"Try to relax. This is your official wedding photo," the photographer at the Civil Affairs Bureau instructed Henry and Gemma. Henry's arm gently hugged Gemma at the waist. She let out a nervous breath gave a small smile.
"Can it really be? I woke up this morning to a normal day. But suddenly I find myself pregnant and married by the afternoon." She thought to herself.
Soon enough they had their registration booklets and were back in Henry's car. Suddenly, Henry pulled her close and kissed her. Gemma felt electricity run through her body. His kiss was not rough, but it was firm. She could tell that a passion was held back under the surface of his restraint. His arms holding her were firm and strong. She felt safe. She leaned into him and returned his kiss. She felt the exact moment that he let go of his self-control. He sighed as he gave way to what he'd wanted to do all morning. To what he'd wanted to do for nearly a month, for that matter. The desire he'd carefully tried to hide was now silently calling out how much he'd wanted her. If her labored breathing and hands frantically caressing his chest were any indication, she reciprocated those same sentiments. His lips hungrily answered her, deepening his kisses. His hands moved over her body in a fervor.
Finally he pulled back reluctantly and stared into her eyes.
"I was going to suggest that we go tell your parents, but, I think perhaps we should continue this further at home first." Henry said, as he tried to catch his breath. Gemma nodded.
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Henry walked with Gemma's arm in his as they crossed the threshold and then a spontaneous urge came over him. Ever one given to a serious demeanor, he was not familiar with giving in to thoughts of whimsy but after Gemma had come back into his life and he saw her each day, smiling at him and so cheerful, he had made a number of spontaneous decisions that he hoped, would have good results. So without much more thought, he scooped Gemma into his arms and princess-carried her up the staircase.
She squealed in surprise and threw her arms around his neck. Down the hall they went until they stopped before an ornate doorway. He shifted her weight and opened the door, revealing the master bedroom of his home. Crossing the room in quick strides, he gently lowered her to sit on the bedside.
Gemma looked up at him, her eyes wide. He smiled awkwardly. Perhaps spontaneous wasn't the best course of action after all. He had been divorced for nearly a decade and he'd not dated much in the time that had passed. He had literally known Gemma for her entire life and until recently, he'd thought of her as a child. After all, he'd once held hopes that she'd marry his own child and now he found himself married to her instead. Would Gemma think him a foolish old man?
Her soft hand reached up to caress his cheek and she smiled.
"When I was a little girl do you remember Justin chasing me into my father's office while the two of you were talking business?" She asked.
"Vaguely." He said.
"You were the closest person to me when I ran into the room so I threw myself into your arms and yelled, 'Save me from the monster!' Justin had been trying to frighten me. And you hugged me and said, "I'll protect you." You scolded Justin for teasing me and you let me stay in your lap while you and father talked. Do you remember what I said to you when you were about to leave?" Gemma asked.
Henry stared at her in stunned silence. It was coming back to him now and he realized her words had been prophetic.
"Oh Gemma!" He whispered.
"I said that when I grew up that I was going to marry you. You told me that your wife wouldn't like that. And I said that I would marry you anyway." Gemma giggled.
"Indeed, my ex-wife will not be happy to hear of our marriage. But I don't care. Gemma, are you sure you don't mind being married to an old man?" Henry asked her.
"You are quite handsome and distinguished for your age. But your kindness to me is what moves me. You owed me nothing but you literally turned your life upside down to marry me and give my child a family. If you're willing, we can make this work." Gemma said seriously.
"Oh I'm willing, Gemma!" He whispered earnestly.
"Are you…really?" She said coquettishly and tugged at his tie. He captured her hand in his.
"Don't tease me, Gemma. I'm exercising as much self control as I can muster." Henry said thickly. Her hands on him had a nearly intoxicating effect.
"Who said I'm teasing? Maybe it's what I want," Gemma said with a flirtatious smile.
Henry felt the last bit of restraint slip away and he fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. Finally he ripped his shirt off like a man possessed. Gemma giggled. A flurry of movement and their clothing flew into the air.
Gemma found herself lying back into the soft mattress beneath her as she allowed Henry to kiss her. Her shoulder, her neck, her ear and he came to rest on her lips. She shivered in anticipation. Her fingers stroked his defined chest. For a man in his fifties, he was in excellent shape.
"Woman, you're going to drive me crazy!" He whispered in her ear. She pulled him closer.
"I want you, I can't help it." She whispered back. That was it, he melted into her, becoming one with her. She gasped in pleasant surprise. Perhaps their beginning was unplanned, but if this were any indication, Gemma thought they'd do well together.