Swan and Slater looked over the gorgeous gems that sparkled under the vaults bright lighting. Swan was having a difficult time deciding which diamond was the most beautiful. Slater was on the verge of telling her to take the whole tray or pick out the largest and gaudiest ring so that anyone in the next county could see that Swan was his. In the end, Swan picked a simple gold band with small diamonds encircling the edge on each side all the way around. Slater, however, was determined that she have a large carat to wear when they attended social events or on special occasions. He left with a simple, but very large rock that he planned to give to Swan when he officially popped the question later on that evening.
Swan and Slater stepped from the exquisite jewelry boutique to next door and into an exclusive Paris hauteur that contained cocktail dresses from world chic designers. The clerks were only too happy to dress Swan’s perfect figure in any clothing that suited Slater’s fancy as he sat with a glass of wine in a plush chair orchestrating what he wanted. He reminded Swan of a sultan and she tolerated his fantasy ego for only a short session. After indulging him for thirty minutes, she finally gave the ultimatum to “snap it up” or he was going to get to repeat the session with him trotting around in front of her for approval.
Ten minutes later they were out the door with several designer dresses, which Slater had decided upon within five minutes of entering the shop. With stormy sea eyes that were calling him all kinds of names, Slater gave Swan a sheepish grin as they exited with six lavish boxes tied in gold ribbon and one ecstatic clerk that they left behind.
Swan and Slater checked into the top floor suite of the Paris King George Hotel. It was a corner suite that overlooked the Seine River. A wrap-a-round lacy iron balcony surrounded two sides of the room. A table with a large vase of red roses and lilacs graced the center. Next to the fresh flowers sat a bottle of expensive bubbly chilling in a silver ice bucket.
The Paris view from the suite was spectacular! The Eiffel Tower could be seen in the near distance lit up like a Christmas tree. The Arc of Triumph and the Notre Dame’s rose window were glowing with their beauty as well. The panorama picture could also be seen from the bed in the bedroom, which was the size of a trampoline. Both the view and the magnitude of the mattress made it look extremely inviting. One could use all kinds of imagination to pursue any fantasy that was lurking in one’s mind. Slater did not have any difficulty imagining what he wanted and how he wanted it.
A large round tub faced the view. Slater had plans for its use as soon as the door was closed. Holding that thought, he tipped the bellboy and shut the door. As he turned around, he could see Swan already running water into the “sin” tub that immediately began making bubbles. She turned around to face him and slowly began to peel away her clothing. Slater lay down on the bed, crossed his arms behind his head, and enjoyed the view that Swan presented to him. It wasn’t long before Slater joined her with a bottle of champagne and flute crystal glasses, but not before a giggling Swan had the privilege of enjoying his mini-strip as his shorts landed on top of the armoire.
Dinner took place at a trendy Parisian restaurant that overlooked a large portion of twinkling Paris. Swan and Slater arrived fashionable past the dinner hour by limousine. The chauffer opened the door and Slater helped Swan slip from the luxury vehicle. She swung her slim long legs out that were encased in pale gray fishnet stockings with gray velveteen peek-a-boo toe shoes that had a small glittery rhinestone on top. Her dress was a slim gray satin trimmed in gray velveteen that clung to her shapely figure. The sleeves were short and fluttery giving them a two inch ruffled look. The neckline plunged almost to the waist and only gave a hint of bosom with a two and half inch antique broach of sparkling diamonds enclosing the point. Covering her exquisite chic dress was a short gray jacket of luxury chinchilla. Her hair was pulled up in a sleek French roll showing off the diamond droplets that hung from her earlobes, compliments of her husband that had been in the bottom of the champagne glass that was sipped in the tub for two.
