In Your Arms I Belong

By H L Phillips

The bond between Louise, Grant, Charlie, and Jim continues to strengthen as they move into a new chapter of their lives. Sharing their home together as two heterosexual couples they find themselves on a voyage of discovery. The importance of a healthy sex life overspills into the relationships they maintain with their family and friends. The myth of ‘with age comes experience’, is dispelled as Louise and Charlie become the teachers.

There is a cyclonic change in the lives of the older siblings and friends of Louise and Grant’s Family. As new relationships develop, the complexities of life bring others to an end. With the turbulences of relationships that are challenged by modern day prejudices, they are met, by devastating affects upon those lives involved.

With the love and support of those around them, it is possible for them to evolve and flourish. With the beginnings of a new life, like the eternal spring, love blossoms confirming that it is in your arms that I belong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9781035824007

H L Phillips

Heather lives in the coastal town of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. She is married to Iain, with a son, Michael.

Book preview

About the Author

Heather lives in the coastal town of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. She is married to Iain, with a son, Michael.

Dedication

This book has been dedicated to four incredibly special women in my life, Denise Audrey MacKenzie, Fiona Lamont, Leah Ford and Yvonne Strathearn. To love each one has enriched my life.

Copyright Information ©

H L Phillips 2024

The right of H L Phillips to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British library.

ISBN 9781035823994 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035824007 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge the continuing support of my husband, Iain.

Chapter One

As I lifted my head off Grant’s chest to look at the alarm clock, he stirred; opening his eyes, he looked down at me smiling. I raised my face so I could kiss him. He kissed me gently on the lips saying, Good morning, my darling angel.

Today was going to be an extremely busy day. Charlie’s 18th birthday party was this evening. Charlie and I were going shopping in Dundee with our four mums, Grant was exceptionally busy at work so he was going out to the barn. Jim who was working on his dissertation, along with completing his over assessments would be holed up in our study most of the day. We had agreed to be ready for eight o’clock this morning as that would enable Charlie’s and my parents to come in to see her before we went our separate directions. Our other mums were arriving at nine o’clock. Grant had looked across at the clock on seeing it was ten past six he said, Come on darling, let’s get up or you will be panicking that Charlie gets up before we have her breakfast made.

I laughed knowing that Grant was correct. As I uncurled my legs from his, I swung them out of our bed. Grant was mesmerised as I stood up stretching out my long legs. I walked across to where our dressing gowns hung on the hook behind the door. Knowing that Grant’s eyes had followed me I cheekily asked, Do you like what you see?

Oh yes, I certainly do.

You are incorrigible!

With you around me, what do you expect?

I laughed as Grant rolled across our bed, before standing up and putting on his robe. As he stood before me, he put his hands on my waist kissing me tenderly. When we opened the door, Jerry jumped off the bed to follow us downstairs. On finishing making our breakfasts, I placed everything onto two trays with Grant taking one and I the other we carried them upstairs. Grant had gently knocked on the door, Charlie mid-yawn had called, Come in.

Good morning, you two. We would wish you a happy birthday, Sis, but we have three sleeps to go.

I think we could say Happy Birthday Party Day!

The four of us had begun to laugh. Along with their exuberant personalities, Grant and Charlie had an infectious rambunctious laugh. Charlie had taken the coffee off the tray I was holding with Jim taking it off Grant’s tray, they had both put the coffee on the bedside cabinets enabling us to sit down. I had given Charlie a kiss as I hugged her, we were still laughing. Grant followed suit. As the four of us sat on their bed we ate our breakfast. Jerry sat on the floor looking at me with his dark brown, ‘puppy dog eyes’ in the hope that I may slip him something from the breakfast tray. Grant, Jim and I had a couple of bacon rolls, whilst I had made a couple of steak sausage rolls for Charlie.

We told Charlie and Jim that we were going to put on our clothes then take Jerry out for a quick walk. That way you two can shower and we will have one when we come back. Charlie replied that sounds perfect. I reminded Charlie that our visitors were turning up at eight o’clock. We will give you your present once we come back in. We thought that perhaps you would like to open Jim and ours together.

