Chapter 11
For the first time in eleven days, Hannah was alone. By herself.
Alone in her own space. Without Samuel being nearby.
Alone with her thoughts. Which were conflicting.
It would be an understatement to say she was overwhelmed. As she had left for the retreat, which seemed like a lifetime ago, she never imagined how much her life would change. In many ways Hannah didn’t feel like she was the same person. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to her. This is what happened when she was in Samuel’s orbit.
The last several days had felt like a dream. A beautiful one, in which she didn’t have to think about anyone besides herself and her new husband. Except for their disagreement the previous night. Everything had been blissful. It had all been so liberating.
Their getaway was over now. The weight of exceptions returned the moment they drove away from the cottage and only increased the closer they got to her apartment. Hannah was now wide awake. The full weight of their rash decision was crushing down on her.
On the way back, they received a message. The board… well, Brother White, insisted that the newlyweds meet with the board right away.
“Nope, that isn’t going to happen. When we left, nothing was scheduled. We can meet with them in a few days. It’s an unreasonable request for us to return, then head directly into a meeting.”
While Hannah understood Samuel’s sentiment. She didn’t like to make waves. Especially with the board. Brother White tended to be a thorn in one’s side when he didn’t get his way. “They probably want to discuss us getting married. I think we should just get it over with.”
“We are already married, and there isn’t a thing they can do about it. They can wait. We will be busy getting settled in.”
Hannah looked around her room. There was no visible progress because she had been so deep in thought. She was supposed to be cataloging what she needed to take with her immediately versus what she would return for later. She needed to get a move on. Samuel had gone off to purchase packing materials and would be back shortly. The last thing she wanted was for him to get back to find she had made no progress.
A lot of her things were in storage. Her heart hadn’t really been into making this space her own. Once she focused on the task at hand, it didn’t take her long to decide what she needed to take with her, come back for, put in storage with her other things, or just donate. A lot of her clothing no longer fit her. She would definitely need to purchase some new outfits.
As a result of its starkness, the place reminded her of a bachelor pad. Especially the kitchen. The small appliances were comprised of a kettle, toaster, can opener, and a toaster oven. The cupboards were bare. Hannah wasn’t much of a cook.
Samuel had done most of the cooking without a word of complaint while they were away. Unlike her, he was an excellent cook. She could put food together. Which was why her sister called her the ‘Casserole Queen’. Lisabeth wasn’t wrong. Putting together a tasty, hearty casserole was the extent of her culinary skills. She’d told him as much. “I don’t think we’ll starve. I’m happy to keep us fed, and I enjoy casseroles.” He seemed to have an easy answer for everything. It was a quality she admired about him but also found irksome. Either way, Hannah had to get used to him and his quirks.
After a few hours, she found that she missed him being around. She chalked her feelings up to all the time they had just spent together. Despite this, she resisted the urge to text him and see how he was doing. This wasn’t like her. What had Samuel done to her in such a short time? Whatever it is, I kind of like it. She admitted to herself.
“What has you smiling like that?” She practically jumped out of her skin when he suddenly appeared. Hannah gasped as she clutched her chest. She’d given him the key to her place, so she should have expected him back at any time. His smile faded as worry contorted his features. “Sorry Jagiya. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay. I was just lost in my thoughts.” As she spoke, Samuel closed the gap between them. His hands wrapped around her arms. In that moment, the warmth of his touch and his gaze released a thousand butterflies inside of her. Their delicate wings created a whirlwind of anticipation. Why did it feel like it was forever since he kissed her? Luckily, she didn’t have to wait any longer. His mouth crashed with hers, claiming her in that way that made her heart race. As their lips melded together, a surge of passion and desire consumed her, igniting a fire within her core. His tongue stroked hers, sending an electric pulse throughout her body, straight to her clit.
Hannah whimpered into his mouth. He responded by pulling her closer, suckling her tongue. Her clit throbbed. Longing for his touch. She felt his length harden as he ground into her. He cupped her ass. Then she experienced a moment of sheer panic as he lifted her off her feet. Her heart hammered as she broke the kiss. “Oh, goodness.” She exclaimed.
