~ Ab Initio ~
by Cruise


Disclaimers: Same as all other subsequent parts. The song used in the story "Amazed" is performed by Lonestar and was used without permission. The song was not used for profit.

Special Thanks: To my lovely Peruvian Princess Monica for her love, support and understanding. Thanks to Stoley and Mary for their advice on this story and to Leigh for doing a great job with the editing of the story!

Comments are happily accepted at Cruise1313@aol.com.


Part XI

Rayne finished dressing and heard a commotion outside. She smoothed out her clothing as she casually sauntered towards the window to investigate what all the noise was about. She peered out the window to see a vision of complete loveliness step out of the white limo parked in their driveway. Rayne's breath instantly escaped her. Her heart raced uncontrollably when she saw Lark laugh at something Holly said to her as she helped her out of the limo. "Wow! What a gorgeous woman." Rayne fondly thought when she was finally able to regain her breath. She was amazed that Lark was there to commit herself to their life together. She would have the splendid pleasure of spending the rest of her life with the most beautiful woman in the world.

Rayne's small smile grew in intensity. 'She has the most angelic smile. And her voice…it's like soft rain.' Yeah, the stoic Secret Service agent was getting choked up just thinking about what Lark meant to her. Everything in the world. 'And she actually feels the same way about me. ' "Hi sweetheart…are you okay?" Maria's voice softly asked as she rested her hand on the small of her daughter's back. Rayne's nerves already seemed to be on edge. She hated to add to it by scaring her.

"Oh, aah…yeah…hey, Mom." Rayne stammered. Her voice was full of emotion, as she was startled out of her Lark-filled trance.

"What are you looking at?" She queried and smiled.

"My dream come true." Rayne softly answered while reaching to push the blind back for her mother to see her object of affection.

"Oh, honey…Lark looks absolutely divine." Maria happily exclaimed. They watched as Lark disappeared into the guesthouse.

"Yes…she is mom and she kept her word. She's on time." Rayne chuckled looking at her shorter mother.

"I'm so happy for you baby. I'm sure there are no doubts about Lark that you need to discuss with me right?" Maria asked with a laugh. It was plain to see the love in Rayne's eyes for her future bride.

"No doubts whatsoever Mother. You know, I only thought I loved some of the other women I've been with." Rayne tried to explain. Stopping to take a deep breath and compose herself she tried to continue. Maria held Rayne's hands to settle her daughter. "But, I realized I didn't know what love really was until Lark entered and graced my world. Now I know. It's her." She wiped the tear from her eye before it fell down her tanned cheek.

"Oh, honey. That's all your father and I have ever wanted for you. We've always hoped that you would find and fall in love with your soul mate. You have and we couldn't be happier for you." Maria lovingly answered. Her own blue eyes began welling with tears of happiness for her daughter and she drew her close for a hug.

"Thanks mom. I am so happy and so in love with Lark." Rayne answered breaking the hug. She couldn't help but smile when she met the familiar blue eyes peering back at her.

"Whoa! What a couple of babes!" Jayce exclaimed with a broad smile as he entered the room and quickly headed for the two women. "Rayne…you look so stunning! Lark is going to just…aah…I don't know?…freak!" He was at a loss for words to describe his sister as he checked her out before pulling her in for a hug.

"Thanks…you look pretty good yourself."

"You both look fabulous." Maria smiled proudly.

Jayce broke the hug and just stared at Rayne completely enamored. "You really look great." He gushed again with a huge smile. "Are you ready to lose your bachelorettehood?" He asked with a laugh and held out each of his arms to escort the ladies.

"I already lost that when I first laid eyes on Lark. But if you're asking officially then, more than you could ever imagine." Rayne smiled as her brother escorted her and her mother out of the room.

Lark entered the guesthouse where she would finish dressing and was flabbergasted by the amount of red roses that filled the living room. She was speechless, breathless, stunned…all of the above. She just stood there looking at the flowers in awe.

"Wow! They're beautiful!" Holly exclaimed. She picked up the card quickly handing it to the stunned actress.

Lark wiped the tears of joy from her green eyes and read the note. 'A roomful of beautiful roses could never come close to your beauty. I'm anxiously awaiting our date later today. I love you with all my heart, Rayne.' Lark smiled and cried harder.

