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During the night they’d repositioned to their standard sleeping habit of them both laying on their right side, his right arm under her while his left was over her, her hands on his arms keeping him close, and her backside pressed close against him. As the night became morning Merrick’s eyes twitched open, his internal clock set to daddy mode where he felt he needed to get up and check on Faelan. But as his eyes opened and he became aware of his surroundings he remembered he wasn’t home. He was in a bed & breakfast. Zoe moved a little in his arms as he’d moved which allowed some of the cooler air into the blankets. He smiled looking at her, strands of her white hair across her cheek sound asleep in his arms. He nestled back close to her bringing the blankets tight around them so she was arm again. “I love you…”, he whispered moving the strands of hair and kissing her cheek. She smiled a little in her sleep. “Love you too.”, she whispered back pressing up against him before blinking her eyes open. She suddenly realized she wasn’t dreaming but in bed with him and rather naked as she felt a almost forgotten but still familiar part of him against her thighs. She smirked a little remembering waking up in the mornings he’d stay at her place to just that. “Goood morning…”, she teased reaching her hand down between them to touch him. Merrick moaned a little at her touch. “I’ve missed waking up next to you…”, he said softly starting to kiss her neck his hands starting to wander over her body. “Me too…”, she moaned.
Zoe rolled to face him kissing him as they were both still caressing and teasing each other. “My turn…”, she smirked pushing him to his back starting to kiss down his chest. Merrick chuckled a little. “Yeah….definitely missed… mmm...mornings with you.”, he moaned as she kept going lower. As she got almost to her destination there was a knock at the door. Merrick growled low at the interruption. “WE ARE BUSY!”, he yelled. “Of course sorry sir. Your breakfast is just outside the door.”, a voice replied a bit timidly before Merrick heard the shuffling of feet. Zoe chuckled kissing his abdomen. “Well you certainly told him. Apparently don’t get between a man and his morning blow job.”, she teased. Merrick rolled his eyes and looked down at her. “Morning sex, hellraiser.”, he corrected. “Oh really?”, she asked licking up the side of his shaft. Merrick growled low closing his eyes as one hand reached down and gripped her hair. He took a breath before speaking. “Yes really. This time we aren’t restricted to oral.”, he smirked. Zoe smiled shaking her head a little before setting to what she’d intended to start their morning with.
“Ooo god...Zoe..”, he growled tightening his grip on her hair. “Hold on… turn around please..”, he requested. Zoe pulled back and repositioned not really about to turn down getting some attention in return before returning to what she’d been doing. She moaned against him as he started using his fingers and tongue which just made him growl low a hand reaching up and squeezing at her ass. If words were being spoken neither could easily be understood as they were pleasuring the other. Merrick was the first to stop. “Alright… we need to switch positions..”, he said patting her on her butt before reaching for the nightstand and the condoms to get one. “Okay.. where am I going?”, she questioned sitting up and looking over at him. Merrick debated for about half a second on what position to go for as he got the condom on. He bent his right leg holding her hips giving a gentle direction. “Straddle my leg and lower yourself down. You can use my leg for support.”, he instructed keeps his hands on her as she moved as he’d suggested. “Ooo...Mmmmm..”, Zoe moaned as she took him in. Merrick moaned holding her hips a bit tighter as she started setting the pace. It didn’t really take much longer for either of them after the extended oral foreplay to find release. Zoe carefully moved to lay back alongside him as he rolled enough to throw out the condom before coming back to her.
“That was…”, she sighed smiling. Merrick smiled. “Morning sex is always fun… but from what I’ve seen so far any time of day sex with you is fun.”, he smiled rolling onto his side to look at her. “I love you.”, he said kissing her lightly. “I love you too. So should one of us venture to see what food they left?”, she asked. “In a minute… I just ate and want to just lay here with you.”, he smirked pulling her close to cuddle. Zoe chuckled shaking her head but cuddle close to him. Yes she was enjoying the sex but this was what she’d always enjoyed with him, having him want to have her close and to hold her. After a few minutes Merrick sighed. "I'll get my boxers on and check this food before it's too cold to eat.", he sighed kissing her neck before getting out of bed to find boxers. Zoe sighed. "Alright if you must. Though really enjoying the view.", she teased. Merrick smirked and looked over at her with a wink. "You'll get to see it plenty more this weekend and even more when we get back in Bayville.", he reminded putting on a clean pair of boxers he’d packed before opening the door. There was a little cart with two covered plates a rose with a little note. Merrick rolled his eyes pulling the cart into the room closing the door. Zoe sat up with an arched brow curious. “Let’s see. Well I’ll guess this is more for you than me since not a flower man.”, he said tossing the red rose her. She laughed and smelled the rose.
“And a note. How nice. Dear Mister and Misses Bryant-Frost.”, Merrick started to read rolling his eyes. “Thank you for choosing Mountain Horse Farm Bed and Breakfast as your honeymoon destination. We wish you all the love and happiness that comes with marriage and that you have your happily ever after.”, Merrick sighed shaking his head setting the note down. She giggled. “Aww how sweet of them.”, she said playfully. “All because you didn’t want to let me just tell them this isn’t a honeymoon. You realize they will eventually catch on. You know the whole no wedding bands thing is a bit of a give away.”, he said pointing to his left ring finger before removing the covers from the breakfast. One plate was an omelette with caramelized apples, granola, and toast with preserves the other was pancakes with apple crisp, sausage links, and toast with preserves and two classes of mimosa. “Well I’ll assume the sausage is for you.”, he said bringing the plates over to the bed. Zoe smirked at little. “Didn't I already have sausage this morning?”, she teased taking a sip of her mimosa. Merrick laughed shaking his head. “Just eat your breakfast you perv.”, he teased sitting down and starting on his omelet. Zoe rolled her eyes picking up a sausage and taking a bite teasing him. “That looks painful. I like pain but not there.”, he winked.
Zoe laughed eating some of the pancake. “So.. what’s the agenda?”, she asked. “Shower, winery tours, lunch, brewery tours, dinner.”, he answered taking a sip of his drink. “Oh no sex planned out in all that?”, she teased. “You bring a dress?”, he asked taking a bite of his toast. “Um yeah I packed a dress. Why?”, she asked. Merrick smirked finishing off his omelet. “If you’ve gotta ask…”, he teased setting his empty plate back on the cart. Zoe started to laugh getting an idea as to why he’d want her in a dress. “Easy access…. though you really think we are going to have sex during one of the winery or brewery tours?”, she asked eating her second sausage link. Merrick smiled and kissed her forehead. “Would not be the first time I’ve done something in public. Not saying take you while in the middle of a crowd, but I’m sure there are places to go be private at these venues.”, he stated. She sighed but laughed a little. “Alright well guess we play that by ear.”, she said finishing her breakfast. “Let’s shower Mister Bryant-Frost.”, she teased getting up off the bed. Merrick rolled his eyes but followed her to the shower this time not bringing a condom so this time they only showered with some heavy petting like they’d done before yesterday.
They both got dressed, Zoe putting on a dress she’d packed which was just a lilac colored wrap dress that she had a matching solid bandana that she covered her hair with just to avoid some looks. Merrick smiled looking at her as he got his sneakers on and grabbed some condoms from the box to bring along just in case. “What?”, she asked noticing him looking at her. “Nothing you're just mozzafiato. And I almost don’t want to go on these tours…”, he answered rubbing his lips together looking at her. She rolled her eyes. “Oh and what would you rather do?”, she asked folding her arms across her chest. “Press you against this wall...", he said getting up and doing just that. He leaned down kissing her hard. "Let a hand slide up under your dress to play..", he continued to explain one hand rubbing along her leg moving up under the hem of the dress. Zoe bit her lip sighing softly enjoying herself. "Then probably pick you up, and take you against the wall in the least gentle and slow way than I've done thus far.", he explained taking a step back from her. “Well we could…”, she said with a smile. Merrick chuckled and leaned down kissing her again. “Maybe at one of the tours. Separate from the tour and find a more private place to have my way with you.”, he whispered giving her a kiss on the neck before standing back up right. He grabbed three condoms putting them into his condom case he had used back in his black book days before heading out the door.
“Well you certainly know how to get someone in the mood.”, she teased shaking her head grabbing her purse and following after him. Merrick smirked reaching back to take her hand into his. "Yeah well you make it easy.", he teased. "Let's see about these tours.", he smiled as they went to the front desk. They were given their itinerary and told there was a driver was waiting outside for them. "Oooh we get our on DD.", she chuckled as they got into the car to head to the first wineries first. They started at a place called Arbour Hill. They were added to a group of woman apparently in a bachelorette weekend as one woman was wearing a shirt with 'Bride' written in glitter across her chest. Which as they walked up to join the tour they were given a look, well mostly Merrick was given looks. Merrick tried to ignore the looks and the whispered comments. "Oh my god... why wasn't he the stripper last night?", one girl whispered to another trying to discreetly nod her head in Merrick's direction. Merrick rolled his eyes groaning slightly keeping his hand in Zoe's. Zoe didn't have his hearing so she didn't hear what they were saying. She did however notice them looking at him and smiled that his reaction was to stand as close to her as possible and hold her hand.
"The women bothering you?", she asked quietly tasting a glass of wine their guide was telling them about. "Only a little. Just reminds me why I always wore baggy clothes.", he explained taking a small sip from her wine glass. He wasn't ever a big winner drinker so easier to share with her than waste wine. "You used to wear baggy clothes? Why? You're...well hot. You put all that work into training and keeping fit. So I don't see why you'd hide that given how confident you are.", she asked curious. Merrick smiled a little. "I train because it's ingrained in me. And yeah I'm confident but that is in fights or situations with women I would sleep with. But I always hid behind my clothes. So only women I wanted to see what was under the clothes got to. It wasn't till last year I started to really not wear the baggy clothes. So you've never seen me in them.", he explained as they hung back from the tour waking to the next building. "Okay two questions. One why did you start wearing the baggy clothes? Body like yours...", she smiled squeezing his hand. "And why did you stop?", she added though she had any idea. "Seventh grade French class is why I started wearing baggy clothes.", he explained. "What some girl come on too strong for you?", she asked trying to take it serious.
