for he was sure he would spend his seed before it was time to pay the piper. She somehow blind with the cover of rest found her intended goal, playing with the staff – robbing it of will, making it hers by her gentle strokes.

She moaned as he again attached his talented mouth to the other breast. His teeth raking softly, biting just as softly. His hand finding the trail that lead to Nikita’s magical mystery tour and she gasped, waking up when he reached the pearl.

“God Michael…mmm…what are you doing? She panted, almost crying with need.

“Watching you sleep” he said raising his head a fraction of an inch as he continued the assault on her perky breasts, she the attentive stroking of his member. “Do you want me to stop.”

She was writhing in the throngs of a monumental orgasm. His nails raking the pearl with purpose, flicking it and pressing down hard. Immediately achieving its goal, as the intransigent digit swam in a lake of love juices.

“My turn, my turn.” Enthusiastically she said and he straddled her head, comfortably allowing her tremendous access to the huge rod that bobbed overhead.

Her mouth surrounding the may pole with the hunger of a condemn man. She sucked the climax out of Michael and when he was about to spill his seed she repositioned them swiftly and allowed him to enter her. He was over her, their bodies impossibly close, his mouth affixed to her ear, her mouth, her chin and her neck. He was without the rush of the culminating point; somehow he had pushed it back.

He pumped inside her and she moved to find the perfect spot. All the necessary moves were being employed. He was licking that perfect shell and wondering how he was going to stop. He needed to concentrate on her as well as his own satisfaction and he asked her to move one more time, trying of course not to disengage.

He positioned her on her knees, hands resting on the bed. Michael could say it, didn’t want to say it, but he thought it was the most exiting position and was grateful when she put words to the music that was their union.

“I want you to fuck me!” She growled, he smiled.

What a contrast the submissive position and the command for the sex act. He truly loved this woman who was a tiger in bed. “Kita!”

Michael now moved to a sitting position, although his hands were resting on the bed to offer him better leverage. She was sitting, literary, on him, his huge rod pounding into her. He commanded her to look at him and Nikita saw passion in his expressive gray eyes.

Michael moved and grabbed a perfect nipple with his teeth. He bit the tender tip and then bathed it with cool breath and tongue. He inserted a finger into his mouth and she accelerated the strokes. His pounding reached spots in the woman’s cervix she hardly ever used, or knew existed.

Her long legs were wrapped around the man and the openness and closeness the position offered made the lovers reach a quick conclusion – quick if you considered an hour-and-a half quick. Their hearts pounding for they had reached a powerful climax simultaneously.

“Geez Michael look at the time. It is 7:30, we have got to get dressed.” She was surprised when he searched for her center one more time without lifting his head from her shoulder or speaking a word.

His maneuvers slowly pressing round circles into the sea of luxurious cum made his rod stiff again and he started the dance one more time. This time a little more desperate, a little more erratic, a little more…perfect. The lovers moved in synchronize agitation. “Ahh…”

////

The ‘party’ continued in the shower where the lovers took good care of each other. Hairs were washed, heads massaged, crevices cleaned, plains rubbed and peaks conquered. Thick towel sheets dried the flawless bodies.

Applying perfumed creams and oils and powder puffs full of scented talc satisfied a hidden need of the newly-weds to continuously fuss over each other. Their whispered conversation full of flirtatious banter and glee satisfied yet another need – communication. Remarkable new compulsion from the usually quiet groom; now he wanted to share, he wanted to know and wanted to inform.

The ‘fete’ moved then to the kitchen where he prepared the perfect cup of coffee for him, the perfect cup of tea for her. He asked her if she wanted orange juice and she answered in the affirmative from her place next to a magnificent view of the sea. Her eyes matching the shade of the waters promenaded in the joy she was feeling.

“Voila.” He said as he approached her bringing her now casually attired body next to his equally frocked one.

“Are they late?” She asked holding his wrist and peering into the platinum and diamond face of his Rolex watch.

“A little bit.” His French accent tantalizing her ears, sending goose bumps down her spine. He was holding his thumb and index finger close together signaling the expected guests’ lateness.