"Oh, she's so incredibly romantic." She replied as Holly hugged her tightly.

"Her brother needs to take a few lessons from her." Holly teased. "Lark, you're a very lucky woman to have someone love you as much as Rayne does. Now, stop crying. You don't want her to see you with red eyes. Brides to be aren't allowed to have those until after the vows." Holly chuckled and wiped Lark's tears away.

Lark finished putting on the finishing touches to her makeup and outfit as Holly did the same for herself. She raised her lipstick to her mouth and paused before applying it staring at herself in the mirror. 'Rayne means so much to me. I wonder if she realizes just how special she is? How did I get so lucky? The Fates surely smiled upon me when they allowed Rayne to enter my life. ' She had always hoped that she would find a love so deep and true. She had with Rayne. "Come on honey…it's time." Lark's father replied smiling and broke Lark out of her reverie.

"Oh, aah…sorry. I'm finished." She nervously stammered and quickly applied another coat of 'New Millennium' lipstick before standing up. She smiled and received a kiss from her father. He then held out his arm for his beautiful daughter to escort her to the love of her life.

"You look incredibly beautiful honey. Your mother and I are so happy for you. We wish you all the happiness in the world." He proudly smiled and lightly kissed his daughter's soft cheek.

Lark slipped her hand up on her father's arm smiling and followed where he led. "Thanks daddy…that means a lot to me."

Rayne nervously waited outside in one of the tents they had set up next to the gazebo. Their commitment ceremony would take place over looking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. "You okay?" Shayan asked sidling up to his nervous sister. She stood staring off in the distance basking about how perfect the day had turned out. The beautiful Florida sun was shining very brightly. There was a cool ocean breeze blowing which eliminated the normally stifling humidity that the state was so famous for.

"Oh, aah…yeah." Rayne stammered and looked at her brother who held her very handsome little nephew Matthew. "Let me see my little cutie pie." Rayne smiled and took Matthew from her brother's arms. "He looks so adorable in his little tuxedo!" Rayne exclaimed and kissed his cheek. "Hello handsome!" She cooed looking into the delightful angelic face of her nephew and laughed when he smiled.

"You are going to be quite the little heartbreaker." She teasingly laughed and lightly kissed his forehead.

"Rayne! You look stunning!" Her father approached and stopped before her.

"Thanks dad…I appreciate it." Rayne grinned embarrassed and tilted her head to accept the kiss he planted on her cheek.

"Your mother and I did a great job of creating you…that's for sure." He boasted with a chuckle and shared a laugh with his son and daughter. "Are you ready to give your heart to Lark in front of everyone?"

"Absolutely. Is it time?" She asked turning to Shayan to hand Matthew to him.

"I have it on good authority that Lark is ready to accept your offer and quite eagerly I might add." He smiled mischievously and held his arm up for her.

"Well, let's not keep my princess waiting then." Rayne laughed and allowed her father to lead her towards the gazebo where their ceremony would be held.

Rayne insisted that Lark make a grand entrance. She would wait anxiously to meet her in front of the gazebo with their fathers presenting them to each other. Rayne waited nervously for Lark at the head of the aisle. She stood on the right with her best men; Brandon, Cole, Jayce, Shayan and Matthew in his father's arms. Lark's best women, Holly, Elaine (her agent), Renee (a cousin) and Lynnette (another cousin) had already taken their places to the left side. Rayne's butterflies began to soar as she stood at the steps of the gazebo. She heard the music that Lark insisted on having begin to play. She loved the song 'Bolero' by Ravel and thought it would be fitting. The walk she would make was long, from the back porch of their house, down the yard to their gazebo.

Rayne turned to see Lark approach as did the entire crowd. Everyone stared at the stunning beauty and let out a collective gasp. She was simply exquisite. Rayne could barely see Lark when all the heads turned towards her. She stepped out towards the middle of the aisle to get a better view of Lark. She wanted to etch the moment in her memories for all of time. Rayne intently stared at the approaching woman. It felt as if time had eased to a stand still. She walked in a slow, elegant rhythm to the seductive tango that flowed out of the speakers.

