Sunset Rock
a fanfiction about Ben and Meg in the Stone
Ages
Chapter 21
When Meg came down the stairs after her nap she smelled the scent of Ben's special pastadish. She felt relaxed and hungry.
Meg: Ben! Where are you? she called from the stairs.
Ben: I'm in the kitchen, I thought we could eat here if you don't mind.
Meg: Of course not- it smells great, she said now standing in the door.
Ben turned around: And you look great! That nap did work, didn't it?
Meg: It certainly did, but it was lonelyin bed. I kind of gotten used to sleep in your arms. She walked over and put her arms around Ben's waist from behind, he was stirring the pots.
Ben laughed: In just three days, well I have to admit I've gotten used to it.
They had dinner and then Ben had to go look after his businesses. Meg took a book and sat down in the sofa, where Ben found her asleep when he got back at 2AM. He swept her up in his arms and carried her upstairs.
"Final fitting"
A few months passes. Ben and Meg are getting to know eachother even more(you know what I mean/tina) and Annie and Mark's wedding is getting real close. About a month before the wedding Annie has a big exam and the wait for the results is about two weeks. The day when Annie and Meg are at the bridal shop for the final fitting is the same day that the result will be offical. Annie has problems keeping her nerves under control.
Meg: Annie, you have to calm down- I'm sure you've passed the exam.
Annie: But I need to KNOW, I can't concentrate properly on the wedding. And then mom is comming this weekend.
Meg: So you couldn't keep her back anylonger.
Annie: No, I'm just glad I managed this far. Why don't you go try your dress on aswell.
Meg went and came back in a paleblue chiffone dress. It was cut just below the breasts and on the top there was lace in a colour just a bit darker than the actual dress. The arms of the dress was in only lace.
Annie: Wow! You look great.
Meg: And so do you.
Annie was standing in the middle of the room fully dressed as a bride. It was a lovely sleevesless dress in an almost white colour(to go better then bright white with her red hair). Just as Meg's bridesmaid's dress it was cut just below her breast and the top was decorated with tiny pearls. To the dress there also was a lace bolerojacket(no sleeves and a lot of lace, do remember it's a summerwedding/tina) Annie had decided against a veil which had rocked the whole Evans' house back in Ludgrey. But Annie had always been the most stubborn of the Evans' kids. She had been to the hairdresser's a few times to try some differnt hairdos.
Annie: Thank you, do you think Mark will like it?
Meg: No.
Annie: No?!
Meg: He'll love it! They both started to laugh and didn't stop until the tears were flowing.
Annie: Oh Meg, I needed that. Do you wanna come with me to uni to pick up my results?
Meg: I don't have any plans besides dinner when Ben comes home in about 3 hours, so why not.
Annie: You're quite a little housewife, and the two of you aren't even married yet.
Meg: Don't remind me.
Annie: Why not?
Meg: Both my parents and your's are gonna be here this weekend, and if we haven't come up with any dates to choose from I guess we don't get a say in our own wedding.
Annie: I can understand that.
When they got to the university Meg just stopped and couldn't believe what she saw, so many buildings and not very smorl ones either. But Annie knew where they should go, and when she found out the results:
Annie: Yes! I did it!
Meg(looked at the paper): Yes you did, Congrats to the highest score in the class.
Annie: Thanks. I hope Mark will be as happy.
Meg: Why shouldn't he?
Annie: Well I've been so nasty to him the last two weeks.
Meg: I think the two of you shall go out celebrate you passing this exam.
Annie: We can't, Mark's working tonight.
Meg: Don't worry about that, I can take his shift, me and Ben can have dinner there instead.
Annie: You really are the best friend a girl can have.
Meg: I know one that's just as good. They started to laugh.
Annie: Let's go find our guys!
Meg: Yes!
"One week left"
The weekend came quickly and now that Hannah Evans was in town nothing was "normal" anylonger. She was staying at Ben and Meg's as Derek and Maria had her brother Ricardo had his wife staying there while their house was fumed for bugs. That meant that Ben and Meg were back in seperate bedrooms again, they had been expecting it when Meg's parents came for the wedding, but not for the whole week before.
BUT! As Hannah was out most of the days Ben and Meg could sneak back home for some love in the days. So Wendesday afternoon when Ben and Meg was laying in eachothers arms after making love Ben couldn't help but he started to laugh.
Meg: What's so funny?
Ben: This, us sneaking in here when my mother's out making love. You have to admit it's quite funny.
Meg(giggled):I suppose it is.
Ben bent over to kiss her: I'm gonna take a shower, wanna join me? We can finish this of in there. He was refering to the kiss.
Mmmmm was the only thing Meg could say because Ben had gone back to kissing her. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bathroom.
"The wedding"
[Ben and Meg's house]
Meg woke up at 3AM, she pushed lightly on the man laying in the bed with her.
Meg: Ben, wake up, you have to leave before anyone wakes up and finds you here.
Ben had sneaked into Meg's bedroom as soon as he'd heard that everyone(Joan and Hank and Jonathan had arrived late Friday afternoon) had gotten to sleep. Ben couldn't stay away form Meg. They had made love; quite, passionate, secret love.
Ben: Uhum....I don't wanna leave you.
Meg: I don't want you to, but you have to, besides after the weekend it's back to normal.
Ben(still sleepy): Normal? Whatever that is.... he was refereing to Hannah beeing there all week.
Meg: At least I got my parents to postpone the talk about our weddingdate until Sunday, and that wasn't easy to get out of.
Ben: I know.
Meg: Now you have to go I need to get some sleep otherwise your sister will have one ugly bridesmaid.
Ben: If you're refering to yourself you never can look anything but beautiful, but I'll leave.....under protest though. I love you.
Meg: I love you too.
At 8AM the whole house was up and 15 minutes later during their breakfast Mark comes rushing in thru the terracedoors.
Jonathan: Hey there! Slow down! I hope you're not here to call of the wedding and break my daughter's heart.
Mark: Don't worry mr Evans, that's no intention I have.
Jonathan: Well good. Then you might try to stop calling me mr Evans as you're in a few hours offically gonna be a part of this family.
Mark: I'll try mr....Jonathan.
Meg: Don't worry Mark, it took me years.
Hannah: Yes it did, I can still remember you sighing everytime we reminded you. "I'll never learn" you said and now you're too, soon I hope, are gonna be a real member of the family.
Joan: Annie was the same at our place, I don't think Derek have stopped, but Ben's learning.
Hannah: I think your Sam and Sara still says mr and mrs too.
Mark just stood there looking amazed at this bunch of people he soon could call family, the first real family for him. He had only had his mother growing up and she had been killed in an accident when he was 19. He had then started to wander around the country looking for jobs to get money for the next part of the trip. In about 8 months he'd come to Sunset Rock, met Ben and there he had settled down and now he was to marry his boss' kidsister.
Ben: Well Mark, don't let them scare you, but you have to get used to them all. What was is you wanted rushing in here.
Mark: The rings, did I leave them with you last night?
Ben: Yes you did, but you were more nervous then than now. Have you had breakfast yet?
Mark: No, and I don't think I can eat anything either.
Hank: You have to, now sit yourself down and eat, you don't wanna faint in church, do you?
