Page 39 of A Submissive's Gift
“Yes, it used to shock me a bit as well,” Craig admitted, as he took a break. “I’ve learned through the years that you need to order extra, but if you’re careful, you can keep waste to a minimum. Whatever isn’t consumed at one meal can often be used in a different way the next day. Fruit is the quickest to gobad, but with strawberries and champagne being part of every room’s gift basket, I’ll be lucky to have enough left to serve with the waffles for brunch on January first.”
“We’ll need every stick of butter, bag of sugar, and bars of chocolate to make the individual cheesecakes Liz and Logan want as their wedding cake,” Barbara added, looking down at her own ring. “This is going to be the most incredible holiday ever!”
Everyone had moved their personal belongings back to their own cabins. Elizabeth and Helen worked together to make sure every room they had used had fresh linens and towels. Complimentary bottles of shampoo and body wash were placed on bathroom vanities. The men made sure there was plenty of firewood ready in baskets on the hearth. Flowers would be delivered on Friday since the gardens had yet to grow large enough to offer their own bounty.
After a dinner of soup and salad on Thursday, the men were told to entertain themselves as the women held a meeting.
Craig opened the wine, placing another bottle on the island for when it was needed. “Have fun, baby,” he said, as he gave Barbara a kiss. “Don’t stay up too late, we’ve got a lot to do tomorrow.”
“I won’t,” she promised with a giggle. Both knew that these meetings often led to her need to be taken care of by her Daddy afterward. He patted her bottom a final time before gathering some snacks and beers to take to Logan’s cabin for their poker party.
Hearing the others calling her, she gave him a final kiss before taking her glass of wine and hurrying to join them. The women settled on cushions in front of the fire that Logan had set before he and the other men retired to play a few games of Texas Hold-Em.
“I can’t believe opening day is almost here,” Nancy said, snuggling into her cushion before raising her glass. “To Liz, you’ve done it.” Everyone raised their glass, the sentiment repeated as the clinking of glasses sounded.
“I couldn’t have done it without every single one of you,” Elizabeth said. “It still amazes me that Haven is finished, that the dream I thought impossible for so long has not only been realized, it has given me more than I could ever have imagined.” She took a sip of her wine in order to give herself time to collect herself. “It gave me Logan, and an entire new family. No matter what this weekend brings, just that is enough to make me happy.”
“Well, that and a wedding ring,” Ariel offered.
“And a collar,” Nancy added, her hand lifting to run along her own. Knowing her friend inside and out, and sensing an unease in Elizabeth despite her smile, Nancy reached out to touch Elizabeth’s arm. “I know you are ready, but, honey, can you tell us what’s bothering you? Are you nervous because so many people are going to be here?”
Liz shook her head. “No, not really. I’m more than ready to formally commit myself in all ways. Everyone who is coming this weekend knows us both, and, well, have probably been wondering why I haven’t been collared long before now.” She paused, gathering her thoughts. “I suppose I’m a little worried what people might think when Haven’s purpose gets around. I mean, I will fight to the death to make sure everyone has a right to live the lifestyle they’ve chosen as long as it safe and consensual. It has taken me years to get over that night when the hotel manager and security guard came to our room and were disgusted to find me tied to that bed, even though I loved being there. Despite my dream beginning that night, I’m positive Haven would never have been a reality without Logan and the rest of you.”
Taking a sip of her wine, she continued. “I’m also a bit worried that my mother is going to be upset if she ever discovers that not only have I vowed to obey Logan on an even deeper level than most brides, but we’ve also opened a hotel that encourages other women to do the same. As you know, she’s not big on giving any control over to my father. Even though we haven’t been close in years, I feel guilty for being grateful they won’t be here for my wedding. She’d never understand my need to submit completely. To be honest, I haven’t even told her what sort of hotel Haven is. God, does that make me a horrible daughter?”
Helen didn’t brush off the young woman’s fears. Living a life of submission was not one that the majority of modern women chose or understood. Even with the growing openness of society, she understood Elizabeth’s concerns. “You couldn’t be horrible if you tried. This isn’t about your parents or what other people might think, this is about you and Logan. Elizabeth, if you are under the illusion that you will ever meet everyone’s approval?—”
“I don’t need…” Elizabeth interrupted, and then smiled as clarity filled her. “Thanks. You are so right. I don’t need anyone’s approval except for Logan’s. I don’t care what anyone else might think, not even my parents. If I can’t submit to Logan and accept his collar, I feel as if I will not be complete.”
“Then, honey, you can let all that worry go. Just think of how you feel with Logan and follow your heart. If you do that, I promise, everything will be beautiful. You are providing a place where those who understand and also need to live their own lives their way will love and thank you for. Believe me, I’ve been living a D/s lifestyle all my life, and it would have been wonderful to have such a beautiful place to share romantic weekends, surrounded by others who live and love outside the normal box of what society deems to be acceptable. Love should never be shunned, and I’m grateful that times are changing.You, my dear, are simply a leader of the pack, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Helen’s words and reassurance went a long way to remove the last traces of worry from Elizabeth. “Thanks, Mom,” she said, hugging the woman who she felt truly blessed would be far more than a mother-in-law—she would be the mother she had always dreamed of, one who truly accepted and loved her unconditionally.
“Now that that’s settled, I only have one question,” Ariel said, her teasing tone warning all that whatever came out of her mouth next would most likely be either totally ridiculous or extremely risqué. Once she was sure she had everyone’s complete attention, she continued, “I just want to know if anyone else is sitting on a butt that was spanked with the special Christmas gift Harry gave to our men?”
“How did you know?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes? Were you sneaking around my room?” Barbara asked suspicion clearly shown in her expression.
“Don’t remind me,” Nancy groaned, her hand going back to rub the back of her jeans.
Ariel laughed and shook her head. “Remember how we all thought those paddles were so pretty?” When three heads nodded, Ariel shook hers in the opposite direction. “And remember when the men refused to let us actually hold one?”
Three voices chorused “yes”.
“That’s what I thought. Last question, did either your Dom or, Bunny, your Daddy, happen to stand you in front of a mirror after he finished setting your butt on fire?”
“No, why?” Elizabeth asked.
“That’s what I thought. Obviously my Dom has the most warped sense of humor. Okay, everyone on their feet,” Ariel instructed, jumping to hers first.
“I’m quite comfy right here,” Barbara said, shaking her head.
“Come on, sis, up!” Ariel insisted, reaching down to offer her big sister her hand. “And before you ask, no, I’m not just trying to sneak a peek at your undies. But since this involves all of us, it’ll be easier just to show you.”
“I still don’t trust you,” Barbara said, but allowed herself to be drawn to stand as the other club members were already on their feet.
“Okay, everyone in a circle, backs to the center.” Once the women had obeyed, Ariel continued, “On the count of three, pants and panties down.” She waited until the other three were ready and then counted, “One, two, three!”
