Haven's Promise Read online

  A huge island had been installed in the center of the room, complete with openings for a six burner cooktop that would include a grill and a large prep sink on top, with two large areas beneath that would hold wine refrigerators. Once the marble or quartz countertop had been cut and put into place, the huge area would allow chefs to prepare meals, as well as leaving guests a place to perch on bar stools to sip wine and watch as food was prepared if they desired.

  "Oh, Craig," Barbara said, amazed at the transformation. "Just think, we could give cooking lessons in here and not be crowded!"

  Craig smiled, and realized the truth of her statement. He also had a flash of desire to do as she suggested, easily picturing the two of them showing interested couples how to prepare delicious, sexy meals for each other. He kept silent, knowing he would have to mull the suggestion over before sharing the thoughts that were suddenly invading his mind.

  "Let's see if the pantry is as beautiful as I imagined," Barbara suggested, tugging on his hand to lead him into the large butler's pantry. She was delighted to find she had been correct. The walls were painted a soft gray, the wide baseboards and crown molding a bright white. Original shelving and the antique mahogany of the built-in china display cabinet had been sanded, freshly stained, and varnished to a glossy finish.

  The old, beveled glass shone, and Craig could now easily picture it filled with the crystal and silver serving pieces she had suggested the first time they had been in the room. With a grin, he chuckled. "I'm sure they even cleared it of all evidence of that poor little mouse."

  "Oh, God, don't remind me," she said with a shudder, her gaze instantly dropping to the floor, her fingers tightening around his as memories of feeling the rodent climb up her leg returned with full force. She was so engrossed in the memory that she gave a small shriek when Logan walked into the room and reached out to tug on her ponytail.

  "Seen any varmints lately?" he teased, when she whipped around and swatted his hand away. "Watch it, little girl," he warned, but his smile told her he was teasing. "I'm pretty positive you don't want to earn additional lines."

  Barbara's face flushed but she shook her head. "No, but since you are my wonderful big brother, perhaps you can convince Craig that the lines will be enough punishment?" Logan didn't even need to glance at his friend to see what Craig thought.

  "Sorry, sis, you should know better than that." He reached out to give her hair another soft tug. "Instead of trying to weasel your way out of a trip to the Woodshed, I'd think you should be thanking your lucky stars that you have a Daddy who loves you enough to teach you not to continue to put down my beautiful, lovable and normally sweet-mouthed little sister."

  Still relatively new to the entire DD lifestyle, yet feeling safe and secure in knowing that her family and friends would not let her stumble too badly, she was very touched by Logan's words. However, she was still his little sister, and reacted far less like a responsible attorney than like the younger, more carefree girl whose role she played with Craig. Stomping her foot lightly, she stuck out her tongue before saying, "You are so mean! You'd better pray there aren't any eight-legged arachnids hiding anywhere."

  Though her threat had made his heart skip a beat, Logan pretended to be unconcerned. Popping her lightly on her ass, he moved towards the door. "Dangerous ground, little girl." He grinned. "Stop being a saucy brat and come out and look at the ceiling," Logan went on, nodding over Barbara's head at Craig, giving him a man-to-man look of approval.

  Craig had known the true purpose of Logan's visit—the older brother checking up on his little sister. He grinned and returned Logan's nod when Barbara attempted to push past her brother.

  "I forgot about the ceiling! Did they remove the paint? God, they'd better not have damaged the tin!" She pushed against Logan's back. "Move!"

  Logan chuckled as he stepped aside, allowing Barbara to enter the kitchen and look up at the ceiling. "Oh, God," Barbara gasped. "It's gorgeous!"

  Logan had to agree. Though he knew enough about design to understand that crown molding enhanced even the plainest surface, what had been revealed beneath layers of ancient paint truly transformed the room. The tin gleamed, reflecting the light from the windows, each detail of the old design brought back to life. "It is, and just proves that sometimes the old ways with their impeccable craftsmanship will always dominate any new-fangled ideas."