"Yes and no. She wasn't a girl, she was my teacher. And yeah she came on way too strong. So I hid myself behind baggy clothes to avoid her looking at me or making comments. It helped a little but I had to deal with her till tenth grade. As for why I stopped....", he frowned a little. It was Leslie and Rose. Being with Leslie started it. Having someone speak to him in such a loving way that she had, where she spoke of him in ways not related to his physical appearance it made him not feel as self conscious. And then there was Rose she'd picked up where Leslie let off seeing him for more than a body. " Leslie and well... Rose. Leslie never focused on my physical appearance. She saw beyond it making me feel less self conscious. And after Leslie... things changed with Rose and I guess she stopped seeing me as just a body. Though that.... obviously didn't last. But oh well.", he shrugged. Zoe frowned a little. "Didn't you ever tell someone your teacher was harassing you? And Merrick", she sighed stopping not worried about catching up with the tour. "I love you for who you are inside. Wrappings don't matter, to paraphrase a very sweet man I know.", she said giving him a light kiss. Merrick smiled. "I know you do. And that's why I'm with you.", he smiled. "We should go catch up with the tour.", she said glancing to the historic building the group has entered. "Oooor...", he smirked leading her away from the building and along to a space between two buildings that offered some privacy.
Zoe chuckled a little being pulled out of sight and pressed against the wall of a building. "If anyone is going to ogle me or get to benefit from my physical attributes it's going to be you.", he smiled before starting to kiss her. One of his hands moved to hold the back of her neck as the other ran down her to the front of her dress rubbing at her breasts from outside her dress. Zoe moaned lightly rubbing her tongue against his lips as her hands moved down over his chest. She couldn't imagine him in baggy clothes. She enjoyed how the black long sleeved henley fit snuggly against his chest and that he left some buttons undone, she could easily feel the definition of his body, no wonder the bachelorette party was looking at him. Merrick's lips parted for her growling/moaning low as their tongues mingled. He let his hand move lower caressing her body before going up the skirt of her dress letting a digit slip under her panties to tease at her. Zoe gasped slightly moaning into his mouth. She let her hands wandered lower down his body unbuckling his belt and unbuttoning his jeans to reach inside to stroke him. "Ooh God Zoe.", he moaned pulling back from the kiss starting to nibble at her earlobe. "Mmm we might get...mmm...caught..", she moaned tilting her head letting him get to her neck.
"That's part of the fun.", he whispered bringing his hand from behind her neck to reach into his back pocket for the condom case. Zoe smiled a little glancing to the stone walk only feet from them. She had to admit there was a bit of excitement added thinking they could get caught. Merrick was rather skilled at getting a condom on one handed. His hands moved to hold her thighs lifting her up. Her hands moved to his shoulders letting her legs wrap around him the skirt if her dress sliding up to her hips with the movement. His hands tightened on her to hold her, one moving just long enough to push her panties aside to thrust into her. "Mio Diooo.", she cried out. He hadn't been exaggerating back at the room when he said this wasn't going to be slow and gentle as he'd been before. Time was limited Merrick knew that and with the risk of getting caught didn't help with that time limit. So Merrick wasn't as gentle as before and slow just didn't fit into the time frame. Zoe had never been one for volume control, and well this time was not different except maybe a little louder as he was being a bit rougher and she wasn’t complaining. “Let me know if I hurt you...’, he whispered against her neck between nibbles keeping his fast and hard rhythm. “Mmmm...oh GOD MER”, she started to call out loudly but his mouth quickly covered hers to silence her. The possibility of getting caught added to the fun, but actually getting caught wasn’t something he actually wanted.
What neither of them were aware of was they’d been caught, one of the women from the bachelorette party had noticed they’d disappeared from the tour and decided to check on them. She’d been more than a little startled to see them between two of the buildings having sex. She lingered for a moment before embarrassment won out and she rushed back to her friends. It didn’t take long for Zoe and Merrick to finish. All their moans and any words were murmured against each others lips as Merrick’s attempt of volume control. He finally pulled back from her lips and rested his hand on her shoulder trying to control his breathing. “Whoa…”, Zoe managed to say breathless. She felt like her heart was about to beat out of her chest. “You’ve never...kissed me that much…”, she said smiling. Merrick laughed a little and kissed her neck. “Yeah well...this was more a situation that called for volume control and you apparently only have a volume up button sweetheart.”, he teased. Zoe laughed softly giving him a kiss. “True… but in my defense that was eccezionale, outstanding, couldn’t help myself.”, she smirked. “Well I try. Come on before they decide to look for us.”, he suggested setting her back down. Zoe nodded a little fixing her underwear and dress. Merrick glanced around thank to see a trashcan at the end of the building discreetly taking care of the condom and wrapper fixing his pants. “Hope we didn’t miss much.”, she said grabbing his hand and heading back in the direction of the building the tour had gone before he pulled her between the buildings for their quickie.
They caught up with the tour trying to pretend they’d been there the whole time. The one woman who’d caught them in the act glanced over with a smile before whispering to her friend. “They’re back…. if that was his idea of a quickie..”, she whispered. Her friend laughed a little trying to stifle it by covering her mouth. “Then he makes every time with your husband a quickie?”, she teased whispering back. Merrick sighed. Zoe tilted her head taking a sip of the deep red wine they were offered to sample. “What’s wrong?”, she asked. “We apparently did get caught..”, he explained. “By?”, she asked. Merrick noded a little to the blonde of the group. Zoe laughed a little and shrugged. “Well she didn’t interrupt us. So that’s good, that I’d have gotten mad about.”, she smirked. “Apparently my version of a quickie is her husband’s idea of a long time.”, Merrick shook his head taking a sip of the wine glass she had before making a face at the sip. “Yeah...not liking that one.”, he said. Zoe chuckled. “Well I like it so I’ll drink it.”, she teased finishing the cup. “Think you’ll be safe on your own for a few minutes?”, she asked. “Um why?”, he asked glancing to the bachelorette party and then back to her. “I’m just going to the restroom. I’ll be right back”, she said giving him a kiss on the cheek. Merrick nodded. “I’ll be alright.”, he said watching her walk away. He picked up a glass of a different wine being offered taking a couple sips not caring for it either.
One of the women, with brown hair whose shirt said ‘maid of honor’, walked over to him with a smile. “You don’t seem to enjoy wine very much. So why come on a winery tour?”, she asked laying a hand lightly on his arm. Merrick raised an eyebrow as he carefully removed her hand. "I'm more a beer man.", he said. She smiled trying her best to flirt with her eyes. "I'm Kimberly by the way but you can call me Kim. What's yours?", she asked. Merrick chuckled a little. "What's so funny?", she asked. "You are.", he stated. "Excuse me?", she questioned slightly offended. "You're trying to flirt with me. Your name is Kim You know I'm here with someone. Your little friend over there even caught us having sex a few minutes ago. So pardon me but that's funny.", he explained his tone more in line with the asshole many he grew up with know him for. "Well I mean yes... I know you're here with someone. And what's my name have to do it?", she asked getting embarrassed realizing he was aware that they all knew he and his female companion had snuck of to have sex. "It's my mother's name. I have a rule about involvement with any woman having the same name a someone in my family. Beyond that, I'd just appreciate if you and your friends would maybe stop ogling and making unwanted comments about me. This is supposed to be a nice getaway for me and my girlfriend since we haven't had a chance to getaway since the baby was born.", he stated.
"Wait you have a baby!?", Kimberly blinked. This got the attention of the four other women. "You two have a baby?", the bride asked. "Um yeah. A little boy Faelan. He's six months old. And this is the first weekend we've gotten to spend just us since he was born.", he answered smiling. He could talk about Faelan all day. "Well that certainly explains why you two have been well.... active.", the blonde who'd apparently caught them in the act commented. Merrick smirked but nodded. "Something like that. Here want to see him?", he asked pulling his phone out. He went back to the early pictures he had stored of Faelan. "Yes.", they answered. "Here's me and him at the hospital after he was born.", he said holding up the picture. Which of course got the 'Awe' response. He flipped through and found one of him and Zoe with Faelan after he was brought home. "And this was shortly after he was brought him home.", he explain. "Awe. Wow for just having a baby she looks amazing in this picture. I hope when I have kids I can look that good after.", the bride said. Merrick chuckled and didn't try to correct the women on Faelan's maternity. "This was taken recently when he started crawling.", he said playing a video him mom had taken of Faelan crawling from him to Zoe. "Awwwee he's so cute.", they agreed. Zoe was returning from the ladies room and looked over curious seeing the group of women surrounding Merrick.
"What's going on?", she asked walking over kind of making her way to next to Merrick. Then she saw they were all watching a video of Faelan crawling last month. "You have the cutest son.", the bride smiled looking to Zoe. Zoe was about to say something to correct her but Merrick some first. "Yeah we do.", he smiled. "So how long have you two been together?", another asked. Zoe wasn't sure how to answer that since they'd only been dating a month. "Nineteen months, basically inseparable since she came to my town.", Merrick smiled putting the phone away and taking hold of Zoe's hand. Zoe smiled squeezing his hand. "Where are you two from?", a girl with black hair asked. "I'm from Bayville down on long island.", Merrick answered. "I'm from Florence, Italy.", Zoe answered. "Wow. So how'd you two end up meeting?", Kimberly asked. "My mom lived in Bayville for a short time where she met my dad, but she went back to Italy before I was born. I came to America last year to find my who my dad is. It was a crazy time because he had a super jealous wife and two other kids. But he's since divorced because the marriage wasn't working anyways. And him and my mom got married last August. I met Merrick because my dad and his parents worked together before he retired last year. And I dunno first time I saw him I was smitten.", Zoe explained looking to Merrick with a smile. "And well first time she showed up at my family's house have to admit haven't ever seen someone as beautiful.", he smiled kissing her cheek.
"Awwee you sound as sweet as my fiance Nick.", the bride smiled holding up out her left hand showing a custom wooden ring with a single sapphire. Merrick blinked looking at the ring that he'd spent the summer making. "What? It's gorgeous isn't it? Nick went all out getting this ring handmade by my newest favorite designer Anoire Mac Tíre. I found their website almost two years ago and became obsessed with their work. I have three jewelry sets and a wine rack from them.", she gushed. Zoe chuckled. "You'll have to excuse Merrick I think it's not often that he sees his work that isn't owned by his family or friends.", she explained patting his arm. "Wait YOU'RE Anoire Mac Tíre?!", the bride exclaimed. "Well my name is Merrick. Which since we are giving names this is Zoe. And I am the owner and sole employee of Anoire Mac Tíre. You're already getting married? I just finished that ring last month.", Merrick explained. "This is just so amazing. I love your work and especially my ring. And Nick is going to boot camp next month having enlisted with the air force. So we are getting married next weekend at Niagara Falls. Oh I'm Rebecca, this is Kim, Meghan, Veronica, and Erica.", Rebecca explained.