Mark: I guess not.
Meg: Anyway we're leaving for Bette's now, we have to help Annie get ready. See you all.
Ben: See you. He reached for Meg's arm, pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek. I love you he whispered in her ear.
[Bette's house]
Bette: Annie, you have to eat!
Annie: I can't I'm too nervous.
Bette: You don't wanna faint in church before you reach Mark at the altar do you?
Annie: I guess not.
The doorbell sounded.
Emily: I'll get it! Hi you guys, she said to Meg, Hannah and Joan.
Meg: Hi Emily, you look lovely in that hairdo.
Emily: Thanks, mom maid it.
Hannah(when she saw Annie eating): Annie, haven't you finished breakfast yet?
Bette: Hannah, please don't start, I jsut got her to eat.
Meg: It sounds like the conversation back home with Mark.
Annie: Have you seen Mark today, how is he?
Meg: He's fine and nervous just like you seem to be.
They let Annie finish her breakfast and then they got to the work getting her into her bride's outfit.
Chapter 22
"The wedding afternoon"
Around 1AM one hour before the cermony Annie and all the other women arrived at the mission. Annie was to get dressed otherwise everything was under control, ok not the nerves of the bride and her family. Meg went outside the brides room to see if anyone else had arrived yet. She stood there looking around smiling at a few friends arriving. Suddenly:
-I must have died and come to heaven.
Meg: Ben! What do you mean?
Ben: You look like an angel. Absolutely beautiful.
Meg: Thank you.
Ben: So how is my sister?
Meg: Why don't you go inside and see for yourself.
Ben: Only if you'll join me.
Meg: Of course, I was on my way back.
[Brides room]
Ben: Hey sis! How do you feel?
Annie(turned around): Hey Ben! I'm nervous, but otherwise I'm fine....I think. How's Mark?
Ben: He's ok, just as nervous as you.
Jonathan entered the room.
Ben: Hi dad! Doesn't Annie look lovely.
Jonathan: She looks absoulutley stunning.
Annie: Thanks dad.
Jonathan: It's jsut 10 minutes left now, would you all excuse us, I'd like to have a few minutes alone with Annie.
Meg: Of course. And as she and the other were leaving: Hey girlfriend!
Annie: Yes?
Meg: I'll wait for you outside and I'm proud to be walking up the aisle with you, and if you need anything during that time...
Annie: Thank you! I know I can count on you.
When the others had left Jonathan went over to Annie and pulled her into his arms. They stood there for what seemed an eternity.
Annie: Dad, you have to let go of me now.
Jonathan: I guess so. Annie, is there anything you like to ask?
Annie: No, but I'd like to say that I'm so greatful for everything you and mother always have done for me.
Jonathan: You're welcome, everything for our little girl.
Annie: I can't say I'm that little anymore.
Jonathan: You're always gonna be our little girl. No matter what.
Annie: Well no matter what, but I'm getting married today and I guess that I've got a man waiting for me at the altar now.
Jonathan: I guess I can't keep you away from there?
Annie: No, let's go.
[At the altar]
Mark(whispered to Ben): Isn't it time yet?
Ben: Calm down Mark, I bet Annie's just outside the door.
Mark: I just wish it all could be over, I don't know how much more of this I can take. He just finished when the doors opened and the music started.
As Annie and Jonathan made their way to the altar with Eliza as flower girl and Meg as bridesmaid behind them everyone went wow. This wasn't a very traditional wedding, but everyone was stunned about how lovely the bride looked. When Jonathan had left Annie with Mark, Mark kissed Annie lightly on the cheek whispering in her ear.
Mark: You look great! I love you.
Annie: I love you too.
The minister started the cermony and before anyone could believe it the minister presented them as husband and wife and they sealed it with a kiss. Then it was time for them to walk down the aisle as a married couple. Everyone greeted them on their way out. Ben and Meg came behind. Ben squeezed Meg's hand to get her attention. She turned her head.
Ben: Next time it's you and me.
Meg: Yes, I can't hardly wait I love you so much and in that tux you look..... I can't decsribe it in words.
Ben: Well thank you, you look great too, but you do in anything, or without anything.....
Meg: Ben! We're still in the church.
Ben: I know, but I can't help myself around you. I love you, you know that.
[The Deep]
The reception went well, a lot of great food, the cutting of the cake also went by without any misstakes. And as Annie and Mark had danced the weddingdance Ben and Meg joined them on the dancefloor.They never left eachother more than three times. That was to dance with their parents and to dance with the bride and groom. Annie and Mark left around midnight and soon after that the other guests started to drop off too. At the end it was Ben and Meg and theire parents, Bette and Emily left.
Bette: Ems, why don't we start thinking about getting back, we did after all promise Annie to help her pack the last things so she can move into Mark's tomorrow afternoon.
Emily: Yes, it's been a great day, but I'm deadtired.
Jonathan: Well I guess we'll get going too, are we all leaving?
Ben: Not me, I need to stay and start to at least pick some things together, the cleaner's will be here around 10AM.
Hannah: Don't forget that we're having lunch at the Grenadines all of us tomorrow, we have something important to discuss and decide.
Joan: Meg, are you coming with us?
Meg: No, I think I'll stay back with Ben and help him pick things together.
Hank: Is that very wise?
Joan: Let them spend some time alone.
Meg: Thanks mom, don't worry we'll soon be home.
They all left and Ben went over to the DJbooth, he had a specialrecording that he put on. It was yet another ballad by Tina and the Rockers called "Take my breath away". And as they danced closely together Ben whispered sweet words in Meg's ear, finally he took her hand and lead her upstairs to his office.
Meg: I don't know, I said we wouldn't be long.
Ben: If you don't feel like it, we can wait.
Meg: No, I guess they won't sit up and wait for us anyway.
Ben: I certainly hope not.
He kissed her deeply and she returned it with all the passion she had in her. When they lay on the sofa and had catched their breath again.
Meg: Ben, we need to get dressed and get home. I really hope mom and dad have gone to bed.
Ben: What about my parents then?
Meg: I think they knows, Hannah's been giving me hints about being careful, I guess she knows what we did home in the middle of the days. As long as she don't tell dad I guess we'll be fine. They both laughed.
The got up and got dressed and after locking the Deep they walked hand in hand along the beach.(No one was up, luckily, because the signs on Meg was quite clear with her hair all messy/tina)
"Lunch"
As always when the Evans' and the Cummings' got together it was high life. Even though Annie and Mark were the newlyweeds (they had gotten a ticket to go to New Stone for a weekend whenever they got time for their honeymoon as a weddinggift from the Cummings', that's why they still were in Sunset Rock/tina)it was Ben and Meg that was the topic. They had themselves decided on a few dates, but nothing seemed to fit their parents. This happend when they had gotten back home to the house.
Ben: Well if we don't get a say in this, we're eloping.
Hannah: Don't say that son.
Meg: I'm totally with him, I thought we had some good dates there.
Joan: But that are holidays love, Christmas and New Year's. That's out of the question.
Meg: But we're all together at those times anyway...
Hank: No, you heard your mother, but I have to agree on that one before Christmas, the 17th sounds great! And if you so desperatly want to have it out here I don't think we have to think so much about how the weather is gonna be.