Lark smiled widely when she saw Rayne waiting for her. She looked at her father smiling as her green eyes welled with tears of joy and happiness. She looked back and couldn't believe her eyes. Rayne never ceased to amaze her. She was certainly surprised with her attire today that's for sure. Lark appreciated everything about the exquisite beauty. Including the black, mid-thigh sexy form fitting dress that adorned her tall figure. As she drew near, she couldn't help but be drawn to the provocative allure of the dress. The plunging v-neck dipped down to Rayne's upper abdomen and was adorned in a sheer mesh material that added an edge of mysteriousness to the enticing dress. Every one of Rayne's physical assets was complimenting the dress.

Lark's heart raced. It meant so much to her that Rayne would wear that outfit. She knew Rayne hated to wear dresses. She knew Rayne had done it just for her and she appreciated the gesture so much. Rayne didn't realize she wasn't breathing until Brandon poked her and she gasped for her breath. He chuckled and was proud of himself for fulfilling one of his very important duties. He hadn't forgotten his Aunt's instructions. Rayne was mesmerized by Lark's beauty. The beautiful smile, the elegant music playing and the sexy allure of Lark's emerald green eyes sparkling from the reflection of the sun off the ocean was more than Rayne could bare.

Rayne's heart raced incessantly and the emotions that welled within her were unbearably hard to control. Lark looked radiantly beautiful in her white 'Carmela Sutera' dress. The length touched the tops of her shoes and the décolleté tapered shoulder straps dipped between her breasts.

Lark looked elegant in the white dress with a lace design about it and white mesh sleeves down both arms. The bouquet of white, peach and blue carnations with red roses mixed in accentuated her dress beautifully.

Rayne watched as the long dress gently ruffled from the light breeze coming off the ocean and stood staring at the woman she would soon commit herself to forever. She was completely enamored with the elegant vision before her. "I have something very important for you Rayne." Senator Morgan beamed with happiness and offered his daughter's hand to Rayne.

Rayne's father stepped before his daughter and placed Rayne's hand on Lark's with a proud smile of his own. "And I have something important for you as well Lark." Both fathers smiled and kissed the two blushing women before sitting down next to their wives.

Rayne smiled happily and gently moved Lark's hand into her own. "You are so incredibly beautiful Lark." Rayne replied breathless and lightly kissed her hand.

"You look so incredibly hot babe." Lark smiled and felt a catch in her heart when Rayne kissed her hand.

Rayne smiled and gently lowered Lark's hand and led her up the stairs to the gazebo. Rayne's brothers and nephews stood behind her as she turned to face Lark and held her lover's hands in her own. She looked up and caught a glimpse of Holly already crying as she stood behind Lark. Lark's 'best women' looked on as they represented her side of the party. Both women lovingly stared at one another lost in each other's gaze thoroughly enjoying the tender moment.

Rayne breathed deeply and smiled. "I suppose we should say something huh?" She asked with a chuckle and let out a nervous breath.

"Sounds good to me." Lark answered with a smile and both women turned to face their friends. "We asked everyone here to join in our happiness and share the love we have for one another. We couldn't think of a better way of committing our hearts and souls to one another than doing it in front of all of you. Our dear friends and family." Lark announced with a smile. She scanned the crowd as if she was personally speaking to each person individually. She looked at Rayne and squeezed her hand tighter and lovingly smiled before continuing. She knew that Rayne was extremely nervous speaking in front of everyone. "The law says that we can't legally be married. But in our hearts we are married and committed to one another as any married couple could ever be." Lark explained holding her hand to her heart to emphasize her point and smiled. She then looked to Rayne who turned and faced her.

She stared deeply into Rayne's blue eyes and lightly moved the dark hair that blew in her face. She smiled and began, "My life and love began the moment I met you Rayne. The moment I gazed into those beautiful blue eyes of yours I knew you were the soul mate that I had been searching for my entire life. I knew we had been together before. In other lifetimes." She inhaled deeply and felt her emotions consuming her. She sniffed back her tears as Rayne clutched her hands tighter for comfort. "When I look into your eyes I see all that I will ever need. Everything about you is everything to me. Every one of my prayers has been answered and all of my dreams have come true since I met you. I know that being by your side is where I'm meant to be. I love you with all of my heart and soul and I want you to have them for all of eternity." Lark tearfully professed and smiled inhaling deeply.

Rayne bowed her head and calmed her emotions. She was near the point of breaking down and crying she was so filled with joy and happiness. She looked up at Lark and stared deeply into her tear filled emerald green eyes and smiled.