"Congratulations.", Zoe smiled. "Thank you. So nineteen months and a six month old, when are you going to make a ring for her?", Rebecca asked. Zoe chuckled squeezing his hand. "Um.. I'm not sure. I guess kind of like my cousin if I ever propose it'll be because I found the one ring that just fits her.", Merrick said feeling a tad awkward. "Aw. Do you think you two will want more kids if you get married? Nick and I plan to just have two, we want a boy and a girl.", she asked. Zoe chuckled a little. "Um if it was to happen.... I've always wanted a big family growing up as an only child. I'm just getting used to having a younger brother and sister.", Zoe smiled. "I'm from a big family having an old brother from my paternal father, I'm one of a set of triplets, then having a younger sister and brother from my mother's marriage. So I grew up as one of five as my older brother is my mom's age. I would like for Faelan to have siblings eventually, just planned next time.", he chuckled. "Triplets?! There are two more of you??", Kimberly asked looking hopeful. "Um...no. I'm the only boy of the triplets the other two are identical girls.", he explained. Zoe tried to not laugh at the collective frown of the women. "Do your brothers look like you?", Erica the other blonde asked. "No. My older brother Demitri is a redhead like our sisters and paternal father. My younger brother Sebastian is a blonde like our dad and other sister. Wait I think I have some pictures on my phone.", he said getting his phone out again and flipping through pictures. He found one of him with Faelan, Lily, Demitri, Jean, and Nathan from the summer. "That's my older brother Demitri, his wife Jean, my nephew Nathan, me, Faelan, and one of my triplets Lily from this summer.", he explained. "So your unique eye color comes from that side then.", Victoria commented.
"Yeah. This one is from visiting my sisters in Boston.", he said pulling up a picture with Josalyn, Robert, Emma, him and Faelan. "That's me and Faelan with my other triplet Josalyn, her fiancé Robert, my little sister Emma.", he showed off the picture. Zoe didn't like Emma but smiled. Merrick loved his family and enjoyed showing them off. "And this was double date movie night at my place, after Faelan went to bed. Us with my little brother Sebastian and Zoe's little sister Gina who was dating my brother before we met.", he explained. "Aww. That's so cute.", Meghan said. "Thanks. Don't always see eye to eye with my siblings but love them and wouldn't trade them.", he smiled closing the picture. He caught a glance at the time before pocketing his phone. "I'm glad you like the ring, and wish you and Nick all the happiness in your marriage. But we need to get going. We have another winery to tour before lunch.", Merrick said smiling. Rebecca hugged him which he blinked in surprise. "Thank you for making this amazing ring. It was fantastic to meet the man behind Anoire Mac Tíre. Hope you two enjoy your romantic getaway.", Rebecca smiled. "Thank you. Have a great bachelorette party and a wonderful wedding. Was nice meeting you all.", Zoe said before leaving with Merrick.
"It was nice to see who that ring went to. Though why did they have the impression that went uncorrected about Faelan?", Zoe asked as they got into the car to head to the next winery. "I said baby and we're here together so therefore they labeled you mom. One said you looked great for having a kid. And I didn't correct because you're the woman Faelan knows as mom. Is that okay?", he asked. Zoe smiled. "Yes it's very okay. I love Faelan and as far as I'm concerned he is mine. And as long as you'll let me claim him I will.", she smiled leaning into him in the back seat. Merrick smiled putting an arm around her as the drive took them to the next winery. They pulled up to the Hazlitt vineyard. Which was just a single building. This was at least a shorter tour and they didn't get added to another group. Merrick at least enjoyed the wine better and even bought a couple bottles before they had lunch. They ended up eating lunch at the little restaurant at Hazlitt before the brewery tours. They were driven to Naked Dove Brewery first, which that tour Merrick enjoyed more and purchased some beer to take home. Then they went to the Twisted Rail which again Merrick enjoyed the tour and so did Zoe getting more beer to take home. Dinner they went to a place near the breweries called MacGregors where they split a margherita pizza before driving back to the bed and breakfast.
Zoe sighed slipping out of her flats and took off her bandana as they walked into the room. "Today was such fun, exhausting but fun.", and smiled. Merrick chuckled stepping out of his sneakers closing the door behind them. "Jacuzzi?", he offered. Zoe nodded. “Sounds like a good way to end this day.”, she smiled. Merrick set down the bags of wine and beer they’d bought from the tours setting them in the mini fridge. “I’ll start the jacuzzi.”, he said pausing to kiss her neck before going to their private patio to start up the jacuzzi. Zoe smiled watching him before going into the bathroom and getting two towels and the robes provided setting them on the end of the bed. Merrick walked back inside leaving the patio door open since they’d be going right back out. “So you had a good time today?”, he asked putting his arms around her from behind and leaning to rest his chin on her shoulder. “Of course I see. I got to cheat the system and go on winery tours and brewery tours and taste the various wines and beers despite by American standards not being old enough to drink. And best of all I got to spend the whole day with you. So yeah had a very good day.”, she smiled leaning back into him. “What are we going to be doing tomorrow?”, she asked. “Tomorrow..”, he started to answer letting his hands move to untie her wrap dress. “We are going on an evening horseback ride which..”, he continued to explain as he started to kiss her neck removing the wrap dress. “Mmm..”, she responded trying to maintain focus on what he was saying. “We follow the trail to a remote cabin where we eat the packed meal and get to spend some time…”, he continued now unfastening her bra. “And do whatever we like at the cabin before we need to return the horses.”, he finished explaining his hands trailing down to grasp the waistband of her panties.
“Mmmm.. wonder what we will do in a remote cabin in the woods.”, she laughed softly reaching her hands back to lightly touch his legs through his jeans. “Oh I’ve got a few ideas…”, he smirked starting to kiss down her back as he slowly pulled her panties down to the floor. She laughed a little when the kisses trained over her butt before moving down her legs. “So are we going to the jacuzzi or…”, she questioned. Merrick smiled and kissed back up her body letting his hands trail along caressing her body. “Yes we’re going to the jacuzzi just helping you… undress.”, he explained kissing her neck. She smiled. “You like undressing me.”, she stated turning in his arms to look up at him. “Very much.”, he smiled. “Good because I like getting to undress you.”, she smirked starting to pull his shirt up. He chuckled a little raising his arms as she pulled the shirt off him. She let her hands run over his body, avoiding touching the bite mark too much since it was just a permanent reminder of another woman. She traced the outlines of his tattoo of Faelan’s prints before trailing lower to unfasten his pants. “Mmmm..”, he sighed a little enjoying her touch as she started kissing down his chest. He growled softly as she moved lower pulling off his jeans and boxers. There was a bit of anticipation wondering if she was going to do what he thought or just stop and say it’s time to get in the jacuzzi.
He was certainly not disappointed as her mouth went exactly where he was hoping. He leaned back a little against the dresser that was behind him his eyes closing rather enjoying himself. One of his hands reached to hold her hair “Mmmm… god Zoe…”, he growled low looking down at her kneeling before him. He gave a gentle tug at her hair. “Alright you should stop now…”, he moaned. She pulled back for a moment and looked up at him. “You sure?”, she asked knowing him well enough that he was getting close. Merrick nodded taking a breath. “Yeah...I’m sure. Let’s go to the jacuzzi and both get some satisfaction.”, he suggested offering her a hand. Zoe smiled a little taking his hand and standing up letting him lead her out to the jacuzzi, him grabbing a condom from his jeans before going outside. It didn't take long after getting into the jacuzzi for him to get the condom up and bring her onto his lap to face him. “And officially my first time having sex in a hot tub.”, he teased kissing her neck as he let her set the pace. “Glad to be a first for you.”, she teased back in a moan. The heat from the water, the jets from the jacuzzi and just the overall satisfaction of being intimate they were both sweating a little but in a good way as they worked to reach a mutual climax by the light of the stars.
They both knew that it wouldn’t always be like this, because once they got home it’d be back to their lives. Both living in separate places, both having their jobs, and then of course there was Faelan who’d take up much of their time and energy. Perhaps that was why they wanted to make the most of the long weekend alone together. Weather it was making love or just in each other’s company, they wanted to revel in it even down the the moments of silently just being close. once out and dry from the jacuzzi they just relaxed in the the bed by the firelight. They talking about anything and everything. They already knew so much about each other but there were still things not explained or answered. Zoe sighed her head resting against his chest when she thought of a question as they’d been talking. “Merrick can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”, she inquired. “Yeah. Ask away, don’t have any secrets at least from you.”, he nodded. “Who is your paternal father? What happened with him and your mom? Why do you seem to dislike him so?”, she asked. He’d never discussed the man, he only called him things like the ‘sperm donor’ or ‘paternal father’. Never used his name or said what happened. She obviously knew the man was much older than his mother as Demitri is the same age as his mother. She just didn’t quite understand how things went down as no one ever talked of the man.
Merrick sighed a hand lightly rubbing at her back. “Well guess should tell you. After all no secrets. So… well his name was Calvin Michael Shadow. He was a history teacher at the community college and lived in Bayville with his wife Judith and my brother Demitri.”, he started to explain. “He hated mutants. When Demitri was forced into being one he disowned him and kicked him out. Which is how Demtiri ended up at the Haven and becoming friends with David.”, he stated. Zoe turned a little in his arms to look down at him. “Alright, since you keep talking past tense about the man I will assume he’s dead. But if he hated mutants how did he end up with your mother, at least to make you three?”, she asked. Merrick frowned this was the part he hated telling. “This is kind of the unbelievable part of the tale. A boy named Seth Saryia traveled through time using a time traveling device that Forge eventually builds. Seth was the son of Atif Saryia and Ashley Davis in his timeline, he had returned to the past to warn that a ‘cure’ was going to be developed by an evil ‘Overlord’ and he would take over the world and enslave all mutants. Seth had come back looking for help because in his time all but a very tiny few mutants were left. So he wanted the help of the past’s X-Men, like his parents.”, Merrick explained. Zoe blinked in astonishment at this tale, but weird things happen so she figured just go with it. Though she recognized the names Atif and Ashley as friends of Merrick’s cousins Landon and Cora Lee.
