Bliss' POV

"Adrian and Brently are your parents, Shane?! And Carly is your sister?!" I just stood there, frozen in place and shocked. "This isn't a joke, is it? I need to sit down for this."

"No, it is not a joke, Darling. When I told them about you last year after the first meeting, they wanted to meet the woman who captured my heart. So, when you started working with me, I told them to call me Mr. Landes, not Shane. Please don't be mad at them. On your first day, my mum even gave the receptionist the day off because she wanted to be the first one to welcome you. She instantly loved you."

"Shane, I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression. I am not mad at all. I am stunned. Do you all indeed work at the company?"

"Yes, we do, honey. The only one who doesn't is Nina," Mom Adrian said.

"Shane has to take you to London one day because the family wants to meet you too," Dad added.

"I would love to travel to London one day. I have only traveled to the Caribbean, where my mother's family was born. Mom, you were the first friendly person I met on my first day. And, no wonder you and Shane have the same kryptonite blue eyes. No way am I mad at all. I think it was a pretty clever way to introduce the family. Now, I don't have to be nervous meeting you all because you all have been so friendly."

I went over to each one of them and hugged them. "Thank you all for being so nice to me and welcoming. I love it. Now I understand the reasons why you popped Shane, mom."

"He deserved each one of them too." Everybody laughed except Shane. He sighed.

"Let's all sit and have dinner." We all made our way to my dining room. My dining room is big enough, so we added an extra table and chairs so everyone can sit together.

"Especially when Shane broke your ankle. Speaking of, how are you feeling?"

"The throbbing pain has vanished, but I still feel pain sometimes. It is not as bad as it was before. I have a great nurse staying with me." I kissed Shane on his cheek. "On January 23rd, I have a doctor's visit to see if everything is healing properly."

"Who fixed both pot roasts? Bliss, you had to fix this. It is delicious."

"Shane fixed the main course for dinner tonight without me saying a word. Well, Shane told me to rest my ankle and not enter the kitchen. So, I complied. It was hard, too, because I love cooking."

"Wow, Uncle Shane, you cooked, and it tastes good?" Noah blurts out. Once again, everyone chuckled except Shane.

"Ha! Ha! It is not 'Make fun of Shane' night. I had a great, wonderful, and beautiful teacher." Shane leaned over to me and kissed my cheek.

"Meow!"

"Meow!"

Precious and Raven came running into the room and made a beeline to Shane.

He picked them up off the ground and put them both in his lap.

"How long have you had kittens, Bliss?" Dad asked me.

"Since our first date here in New York, which was beautiful. Shane had the place beautifully decorated with rose petals, and he even made us dinner. Then, he gave me some gifts, and Precious was one of them. When I saw that the box had holes, I questioned Shane. But, as soon as I opened it, I instantly fell in love with her."

"Then, last week when we came back from Florida, Shane and Andrea got my blue-eyed baby for me. Her name is Raven, after my favorite football team. I call them our kids until we have kids. And Shane gave me the pearl necklace that I am wearing."

"Speaking of kids, when is it going to happen? I'm not getting any younger. I want to help plan weddings, baby showers, and more." Carly, Shane, Nina, Steve, and I started choking when mom said that.

"Mum, I haven't even proposed yet. Mum, this is Bliss' first relationship, and I don't want to rush it. I want us to enjoy our dating stage. But believe that one day we will be married. That is a guarantee."

A radiant smile appeared on my face as Shane said that. Then, he leaned in for a kiss, not just any kiss - the kind he gives me when he wants to make out.

"Ewwww."

We broke free from the kiss and acted as if nothing had happened.

"When I saw my friends and how happy they were with their kids, it made me realize that I would like to be a mom one day. On our last trip to Florida, my friend, Kam, gave birth to twins. I even got to hold them, furthering my desire to have kids. One day, Shane and I will give you grandchildren. I promise."

"Bliss, where did you buy your dress? It is beautiful!"

"Thanks, Nina. My friend, Layla, designed it. She owns Layla's Fashion House in downtown Manhattan."

"I love her designs. I shop there every time we fly to New York."

