Part 16
We
managed to finish getting ready to head to my parents despite the many
affectionate kisses we shared as well as the distractions of brushing against
each other now and again as we finished our grooming. Surprisingly I didn’t
even knick myself while shaving even though I kept a voyeuristic eye on her as
she brushed out her hair and pulled it back into a pony tail, a gentle trace
around her eyes with a soft shade of koh , a couple of swipes with a mascara
wand, a dash of lip gloss, and she smiled at her reflection in the mirror next
to mine. Her freshly brushed teeth made
her smile appear even brighter in her tanned face.
I loved
that she didn’t spend ages fussing with her makeup and there was no need for
her too. She didn’t have to try to
create features that she didn’t naturally possess she merely enhanced her
natural beauty in a subtle manner so that she had a fresh wholesome girl next
door look about her. She’d chosen a pair of denim shorts, and a white polo
shirt, paired with a pair of white running shoes and she looked adorable,
casual and as fresh as a daisy. It was then that I realized I’d chosen a
similar outfit for myself to wear. I had
to smile to myself at that. I guess
happy loving couples really do start to look alike after spending time
together.
She
slung the brightly coloured cloth beach bag over her shoulder which contained
our swimsuits, towels and sun screen and we were ready to head off after a
quick check on Barclay and his food rations as well as a pit stop to grab the
containers of goodies she’d whipped up that morning. I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that I snuck
a brownie out of the container and was munching away happily when I got caught
in the act like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar. I knew I’d been busted so I gave her my most
endearing smile, and she bought it. She
reached up and tousled my hair and reached up on her tippy toes and gave me a
kiss. “Yummy” she mumbled as she gave me
a deep soulful kiss which totally curled my toes and quickened my pulse and I
felt a twitch in that nether region of mine from a certain appendage that was
quickly becoming accustomed with her
loving attentions.
I responded by wrapping my arms around her
and seriously kissing those luscious lips of hers. I felt like if I never did anything else with
the rest of my life but kiss her my life will not have been in vain. I had never
been this happy before and I marvelled that I’d never fully realized before how
much better life was when you had someone to share every element of it with. It
was with great difficulty that I finally was able to tear myself away from that
kiss. I just wanted it to go on and on forever.
“Okay Lovelips, lets rock.” I
said. I got a quizzical look over this
new pet name for her, a laugh and a pat on the arse with a “Righto Sweetknees,
let’s rock and roll.” Now it was my turn
to laugh and we both had a fit of the giggles as we said our good byes to
Barclay gathered up our things we needed for the day and packed them in the
car.
Soon we
cruising along, singing along with the tunes on the radio. Lorelei was totally
getting into it and I have to admit she has some seriously wicked air guitar,
and drumming skills. It was great to
just cut loose with her and have some fun like that. She seemed to sober up
rapidly though as we pulled up in front of my parents place. The reality of meeting my family seemed to be
overwhelming her and I can’t say that I blamed her for feeling that way. I figured I’d be in the same boat when I met
her family for the first time. I picked up her hand and gave it a squeeze in
mine. She smiled weakly, thanking me
silently for understanding her case of the jitters. “You’re going to be my wingman and you’ve got my back my right? She asked in a soft voice. “Today and always
Lor.” And I leaned in and kissed her softly and reassuringly.
She took
a deep breath. “Okay let’s do this.” I
smiled at her kissed her again, it seemed to give her the confidence she needed
knowing I was there for her and understood. We could hear laughter and the kids
splashing in the pool already as we headed up along the side of the house
towards the back garden and the pool area.
My Mum must have been lying in wait for us as she practically pounced on
us the moment the gate to the yard closed behind us. “Liam” and she embraced
her eldest son and gave him a hug. “And you must be Lorelei, so pleased to meet
finally meet you.” She said and gave her a warm smile but also a very
appraising look that was not lost on either Lorelei or I. “It’s a pleasure to
meet you as well Mrs. Conlin.” Lorelei returned and to her credit not outwardly
showing any signs of being cowed by my mother and the knowledge that she was
being sussed out by her.
“Where would you like us to put these?” She
inquired of my Mum. “Oh I’ll take those
from you and just pop them into the kitchen.