"Lark…it's impossible for me to capture into words the feelings I have for you, but I'll try the best I can." She chuckled as did Lark and everyone else. "When I try to express how I feel about you the words never even begin to touch the depths of my feelings. When I'm with you I feel as though I'm the calm after the storm, I'm the waves of the ocean crashing against the shore. It seems as though everything that's beautiful surrounds us when we're together. The deep, all encompassing feelings that I have for you are so strong that they can never be broken. I love you so incredibly much and I cherish every moment I have with you. I always will. You complete me." Rayne tearfully admitted and smiled lightly kissing Lark's hand. Tears streaked both of their faces.

Rayne turned to Brandon who handed her Lark's ring. He had retrieved it from Matthew's pocket who slept obliviously to everything. She slowly raised Lark's hand to slip on the 14-carat diamond studded band. She smiled and glanced up at Lark smiling and slipped the ring the rest of the way on Lark's finger. "I love you so much Lark. With this ring I give you my heart and soul for all of time." Rayne professed. She was unable to control the tears that escaped her blue eyes as they quickly trickled down her cheeks.

Lark held Rayne's trembling hands and accepted Rayne's ring that Holly offered her. She slowly slipped the band on the offered finger. It was a wide platinum band with sideways V shapes and four diamonds placed around the ring. Lark wanted a gold ring for Rayne, but when she saw the platinum ring she knew it was the one for Rayne. She loved being different and the ring suited her perfectly. "I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with you Rayne. That will never change my love." Lark smiled and kissed the ring on Rayne's hand.

Rayne slowly moved towards Lark and gently rested her hand behind her neck. Her other hand rested on Lark's hip and she drew her lover closer to her. Rayne then pressed her lips against Lark's for a loving soul filled kiss. Lark wrapped her arms around Rayne's neck and melted into the kiss passionately deepening it. They both broke from the kiss breathless and rested their foreheads against one another's chuckling. "I love you." Rayne softly replied and kissed Lark again.

Lark broke the kiss and smiled. Both women turned to the crowd as they clapped enthusiastically for the happy couple. Well wishers inundated both women as they descended the stairs never releasing their grip on each other's hands. They weren't ready to break their connection just yet and both snuggled and cuddled happily as they spoke with their friends and family. They stopped occasionally to pose for the many photographers present. "Let's get something to eat everyone!" Lark shouted and pointed towards the tent with all the food.

"Hey Lark, Rayne. Annette Brown from People Magazine. Can I get a few shots of you both and a comment please?" The photographer eagerly asked readying her camera.

"Sure." Lark smiled and glanced up at her lover who mischievously grinned. Rayne stepped behind Lark and wrapped her long, wonderful arms around her tightly to pose for the shot. Lark smiled happily and leaned her head back against Rayne. Her tall wife lightly kissed her cheek just as the photographer took a picture.

"Oops! Sorry." Rayne replied with a sheepish grin.

"Don't be. It was perfect." Annette commented as she got ready for a few more shots.

Rayne stood up behind Lark and smiled for the next shot. "You can inform your readers that we are very happy and are completely in love!" Lark boasted with a proud laugh.

"I sure will and thanks for allowing me to take a couple of shots. Congratulations!" The photographer gratefully replied and headed off towards the tent for other shots of the various other celebrities and family members present.

"I'm surprised you allowed the media in here, my love."

"Well, I figure it this way. The more you fight them the more they hound you for your picture and there was no way I would allow anyone to ruin our day. So, I agreed to let People magazine here to take pictures. Besides, I love that magazine!" Lark explained and grinned. "I hope that's okay with you?" Lark nervously asked. She hadn't stopped to consider Rayne's feelings on the matter.

"You're the boss my dear." Rayne teased and led her towards the food tent.

"Rayne!" Lark whined and stopped stomping her foot. "Please tell me if you're upset."

"I'm not sweetheart. I was only teasing you. It was fine with me so, stop worrying and enjoy our day." Rayne smiled and kissed her new bride.

"Okay…let's go get something to eat." Lark coaxed with a chuckle before brushing up against her partner as they made their way into the tent.

The pair barely got anything to eat. Or a moments rest as they divided their time between their family members and friends. Not to mention, the incessant pictures. Each time Rayne would try to grab her bride she was whisked off by another person for a dance.

