Chapter Twenty-Two

"So you're the colleen that has my daughter all twisted in knots." The short, stocky man with the lightning quick grin was Michael's father.

"Da." Michael groaned and rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"Oh, give over, Michael. You can't hide nothing from your old Da."

"Mick." The beautiful, elegant woman standing next to him was Michael's mother. Michael looked just like her. The warning tone in her voice told Anna she wasn't a pushover. "Hello, Anna, it's nice to meet you."

"Hello Mrs. O'Reilly, it's nice to meet you." Anna almost stuttered she was so nervous.

"Heavens honey, call us Maureen and Mick." She hugged Anna gently.

"So sit." Mick practically shoved the two of them into chairs. "Paddy, a couple of pints here, for me girls."

"Coming right up, Mick."

"So, Michael tells us you're an engineer at Boeing."

"Yes, for quite awhile." Anna felt her nerves settle when Michael reached over and clasped her hand, holding it tightly in Anna's lap.

"Good for you, it's a grand company. So do you have family here and abouts?"

"My parents and grandparents are all gone, and I was an only child."

"So you just have us." Mick's eyes gleamed with affection.

That one statement told Anna more about Michael then anything else. Two wonderful people had raised her. Michael squeezed her hand tightly, smiling as she saw the tears fill Anna's eyes.

"So do you like ale?" Mick asked, as a large, dark-haired man with an apron around his waist, placed four mugs of beer in front of them.

"I love it." Anna flashed her eyes at him. Michael's dad reminded her of a very large leprechaun.

"Another colleen after me heart."

"Michael, give your Uncle Paddy a hug." Michael grinned, and stood up to hug the very ruddy-faced older man, with a big smile on his face. "Now, introduce me to your leannan."

"Paddy, this is Anna. Anna, this is my Uncle Paddy."

"Anna, oh, you're a breath of fresh air, an Irish gal, no doubt." Paddy grinned at her.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Call me, Paddy, and it's me pleasure." Uncle Paddy hugged Michael once more. "I approve."

"Uncle Paddy." Michael turned beet red, as he sat her down in her chair with a wink.

Anna just grinned as he lumbered off. She found Michael's hand again under the table, and threaded her fingers with Michael's. She was rapidly falling in love with her wonderful family. "What did Paddy call me?"

Michael blushed again, but answered. "It's Irish for lover."

"Oh." Anna was at a loss for words, as she too flushed with embarrassment.

By evening's end, Anna had been hugged and kissed so many times by Michael's relatives, she was no longer shy. She drank her beer, and sang Irish songs, all while holding tightly to Michael's hand. Never in her life had Anna felt more welcome, and more loved.

"You do great work, Mick." Anna ran her hand over the hand-crafted wood bar.

"That I do, lassie, and so does my Terrence." Terry was Michael's younger brother, who had followed in his father's footsteps to become a master carpenter.

"Anna, are you ready to go?" Michael was saying goodbye to her mother.

"Yes. Thank you, Mick. I had a wonderful time." Anna hugged Michael's dad as her gave her a bear hug in return.

"I'll see you again, soon. Michael, you and Anna come for dinner, your mother misses you."

"We will Da, I promise." Michael hugged her father. It was her dad who missed her. "I love you."

"Ah honey, your old Da loves you to death." Anna smiled as she watched them hug. It was obvious how close they were.

"Anna, it was a sincere pleasure." Michael's mother slid her arm through Anna's.

"I had a wonderful time."

"You have a gentle spirit, Anna, and a very loving heart. I'm glad it's you my daughter chose to love." Michael's mother smiled at a very surprised Anna. "She's like her Da, she won't tell you she loves you, unless you tell her first. She loves you, honey. I can see it in her eyes. You're the only one she's introduced to her family, and that says it all."

"I love Michael."

"Ah, honey, I know. Mick and I knew it the first few minutes we met you."

"I think I should tell Michael."

"I think that's a good idea, because if I know my daughter, she's waiting for you to."

"Thank you."

"You're more then welcome. Michael, take Anna home. She's had enough of this family for one night." Michael's mother grinned, hugging Anna one more time.

The drive home was done in silence, as Anna held tightly to Michael's hand. It wasn't until they pulled into Anna's driveway, that a word was spoken.

"I liked your family a lot." Anna turned to Michael.

"They loved you."

"You look like your mom. You're both beautiful, but you have a personality just like your dad. He's a doll."

"He is." Michael smiled in the darkness.

"Michael, why did you introduce me to your family?"

"I wanted you to meet them. I knew they would love you, but it was important that you like them."

"Why?"

"Because you're important to me."

"Michael, I love you."

Michael was caught speechless for a moment, as she stared at Anna. "You love me?"

Anna smiled at her. "I love you. Will you come inside?"

"Ah, yes." Michael was unable to put a single sentence together, as she followed Anna into the house. Anna didn't stop in the living room, she continued down the hall to her bedroom. Michael followed behind her shocked, and silent.

