That was the only word that came to Lumien’s mind when she stepped from the glass coach onto the red carpet leading towards the building. Howie had told her that it would be a wonderful night, and she was finally beginning to understand what he meant.
The coachman held out his arm to escort her, and she smiled shyly before taking his arm. When she stepped through the doorway, Lumien pressed a hand to her chest and gasped. The entire Italy Courtyard was festooned with twinkling white lights and gold and white ribbon. As she looked around, she smiled at the friends she had made in the past several months.
Howie stepped forward, dressed in white satin and lace. “My lady.” He bent low over her hand, brushing the knuckles with his lips.
Lumien curtsied a little awkwardly, her eyes darting around before coming back to rest on Howie. He smiled as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm.
“May I say that you look exquisite this evening.”
Squeezing his arm, she leaned close. “You have never looked more handsome, Howard. Thank you.”
He winked at her before escorting her around to say hello to her guests.
Meredith smiled as she watched the couple. She had been afraid when Howie rushed up to her two weeks before, the gleam in his eye scaring her. Telling her he “had a great idea” was almost tantamount to dooming the venture to failure before it began. She was glad to see she was wrong.
Still smiling, she turned to her left and observed AJ. He was dressed in black velvet, a froth of lace at his neck and cuffs. All of the men had drawn the line at breeches, settling for fitted black trousers under their coats; Howie being the exception in all white to match Lumien’s gown. She smoothed the green silk skirt over her hips and glided towards her lover.
“Hey, love.” He pressed a kiss to her jaw as he wrapped his arm around her.
“Hey, mine.” Brushing her hand down his chest, she fingered the smooth brocade of the silk vest he wore.
“Good evening.” Howie’s voice prompted them to turn around, and they both smiled.
“Good evening.” AJ bowed over Lumien’s hand. “Happy birthday.”
The young woman blushed. “Thank you. This was an incredible surprise. I’ve never had anything like it.”
“Happy Birthday, Lumien.” Meredith stepped forward and hugged her friend, glad their long gowns didn’t have as many underpinnings as had been worn during 18th century. “You look lovely.”
Lumien grinned and appraised her friends. The matching black costumes made them stand out. “You two look fabulous.”
Meredith curtsied and AJ bowed before Howie led Lumien away to greet more guests. The other couple drifted away to mingle with other guests.
Kevin and Irene were standing near the rail and surveying the lake that was set in the middle of Epcot.
“Good evening.” Howie’s voice caused them to turn, and they smiled.
“Happy birthday.” Kevin leaned forward, placing a soft kiss of Lumien’s cheek.
Irene echoed the sentiment kissing the other side. Lumien tilted her head as she studied the couple dressed in dark red silk. The color magnified the darkness of their hair and played up the deep jewel tones of their eyes.
“Thank you for coming.” She smiled at them before Howie led her away.
Nick and Allyson were admiring the ice sculptures decorating the buffet. As they saw Howie and Lumien approaching, they turned to greet the couple.
“Good evening.” Howie smiled at his friends.
Nick nodded once and bowed before straightening again. “Happy birthday, Rogue.”
Lumien laughed. “Thank you, Shortstuff.”
Allyson giggled before leaning close to hug the other woman. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. So do the two of you.” She observed the ocean blue silk adorning their bodies, nodding faintly as she recognized the pattern that was emerging.
“We’ve got to finish saying hello to everyone. We’ll catch you later.” Howie bowed slightly before leading Lumien away.
As the young woman searched the crowed for the last member of the group, she wondered if her theory was correct.
And it is. Howie stopped in front of the last Backstreet Boy, and Lumien studied the butter yellow silk the other couple had worn. The color warmed Serenity’s skin and brought out the strawberry in Brian’s hair.
“Happy birthday!” Serenity pulled Lumien close for a hug.
“Happy birthday, Lu.” Brian kissed her cheek as the young woman pulled away.
“Thank you, thank you. This has been such a wonderful surprise, and I’m so glad all of you could be here.”
“We wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Brian smiled at her.
Howie caught the eye of the bandleader, who began to direct the musicians. He held out his hand to her.
“May I have this dance?”
So many times
I thought I held it in my hands
But just like grains of sand
Love slipped through my fingers
She looked up in surprise when she heard the singer, her eyes widening at the sight of all five members of ‘N Sync on stage.
So many nights
I asked the Lord above
Please make me lucky enough
To find a love that lingers
Smiling as she placed her hand in his, Lumien accompanied Howie out to the dance floor. He swept her into his arms, and they glided around the floor. He hummed softly in her ear, and the lyrics made her close her eyes to keep a tear from escaping.
Something keeps telling me
That you could be my answered prayer
You must be heaven sent
I swear
‘Cause
They were vaguely aware when other couples joined them, lost in their own little world of each other.
Something happens when you look at me
I forget to speak
Something happens when you kiss my mouth
My knees get so weak
Could it be true this is what God has meant for me
‘Cause, baby, I can’t believe
That something like you
Could happen to me
Howie swept Lumien around the floor in an elegant waltz, the heavy skirt sweeping against his legs as they moved. He felt the exquisite detail on the bodice press against his fingers as he rested his hand on her back.