It was very sweet of you to make these. I’m sure we’ll all enjoy
them.” My Mum then whisked them out of
our hands and headed into the house, while calling out to my father at the same
time. “Seamus come and say hello to your son and his young lady.”
Liam’s father rose from where he’d been
seated on the patio chatting with his daughter Molly and watching his
grandchildren frolicking about like a pod of playful young dolphins in the
pool. Molly smiled and waved when she
saw her brother and me. I grinned and waved back relieved to see a familiar
face His father strode towards us. I
could see in a glance that Liam had inherited his height from his father and
even some of his looks to a degree. His
father was more florid of face though, and while his hair had once one been as
dark as his son’s was now was greying giving him a distinguished look. His eyes
were still youthful and filled with mirth. He stretched out his hand in
greeting.
“Tis
a grand thing to finally meet you. My
Molly has been telling us all about you.” His voice seemed to boom. You could easily detect his Irish brogue. His broad hand clasped mine and shook it
firmly. “Though to be sure it’s this harum scarum son of mine that ought to
have been telling his Mother and I about you.” He shot his his eldest son a warm
smile, despite the mild rebuke he’d just given him. “It’s very nice to meet you
as well Mr. Conlin. It was kind of you
to invite me to spend the day with you and the rest of your family.” I added politely. “To be sure think nothing
of it, it’s only fitting we get to know you and you us, for it is a rare thing
indeed that Liam bring home a fetching
young colleen such as yourself.” I could feel the colour rising in my cheeks.
Thankfully Molly came along to join us and
gave her brother and I each a hug in greeting. “I’m so glad you two could come
today. I’ll introduce you to my husband
and the rest of the Conlin clan Lorelei.
Liam why don’t you go grab something drinks for the two of you it’s
hotter than hades out here. I’ll take care of her, and keep Mum and Dad and bay
until you get back. I promise.” She
added as she shooed her big brother into the house. Liam squeezed my hand, and
asked if I had a preference as to the beverage he brought back for me. “No, anything will be fine thanks.” And I
gave him a shy smile. “I’ll be back in
jig time.” And he disappeared into the house. The senior head of the Conlin
clan laughed at his daughters promise to keep he and his wife at bay. “The cheek of you Miss. If this girl plans to make a go of it with
your brother and join this family she’ll learn to hold her own, simple as that.” I smiled back at Mr. Conlin, as I appreciated
his no nonsense manner of not pussyfooting around things. “Now off the two of you go. We’ll chat more later on.”
Molly introduced me to the rest of the
family, I already knew his one niece and nephew and they seemed happy to see me
again, especially little Megan. I was just exchanging some pleasantries with
when Liam arrived and handed me an icy cold glass. “Hope lemonade is okay with you” “Perfect, thank you. “ I said and took a
small sip. Liam held his own glass in
one hand and slipped his arm around my waist with the other. His brother Sean,
who was in the pool with the kid’s flipped him the thumbs up sign and grinned
at him. Liam raised his glass in a silent toast and took a sip of his own
drink. Molly saw us back to the table
where her parents were now relaxing, keeping a watchful eye on all of the
activity going on around them. Liam and
I sat down to join them while Molly politely excused herself, to go get changed
so she could join the others in the pool and cool off a bit.
The ensuing conversation went far better
than I had hoped it would. I had
imagined being I’d be tongued tied, and I wouldn’t be able to hold up my end of
the conversation. I had also feared I
would be interrogated within an inch of my life, which given the fact I was
going to one day be a part of their family was understandable. His father was delighted to discover that I
did have some Irish blood in me on my father’s side my last name of Gallagher
giving that fact away, and that I shared his “own sainted Mother’s name” of
Brigid as one of my middle names was a bonus, my other middle name being
Siobhan. So at least in the elder
Conlins’ eyes the bloodlines would not be too muddied by the inclusion of my
mother’s German heritage.
Despite the fact I told her that I was not of
the Catholic faith, Liam’s Mum seemed to be warming to the idea of me being a
part of Liam’s and thus her life. Liam
and I could still see the hopeful glint in her eye though for booking St.