  Barbara gave him a smile, understanding the reference to his belief that old-fashioned discipline was an absolute anchor to any successful relationship. "I agree," she said softly. "Thanks, Logan for checking on me. I promise that I'm fine now, and will be fine even after Craig blisters my ass. I may be a slow learner, but I will learn."

  "I never had a doubt," Logan said, tugging on her ponytail as he bent to kiss her cheek.

  The group headed to the second floor, the joy of discovery having returned.

  Ryan and Julie were given constant praise and exclamations of amazement filled the air as the new rooms were examined. Three rooms on either side of the wide hallway would be completed with new furnishings, each having their own bathroom suite. Everyone crowded into the first room's ensuite. Logan drew Elizabeth into one of the glass enclosed showers, showing her how Ryan had been able to install a shower large enough for two, complete with a bench seat that had her looking up and giving him a naughty grin. Garrett made the women all smile as he exclaimed over the tub that was a perfect replica of an old-fashioned claw-foot tub, but much larger to easily accommodate a couple.

  "This is exactly what I'd hoped could be done," Elizabeth said, as she pictured what the completed space would look like. "Not so large that it makes the bedroom look small, but just perfect for two. I can't wait to choose the flooring and countertops. The fixtures in the shower are incredible. I'm glad you suggested rain showers, Nancy."

  "Me, too," Logan said, easily imagining himself standing with Liz in his arms, the warm water pouring down on their nude bodies as he bent her over, her hands on the seat as he filled her from behind. The vision was so realistic he had to force himself to think about something else when he remembered the others were still in the room.

  "This is going to be gorgeous," Ariel said, as she and Elizabeth began to discuss whether or not a simple chandelier would be too much if hung above the tubs; both deciding it would be romantic and just perfect.

  Nancy took the opportunity to draw Barbara away from the bath as the others studied the room. "Barbara, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt your feelings. God, you are gorgeous and I just never even thought you'd think otherwise. Please, forgive me."

  Barbara glanced quickly to where Craig was talking to Jason, before speaking. "No, it's not your fault, Nancy. It's mine. Craig is doing a great job showing me that I'm not the ugly duckling that David had me believing I was, but, well, it's obvious I still need a bit more time."

  "Is there anything I can do to help?" Nancy asked, still feeling guilty for being even remotely responsible for Barbara's self-deprecating comment that led to her breakdown and the punishment in her future that Craig had promised.

  "Not unless you want to write some sentences for me," Barbara suggested, then giggled when Nancy seemed to be seriously considering the suggestion. "I'm kidding, Nance. I'll let the punishment teach me a lesson and be grateful I have found a man who thinks I'm beautiful and worth the effort."

  "You are beautiful, Bunny," Craig said, coming up behind her and slipping his arms around her waist. "It is no effort for me to remind you every single day if need be."

  "Thank you, Daddy," Barbara said, her heart filling with love every time she heard the nickname from her childhood that she had foolishly tried to push aside.

  Nancy reached out and gave Barbara's hand a squeeze. "Your Daddy is right, you are one of the most beautiful women I've been blessed to call a friend." Barbara's smile told her that she was going to be just fine.

  Four rooms on the third floor reflected the same promise of perfection as those on the second. They spent only a few mome
nts looking in those rooms before Ryan paused dramatically, then pushed open the new double doors to the ballroom.

  Everyone stood in undisguised amazement as the light poured through the huge sheet of glass that now made up almost the entirety of the back wall. The deep blue of the shimmering lake seemed to have stolen some of its hue from the paler blue of the sky. Various shades of green, ranging from the softest yellow-green to a deep, almost green-black, from the many species of trees, added their own color and brought the outdoors in.

  "Oh my God," Elizabeth and Nancy said in unison, before Elizabeth turned to give Barbara a hug. "Oh, Barbara, you were right. This is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your vision of what would make this room magical."

