Ann: A Love Story Ch. 97

"That must have been expensive."

"I suppose, but I'm sure he helped her out with a discount. Anyway, that's what we were doing during the reception."

"What?"

"Remember? Tina told you she didn't want to miss what we were doing, and it was a surprise? Missy had me open the gift in the back room, and then she put it on me."

"You're kidding."

"Nope. Tina had all the girls that were at the bachelorette party come back to watch Missy do it. Dana and Billie came back too. Oh, and so did Rebecca," she giggled.

"Rebecca?" I said, shocked that she mentioned my brother's wife.

"She's my new sister-in-law, Neil. I didn't want to leave her out."

"What about Shelly? She's your sister-in-law too," I said of her brother's wife.

"Yeah, well... she also tries to compete with me. You know that. I decided I'd rather have one up on her. Besides, I wanted Rebecca to feel a part of the fun. She really loved it."

Ann's revelations started to sink in. Like a light going on over my head, I blurted, "Wait... so does that mean Dawn was there?"

Winking, she nodded, "I just told you, baby, if they were at the bachelorette party, they were in the back watching."

"Is... is that all Missy did?"

"I didn't do anything sexual, Neil. Although I did let Rose take a few photos for our X-rated wedding album."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As amazing as that was, Ann wasn't even thinking about the talk we shared on our drive back to her family home that Sunday. As we sat in the plaza restaurant, it was what happened once we got to her that made her go silent as we ate, a wistful smile coming to her face.

"You're thinking about the presents again, aren't you?" I nodded, knowing before I asked that I was right.

She got a little misty, the emotion of the moment coming back to her. "Yes. It's still kind of hard to believe, you know?"

"Yeah, I do."

We'd dropped Tina off, actually helping her into her home, making sure she was comfortable. At first she protested, wanting to come to the gift opening celebration. She'd said it was part of her job as maid of honor to write down what we got from whom. But Ann and I both knew she wasn't up to it. She was sore and exhausted, her body needing time to rest up and heal. Alex hadn't hurt her, at least not permanently. But he'd definitely tested her limits.

Knowing the way she normally liked her sex, it wasn't hard for me to believe that she wanted to be pushed hard when it came to bondage. In fact, I could actually envision her begging for it, the need to live, breathe and feel the experience firsthand driving her to plead for more.

She took off her pants, showing stripe marks on her beautiful bare ass; leftover reminders that she'd been whipped. Her blissful grin as she crawled gingerly under the covers made Ann moan. "I kind of wish that was me, Tina," I heard her whisper as she leaned down to give her tired friend a sweet, tender kiss.

"Take off the clamps, Ann," she requested, carefully pulling her shirt up, exposing her breasts. They were reddened and raw; rope marks deep in her skin from where they'd been bound tightly. There were hickies all over them; Alex obviously leaving his mark behind on purpose. Her nipples were swollen and slightly chafed, the teeth of the clamps distorting their natural shape.

"Maybe I should let you keep them."

"No. They're yours. I'll get with Nancy to find out where she got them."

"I'm pretty sure we both know where that is," Ann giggled, thinking about the sex shop they loved to frequent together.

"All the more reason for you to take them. I know where to get my own."

Ann reached down and pressed both of the clamps at the same time, opening the biting teeth. Tina emitted a low scream as the blood flowed into her abused buds, making them throb in pain.

"FUCK... that feels so fucking good," she seethed, her eyes wild with desire. "You mind reaching into my drawer and getting my dildo for me, Neil?"

I did as she asked; handing her the same model Ann had become rather famous for endorsing, at least with her friends. "Here you go."

Reaching underneath the sheets, she grimaced as she rubbed it along her pussy. "Thanks guys. Have a good time," she said, leaning back and closing her eyes. A gasp escaped her beautiful mouth as she eased the thick rubber dick inside her.

"You too," I grinned as we turned to leave.

Ten minutes later we were at the Franklins', a small group of people on hand to watch us open the normal wedding gifts we'd received. In addition my parents and Ann's, there was my brother Gene and his wife Rebecca, as well as Matt and Maria. But that was it. Everyone else had left after the wedding. Not that we'd expected anyone to stick around just for us to come back to open the gifts. We wanted to limit the number of people, mainly because we wanted to be able to relax.