She sat alone watching her happy partner dance with her brother Jayce and decided it was time for surprise number two. She grinned mischievously and rose from the chair and casually strode towards the band to put in her request.

The band finished the song and the leader settled the crowd to make an announcement. "It seems Rayne has a very special surprise for Lark. Please, put your hands together and welcome her to the stage." He held out his hand gesturing towards Rayne who approached and took the microphone from him.

She breathed deeply trying to calm the overwhelming nervousness she felt when she looked out at the crowd. They all stared at her waiting anxiously for her surprise. Especially Lark who gladly accepted the chair that Jayce offered her. She was centered in the middle of the dance floor with a clear shot of the woman who absolutely captivated her. Rayne fought hard to calm the butterflies that fought for space in her stomach. She had an enormous feeling of vulnerability standing there in front of everyone, but she wanted to do this for Lark. "Well, I aah…" She began and stammered nervously. She cleared her throat. "I aah…wanted to give you a special gift Lark and just how do I do that when you have the best gift of all? Me!" She laughed trying to lighten the seriousness of the situation. The crowd joined in making her feel more at ease.

"You got that right baby, but I'm sure you could come up with something!" Lark teased with a broad smile. She wondered what Rayne was up to. This was so unlike her. She had never known Rayne to do anything like this before.

"That's my princess for you. She has everything a woman could ask for and wants more! So, that's why I had to come up with something very special to give you and this is what I came up with." Rayne laughed nervously as the band began to play the music for the song "Amazed" by Lonestar.

Rayne smiled and stared at Lark. The green eyes instantly filled with tears the moment she heard that song. She absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to hear Rayne sing it to her. Her heart raced in anticipation and the emotions welled within her. She was so wonderfully touched to have Rayne serenade her in front of everyone.

Rayne's voice crackled nervously with the first word but she quickly recovered as she sang:

Every time our eyes meet

This feeling inside of me

Is almost more than I can take

Baby when you touch me…I can feel how much you love me

And it just blows me away

Lark sat intently staring at her gorgeous lover as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I've never been this close to anyone or anything

I can hear your thoughts

I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side

Every little thing that you do…baby I'm amazed by you

Rayne smiled and moved off the stage towards Lark. She stopped before the beautiful blonde and gently wiped away her tears allowing her palm to caress Lark's soft cheek and sang:

The smell of your skin.

The taste of your kiss

Rayne slowly raised Lark's hand to her lips as she sang. Lightly kissing the back of her hand she continued,

The way you whisper in the dark

Your hair all around me…

"when you had longer hair" Rayne added with a chuckle along with everyone else.

Baby you surround me

You touch every place in my heart

Rayne moved Lark's hand to her heart and held it there as she continued to sing:

It feels like the first time….every time

I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side forever and ever

Every little thing that you do

Baby I'm amazed by you

Rayne gently pulled Lark up out of the chair as the music played and held her close to her smiling. She stared deeply into a sea of loving green eyes. Rayne lightly kissed Lark's lips and leaned her forehead against the soft blonde bangs as blues locked with greens. They swayed to the music lost in each other. They were both oblivious to the other tear filled eyes gazing upon them. Everyone was shocked that Rayne sang and that she was actually good! Lark held Rayne tightly and cried harder as she began to sing again.

Every little thing that you do

I'm so in love with you

It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side

Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do…ooh, ooh, yeah

Every little thing that you do…baby I'm amazed by…you

Rayne finished and stared at Lark with a loving smile and was quickly engulfed in a tight hug. Lark captured Rayne's lips for a passionate kiss. Rayne deepened it as the crowd clapped loudly. Lark broke the kiss whispering, "I love you so much honey." Before continuing the soul searing kiss. Rayne held her tighter and explored everything about Lark's mouth. Both broke away flushed and embarrassed when they realized that everyone was staring at them and clapping.

They both laughed embarrassed and placed a fleeting kiss on each other's lips before taking a bow. Everyone laughed and clapped harder. "I need a drink. You buying?" Rayne laughed and looked at Lark.

"After that display you can have anything you want from me!" Lark chuckled and kissed Rayne on the cheek.