“Well the information was shared with the other teams. Because after all it was a mutant crisis it would effect them all. Your father did not choose to send any of the XC. Wanda sent my mother and Demitri’s girlfriend at the time Tara on behalf of the Acolytes. Atif, and Ashley went on behalf of the X-Men. Demitri and David went on behalf of the Haven. David’s first wife wanted to go but was told she couldn’t because she was pregnant for Landon at the time.”, he explained. Zoe looked confused because Landon was only days older than him and his sisters. So she was still a bit lost on how Calvin and Kim slept together to create the them. “Why did the Haven get involved?”, she asked. “Because Kim and Tara were going. David wouldn’t let my mom go without him to have her back and Demitri was in love with Tara and wouldn’t let her go without him. It was after they got there that they were able to identify who the overlord was.”, he explained. “Who was it?”, she asked. “Calvin Shadow. He developed the ‘cure’ and went rather crazy with power. During the mission to try and take him out my mom was captured… and Calvin drugged her with the ‘cure’ taking her powers away and restrained her taking away her option of fighting back. And well… um… he raped her before Demitri and David were able to save her and kill Calvin.”, he frowned. He didn’t like talking bout what happened to his mother. But he loves Zoe, she’s his best friend and now his girlfriend she should know these things. Zoe gasped a little covering her mouth as he told the tale of his mother being raped.
“They got out and returned to their own time deciding it might be better to eliminate Calvin to prevent that future from being possible. But the damage was already done. And something about the time travel completely messed with the gestation period accelerating it. So when they arrived back in their time my mom was as far along with us triplets as David’s ex wife was with Landon. Calvin still ended up making a ‘cure’ some military actually use it when they have to go up against mutants. When my sisters and I were born, Calvin kidnapped Lily from the nursery while Kisa and Merrick were delivering me and Josalyn. It took my parents two years to get Lily back. When they got her back because Lorna was president and well they killed Calvin to retrieve her. Despite being so young Lily remembers him and I guess liked him, though I’m sure he’d have hated her for being a mutant just like he hated Demitri and would have hated me and Josalyn too. I consider Christian to be my only dad, because he was there for my mom after she returned. He loved her no matter what and loved us no matter what. That’s a dad, that’s what a real man does. So there you have it. That’s how Demitri’s dad is my biological father despite there never having been any kind of relationship between him and my mom.”, Merrick finished. Zoe frowned and hugged him. She didn’t know what to say.
“He’s why I have some of my rules. Because I never want to be that type of man. And there was only one time in my life I did harm a girl, by accident but still it was my fault, and it upset my mother to the point she called me Calvin. It’s something I never want to be called.”, he explained. “Who did you hurt? What happened?”, she asked. He frowned. “You see me as this nice guy. Well I’m not always that guy and in high school I was hardly ever that guy. I was mean especially to Rachel Howlett. And it wasn’t even something against Rachel. I thought she was attractive, but she was just a pawn in the overall issues I had. I knew Landon was into her, even if he wasn’t admitting it at the time. And so she was a way to get to Landon. I’ve always… well had a competitive beef with Landon. He was the golden boy, still is. He could never do wrong, even when he did wrong he was always forgiven quickly for it. And well growing up I felt that when Lily ran away to the Haven and to the Institute and spent all her time with him that well he’d replaced me. That he’d taken my triplet from me.”, he frowned. He still sometimes felt like Landon had somehow taking his role as brother to Lily.
“Well one year at a dance I tried to get Rachel to dance with me and I squeezed her arm without thinking about it or how strong I can be I bruised her arm. Ended up getting into a fight with Landon and going home. Her mom came the the academy that night and told me mom what I did. Mom was furious that I would do something like that no matter to who. I don’t think I have ever felt worse or smaller in my whole life. I apologized to Rachel and her family the next day and promised to never bother her or touch her again. She accepted my apology and we moved on. I eventually went to the Haven and things have kind of slowly gotten better.”, he explained still ashamed of what he’d done. Zoe sighed and lightly ran a hand over his hair. “You were young and stupid. You learned from it and grew to be the amazing man I get to have and love. Good, bad and ugly I don’t care about your past I care about who you are right now.”, she smiled leaning down giving him a kiss softly. “And right now you are a kind, loving and gentle man that is an amazing father and fiercely loyal to his family. And for all of that and so much more you are the man I love. Let’s get some sleep handsome and enjoy our last full day away tomorrow.”, she suggested kissing him again laying back down and cuddling close to him. Merrick sighed and smiled softly, she did make him feel better. “I love you.”, he said rolling a little to hold her close before falling asleep.
The next day was mostly just lounging around the bed and breakfast during the day, walking around the grounds. Zoe wanted to take some pictures around the wooded area of the grounds. So they spend the morning and afternoon just there on the property only going off grounds to get lunch. Then as evening came they drove over to the Overland Morgan Horse Farm for their dinner ride. Zoe was given a chestnut colored rocky mountain horse named Ginger and Merrick was given a black rocky mountain horse named Othello. For someone who’d never been on a horse before Merrick did rather well getting into the saddle and keeping his horse calm. Zoe had a take more difficulty but Merrick reached over and patted Ginger’s neck calming her. The hand who was helping them watched at the silent exchange between Merrick and the horse. “And you say you’ve never worked with horses before?”, he asked looking to Merrick as he was packing the dinner to the side of Merrick’s saddle. “Not once. I have mostly just worked with domestic cats and dogs. But in generally I’ve got a kinship with most animals.”, Merrick explained. The hand nodded. “Alright well just follow the markers and you’ll find your way to the cabin.”, he said stepping back. Merrick didn’t click or even speak to Othello but the horse moved forward following a silent command. Zoe was able to get Ginger to follow walking beside Othello and Merrick. “This is gorgeous..”, she commented looking around the trail taking her phone out taking pictures. She managed to snap a couple of Merrick riding Othello during the ride to the cabin.
“I think this might be my favorite part of this trip.”, she smiled as they reached the cabin. Merrick smiled getting down from Othello and tying him to the post before helping her down. “I’ll have to keep in mind you like riding horses, maybe take you out to Boland Ranch to go riding. I’m sure Misses Boland would be okay with that if you wanted to learn more since she has riding classes.”, Merrick offered. “That actually sounds rather fun.”, she agreed tying Ginger up next to Othello. Merrick got the basket off from Othello and walked over to the table that was available under some trees. “Guess this is where we eat.”, he said setting the basket down. “You hungry?”, he asked. “I could eat.”, she agreed walking over helping take the assortment of food out of the basket before sitting down and eating. “It’s really nice up here. Very secluded.”, she commented. Merrick nodded eating some of the potato salad since most of the meal was not vegetarian. “Yeah. I like this, but I’m an animal so put me in the woods and I’m good.”, he smirked. Zoe laughed a little.
“So if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?”, she asked. Merrick thought for a moment. He’d never really thought about living anywhere but Bayville. He was attached there, it’s where his roots were planted. But as he looked across the picnic table at her he smiled knowing the answer. “Anywhere you are.”, he answered taking a sip of his water. Zoe smiled blushing just a little. Not the answer she’d expected but certainly one she liked. “What if I end up in a big city like Manhattan since I want to be on Broadway?”, she asked. “Then I deal with a city if that’s where you want to be.”, he said with a shrug. “With Faelan I don’t think I’d want to live in the city. I have grown to love Bayville. My parents live there, I have Uncle Alec, your family and work is there. So if ever a time came to settle down I think I’d stay. If I made it to Broadway I could always just take the train. City wouldn’t be a place to raise a family anyways.”, she smiled. Merrick chuckled. “That conversation with Rebecca and her bridesmaids been rattling around in your beautiful head?”, he questioned with a smirk. “Maybe. I mean we only just started seeing each other so really thinking or planning to far out isn’t really rational. But it’s always nice to think about it. And I think that someday I would want to be a mother if it’s in the cards and if it’s to your children all the better.”, she smiled. “Yeah well we already know I make damn cute kids. Now this is all hypothetical because obviously we should enjoy the now not worry about the future.”, he said.
“Of course. Hypothetically how many kids would you want?”, Zoe asked. “Well I’m one of six, if you count Demitri, of five if you look at just the kids my mom’s had. I’m a big family guy. So I’d want to stay in that number so about five including Faelan. Granted that’d be if whoever I marry is willing to be pregnant that many times.”, he chuckled. “That’s a good point. Who knows how bad pregnancy could be. I wouldn’t mind a large family. I agree that Faelan would probably do well to have siblings. He’s a wolf they are pack animals after all.”, she smiled. Merrick nodded reaching under the table to lightly rub at her leg through her jeans. Zoe smirked glancing down and then over at him. “You hinting at something handsome?”, she teased. “Yeah. I saw we go explore the cabin and get some practice in.”, he suggested with a wink. Zoe chuckled. “Practice sex?”, she questioned. “Well practice in regards to making babies since we’d be using protection so no babies at this time.”, he said standing up. Zoe chuckled getting up. “Let’s go explore the cabin and see what happens.”, she said taking his hand as they headed into the cabin. Inside they found a one room cabin that had a sofa, a small kitchenette, and a bed. “Looks like it’s got everything we need.”, he smirked pulling her closer kissing her as he shut the cabin door behind them.
They enjoyed their time at the cabin before having to head back as they did have a time frame they needed to keep. The ride back was peaceful as was their final night at the bed and breakfast before they had to check out in the morning. Leaving was bittersweet. They had a really nice weekend away and would certainly miss the quiet time alone together, but they both missed Faelan and being home. After returning home they both uploaded some of the more appropriate pictures from the trip to their individual Facebook accounts. Merrick updated his profile picture to be one of the pictures of them at the winery close together smiling, he updated his cover photo to a picture taken when they got back home of him kissing Faelan’s left cheek while Zoe kissed his right, he even updating his marital status to ‘In a Relationship with Zoe Deluca’. Zoe updated her profile picture the one of the three of them, her cover photo became one that the farm hand had taken of them on the horses before their ride, and she was glad to finally update her marital status to ‘In a Relationship with Merrick Bryant-Frost’. her friends back in Italy of course were commenting and liking everything thrilled that she was so happy in America.

