Olivia (Logan 5)

The reception was elegant and gay. I couldn't imagine how the months and months of planning Nelson's and his fiancee's parents were taking would have made it much better. The caterers did a wonderful job. We spared no expense and had prime rib, lobster, shrimp, turkey, clams and pasta, beautiful plates of vegetables and fruit, and the fanciest desserts. The decorators had turned the room into a wonderland of flowers and glitter. Our orchestra, played well, and all the guests we wanted and expected were there. It was at least as nice as Nelson's engagement party. Whenever anyone complimented us on the reception, Samuel turned to me and gave me all the credit.

"She's the one," he said, "who planned it all. I've been too busy working on our home. There's not a more competent woman in all of New England," he declared.

"You couldn't ask for a more loyal subject," Nelson kidded me when he overheard Samuel commending me.

"I could ask for you," I shot back and he widened his eyes and then laughed and performed an emphatic European bow.

"No need to ask, Madam. I shall always be a loyal subject," he declared and once again, asked me to dance while his fiancee was occupied.

"However, I do now need to ask for Samuel's permission. You are his wife," he said and turned to Samuel.

"I'm his wife, but I'm still an individual," I interrupted. Nelson looked at Samuel who was already distracted by conversation, shrugged, and held out his arms into which I gladly went. In my mind we floated on that dance floor. However, when I opened my eyes and looked to the right, I saw Belinda staring at us and smiling. Instantly, I stiffened.

Later, before Samuel and I left for the yacht, Belinda came up to me to whisper in my ear.

"Maybe you got married too fast, Olivia. Maybe there was still a chance."

"Whatever are you talking about, Belinda? I'm sure it's something silly," I added quickly so she would say no more. "Just look after Daddy while I'm away. You have more responsibilities at the house now."

"What?" she snapped. "We still have Carmelita and Jerome."

"I'm not talking about the daily chores. I'm talking about looking after Daddy."

"Daddies have to look after their daughters, not daughters their daddies," she sang. "Have a fun time on your boat, Olivia, and tell me everything when you return."

She hugged me and then flew off to dance with Arnold. "Ready?" Samuel asked.

"Yes. I just want to say good-bye to my father," I said gazing after Belinda. She was batting her eyes at Nelson now. I saw him hide a smile.

I pulled Daddy away from his conversation to tell him I was leaving.

"You looked absolutely beautiful in church today, Olivia. Your mother would have been proud," he said. "Thank you, Daddy."

"Have a wonderful honeymoon and don't worry about a thing back here, okay?I'll be fine and the business will be fine."

"I hope so, Daddy," I said gazing at Belinda again. She was drinking too much champagne and I mentioned it to Daddy.

"It will be all right," Daddy assured me. "I'll keep my eye on her," he muttered.

We hugged and then I gave my hand to Samuel. We waved good-bye at everyone and left the reception. The limousine took us to the dock where our yacht and crew waited.

"This idea looks better and better to me, Olivia," Samuel said as we boarded and were directed to our cabin. "After something like that, it's good to go off on our own and have nothing but the sea, eh?"

"Yes, Samuel," I said. I did think it was a good idea.

"Let's change and go aft to watch the shoreline d

isappear," he suggested and started to take off his tuxedo. He was about to undress in front of me and he expected I would do the same, but I wasn't ready. I found what I wanted to wear and went into the bathroom to change.

"I like that," he said when I came out. "Modesty makes the promise of our intimacy that much more special," he declared. Then he smiled. "From now on, my dear Olivia, we will have nothing to hide from each other, least of all, our bodies."

I tried to smile, too, but my heart was pounding too hard and fast. Maybe Belinda was right; maybe she was better off preparing herself for this sort of day. Samuel took my hand and led me to the deck where we sat on lounge chairs, were waited upon by a crew member, and watched the shore slip behind us as we set out to sea and truly, for a new life,

We drank some wine and watched the sun go down. "Tired?" he asked.

"Yes. It's been quite a day."

"An exciting day. I'm very, very happy, Olivia. I promise I'll be a good husband and father." He laughed. "I know if I stray an inch, you'll let me know, too."