"We were childhood friends. And, through a new friend of mine and Shane's, we reconnected. Layla has a five-year-old daughter and is pregnant with a new baby."

"I'll be right back with dessert." Shane put the kittens in my lap and excused himself. Mason and Andrea followed.

"I have a game room for anyone who would like to play games. I have a pool table, a PS4 game system Shane got for me, and I have a Wii too. And I also have a movie room."

Shane, Andrea, and Mason came back with dessert.

"Mommy, can we play on the Wii?" Noah pleaded with Nina.

"You three have to ask your Aunt Bliss," Nina replied.

"Can we, Aunt Bliss? Please?"

"Of course, you can. Shane will show you where it is downstairs."

"Can you play with us too, Aunt Bliss?"

"Sure. I would love to play with you all."

Narrator's POV

Shane helped Bliss downstairs to the game room, and the kids followed. They played for nearly two hours until Nina came downstairs to gather them to go home. They didn't want to leave, so Bliss said they could come over another time and have a game night.

Everyone then made their way back upstairs. They all had a long drive back to their homes. Andrea and Mason stayed at the house. They eventually started a game of Spades - Bliss and Andrea were a team, and Shane teamed up with Mason. It was back and forth, leading to a tie in the last hand.

Bliss' POV

Mason and Shane caught up to us, so they started talking major trash. Andrea and I kept our cool. We never got frazzled or started fussing with each other.

It was now down to the last book. We were playing Spades with the two of diamonds that were higher than the Spades. Mason put his card down first.

"Let's see what you got, babe." Mason put down a two of Spades.

Andrea knew what I had in my hand, so she played it cool. She put down a ten of clubs.

Shane had a high Spade too. "Mason, my boy, looks like the fellas win this game tonight."

I gave Andrea a wink. "Shane and Mase, trash-talking before the game is over is not a great idea."

"Bam!" Their mouths were wide open when they saw I had the two diamonds. "Close your mouths, Shane and Mase, before you let the flies in. This hand, and the game, belong to Team Sanders, baby!"

Andrea and I traded high-fives. Both of them gave us a mischievous look. She got up and did a little dance, and I danced in my chair.

"Uh, Shane and Mase, what is up with those looks?"

Andrea tried to run, but Mase quickly grabbed her. He threw her over his shoulder, then said, "Goodnight." Then, they went upstairs.

Shane stood up from his chair. "Don't even think about it, lover boy." I couldn't run, so I had no choice.

Shane carried me upstairs and gently dropped me on the bed, so I would not hurt my ankle. Then, he hovered over me. "I couldn't wait until everyone left so I could kiss you like I wanted to."

Shane leaned in, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. We stayed that way for an hour or two before we said good night to each other.

****************

Narrator's POV

Two weeks after the family dinner, Bliss made her scheduled visit to the doctor's office to check her ankle. Bliss' ankle was healing well to the point that she could now wear a walking boot. And she can also start physical therapy.

After her appointment, she called Austin to start her personal training sessions. Shane was not too thrilled, but it was not up to him. So, he ensured that he would be there whenever Austin came over to Bliss' house.

Shane and Bliss waited until the end of the month to celebrate their 2-month anniversary of dating. So, Shane took Bliss out for a romantic dinner the first weekend of February.

Saturday, February 2nd, 2019

Bliss' POV

Now that I have the walking boot, I can come down the stairs on my own. Shane was disappointed because he likes to carry me.

Shane was sitting in the living room. He turned around when he saw me in the doorway.

"Beautiful as usual."

"Thanks. And, might I add how handsome you look? I need to grab my coat."

"I'll get it." Shane walked over to my hall closet and grabbed my black coat. Then, we made our way to his Mercedes towards' the restaurant, which was in Manhattan. I know we are going to dinner. But he said we were going somewhere else after dinner.

We pulled up to a restaurant I had always wanted to go to. "You got a reservation to come here?! I have always wanted to come to this place. I heard they have the best Caribbean food in New York."

We stepped out of the Mercedes, and Shane gave his keys to the valet, then we entered the restaurant.

Shane's POV

"Welcome to The Jamming View. May I have the name your reservation was under, please?"