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During the night they’d repositioned to their standard sleeping habit of them both laying on their right side, his right arm under her while his left was over her, her hands on his arms keeping him close, and her backside pressed close against him. As the night became morning Merrick’s eyes twitched open, his internal clock set to daddy mode where he felt he needed to get up and check on Faelan. But as his eyes opened and he became aware of his surroundings he remembered he wasn’t home. He was in a bed & breakfast. Zoe moved a little in his arms as he’d moved which allowed some of the cooler air into the blankets. He smiled looking at her, strands of her white hair across her cheek sound asleep in his arms. He nestled back close to her bringing the blankets tight around them so she was arm again. “I love you…”, he whispered moving the strands of hair and kissing her cheek. She smiled a little in her sleep. “Love you too.”, she whispered back pressing up against him before blinking her eyes open. She suddenly realized she wasn’t dreaming but in bed with him and rather naked as she felt a almost forgotten but still familiar part of him against her thighs. She smirked a little remembering waking up in the mornings he’d stay at her place to just that. “Goood morning…”, she teased reaching her hand down between them to touch him. Merrick moaned a little at her touch. “I’ve missed waking up next to you…”, he said softly starting to kiss her neck his hands starting to wander over her body. “Me too…”, she moaned.
Zoe rolled to face him kissing him as they were both still caressing and teasing each other. “My turn…”, she smirked pushing him to his back starting to kiss down his chest. Merrick chuckled a little. “Yeah….definitely missed… mmm...mornings with you.”, he moaned as she kept going lower. As she got almost to her destination there was a knock at the door. Merrick growled low at the interruption. “WE ARE BUSY!”, he yelled. “Of course sorry sir. Your breakfast is just outside the door.”, a voice replied a bit timidly before Merrick heard the shuffling of feet. Zoe chuckled kissing his abdomen. “Well you certainly told him. Apparently don’t get between a man and his morning blow job.”, she teased. Merrick rolled his eyes and looked down at her. “Morning sex, hellraiser.”, he corrected. “Oh really?”, she asked licking up the side of his shaft. Merrick growled low closing his eyes as one hand reached down and gripped her hair. He took a breath before speaking. “Yes really. This time we aren’t restricted to oral.”, he smirked. Zoe smiled shaking her head a little before setting to what she’d intended to start their morning with.
“Ooo god...Zoe..”, he growled tightening his grip on her hair. “Hold on… turn around please..”, he requested. Zoe pulled back and repositioned not really about to turn down getting some attention in return before returning to what she’d been doing. She moaned against him as he started using his fingers and tongue which just made him growl low a hand reaching up and squeezing at her ass. If words were being spoken neither could easily be understood as they were pleasuring the other. Merrick was the first to stop. “Alright… we need to switch positions..”, he said patting her on her butt before reaching for the nightstand and the condoms to get one. “Okay.. where am I going?”, she questioned sitting up and looking over at him. Merrick debated for about half a second on what position to go for as he got the condom on. He bent his right leg holding her hips giving a gentle direction. “Straddle my leg and lower yourself down. You can use my leg for support.”, he instructed keeps his hands on her as she moved as he’d suggested. “Ooo...Mmmmm..”, Zoe moaned as she took him in. Merrick moaned holding her hips a bit tighter as she started setting the pace. It didn’t really take much longer for either of them after the extended oral foreplay to find release. Zoe carefully moved to lay back alongside him as he rolled enough to throw out the condom before coming back to her.
“That was…”, she sighed smiling. Merrick smiled. “Morning sex is always fun… but from what I’ve seen so far any time of day sex with you is fun.”, he smiled rolling onto his side to look at her. “I love you.”, he said kissing her lightly. “I love you too. So should one of us venture to see what food they left?”, she asked. “In a minute… I just ate and want to just lay here with you.”, he smirked pulling her close to cuddle. Zoe chuckled shaking her head but cuddle close to him. Yes she was enjoying the sex but this was what she’d always enjoyed with him, having him want to have her close and to hold her. After a few minutes Merrick sighed. "I'll get my boxers on and check this food before it's too cold to eat.", he sighed kissing her neck before getting out of bed to find boxers. Zoe sighed. "Alright if you must. Though really enjoying the view.", she teased. Merrick smirked and looked over at her with a wink. "You'll get to see it plenty more this weekend and even more when we get back in Bayville.", he reminded putting on a clean pair of boxers he’d packed before opening the door. There was a little cart with two covered plates a rose with a little note. Merrick rolled his eyes pulling the cart into the room closing the door. Zoe sat up with an arched brow curious. “Let’s see. Well I’ll guess this is more for you than me since not a flower man.”, he said tossing the red rose her. She laughed and smelled the rose.
“And a note. How nice. Dear Mister and Misses Bryant-Frost.”, Merrick started to read rolling his eyes. “Thank you for choosing Mountain Horse Farm Bed and Breakfast as your honeymoon destination. We wish you all the love and happiness that comes with marriage and that you have your happily ever after.”, Merrick sighed shaking his head setting the note down. She giggled. “Aww how sweet of them.”, she said playfully. “All because you didn’t want to let me just tell them this isn’t a honeymoon. You realize they will eventually catch on. You know the whole no wedding bands thing is a bit of a give away.”, he said pointing to his left ring finger before removing the covers from the breakfast. One plate was an omelette with caramelized apples, granola, and toast with preserves the other was pancakes with apple crisp, sausage links, and toast with preserves and two classes of mimosa. “Well I’ll assume the sausage is for you.”, he said bringing the plates over to the bed. Zoe smirked at little. “Didn't I already have sausage this morning?”, she teased taking a sip of her mimosa. Merrick laughed shaking his head. “Just eat your breakfast you perv.”, he teased sitting down and starting on his omelet. Zoe rolled her eyes picking up a sausage and taking a bite teasing him. “That looks painful. I like pain but not there.”, he winked.
Zoe laughed eating some of the pancake. “So.. what’s the agenda?”, she asked. “Shower, winery tours, lunch, brewery tours, dinner.”, he answered taking a sip of his drink. “Oh no sex planned out in all that?”, she teased. “You bring a dress?”, he asked taking a bite of his toast. “Um yeah I packed a dress. Why?”, she asked. Merrick smirked finishing off his omelet. “If you’ve gotta ask…”, he teased setting his empty plate back on the cart. Zoe started to laugh getting an idea as to why he’d want her in a dress. “Easy access…. though you really think we are going to have sex during one of the winery or brewery tours?”, she asked eating her second sausage link. Merrick smiled and kissed her forehead. “Would not be the first time I’ve done something in public. Not saying take you while in the middle of a crowd, but I’m sure there are places to go be private at these venues.”, he stated. She sighed but laughed a little. “Alright well guess we play that by ear.”, she said finishing her breakfast. “Let’s shower Mister Bryant-Frost.”, she teased getting up off the bed. Merrick rolled his eyes but followed her to the shower this time not bringing a condom so this time they only showered with some heavy petting like they’d done before yesterday.
They both got dressed, Zoe putting on a dress she’d packed which was just a lilac colored wrap dress that she had a matching solid bandana that she covered her hair with just to avoid some looks. Merrick smiled looking at her as he got his sneakers on and grabbed some condoms from the box to bring along just in case. “What?”, she asked noticing him looking at her. “Nothing you're just mozzafiato. And I almost don’t want to go on these tours…”, he answered rubbing his lips together looking at her. She rolled her eyes. “Oh and what would you rather do?”, she asked folding her arms across her chest. “Press you against this wall...", he said getting up and doing just that. He leaned down kissing her hard. "Let a hand slide up under your dress to play..", he continued to explain one hand rubbing along her leg moving up under the hem of the dress. Zoe bit her lip sighing softly enjoying herself. "Then probably pick you up, and take you against the wall in the least gentle and slow way than I've done thus far.", he explained taking a step back from her. “Well we could…”, she said with a smile. Merrick chuckled and leaned down kissing her again. “Maybe at one of the tours. Separate from the tour and find a more private place to have my way with you.”, he whispered giving her a kiss on the neck before standing back up right. He grabbed three condoms putting them into his condom case he had used back in his black book days before heading out the door.
“Well you certainly know how to get someone in the mood.”, she teased shaking her head grabbing her purse and following after him. Merrick smirked reaching back to take her hand into his. "Yeah well you make it easy.", he teased. "Let's see about these tours.", he smiled as they went to the front desk. They were given their itinerary and told there was a driver was waiting outside for them. "Oooh we get our on DD.", she chuckled as they got into the car to head to the first wineries first. They started at a place called Arbour Hill. They were added to a group of woman apparently in a bachelorette weekend as one woman was wearing a shirt with 'Bride' written in glitter across her chest. Which as they walked up to join the tour they were given a look, well mostly Merrick was given looks. Merrick tried to ignore the looks and the whispered comments. "Oh my god... why wasn't he the stripper last night?", one girl whispered to another trying to discreetly nod her head in Merrick's direction. Merrick rolled his eyes groaning slightly keeping his hand in Zoe's. Zoe didn't have his hearing so she didn't hear what they were saying. She did however notice them looking at him and smiled that his reaction was to stand as close to her as possible and hold her hand.
"The women bothering you?", she asked quietly tasting a glass of wine their guide was telling them about. "Only a little. Just reminds me why I always wore baggy clothes.", he explained taking a small sip from her wine glass. He wasn't ever a big winner drinker so easier to share with her than waste wine. "You used to wear baggy clothes? Why? You're...well hot. You put all that work into training and keeping fit. So I don't see why you'd hide that given how confident you are.", she asked curious. Merrick smiled a little. "I train because it's ingrained in me. And yeah I'm confident but that is in fights or situations with women I would sleep with. But I always hid behind my clothes. So only women I wanted to see what was under the clothes got to. It wasn't till last year I started to really not wear the baggy clothes. So you've never seen me in them.", he explained as they hung back from the tour waking to the next building. "Okay two questions. One why did you start wearing the baggy clothes? Body like yours...", she smiled squeezing his hand. "And why did you stop?", she added though she had any idea. "Seventh grade French class is why I started wearing baggy clothes.", he explained. "What some girl come on too strong for you?", she asked trying to take it serious.