Grant and I crossed the short distance between our bedrooms to put some clothes on. The weather had been quite cold but for mid-January we could not really expect anything else. With Jerry being a Shetland Sheepdog, he enjoyed the cold, frosty air on his coat. Jerry had followed us downstairs, as we put our coats and walking boots on, he had become excited.

It took us forty minutes to walk the route that we had chosen, on getting home Grant and I went for a shower. As we opened the door leading into the kitchen, we could see our two sets of parents, Stu, John and Keith walking up the path. I opened the back door welcoming our family as we had kissed then hugged everyone, we had said to just go into the living room. And that we would follow in behind them shortly with teas and coffee. We were surprised that Stu had come in at this time of the morning. Stu had lingered behind addressing Grant.

I thought I could come out to the barn with you, if that is alright, Grant?

No problem, Stu, you are on the coffees.

This had been the first time that we had seen Stu since New Year’s Day. He had just returned home from the North Sea last night as he worked on the oil rigs.

Charlie was sat in the living room curled up on the sofa next to Jim. As everyone went in, they wished Charlie and Jim, good morning, in our usual family manner. We had walked back into the living room, carrying a tray of tea and coffee, with a plate of biscuits for my brothers, John and Keith. Charlie had decided to leave opening her presents from Jim, Grant and I until our parents arrived. Jim had handed Charlie two parcels; one was slightly bigger than the other. Charlie had looked at the boxes and exclaimed, These are jewellery boxes?

Jim smiled. Charlie opened the larger of the two first. It was an 18ct yellow gold pendant, with a heart cut Madagascan garnet surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds. The exquisite rich red Madagascan garnet was set in an 18ct yellow gold mount. Whereas the diamonds were set in an 18ct white gold claw setting which refracted the light better. The adjoining chain was an 18ct yellow gold curbed gold chain. When Charlie opened the second box, it was a pair of matching stud earrings.

Oh Jim, these are beautiful. Thank you very much, Jim, these are gorgeous, they match the ring you bought for my Christmas. You have spent far too much money, darling.

Darling, you are only eighteen once. Besides I have been saving up for them with the money I make working for Dad.

I handed Charlie our gift. Charlie opened the paper to reveal a bracelet that matched the set that Jim had purchased. There, was a row of five graduated heart cut rich red Madagascan garnets each surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds in an 18ct white gold setting. The bracelet was an articulated 18ct yellow solid gold curb chain. We had purchased each of the pieces at the same time to ensure that the colour match of the garnets was perfect. Charlie was delighted as she came over to thank us both, she was about to say that we had spent too much on her, when I reminded her what she had said on my birthday.

The two mums handed Charlie a present from each of them. They told Charlie it was just something small. When Charlie opened, them she had received two silk negligees, one was black with the other being pale blue. Charlie went across giving each of her parents a huge hug then a kiss. We could see the approving look on Jim’s face. Charlie in her exuberant way, told everyone, These are beautiful. Thank you, everyone. I love you all dearly, especially Jim!

We laughed as we told Charlie, that we loved her. Charlie, Jim, Grant and I shared a house, which the four of us had moved into at the start of August 1986, of last year. The house was owned by my dad. My dad, who had married on 6 December last year, lived next door to us with my step-mum, Jenny and her two sons, John and Keith. Charlie and I were best friends and had become inseparable since meeting on our first day at Secondary school, in August of 1981, now 5½ years ago. Our families had become one, over these years. Charlie and I were now in 6th year, our final year at school. We lived with my fiancé, Grant who was 26 years old, and her boyfriend Jim who was 21 years old. I had turned 17 years old on 14 January and Charlie would be 18 years old on 19 January. Grant was a spray painter, panel beater and sign writer who owned his own business.

Whilst Jim was in his final year at Dundee University where he was studying architecture. Our family was a little unconventional as we had four sets of parents and siblings, who treated us all as their own, in essence, we had four mums and dads, five brothers and if we counted ourselves, one sister. John was 18 years old with Keith being 14 years old. They were my step-brothers but as we had grown up together the last 12 years, they were very much my brothers.

