Chapter 11

Chapter

Eleven

Matty suddenly remembered where he’d been standing and the thoughts that had been flitting through his mind in the moments before Nico called out to him in the sanctuary. “Are you trying to be like the snake, Nico?” he asked softly, his brow wrinkled in confusion and pain. “Are you really trying to tempt me into even more sin?”

“I’m merely suggesting one possible solution that would be mutually pleasurable. You know you’d love it, Matty.” Turning to Eden, he asked, “And what about you? You were very accepting when it became clear that I was raised with two fathers who love each other as deeply as they love my mother. You said yourself that they complement each other, and you saw nothing wrong with their union. I hope you were speaking from your heart and not trying to placate me. ”

“That’s true,” Eden answered shakily. “I am not the least bit put off by your family. However, this is a highly unusual situation you’re asking me to consider, and nothing I’ve ever seen for myself. Besides, I don’t even know Matty.”

Nico’s eyes sparkled, and his expression turned mischievous. “Why don’t you kiss him and get a better idea of what he’s like then?”

“Nico!”

“I’m serious. At least come closer to me. I don’t like seeing you so far away by yourself.” He stood and strode to her, encouraging her gently out of her chair and over to the settee he’d vacated. When she was seated, he turned to Matty and did the same thing, escorting him to sit beside Eden. When they both looked at him wide-eyed and as stiff as boards, he knelt on the carpet between them. He leaned in and wrapped his arms around Eden, whispered how deeply he loved her and began kissing her so passionately it made her toes curl. When he felt her relax, he pulled back and grasped one of her hands. With the other hand, he reached for Matty’s neck and pulled him forward as Matty let out a moan that went from tortured to accepting in a flash. The two men began kissing with equal fervor.

Seeing these two men engaging this way up close made Eden feel as though she might melt right off the furniture into a puddle on the floor. It was one thing to see them embrace the first time, when she was overcome with shock and dismay and standing at a distance. But now, watching from mere inches away, she could hear the soft, satisfied noises they made and feel the energy pulsating through them. She could hardly catch her breath—they were just so… beautiful was the only word that came to mind. Her heart sped up as she realized she wanted to be part of that spectacle more than anything.

What is wrong with me ? I should be furious with Nico . She tried to hang onto that anger, but it dissolved as both men pulled apart and leaned into her simultaneously and as smoothly as a well-oiled machine might. Nico whispered, “Go ahead. Do it,” as he nibbled and kissed her neck beneath her ear in precisely the way he knew she loved. After only a momentary pause, Matty groaned with his surrender and claimed her mouth. He was powerless to fight his need.

Matty’s kiss was rougher than Nico’s. His felt more desperate, more demanding somehow, although Eden had very little experience to go on since Nico’s kisses were her only frame of reference. When she kissed Nico, it was always delightful. He was never demanding, and he was patient almost to the point of frustration. But she loved his sweetness and knew deep within her that she truly adored him.

Matty had no patience. No control. He consumed her; kissing him felt like being swept up in a swirling tropical storm. In the back of her mind, she considered how they harmonized with one another. Somehow, being with both of them made Eden feel more complete herself .

Matty’s storm began building and building within her. She became aware she’d been so caught off-guard in the shock and devastation of his kisses she hadn’t realized Nico had slid his hand beneath her skirt and between her legs. He was stroking her rhythmically and speaking sweet words of love and encouragement into her ear. As Matty’s tongue plundered her mouth, Nico’s fingers drew a relentless pattern on her most sensitive area. He increased the speed and pressure until she cried out in a release that was so enormous, she feared she might faint. Nico chuckled, and Matty sat back and watched as Nico removed his hand from under her dress.

“I’ve never kissed a woman before now,” Matty stated thoughtfully and then added with a grin, “I liked it.”

Eden’s voice shook as she put her trembling fingers to her mouth. “I’ve never kissed anyone but Nico.”

“Then we find that we have something in common,” Matty laughed.

“ I’ve never enjoyed kissing as much as this,” Nico added. “Individually, you’re both delights, but together, you’re magnificent.”

Eden could now understand this way of thinking.

“You really are the snake,” Matty said wistfully and then sighed. “Now that this has happened, I’m just going to feel more torn up inside.”