"Yes and no. She wasn't a girl, she was my teacher. And yeah she came on way too strong. So I hid myself behind baggy clothes to avoid her looking at me or making comments. It helped a little but I had to deal with her till tenth grade. As for why I stopped....", he frowned a little. It was Leslie and Rose. Being with Leslie started it. Having someone speak to him in such a loving way that she had, where she spoke of him in ways not related to his physical appearance it made him not feel as self conscious. And then there was Rose she'd picked up where Leslie let off seeing him for more than a body. " Leslie and well... Rose. Leslie never focused on my physical appearance. She saw beyond it making me feel less self conscious. And after Leslie... things changed with Rose and I guess she stopped seeing me as just a body. Though that.... obviously didn't last. But oh well.", he shrugged. Zoe frowned a little. "Didn't you ever tell someone your teacher was harassing you? And Merrick", she sighed stopping not worried about catching up with the tour. "I love you for who you are inside. Wrappings don't matter, to paraphrase a very sweet man I know.", she said giving him a light kiss. Merrick smiled. "I know you do. And that's why I'm with you.", he smiled. "We should go catch up with the tour.", she said glancing to the historic building the group has entered. "Oooor...", he smirked leading her away from the building and along to a space between two buildings that offered some privacy.
Zoe chuckled a little being pulled out of sight and pressed against the wall of a building. "If anyone is going to ogle me or get to benefit from my physical attributes it's going to be you.", he smiled before starting to kiss her. One of his hands moved to hold the back of her neck as the other ran down her to the front of her dress rubbing at her breasts from outside her dress. Zoe moaned lightly rubbing her tongue against his lips as her hands moved down over his chest. She couldn't imagine him in baggy clothes. She enjoyed how the black long sleeved henley fit snuggly against his chest and that he left some buttons undone, she could easily feel the definition of his body, no wonder the bachelorette party was looking at him. Merrick's lips parted for her growling/moaning low as their tongues mingled. He let his hand move lower caressing her body before going up the skirt of her dress letting a digit slip under her panties to tease at her. Zoe gasped slightly moaning into his mouth. She let her hands wandered lower down his body unbuckling his belt and unbuttoning his jeans to reach inside to stroke him. "Ooh God Zoe.", he moaned pulling back from the kiss starting to nibble at her earlobe. "Mmm we might get...mmm...caught..", she moaned tilting her head letting him get to her neck.
"That's part of the fun.", he whispered bringing his hand from behind her neck to reach into his back pocket for the condom case. Zoe smiled a little glancing to the stone walk only feet from them. She had to admit there was a bit of excitement added thinking they could get caught. Merrick was rather skilled at getting a condom on one handed. His hands moved to hold her thighs lifting her up. Her hands moved to his shoulders letting her legs wrap around him the skirt if her dress sliding up to her hips with the movement. His hands tightened on her to hold her, one moving just long enough to push her panties aside to thrust into her. "Mio Diooo.", she cried out. He hadn't been exaggerating back at the room when he said this wasn't going to be slow and gentle as he'd been before. Time was limited Merrick knew that and with the risk of getting caught didn't help with that time limit. So Merrick wasn't as gentle as before and slow just didn't fit into the time frame. Zoe had never been one for volume control, and well this time was not different except maybe a little louder as he was being a bit rougher and she wasn’t complaining. “Let me know if I hurt you...’, he whispered against her neck between nibbles keeping his fast and hard rhythm. “Mmmm...oh GOD MER”, she started to call out loudly but his mouth quickly covered hers to silence her. The possibility of getting caught added to the fun, but actually getting caught wasn’t something he actually wanted.
What neither of them were aware of was they’d been caught, one of the women from the bachelorette party had noticed they’d disappeared from the tour and decided to check on them. She’d been more than a little startled to see them between two of the buildings having sex. She lingered for a moment before embarrassment won out and she rushed back to her friends. It didn’t take long for Zoe and Merrick to finish. All their moans and any words were murmured against each others lips as Merrick’s attempt of volume control. He finally pulled back from her lips and rested his hand on her shoulder trying to control his breathing. “Whoa…”, Zoe managed to say breathless. She felt like her heart was about to beat out of her chest. “You’ve never...kissed me that much…”, she said smiling. Merrick laughed a little and kissed her neck. “Yeah well...this was more a situation that called for volume control and you apparently only have a volume up button sweetheart.”, he teased. Zoe laughed softly giving him a kiss. “True… but in my defense that was eccezionale, outstanding, couldn’t help myself.”, she smirked. “Well I try. Come on before they decide to look for us.”, he suggested setting her back down. Zoe nodded a little fixing her underwear and dress. Merrick glanced around thank to see a trashcan at the end of the building discreetly taking care of the condom and wrapper fixing his pants. “Hope we didn’t miss much.”, she said grabbing his hand and heading back in the direction of the building the tour had gone before he pulled her between the buildings for their quickie.
They caught up with the tour trying to pretend they’d been there the whole time. The one woman who’d caught them in the act glanced over with a smile before whispering to her friend. “They’re back…. if that was his idea of a quickie..”, she whispered. Her friend laughed a little trying to stifle it by covering her mouth. “Then he makes every time with your husband a quickie?”, she teased whispering back. Merrick sighed. Zoe tilted her head taking a sip of the deep red wine they were offered to sample. “What’s wrong?”, she asked. “We apparently did get caught..”, he explained. “By?”, she asked. Merrick noded a little to the blonde of the group. Zoe laughed a little and shrugged. “Well she didn’t interrupt us. So that’s good, that I’d have gotten mad about.”, she smirked. “Apparently my version of a quickie is her husband’s idea of a long time.”, Merrick shook his head taking a sip of the wine glass she had before making a face at the sip. “Yeah...not liking that one.”, he said. Zoe chuckled. “Well I like it so I’ll drink it.”, she teased finishing the cup. “Think you’ll be safe on your own for a few minutes?”, she asked. “Um why?”, he asked glancing to the bachelorette party and then back to her. “I’m just going to the restroom. I’ll be right back”, she said giving him a kiss on the cheek. Merrick nodded. “I’ll be alright.”, he said watching her walk away. He picked up a glass of a different wine being offered taking a couple sips not caring for it either.
One of the women, with brown hair whose shirt said ‘maid of honor’, walked over to him with a smile. “You don’t seem to enjoy wine very much. So why come on a winery tour?”, she asked laying a hand lightly on his arm. Merrick raised an eyebrow as he carefully removed her hand. "I'm more a beer man.", he said. She smiled trying her best to flirt with her eyes. "I'm Kimberly by the way but you can call me Kim. What's yours?", she asked. Merrick chuckled a little. "What's so funny?", she asked. "You are.", he stated. "Excuse me?", she questioned slightly offended. "You're trying to flirt with me. Your name is Kim You know I'm here with someone. Your little friend over there even caught us having sex a few minutes ago. So pardon me but that's funny.", he explained his tone more in line with the asshole many he grew up with know him for. "Well I mean yes... I know you're here with someone. And what's my name have to do it?", she asked getting embarrassed realizing he was aware that they all knew he and his female companion had snuck of to have sex. "It's my mother's name. I have a rule about involvement with any woman having the same name a someone in my family. Beyond that, I'd just appreciate if you and your friends would maybe stop ogling and making unwanted comments about me. This is supposed to be a nice getaway for me and my girlfriend since we haven't had a chance to getaway since the baby was born.", he stated.
"Wait you have a baby!?", Kimberly blinked. This got the attention of the four other women. "You two have a baby?", the bride asked. "Um yeah. A little boy Faelan. He's six months old. And this is the first weekend we've gotten to spend just us since he was born.", he answered smiling. He could talk about Faelan all day. "Well that certainly explains why you two have been well.... active.", the blonde who'd apparently caught them in the act commented. Merrick smirked but nodded. "Something like that. Here want to see him?", he asked pulling his phone out. He went back to the early pictures he had stored of Faelan. "Yes.", they answered. "Here's me and him at the hospital after he was born.", he said holding up the picture. Which of course got the 'Awe' response. He flipped through and found one of him and Zoe with Faelan after he was brought home. "And this was shortly after he was brought him home.", he explain. "Awe. Wow for just having a baby she looks amazing in this picture. I hope when I have kids I can look that good after.", the bride said. Merrick chuckled and didn't try to correct the women on Faelan's maternity. "This was taken recently when he started crawling.", he said playing a video him mom had taken of Faelan crawling from him to Zoe. "Awwwee he's so cute.", they agreed. Zoe was returning from the ladies room and looked over curious seeing the group of women surrounding Merrick.
"What's going on?", she asked walking over kind of making her way to next to Merrick. Then she saw they were all watching a video of Faelan crawling last month. "You have the cutest son.", the bride smiled looking to Zoe. Zoe was about to say something to correct her but Merrick some first. "Yeah we do.", he smiled. "So how long have you two been together?", another asked. Zoe wasn't sure how to answer that since they'd only been dating a month. "Nineteen months, basically inseparable since she came to my town.", Merrick smiled putting the phone away and taking hold of Zoe's hand. Zoe smiled squeezing his hand. "Where are you two from?", a girl with black hair asked. "I'm from Bayville down on long island.", Merrick answered. "I'm from Florence, Italy.", Zoe answered. "Wow. So how'd you two end up meeting?", Kimberly asked. "My mom lived in Bayville for a short time where she met my dad, but she went back to Italy before I was born. I came to America last year to find my who my dad is. It was a crazy time because he had a super jealous wife and two other kids. But he's since divorced because the marriage wasn't working anyways. And him and my mom got married last August. I met Merrick because my dad and his parents worked together before he retired last year. And I dunno first time I saw him I was smitten.", Zoe explained looking to Merrick with a smile. "And well first time she showed up at my family's house have to admit haven't ever seen someone as beautiful.", he smiled kissing her cheek.
"Awwee you sound as sweet as my fiance Nick.", the bride smiled holding up out her left hand showing a custom wooden ring with a single sapphire. Merrick blinked looking at the ring that he'd spent the summer making. "What? It's gorgeous isn't it? Nick went all out getting this ring handmade by my newest favorite designer Anoire Mac Tíre. I found their website almost two years ago and became obsessed with their work. I have three jewelry sets and a wine rack from them.", she gushed. Zoe chuckled. "You'll have to excuse Merrick I think it's not often that he sees his work that isn't owned by his family or friends.", she explained patting his arm. "Wait YOU'RE Anoire Mac Tíre?!", the bride exclaimed. "Well my name is Merrick. Which since we are giving names this is Zoe. And I am the owner and sole employee of Anoire Mac Tíre. You're already getting married? I just finished that ring last month.", Merrick explained. "This is just so amazing. I love your work and especially my ring. And Nick is going to boot camp next month having enlisted with the air force. So we are getting married next weekend at Niagara Falls. Oh I'm Rebecca, this is Kim, Meghan, Veronica, and Erica.", Rebecca explained.