Charlie’s elder brother, Stu was 26 years old, he was my fiancée Grant and his brother Sean’s best friend. Sean was 29 years old; the three men had been friends for almost 22 years. Jim had been an only child. That was until Charlie and he had got together last July. I had met Grant at a fundraiser on Saturday, 17 May, last year. Charlie’s mum, Liza had hosted the fundraiser, to raise money to ensure that all her guides could attend a trip she had organised to Switzerland. Grant had his beard shaved off and I was his Kiss-o-Gram. My parents were, Dan and Jenny; Charlie’s are Ben and Liza; Grant’s, Allan and Judy; Jim’s are Don and Mary.

Judy turned up at quarter to nine with Mary. As we got ready to go out, Jim excused himself and went upstairs to work. Grant put on his work boots, kissed me and said, that he looked forward to seeing everyone this evening. There were six of us going into Dundee so we went in two cars. I went with Judy and Mary, whilst Charlie went with Jenny and Liza. Upon arriving in Dundee, they parked next to each other in the Wellgate Shopping Centre.¹

Our parents handed us £200 each to spend. We were flabbergasted. We were told not to complain if they had not had it, they would not have given us that amount. Judy told me later that herself and Mary had been asked how much they wanted to give us. Dad was the largest earner, followed by Ben this being the reason why they had asked Judy and Mary to suggest an amount. Judy suggested that we look in the ladies boutique first, whilst Mum proposed that we could go into the lingerie boutique afterwards to get some underwear to compliment what we had purchased in the first boutique. Both shops were privately owned and not part of a larger chain. With the January sales being on, we had a vast range of shops we could look in.

The six of us walked down to the ladies boutique as that was where we had purchased our dresses for Sean and Emma’s engagement party. Judy had bought our ‘Christmas dresses’ from the same store. Once we walked into the shop, the mums had devised a strategy, upon seeing the four sales rails they took one each. Judy quickly homed in on two dresses. When she showed them to us, we both nodded approvingly. Judy said, I think this is the perfect dress for you, Lou.

She had a beautiful burgundy silk dress in her hand. The dress was strapless, it had a sweetheart neckline with a deep plunge, it was fitted, with the skirt sitting above the knee, there was a small split to the back of the dress. I knew before I tried it on that I would love it. The dress she had selected for Charlie was royal blue, fitted, sleeveless with a shawl collar which went into a low elongated V-shape above the bust, it was fitted and had a 3" wide belt on the waist, with a pencil skirt which sat on the knee, there was a split in the back.

We both went over and hugged Mum taking the dresses so we could try them on. Charlie and I both stood at 5ft 7, I had an hourglass figure, my bust was 35b, I had a petite waist 23 and 35 hips. I was short from my neck to my waist and long from my waist down. I had a 30 inside leg and had always considered my legs my best feature as they were shapely. I had long arms which often meant I had difficulty finding ladies blouses to fit me. Charlie had a 35A bust, 26 waist and was 35 on the hips. Charlie was shorter in the leg than I was and longer in the body. We were both brown eyed brunettes, Charlie’s eyes were lighter than my own. Our skin tones differed as I was classed as porcelain, or ‘peelly wally’ in Scotland. I much preferred the descriptor of an ‘English Rose’. Charlie’s was a warm beige.

The major difference being I never tanned as well as Charlie. Charlie’s hair was darker than mine, it was long, permed with a fringe cut short around the ears at the side with a fringe as was fashionable, her hair fell below her shoulders. This was the longest Charlie had her hair and it really suited her. My hair was permed falling into soft layers with a fringe. There were natural chestnut highlights going through it, and blonde highlights in the summer. My hair was longer than Charlie’s, sitting 6" above my waist. We both went swimming a minimum of four times a week which kept our bodies in excellent shape. At least, that was what our men were forever telling us.

Mum called us over next. Mum had found a black leather mini skirt for me, and a black tailored leather jacket for Charlie, we both loved them. We took them off Mum, giving her a hug. When we turned around, Liza had called us over to the rail which had the blouses on it. Liza picked out a red satin blouse which was tailored to look like a military style jacket with padded shoulders, full sleeves, which had a three-inch cuff, a line of poppers that went up both sides of the blouse in a V-shape, which was echoed by the V-shape at the bottom of the blouse which sat in the middle of the waist, it had a mandarin collar.