And we did, at least to start. We took our time, opening presents along with the attached cards. Maria took Tina's role, writing down each gift in a little book so we'd have a record. Ann wanted to hand write thank you cards, and she wanted them to be personal. Knowing her, I had no doubt they'd end up being the most important cards she'd ever send. Personal to her meant personal.

We got a lot of the standard fare: pots and pans, Tupperware, tons of place settings and silverware. There were a few small appliances, including a huge Crockpot that had Ann practically giddy with excitement. And there were towels and linens galore. Most of the items that were on our registry list were there, all of them greatly needed and appreciated.

But it was the envelopes that changed the mood in the room. Sure, we both expected some of our guests to simply give us cash. Well, checks. And those were obviously just as appreciated. But when we got to the last couple, it became rather evident that something was up. First because we didn't know they existed. We thought we'd finished opening all the presents, but there was Matt, his affectionate grin spreading among the rest of those gathered as if it were contagious.

"What are you smiling about?" Ann asked.

"Yeah, wipe that goofy grin off your face," I kidded, wondering why he looked so... well, brotherly all of a sudden. We could both see the love he had for us in his eyes.

"Sorry. I can't help it. I love seeing you two together."

"Sure you do."

"I DO," he chuckled, "Are you doubting my sincerity?"

"Yes I am, Matthew. I've seen that look before, many times. What are you up to?" Ann demanded, sounding just like she must have hundreds of times when she was babysitting him and Maria when they were little.

Reaching into the inside pocket of his coat hanging on the back of his chair, he shook his head. "You always could tell, couldn't you, Ann?"

"What are those?" I asked, looking at the two envelopes he was holding.

"The last of your gifts. I was asked to kind of save these until the end. I hope you don't mind." He handed me the first one, which was rather thick, saying, "You're supposed to open this one, Neil."

I slowly opened the envelope, pulling out the card to read. It was the traditional wedding variety, congratulating the happy couple. But it wasn't signed. Instead, there were two other envelopes inside. One was a rather small, and I knew it contained some kind of note. The other was one of those special envelopes designed to put money or checks inside.

Opening the smaller one, I unfolded the paper, surprised at how big it was. "Read it out loud, baby," Ann said, not wanting to be left out.

"Okay," I replied, taking a deep breath as I looked at the perfect penmanship printed on the paper.

Dear Ann and Neil,

Tara and I can't thank you enough for letting us be a part of your wedding. It was such a wonderful blessing just being invited. That we ended up being able to play at your reception turned into one of the great joys of our marriage. We were able to reconnect with some very dear friends, and reignite a passion we both have felt has been missing in our lives.

Getting back together with the band had been an unfulfilled dream of ours for years. We wanted to do it, but never had a good enough reason to drop everything and try. Somehow, just inviting us to share in your day set things in motion in a way that we not only got to live out that dream once again, now we're looking for ways to keep playing. We're not going to start touring, but we are definitely going to do more live performances together in the future. Tara already has two lined up.

We also wanted to let you know that there's a wrong that we feel horribly about; one that I can no longer wait to make right, and Tara agrees with me. This wouldn't be necessary if I had paid more attention to what was going on in your department and done my job at the time. I can't help but feel that you've already forgiven me, Neil. That's just who you are, and why we both care for you and Ann so much. Yet that doesn't mean I don't feel obligated to make up for it.

Please accept our gift for how it is intended. It's not only to show you how we feel about you both, it's also our way of helping you get off to the financial start you would have had if my company had taken care of you the way we should have from the start.

Thanks again for letting us rock your wedding.

Geoff and Tara Beck

Ann and I stared at each other in disbelief. She reached over and touched my arm, my fingers trembling as I held the other envelope "What do you think is in there?" she asked.

"Only one way to find out," I shrugged as I opened it. Pulling out a personal check, my mouth fell open. "Oh my God," I whispered.

Showing it to Ann, her hand covered her mouth, her gasp followed by a nervous giggle. "Is that REAL?" she screamed.