“But I’m hungry…wonder if Christopher is coming.” The blonde said kissing Michael sensually, licking his sensitive lips.

As if by ESP a car and a van approached the gate and Michael let them in. From the van Christopher dismounted with two assistants who removed silver chafing dishes and baskets of pastries, fruits and coffee urns. Nikita applauded – “Christopher” she enthusiastically greeted him.

The second car, a convertible appeared. Michael was a little disappointed his son was not in the automobile. “Adam stayed with Lady Adrian and Carla…you are going to continue your honey-moon after we leave right?” Walter informed the handsome couple. “Sugar, you are…glowing.”

Nikita blushed and kissed the man… “Walter you are…”

Michael added still holding his wife by her waist. “…full of crap.” The group laughed.

Paul helped young Birkoff with the equipment they brought, a state of the arts flat laptop and phone. “Great acquisition you made with this young man. He is a damn computer genius. What I ask for, he delivers – anticipates my moves.”

“Paul, Paul…that is why I am the billionaire…” Michael laughed padding his Counselor’s shoulder while his wife Madeline looked on laughing. Michael loved his extended family.

Seymour who was standing next to his friend Nikita seriously set up the equipment. He was moving carefully through the steps and turning the system on, not speaking a word. Michael approached the man; “I need you to get us into Vietnam.”

“Done.” Madeline said rubbing her hand on the young man’s closely cropped coif.

“Last night we made reservation for the five of us to stay in Ho Chi Ming City. Man that place has changed.” Walter said.

“Who is coming?” Michael asked.

“You, Nikita, Birkoff, Paul and myself.” Walter said.

“No…I won’t put you two through that.” Michael added adamantly.

“Bull shit Michael, that is not your decision to make.” Walter answered. “We spoke about this, we know the place, what to do.”

“You said it yourself Walter, the place has changed.” Nikita added.

“They need to do this Nikita. It will be closure for the two of them. The War is over and that is that." Madeline said.

“Michael, we need to find out who was buried over there. We need to speak with the Chargé at the Special Interest Section. We need to do this while the tests are being conducted on the DNA of that woman claiming to be Simone.” Paul said. “The more of us who go make inquires, the more Intel we will be able to gather.”

“Alright…tell me what we have done, what we need to do.” Michael ordered as they sat down to the scrumptious breakfast Christopher had prepared.

/// Calculated plans had been made, the proper authorities contacted and the next morning the group had traveled by private jet to Paris. A very short stay in the City of Lights was all the time they could spare and so they had stayed in Michael’s magnificent flat. He also owned a sprawling home in the countryside but they had not been able to visit it on this trip.

The pilgrimage to Vietnam had been arduous at best. They had flown from Paris to Bangkok Thailand aboard a Thai Airways International wide body jet. First class, fantastic service but 12 hour and 40 minute long trip nevertheless. Nikita was exhausted from the long flight. It had reminded her of her trip to America from Australia.

They had rested in the city for a full 24 hours trying to get their bearings before making the hour and a half journey to Saigon, now Ho Chi Min City. Michael had promised they would play tourist on their return from Vietnam. Hopefully they would get to spend some time and money in the now modern, sprawling and over built city of Bangkok.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport had seen many changes. The group passed through the scrutiny of Customs. Paul and Walter were especially relieved that a high-ranking official of the current government had met them. The same man, who had served George Samuelle so well and diligently during the period when they had lost Simone, had been kind enough to continue serving them.

Not only the name of Saigon had changed drastically from when the former POW’s had seen it last. Shortly after the ‘War’ had ended they had been released and sent home to the States – traded like some baseball card. The valiant POW’s had been paraded through the city on their way out. Paul and Walter remembered in silence how the American Embassy, although ‘wounded’ was still standing then; today they were shown the ruins of the historic site.

The Hotel Sofitel Plaza in Ho Chi Min City was in the heart of the business district, which included the diplomatic area. It was also within walking distance of the so-called major tourist attractions. One such attraction was the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace.

The Samuelle family had paid tremendous amounts of money to have Simone interred in the Cathedral. The Official – Colonel Chon-Nui would gladly take them to the mausoleum which was her resting-place. The same one that George Samuelle had gladly paid exuberant amounts of money for.