I absolutely loved it and as the sleeves were so full, I knew it would not be too short for me. Charlie’s blouse was in black silk. The blouse was cut like a jacket with a mandarin collar, padded shoulders, it had a peplum and a 2" black patent belt. Mary had selected a mini skirt for each of us which was made in a stretch cotton, lycra fabric, she had selected a black one for myself and a red one for Charlie. The colours of course co-ordinated with the other pieces our three mums had selected.

Charlie and I went to the changing rooms with our four pieces. We tried them all on and loved them. We looked at the prices of the selected items which were all half price, they came to £150 for both of us. My silk dress, and leather skirt offset the cost of Charlie’s leather jacket, and dress. We were delighted as we said we could go next door and pick out some underwear. There was also a shoe shop on the floor below. Charlie suggested we go there first as then we could spend our remaining money on underwear as opposed to doing it the other way around and leaving ourselves short.

When we paid for the goods, we suggested to our mums what we were going to do. When we went into the shoe shop, I spotted a pair of black patent leather 3" stilettoes, Charlie found a pair of black leather knee-high boots. These had also been reduced to half price in the sale. We bought them and went back up to the lingerie boutique. I had slightly more money left as my shoes had cost £8, whereas Charlie’s boots, were £20. This still gave me £42, and Charlie £30.

On entering the lingerie boutique, the owner told us that everything was half price or less. Mum spotted a beautiful strapless burgundy lace teddy, it was cut high on the legs, with detachable suspenders and a low back, as it was so delicate it would show no lines under my silk dress. Charlie found a similar one in red that she said would be perfect under her mini skirt. Judy had gone to the back wall of the shop and had called me over. Mum showed me a gorgeous red satin corset with a black lace overlay, in a beautiful rose and filigree pattern. It had been reduced to £22 from £50. Judy said to me, That would go perfect with the leather mini that Grant had bought you for your birthday and you could wear it tonight.

I was going to wear my blouse Grant had bought me but I knew he would love, love, love, the corset. I asked Mum, If she would help me into it?

Mum said, I will be delighted to. Why don’t you got ready out at our house as you are staying in Friockheim tonight?

Charlie’s party was at the Balmoral Hotel function suite.² After paying for the corset and the lace teddy, Mum said, I will carry that bag for you Lou, why don’t you go and get a pair of stockings and some panties and a bra with the £8.00 you have left.

I smiled at Mum and went over to the rails. Charlie had found a black silk strapless teddy, which had high cut legs, a low back and detachable suspenders. Charlie also selected a white lace one, in the design that matched her red one. With the remaining money, she picked up some panties. She called me over to the rail and said, Lou, have you seen these? I have selected six pairs which means that I can throw out the remainder of my old ones. I am so happy that you helped me understand that beautiful underwear is first and foremost for yourself.

She hugged me and gave me a kiss. Liza said, Charlie, my beautiful daughter, you have transformed from the inside out. You have a radiant glow that enhances your beauty. I can see that living with Lou, Grant and Jim has been one of the best decisions you have made.

I selected a white lace bra which was £3.50, three pairs of panties at a £1 each and two pairs of stocking which were 75p each. One of the pairs of stockings was black with a red heel, red seam and a red lace top. They were perfect to go with the rest of tonight’s outfit.

When we left the lingerie boutique, Charlie and I had spent our birthday money. We went back to the cars amazed at what we had been able to purchase, we gave each one of our mums a kiss and a huge hug. When we returned from the car park into the Wellgate, the beautiful clock was chiming. There was a crowd of people gathered around watching the clock. This worked in our favour as we were able to get down the escalators with ease as we walked out of the Wellgate onto the precinct. We had decided we would walk around to the Old Bank Bar for lunch.³.

Liza and Mum had left us at the corner of house of Frasers, saying that Ben and Dan had asked them to get something for them and that they would catch up with us shortly. Charlie and my mums turned up half an hour later, they both looked pleased with themselves. Bruce the Publican had a warm smile on his face as we went through the door. He asked how Dad was and said that he had hoped that we had all had a wonderful festive season. I had told Bruce that Dad was doing really well, and was enjoying the challenge of his new role. Dad was a Chief Inspector with Tayside Police and worked in professional standards. Professional standards were part of headquarters division and was based here in Dundee. We thanked him returning the sentiment.