"Alright. I'll have the whole bottle then!" Rayne felt Lark pinch her behind as they worked their way through the crowd swarming the dance floor.

"You can not have the whole bottle. I want you functional for later." Lark seductively replied and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"Ooh, baby…can we cut out of here now then?" Rayne sexily asked smiling mischievously.

Lark casually looked around for a discreet exit for them to make their escape and found one. "Come on over here." She stepped towards their get away and stopped dead in their tracks when they heard the loud, flamboyant voice shouting to them.

"Lark! Rayne. Dawlings!" The man replied pushing his way through the crowded dance floor as everyone looked strangely at him.

"Doh!" Rayne exclaimed irritated. Both women cringed and slowly turned around. "Where's my gun when I need it? Now, I know why I don't like dresses. No where to hide my gun. Who invited him anyway?" Rayne asked looking down at Lark who sheepishly grinned.

"He would have never forgiven us." Lark pouted as he approached.

"And that's a bad thing?" Rayne teased half-heartedly through her clenched teeth and fake smile.

"Yes, he's your agent remember?" Lark teasingly replied and heard the low grumble of displeasure from Rayne.

He finally made it to the woman breathless and grasped them both in a bear hug. "Oh, I just loved the ceremony and I'm so happy for the both of you. The ceremony and the song was so lovely! I just can't stop crying!" He exclaimed finally relinquishing his hold on the two women. They chuckled awkwardly trying not to offend the man who wiped away his tears with a hankie and a very limp wrist.

"Well, thank you. We're so glad you could join us." Lark lied with the biggest smile on her face. She felt Rayne's grip on her hand tighten and gave her a sideways glance before looking back at Sal. It wasn't that they didn't like the man. It was just, well…aah…he was very pushy and always had some scheme for the two of them to be involved in.

"The food is so delicious, the décor is beautiful and you both look so exquisite!" He excitedly replied looking the women over. "Rayne, you look magnificent in that dress. How about if I try to get you a modeling job with Victoria's Secret? I'm sure I could arrange it." He confidently offered.

"Aah…no thanks, I only wore this as a surprise for Lark. I don't want to do any modeling jobs for dresses. How about that job for 'Old Navy'? You can get on that one right away." Rayne encouraged the man as she patted him on the back guiding him away and hoping he would take the hint to leave.

"Oh, sure thing. I'll get working on it right now!" He nervously answered and headed off away from the women much to their delight.

They both laughed as they watched him leave on a wild goose chase. There was no way he would ever land Rayne a modeling job with 'Old Navy'. "Rayne you are so bad!" Lark laughed and looked up at her tall lover.

"Hey, I had to do something to get away from him. Otherwise, we'd be here all night talking to him and agreeing to things we don't want to do just to shut him up! Besides, I didn't see you offering any help!" Rayne laughed looking at Lark.

"Rayne, Lark! Your mother wants you to open the presents now." Senator Morgan announced as he approached the two women. 'Busted. We're not going anywhere now.' "I didn't know you could sing that well Rayne." He smiled proudly and kissed her on the cheek.

"Me either, but I wanted to do something special for Lark."

"It was so incredibly special honey and you will never know just how much it meant to me." Lark lovingly professed and stared dreamily into the eyes she loved so much.

"All the words in that song express everything I feel about you Lark. I'm glad that you liked it."

"I loved it honey." Lark leaned up close to Rayne's ear whispering, "I hope you sing it to me later, but naked this time."

Lark's warm, silky voice resonated through Rayne's ear sent a flush of warmth and excitement straight to her core. She swallowed the lump that formed from her arousal and tried to compose herself in the presence of Lark's father. "Anything you want honey." Rayne chuckled and looked at Senator Morgan who laughed.

"Come on you two. Mother's waiting and we don't want to face her wrath if we keep her too long." He escorted the two women towards the gift table and was stopped by Rayne's parents.

"Rayne, we are flabbergasted! We never knew you could sing like that! It was so beautiful." Maria hugged her beautiful daughter.

"You should keep it up honey. You have a beautiful voice." Her father proudly advised her.

"Thanks Mom and Dad, I think I'll keep my day job." Rayne chuckled breaking the hugs as everyone followed them towards the gift table. It was time to begin their task of openings presents.