“Oh dear,” Eden said softly. “Matty, do you have a telephone here? ”

Wondering who on earth needed to hear about their activities, he blinked at her. “No. Why?”

She looked at Nico. “Your mother was expecting us back at your house so I could talk to her friend Marguerite about making me a dress. It would be rude not to arrive on time.”

“So you still want to marry me? I haven’t put you off, have I?”

“Nico…” Eden sighed, “It’s not about what I want. I have to marry you. We’re having a baby. I just don’t know about… anything else.” She looked pointedly at Matty who looked equal parts sad, baffled, and ready for more. I suppose I still need… want to marry Nico—for the sake of the baby if nothing else, but Matty will certainly become an issue between us… or he could be something wonderful with us. Eden knew she had a lot to talk about with Nico, but her mind was reeling with all that had come to light in the past few hours—Nico’s family and upbringing, her pregnancy, Matty . It was a lot for one mind to consider, and her magnificent climax had scrambled her brains.

“I sincerely hope that isn’t the only reason you still want to marry me, but we can talk about it some more later. If Marguerite and Maman are waiting, we’d better head home then. Come with us back to the house, Matty. My parents will be thrilled to see you, and they’ll expect you to stay for dinner.”

Matty grinned sheepishly, “I probably won’t manage to eat much unless I join you. Cooking is not one of my skills. Thank you, Nico. I’d love to see them too.” He added in a serious tone of voice, “What just happened was… uplifting and enjoyable, but it doesn’t solve a thing.”

“We’ll see,” Nico said, sounding happier than Eden had ever heard him. “It might just solve everything after all. And you wouldn’t want to kiss the lady and then desert her, now, would you? It’s considered very bad form, you know.”

Matty shook his head with a wry look. “You’re trouble.” But he took Eden’s hand and squeezed it, then placed a sweet kiss on her lips that was nothing like the lightning bolts he’d kissed her with before. He was conflicted.

Nico shrugged, “I’m practical. Listen, Matty, do you want to go put on some clothes that are a little less… priestly ?”

Matty cocked his head and admitted, “This is all I’ve been wearing for the past couple of years, and I don’t exactly fit any of my old clothes. You may have noticed I’ve grown a bit since I left. It would make me ill to go look for something of my father’s to put on. Anyway, this collar has been mandatory since 1884. I’m stuck with these clothes unless I formally resign.”

“So you would consider a lay position or a teaching job?” Nico asked hopefully.

“I’m considering everything. But my clothes are the least of my worries. Shall we go?”

Suzette and Marguerite had their heads together looking at swatches of material when Nico barged in announcing, “Maman! Look at who Eden and I found! Father Matthew will be staying to dinner if that suits you.”

Suzette gasped and sprang from her seat. She rushed to Matty, throwing her arms around him and kissing both cheeks the same way she’d greeted Nico. “Matty! We have all missed you terribly. Let me look at you. You are so tall now, and so grown up! Still as handsome as ever. You are a priest? Does this make you happy? You will stay for dinner of course!”

Suzette’s embrace brought tears to Matty’s eyes. “I’ve missed all of you so badly, I thought some days I couldn’t survive, Miss Suzette. Thank you, I’d love to stay for dinner.” Or maybe forever.

She made a small clucking noise almost like a mother hen as she patted his back. “How is your father?”

“Dying. Father Andrew left to give him last rights earlier today, but I didn’t… couldn’t go with him.” Matty’s head dropped. “I think Father Andrew would have argued with me about it more if he hadn’t been told to hurry.”

“I think even God would understand that you do not need to feel any remorse about that, my sweet boy.”

Nico laughed softly and pointed out, “Matty is hardly a boy, Maman.”

“Ah, mais non. You, Warren, Bay, and Matty will always be my boys!” She hugged Matty one more time before letting him go .

Eden could see that Suzette was being honest by the fierce look in her eyes. How marvelous to be loved so unconditionally by this splendid woman. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen such emotion from my parents, and yet I’ve never doubted their love. Now I wonder, though—do they love me like this ?