We ordered our meal and had a glass of wine; Judy had a fresh orange. Judy very seldom drunk alcohol, she would make an exception now and again and would occasionally have a glass of champagne. But the rest of the time refrained, preferring to drink fruit juices. It was three o’clock when we returned to the cars. Mum and Liza said that they would take us home and that would enable Judy to take Mary home. I said to Judy that I would see her this evening.

Judy had put my corset in her boot, whilst there I had handed her the black and red seamed stockings. I had purchased a beautiful pair of red silk panties with suspenders attached, which I had put in the same bag as the stockings, so that I could wear them this evening. Mum said that she would see Grant and I at five o’clock as she was making us tea. Judy and Mary said goodbye to my other two mum’s, and that they looked forward to seeing them this evening.

Charlie had said that she would be having a light tea with our parents, as Liza was cooking for the men as they were all staying tonight in Friockheim. Charlie knew that I must have something planned because otherwise I would have been with her. I had chosen not to tell her that I had bought the corset that way she could not accidently reveal what I had purchased to Grant. Charlie knew about the party this evening. We were also going out for a meal on her actual birthday which was Monday at the Roo’s Leap⁴ in Montrose. When we arrived back home our two dad’s, John and Keith came through to our house. Grant and Stu had arrived back at our home.

Jim had come downstairs as he had seen the car from our study window. Grant put the kettle on and was making us all a drink. He put a pot of tea and mugs with milk onto a tray for our parents, John and Keith. He made coffee for the five of us. Grant had been down to Keptie Bakery,⁵ and had purchased a selection of cream cakes and a rhubarb pie for me. When I went into the house, I went over to Grant, giving him a kiss. Grant asked me if our mums had collected the item from the jewellers. I looked at him and shook my head. Charlie had gone into the living room and was sat on Jim’s knee on the sofa. I helped Grant carry the beverages and cakes into the living room. I had put one tray on the coffee table next to where our parents were sitting. John and Keith had both gone and sat on our large pouffe, leaving the sofa free for us to sit next to Charlie and Jim. Charlie looked and asked why everyone was at the house. Dad had responded, We came through for a ‘cuppie’⁶.

Charlie looked a little suspicious as our brothers had come through also.

Liza took a gift bag out of her handbag, handing it to Charlie. Charlie looked at her mum, as she stated quizzically., I have already had my birthday gifts.

Our parents replied together, Yes, but this is your special 18th birthday gift from us!

Charlie took a square box out of the bag which was wrapped in 18th birthday, gold and white gift wrap with a blue bow and ribbons on top. Charlie unwrapped the parcel and opening the box, seen a beautiful gold watch inside. As Charlie took it out, she said it is gorgeous. The watch had an 18ct yellow gold case and bracelet, sapphire crystal front, a mother of pearl face with diamond indents, and 18ct yellow gold hands. As she turned the watch over it had an engraving on the back:

To

Our beautiful daughter, Charlie

On her 18th

Love

Your special family.

Our mums had purchased the watch last weekend and had left it to collect today as it was being engraved. Charlie was speechless. As she filled up with tears, I gave her a hug. Charlie looked at us all and said, Thank you, I love you all. I already felt spoilt this morning but this surpasses anything that I could have imagined. I am a little overwhelmed. Lou and I have had the most special day with our mums and this tops it off.

Charlie got up and gave everyone a hug and a kiss.

As we sat and had our ‘cuppies’ and cakes, the dads asked us if we had an enjoyable day. We said that we had a wonderful time and were overwhelmed at our families, generosity. Once we had finished our drinks and eaten our cakes, I excused Grant and I saying that Mum was cooking us tea. We said that we would look forward to seeing everyone at quarter past seven at the Balmoral. Charlie, had put half past seven on the invitations for everyone else to arrive. Our mums, had been in last night to decorate the hall. So, all we needed to do was turn up. We went upstairs and got our overnight bag, when we came downstairs, we called Jerry who came through wagging his tail.