The stunning couple was led by the matre d’ to a private alcove surrounded by fresh flowers with a view of Paris. A small indoor waterfall flowed nearby that was filled with orange and spotted coy. If you looked closely, you could see them swimming in and out under the thick floor of glass, which brought twinkling laughter from Swan that Slater, a man hoping to please, was delighted to hear. Violins played unobtrusively in the background giving the desired atmosphere of joyful romance. The waiters were so smooth and discreet that you hardly knew they were nearby in the shadows. Champagne flowed freely. After dinner, out on the iron balcony with a hedge of pink roses and under the diamond studded sky overlooking Paris, Slater on bended knee proposed to Swan. Then, he sealed their love with romantic words and a forever-breathless kiss.
The evening concluded with the stunning couple being escorted by their limousine driver to a private club on the very top floor of the highest building in Paris. It was an exclusive fancy nightclub with high cover charges for only the very prosperous. Three different live bands played throughout soundproof lively dance floors.
Slater surprised Swan by twirling her around the dance room with some pretty fancy hoofing from salsa dancing to slow and intimate. He was extremely impressive and fun; however, by early morning, Slater began to munch on Swan’s silky neck and his right dance hand began to slip down to Swan’s satin fanny. It was a really good clue that it was time to cruise back to the hotel.
After a marathon two days of romance and making love, the happy couple returned to Kat’s castle near Rome. The vibrant glow of Swan and Slater made it quite obvious that their little rendezvous had been a successful one. As they entered Kat’s summer home, they were greeted with enthusiastic laughter and gurgles of delight as Quinn spotted his absent parents.
The next day, the family boarded Slater’s jet plane back to the States. Suffering from jet lag, an exhausted Swan climbed into the large bed in a small room located at the back of the plane. Meanwhile, Slater entertained Quinn until he, too, fell totally “pooped” into his daddy’s lap.
CHAPTER 46
After arriving home from Europe, the next few weeks were a whirlwind as Slater wanted a wedding before the holidays began. That didn’t leave a lot of time to plan. They agreed that the ceremony would take place on the lush grassy lawn of the Beverly Hills Bel Air Hotel. It would be outside with the manicured flowers that overlooked a small lake with a bevy of white swans. The wedding would take place among the deep pink bougainvillea that hung over lattices and rafters intertwining over any cover they could reach throughout the grounds. In abundance were roses and tiger lilies in every direction that would be part of the backdrop as well.
The guest list would be about one hundred and could have had a P.S. that said, “Only the young, beautiful, and wealthy may attend.” The guest list consisted of Swan’s closest friends and acquaintances from the world of modeling. Slater had his buddies and business acquaintances from all over the world, which included a prince from a small remote country and Dog with his many stunning mistresses.
The day of the wedding, everyone looked surreal with their exotic and glamorous beauty. It was a heaven for the rich, famous, and lovely in their entire magnificent splendor; however, the most exquisite of all was the lovely Swan in her champagne silk white crystal beaded gown.
Swan’s wedding dress hugged her figure with all the pleats, tucks, and glamour that Vera Wang could create. Each bead caught the glimmer of the evening sunset that made her sparkle like an elegant fairy princess as she walked down the satin aisle that was covered with red and pink rose petals.
Swan’s hair was in a sleek up-do with tendrils softly framing her face. The bride’s veil was tucked under a crown of diamonds and pearls. Diamond studs with pearl droplets hung from her ears, another gift from her husband to be. The veil was handmade to match her dress with the finest of Belgium lace that trailed dramatically twenty feet behind her.
Quinn was hoping to ride on the veil down the ai
sle and was disappointed that that would not be happening. He was consoled to find out that he would get to be the best man and would get to wear a tux just like his daddy.
Swan was walked down the bridal path by Uncle Teddy who preened at being the center of attention with Swan as he presented her to Slater. Slater stood holding Quinn in his arms with the minister in his white robe at the front. He stood glowing with delight as his “soon to be” wife in all her elegance walked down the aisle towards him.
Ted hugged Swan as Slater handed Quinn to him. Swan also gave him her bouquet of pink roses, lavender lilies, and bird of paradise to hold much to his delight as well. Then, the ceremony proceeded.