Girl, in your eyes
I feel your fire burn
All your secrets I will learn
Even if it takes forever
With you by my side
I can do anything
I don’t care what tomorrow brings
As long as we’re together.
Lumien sighed with pleasure as Howie held her close to him, pressing a soft kiss to her temple as they moved to the music.
Something keeps telling me
That you could be my meant to be
I know it more each time we touch
‘Cause
Something happens when you look at me
I forget to speak
Something happens when you kiss my mouth
My knees get so weak
Could it be true this is what God has meant for me
‘Cause, baby, I can’t believe
That something like you
Could happen to me
Something magical
Something spiritual
Something stronger than the two of us alone
Something physical
Something undeniable
Nothing like anything that I’ve ever known
‘Cause
Something happens when you look at me
I forget to speak
Something happens when you kiss my mouth
My knees get so weak
Could it be true this is what God has meant for me
‘Cause, baby, I can’t believe
No, no, no
That something like you
Something like you
Something like you
Could happen to me
Something happens
I can’t believe that you’ve happened to me
“Happy birthday, Lumien.” The five men added their good wishes to the many greetings she had already received.
As the notes died away, Howie tilted Lumien’s face up and pressed a long, slow kiss to her lips. The loud applause finally separated them, and each smiled at their friends. Another song began, and he tightened his arms around her as they danced.
After several songs, everyone sat down at the tables arranged around the dance floor and waited for dinner to be served. They dined on succulent foods, meant to be savored and eaten with great delight. Howie tempted Lumien with several delicacies, letting his fingers linger against her mouth as he placed a morsel on her tongue. She groaned softly, hoping no one was paying too much attention to them because she was afraid she would make a spectacle of herself before the night was over.
Howie finally stood and tapped his knife against his wine glass. As he looked over the large group of people in the courtyard, he smiled.
“I want to thank all of you for coming tonight to celebrate Lumien’s birthday. She has come to mean so much to me that I wanted to make this day the most beautiful, the most magical that she’s ever known. And, thanks to you, I think that goal has been achieved.”
The crowd applauded, and Lumien smiled up at Howie from her seat. He touched her cheek briefly with his fingers before turning back to face everyone. “Please enjoy yourself, and we’ll open presents a little later.”
When he sat down, she leaned close and kissed the corner of his mouth. “It’s the best birthday ever.”
“I love you, Lumien.”
“I love you, too, Howie.”
A 4-tiered Black Forest cake with buttercream frosting made its way to the head table, and Lumien’s eyes grew round as she stared at it. Howie pressed the knife into her hand, and she cut the cake to the applause of her guests. Smiling, she handed the first slice to Howie before allowing a waiter to finish the job and start serving. When everyone finished dessert, they watched as Lumien began to open her gifts.
Lumien couldn’t remember ever having a birthday like this one. There was so much love surrounding her that she forgot her mother and Bruce, choosing instead to replace the bad memories with the memories being made that night. She laughed and cried as she opened the multitude of gifts that were piled on a table behind her.
Nick gave her a pencil drawing of herself and Howie. Allyson gave her a lithograph of Sleeping Beauty after Lumien had told her it was her favorite Disney movie. Kevin and Irene went in together and got her a complete set of 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Irene leaned close after the young woman opened them.
“I think you and Howie will enjoy them.”
Lumien blushed a becoming shade of pink as Irene giggled.
Brian and Serenity had asked Serenity’s grandfather to make a warrior’s shield for their friend, and Lumien carefully lifted it out of the box to study the detail.
“It’s beautiful.” She smiled at the couple, and Serenity nodded.
“A true warrior should always have her shield handy.”
The other bodyguards grinned at Lumien as she arched an eyebrow when she got to their gift. They had refrained from making any comments when she had arrived, knowing that the young woman would be nervous in the unfamiliar attire; and Meredith had threatened them within an inch of their lives as well.
She laughed when she opened the package and saw the new HK pistol and shoulder holster, along with three new magazines. Looking up at them, she winked. “I didn’t know you cared. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Leary called out as he watched her caress the smooth leather of the holster.
AJ placed a box in front of Lumien and smiled. She looked at him for a moment then opened it carefully, gasping softly as she pulled the black leather duster from the folds of tissue paper.
“It’s gorgeous.”
He beamed. “I told them how tall you were and took one of your other coats as a measurement.”
The leather was cool to the touch and smooth as butter. “Thank you, AJ.” Lumien grinned at him.
“You’re welcome.”
She accepted the small package from Meredith, shaking it before pulling on the red ribbon that surrounded the gold foil paper. When she opened the box, she just stared at the contents for a moment.
“What is it?” Howie leaned close to her.
With trembling fingers, Lumien pulled out the parchment beneath the airplane tickets and opened it to read. A tear glistened on her lashes as she looked up at her friend.
“thank you.” She whispered the words before hugging the older woman.
“Lumien, what is it?” Howie repeated his question.