Anna stopped by the side of her bed and turned to Michael, still smiling. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

Michael tried to blurt the words out, her heart beat so loudly she could hear nothing else. Anna stood inches from Michael, her fingers linked with Michael's, as she watched her thoroughly flustered girlfriend.

"I love you, Michael, and I want to make love with you. I want you so much I ache."

Michael's eyes darkened as Anna's fingers traced up her arms. Michael's smile was so large and sweet, that Anna all but lost her balance, as her knees buckled.

"Oh, I want you Anna. I want you for a lifetime, and longer. I want you in my heart, my mind, and my bed. I love you. I've loved you since you opened your door. I just needed you to catch up."

Michael's flood of words released whatever reservations the two of them had, as they kissed. There was not going to be any gentle lovemaking the first time, as they tore at each other's clothes, until they stood naked in each other's arms. Passionate heat licked at their hearts, as they strained against each other.

They tumbled on to the bed, their arms and legs surrounded each other, intent on one thing. Michael's lips and fingers were everywhere, as she loved Anna's body with her words and actions. Anna couldn't catch her breath, as she tumbled deeper and deeper into passion. Michael bathed her breasts with kisses, as her fingers stroked and she held them in her hands. Anna tried to touch Michael, but Michael caught her hands and clasped them at her sides, as her mouth continued its wondrous journey.

"I love tasting your skin, sweet and soft, and how I love how you smell. A touch of strawberries in your hair, your sexy perfume, it's been driving me crazy since I met you. Your breasts are perfect, and your nipples, I have dreamed about my mouth on your nipples. But, do you know what I can no longer wait to do?"

Michael's words pulled Anna in deeper and deeper, as she arched against Michael's mouth. "I want to watch your eyes as my fingers slip into you, when we make love."

Anna had never felt so wanted, or so sexy before in her life. "Michael." She gasped.

Michael's body covered Anna's, her full breasts and narrow hips rested perfectly on Anna's, as her fingers slid between Anna's legs. Anna moaned in anticipation, as she held her eyes on Michael's, her arms clasped around her back.

"Anna, I love you, honey, and I have wanted this so much."

Michael's lingers touched Anna, and she felt her body flood with moisture, as she welcomed Michael's lovemaking. Anna's chest heaved, and her hips pushed against Michael's, as a crushing need made her cry out.

"Michael!"

Michael stroked Anna, and she lost control, crying as she shuddered with overwhelming pleasure. She held her gaze with Michael's as her body exploded and sizzled. As the pressure built, Anna rocked her hips against Michael's, loving the weight and feel of her.

"You want this as much as I do." Michael smiled, teasing Anna, her hips tightly meshed with hers, her eyes glistening with passion.

"I want this, Michael." Anna gasped, as she cupped her hand against Michael's wet center. "I want you."

Anna's fingertips found Michael's swollen core, and traced her fingers over her, drawing a shudder from Michael. Then, sliding her fingers into her, she stroked deeply. Their bodies rocked and bucked against one another, as they plummeted straight into heaven. Their eyes still locked on each other's, tears slipped out of Michael's eyes, and they spiraled out of control.

Beyond words, Michael's breath caught in her throat, and she gasped once, twice, and then melted onto Anna. Anna felt her bones dissolve with her own orgasm. Anna ran her hands up and down Michael's hips and back, soothing her shaking body, as she pressed her face into Michael's neck. Michael's head rested on Anna's shoulder, her arms around Anna's neck.

Anna kissed Michael softly, and just watched her eyes flicker open. She could look at Michael all night she was so in love with her.

"I knew it." Michael whispered, smiling as she snuggled against Anna.

"Knew what?"

"You're even better at this then basketball." Michael laughed, as she rolled on her side next too Anna, her eyes playful. She gathered Anna tightly against her.

"Hey, Lincoln told you, I got game." Anna teased, as she wrapped her body around Michael's. "Michael, how long were you going to wait until you told me you loved me?"

"I don't know. I'd kind of decided that I couldn't wait much longer."

"So are you going to thank me for bringing it up tonight?" Anna grinned, as she ran her finger over Michael's nipple.

"Honey, I'm going to be thanking you for the rest of my life." Michael promised her with a gentle kiss. "When an Irishman tells you they love you, it's for life."

"Michael." Anna grinned happily at her.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I know."

"I'm Irish."

"I know that, too." Michael laughed as Anna's body rolled on top of hers. "I'm thinking we may have to get married and live together."

"I'm thinking the same thing, but it can wait until tomorrow. I want to do something very badly right now." Anna's mouth was leaving wet, hot kisses on Michael's breasts.

"I believe you can talk me into anything." Michael dimples deepened with her smile, as Anna sat sexily on top of her hips.