  "Imagine the photos," Ariel said, raising her camera and adding several additional frames to her growing collection, delighted when she captured a squirrel, sitting on his hind legs, a fat acorn in his paws, appearing to be just as fascinated as the faces peering out at his home. "Can you imagine the sky at night? It will be like you are standing in heaven, surrounded by stars!"

  Helen stood beside her husband, his arm around her waist, as they listened to the young people they had all come to consider as family talking so excitedly about all the possibilities that Haven seemed to be offering them. Ben saw his wife reach up to wipe her eyes and smiled. The woman was such a softie, and he knew that she felt as much pleasure in seeing Elizabeth's dream coming true as the young woman herself. He also knew that their daughter's explosion had torn at Helen's heart.

  Despite that knowledge, he murmured into her ear. "We are truly blessed, aren't we, honey?"

  "Yes, I feel so honored to be even a tiny part of their dream," Helen answered, turning her face up to his, her smile as beautiful as it had been when he'd first met her a half-century earlier. "I also have hope that Craig continues to help Barbara. Finally, I hope Ryan is able to meet his schedule. I can't imagine spending Christmas anywhere else, can you?"

  "That would be incredible," Benjamin agreed, then bent even closer, his hand moving down to cup her bottom. "However, I really can't wait until New Year's—beginning another year with the love of my life, celebrating in this room and retiring to 'play' in ours. Perhaps you'll be naughty enough to require a trip to the Woodshed." He patted her bottom before giving it a single, harder, swat.

  "Ben!" Helen gasped, and giggled, causing the younger couples to glance in their direction. Helen's smile and the look in her eyes stole years from her age. Standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, she spoke softly. "You know you don't need a real reason to spank me. I'm ready to play with you at any time, my wonderful Master."

  "God, I hope we're like that in forty years," Nancy said to her new husband, the others overhearing the older couple and standing in silent respect at witnessing the love the two had for each other.

  "I promise it won't be for lack of trying," Jason said, with his own kiss and pat to Nancy's trim bottom. "Even if it takes having McDonalds change their slogan to over a gazillion served, I promise never, ever to stop trying."

  Nancy and the other girls broke out into giggles, remembering the story she had shared during one of their HOPEFUL meetings.

  The group broke apart as different parts of the room were explored. Elizabeth and Nancy spoke with Ryan and Julie, indicating how they wanted the raised dais enlarged. They were also very pleased to see that the room still looked large and open even after the new bathroom and bar area that had been added. Having even a small kitchen area would make serving drinks and tasty snacks easier than having to haul those items up and down flights of stairs. Opening the remaining door, they were delighted that the room they had declared would be needed to allow brides or submissives an area to prepare was going to be perfect.

  Nancy and Elizabeth turned to survey the main room again, easily picturing weddings or other intimate ceremonies taking place. Small loveseats, large armchairs, and ottomans would provide seating that could easily be pushed against the wall to leave the center of the room clear for dancing. Liz smiled, her eyes on the dais as she remembered the last piece of furniture that had been in the room. It had been here, draped over the red chaise, where she had found her voice.

  While the four spoke, Craig saw Logan motioning him over. Seeing Ariel giving Barbara a lesson on how to use her camera, and then standing with her parents in front of the window, so her sister could take a few practice shots, Craig grinned and joined the other men. When Elizabeth and Nancy moved to join them, the men broke apart as if they hadn't just been in deep conversation.

  "What's going on?" Elizabeth asked Logan. "Is something wrong?"

  "Nothing that a swim and lunch won't cure," Logan said. He ignored Elizabeth's expression—as if she was unsure whether or not to believe him.

  Liz met Nancy's eyes, and the two women shrugged. They had enough experience to know that if they were meant to know what had really been discussed, the men would tell them. Until then, both understood that whining and begging would only lead to having their alpha males tell them something they'd probably not want to hear—like exactly how long overly curious submissives were made to stand alone, noses pressed to a wall, hot red bottoms on display.