Meg: That's one of my favorite dates too dad, so now we've got three votes for the 17th of December.
Jonathan: 3?
Ben: What ever Meg decides I'm in on. I really don't mind when or where as long as I get to marry her.
Jonathan: Ok, I think that date is good too, the winter is kind of slow at the quarry and the shops run themselves during Christmasshopping.
Joan: So do we get a say in this(she refered to herself and Hannah)?
Hannah: Well personally I think it's a good date, I can throw in some Christmasshopping here in Calistonia as well, and visiting my grandchildren.
Joan: So shall we settle for the 17th of December.
Meg: Yes, please. Now let's get some coffee and then it's time for us to take you to the airport.
Hannah: Oh so soon, I really haven't had anytime to spend with my grandchildren. I don't know if I'll stay on a bit longer.
Ben: No!!!
Derek: Mom, you don't have too, remember we're coming home for a week or two the next month.
Hannah: Yes, you are. I was just to see if Ben was awake. And he seem to be.
When Meg and Ben was in the kitchen washing up Hannah entered.
Ben: Are you finished packing now?
Hannah: Yes, I'd like to have a private chat with the two of you so I hurried a bit. I think your father's a bit paralyzed by it.
Ben: What was it you wanted to talk about.
Hannah: Well, firstly I'd like to thank you for letting me stay here.
Meg: Nothing to it, you're always welcome.
Hannah: Thank you, but I know I've intruded on your private life.
Ben: Not at all. He sensed where this was heading.
Hannah: I have, I've seen you two sneak around all week, and I just want you to be careful.
Meg blushed.
Hannah: Don't be embarrest dear, it's a natural thing and I've read somewhere about protection, I hope you're using that.
Ben(a bit embarrest): We do mom, can we dropped it please.
Hannah: Not that I don't mind grandchildren, but I prefer them inside the marrige.
Meg: Don't worry, I don't want any before the wedding anyway, nothing is going to spoil that day.
Chapter 23
When Ben and Meg had left their parents at the airport the drove by the Deep to check in on the cleaners. They had already finished and was just about to leave. Mike was the boss there and he almost bumped into Ben and Meg on his way out.
Mike: Mr Evans! Sorry I didn't see you.
Ben: It's ok Mike, and please call me Ben, everytime someone calls me mr Evans, I look behind my back for my father.
Mike: Ok, Ben, we're just finished here.
Ben: It looks great(he peaked inside), as usal.
Mike: Thank you, shall I send you the bill?
Ben: That's up to you, you can get paid right now if you like.
Mike: I don't think so since it's Sunday I don't want to carry around money, we've got a few more places to go.
Ben: Ok, see you for the big monthly clean then.
Mike: See you, have a nice day the both of you. He left.
Meg: They certainly do a great job, "Mike Cleaner's".
Ben: Yes, I've worked with them all the time I've had both the café and the Deep.
Meg: Darling?
Ben: Yes my love.
Meg: You should really come up with a name for the café.
Ben: And what should that be then you think?
Meg: Well, coffee-Java, and the café is a thread in your web so to speak, so why not the JavaWeb?
Ben: The JavaWeb....(he "tasted" it) that sounds good, not to say great! What would I do without you?
Meg: Well you managed 32 years, so I guess you'd do pretty good.
Ben: But I was lost until you came into my life.
Meg(teasingly): What do you mean? I've been in your life all mine almost.
Ben: You know exactly what I mean. He went over to her and lifted her up so they were mouth to mouth. This is one of the ways that made me find myself, he said just before he kissed her.
Meg: Mmmm, I'm happy to have been at service, is there more ways?
Ben: Oh yes, but I think I'll wait until we get home.
Meg(like a child): But I want to know now.
Ben: It's nothing I'm gonna tell you, I'm gonna show you.
Meg(eagerly): Well, lets get home then.
Ben(very seriously): No, I have to finish some work upstairs in the office.
Meg mad a very sad face. She was really disappointed because she knew exactly what Ben meant to show her back home.
Ben: What is that sad face about, I want my beautiful fiancée to smile.
Meg: Well, I know what you wanted to show me back home, and now you have to work.
Ben: I don't have to work, I was just kidding with you. I didn't think you should take me seriously, especially now that we've got the house back to ourselves.
Meg: Oh you were, you really did have me scared there for a minute. She put her hands on his face and pulled it closer to her so that she could kiss him.
Ben: Mmm, that was lovely, let's get out of here, otherwise it will be the sofa in the office again.
Meg: There was nothing wrong with that, was there?
Ben: No, oh no there wasn't, but I like our bed better.
Meg: Our bed?
Ben: Yes, now that our parents are out of the house I hope you move back into me and our bed.
Meg: You love saying that?
Ben: Yes, our bed in our bedroom in our house. You make me love everything in the whole world!
Meg: Oh then we might tell our parents to come visit soon again?
Ben: You're teasing me, aren't you?
Meg: Of course, now let's get home...to our bed.
As soon as they got inside the frontdoor Ben swept Meg up in his arms and carried her upstaris, two steps at a time. Afterwards when they both were totally exhausted Meg couldn't keep quite, she rolled on top of him.
Meg: I don't know how you do it, but this lovemaking gets better each time, what is your secret?
Ben: You.
Meg: Me?
Ben: Yes you, you bring out the best of me.
Meg: Really? she contiued teasingly... is there more where this came from. Her hands started to wonder over his body.
Ben: If you continue that way I guess I can find some more.
Meg: You guess, do you? Well then we have to find out.
Ben: Oh Meg, you drive me crazy, he said before he took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. It didn't take long before he rolled her over on her back and moved his kisses further down her body.
Chapter 24
Monday it was back to work as usual. A lot of the local people where surprised to see Annie and Mark, but they had decided to work the summer thru and then take a long weekend(Thursday-Sunday) in the end of August just before Annie had to return to lawschool. Besides working at the Deep and the café(not offcially named yet) Annie had a parttime job at Gregory Richards lawfirm.
As there were so much to do at the café and the Deep Meg only worked there, she felt that with her wedding coming up too she couldn't work at Liberty Corporation as well. Her mother had called early Mondaymorning to say that they were home and if Meg needed any help with weddingstuff she could fly out at any time. Meg was very calm about it and said that there was nothing to worry about and that they would meet at Thinksgiving when all the "Ludgreykids" and Maria, the kids and Mark of course too were coming "home". Both Hannah and Joan had thought that 6 months was way to short time to plan a wedding, but Meg had already found her dress, and the reception was to beat the Deep.
The only thing Meg didn't have a clue about was the honeymoon, Ben had told her that it was fixed and that they should stay somewhere in Calistonia, since it was Christmas the week after the wedding and they were expected to be back in Ludgrey again. "But I'm promising you that we'll go away after New Years when it's 'calmed down' a bit" Ben had said to her.
After coming back from Ludgrey at Thanksgiving Meg put all her lists for the wedding away for almost a week. Joan had talked, talked and talked about the wedding and Meg felt so lucky that her mother wasn't coming until the 13th, 4 days before the wedding.