“It’s plane tickets to Tuscany. My father’s mother was from there, and he used to tell me stories that she told him. He promised to take me some day.”
Meredith smiled at her friend. “Happy birthday.”
Lumien hugged her friend again. “Thank you for listening to everything I didn’t say.”
“You’re welcome.” She turned to Howie. “You’ll have to arrange for a place to stay, but I’ve included some recommendations in the package.”
Howie smiled his thanks as people began to move about since the last of the presents had been opened. AJ wrapped his arms around Meredith, nuzzling beneath her ear. “You give the best presents.”
She chuckled as she leaned against him.
****Backstreet Boys*****Backstreet Boys*****Backstreet Boys*****Backstreet Boys****Backstreet Boys***
He followed her up the trail to her apartment, carrying the first load of gifts. Standing just inside the door, he watched as she gently placed some of the boxes on her coffee table. He was delighted to see that some personality had been added during their various breaks from tour life. As much as he wanted to ask her to move in with him, he knew that the little apartment was a statement of independence. Shrugging, he put his load down and headed back out to the corvette for more. He knew she would be moving in after they got married.
The thought of the ring in his safe made him grin. He wasn’t sure when he would give it to her, but he figured he would know when the time was right. His mind was filled with daydreams of a fairytale wedding, following by several little dark-haired children running around calling him daddy. So intent on his thoughts, Howie missed Lumien stepping in front of him as he walked in the door.
“Whoa.” He stopped abruptly, catching the boxes before they could fall.
“You okay?” She took a couple of boxes from him and put them down.
“I’m fine. Just daydreaming.”
“Anything good?” Lumien pulled the pins from her hair, allowing the dark waves to tumble down her back.
The movement caught his eye and tantalized him, making his breath catch in his throat as she turned to face him. Ignoring her look of confusion, he crossed the floor in two steps and swept her into his arms for a kiss that left her breathless.
“I love you.” He pressed the words against her lips as his fingers sought the zipper of her dress.
The moment he felt bare skin against his hand, he couldn’t take it slow. Removing her clothes, he pushed them out of the way long enough to get her onto the bed. He pulled off his own clothing, leaving them jumbled on the floor amidst the silk stockings and heavy brocade.
Lumien stretched out on the bed, watching as he stalked towards her. Standing at the foot of the bed, he slowly sank onto the mattress on one knee, his hand brushing over her calf. His fingers trailed up her body as he crawled up the bed until he was nestled between her thighs. Howie kissed her once, twice, before sliding his hands under her knees and pushing them towards her chest. She saw the smile and only had a moment to register it before he slid between her wet folds in one powerful stroke.
For a split second, she could have sworn that she saw stars.
Tightening her grip on his biceps, she rolled her hips up to meet each thrust, their bodies sliding together through the faint sheen of sweat that had collected under their costumes. She tightened her muscles around his cock, trying to hold him as he plunged inside of her. His groan vibrated against her chest, his eyes closing against the swirl of pleasure racing through him as he tried to bury himself in her body.
Lumien knew he was close to coming, could read the emotions on his face as he spiraled downward into orgasm. She slipped her hand between them, rubbing her clit as he rocked against her with deep strokes.
Her back arched, her mouth opening in a silent cry as she came. The trembling in her body made him growl in response, and drove into her again and again before groaning his release. He collapsed against her, letting her wrap her arms and legs around him as they shuddered with tiny aftershocks of pleasure.
For twenty minutes they cuddled, fingers brushing over sensitized skin. Pressing a kiss against the pulse in her throat, Howie finally pulled away and got out of bed, padding naked into the living room. He returned with a long, blue velvet box and climbed back into bed.
“I wanted to give you my present when we were alone.” He brushed the smooth velvet across her belly, and she laughed.
“I thought the party was my present.”
“As if.” He just grinned at her.
Lumien sat up and took the box, opening it with a creak that only comes from age. She rested her fingers on the white satin interior, staring at the jewelry.
“They look…well-loved.” Turning her face to his, she questioned him with her eyes.
“I found these at an estate sale a few years ago. Mrs. Andrews had passed away with no heirs, so everything was being sold. Her lawyer told me that her husband had given them to her before he left for World War II, telling her that they were his promise to return. She wore them every day he was gone, and then every day after he came home.” Howie took the delicate strand of pearls from the box and placed them around Lumien’s neck.
“But why were they sold?” She fingered the pale orbs resting against her collarbone.
“Mrs. Andrews told her lawyer that she wanted them passed on to someone else who would understand that type of love. I bought them because I knew that one day, I would find a woman who would mean as much to me as Mrs. Andrews did to her husband.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks at the story, knowing that the pearls were merely a symbol of Howie’s true gift. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him gently, softly.
“I love you, Howard Dwaine Dorough.”
Trailing his fingers across her cheeks, he cupped her face and returned the kiss. “And I love you, Lumien Angelica Washington.”
They lounged on the bed, wrapped together in the warmth of a lasting love.
Table of Contents
Chapter Forty-Six