“Nicolo, please go ask Cook to bring Eden some refreshment and tell her we will have one more for dinner. Your fiancée is looking pale again. She will need a variety of flavors to nibble on. Cook will understand if you tell her she is enceinte . ” Turning to Eden, she ordered, “Please have a seat, and Marguerite and I will show you what we have been discussing. But if nothing suits you, do not be afraid to speak up and put us firmly in our place.” Looking at her son, she added, “After you speak to Cook, go perhaps to sit in the library until the men get back and we can have our dinner? You will not be interested in dresses.” She added with a wink at Eden, “Or woman talk.”

“Oh, yes, right. I’ll take care of that now, Maman.” Then he grinned and said to her in French, “ Now that Matty has returned, the three of us have a chance for wonderful possibilities, don’t you agree ?” Suzette and Marguerite smiled happily at him. Eden wondered what he’d said.

Nico would have led Matty to his room, but it occurred to him that perhaps those surroundings might be too much to take for the both of them. So much had been said and done in that room, and as much as Nico wanted Matty to be a part of his life again in the same way as before, he did understand that Matty was having a crisis with his conscience. Nico wouldn’t stop pushing and cajoling, however.

On their way to the kitchen, it occurred to him that Matty never answered his mother’s question about whether he was happy and had not clarified anything about being a priest either. He stored that away as something positive to analyze later.

Once they were alone, Suzette regarded Eden contemplatively. Eden began to blush and didn’t even know why until Suzette opened her mouth finally and uttered words Eden never expected.

“If you were to choose to be with both of them at the same time, your life could be full of delights you’ve never imagined.”

Eden gasped and asked, “Has Nico said something to you?”

The older women smiled knowingly at each other, then Suzette answered, “Not in so many words, my dear one, but you just confirmed my suspicions, and I know my son. I do not doubt his love for you, and I know he has loved Matty his entire life—not just as a best friend but as a lover and a forever mate. I also saw how Matty looks at you and Nicolo, and I see both desire and confusion in your eyes.”

Marguerite studied Eden’s expression as well and added, “ If you have any questions at all, we are the women to ask. We, as well as Adeline, have plenty of experience.”

Blushing even more deeply, Eden blurted out, “You and Doc Louis have a third? Oh! Pardon me. That’s an impertinent question and none of my business.”

With a wistful expression, Marguerite answered, “No. I was referring to the life I had with my late husband in France before I left and came to California. With Louis, we never found ourselves attached to anyone enough to bring him into the fold. Well… there was one gentleman we considered, but he ever so politely turned us down before we had the chance.” She smiled slyly at Suzette who returned her secretive look.

“Thank you both, but things are more complicated for us. With the baby coming, Nico and I need to marry as soon as possible, and Matty has vows to take. He is supposed to be living a life of celibacy anyway, as I understand. I’m not a Catholic; I was raised Lutheran…”

Suzette interrupted, “So you are saying that Matty is not a priest yet? Why is he dressing like one?”

“That’s right. He’s a deacon, but soon…”

“Forget soon !’ Suzette gestured forcefully. “He is not a priest then, and he has not made that big mistake yet. Matty needs a family more than any young man I have ever known. You need to make him see that, Eden.”

“I can’t… You… don’t think he should become a priest?”

“Absolutely not. He loves God, and he is religious, but he does not belong celibate the rest of his life. That would be a sin against all that is holy. And I say this as a Catholic. I know that young man—almost as well as my own son Nicolo. Matty will hate himself for a while no matter what he chooses because he has a bit of a martyr personality. But he needs to make the right choice. Being a priest is the wrong one. When we saw to it that he was sent away to school for his safety, we never had this in mind for his future. He is a scholar with a brilliant, inquisitive mind.” Suzette said something in French that sounded suspiciously like a curse to Eden. “How did this happen?”

“From what he says, Father Andrew made the plans and arranged to have the diocese pay for his education and living expenses. Now he has a commitment to them to come back here and serve the community as a priest.”

“We shall see about that!” Suzette huffed. “We would have been happy to support the boy, and Father Andrew knew that! Now, we should look at Marguerite’s designs and she can show you some fabric. Ah! Here is Cook now. Help yourself, Eden. Have something to nibble on so you can keep up your strength and not feel poorly. If we can do this quickly, perhaps you can lie down and rest for a while before dinner.”