  Ryan looked at his watch and announced that the workers would be arriving at any time. Even though it was Saturday, his crew willingly worked half-days on weekends, with the promise of bonuses if the project was completed ahead of schedule.

  Logan proposed that they all get their bags from the cars, asking Ryan to keep anyone from the second floor until they had all had a chance to change into swimsuits, as none of the rooms had yet had their doors installed.

  "We'll change, then head down to the lake. After lunch we can finish looking at the rest of the property before heading home," Logan declared, as they all left the room and trooped down the stairs. Once outside, Craig took the truck keys from his pocket to beep open the truck doors.

  "Will you go grab our bag?" he asked Barbara. "I need to speak to Logan for a minute."

  "Sure," Barbara agreed, smiling at the thought of what the afternoon would bring. Once she was out of earshot, Craig did speak to Logan, who smiled and agreed as they made an exchange. When Barbara returned with their small bag, he took it from her and then took her hand.

  While people began to return to the second floor to choose a room to change into their suits, Barbara was surprised when Craig led her past the staircase and towards a door at the back of the house. Outside again, she barely noticed the new flagstone patio that was being laid as Craig continued to lead her away from the house.

  "Daddy?" she said softly, her insides clenching as she feared she knew his intentions.

  "Yes, baby?" Craig answered, even as they continued walking down the path.

  "You… are you… are we going to the shed?" she managed to ask, her heart hammering inside her chest as she remembered every detail of the old-fashioned well-house that Logan and Elizabeth had declared would remain a part of Haven. Memories of the many different implements hanging from hooks on the wall made her bottom clench. Visualizing the furniture inside had her tummy flipping, and yet, she also felt her panties growing a bit moist.

  "What happens to little girls who not only forget the rules about putting themselves down, but do so while cursing and throwing a tantrum?" he asked, without breaking stride.

  Barbara swallowed hard. "They-they get punished."

  Nodding, Craig looked down at her. "That's right, they get punished. And since you practically dared me to remind you who exactly is in charge of our relationship, I plan on showing you that I meant it when I said I didn't need anything but my hand to imprint that reminder on your beautiful ass. The Woodshed is right here, and we are going to take advantage of the opportunity." At his last word she looked up, shocked to realize that they had already reached the building, sheltered in a large grove of trees. When he fitted the old-fashioned skeleton key in the lock, she understood why he had spoken to her brother.

  "But-but what about lun
ch? I mean, Dad said he was hungry…"

  "Bunny, you need to learn to trust me. You are not to be thinking about anything else right now. You are to think about how you are going to tell me the absolute truth about what caused my sweet girl to turn into a banshee. And, young lady, if at any point of your explanation I feel I am not hearing the truth, I promise you'll experience every piece of equipment in the room. Besides, my ears are perfectly healthy, and I distinctly heard you assure Logan that you knew you had a blistering coming. Are you saying that was a lie?"

  "N-no, Sir," she said, her voice soft as she accepted her fate.

  He was about push open the door when they both became aware of noises. Turning, he saw Craig and Nancy walking towards them. Hiding his surprise, he pocketed the key and waited for the couple to join them.

  "Hope you don't mind," Jason began, as Nancy looked sheepishly at Barbara. "Nance explained what happened and since she feels guilty for causing Barbara any pain, she has also asked for a spanking, I thought we'd take care of it before lunch. Logan told me you beat me to the key, but with workers at the house, we can wait till you two are done—or I can take this to the barn."

  Craig looked down at Barbara, and saw that though her face was turning pink, she didn't appear to be either shocked or frightened. He smiled, and remembered their discussion after they'd had dinner at Miss Betty's house—and the words he had spoken. If he ever had plans to let her know he hadn't been teasing when he'd told her that he would never hesitate to spank her in front of others—well, those who understood and shared the lifestyle—today provided the perfect opportunity. However, he had every intention of allowing Barbara to decide if she was ready to take that step.