Jerry, our Shetland Sheepdog, always came to Grant’s parents’ house, on a Friday when we stayed over. This enabled us to go out with our friends in our local pub, The Star,⁷ in Friockheim. We leaved in Arbroath on the north east coast of Scotland, which was six miles away from Friockheim, where we went out with our friends. It was of course where the Gray’s lived. It would always be special to me as it was where I had met Grant. As we walked down the path, Grant had hold of my hand as Jerry walked by our side.

We crossed the road and once on the pavement, Grant opened the back door of his Silver Mark III, Golf GTI for Jerry to jump in, he then opened the passenger door, as he always did for me. Grant was the perfect gentleman; he would wait until I had swung my legs into the car then closed the door behind me. My eyes followed my man as he walked around to the driver side of his car. Before I came along, Grant’s car was the love of his life.

As we drove down the Rhododendron, tree lined private estate, of which Grant’s, Dad was the Gardener, his parents, beautiful white cottage came into sight. Grant had parked the car under the big tree. Once he had got out of the car, he opened the backdoor for Jerry who had spotted Dad and went running down to greet him with his tail wagging. Dad bent down to tickle his head as he said, ‘Hello boy’.

Grant came around to my side of the car opening the door he proffered me his hand. Grant was a total gentleman, he had always opened the car door for me, took my hand, or had his arm around my waist. He was very protective of me, especially after the brutal attempted rape.

I was very lucky as it had brought us closer together. As we walked down to Mum’s I could hear another car coming down the drive. When I turned around, it was to see Sean’s car. I asked Grant if Sean and Emma were coming to tea. Grant said, he was not sure, but we could always wait on them.

When Sean parked his car next to Grant’s, we could see that he was on his own. Sean got out of his car and jogged down to where we were standing. He gave me a hug, kissing me he had asked where Jerry was. I told him that Jerry had already ran down to the house as he had seen Dad coming in.

Sean almost in pre-empting our question went Emma’s wedding dress has arrived, so I was told to make myself scarce. When I phoned the house, Mum said you were coming for tea and asked if I wanted to join you. Sean asked how our shopping trip went earlier today. I told him that we had a wonderful time. He almost laughing said, Has Mum bought you anymore hot little numbers?

I looked at Sean replying, You will just have to wait and see.

Grant looked at me in interest. When we reached the cottage, Mum was standing in the kitchen.

How did Charlie like her watch, sweetheart?

She loved it. Thank you, Mum.

Mum turned to look at her sons, saying, Tea is ready if you want to sit down.

Mum had made me a coffee, handing me a plate with a slice of chocolate cake on it. As we had eaten earlier and there was a buffet this evening, it was just the men that were eating.

Why don’t you go in the living room, sweetheart, and keep warm. The fire is roaring today with the wind. We will have plenty of hot water.

As I went into the living room Dad was coming in the door from the back hall. He came and gave me a kiss, hugging me.

Hi sweetheart, Mum was saying you had a lovely time in Dundee, and that your meal was also very good.

Yes, Dad. Charlie and I were very spoilt and had a wonderful day. Thank you, Dad, for the money.

Sean looked at his mum as he said, I wondered why Lou was not sitting down to tea. Where did you go?

We went to the Old Bank Bar. The food was excellent as always.

On hearing Sean, I said to Mum, He was asking if you picked out any hot little numbers for me, Mum. I told him he would just have to wait and see.

Sean went scarlet as Mum laughed.

After I had finished my cake, I went through into our bedroom and laid out my clothes for this evening, omitting my corset. I put my make-up and perfume onto the chest of drawers. Grant had bought me a bottle of Youth Dew⁸ for Christmas. As it was heavier than my Anais, Anais,⁹ I preferred to wear it in the evening. I liked to vary my perfumes from day to night. Grant, having finished his tea, coming through to see if I was okay. I told him I was, Wonderful, darling.

Grant had brought through an extra towel for my hair. We got undressed putting on our dressing gowns and went into the bathroom. Grant and I predominantly showered together. Initially, Grant would wait until his mum and dad had gone out of the house before joining me. But as our parents knew it was a standing joke with us at home, that Grant and I, and Charlie and Jim in our respective pairs always showered together ‘in order to save water’.

His parents said to us one day, We know you shower together we don’t have a problem with that.