It was. The Becks had written us a check for twenty-five thousand dollars, the notation in the bottom corner saying it was just a wedding gift. Everyone in the room seemed to already know what it was, because they weren't surprised. At least they didn't act like it. Instead, they were all beaming.

Looking at my dad, he simply nodded and said, "Geoff felt bad about not knowing you were never on salary when you should have been. When he told Tara, she said he needed to do something about it."

"But Dad... this is twenty-five grand!"

"I know, son. But when you think about it, that's about what it would have been."

"What?"

"It's back pay, plus interest. Plus a little extra from him and Tara for what the wedding gift would be."

"I can't believe this is real," Ann said as she looked at the check, feeling the edge like she thought it might be a fake or something.

"It is," Matt grinned. "And so is this one." He handed Ann the other envelope, and she kind of pointed at herself like she was shocked he was giving it to her. "Yes... you're supposed to open that one."

She looked at it with a nervous smile. "I'm scared to open it, Neil."

"I'm sure it's going to be fine, babe."

She opened the wedding card, seeing it was similar to the one I'd opened. But instead of two envelopes inside, there weren't any at all. There was just a folded piece of elegant stationary inside. She opened it to see it was handwritten as well, the beautiful cursive strokes of the pen etched in black ink. Clearing her throat, she started to read.

Congratulations Ann and Neil,

Since we first met, you've been such an inspiration to both of us. The joy you bring with you everywhere you go, the way you take each encounter and make it personal and special; those things rub off on everyone you meet, including us. We're so grateful to be able to call you true friends.

We know you're going to have an amazing life together, filled with love, happiness, and yes, many more moments of naughtiness. However, in any life there are bound to be struggles and worries. While we know you'll get through those times because of the way you love and trust each other, we'd like to take away one of the future burdens before it happens, just to make things a little easier.

Ann, you once mentioned to me that you want children someday, even saying that you would likely only have two. So, we're going to go with that to start. Todd and I are setting up two college trust funds. If you change your mind and end up having more children, just let us know and we'll take care of them too. For now, rest assured that whenever you decide to start your family, education will be taken care of.

We realize it's an unconventional gift, but most people only look at the short term, and you two are very different in that regard. You seem to always think of the bigger picture. It was that outlook that helped us become friends in the first place. We're so grateful for that, and to have you both in our lives.

Love,

Todd and Gracie

P.S. In the unlikely event that you change your mind and decide not to have children, the trust funds would become your retirement when you reach that age. Either way, we're looking at this as a loving investment in you and your family. Enjoy!

Ann burst into tears, the emotion of it all catching up with her quickly. I was right there with her, the tears rolling down my cheeks as I held her in my arms.

"I can't believe this, Neil. It's all too much. We can't accept all of this."

I was about to agree when Marlin sat down next to his daughter, patting her on her leg.

"Sweetie, I know this is a lot to process right now. Believe me, all of us were amazed when we first found out about the generosity of the Becks and the Armstrongs after you left last night... but they were genuine in wanting to give these gifts to you. Don't insult them by thinking it's too much, or that you shouldn't take it."

"But, Dad --"

"Anna, I'm so proud of you. You're an amazing daughter; you've married an amazing man. Both of you have always been so incredible about giving of yourselves to others. It's one of the many things we all love about you. But can I give you a piece of advice?"

"Well, sure."

"Remember that it's okay to receive too."

"What?"

"I know we always taught you that it's better to give than to receive. I'm sure Neil was taught that too. But you know what... there comes a time when you have to be humble, and let the people that love you give back."

"Yeah Dad, but this is soooo much. It's TOO much."

"Says who? I'm sure that they don't think so. Otherwise they wouldn't have done it. Besides, they wouldn't be doing it if they didn't want to, or if they couldn't afford it.

"It's not about them being able to afford it. I know they can afford it. It's about --"

Putting his arm around her, he gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "It's about being loved, sweetie. That's all they're trying to do. They just want you to know how much they love you and Neil. So accept it."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ann had learned to accept it. We both had. But that didn't mean we didn't think about it. As she finished her sandwich, using her napkin to dab the corners of her mouth before putting in on the tray in front of her, she let out a happy sigh.