“You’re fine. I’ve got you.” How? She thought. Hannah wasn’t a small woman, and Samuel, while strong, was of medium muscular build. Those muscles were more impressive than she thought because he hadn’t broken a sweat. Instead, he just winked at her. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”
There was a part of her which thought, once they returned to regular life, that their passion would cool. Hannah had never been so pleased to be wrong in her life. With her following direction, he had them in her bedroom in no time. After depositing her onto the bed, Samuel didn’t waste time undressing her. He hiked up her skirt, then slid her panties off. She hummed in appreciation as he freed his hardened length.
“Tell me what you need,” He ordered as he gripped his cock.
If Hannah had learned anything over the last few days, it was that she could be vocal about her desires. It was a new, liberating experience. Part of her worried that her newly discovered voice would disappear when she returned home. However, she found when faced with her overwhelming desire and the visual he presented it was a non-issue. “I need you to fill me.”
Samuel nodded, and without a word, joined her. Never breaking eye contact, he slowly filled her core, stretching her. Her walls squeezed him in greeting. She loved the feel of him moving inside her. “I’ll never get enough of you.” He vowed as he stroked inside. She felt so connected to him. Their union was a thing of passion, and heart filling beauty.
It was a tangible bond that went deeper than physical intimacy. She couldn’t quite put into words the profound emotional connection they shared, but she knew it was something truly special and irreplaceable. If she was being honest, it scared her a little. Hannah never imagined two people could bond so well.
He slowed his movement. “Stay with me, Jagiya.” He pleaded.
“Yes, of course.” She nodded as her breath hitched. Her thoughts could wait. Hannah wanted to indulge in the moment. An immersive feeling of passion was created by everything, from their bodies joining together to their heartbeats and laboured breaths synchronizing. Their union felt so right.
His thumb teased her slickened pearl, until the now familiar heat blossomed in her belly, exploding warmth through her entire body.
“You are so beautiful when you come.” Samuel praised, following her in blissful release. “Jagiya,” he called as her walls massaged his length as he poured his essence into her. He repositioned them, so she lay on his chest. Neither of them spoke for a few moments, as their heart rates found their regular cadence.
They must have drifted off, because when her eyes fluttered open. The room was much darker. Samuel still held her, but their positions were different. Her nether regions didn’t feel sticky. He must have cleaned her up. She thanked him and was given a sweet kiss.
“We can order in and stay here tonight.” Samuel suggested.
“I think that’s the perfect idea.” She agreed.
Their first night hadn’t gone to plan, but Hannah couldn’t find a thing to complain about. The fact that she spent the night in a familiar place was a good way to continue building their bond.
The following morning, Samuel went out to grab them breakfast. She received a text moments before his return, that his brother would accompany him back. Thankfully, she was already showered and dressed.
Despite knowing Daniel from Little Shepherds and attending community meetings together as spiritual leaders, Hannah didn’t know what to expect when she met him as a brother-in-law. The quiet, stoic persona he displayed to the world did not extend to his family. He welcomed her with open arms. Literally. “Welcome to the family, sister.”
The brothers bantered back and forth about how much effort the other was giving. However, neither man allowed her to lift anything. It was amazing to her that the brothers got so much work done with all that talking and teasing. By noon, they had not only moved the items she didn’t want into storage; they had disposed of what she didn’t want and moved her into Samuel’s place. He had not given an accurate description of his home. It was a warm, inviting space. Not at all what she was expecting. She told him as much.
“This place is so beautiful.” She whispered to Samuel.
He laughed. “You sound surprised.”
“Of course she does. You don’t give off the Suzy Homemaker vibe.” Daniel contributed to the conversation as he walked past them on the way to the washroom. Samuel gave his brother a death glare, but Daniel’s description was spot on. Her husband’s home wasn’t some glorified bachelor pad. It was far from it. The décor, while masculine with dark colours, was mature and inviting. There wasn’t a black leather couch in sight. His kitchen looked like he spent a great deal of time in it. He even had plants scattered around the place. All of which looked healthy.
Hannah especially loved his room. There was a lot of natural light, but he assured her they could block it out when needed. While she was in his room arranging her things, she overheard the brothers. She couldn’t help but smile. Two otherwise mature men sounding like children.