"Anything?" Anna arched her back, as Michael's hands found her breasts. Her eyes promised secrets, as she bent over to kiss Michael. "You're going to be one busy lady tonight."

Michael's lips met Anna's with a grin. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Anna and Michael didn't leave the bedroom until late Sunday morning, and that was with a lot of grumbling on Michael's part. She needed to finish Catherine’s arbitration agreement, and get some clean clothes. They had Tia and Catherine's party to attend in the afternoon.

They drove over to Michael's place, and while Michael worked at her desk, Anna read a book. It was hard for either one of them to ignore each other. Everything was so new, and so wonderful. Anna liked the open loft that was Michael's home, and she felt very comfortable there. There was so much potential in the partially finished building. The kitchen was the only area that was completed and it was a work of art. Anna recognized Michael's father's carpentry in the gorgeous wood cabinets and shelves. She couldn't wait to see what else Michael's dad had in mind for the loft.

By one-thirty, Michael had finished most of her paperwork, and she and Anna were seated in each other's arms on Michael's couch in her unfinished living room. Michael had always planned to finish her home with her dad's help. She just hadn't made it a priority, at least not until now.

"So, tell me how you came to own your own building?", Anna asked, as she kissed Michael's hands. Anna loved Michael's hands.

"Well, my sainted grandmother on my mother's side passed away, several years ago." Michael spoke, nuzzling Anna's neck. "She was filthy rich, and since Terry and I were her only grandchildren, we are, what most people would say, rolling in dough."

"You're kidding?"

"Is that a problem? I could give it all away." Michael grinned at Anna, as her hands slid under Anna's sweater.

"That's when you went into private practice."

"Yep, I can afford to work for the people who need my help the most."

"A regular Robin Hood."

"I like that thought."

"I love you, Michael, despite your money."

"Good. So, do you want to move in here with me, and you and Da finish this place? You love working, and designing things, and Da's been after me since I bought this place to fix it up." Michael put her hands on Anna's shoulders, as she looked into her eyes. "I'll live anywhere with you, Anna, just say the word."

Anna's eyes locked with Michael's. "Do you have any relatives who own a moving truck?"

"You mean it?" Michael laughed and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Yes. We'll have to sell my house, and figure out some sort of financial arrangement. I would think you would want a prenuptial agreement signed."

"What are you talking about?" Michael's face showed her anger, her face flushed.

"Since you're wealthy and I'm not, we need some paperwork outlining the finances."

"Anna, are you going to be with me for a lifetime?

"Michael, of course I am." Anna hugged her tightly. "An agreement would be for your own protection."

"Anna, look at me. I told you, I love you. And you told me, you love me. That's enough."

"Michael, I'll agree on one condition."

"What?"

"That whatever we make on the sale of my house it goes into the remodel."

"I can agree to that, on one condition of my own."

"What condition?"

"That I put your name on as co-owner of our home."

"Michael..."

"Anna, that's the deal."

"Okay, I can agree to that."

Michael started to relax, as she kissed Anna's neck. "And, Michael, I make a ton of money."

"You do?"

"So, what do you think about that?" Anna gloated, as she slid her body on top of Michael's.

"I wish you had told me earlier. I would have made you pay for half of the picnic."

"Michael." Anna giggled, as they tumbled off the couch.

It was a very happy couple that showed up at Tia and Catherine's door, a little late, and flushed from a fresh bout of lovemaking.

"Hey, you two, it's about time." Catherine teased, as they entered the living room. It was apparent to anyone who looked at them, that they had tumbled into love, and bed.

"First things first." Michael suggested. "Catherine, you need to sign both copies of this agreement, after you have read it. I will messenger a copy over to Jerry's lawyer in the morning."

While Catherine and Michael took care of business in the kitchen, Anna joined the noisy group in the living room. Cara and Maddy were playing cards, while Van and Tia's eyes were glued to a football game on the television. Emma was loudly arguing with Melinda over the last play. It was Tia who noticed Anna first.

"Anna?" Tia smiled up at her.

"What?" Anna glibly responded, taking a seat in an empty chair.

"Tell us."

"Tell you what?" Anna's look of innocence couldn't hide her cat got the canary attitude.

"Anna." Van grinned. "Tell us."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Anna nonchalantly responded.

A happy scream from the kitchen and Catherine's entrance to the living room caught their attention. Michael followed Catherine, a huge smile on her face.

"Anna is moving in with Michael, as soon as we can get her packed and moved." Catherine blurted out.

Anna remained silent as she watched her best friends absorb the news. Grins and smiles were the first to happen, and then several questions were thrown at her. It was Maddy's question that silenced the group.

"Anna, are you and Michael going to be a family like Tia, me, and my mom?"

Anna began to cry as she leaned over to answer the little girl, while Michael placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes Maddy, Michael and I are going to be a family just like yours."

There wasn't a dry eye in the place, as the women in the living room looked at each other. They were all very, very happy.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14