Michael’s Cathedral and having a formal marriage celebration right down to a
communion mass, as she’d see that I converted, her future grandchildren’s souls
would depend upon it. Liam and I would
ford that stream when we came to it, and just have to weather any ensuing
storms that arose from us sticking to our guns
She slipped in side at one point and
returned with a photo album containing pictures taken of Liam and the family
over the years. Liam winced a bit when
she arrived with it and pulled her chair closer to mine so we could look at it
together. I chucked over photos of him
as a baby. He was a pink cheeked cherub
with those same dark eyes that seemed full of mischief even then and later
photos of him holding Sean and Molly when they were newborns being the doting
big brother. Liam on his first day of
school, dressed in his Cub Scout uniform, on his first Holy Communion looking
like his tie was strangling him and he couldn’t wait to get it off once and for
all. There was page after page of
moments in his life that had been captured in still life within these
photographs.
Only one photo bothered me and that was one
of him in a suit with his arm awkwardly around the shoulder of some teenage
girl in a formal dress and a corsage pinned to whom, looked equally awkward as
they posed for the picture together. It
shouldn’t have bothered me it was long ago and of course I logically knew he’d
had a past and had dated other girls and women long before me, I quickly turned
the page and moved on to pictures of him at his graduations ceremonies from
high school and university. Pictures of
him in his brother and sisters’ wedding photos and mugging for the camera, and
all in all it was a lovely little stroll down memory lane for me as a means of
getting to know Liam even better.
Liam’s Dad chimed in with antidotes of Liam
growing up to help complete the picture for me, like the time he had put a container of mealworms
in the fridge and had labelled it coleslaw much to the horror his mother who
discovered the fact after opening to serve later that day, to the C.W.L. group
that had been meeting there that day.
The kid that had excelled at sports and dreamed of one day playing
professionally, and he told me about the young man that had spent an entire
weekend of his sophomore year of high school teaching his younger sister how to
dance with a boy for her first boy/girl dance.
I heard about the young lad that had to spend an entire summer working
for a neighbour mowing the lawn and running errands to pay off the picture
window he’d broken, when he’s shattered it with a homerun in the back garden.
Also
I was informed of how much of a handful he could be and how he’d been hauled
into see the principal on a regular basis for cutting classes and playing hooky
so he could go off and have a lark with his mates. I wisely held my tongue about that bit of
information as in high school I had taken to disappearing myself in the nicer
weather on Friday afternoons. When
questioned about this I informed the principal of the educational codes which
allowed one to take Friday afternoons to persue religious freedoms and
worship. I merely informed Principal
Richardson that I had taken to worshipping an Egyptian sun god and if he wanted
me he’d find me practicing my religion down on the beach at Port Stanley.
Funny thing of it was he did come and check on
me a couple of times but I had him dead to rights with the facts, so he left me
to my own devices seeing as how I was a good student and basically a good kid
even if I was a bit of a smartie pants at times. Though I kept silent for the time being about
my own youthful indiscretions I figured when and if they ever came out that his
parents would think “serve them right if they have kids of their own one day.” We
laughed and chatted and got to know each other, and the time passed
pleasantly. Eventually it was suggested
that Liam and I get changed and join the rest of the family for a swim and some
fun in the pool before we had dinner.
Liam offered to show me where I could change and give me a tour of the
house as well. I was happy to spend a
few moments alone with him and to get his take on how he thought things were
going.
He
gave me a quick tour of the house, and finally we ended up on the second floor
in his old room where I could get changed for a dip in the pool. I had to smile imagining Liam growing up in
here, the room seemed to suit him and I imagined that it hadn’t changed much
since he had moved out. “You know” he said wrapping his arms around me, “I have
never had a girl in this room before other than my kid sister, my parents would
have gone totally gonzo on me if I had.
So this is a pretty momentous occasion you know.” He said grinning at
me. “Oh really and what do you think an
appropriate celebration for such an occasion would be?” I asked and demurely
batted my eyes at him. “Well” he said, as he stroked his chin with
one hand thoughtfully.