After opening every imaginable gift for quite awhile Rayne was growing weary. She wanted to be alone with the beautiful blonde she was sitting next to and in a bad way. She was amazed at how Lark could be so reserved and polite about everything she was doing. She was nothing like that. It pained her to sit there and open presents in front of everyone and she was positive it showed on her face. 'The gritted teeth and fake smile has to be a dead give away!' Rayne thought agitated and took the gift from Lark to look over. 'What in the hell is this ugly thing?' She looked over the ugly green serving dish someone had given to them. "Who freaking gave us this thing?" Rayne asked in a whisper leaning over to Lark. The blonde smiled and answered under her breath, "One guess."

Rayne looked up and saw the person who gave the offensive dish. The one with the proud smile on her face. Aunt Edna! You know her. Everyone has one in his or her family. They give presents that they've had in their closets for years and you know you will never use it. "Figures." Rayne answered sarcastically.

"Hey, she's not on my side of the family." Lark quipped with a laugh opening the next gift.

"She is now!" Rayne answered grinning mischievously as she leaned towards Lark and kissed her cheek.

Lark chuckled and smiled. "This is true! Maybe we can give it back to her for Christmas. Do you think she'd notice?" They both laughed hysterically.

"Alright…I've had enough of this. Can we stop now? Please?" Rayne pleaded desperately and flashed Lark a grin.

"Yes, seeing as how we have finished opening the gifts." Lark smiled and saw the relief on Rayne's face. "Oops! Forgot one."

"Great! Let's have it." Rayne sarcastically answered disappointed that there was one more. She couldn't bare it if Aunt Edna struck again.

"It's your present from me." Lark mischievously smiled.

"Is it you naked in our bed?" Rayne seductively asked and hoped that was her present.

"I guess you'll have to follow me and find out." Lark grinned and grabbed Rayne's hand leading her towards her present.

"You are so sneaky my darling. Are you sure it's not you wrapped up in a bow naked?" Rayne laughed and watched as Lark whispered something into her mother's ear. She watched as Taylor blushed and nodded with a mischievous smile. Lark pulled Rayne towards the back portion of the tent.

"Come on." Lark softly informed Rayne and pulled her through the open portion of the tent. They both headed towards the side door of the house checking around them to make sure they weren't being followed. They quickly entered the house before someone figured out their ruse. "I finally have you all to myself." Lark smiled and wrapped her tall lover up in her arms for a passionate, wet kiss.

"Hmmm. It's about time. Do you know just how much I was suffering sitting through the present opening process? Having to look at you in all your beauty and sexiness, knowing that I couldn't ravage you right there and then?" Rayne teased sexily and kissed Lark with a laugh.

"Yes, I do know how you feel. I wanted to do the same thing honey. Let's go!" She grinned and pulled her tall lover behind her towards the garage door leading into the house.

"Hold it!" Rayne halted Lark and scooped her up in her arms.

"What are you doing?" Lark asked giggling as she wrapped her arms around Rayne's neck staring deeply into her blue eyes.

"I'm carrying my bride across the threshold." Rayne smiled and chuckled kicking the door open before proceeding through it with her bundle.

"I love you so much Rayne Donnovan!" Lark exclaimed with tears of joy in her eyes. She firmly kissed Rayne she carried her towards their bedroom suite effortlessly.

She opened the door without breaking the kiss and entered the room. Lark moved back from the kiss when she smelled the familiar aroma. She glanced around the room. It was filled with red roses, a large table of food and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. You all know how Lark's appetite is and Rayne had to be prepared for it!

Rayne gently lowered her partner to the ground. Lark kept her arm around Rayne's waist amazed at how romantic her lover could be. "Rayne everything about today has been so incredible. Everything you have done has been so wonderful and so romantic. You have just blown me away. Thank you so much." Lark tearfully admitted and kissed Rayne to show her appreciation.

"I wanted to you to know just how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I wanted you to know how special you are to me Lark. You are everything to me honey and I want you to always remember that." Rayne sincerely professed as she slowly gathered Lark into her arms for a sensual kiss.

Lark's hands traveled down her tall lover's sleek, sensual body then back up under her dress. She wanted to explore what Rayne had hidden underneath that dress. She knew what she would find there, but it was so arousing to see Rayne dressed so provocatively. The shimmering dress peeked her passions. The goosebumps on Rayne's body prickled in full force from the feeling of Lark's soft hands slowly, moving up her legs. She felt as if it was the first time they had ever made love. The nervousness she felt was intriguing. She broke the kiss breathless and held Lark in her arms softly nibbling on the soft flesh of her lover's neck.

