Title: Where The Heart Is: Sequel to Returning Home
Author:
phoenix_cry &
virkatjolRating/s | Content: NC-17, mostly PG-13
Pairing/s | Character/s: Richard/Kahlan, George/Mary Cypher
Word Count: 20,800
Summary: Takes place right after
Returning Home. Kahlan and Ricahrd head back to Aydindril.
Warnings: Sex, angst, Babbies.
Author's Notes:
virkatjol A/N: I <3 Writing with
Phoenix_cry she’s the reason I write Smut! IDK if everyone should curse her or thank her! hahah I owe her for getting me to write. Being brave enough to begin this journey which has completely spiraled out of control for me hahaha. *GLOMPS*
phoenix-cry A/N: I must admit that there were some rough patches for me, while trying to write this (stupid, stupid writer's block *glares*), but despite those, I had a great time working with
virkatjol again. I just love writing fic with her. I don't have to tell you that she's awesome, right? Anyways, I hope you enjoy the ride, just as much as K enjoys riding R...Eh, what?
Yeah, well, have fun, guys. ;-)
Chapter 4
The continued tugging and brushing through her hair nearly lulled Kahlan back to sleep. She did not get enough of it last night, although it was mostly her own fault. And Richard's. She just couldn't keep her hands off him. He was just too attractive for his own good.
Her eyes closed without her really noticing and an especially sharp tug on her hair let them snap back open.
“Don't fall asleep on us now, dear. Or do you want us to carry you to your wedding?” Mary teased and added under her breath, “You should have just stopped after the second round last night.”
Despite her soft tone, Kahlan caught her words anyways and blushed furiously.
“That's a nice color on you, Kahlan!” Emma laughed and so did her daughter, Laura.
Kahlan just growled at them playfully and forced her eyes to stay open. Watching herself in the mirror, she observed how the women braided white and light-blue flowers into her hair. The blue matched her eyes perfectly.
She was grateful that they were so eager to help her. She wanted to look pretty for Richard and didn't know if she could have managed something like that on her own.
Some strands of her wavy hair were pulled back, framing the rest of her locks cascading down over her white confessor's dress. She had not been wearing that dress since Aydindril and since they had decided to remember the day they had first met, she thought it was only fitting to wear it today.
“There,” Mary announced. “All done. What do you think?”
Kahlan half turned, trying to get as much of a glimpse of her hair as she could. What she saw let a smile break out on her lips. “I love it. Thank you so much.”
Scattered throughout her tresses, the flowers set a nice contrast to her dark hair and accentuating her eyes.
“It's nearly time anyways. We better get moving soon, if we don't want to miss the wedding.” Emma joked, grasping Kahlan's hand and helping her up from her chair.
The bride smiled in thanks. “Let's go get married.”
- - -
Turning again to retrace his steps, Richard took another deep breath.
“Son, all that pacing won't help. It won't get her here faster.”
Richard cast an annoyed look in his father's direction, but chose to ignore the comment. Turning once more, he was about to resume his pacing, when his breath caught instead.
She was a vision to behold. Walking, no, gliding through the sun drenched trees, her white dress sparkled in the rays, her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and little flowers glittered in her hair.
He had to remind himself to breathe. And to blink.
He noticed he was staring.
“Lucky bastard,” Chase's baritone murmured beside him, but sounded miles away at the same time.
Richard’s heart caught in his throat. There she was, getting ready to marry him. She was going to be his in every way. He watched her every move, the bright smile on her face, the way she walked slowly down the path towards him. Her blue eyes were sparkling and he could feel the love for him radiating in their gaze. He thought that there might be a little moisture gathering, but that might be his vision that was becoming blurry with such strong emotion.
George escorted Kahlan down the aisle; he knew that he was beaming with pride. When they both arrived in front of Richard and the minister, George kissed her hand and then placed it in his sons. He went to stand by his wife, placing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. He could see that her eyes were already brimming with tears. Reaching into his pocket he handed her the handkerchief he’d brought because he knew she’d be weeping with joy. It was starting earlier then he’d anticipated, however.