“Thank you,” Eden said as the cook placed a tray next to her and poured them all cups of tea. “Before we look at any of your lovely plans, I would like to ask you a few things—if you don’t mind.”

Suzette smiled kindly. “Absolutely. Ask whatever is on your mind. ”

After waiting for the cook to leave, though she suspected the woman knew everything that went on in this house, Eden asked, “I’m not at all sure this is what I want to begin with, but what could I possibly tell my parents if we were to accept Nico’s suggestion and become… three together? It’s going to be difficult enough if they realize I’m pregnant.”

“Do they ever travel? Would you expect them to come here for a visit?”

Eden almost laughed. “I’ve never seen them leave the ranch to go anywhere that didn’t involve buying or selling cattle. Certainly not for a social visit.”

“Then I would expect you would have ample warning should they change their mind and come to Los Angeles.”

“Are you suggesting that I lie to them?”

“‘Lie’ is a strong word. I suggest only that you omit some of the facts unless you think they could accept an unorthodox union for their daughter. My parents lived far from me, and I never felt compelled to write to them and tell them anything other than I was married and happy, and later I wrote to them sporadically to tell them they had more grandchildren. Since I was a mere daughter, they eventually lost interest and concentrated on my eldest brother and his family who remained in France and took over the chateau and managed the estate.”

Suzette took a sip of tea. “You could always discuss it with your mother and father in broad terms and see what they have to say before you tell them directly.” Indicating the tray of food, she said, “Please eat something. And I am proud of you for even considering this. You will never get any criticism from anyone in this household. None of our other children have chosen such a lifestyle, but they are quite accepting of it, as are their spouses. I knew none of them had it in them to try this until Nicolo came along. He has always been different—more passionate—which is the great irony since he is the non-musical one. He thinks he is different because he does not play an instrument, but he is still very much like his parents. He has his father’s appreciation for details, infinite curiosity, and tremendous passion.”

“Are you saying you know who his father is?”

“I am saying that Nicolo looks more like me than any of the rest of the children, and in many ways, he embraces the zest and enthusiasm for the world around him that Walter embodies. That is not to say Isaac means any less to him or has not influenced him—because he adores both of his fathers and respects them immensely. It is just a feeling I have always had. I could be wrong, and it could be that he simply enjoys and emulates the way Walter thinks. It does not matter. Nicolo is his own person, and he has his own goals and desires. He will make an excellent husband and father, but he needs Matty in his life. You must be aware of that. Your graceful acceptance of it—or enthusiastic participation—will make for a far happier marriage for you than if you try to turn a blind eye and make Nicolo do something that will give him terrible guilt.”

“I see.” Eden looked down pensively and paused. “I have to marry Nico no matter what, but whether I can trust him is another matter.”

Suzette smiled thoughtfully and said, “I understand your concerns, Eden. Nico probably feels awful for not making things clear to you about our family and about his connection to Matty. But in his defense, he did not know if he would ever see Matty again. He may have thought that silence would provide a path to healing. If you could find it in your heart to forgive him, do you think you could accept Matty as well?”

Eden looked at Suzette’s earnest expression and answered, “I would never, ever have considered that I would accept such a thing in my life. But having seen you and your husbands, I know there is great love between you all. I love Nico fiercely, and I don’t want to put him into a situation that would make him feel guilty, but if we are to proceed, I need to get past the anger I feel right now, knowing I have been kept in the dark about several important aspects of Nico’s life.” She paused for a moment and then added, “Still, I will consider it—now that I understand it’s more than him wanting to have a little fun.”

Suzette nodded. “I appreciate that you are open-minded about our chosen lifestyle. You seem like a strong young woman. Nico has chosen well.”

“Thank you for saying that, but quite honestly, I have some serious doubts that Nico and I need to address before I can feel right again, and if I can, we will have to get Matty to accept both of us. He’s an even larger stumbling block; he thinks his commitment to Father Andrew is all-important. ”

“Yes, well. Nico might have something to say about that. And you as well, when you are ready.”

“Maybe so,” Eden said, chewing her lower lip thoughtfully.

“You will never regret the decision to accept a third, my dear,” Marguerite interjected. “The possibilities for pleasure are incredible.” She winked and added, “Now, let me show you some designs.”