Child Brides of India

By C. Stanton Leman

Chapter 89: Forces of Nature (MFFf, rom, no sex)

I woke at five thirty with Leeya and Miko still cuddled against me. Miko had her head nuzzled against my chest and I could feel her soft, warm breath against my chest as she breathed softly in her sleep. She had pulled her leg up over Leeya’s and her knee was right over top my groin.

I gently squeezed the tiny Japanese woman that I knew would be my last wife. I pondered the events of the past two days and after going over every single detail, I realized that she arrived in love with me. Priya was right: she was teetering about whether to admit it to herself and the simple dance of seduction at the kitchen sink yesterday that normally would have only been a foray to get to know each other better, was the nudge that she needed to commit.

I asked myself if I was committing myself too soon but realized that with Priya, it took but an instant. With Leeya, the first time she climbed on my lap and “proposed” to me at four, I knew; and with Monaavi it happened with just a look. With Miko, it happened in two days: upon reflection, that’s a new record — for me.

Having been married to Priya for nearly six years, I’m still amazed at her intelligence and intuition; it’s as if she’s got a crystal ball.

Miko had cast aside her shyness, gambled and gave all of herself last night in front of everyone and stole my heart. I guess for her, it was all or nothing. My little Japanese lotus claimed me as her husband, as I had claimed her predecessors and in having me, she claimed her right by sleeping in my arms and professing her love for me openly to all in our bed. Priya acknowledged Miko’s right and included her as a sister in speaking for all as she professed their love for me.

One can never understand that thing we call love… we can dream of it, hope for it, and cry to God for it, searching in vain but to no avail. We may not even be looking for love and yet when it happens, and its right, it happens: it just happens.

I leaned down and kissed the top of Miko’s head and took in her fragrance. She is so soft, subtle and intoxicating just like her name: beautiful fragrance. She moved slightly and I felt her silk-covered nipple brush the side of my chest and I gasped. Leeya then moved and I felt hers also. Leeya: my tiny little wonder of a woman. I probably owed this dainty woman/child as much for my happiness as I did Priya. I could not begin to fathom her love for me. Everyone that’s seen her look at me has remarked that her love is on open display.

Raising my head slightly, I gazed at the beautiful four women in my bed. I was filled with pride and humbled at the same time by the beauty that surrounded me and I silently wept with gratitude at being so blessed.

I lay there appreciating my gifts and thought of my children. I remembered the pain I’d endured when accepting Tina: having to marry an infant and divorcing her but then, through pain came the joy. I remembered how wonderful it felt to hold her tiny foot in my hand and the way she’d wiggle her toes for me. The day she got her period and I first saw my child as a young woman and helped her embrace her womanhood.

Cinny and Lizzy… my first born, from their first breath they have blessed me. From birth to crawling then walking and talking I have walked their journey of life with joy. I had to chuckle within myself, thinking of all the mischief Lizzy led her compliant older sister into. They try so hard to please me. It’s as if they live for my praise and affection.

Priya’s gift: my little chocolate princess, Malina. She’s my dream child and I revel in her. I love her chocolate brown skin as I do her mother’s. Her big black expressive eyes are as mysterious and sensual as Priya’s and I get lost in them every time I look at her.

I was shaken from my thoughts as Miko kissed the side of my chest and whispered, “I love you, Sean, and I’ll die loving you.”

“I do love you too, Miko,” I professed.

I kissed her passionately and she pulled back saying, “Stop. Stop or I may not be able to keep the promise I made to myself. I’ll give myself to you completely, but only as your wife.”

“I wouldn’t want you any other way,” I answered.

Miko turned as she felt Priya stroke her back. Priya smiled softly and said, “Good morning little lotus.”

Miko turned, embraced Priya and began to cry. Leeya got up and went around the bed and a minute later, all four were hugging and crying. Leaving them to enjoy their sisterhood, I went to the bathroom to complete my morning ritual.

When I returned to the bedroom after my shower, the girls had left to get ready for prayers themselves. After prayers and at the table, Priya’s and my parents knew, they just knew and they gave Miko a warm loving smile.