“Making love to you would top the list but
I’ll settle for a kiss since we could end up with an audience at any given
minute.” And with that he embraced me and kissed me, and that warm wonderful
feeling just bubbled up inside of me. As if on cue “Uncle Liam are you up
here?” and the thundering footsteps of children on the stairs could be heard
ascending. “We want you and Auntie
Lorelei to come play with us.” Molly’s voice could be heard trilling. He gave
me one last quick kiss and a cuddle.
“See my Mum is still ever vigilant that I’m never alone with a beautiful
woman up here. Did you also notice Molly
calling you Auntie? I’d say you’re
making a great impression on the family.”
He smiled warmly and gave me one final peck.
“We’re
in here.” He called back to Molly. Soon
her little head popped around the corner into the room, and was soon followed
by Patrick and their three cousins in tow.“Just showing your Auntie Lorelei
where she could change into her bathing suit.
Now let me grab my suit and I’ll get changed and we’ll meet you in the
pool in a couple minutes.” “Okay! Greats, Cools and Race yas” greeted our ears
as they swiftly turned and galloped down the steps and through the house like a
herd of frisky colts. Liam grabbed his suit out of my beach bag along with a
towel which he casually tossed over his shoulder. “Sure you don’t want me to stay and help you
change? I’ve gotten really good at
unclasping bra hooks lately.” He said grinning at me.
“Nope I’m good thanks, but I’ll take a rain
check for later tonight, if you don’t mind.” I added giving him a soft
smile. “Okay sounds good to me, but I’m
still giving you one last chance about giving you a helping hand now. I bet I
could do some amazing things applying your sunscreen for you if you are so
inclined to allow me to be of assistance.” And he gave me a sultry smile. “Out!”
I blurted, trying to sound stern, and giving him a little push towards the
door. He just laughed and shut the door behind him, saying “I’ll meet you in
the pool come down when you’re ready. I quickly stripped down and slipped into
my swim suit. I folded my clothes and
left them in a neat pile on top of the bed to slip change back into later,
grabbed my beach towel tucked in under my arm.
A quick check in the mirror over the dresser and I was ready to join the
rest of them in the pool.I felt a bit self-conscious wandering through the
house alone as I made my way back outside. I arrived just in time to see Liam
dive into the pool amid the cheers and laughter of his nieces and nephews.
After
swimming to the end of the pool I surfaced only to see Lorelei emerging from
the house in her swimsuit. I couldn’t
believe it, I’d always been a fan of the lovely ladies on Baywatch and now I
had my own bathing beauty. She looked stunning
in her one piece red bathing suit. I could just imagine her running along the
sandy, sun soaked beaches, the summer breezes catching her tresses At the present time though I was just happy
that I was submerged in cool water and that I had a roomy pair of swim trunks
on as opposed to form fitting speedos on.
That beautiful woman of mine never ceased to stimulate me. She headed
over to the pool and took one look at me, climbed to the top of the slide and
to the kids delight came sailing down and into the depths of the pool and
popped up breaking the surface of the water and laughing. I loved seeing the playful kid inside of her
that more often than not lurked just beneath her surface. It was also great to know she wasn’t afraid
to let loose and show that side of her personality in front on my family.
The
afternoon wore on as we played games like Marco Polo with the kids. It was
great interacting with my nieces and nephews and they definitely all seemed to
be taking a shine to Lorelei. I saw Dad lighting the grill to preheat it to
make dinner so I figured I’d get out and offer to help get dinner ready to
go. Lorelei realizing what time it was
followed suit and got out of the pool as well, and began to towel off. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t’ just a
little envious of the fact and wished that I could be the one that was drying
her off, rubbing that towel over her beautiful body and sensuous curves.
Lorelei wrapped the towel around her and
slipped upstairs to my old room to get dressed.
I found her in the kitchen with my Mum and the rest of the ladies when I
came in to grab the platters of burgers, sausages and chicken legs that were going
to soon be sizzling on the grill. I
offered to come back and keep her company but she just reached up and gave me
an affectionate little kiss on the cheek, but said she was just fine and
catching up on the craic with the rest of the girls, and shooed me off. I got
my Mum’s eye and she was smiling at her usage of the Irish term for some polite
gossip. Obviously Lorelei was just fine
left to her own devices so I carried on and joined the boys and the kids
outside.