"The reservation is under Shane Landes." The hostess searched her list for the reservation.

"Please follow me, Mr. & Mrs. Landes." We followed the hostess to our table, which had a fantastic view of New York and the music stage.

"They even have music here! I see a dance stage. Shane, you must dance with me once before we leave."

"Darling, I can't dance at all."

"You did that slow dance with me in Italy. Once again, I will show you."

"Good evening. My name is Marisha. What can I get for you to drink?"

"I would like a glass of Bajan Punch, please."

"I would like the same thing."

"I'll be right back with your drinks and take your food orders."

"That was my mom's favorite drink from Barbados. You are going to like it, Shane."

After about 5 minutes, the waitress came back with our drinks.

"What can I get you for dinner?"

"Darling, you can go first."

"I would like a bowl of coconut and bean soup. And, Flying fish with red pepper sauce and cou-cou."

"I would like the Sticky jerk & brown sugar ribs with pineapple rice."

"I'll put these orders in for you. Your soup should be out shortly."

"Thank you." The band started playing music while we were waiting for our meal.

Over dinner, we talked, laughed, and enjoyed our food. Bliss let me taste some of her meal, and she tasted some of mine. Bliss said what she ordered was the national dish of Barbados. I only had one drink. Bliss ordered herself another. I told her to get whatever she wanted.

"Shane, we are dancing to this song. Give me your hands." Bliss grabbed my hands and led me to the dance floor.

"Put your hands on my hips and wine your waist. Look at the way I move and follow my lead."

When Bliss reached back and wrapped her arms around my neck, I couldn't take it anymore. She was making me horny the way we were grinding in motion on each other.

So, I leaned down and whispered, "If we continue this dance, you will no longer be a virgin after tonight."

After a few more minutes, the song was over. Then, we walked back to our table and listened to the band play. Bliss ordered Rum cake for dessert. While she ate her cake, I paid for the meal.

When Bliss finished her dessert, we left the restaurant.

"How is your ankle after dancing?"

"Surprisingly, it is okay. Thank you for taking me there, Shane. I loved it."

"You're welcome. The next stop is Simplement Magique. It is a spa for couples."

"What about parking? Isn't it going to be hard to find a space?"

"I will park in my space at the penthouse near Central Park. They have an underground garage. That is where we are staying tonight. It's late, and it would be a long drive back to Long Island."

"That's fine, but what am I supposed to wear and sleep in?"

"Andrea packed an overnight bag for you. It is in the trunk."

"You are one sneaky fellow there, mister."

After parking in the garage, a bellhop took our bags to my penthouse.

Parked out front of the condo building was an Escalade limo. "Seriously, Shane? You didn't have to get a limo. I appreciate it. Thank you, lover boy."

"You're welcome, Darling."

The ride to the spa was about 20 minutes long. When we arrived, I got out first to help Bliss. The spa is inside one of the most exclusive hotels in Manhattan - Grandiose Coast Hotel. The doorman held the door open, and we walked inside the spa.

"Welcome to The Simplement, Magique. My name is Laurent Souchon. How can I help you?"

I saw this fool of a receptionist checking Bliss out. "The reservation is under Mr. Shane Landes. It is for my WIFE and me." I put my arm around Bliss and scowled at him.

He checked his computer for the reservation. "Mr. & Mrs. Landes, your guide will be out shortly."

I knew Bliss would say something about what I said, and she could tell. Bliss squeezed my hand, "Shane, don't worry yourself. I am over that phase of being independent. It makes me smile every time you say it."

"Welcome to Simplement, Magique. Mr. Landes, you requested a massage, soak in the jacuzzi, and a mani-pedi for your wife. My name is Lucrèce Blaise, and I will be your guide today. What would you like to do first?"

"Shane, I need to change my outfit. Is there a place to buy swimsuits?"

"Yes, ma'am, there is. I'll show you both where it is."

We went to the shop inside the spa. I didn't have anything either, so I looked for a pair of swim trunks. Bliss found what she wanted, and so did I.

"Shane, I am paying. And, please let me do it."