Kahlan was delighted to finally reach her love. His hands were warm over hers and the pounding in her ears increased in volume. Her cheeks were aching from smiling so much. Their eyes hadn’t left each other’s since she’d walked into his line of vision. She knew others were there, but she didn’t notice them. The tears she saw in his eyes, matched her own. Neither of them had dared to hope for this day, yet here it was. The minister began the ceremony. She heard his voice, but didn’t understand the words. Her body and lips performed the actions asked of her. She spoke her vows and when Richard answered with his, she felt wetness track down her cheek.
He was in a daze, and could tell that Kahlan was in that same bubble that only included the two of them. They exchanged rings and after he put hers on her finger, he kissed it, and saw another tear escape down her face. The minister had them repeat more words, then the words he’d been anticipating all day long.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The minister smiled and continued, “You may kiss the bride.”
Not waiting, Kahlan broke tradition and moved in to kiss him, her hand gripping his hair and pulling his mouth to hers. His mouth was opened in surprise at having his job stolen from him. Perfect, she thought, as she entered his lips with her tongue. She didn’t care who was watching, she just wanted their union to be sealed with the amount of passion she felt for him, and that required the deepest kiss she could give, at least while clothed.
They broke apart and everyone applauded. Richard could see his mom was crying steadily and he swore he saw his dad shed a tear. Zedd had a huge smile across his face and all of Chase’s children were jumping up and down and cheering. Everyone was so happy for them. It touched Richard and looking at his wife, he could see that she was overjoyed by the reactions. He couldn’t believe that he could call her that now, wife, and it blew him away. Every time he didn’t think he could love her more, it happened. He led her towards the guests and his mother was the first to rush over and enfold them in her arms.
Everyone took turns congratulating them, and Kahlan’s cheeks were pink with her happy blush at all the attention, with many lips trying to place a kiss upon them. She’d never felt so welcome and so loved in all her life. When they made it though the short line of guests, Richard pulled her into his side, kissing her temple.
“I love you, so very much, wife.” He whispered in her ear.
Her head whipped around and locked her eyes on his. “It feels good to be your wife.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I love you too, husband. That’s something I never thought I’d be lucky enough to say to anyone.”
“I’m glad that you aren’t saying it to anyone else.” Richard chuckled and squeezed her to him. He placed his forehead to hers, squishing their noses together. “You’re mine. For now and forever, you’ll only belong to me. I’ve never been happier about anything, I’m sure that this day is the best day of my life. The day that bonded me to you, for all eternity.”
She kissed his mouth again, wanting to feel the connection to him. She loved this man more than she’d ever loved anything or anyone. Her lips tickled his with the light, soft pressure, just wanting a sweet, chaste, loving kiss. The contact was short but meaningful and she giggled when she pulled back. Kahlan was so happy that it was bubbling out and she couldn’t hold back the roll of joyful laughter. Richard joined in and soon everyone in the clearing was chuckling heartily with the happy couple.
“Lets go back to the house and celebrate!” Chase yelled and everyone agreed with rousing “Ayes”. The group began the descent to the house where supper was simmering and the real festivities could begin.
Richard and Kahlan walked hand in hand down to the house until she suddenly barked out a laugh and released him. She giggled again at the confused expression, then much to his surprise she circled around to his back and leapt on.
“I want a ride back, please.” She requested, her legs locking around his waist and arms encircling his neck. Chin resting on his shoulder, she kissed his ear and whispered, “Just like you’re going to want to ride me all night.” She thought she heard him choke and checked her grip, but her hands weren’t interfering with his breathing.
Both of them enjoyed the closeness on the way back with Richard hauling her home, and he supposed that this was one method of carrying her over the threshold. Why should they be conventional? He joked about being her pack mule and other things on the way back, so happy just to be together. When the house was in sight he could see someone standing by the door. He heard Kahlan’s sharp intake of breath and knew it couldn’t be good.