Breakfast was quiet and relaxed and Miko felt she had found her place. As she took her last bite, she took a sip of tea and I saw a tear roll down her cheek. I wiped away the tear and asked her softly, “Why the tears, Miko?”

Upon hearing my words, everyone turned with looks of concern. Miko had her hands in her lap and was looking down. Again I asked, “What’s wrong, Sweetheart?”

She turned, put her arms around me with her head against my shoulder for a minute then sniffled to compose herself, wiped her cheeks with a bashful smile and bowing to those at the table said apologetically, “Please forgive me for being so emotional. This is the first time in five years for me to feel that I am having a meal with my family. As you may well know, my own family has disowned me and I’ve been all alone since.”

Miko sniffled a few times and continued, “Words cannot express my gratitude for your acceptance of me into your home and lives. I have not only found love in this house, but a family and forgiveness for my past transgression.”

Mom rose and went to her with open arms and said, “Come here child, you definitely need a hug!”

She embraced my mother as if she were her own. Mom hugged her from side-to-side then pulled back and looking down into her eyes smiling said, “You have nothing to be forgiven for. You have been carrying around all the guilt your father has placed on you and you’ve been torturing yourself for no reason. You’ve not only swept Sean off his feet but us as well. God has forgiven you long ago and he’s been waiting for you to forgive yourself and love again.”

Mom held her lovingly and kissed her forehead saying, “God speaks with a very quiet voice. Sometimes we struggle in pain and think God’s not listening, but He is. Think about it: you had the same suspicions about this family you’ve chosen to join five years ago, right?”

“I’m not following you: what do you mean?” Miko sniffled.

“Didn’t you say,” Mom explained, “that you immediately noticed the loving relationship Sean and his wives had years ago and didn’t you suspect that they were in this type of relationship? And didn’t seeing the love between them start you wanting then what you now have?”

“Yes,” Miko nodded.

“Thinking that God had abandoned you all these years,” Mom clarified, “what’s changed? God answered your prayer five years ago but you weren’t listening. He presented you with the same family you’ve embraced today but because you felt a need to suffer for your mistake, you didn’t hear His voice or accept His offering. Oh, sweet child, shed no more tears over the past, just accept His blessing and make it bear fruit. Now stop all these tears! I only allow tears of joy in this house!”

Miko chuckled, as did everyone else at Mom’s last remark.

Still embracing Miko, Mon turned to me and asked, “Well, Sean, do you have something you want to say to lovely young woman?”

Mom directed Miko to put her hands on my shoulders and looking up into her eyes I proposed, “Miko, you have literally stolen my heart and now, living without you would be unbearable. I profess my love before all who are dear to me: my parents, in-laws and children and with the wives I hope will become your sisters and ask you now, will you marry me and make our family complete. I promise my love for as long as I live and will cherish you always.”

Miko stepped back and bowed respectfully to me with hands folded in front of her and said, “Hai.”

Standing from her bow, she wrapped her arms around my neck and cried, “Yes, Sean, I’ll marry you, you’ve made my dreams come true!”

Miko’s acceptance was met with clapping, cheers and congratulations all around.

Priya, Monaavi and Leeya all stood and embraced her one at a time. Leeya spoke up and shaking her finger at Miko reminded her by saying, “Remember, Sister, I’m next!”

With a giggled reply through tears of joy Miko answered, “I remember, little big sister.”

Tina rose and walked slowly to her and hugging Miko around the waist kissed her cheek and said, “I’m happy to have you as one of my Mommas.”

“She called me Momma!” Miko giggled with joy.

Cinny and Lizzy ran to her and greeted, “Yay, a new mommy for us too!”

Attiya came up silently and kissed Miko on the cheek and said, “Welcome, Auntie.”

“Well,” Mom said candidly, “You know what this means don’t you, Sean?”

“What, Ma,” I asked.