It was quite funny as Grant had blushed. Of course, the standing joke is that water, is not on a meter in Scotland. Grant put the shower on and as we both stood under it, he washed my long brunette hair. I had kept my hair the same length since meeting Grant. Once the shampoo was out of my hair, I washed Grant’s and then soaped him down. This usually left Grant hot and steamy but as we were going out, he muttered under his breath and got out of the shower.

On coming out of the bathroom, Dad had asked Grant if he could give him a hand with something when he got dressed. Grant shouted through that he would be happy to and having dried himself he got dressed. He had put on a pair of black pleated front trousers, a black shirt and his red silk tie. I went over and kissed him saying, That he smelt good and looked more handsome than ever. If that was possible!

I have to look good when I have you on my arm, my darling angel.

As I put my red silk panties on with the suspenders attached, I took my stockings out of the packet. I rolled my stocking down, gathering it in my hand. I had one foot on the floor and the other on the bed as I put my foot into the toe, I rolled my stocking up my long legs, smoothing down the beautiful red lace top. Grant groaned.

Do you approve, darling?

You know I do. Did my mum see you buying these? They are new aren’t they. You drive me crazy, woman!

I nonchalantly, answered, Yes, darling. Mum brought them home so I would not forget them.

I carried on putting on my other one in the same manner as Grant, sulkily said, I had better go and help my dad.

I put my robe on and went over to the chest of drawers picking up Sean’s old hairdryer I put mouse through my hair turning it upside down I scrunched dried it. As my hair was layered it gave it body. I flicked my hair over my shoulders as I stood back up and sprayed it with hairspray. I sat down to put on my make-up. Mum spoiling me as always had bought a mirror and put it above Grant’s drawers. Although there was a mirror inside his wardrobe, Mum insisted this would be easier for me.

Mum and Dad got great delight in spoiling me. I was going for a dramatic eye this evening and used a dark smoky grey on my lids, with a medium smoky grey and a light smoky grey blended in over my brow. As I had a deep brow it looked striking when finished. I highlighted the inner eye with a very light silver, enhancing the outer eye with the dark smoky grey. I had put black kohl on my lower eye, drawing it up to the outer eye, blending it in with the smoky grey. I had two coats of black mascara on my long eyelashes, they had a natural curl to them. As I had very good skin, I never used foundation, I brushed some bronzer on to my cheekbones, and finished the look off with a deep rose on my lips. I put the beautiful 4mm 18ct white gold loop earrings that Sean had bought me for my birthday in my ears. When I looked in the mirror, I was happy with the overall look.

I had just finished putting on my red mini leather skirt that Grant had bought me for my birthday when Mum knocked on the bedroom door.

Are you ready, Lou?

Yes, Mum, just come in.

Dad has taken Grant down to the other side of the estate, to get his opinion on something.

As Mum said this she started to laugh. She had opened the back of the corset, removing the laces so that I could hold it over my bust as she re-laced it.

Are you okay, with me doing this sweetheart.

Of, course Mum. We are both women.

I slipped off my robe and as Mum passed me the corset I placed it over my bust, as Mum started to lace it up. Once Mum had finished, she came around and stood in front of me.

Oh Lou, you look beautiful.

Thank you, Mum. For everything.

Mum gave me a hug, saying that I think I can hear them coming back into the house. As Grant had opened the hall door, Jerry had come running through, I could hear him at the door. Mum handed me my boots and I quickly put them on. Grant knocked at the door.

Mum, Lou are you both okay.

Mum and I walked over to the door and as I opened it, Grant gasped as his mouth fell open. Mum looked at me and said, I think that you have Grant’s seal of approval. I shall go and make you a coffee. We have time to have one before we go out.

Mum, did you pick that for Lou?

She smiled and said, Yes.

I could see from Mum’s face that she was trying not to laugh at Grant’s reaction as she walked towards the living room. Grant was still staring at me.

Do you like what you see, my darling?

Oh, hell yes! Pinch me if I am dreaming. Please!

I kissed him on the lips and whispered in his ear, You are definitely, not dreaming.

As I walked past him I said, Are you coming darling, or am I going on my own?

Oh, my darling minx of an angel, I am cumming alright!

When I walked into the living room, Sean done a double take, Hell Lou, you are smoking hot! Grant, you had better keep a tight hold of your fiancée this evening!