As soon as they were pronounced man and wife, Slater bent Swan over one arm in a very mushy kiss. After that, the violin quartet began playing, while each guest simultaneously opened the box that they had been given. Much to the delight of Quinn, colorful butterflies flew out of the boxes giving the atmosphere an array of rainbow confetti as they disbursed in all different directions.
Lastly, the happy couple was greeted with kisses, hugs, and warm wishes. Ted waited until he saw a chance to enthusiastically give the groom a flaming hug, which he did so with much gusto. Slater graciously accepted the gesture, but mused that a simple handshake would have covered it.
After the wedding, Swan and Slater flew in their private jet to the Sandal’s clear blue ocean island. There, they took a daily swim frolicking in their birthday suits with the playful dolphins. Snorkeling was a part of their afternoon ritual where they saw colorful yellow, orange, and blue salt-water fish. They watched an octopus float along the ocean floor. Stingrays glided under their feet. They often saw turtles mating, which brought them back to their own hideaway to practice their own mating ritual without interruptions.
Cool evening breezes with champagne cocktails were enjoyed under the sky at night as it sparkled with a thousand jewels before retiring to their secluded bungalow on stilts surrounded by warm ocean water. There, they explored and learned about each other as there was no limit to their joy of love-making in this place called Paradise.
CHAPTER 47
Returning from their honeymoon, Quinn and Swan made a temporary move to Slater’s bachelor pad as it was much larger than Swan’s condo. Maria remained in Swan’s condo and would join them when they found a home with a neighborhood filled with preschoolers and young children. She would continue to be part of their family and to be Quinn’s babysitter whenever Swan and Troy would have late evenings out or needed some “alone” time. It seemed like an accommodating and happy situation for all.
Quinn loved the idea of several overnight adventures in Slater’s home. He immediately decided that Caesar was his new playmate and was sure that he was his very own personal horsy. Caesar was only too happy to have a playing companion and off they went. Quinn darted from room to room exploring. He was especially enumerated with the floor to ceiling aquarium headboard in the bedroom. He squealed and clapped his hands with delight when he saw the orange and white clown fish. He knew that he had found the Disney Nemo. That discovery and the starfish stuck to the side of the glass kept him occupied and entertained until it was time to go to bed.
Before bedtime, Quinn decided that he wanted to go shopping for an “aquardum” of his very own. He insisted that they go, “Right now!”
When Slater explained that the stores had gone to bed for the night, it was then that Quinn initiated his first tantrum with a total meltdown. Helpless and indulgent parents finally promised him an aquarium with a baby Nemo of his very own before he would settled down. They quickly learned as most parents do that a bribe usually works. The next day, however, Slater went to Borders and bought a book to educate himself on better parenting skills.
CHAPTER 48
The next week was Halloween. Quinn would be going to a Halloween party at preschool and one at Madeline and Bear’s. He knew that when Daddy came home that the big day of picking out a costume for the party event had arrived. He rushed to the door and flew into his daddy’s waiting arms. Then, he flew back to the bedroom to get Mommy. It wasn’t long before they were roaring down the highway to the nearest Wal-Mart.
Once they were in the store, Quinn immediately zeroed in on the Superman costume. At that, Slater bulked and flatly stated, “No boy of his was going to be running around in red tights!” With that, Quinn’s bottom lip began to quiver. He wrapped himself around his mommy’s leg and wouldn’t look at Daddy. Ten minutes later they were walking out of the local Wal-Mart with Quinn on Slater’s shoulders and the Superman costume under his arm. A chagrined Slater realized that he had just given Quinn his first lesson from his father on how to be a pussy.
As Slater began putting Quinn to bed, Quinn insisted on sleeping in his Superman costume. So, it took a little longer to get him calmed down for sleep time. Meanwhile, Swan was getting into her own costume. While Slater had been distracted with the whole Superman episode, Swan had been picking out a costume for herself. She had decided on a witch’s costume that she discreetly paid for and put into her purse. Going into their bedroom, she plunked the black pointed hat on her head, stepped into the black sequined strapless top that showed a generous amount of bosom, and a short little black skirt that looked a little like a tutu with black netting that made it stand out. Under the tutu, she wore black thong panties. She skipped the pencil strait skirt that was normally worn under the over-shirt. She then proceeded to put on the thigh high black and orange-stripped stockings with black satin bows on each side. She completed her ensemble with ankle strap black heels and a fluffy black boa.