"Of course, Darling. And, thank you." Now, this is what I am not used to. In the past, with every girlfriend I had, I would be the one paying. That is another reason why Bliss is special. Once Bliss paid for our items, we followed the guide to get a massage.

"Mr. & Mrs. Landes, there is a changing room inside the massage room. You both will be in the same room. Would you prefer a male or female masseuse?"

I don't want any man, other than me, putting their hands on Bliss, and she could tell.

"Female for me, please. And for my husband, a male."

"Okay. I will give you time to change and send both masseuses into the room."

We went inside the room to change our clothes. Bliss knew what I was thinking because she said, "No other woman should be putting their hands on you, just like no other man should be touching me."

Our massages took one hour. Then, the jacuzzi tub in the room was big enough, so both of us got in and relaxed. Bliss propped her ankle up on the edge of the tub. We sat there for about 30 minutes. We both had complimentary robes. So, we put those on and went to get Bliss her mani-pedi.

Bliss grabbed my hand and sat me down in the chair.

"Shane, there is nothing wrong with a man getting a pedicure and manicure. You are getting one with me, mister."

I was hesitant at first then Bliss did the too-cute puppy dog eyes. Then, she opened my robe and rubbed her hands over my abs.

"Please, daddy?"

When she said that, it reminded me of the dream she had. Her hands started going to other places. Someone is a little frisky on a Sunday morning after 2:00 am. She can seduce me all day and night if she wants.

"Okay, I'll get one too."

The poor employees were blushing after what they just saw. Once our manicure and pedicure were done, we returned to our designated room and changed into our clothes.

I gave both masseuses a nice tip then we made our way back to the front lobby of the spa to pay for our session. Then, we made our way to my penthouse.

(Imagine that it is dark.)

"It is beautiful here, Shane. And thank you for dinner and the spa trip."

"You're welcome, Darling. I'll show you to your room."

Bliss walked over to the door that led to the balcony. "What a beautiful view of Central Park and the city. You have a wrap-around balcony. That is awesome."

"I put your luggage near the closet. Good night, darling."

"Good night, Shane. But aren't you staying with me? I like cuddling."

"I'll go change and be right back." I know Andrea packed something sexy for Bliss. I am afraid to see it.

After changing, I went back to Bliss's room. And, boy, was I correct.

"Good nightshirt!"

Bliss took off the mini robe, revealing a thin, short nightie that was driving me crazy, and you all know what I mean. She got under the cover first. Bliss pulled back the blanket when she saw me and patted the bed.

Once I laid on the bed, she scooted closer to me so we could cuddle.

"Good night, lover boy."

"Good night, darling."

"Maybe I shouldn't wait for the chance to propose. I need to pick the perfect time to do it, though."

Then, we both fell asleep.

**************

Narrator's POV

Shane and Bliss stayed at his penthouse for a few more days, then went back to Long Island. Bliss also was able to go back into the office.

Layla, Braelyn, Ryan, and Austin were going to meet them Friday so that they could take Shane's plane back to Florida for the gender reveal party. Bliss was excited to hold the twins again.

Chase and Alexander were extra quiet at the moment. But Shane and Bliss will watch to see if they strike again.

Friday afternoon, February 8th, 2019

Bliss' POV

I heard Layla, Ryan, Braelyn, and Austin downstairs in the living room. Shane saw me coming down the stairs and was disappointed. I know he wanted to carry me.

"Aww, man, I was coming up to carry you down."

"Shane, there will be plenty of times for you to carry me around."

"Hey, Lollipop! Hi Layla, Ryan, and Austin."

"Hi, Auntie! Can I ride with you?"

"Of course you can, sweetie."

"I am so excited, Bliss, for the reveal. Braelyn picked the perfect name for either a boy or a girl. She is excited too."

"We can head to the vehicles now."

"Back to Florida, we go!"

***********

Thank you for reading chapter 22.

1. Bliss date night outfit is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Andres Rojas Balamba

2. Spa room is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / paulvinten

3. Mani-pedi room courtesy of Pixabay

4. Shane's penthouse is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / Nitzman

5. Penthouse bedroom for Bliss is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / bmak

6. Lacy lingerie courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Milad Karamad (WhiteOWL)

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