The next weekend it was time again.... a big happening in Sunset Rock. Ben was finally going to name his café. He had had it for about 5 years now and a lot of people was thrilled about him naming it. And in his speech he dedicated the name to his "beautiful and smart fiancée" who had come up with the name JAVAWEB. Java for the coffee and web for that it was a part of his business a thread in the web he explaind to the crowd. A lot of friends and regular customers had shown up for a free cup of coffee(you can't have champange when you name a café, can you?/tina). The ones that was there, oh; Derek and his family, Annie and Mark, Bette(covering it for her coloumn) and Emily. Then Gregory Richards and his family(Olivia, Caitlin and Sean), the widower AJ Deschanel with his sons(Cole and Leo). Paula and Ricardo, Gabi and Antonio and of course dr Tyus Robinson and his pregnant wife Vanessa.
Meg loved them all and she was so proud of Ben, she knew how much he hated to talk infront of a crowd, even though he knew most of them. It had been a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon and after closing at 6PM Ben and Meg went home to have dinner.
Meg: I'm so proud of you.
Ben: Why's that?
Meg: Because that even if you don't like it you give the best speeches and never even let anyone show what you feel standing there.
Ben: With you by my side everything gets so much easier. I'm so lucky to have you in my life.
Meg blushed: I'm happy you're happy and I wouldn't like to have it any other way. Ben?
Ben: Yes love.
Meg: Can't you tell me where we're going on our honeymoon? I mean it's just about a month left now.
Ben: NO! I've told you that we'll stay in Calistonia but I won't say anything mmore until the day before.
Meg stood up and went over to sit herself down in Ben's lap. She started to kiss him all over his face.
Meg: Not even if I kiss you like this?
Ben: No, but please keep trying.
Soon they were kissing deeply and hands started wander all over and Ben broke the kiss.
Ben: Why don't we blow out these candels and continue this upstairs?
Meg: Will you tell me then?
Ben: No! I'll tell you the day before our wedding and only then.
Meg stood up: Then I better go wash up this plates.
Ben: What? Are you serious?
Meg: No, I was only kidding you! I bet you've got something great planned for our honeymoon and as long as I get to know before anyone else so....
Ben: I promise you it will be great!
Meg: So why don't we get upstairs. She reached for his hand. He took it and spinned her into his arms just to sweep her of the floor and carry her upstairs.
Chapter 25
The last month before Ben and Meg's wedding went by quickly. Joan arrived all stressed and nervous 4 days before the wedding. Hank, Sara & Clive, Sam & Susan, Hannah & Jonathan was to come Friday afternoon. As Joan stayed at Ben and Meg's it was back to seperate beedrooms(this is still kind of the Stone Ages/tina). But only for three nights and then never more Meg had promised herself.
Just like that time before Annie's wedding Ben had the night between Thursday and Friday sneaked into Meg's room. The next night Meg was to stay with Annie, the bride and groom was not to see eachother after midnight, but Meg had planned to say goodbye to Ben at 11.59PM, the latest possible!
Ben and Meg laid in bed wrapped around eachother after just making love. They both enjoyed being close, especially this close. Nothing between them at all. And this was the last time before the wedding, the next time they were close like this would be after having said their vows and ...
Meg: Ben?
Ben: Yes dear.
Meg: Do you know what day it is?
Ben: The last time I looked it was Thursday.
Meg: It was, but now it's Friday.
Ben: Yes it is.
Meg: So....????
Ben(teasingly): So what?
Meg: Ben you promised....
Ben: Promised what?
Meg: To let me know where we are going for our honeymoon.
Ben: So that's what you meant, he went on teasing her.
Meg: Would you please stop teasing me and tell me instead.
Ben: Well may I get a reward if I do?
Meg: You would like to know that now, don't you?
Ben: Yes I would but I guess I have to wait and see if I get one. Now you have to promise to be quite when I tell you, we don't want your mother to know that I'm here, do we?
Meg: No we don't please tell me Ben.
Ben: San Fransisco.
Meg threw herself at Ben kissing him all over the face: Do you mean it? Thank you! Did you know I've always dreamt about going there?
Ben: Well as I asked Annie what cities in USA she knew you liked I got a big clue about this.
Meg: Annie, does she know where we're going?
Ben: No, I just asked her what cities you worked with in school on special projects and stuff.
Meg: So what did she say that made you choose San Fransisco?
Ben: Well she said something about not having seen you so into a project as you were when you did the one about San Fransisco.
Meg: But then we did get an A+ for it as well. When are we leaving?
Ben: Sunday morning, I booked us into Grenadine's honeymoonsuit for the night, as the house will be a bit crowed.
Meg: It certainly will, Oh Ben! I love you so much. So how long will we stay?
Ben: As Christmas is comming up, I thought that we'll go back Friday morning at the latest. The families will stay for Christmas.
Meg: Oh my God! Are you sure?
Ben: Yes I am, I've arranged it all. The "folks" have to move into the hotel Friday though. I thought that if you don't minded it Sara, Clive, Sam and Susan could stay with us in the house, but if you like to I'll "throw" them into the hotel as well.
Meg: I don't mind at all! Oh! It will be so great!
Ben: And then....
Meg: Is there more?
Ben: Yes, I've asked your brother and sister and their companion to stay for New Years aswell.
Meg: Oh Ben! What did I do to deserve you? How can I ever repay you?
Ben: Oh I can think of at least one way, he said and started to kiss her.
They made love one last time before the wedding, the next time they would do it, the would be mr and mrs Ben Evans.
Chapter 26
Friday was a real mess, Joan was all worked up about Meg not wanting to leave until just before midnight. She ran around the house all day asking Meg for what seemed the millionth time to Meg if this and that was arranged. It got a bit calmer in the afternoon when the others arrived. Not quiet, as they all talked at the same time. Meg took her sister aside.
Meg: Sara, won't you come with me out on the terrace?
Sara: Of course.
Meg: Mom's driving me crazy. How has she been at home lately?
Sara: The same almost, I even threatend to move in with Clive if she didn't calm down. The way she's been writing lists and stuff back home....well I guess you're lucky that she haven't been here more than 4 days.
Meg: Well I am, she's been quite good the first days, but today she totally flipped out. I wanted to go pick up the dress first thing this morning, but no. "Wait until your sister gets here and see to it that you don't bring it home so Ben gets a look at it".
Sara: There's at least one good thing about all this.
Meg: What's that?
Sara: She hasn't been breathing down my neck about me and Clive lately. I did tell you that he was married before?
Meg: Yes you did, but he got divorced, didn't he?
Sara: Yes he did, and as mom puts it "he's been around and would certainly like to do things with you".
Meg: But that you knew before you brought him home to Kansas?
Sara(blushing): Well.....
Meg: Don't get embarresed, do you think Ben and I have seperate bedrooms "normally"?
Sara: But you're engaged, and older than me.
Meg: One year, that's nothing, but you're careful?
Sara: Yes, I saw a doctor about it when I lived in Washington, now I'm running out of pills, and you know I can't go see the doctor in Ludgrey, that way mom will get to know instantly and flip out.
Meg: Do you know what, we tell mom we're going to pick up the dresses and then go leave them at Annie's. But on the way we go by Vanessa Robinson. She's my doctor. I bet she can squeeze you in next week, or the week between Christmas and New Years when mom and dad has left.