"Congratulations.", Zoe smiled. "Thank you. So nineteen months and a six month old, when are you going to make a ring for her?", Rebecca asked. Zoe chuckled squeezing his hand. "Um.. I'm not sure. I guess kind of like my cousin if I ever propose it'll be because I found the one ring that just fits her.", Merrick said feeling a tad awkward. "Aw. Do you think you two will want more kids if you get married? Nick and I plan to just have two, we want a boy and a girl.", she asked. Zoe chuckled a little. "Um if it was to happen.... I've always wanted a big family growing up as an only child. I'm just getting used to having a younger brother and sister.", Zoe smiled. "I'm from a big family having an old brother from my paternal father, I'm one of a set of triplets, then having a younger sister and brother from my mother's marriage. So I grew up as one of five as my older brother is my mom's age. I would like for Faelan to have siblings eventually, just planned next time.", he chuckled. "Triplets?! There are two more of you??", Kimberly asked looking hopeful. "Um...no. I'm the only boy of the triplets the other two are identical girls.", he explained. Zoe tried to not laugh at the collective frown of the women. "Do your brothers look like you?", Erica the other blonde asked. "No. My older brother Demitri is a redhead like our sisters and paternal father. My younger brother Sebastian is a blonde like our dad and other sister. Wait I think I have some pictures on my phone.", he said getting his phone out again and flipping through pictures. He found one of him with Faelan, Lily, Demitri, Jean, and Nathan from the summer. "That's my older brother Demitri, his wife Jean, my nephew Nathan, me, Faelan, and one of my triplets Lily from this summer.", he explained. "So your unique eye color comes from that side then.", Victoria commented.
"Yeah. This one is from visiting my sisters in Boston.", he said pulling up a picture with Josalyn, Robert, Emma, him and Faelan. "That's me and Faelan with my other triplet Josalyn, her fiancé Robert, my little sister Emma.", he showed off the picture. Zoe didn't like Emma but smiled. Merrick loved his family and enjoyed showing them off. "And this was double date movie night at my place, after Faelan went to bed. Us with my little brother Sebastian and Zoe's little sister Gina who was dating my brother before we met.", he explained. "Aww. That's so cute.", Meghan said. "Thanks. Don't always see eye to eye with my siblings but love them and wouldn't trade them.", he smiled closing the picture. He caught a glance at the time before pocketing his phone. "I'm glad you like the ring, and wish you and Nick all the happiness in your marriage. But we need to get going. We have another winery to tour before lunch.", Merrick said smiling. Rebecca hugged him which he blinked in surprise. "Thank you for making this amazing ring. It was fantastic to meet the man behind Anoire Mac Tíre. Hope you two enjoy your romantic getaway.", Rebecca smiled. "Thank you. Have a great bachelorette party and a wonderful wedding. Was nice meeting you all.", Zoe said before leaving with Merrick.
"It was nice to see who that ring went to. Though why did they have the impression that went uncorrected about Faelan?", Zoe asked as they got into the car to head to the next winery. "I said baby and we're here together so therefore they labeled you mom. One said you looked great for having a kid. And I didn't correct because you're the woman Faelan knows as mom. Is that okay?", he asked. Zoe smiled. "Yes it's very okay. I love Faelan and as far as I'm concerned he is mine. And as long as you'll let me claim him I will.", she smiled leaning into him in the back seat. Merrick smiled putting an arm around her as the drive took them to the next winery. They pulled up to the Hazlitt vineyard. Which was just a single building. This was at least a shorter tour and they didn't get added to another group. Merrick at least enjoyed the wine better and even bought a couple bottles before they had lunch. They ended up eating lunch at the little restaurant at Hazlitt before the brewery tours. They were driven to Naked Dove Brewery first, which that tour Merrick enjoyed more and purchased some beer to take home. Then they went to the Twisted Rail which again Merrick enjoyed the tour and so did Zoe getting more beer to take home. Dinner they went to a place near the breweries called MacGregors where they split a margherita pizza before driving back to the bed and breakfast.
Zoe sighed slipping out of her flats and took off her bandana as they walked into the room. "Today was such fun, exhausting but fun.", and smiled. Merrick chuckled stepping out of his sneakers closing the door behind them. "Jacuzzi?", he offered. Zoe nodded. “Sounds like a good way to end this day.”, she smiled. Merrick set down the bags of wine and beer they’d bought from the tours setting them in the mini fridge. “I’ll start the jacuzzi.”, he said pausing to kiss her neck before going to their private patio to start up the jacuzzi. Zoe smiled watching him before going into the bathroom and getting two towels and the robes provided setting them on the end of the bed. Merrick walked back inside leaving the patio door open since they’d be going right back out. “So you had a good time today?”, he asked putting his arms around her from behind and leaning to rest his chin on her shoulder. “Of course I see. I got to cheat the system and go on winery tours and brewery tours and taste the various wines and beers despite by American standards not being old enough to drink. And best of all I got to spend the whole day with you. So yeah had a very good day.”, she smiled leaning back into him. “What are we going to be doing tomorrow?”, she asked. “Tomorrow..”, he started to answer letting his hands move to untie her wrap dress. “We are going on an evening horseback ride which..”, he continued to explain as he started to kiss her neck removing the wrap dress. “Mmm..”, she responded trying to maintain focus on what he was saying. “We follow the trail to a remote cabin where we eat the packed meal and get to spend some time…”, he continued now unfastening her bra. “And do whatever we like at the cabin before we need to return the horses.”, he finished explaining his hands trailing down to grasp the waistband of her panties.
“Mmmm.. wonder what we will do in a remote cabin in the woods.”, she laughed softly reaching her hands back to lightly touch his legs through his jeans. “Oh I’ve got a few ideas…”, he smirked starting to kiss down her back as he slowly pulled her panties down to the floor. She laughed a little when the kisses trained over her butt before moving down her legs. “So are we going to the jacuzzi or…”, she questioned. Merrick smiled and kissed back up her body letting his hands trail along caressing her body. “Yes we’re going to the jacuzzi just helping you… undress.”, he explained kissing her neck. She smiled. “You like undressing me.”, she stated turning in his arms to look up at him. “Very much.”, he smiled. “Good because I like getting to undress you.”, she smirked starting to pull his shirt up. He chuckled a little raising his arms as she pulled the shirt off him. She let her hands run over his body, avoiding touching the bite mark too much since it was just a permanent reminder of another woman. She traced the outlines of his tattoo of Faelan’s prints before trailing lower to unfasten his pants. “Mmmm..”, he sighed a little enjoying her touch as she started kissing down his chest. He growled softly as she moved lower pulling off his jeans and boxers. There was a bit of anticipation wondering if she was going to do what he thought or just stop and say it’s time to get in the jacuzzi.
He was certainly not disappointed as her mouth went exactly where he was hoping. He leaned back a little against the dresser that was behind him his eyes closing rather enjoying himself. One of his hands reached to hold her hair “Mmmm… god Zoe…”, he growled low looking down at her kneeling before him. He gave a gentle tug at her hair. “Alright you should stop now…”, he moaned. She pulled back for a moment and looked up at him. “You sure?”, she asked knowing him well enough that he was getting close. Merrick nodded taking a breath. “Yeah...I’m sure. Let’s go to the jacuzzi and both get some satisfaction.”, he suggested offering her a hand. Zoe smiled a little taking his hand and standing up letting him lead her out to the jacuzzi, him grabbing a condom from his jeans before going outside. It didn't take long after getting into the jacuzzi for him to get the condom up and bring her onto his lap to face him. “And officially my first time having sex in a hot tub.”, he teased kissing her neck as he let her set the pace. “Glad to be a first for you.”, she teased back in a moan. The heat from the water, the jets from the jacuzzi and just the overall satisfaction of being intimate they were both sweating a little but in a good way as they worked to reach a mutual climax by the light of the stars.
They both knew that it wouldn’t always be like this, because once they got home it’d be back to their lives. Both living in separate places, both having their jobs, and then of course there was Faelan who’d take up much of their time and energy. Perhaps that was why they wanted to make the most of the long weekend alone together. Weather it was making love or just in each other’s company, they wanted to revel in it even down the the moments of silently just being close. once out and dry from the jacuzzi they just relaxed in the the bed by the firelight. They talking about anything and everything. They already knew so much about each other but there were still things not explained or answered. Zoe sighed her head resting against his chest when she thought of a question as they’d been talking. “Merrick can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”, she inquired. “Yeah. Ask away, don’t have any secrets at least from you.”, he nodded. “Who is your paternal father? What happened with him and your mom? Why do you seem to dislike him so?”, she asked. He’d never discussed the man, he only called him things like the ‘sperm donor’ or ‘paternal father’. Never used his name or said what happened. She obviously knew the man was much older than his mother as Demitri is the same age as his mother. She just didn’t quite understand how things went down as no one ever talked of the man.
Merrick sighed a hand lightly rubbing at her back. “Well guess should tell you. After all no secrets. So… well his name was Calvin Michael Shadow. He was a history teacher at the community college and lived in Bayville with his wife Judith and my brother Demitri.”, he started to explain. “He hated mutants. When Demitri was forced into being one he disowned him and kicked him out. Which is how Demtiri ended up at the Haven and becoming friends with David.”, he stated. Zoe turned a little in his arms to look down at him. “Alright, since you keep talking past tense about the man I will assume he’s dead. But if he hated mutants how did he end up with your mother, at least to make you three?”, she asked. Merrick frowned this was the part he hated telling. “This is kind of the unbelievable part of the tale. A boy named Seth Saryia traveled through time using a time traveling device that Forge eventually builds. Seth was the son of Atif Saryia and Ashley Davis in his timeline, he had returned to the past to warn that a ‘cure’ was going to be developed by an evil ‘Overlord’ and he would take over the world and enslave all mutants. Seth had come back looking for help because in his time all but a very tiny few mutants were left. So he wanted the help of the past’s X-Men, like his parents.”, Merrick explained. Zoe blinked in astonishment at this tale, but weird things happen so she figured just go with it. Though she recognized the names Atif and Ashley as friends of Merrick’s cousins Landon and Cora Lee.
