"STEPPING OUT OF PARADISE" by Kitty Yacomeni
© 2003 by Kitty Yacomeni emmawright480@hotmail.com http://www.oocities.org/personal_war/home.html
STORY LAST UPDATED ON 23/01/2003
This story contains characters created by V.C. Andrews.
Stepping Out of Paradise Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Epilogue
CHAPTER SIX: FAIRYTALE ROMANCE
The next week passed in a blur of horse riding, dining out and walks on the beach beside our country mansion. I was growing more and more fond of Cleave, and he of me. Our first kiss had happened one evening, sitting on the edge of a hill, staring down at the sun setting over the sea, whilst our two horses chomped grass in the field behind us. It had been wonderful, everything that I ever imagined, and more. I had fallen for Cleave, totally and completely.
At the end of the week, he took me to a fancy restaurant. It was just out of town, and one I had never been to before. The tablecloths were lacy, and there was classical music playing gently in the background.
Finally, he asked me. "Jillian, my sweet one." He reached across the table, and took my hand in his. "I know this is sudden, and that we have only just met. But this last week has made me feel like I'm worth something again."
"Yes, yes… me, too," I said, smiling at him.
"Good. I was hoping you would say that. Because if it's your wish, this beautiful dream could go on forever. Jillian, will you do me the honour of being my wife?"
"Yes, Cleave, yes! Of course I will!" My heart leapt, and I was so happy that tears rolled down my cheeks. I stood up and threw my arms about Cleave's neck, and he returned my embrace.
We were both too excited to finish up our meal after that, so instead we left the restaurant and returned back to my home, to break the news to my family.
Father shook Cleave's hand and congratulated him, and much to my horror, shook mine, too. That wasn't the way to congratulate your newly engaged daughter, and I thought that he might have tried to do something a little more loving to keep up appearances in front of Cleave. Momma hugged both Cleave and I, and I actually saw tears in her eyes. My sisters hung back, and didn't say a word. They just glared at me, as I took my handsome man by the hand, and led him outside to say good-bye.
The wedding was organised for the closest date possible, only ten days after Cleave proposed. It was a simple enough service, in a little church nearby. Only closest friends and family were invited; however, Father had organised a huge party back at our home afterwards, to which almost everyone he knew was coming along.
It was the best evening of my whole life, and it didn't finish until the early hours of the morning. There was music, food and dancing. As Cleave and I danced, he whispered in my ear, "I hope we never have to stop dancing," and he planted a small kiss on my forehead as he spun me around.
As we climbed into the back of the limousine, I yawned. We snuggled into the comfy seats, and I closed my eyes. It was a three -hour drive to the airport, and then a long flight to Canada, where we were going to spend two weeks on our honeymoon. A skiing holiday. I had never been skiing before, but Cleave had told me it was one of his favourite things to do, when he had the time.
I yawned again, and Cleave's warm arms tightened around me. Within moments, we were both asleep.
Stepping Out of Paradise Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Epilogue