Slater was in the living room in the process of fixing himself a drink when a CD started playing “That Old Black Magic” and Swan walked into the room swinging her hips in invitation. He paused in the middle of bringing the scotch to his lips the moment Swan sundered over to the fireplace and struck a sexy pose.
“What do you think?” she asked in a husky voice as she slowly turned in a circle.
Slater immediately began to salivate with the sight of her near naked buns and pink nibbles falling out of the top. Putting a forgotten drink on the nearest table, he picked her up and took her directly into the bedroom where he proceeded to show his approval.
The next day was the Halloween party at Madeline and Bear’s home. By the time the Slater’s arrived, ghouls and monsters already filled their backyard with young children running amok and enjoying the Halloween activities. It took only five seconds for Quinn to join in the ruckus and start acting silly with the rest of the preschoolers.
Slater was relieved that his kid wasn’t the only one dressed in a Superman costume and red tights. Swan wore her witch outfit with the knee length skirt now attached. A row of boa feathers was added to the skimpy top so Slater wouldn’t divorce her. After a little discussion, Slater reluctantly agreed to wear a black t-shirt that Swan had purchased with the words COSTUME printed across the front. All during the party and every time Swan looked at him, he had his arms crossed over his chest suspiciously looking like he was trying to be incognito with a plain black t-shirt.
The party ended early as it was beginning to be bedtime for eleven cranky children that were so high on sugar that they could have flown home on their own. All the adults were happy because they had indulged in the alcoholic beverages and they were now looking forward to their own private parties after the kids were tucked in bed.
Unfortunately, half of the little trick or treaters ended-up in Mommy and Daddy’s beds as they each had developed a sudden ghastly fear of ghosts, goblins, and skeletons. Quinn was no exception. A disgruntled Slater finally slept with Quinn plastered on one side and Swan on the other, but not before he pondered the thought as he drifted off that he had just been out maneuvered by a three-year-old in red tights!
CHAPTER 49
In November, Slater decided to take the family on a surprise visit to Metropolis, Illinois---home of Superman. They toured all the local Superman spots and ended up at the Metrop
olis Superman drugstore for a soda and a sundae. Quinn immediately found a Superman figure in the toy section that he could not do without. After studying his toy as he ate his cheese sandwich and mini-malt, he suddenly realized that Superman did not have on RED tights, he had on BLUE tights! Before they left, Slater with a moan was reaching into his billfold to buy BLUE tights and a “shit load” of other Superman paraphernalia that Swan found at the back of the store. Swan left happy, Quinn certainly left happy, and Slater was happy thinking about how he wanted Swan to reward him for their happiness.
CHAPTER 50
Slater was sleeping soundly when he became too full alert with a groan from Swan. She was now five months pregnant. She was in a constant state of nausea and Slater was beginning to be concerned. The mornings usually began with a barf in the toilet.
Today was the day that they were going for a sonogram that would give the health and the sex of the baby. They both were more than a little excited and anxious for the results. Slater intended to be right there for the entire procedure holding Swan’s hand and giving her any support that she needed. Pulling her into his protective arms, he felt the first movement of his baby child. That brought him a smile and reassurance that life was proceeding normally.
Swan was restlessly trying to surface to the morning sun, but she was having a nightmare. There was so much blood that it was beginning to cover her feet. Billy Branson was minus his t-shirt. He was laughing, laughing, laughing. His gang of ghouls was doing the same. Swan had crossed over into hell as she could feel herself being torn apart and going deeper into the depths of the inferno. Suddenly, a familiar voice began to call her name. She climbed back to the soothing tones of Slater, the present, and the sanity of reality.