“Well the information was shared with the other teams. Because after all it was a mutant crisis it would effect them all. Your father did not choose to send any of the XC. Wanda sent my mother and Demitri’s girlfriend at the time Tara on behalf of the Acolytes. Atif, and Ashley went on behalf of the X-Men. Demitri and David went on behalf of the Haven. David’s first wife wanted to go but was told she couldn’t because she was pregnant for Landon at the time.”, he explained. Zoe looked confused because Landon was only days older than him and his sisters. So she was still a bit lost on how Calvin and Kim slept together to create the them. “Why did the Haven get involved?”, she asked. “Because Kim and Tara were going. David wouldn’t let my mom go without him to have her back and Demitri was in love with Tara and wouldn’t let her go without him. It was after they got there that they were able to identify who the overlord was.”, he explained. “Who was it?”, she asked. “Calvin Shadow. He developed the ‘cure’ and went rather crazy with power. During the mission to try and take him out my mom was captured… and Calvin drugged her with the ‘cure’ taking her powers away and restrained her taking away her option of fighting back. And well… um… he raped her before Demitri and David were able to save her and kill Calvin.”, he frowned. He didn’t like talking bout what happened to his mother. But he loves Zoe, she’s his best friend and now his girlfriend she should know these things. Zoe gasped a little covering her mouth as he told the tale of his mother being raped.
“They got out and returned to their own time deciding it might be better to eliminate Calvin to prevent that future from being possible. But the damage was already done. And something about the time travel completely messed with the gestation period accelerating it. So when they arrived back in their time my mom was as far along with us triplets as David’s ex wife was with Landon. Calvin still ended up making a ‘cure’ some military actually use it when they have to go up against mutants. When my sisters and I were born, Calvin kidnapped Lily from the nursery while Kisa and Merrick were delivering me and Josalyn. It took my parents two years to get Lily back. When they got her back because Lorna was president and well they killed Calvin to retrieve her. Despite being so young Lily remembers him and I guess liked him, though I’m sure he’d have hated her for being a mutant just like he hated Demitri and would have hated me and Josalyn too. I consider Christian to be my only dad, because he was there for my mom after she returned. He loved her no matter what and loved us no matter what. That’s a dad, that’s what a real man does. So there you have it. That’s how Demitri’s dad is my biological father despite there never having been any kind of relationship between him and my mom.”, Merrick finished. Zoe frowned and hugged him. She didn’t know what to say.
“He’s why I have some of my rules. Because I never want to be that type of man. And there was only one time in my life I did harm a girl, by accident but still it was my fault, and it upset my mother to the point she called me Calvin. It’s something I never want to be called.”, he explained. “Who did you hurt? What happened?”, she asked. He frowned. “You see me as this nice guy. Well I’m not always that guy and in high school I was hardly ever that guy. I was mean especially to Rachel Howlett. And it wasn’t even something against Rachel. I thought she was attractive, but she was just a pawn in the overall issues I had. I knew Landon was into her, even if he wasn’t admitting it at the time. And so she was a way to get to Landon. I’ve always… well had a competitive beef with Landon. He was the golden boy, still is. He could never do wrong, even when he did wrong he was always forgiven quickly for it. And well growing up I felt that when Lily ran away to the Haven and to the Institute and spent all her time with him that well he’d replaced me. That he’d taken my triplet from me.”, he frowned. He still sometimes felt like Landon had somehow taking his role as brother to Lily.
“Well one year at a dance I tried to get Rachel to dance with me and I squeezed her arm without thinking about it or how strong I can be I bruised her arm. Ended up getting into a fight with Landon and going home. Her mom came the the academy that night and told me mom what I did. Mom was furious that I would do something like that no matter to who. I don’t think I have ever felt worse or smaller in my whole life. I apologized to Rachel and her family the next day and promised to never bother her or touch her again. She accepted my apology and we moved on. I eventually went to the Haven and things have kind of slowly gotten better.”, he explained still ashamed of what he’d done. Zoe sighed and lightly ran a hand over his hair. “You were young and stupid. You learned from it and grew to be the amazing man I get to have and love. Good, bad and ugly I don’t care about your past I care about who you are right now.”, she smiled leaning down giving him a kiss softly. “And right now you are a kind, loving and gentle man that is an amazing father and fiercely loyal to his family. And for all of that and so much more you are the man I love. Let’s get some sleep handsome and enjoy our last full day away tomorrow.”, she suggested kissing him again laying back down and cuddling close to him. Merrick sighed and smiled softly, she did make him feel better. “I love you.”, he said rolling a little to hold her close before falling asleep.
The next day was mostly just lounging around the bed and breakfast during the day, walking around the grounds. Zoe wanted to take some pictures around the wooded area of the grounds. So they spend the morning and afternoon just there on the property only going off grounds to get lunch. Then as evening came they drove over to the Overland Morgan Horse Farm for their dinner ride. Zoe was given a chestnut colored rocky mountain horse named Ginger and Merrick was given a black rocky mountain horse named Othello. For someone who’d never been on a horse before Merrick did rather well getting into the saddle and keeping his horse calm. Zoe had a take more difficulty but Merrick reached over and patted Ginger’s neck calming her. The hand who was helping them watched at the silent exchange between Merrick and the horse. “And you say you’ve never worked with horses before?”, he asked looking to Merrick as he was packing the dinner to the side of Merrick’s saddle. “Not once. I have mostly just worked with domestic cats and dogs. But in generally I’ve got a kinship with most animals.”, Merrick explained. The hand nodded. “Alright well just follow the markers and you’ll find your way to the cabin.”, he said stepping back. Merrick didn’t click or even speak to Othello but the horse moved forward following a silent command. Zoe was able to get Ginger to follow walking beside Othello and Merrick. “This is gorgeous..”, she commented looking around the trail taking her phone out taking pictures. She managed to snap a couple of Merrick riding Othello during the ride to the cabin.
“I think this might be my favorite part of this trip.”, she smiled as they reached the cabin. Merrick smiled getting down from Othello and tying him to the post before helping her down. “I’ll have to keep in mind you like riding horses, maybe take you out to Boland Ranch to go riding. I’m sure Misses Boland would be okay with that if you wanted to learn more since she has riding classes.”, Merrick offered. “That actually sounds rather fun.”, she agreed tying Ginger up next to Othello. Merrick got the basket off from Othello and walked over to the table that was available under some trees. “Guess this is where we eat.”, he said setting the basket down. “You hungry?”, he asked. “I could eat.”, she agreed walking over helping take the assortment of food out of the basket before sitting down and eating. “It’s really nice up here. Very secluded.”, she commented. Merrick nodded eating some of the potato salad since most of the meal was not vegetarian. “Yeah. I like this, but I’m an animal so put me in the woods and I’m good.”, he smirked. Zoe laughed a little.
“So if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?”, she asked. Merrick thought for a moment. He’d never really thought about living anywhere but Bayville. He was attached there, it’s where his roots were planted. But as he looked across the picnic table at her he smiled knowing the answer. “Anywhere you are.”, he answered taking a sip of his water. Zoe smiled blushing just a little. Not the answer she’d expected but certainly one she liked. “What if I end up in a big city like Manhattan since I want to be on Broadway?”, she asked. “Then I deal with a city if that’s where you want to be.”, he said with a shrug. “With Faelan I don’t think I’d want to live in the city. I have grown to love Bayville. My parents live there, I have Uncle Alec, your family and work is there. So if ever a time came to settle down I think I’d stay. If I made it to Broadway I could always just take the train. City wouldn’t be a place to raise a family anyways.”, she smiled. Merrick chuckled. “That conversation with Rebecca and her bridesmaids been rattling around in your beautiful head?”, he questioned with a smirk. “Maybe. I mean we only just started seeing each other so really thinking or planning to far out isn’t really rational. But it’s always nice to think about it. And I think that someday I would want to be a mother if it’s in the cards and if it’s to your children all the better.”, she smiled. “Yeah well we already know I make damn cute kids. Now this is all hypothetical because obviously we should enjoy the now not worry about the future.”, he said.
“Of course. Hypothetically how many kids would you want?”, Zoe asked. “Well I’m one of six, if you count Demitri, of five if you look at just the kids my mom’s had. I’m a big family guy. So I’d want to stay in that number so about five including Faelan. Granted that’d be if whoever I marry is willing to be pregnant that many times.”, he chuckled. “That’s a good point. Who knows how bad pregnancy could be. I wouldn’t mind a large family. I agree that Faelan would probably do well to have siblings. He’s a wolf they are pack animals after all.”, she smiled. Merrick nodded reaching under the table to lightly rub at her leg through her jeans. Zoe smirked glancing down and then over at him. “You hinting at something handsome?”, she teased. “Yeah. I saw we go explore the cabin and get some practice in.”, he suggested with a wink. Zoe chuckled. “Practice sex?”, she questioned. “Well practice in regards to making babies since we’d be using protection so no babies at this time.”, he said standing up. Zoe chuckled getting up. “Let’s go explore the cabin and see what happens.”, she said taking his hand as they headed into the cabin. Inside they found a one room cabin that had a sofa, a small kitchenette, and a bed. “Looks like it’s got everything we need.”, he smirked pulling her closer kissing her as he shut the cabin door behind them.
They enjoyed their time at the cabin before having to head back as they did have a time frame they needed to keep. The ride back was peaceful as was their final night at the bed and breakfast before they had to check out in the morning. Leaving was bittersweet. They had a really nice weekend away and would certainly miss the quiet time alone together, but they both missed Faelan and being home. After returning home they both uploaded some of the more appropriate pictures from the trip to their individual Facebook accounts. Merrick updated his profile picture to be one of the pictures of them at the winery close together smiling, he updated his cover photo to a picture taken when they got back home of him kissing Faelan’s left cheek while Zoe kissed his right, he even updating his marital status to ‘In a Relationship with Zoe Deluca’. Zoe updated her profile picture the one of the three of them, her cover photo became one that the farm hand had taken of them on the horses before their ride, and she was glad to finally update her marital status to ‘In a Relationship with Merrick Bryant-Frost’. her friends back in Italy of course were commenting and liking everything thrilled that she was so happy in America.