"I still can't believe it Neil," she said as she shook her head.

"Me either, babe."

"Did you have any idea that's how much you missed out on by not being on salary all those years?"

"No. I never let myself think about the money. It was always the principle of it anyway. That's what upset me. I felt like I had earned the title. I guess I should have been upset that I didn't get all the benefits the other managers had, but for me it was more about the position. Every day that I had to clock in, it reminded me that I wasn't really a manager in my boss's eyes."

"Well, it's says a lot about Geoff that he wanted to compensate you for it."

"Are you okay with what the Armstrongs did?"

She smirked and said, "You mean putting pressure on us to have kids?"

"Ha... you know better than that."

"Yeah. I was fine with it once I got to talk to Gracie. It's still a little overwhelming, but Dad was right. I have to learn to be more accepting. I'm just not used to it."

It was different for her. She'd spent most of her life doing things for other people, wanting to give of herself whenever she could. It was all part of her makeup; a sense of selflessness that ran deep inside her very core. Now the tables had been turned a little. It was only natural that those that Ann loved would want to love her back.

She looked at me, that smirk turning into a sexy, erotic smile. "You know, if I would have thought of it before, it really shouldn't have been so hard for me to let people give me things."

'What makes you say that?"

"Because you've been so amazing at giving me what I need, I should be used to it by now," she winked.

"I'm not sure sex counts, Anna."

Reaching across the table, she took my hands, her eyes melting as she squeezed my palms with her fingers. "You give me more than that baby. But trust me, it does count."

"See, I knew it."

"If you know so much, we should get going then."

"Why's that?"

"I want to get to Pennsylvania so I can let you give me some more."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Seeing the sign announcing we were entering West Virginia was a welcome sight. Even more so since it was the second time we'd passed one, which meant we were about a half-hour or so from our new home. We'd made pretty good time since we'd stopped at another plaza, that one more of the traditional kind along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, somewhere in the Allegheny Mountains.

We didn't need to get gas, we didn't need to eat, we didn't even need to stretch our legs. Ann flashed her lights because we needed to add the Keystone State to the list of ones we had sex in. And since we were simply passing through, we needed a place to stop. The plaza seemed as good a place as any, and it was certainly safer than just pulling off the side of the road. It would also attract less attention.

We caught a break in a way. Even though the plazas along the Turnpike tend to be a lot more crowded, we had encountered some iffy weather as we started crossing the mountains. Normally I hated driving in cold, drizzly conditions, especially when there was a chance the light rain could switch over to snow at any time. But I decided to look at the glass as half-full like Ann always seemed to, and the sudden benefit of the weather was that we were also dealing with some pockets of dense fog.

The plaza where we stopped was shrouded in a thick, white, misty cloud. When I pulled into the first empty space I could find, I couldn't even see the buildings. In fact, I barely saw Ann's blue Honda pulling into the spot right next to me.

I got out of my car, walking over to hers, which surprised her. "We're going to use my place?" she questioned, her phrasing making me laugh. "Yours has so much more room."

I had to agree, and as I opened her door, I thought about taking her back to my car so we'd be more comfortable. But then I heard a car approaching and I didn't see it until it passed us about fifteen yards away, and I became inspired.

"I think we should compromise," I grinned, leaving her sitting in her seat as I walked to the back of her car. Opening the hatch, I started digging around.

"What are you doing, Neil?"

Grabbing the horse blanket her Aunt Helen gave her from a box in the back, I laid it on the pavement between our two cars. Taking her by the hand, I helped her up, bringing her into my arms as I closed the door. "I'm going to fuck you, babe."

She bit her lip, the wondrous expression on her face highlighted by the sparkle in her eyes. "Right h... here?" she gasped, her words catching in her throat.

I nodded, pressing my lips against hers for a quick, passionate kiss. That set off a frenzied rendezvous, as Ann dropped to her hands and knees while I moved in behind her. Unzipping my fly, I pulled out my growing cock while she lowered her sweatpants over her shapely rear. I was tempted to fuck her ass, but the glimpse of the dripping pussy winking at me from between her tightly closed legs made my blood boil.