Page 5 of Layla

“You’re going to be married in just days! And you’ll come here to live in Brennan County! I can’t wait, Layla!”

The women hugged. The joy rubbed off on Layla and she giggled, too.

“This is going to be the best bridal shower ever!” Beatrice said.

“We’re going to have a great time,” Margo Stone agreed.

She wasn’t the oldest woman in Brennan County but at forty-seven, she was the oldest in the room. The group had gathered in the community center—one of the first buildings in the settlement to be completed—and were eager to lavish gifts upon the town’s newest, soon-to-be-resident, Layla.

More ladies began to file in and soon the two tables lined up in front of the kitchen were covered in dishes. There were snacks, desserts, and punch. People began to mingle and wish Layla well. A huge stack of presents rested in one corner, just waiting to be plowed into.

“How are your nerves?” Margo asked.

She was sitting across the table from Layla as they finished eating.

“I can’t wait,” Layla said. “But I guess I am a little nervous.”

“That’s normal,” Margo said with a comforting smile. “I remember my wedding night. I’m not sure what was sorer—my bottom or my…well, you know.”

Some of the other women laughed knowingly.

“You practiced Domestic Discipline even way back then?” Layla said.

“Way back then? Ha! I’m not that old!” Margo winked to reveal she was not offended by the question.

Layla still blushed. “I mean, in those early days of your marriage?”

“I know, honey. And yes, we sure did.” Margo flipped a strand of her dark blonde hair over her shoulder and continued to smile. “Like you, Wyatt and I knew that was what we wanted—what we needed—for a healthy marriage. It’s always been who we are.”

“So…he, uh…spanked you on your wedding night like Kirk is going to do with me?” Layla said.

“Oh yes.” A whimsical, faraway look clouded Margo’s eyes as she thought back to that magical night. “The spanking isn’t fun, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” She chuckled, returning to the present as she looked squarely across the table at her new, young friend. “Of course, it was the first of many but those other spankings have been given because I deserved them. Discipline. That first one was solidifying our roles. Establishing our marriage. Setting the tone. It was every bit as intimate as what came next.” She winked.

Some of the young ladies giggled.

Layla just smiled. “I think I get what you’re saying.”

“To an extent. You’ll understand even better in time. I’m so excited for you, honey. This is such a special period in your life,” Margo said.

Layla couldn’t stop grinning as she thought of all that was to come. Yes, it was a magical time indeed.

***

When it came time to open the gifts, Layla sat in the center of the room, all eyes on her, looking slightly bashful at all the attention.

“Open mine first!” Beatrice said.

No one seemed shocked it was her who had spoken up. No one objected, though, and soon Layla was unwrapping the first of two boxes that had been given her.

“Ooh-lala!” several women said as the bride-to-be held up the sheer, red negligée.

“Kirk will enjoy that for sure,” Margo added.

Layla felt silly for being slightly embarrassed, but it was the next present that really had her blushing.

She nearly gasped upon tearing the last shreds of paper from it.

Diapers. A package of twelve.

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