“Ladies,” Mom rallied, “we’re goin’ shoppin’ for a diamond: A big, fat, juicy expensive diamond right, Miko?”

Miko blushed and asked surprised, “What? Really? Today? Right now?”

“Yep!” Mom replied. “Girl, you ain’t leavin’ here tomorrow unless you’re ringed and veiled, got it?”

Miko gave a curt head bow answering, “Hai! Yes, Momma.”

Looking around at all the kids, Mom said to me, “Well, Daddy looks like you got diaper duty. Your father can’t handle all these hooligans and Malina needs feeding…”

Salima butted in and said, “And Adib is useless as a babysitter.”

“So,” Mon finished, “you’re it! Come on girls, we’re going to my favorite place: your friendly neighborhood diamond broker!”

Mom rallied, “All females over the age of ten welcome!”

It was like turning on the light and seeing the roaches scatter! One minute they’re here and the next, the car is rolling down the drive. We three men just looked at each other and Dad said, “Shit! They left with the maid and even left us the dishes!”

We laughed and rose to clean the table. Dad was scraping plates and remarked, “I’m glad this is the last one, Son, you’ve spent more on wedding rings than most people make in a year! But boy, she sure is pretty isn’t she Adib?”

Jokingly Adib replied, “Hai!”

“Don’t forget, Dad,” I reminded him, “I’ve still got to get Leeya’s rings.”

“Damn!” he replied, “That little snot will cost you the bank!”

Six hours later, I saw the Navigator coming up the drive. I ushered the twins around to the back yard as the women pulled up. Mom just gave me a smile through the driver’s side window as everyone piled out of the car. After Monaavi got out, Miko slid out of the seat, jumped into my arms and about choked me to death when she shoved her tongue down my throat.

After nearly suffocating me to death, she unwrapped her legs from around my waist and stood. She sweetly said, “I love you so much and I love my rings!”

“Well?” I asked waiting, “Are you just gonna stand there or do I get to see it?”

She held up her hand gracefully and presented her prize. I steadied her small slender fingered and shaking hand while I studied the brilliant cut stone as it shimmered in the sunlight. Like with Priya, the stone looked huge on her tiny hand.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, “It’s beautiful… and big!”

“Yeah,” Mom said, “It’s 1.6 carets of flawless carbon in a platinum setting. It’s almost identical to Priya’s.”

“How much?” I inquired.

“Don’t ask,” Mom chuckled. “Naw just kidding, it was nineteen-three.”

Miko blushed and said in amazement, “This is incredible! I never dreamed of having a ring this big or expensive!”

“Well Miko,” Mom cut in, “you’re marrying a multi-millionaire worth probably about a hundred million or so which makes the relative cost of this ring just pennies.”

‘W-W-WHAT!” Miko exclaimed as she staggered back in shock with her hands over her mouth, “You’re what? You’re really that rich?”

“I thought you knew,” I said unaffected

“My God!” she responded still in shock. “I thought you had a good job and all, but I never thought you’d be a millionaire or something! Geez, I’m just a nurse making fifty-six thousand a year.”

Priya kissed her cheek, patted her butt and quipped, “Well, Sister, your social status has risen slightly, wouldn’t you say?”

Still breathing in shock, Miko thought out loud, “Somebody pinch me: this has got to be a dream!”

Monaavi chuckled and kidded, “Wait ‘til she hears the dower offering.”

“Dower?” Miko asked confused, “What’s a dower?”

As I directed her to the house with my hand at the small of her back I answered, “We’ll talk about it after dinner, okay?”

“Alright ladies, now that Miko has peed her pants in shock,” Mom exhorted, “anyone hungry? Spending all this money has given me a real appetite. Let’s go put dinner on.”

“This is all like a dream. I wanted this weekend to end with a promise but this:” Miko said in a daze, “I simply can’t believe that this is all happening! I have my rings already and now this! Your mother doesn’t waste time, does she?”