“It is necessary to exhume the body.” Michael had explained.

“Oh no, that is going to be difficult or maybe impossible Mr. Samuelle.” The man had answered a sly smirk on his face.

“Perhaps you could help us sir,” Paul spoke knowing that this man had the proverbial bull by the horns and was going to make ‘beaucoup bucks’ with this deal. “I am sure you could use a retirement fund.”

“Oh no…I want to help Mr. Samuelle, no money…let me see what I can do.” The Colonel said.

Coming back around two minutes later he asked for $50,000 more for the ‘expenses of digging the grave and gathering the remains.’ And of course when they got to the Cathedral, the mausoleum was a vault above ground and the remains were not much more than ashes. No one complained when the man asked for $50,000 more for incidentals.

On the way back to Bangkok Walter and Paul were glad to be out of Saigon. Michael was glad to carry the remains and a certificate from the Vietnamese government that attested to the authenticity of the remains Michael had in his possession. The mood was a bit more elevated.

Nikita was telling Birkoff who had remained behind in Bangkok. “And the hotel we were forced to check into for the couple of hours we were there was the fanciest hotel in Saigon and it cost just $80 a day. Can you imagine how much $100,000 converts to?”

“Michael’s father paid the man $75,000, so I trust he must have a nice retirement fund.” Walter said.

/////

The Thai Airways jet touched down at the Parisian airport in an early afternoon. It was cool outside and wet and the travelers were just as tired on their return trip as they had been going. The tires of the landing gear made a comforting sound as they splashed the water accumulated on the runway. Nikita was fatigued, but glad she was in Paris and looking forward to spending time in Michael's chateau.

Her handsome husband slept next to her, his head resting on her shoulder. She held his hands and brought them to her lips, kissing them softly. He moved closer, got more comfortable.

“Michael, wake up, we’ve arrived.” She whispered, kissing his forehead.

“I’m up, I’m up.” He answered just as softly, but didn’t even make an attempt to open his eyes.

Walter and Paul had stayed in Thailand to catch a later flight back to America. The two men had to escort the remains and the Vietnamese government certification to be tested for DNA and the likes. Seymour was accompanying Michael and Nikita to France and leaving from that airport to return to America to join Carla and Adam. The couple was going to continue their honeymoon; Nikita had never been to France and Michael wanted to show it to her.

Not sooner than the trio had deplaned a disheveled looking man brandishing a badge had approached them – he reminded Nikita of an old television character – Colombo. The local préfect arrested Michael at Charles De Gaulle Airport and transported him shortly thereafter to the Préfecture. He was charged with Bigamy and Michael calmly told his wife to contact Paul and Madeline immediately.

Michael was a man of action not reaction; too bad the same could not be said for his bride. Nikita was yelling, cursing, carrying on and advising Colombo that Michael’s first wife was dead and that they had just collected the proof from the Vietnamese government. The man, cool, calm and collected had shaken his head and answered.

“I am sorry, we have a complaint signed by Mrs. Simone Samuelle. You see Miss, Mr. Samuelle’s matrimonial arrangement is illegal in France and the government is cracking down on men such as him.” Colombo was telling Nikita. “France is in the vanguard of a New World wide crusade to stop this incredible affront to women. Are you not insulted by this – after all you are a young modern woman.”

“This is such an incredibly stupid situation, it is a mistake – Simone is dead.” Nikita said.

The man continued ignoring Nikita’s tirade. “Since Simone Samuelle is a French citizen she can remain in the country. Nikita Samuelle you are an Australian citizen and as such will be deported back to your native country.”

“Wait a minute, I have a passport and a Visa as Nikita Wirth, don’t I have a right to a call or something?” She asked really pissed.

“Miss…” Colombo said.

“Quit addressing me in that way. I am…” Nikita protested and he continued.

“…You have 24 hours to leave the Country. You cannot visit Mr. Samuelle, is that understood?” Colombo continued.

“Yes.” She left the Airport Police office and found Birkoff, telling him what had been going on.