The laughter and banter of female voices
wafted outside to my ears through the screen door, I felt much pretty relaxed
and confident knowing things were going so well between Lor and my female
relations. Meanwhile I took some good natured ribbing from my Dad and the rest
of them about how soon it would be before I joined their club and became one of
the old married guys. I guessed it was
clearly evident to everyone I loved her and was planning on keeping her around.
Soon the screen door slid open and my Mum appeared with a tray filled with paper
plates, napkins, cutlery and condiments. Quickly followed by the rest of the
lovely ladies in my life who had bowls of various salads, and various other
fare for us all to enjoy.
Dad
and I loaded platters with the sizzling grilled meats and we brought it over to
together. Lorelei and I managed to slip in beside each
other and Meagan wedged herself in between her new “Auntie” and her mother. Platters
and bowls were passed in quick turn, and with the adults helping the younger
ones if they required it. It was a
boisterous group that was filled with laughter and animated chatter. I had always enjoyed these informal little get
togethers with my family, but now I knew they’d have even more meaning to me
with the inclusion of my Lorelei. We all had voracious appetites after all the
fresh air and exercise and soon the bowls and platters were quickly diminished.
We all pitched in and soon the table was cleared and ready for the desserts. There was a platter of freshly sliced fruits,
one of my Mums homemade pies, along with the cookies, and other goodies that
Lorelei and I had brought with us. I was
in heaven with the selection before me and so was everyone else.
Meagan noticed me eyeing the last brownie on the
tray and with one swift movement grabbed it.
She smiled at me as she broke it in half and handed me half. “These are
really yummy but Mommy always tells me that sharing is caring. So I’ll share with you Uncle Liam.” I thanked
her and popped the tasty morsel into my mouth. The chatter died down as the
cleanup process began in earnest. The kids ran about playing tag and tossing
Frisbees about. Dad scraped down the grill, and we all helped carry dishes back
into the house and do the washing up.
Everything was neat as a pin when we finished. The adults gathered
outside once more and continued to chat while the kids continued with their
games. Eventually it was time to head
out to respective homes though, and towels and bathing suits were gathered
up. Dishes were claimed and readied to
cart home once more. Children were
herded up and ushered out to parked cars in the driveway. Hugs were exchanged and
promises to get together again soon were exchanged. Then we were off and running
waving good bye to my parents who stood in the drive waving their own farewells
to us.
As I
drove down the street I could see my Mum still waving and blowing kisses in my
rear view mirror. “So I think that went
pretty well, how about you?” I finally said now that it was just the two of us
once more. “Your family are lovely Liam and it was so nice of them all to make
me feel so welcome. It meant a lot to
me.” She added softly as she rested her hand on my thigh and gave it an
affectionate squeeze. “You made a great impression on them as well with the way
you engaged the kids and joined in their silly games with them. Even the way you made yourself at home and
pitched in with things goes along way with them.” I responded. “I’m pretty sure you’ve got my parents
blessings as well. Mum doesn’t drag out
the family photo albums for just anyone.”“So you think I’ve gotten the Conlin
Family seal of approval do you?” I inquired.
She knew from the warmth of his eyes and the smile on his lips that I
had in fact done just that. I snuggled in the best that I could with the
restrictions of the seat belt and we remained like that until we pulled into
the garage at the house.
We unloaded the car and headed in. Barclay was lying in wait for us and true to
form bounced, demanding some cuddles of his own. Liam put things away and I filled up Barclays
food dishes and gave him some cuddles and scratches around his ears and under
his chin to placate him for our long absence.
Liam suggested we go outside and
talk over the day’s events. It was a
beautiful night out. The sky was inky
black now but was magical with the stars scattered across it like so many
dazzling little crystals. We ended up stretched out on the lawn together. Feeling the grass beneath us, and the scent
of the earth was relaxing and grounding after our day together with his
family. I rested my head on his shoulder
and he slipped his arm around me and drew me close. He kissed my brow and we
lay there in companionable silence.
Somehow I had this feeling that talking over the day’s events would only
be a small part of our time out here under the stars.
The Tale shall be continued, just click on the "chapters" button up on the top right for more!
while you are awaiting the next installment and you've enjoyed what you've read so far,
you will also love this page of short stories of love!
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