“So, we are done?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, thank you for all your help. We will see you later.” Her husband told him.
“Later?” Daniel questioned.
“Yes, for dinner at Omma and Abeoji’s.”
“Yes, I know we are all having dinner, but what about my lunch?”
“Go get some,” Samuel countered.
“I gave you my physical labour. You are supposed to reward me with pizza. I’d like the mushroom pizza from Ferrolli’s.”
“I’m not buying you any pizza. Much less gourmet pizza. Go home.”
“Yeah, you are. Otherwise I will tell Omma.”
“Are you a child?”
“No. I’m hungry. Fine, I won”t tell Omma. I will just tell my new sister how you are treating me. Hannah! Hannah!” He yelled. She stifled her laughter.
“Stop all that screaming in my house. Fine, I’ll get you the stupid pizza.”
“And bread sticks?—”
“Yeah, and I have just the place to put them.”
Hannah giggled at their antics. Despite the way they teased each other, she could tell the brothers shared a good relationship. It made her feel warm, the way Daniel instantly treated her like family.
“I’ll see you two later.” Daniel called. He took his time leaving, despite the death glares his brother sent him. After his last bite, his brother practically pushed him out the door. It seemed to only make Daniel move slower.
“Finally, we are alone.” Samuel declared. He looked wolfish. Like he was ready to devour her, but that would have to wait.
“We need to head to the store, so I can pick up something to take to your family’s house.”
“You don’t need to.” He told her as he circled her waist and placed a kiss on her neck. Hannah quickly pulled out of his hold.
“Of course I do. I’m going to meet your parents.”
“You’ve already met my parents. It isn’t a big deal.” He reached for her hand, and she pulled away.
“Samuel! There is no way I’m showing up empty-handed to your parents” house.”
“Fine,” he groaned.
Hannah was glad she insisted on getting them a gift. Also, she had taken care to select her outfit. She’d asked her husband what she should wear to meet his parents. “It doesn’t matter. Just be comfortable.” He’d instructed. He was of no help to her. So, she asked. “Well, what are you wearing?”
“Jeans and a dress shirt.” She couldn’t bring herself to dress that casually to meet his parents. Instead, she selected a navy-blue maxi dress with a matching bolero jacket. They looked like ‘that couple’, their outfits matched in colour. It made her wonder if it was too much the entire ride to his parents’ place. Hannah had been praying about it for years. She struggled deeply with what others and the Lord thought about… well, everything about her. She wished she could be more like her new husband. The man moved through life unaffected by what others thought.
As they pulled up to the Cho’s house, she noticed several vehicles parked in the driveway. It made her feel apprehensive. “Are your parents expecting other guests besides us and your brother’s family?”
“Not that I am aware of.” He shrugged. She had prepared herself to spend time with the immediate family. Not tons of people. Hannah willed herself to relax. It wasn’t working. Samuel opened the car door for her. He took her hand and helped her out. They didn’t head inside right away. He cupped her jaw. “Everything will be just fine. You have nothing, and I mean nothing, to worry about. They will adore you.”
With those few words, Samuel accomplished what she couldn’t with her self-talk. A wave of reassurance washed over her. He pressed a kiss to her temple, and she was ready for the evening.
Samuel’s mother and father greeted them at the door. Both were warm and welcoming. His mother had drawn her into a tight hug. “I’m so glad to have another daughter.” It was so much more than Hannah had hoped for.
Everything was so much more. As it turned out it wasn’t a little gathering. Somehow their mothers had gotten a hold of each other. The gathering was more of an intimate reception celebrating their nuptials. Both their parents, siblings and their families, a few aunts, and uncles, were in attendance. Even her godmother and a few close family friends attended.
When she received the invitation, Hannah was concerned her parents would feel badly that the Chos would host them first. However, her mother had seemed unbothered. It had made Hannah feel like her mother hadn’t cared. Hannah should have known better. Their mothers looked thick as thieves. They had reached out to each other and planned a beautiful evening.
The two had even ordered a wedding cake. It came in two flavours, his favourite and hers. The lemon cake and mousse complimented the apricot beautifully. Just like their families did. Hannah couldn’t be happier with how the night turned out. She even got to have a formal dance with her husband.