Sara: Oh that would be great! Let's get going.
They went and Sara was thrilled about Meg's dress and as soon as they've dropped it and Sara's bridesmaid-dress at Annie's they went by Vanessa's office and got Sara an appoinment the week after Christmas. When they got back home dinner was ready and they got questioned by Joan what had taken so long time.
Sara: Mom, please, they needed to do a few things to my dress, I haven't been here before and tried it, so.
Joan: Sorry love, it's just that....well I better admit that I really am nervous about it all.
Meg: You don't have to be mom, everything will be alright.
Hank: Alright isn't good enough, it has to be perfect for my daughter.
Meg: Dad, stop it! We've got everything under control, don't we Ben?
Ben: What?
Meg: We've got everything under control I just told my parents.
Ben: Yes we do. I talked to the caterer's just half an hour ago and they've been at the Deep all afternoon preparing.
Joan: Good, I might pop over to see on them later, do you come with me Hannah?
Hannah: Yes, I'd like that.
Joan: Then, let's eat so that we can go there and then I have to take Meg over to Annie's.
Meg didn't have any strength left to argue, so she sat there eating her dinner quietly letting everyone believe that she was too nervous to speak. Under the table Ben put out his foot so it touched Meg's letting her know that he was just as uncomfortable with their moms going on like this.
After Joan and Hannah got back it was time for Meg to give it in, she couldn't fight it anylonger. It was "only" 10.30PM, when she looked at Ben letting him know that she'd meet him on the terrace. She went out there at once.
Ben: Meg, love?
Meg turned around when he heard his voice: Yes, I'm here.
Ben: I thought that you had ran off as I didn't see you.
Meg: I was thinking about it, but I wouldn't have done it without you.
Ben: Well I'm sorry about the mess.
Meg: It's nothing you could have done anything about anyway. And after tomorrow afternoon we never have to be apart again. And then after Christmas everything will go back to normal.
Ben: Yes it will, I can't hardly wait, but it won't be that many days we have to spend with the families as we're gonna be in San Fransisco.
Meg: I just hope they won't turn the house upside down.
Ben: No they won't, I showed my mother where we keep the things for the Christmastree and that I ordered one to be delivered on the same day as we get back. It's after all Christmas day next Sunday.
They talked some more and all the time Ben had stood behind Meg holding his arms around her. She turned around to kiss him, and they continued until they heard a descret sound. It was Sara telling them that Joan was about to go out there if they didn't get inside soon. "It was time to part" They shared one last kiss.
Ben: I love you and I'll be waiting at the altar tomorrow.
Meg: You better! I love you too so much that it hurts inside.
Chapter 27
The day of the wedding
Annie woke up at 3AM by the sound of someone sobbing, she went up and localised it to the guestroom where Meg was sleeping(or suppose to be sleeping/tina). She carefully opened the door.
Annie: Hi girlfriend! she walked over and hugged Meg. What's up?
Meg: I'm just so fed up with it.
Annie: Tell me about it then.
Meg: Oh! I don't know where to start.
Annie: You're not thinking about not going thru with it?
Meg: No! Not at all, it's all I want to marry Ben, but it feels like mom rearragended the whole wedding.
Annie: I felt the same way.
Meg: But Hannah didn't "butt in" that much.
Annie: Well I guess she knew that there were no use in trying. I think Joan don't know the "new" Meg and therefore she wants to do everything for you.
Meg: What do you mean the "new" me?
Annie: I guess you haven't noticed it yourself much either. But take the facts that you came with me here, admitted your feelings for my brother-I might add those feeling you always had for him- and going to bed with him before the wedding.
Meg: Annie!
Annie: Well it's a fact and it's the truth. Yes I did hide it too from my mom.
Meg: Well your mom knows about me and Ben, she figured it out around your wedding.
Annie: She's got a sixth sence when it comes to her children. Anyway tell your mother if she's doing anything you don't want.
Meg: I can't, I can't disappoint her.
Annie: Is it hers or your wedding?
Meg: Mine....and Ben's.
Annie: Keep that in mind and don't worry I'm gonna take you to the hairdresser's, so she can't say anything there to set you down.
Meg: Thank you.
Annie: You're welcome. Now see to it that you get some sleep, I'll try to get the others to not wake you up before 9AM.
Meg: Thank you Annie, you really are my best friend.
Annie: And you are mine.
Annie did manage to keep the others quiet by feeding them and sending them in the shower, so that everyone was ready when it was Meg's turn. At 10.30 she and Meg arrived at the hairdresser's. The hairdresser did the most wonderful hairdo for Meg with flowers and curled locks. She also put the short veil on. Sara arrived around 11.30 and the hairdresser fixed both her's and Annie's hair too.
They all left around 12.30 and headed straight to the mission, where Joan and Hannah waited for them. The wedding was to be at 2PM and Joan was so nervous that even Hank told her to calm down. Everything was under control he said.
When Meg had gotten dressed in her high neck, no sleeves dress with embrodery and lace on the top and a skirt that wasn't too wide(she liked to be able to sit in it without having it all in her lap), Hank asked the others to excuse them, he wanted "a minute" alone with his daugther.
Hank: You look so beautiful love.
Meg: Thank you dad.
Hank: You know I'll always love you and you're always welcome back home.
Meg: I know dad, I love you too but I plan to stick with Ben- for better and worse as we rehearsed yesterday.
They hugged and remaind like that until they got interrupted by a knock on the door, it was Sara.
Sara: Hey you two! Meg you have to let dad save some of that for me too.
Hank: Don't worry Sara, I promise you that I'll never run out of it. He smiled at his daughters, bot looking great.
Meg: What did you want Sara?
Sara: Oh!? Yes! There's a groom at the altar that soon will jump out of his shoes of nervousity, so I think it's time to get this show on the road so to speak.
Hank: Meg, are you ready?
Meg: I've been ready for a long time, so...let's do it.
They went out of the room and stopped infront of the doors to the chapel. Annie and Sara went inside and as soon as they'd taken their places the music started, doors opened and everyone stood up to greet the bride and her father. Meg smiled as she went up the aisle with her father. She never once turned her head to look at the guests, her eyes were locked with Ben's.
When they've taken their hands at the altar Ben leant forward to kiss her cheek lightly and whisperd to Meg how great she looked and how much he loved her.
The cermony went by quickly and soon the priest announced them as husband and wife and telling them to seal it with a kiss. Ben and Meg wasn't late to follow the instructions and soon they went down the aisle together.
Outside the sun was shining, it was a great Decemberday and Ben had arranged for a horse and carriage to take them to the reception at the Deep. The Deep was beutifully decorated with a lot of white roses(Meg's favorite and the only flower she had in her weddingbouquet). They ate, drank, laughed listened to speeches and of course danced. As everyone wanted to dance with the bride and groom Ben and Meg didn't get many dances together, but when they at their 4th dance together were close again Ben whispered in her ear " I promise you that I'll dance with you when we get to the hotel"
Meg: Maybe we shall hurry up and get there soon then.
An hour or two more passed before Meg got the chance to throw her bouquet(of course Sara caught it, what did you think?/tina). And then they could take off.