Rayne's hands traveled to Lark's back and slowly unzipped her dress. She continued her assault on Lark's neck with her moist lips. Lark's thumbs hooked themselves on the top of Rayne's pantyhose and pushed the confining material down.

Lark's lips found the firm flesh of Rayne's breast and nibbled ever so softly upon them as she slipped the pantyhose farther down Rayne's long, slender legs. Her kiss traveled behind them down her tall lover's body until they were discarded to the floor.

Rayne gasped when she felt Lark's tongue and lips traveling down her abdomen. A smile slipped across her face. A flush of warmth traveled straight to her core the second she felt Lark's soft touch on her legs and felt her lips lightly kiss her inner thigh. She looked down to watch her beautiful lover. She lightly stroked her fingers through Lark's short blonde hair and thought about just how much the woman before her ignited a raging inferno within her.

She watched in delight when Lark disappeared under her dress. She felt Lark's hands grasp her backside firmly. "Oh, baby…that feels so good!" Rayne moaned huskily. She threw her head back in pleasure when she felt Lark's mouth kiss her wet mound. Rayne spread her legs. Lark gladly leaned in planning to lick Rayne's hot mound to her hearts content. Rayne's breathing became erratic with every stroke of Lark's tongue against her engorged nub and she could barely contain herself. She wanted to watch Lark consume her and she couldn't do it standing.

She lifted her dress and stepped back leaning down to lift Lark up. "I want to watch you my love." She whispered sexily as she pulled Lark up into her arms kissing her deeply.

Both women stood up still locked in a passionate kiss and guided each other's dresses off in a heap to the ground. Their tongues fought for space in an erotic kiss and hands roamed overheated skin as they made their way to the bed. Rayne sat down on the bed and Lark stood between her legs brushing her dark hair off her forehead staring into her loving blue eyes. "You are so freaking sexy, woman! You drive me insane." Lark replied with a laugh holding Rayne's face in her hands and kissed her.

"Finish what you started my love." Rayne whispered through her kiss. She laid back on the bed as Lark quickly crawled on her. Lark smiled sexily and watched her dark lover move up on the bed in a more comfortable position and planted a sensual kiss upon her lips.

Rayne hugged Lark tightly and deepened the kiss desperate to drink from the lips she desired so much. Lark's kiss moved from Rayne's lips down through her cleavage, to her taut stomach. Lingering around her navel aroused Rayne to no end. Lark felt her own wetness mount from the reaction of Rayne's body to her kiss and moved south languishing amongst Rayne's dark curls. Lark felt a tingling sensation pulse straight to her core when she breathed in Rayne's musky scent. She loved that so much. Guiding Rayne's legs apart she slowly slipped her tongue inside the wet opening and heard Rayne gasp from the sensation.

Rayne caught her breath and leaned her head up to watch Lark work her magic. Lark's mouth moved in slow strokes and she would occasionally catch a glimpse of her tongue sending her passions soaring. She couldn't help but notice how sexy Lark looked between her legs. She loved how Lark's sultry eyes looked when she would glance up at her occasionally and dip her tongue deeper inside of her. Watching Lark heightened Rayne's passions and she could no longer contain herself. Her hips bucked wildly and she wanted to give all of herself. Rayne grasped Lark's hands as she peaked and released her orgasm. Lark quickly devoured the offering.

The sensuality, the eroticism, the love she felt from Lark overwhelmed her like never before and she released one orgasm after another until Lark fell on her chest spent. She held Lark close to her and kissed the top of her head reveling in the feeling. Lark felt so good in her arms. She loved Lark so much and it felt incredible. She held Lark as tightly as she could and it still didn't seem close enough. "I love you Lark." Rayne softly replied and kissed her forehead.

Lark looked up and smiled. "I love you with all my heart. I wish tonight was the night you would give me our child my love." She honestly professed and kissed Rayne soundly.

"That will soon happen. I promise you that." Rayne softly guaranteed through her kiss. She deepened it as she rolled on top of Lark to explore everything about her young partner all night.

To Be Continued…

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