Chapter 28
When Ben and Meg finally got to the hotel they didn't need to check in, Ben's been there earlier to do that, and also he'd put their bags there, so they didn't need to go back home before they left for San Fransisco. When they got inside the door of their room Meg sighed.
Ben: What's up?
Meg: Nothing, it's just that we're finally alone.
Ben: Yes we are and I attend to keep my promise; mrs Evans, may I have this dance?
Meg: Of course mr Evans, but I don't hear any music.
Ben: You don't? Well I do and I guess I have to lead you thru it then.
They started to dance, first "properly" but soon they danced very close, the closest that their clothes permitted.
Ben: Do you hear the music yet?
Meg: Mmm, I hear the beat anyway(it was Ben's heartbeat she referred to/tina).
Ben started to kiss her, Meg let her hands wander under his jacket pulling it off and then the west and shirt too. The bowtie Ben had taken off already on their way to the hotel. Ben then started to try to get Meg's veil off, but had all the trouble in the world. They soon both laughed dearly.
Meg: Here let me, she took his hands out of her hair, she went over to the dressintable to sit down. The hairdresser showed me a trick for this, I hope it works.
It did and Meg went on with the pins but Ben was there.
Ben: Meg, let me do it, please. But I better unbutton these tiny things in your collar first.
Meg: Well they are tiny, but the rest is simple, it's a zipper.
Ben: Good, because I start to feel lonely being the only one here halfdressed.
He leant down to kiss her neck and slide his hands down her arms making Meg shiver. It didn't take him long to get her out of the dress and then he picked her up and started to spinn around until the both laughed. Ben got serious and started to kiss her. He picked her up without breaking the kiss and carried her over to the bed carefully putting her down.
Ben: I'll be right back he said with a smile on his face.
Meg: Ben, no not tonight, I've stopped with....
Ben: My darling Meg I want the same as you and that was not was I was going to get.
He soon came back with a bottle of champange and two glasses in one hand and a bowl of strawberries in the other. "For later" he promised. The night went by with a lot of love, champange and strawberries and they didn't fall asleep until 4 or 5 in the morning. Around 8 they got abruptly awake by the phone. Ben had ordered a wakeup call, so that they wouldn't miss their trip to San Fransisco.
Meg: Already, I didn't think we were going until later today.
Ben: We aren't, but I asked for this wakeupcall so I could make love to my beautiful wife once more before we left.
Meg: Did you say that?
Ben: Of course I did, he said serious but got worried by Meg's look. I'm just kidding love, he continued.
Meg got satisfied with the answer and leant over to kiss him.
[Honeymoon]
The days in San Fransisco they filled with walks, eating out every day, Christmas shopping, sightseeing and of course long hot nights in their hotelroom(well not only nights/tina). Not even once they called home. Ben had all the faith in Mark coping with the business'. The last day(Thursday) when they were out walking when Meg stopped infront of a window. There was this great island in a stoneplate, and she looked at it dreamingly.
Meg: Wow! How great that look.
Ben: Do you like it?
Meg: I love it! I hope we can go to a place like that one day.
Ben: Would you like to do that? Really?
Meg: Of course.
Ben: Good.
Meg: Good?!
Ben: Well, I wasn't going to say anything until Christmas.
Meg: But if you said A you have to say B!
Ben: I got an offer to buy a piece of land and that happend to be an island.
Meg loked puzzled.
Ben: I bought it for you! Your own island. Merry Christmas in andvance.
Meg threw herself at Ben kissing him in the middle of the street: Did you really? An island just for us? For Christmas?
Ben: Well not for Christmas, AS a Christmas gift, it's yours for life.
Meg: No, it's ours. I love you so much. Sometimes I wonder when I'm gonna wake up from this dream.
Ben: Never if I get a say. He kissed her gently but passionate.
They went back to the hotel to shower and get dressed, they had booked a table on the best resturant in San Fransisco. At dinner Ben suggested that they'd ask all their friends to go to the island for New Years and Meg started to plan in her head already.
After dinner Ben had arranged for a horse and carriage to take them on a last tour of San Fransisco before they returned to the hotel for their last night of their honeymoon.
Meg: Thank you!
Ben: For what?
Meg: This trip, the island, letting me love you.
Ben: Well you're welcome. You're an easy woman to love, I think you got me already the first time you came to play with Annie.
Meg: But I was only 3 then.
Ben: Yes, but you are......I don't have any words to discribe it. He kissed her instead.
Meg: Well that was one way to say it, do you have any others mr Evans?
Ben: Yes mrs Evans, but I have to show you that in private.
Meg(playfully): But mr Evans, what are you suggesting?
Ben: Nothing that's not allowed in a marriage.
Meg: Do you mean you've got stuff you've not showed me yet.
Ben: I don't know, but you bring out the best of me.
Meg(dreamingly): I hope I saved some of that "the best".
Chapter 29
When Ben and Meg returned hom Friday afternoon the first stopped by the Java Web and the Deep to talk to Mark and Annie?!
Ben: Are you working? I thought you had exams this week?
Annie: I had brother dear and as it's Christmas we got the results this morning. I passed them all, so do you mind me spending some time with my husband and at the same time help you?
Ben: No not at all, he laughed, it's just that I know how much you want to be a lawyer that you should put school first.
Annie: Thank you for caring. Meg! You look if possible even more beautiful than on your weddingday- I guess you had a great honeymoon.
Meg: The best. And Ben told me what he bought me for Christmas.
Mark: Really?!
Meg: Do you know? it sounded like that.
Mark: Well he took me with him when he went to look at it.
Annie: Tell me! Please? This sounds like something big.
Meg: I guess it is, it's an island a few hours outside Sunset Beach and we're gonna spend New Year there- all of us. We, the two of you, Sara, Sam, Derek with families, Tyus & Vanessa, Ricardo & Paula, Antonio & Gabi, Casey and...was it Rae?
Annie: His girlfriend, yes. She's the doctor that will work with Tyus when the baby comes.
Meg: Oh good! She seems to be a good person.
Annie: Seems like a party to remember.
Meg: I hope so.
Ben and Mark had in the meantime gotten into the office to go thru some papers, and Ben had promised to return before closing. He just wanted to take Meg home first.
When they got to the frontdoor Ben rang the bell.
Meg: Why did you do that? There's no one there, they've all moved out.
Ben: They are suppose to have, but I don't trust them that's why I rang the bell, it seems like we're alone though, he said as he peaked inside. He swept Meg up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. While inside he said: Welcome home mrs Evans and then he kissed her.
Meg returned the kiss and when she finally broke it: Thank you mr Evans. Doesn't the house look different?
Ben: It does, but I think it's the tree that they've decorated for us, a pretty good job I must add.
He took her hand and they went into the livingroom to get a better look at the tree. At the table the found a note adressed to mr and mrs Evans. Meg opend it and read:
-----
Dear children,
Welcome home! We hope you had a good time and got time to relax. We decorated the tree for you but saved the best for last. We all hope that you like this angel(it's in the box) and accept it as a gift from us. She'll always look over you at this time a year so you better place her high.
Love, moms and dads.
----
Meg had tears in her eyes: Well we better put her on the top of the tree then.
Ben: Would you like to do it?
Meg: Can't we do it together, if we go up the stairs a bit we can reach better.
Ben: Of course we'll do it together.
Christmasday was spent at Derek and Maria's and the week after went by quickly. Meg shopped and planned for the big New Year's party.
The morning of New Years Eve Ben and Meg was standing on the charted boat welcoming their guests.
Ben: Are we all here?
Meg: No, two's missing to my count.
Ben: Who?
Meg: Vanessa and Tyus.
Rae came up: Oh, sorry I was to tell you they're not coming. Tyus called me and said that Vanessa wasn't feeling well.
Meg: Sorry to hear, is it serious.
Rae: I don't think so, but she doesn't have very long to go so they decided to stay back.
Ben: I hope they get to spend New Years in peace and quite though.
Rae: Well her due date isn't for yet another week, but one never know.
Meg: As long as everything goes well...
Ben: I'll go tell the captain we're ready to leave.
It was a beautiful day and the ocean didn't "move" very much. When they'd been out for about an hour Ben went looking for Meg. He found her talking to her siblings.
Ben: Meg there's something I like to show you. He took her hand.
Meg: If it's the dolphins I've already seen them.
Ben: No, it's something else.
They reached the stem and Ben put his arms around her from the back. Soon he raised one arm and pointed infront of them.
Ben: Meg my love, there's your island.
Meg: Our island Ben, our's. Oh! it looks great at this distance. All she could see right now was a lot of palmtrees, but soon they came nearer and she spotted the house. -Ben, it's wonderful. She turned around to kiss him. -Thank you.
The others had gathered at the stem too and all went Wow!!
Mark: Wait until you've seen the beach, then you'll go wow!!!
Casey: Have you been here?
Mark: Yeah, Ben took me along when he went to see it before he bought it.
Soon they reached the island and they all helped out getting the boat unloaded. As soon as they'd out all stuff aside and chosen rooms they had lunch and then they all went down to the beach. Casey the beachfreak(with a suitable job as a lifeguard) had brought a net and a volleyball, so he and Mark went looking for two poles to put it up. They played all afternoon and of course they went swiming in the clear blue water.
Meg had together with Sara and Susan(her brother's fiancé) prepared a lot of the food for New Year's dinner, so after having showered they went downstairs to put it out as a buffé. Everyone had dressed up for dinner. There was of course a lot to eat, drink and they mixed it with dancing all night long.
Just before midnight Ben ordered them all up on the roof. From there they could see(as the night was clear) the fireworks over Sunset Beach. Ben pulled Meg into his embrace and before making a toast to the others he whispered to Meg: Happy New Year mrs Evans. Meg returned it by kissing him.
Around 2AM they all had gotten tired and went to bed. Ben and Meg too of course, and they didn't care about having the house full of guests. They made love all night long quite and very passionate.
The next day looked very much like New Years Eve. After breakfast Ben took Meg on a "hike" to explore the island. They weren't going home until the next morning and when Meg agrued that they were bad hostes' Ben said that he told both his and her's siblings that they were going to be away most of the day.
After they've walked a bit Meg once again had to say: Wow!! Ben this is just great.
Ben: Yes it is.
Meg: You know you're spoiling me, don't you?
Ben: I know and I'm loving it.
Meg: Maybe we should go back anyway.
Ben: No, they're all grown ups and I think they can manage without us for a few more hours.
Meg: So what do you have planned that takes that kind of time?
Ben: Well we could start with this. He kissed her thoroughly and let his hands explore all of Meg.
Meg: Ben!?
Ben: Mmm(unwilling to break the kiss)...don't you want to?
Meg: Well...yes, but out here?
Ben: Yeah, why not?
Meg: Firstly they'll all know what we've been doing out here.
Ben: And don't you think they'd do the same thing?
Meg: Oh! but....
Ben: Didn't you tell me you love adventures?
Meg: Yes I do, but if any of the other's decide to take a walk?
Ben: Well let them find us then, I love you too much to hide it. And besides I've got a blanket we can lay on if you like.
Meg couldn't find any more arguments so she started to kiss him and Ben only broke to get the blanket out of the basket. Meg got a bit curious about what was in it, but that had to wait.
When they afterwards laid with legs and arms wrapped around eachother Ben reached out behind Meg to pick a flower and put in her hair.
Ben: It's as red as the stuff I have in the picnic basket.
Meg: You've got strawberries, were there really any left after last night?
Ben: Well I had bought some extra for this occasion.
Meg: So you'd planned to take me out here, what if the weather had turned bad.
Ben: Then I'd locked us into our room instead.
Meg went thru the basket herself and found some grapes in there that she feed Ben with. They went beck to the house hand in hand. And as soon as they came inside Meg smelled that someone was cooking and when she came to the kitchen she found the girls in action cooking dinner.
Meg: Oh, you shouldn't have, this is my treat to you, I'm the one that should cook dinner.
Sara: No Meg, this is our treat to you and Ben, as you were to kind to invite us here.
Meg: But let me help now that I'm here.
Sara: No, you go shower instead.
Meg blushed.
Sara: We'd all done the same thing, so don't be embarrest.
Meg: But are you sure there's nothing for me to do, set the table.
Gabi: No not even that, we put the guys to that before we told them to "pick the toys up" outside.
Dinner was great. Ben held a little speech thanking them all for dinner and being friends of them both. They all toasted to a lot of great New Years to come. The evening was a bit chilly so Meg asked Ben if they couldn't start a fire, and of course he did.
They all went back to Sunset Beach the next morning. Ben promised Meg that they soon would get back, just the two of them.
Chapter 30
When Ben and Meg got back from the New Year's trip it was to get back to work as normal. Meg helped out from time to time both in the Java Web and the Deep, but mostly she did secretary work at the Liberty Corporation. It was not only Ben she helped out there it was Derek and Gregory too.
Meg's brother and sister with companion had left two days after they've gotten back and although she loved them all dearly she was happy that she and Ben had the house to themselves.
January went by quickly, as it was not so many tourists in Sunset Beach they let the staff have vacation and Meg stepped in working when Annie couldn't. Although she didn't have to earn her money to get by school, she liked to have some money of her own.
Meg woke up early one morning in the beginning of February felling nauscius. "Maybe it's something I ate last night" she thought but didn't almost not finish the thought before she had to run to the bathroom and throw up. Ben had woken up by her sudden moves and heard that she was in the bathroom. She was just washing her face with cold water when he came inside.
Ben: Meg darling, what's up?
Meg: I don't know I just don't feel very.... it was time again....
Ben came over and held her hair back, she hadn't had the time to put a ribbon in it before.
Ben: Was it something you ate yesterday?
Meg: I don't know, I hardly ate at all yesterday. They looked at eachother.
Ben: I think I know what it is now.. he smiled.
Meg: Are you smiling at me being sick? What do you think it is then?
Ben: Well Derek told me....
Meg: What does Derek have to do with this? she was getting irritated, she still didn't feel well.
Ben: Please Meg let me finish. He told me once how Maria..
Meg: Maria is in on this too?
Ben: I know you're not feeling well, but please let me finish. Derek told me that when Maria was pregnant she didn't feel well in the mornings and threw up some too.
Meg was stunned: Do...you...think...?
Ben: It can be, you haven't had you period since before the wedding, have you?
Meg: No I haven't...so do you really think I'm pregnant.
Ben nodded and smiled at her. Meg threw herself in Ben's arms and was starting to kiss him.
Ben: No Meg!
Meg: Why can't I kiss you, aren't you happy about this?
Ben: I'm thrilled, but you've just thrown up, please brush your teeth first.
Meg laughed and did what she was told. Then she kissed him long and passionate. Ben lifted her up and carried her back into the bedroom. He laid her down gently on the bed and continued to kiss her.
Meg: Do you think it's ok?
Ben: Well nothing happend last night, did it?
Meg: No. She started to kiss him again.
As it had been so early in the morning the fell asleep again afterwards and when Meg woke up at 9AM she was alone in bed. She put her hand on her stomach, had it been a dream, or....
Ben: Good morning beautiful!
Meg: Ben?!
Ben: Did I scare you?
Meg: No, I just...was it a dream, or did we think we're pregnant.
Ben: It wasn't a dream.
Meg: Well I guess I better make an appointement with Vanessa then.
Ben: Vanessa? Is she back working already.
Meg: Oh! You're right, Rae it is then.
Ben: Have you talked to Vanessa lately?
Meg: No, not since we went to see them the week after the babygirl was born.
Ben: I just thought if you knew if they had named it yet?
Meg: No, I don't know, but I guess we have to start thinking about names ourselves.
Ben(seriously): What do you most want a girl or a boy?
Meg: Oh...I don't know a boy maybe, I bet he gets his father's good looks then.
Ben: Well his mother is just wonderful she too. He kissed her with so much passion.
Meg: Mmm that tasted good, but I'm hungry!
Ben looked at her: Again?
Meg: Not that hungry, I mean for breakfast!
Ben: Well "Lucky", I've got it ready downstairs, I was just to look in on you and see if I should take it upstairs.
Meg: We can eat in the kitchen, it's less messy that way. And I have to call Rae to see if she can fit me in today already.
Ben: I hope so, do you want me to come with you?
Meg: If you're not busy.
Ben: I don't think so, I guess I can make Derek take the appointment I have if it happens to be at the same time.
Meg took Ben's hand and they headed for the stairs. Just at the top she turned around to face Ben.
Meg: You know I love you?!
Ben: I know and I love you too, so much it hurts inside. He gave her a gentle kiss.
Chapter 31
Meg got an appointment with Rae at 2PM the same day. So after lunch she went by the Liberty Corporation to get Ben. She ran into Derek.
Derek: Hi Meg! How are you?
Meg smiled: Great!
Derek: Ben told me, or rather I dragged it out of him. I'm happy for you both.
Meg: Thanks, but please don't tell anyone yet. I want to be sure first.
Derek: Well as Ben asked me to take the 2 o'clock appointment I guess you're seeing the doctor today, am I right?
Meg: Yes you are. When I said no one, I didn't mean Maria, you can tell her.
Ben came up behind Meg and put his arms around her: Hi Love, how are you feeling?
Meg: A bit nervous.
Ben: Shall we get going then, so that we can get it over.
Derek: Well I guess I should say good luck or something.
Ben: Thank you for taking the meeting.
Derek: What are partners and brothers for?
[Robinson Practice]
Ben and Meg came about 15 minutes early, although they had walked there. They sat down to wait for Rae. Tyus came out of his office with a patient saying goodbye.
Tyus: Ben, Meg!? How are you?
Ben: Great!
Tyus: Why are you here then?
Meg: Well I wasn't feeling very well this morning and threw up. Ben came to think of when Derek had told him about Maria being pregnant, so we think that's it.
Tyus: Oh that's great.
Ben: How are Vanessa and your baby?
Tyus: They're great, we are soon to get her baptised.
Meg: So you've decided on a name then?
Tyus: Yes finally, we couldn't go round calling her baby all life.
Meg: So what is it?
Tyus: Susanne, or Sue we don't know if we want it long or short yet.
Meg: I bet any of them will be great.
Rae appeared in the waitingroom: Meg, Ben it's your time now.
Tyus: Good luck then.
They sat down in Rae's office.
Rae: Well I need Meg to come with me to make an examintion first and then we can talk all three of us.
Ben let go of Meg's hand: All will be great.
Meg just smiled at him as she and Rae left.
Rae: Have you done this kind of examination before, or shall I tell you what I'm going to do.
Meg: Well I've had those birthcontrollpills before, so I guess it's kind of the same.
Rae: Yes it is.
When they got back into the office and sat down Meg took Ben's hand at once.
Rae: Well according to my calculations I have the pleasure to tell you that you're gonna have a baby in September.
Ben: Are you really sure?
Rae: There's no doubt about it. Meg's about 8 weeks pregnant.
Meg: So what now?
Rae: Well I've got a lot of stuff here and then I've got this list I want to go thru with you. And of course we've got to make a few more appointments.
[The Liberty Corporation]
Ben and Meg came back to the office about an hour later when Derek just came out from the conferenceroom with their client.
Derek: You're back so soon?
Ben: Well an hour almost was all it took. Mr Nielsen nice to meet you again. This is Meg, my wife.
Mr Nielsen: Nice to meet you too Ben, and mrs Evans what a pleasure.
Meg: Thank you mr Nielsen, but please say Meg.
Mr Nielsen: A modern woman, well Meg it is then. I do feel that it is a shame to hide all beautiful names behind titles. I'm Ted by the way.
Meg: Ted. May I offer you all a cup of coffee?
Mr Nielsen: Sorry but I have to run. Maybe next time.
Ben: Next time it is then.
Mr Nielsen went and Ben, Meg and Derek went into Ben's office with a cup of coffee each.
Derek: So how did it go?
Ben: Great!
Meg: I'm about 8 weeks pregnant, so it's time in September.
Derek: Well if you need any advice don't hestitate to ask. I got to get back to finish of some papers then I'm heading home. I won't be in until after lunch tomorrow.
Ben: Anything special happening?
Derek: No, I've just promised Maria that I spend a the morning with the kids so that she could go on a jobinterview.
Meg: Is Maria gonna start to work?
Derek: Yes, she's applied to a techer's job in painting and drawing.
Meg: I bet she'll get it, she's a great painter. I love the drawings she made of me and Ben as a weddinggift.
Derek: I hope she gets it too, she's almost climbing the walls back home not being able to paint whenever because of the children runnig around.
Meg: Well if you need someone to babysit, I can do it, I need the practice now.
Derek: I'll hold you to it. then he left.
Ben: So, shall we call our parents and tell the news.
Meg: We can wait until tomorrow evening. It's their weekly dinner so they'll be at one place and we'll save a phonecall.
Ben: Ok then. I'm sorry love, but I need to work a few hours.
Meg: That's ok, I think I'll go over to Mark and Annie's and tell her the good news, if it's ok by you?
Ben: It's more than ok, it's my sister you're talking about.
Meg: Yes and my best friend and she would never forgive me if I didn't tell her first, or almost first.
Ben: Well that's our Annie.