“Well,” I chuckled, “Besides her passion for buying expensive jewelry, I think there was a method to her madness. We, or at least they, probably won’t see you for a while until your next days off and she knows how much this symbol of love means to a girl. My mother is an expert on diamonds and has helped Priya and Monaavi with their rings and she was going to make sure she took care of you also. It’s Saturday and the broker she deals with will be closed tomorrow so, as they say, ‘There’s no time like the present.’”

“She scared me yesterday,” Miko revealed, “by her forthright directness but she’s a very tender and caring person isn’t she? She treated me like a daughter today, not a daughter-in-law.”

“Mom?” I replied. “My mother is the kindest, wisest, most God fearing and loving woman I know. She’s a Bible-reading Baptist and she’s also one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. Priya is her best friend and Monaavi thinks of her as a second mother. If you go to her, she’ll be the mother that you’ve lost: just wait and see if I’m not right.”

“Let me assure you,” I told her, “you’ll have an excellent support system in place with your sisters and my mother. Come on, let’s go in the house.”

Entering the house, Dad and Adib were sitting at the table. Dad turned and said, “Well the gang’s all here, how ‘bout some supper!”

The women looked at each other for a moment and burst into laughter with Mom snorting, “See, Miko, just like I told Priya years ago, men are like little boys: sometimes they don’t play well, throw tantrums and need their noses wiped with lots of cuddles. Wuuu-aaay, Mommy I’m hungry!”

The males pouted while the females laughed at the comparison. Dad piped back with, “Well, you spent a ton of our money I presume, the least you can do is coddle and feed us!”

Cooing to Dad Mom teased, “There, there Sweetie. Mommy’ll feed you, okay?”

The women started dinner and Monaavi said to Miko, “Why don’t you call your mother? I’m sure deep in her heart, she still loves you.”

“I was thinking of that on the way home,” Miko admitted, “It’s five pm and in Osaka, it’s six am tomorrow. I’ll wait a couple of hours until I’m sure my father has left for work.”

While Pita, Salima and Mom readied dinner, we decided to say prayers. After prayers and sitting at the table, we five sat with Mom and Dad talking. I told my parents, “You know, this place is really getting crowded: what say we expand the place?”

Dad replied, “I was thinking about that and we could put an addition on the west side. We could add another five bedrooms, with a small classroom on the first floor, what do you think? I can call the builder Monday. With it being spring, we could probably have the addition completed by fall.”

Everyone agreed with Dad’s idea. We broke the conversation and helped get ready to eat. At dinner, Mom asked, “Well, Miko, when’s the big day going to be?”

Miko swallowed a bite of food and looking around smiled and answered, “I never thought about it. Everything’s going so fast, I can’t keep up. I don’t even know what kind of wedding we’d have since I’d be a fourth bride.”

“It would have to be,” I informed her, “a Muslim wedding. Do you have friends you’d like to invite?”

“Just a couple that I trust enough to keep our true relationship a secret. What would I wear, could I wear an uchikake: a wedding kimono?”

“I don’t see why not,” I answered. “You will have to learn the ceremony and since you’re of age and not a virgin, you won’t need a guardian, usually it’s your father, to speak for you.”

Miko swallowed another bite and asked innocently, “What’s that dower thing Monaavi was talking about?”

“The dower,” I explained, “in Muslim marriages, is a gift from the groom to the bride. Because a young girl or woman may not have much or anything in the way of assets, this gift is hers to do with as she wishes. A woman cannot marry a man below her social status and the dower is a symbol of that status. In our case, where I have more than one wife, the Koran teaches that a man must treat all his wives equally. So, in front of all present, I will offer you a dower. It is your right to accept the dower or reject it on the grounds that it is not worthy of your station. I will say up front, that I will offer you what each of your sisters has received, and no more. If you refuse my dower, I must graciously decline to marry you. This is my gift to you and refusing it, to me, means you refuse my love. Do you understand?”

“Gosh,” Miko sighed, “I didn’t think it was such a serious thing. But isn’t this sort of like “buying” a bride?”

“In the old days,” I agreed, “This was probably true. But today, especially in poor Islamic countries, a girl’s dower may be all she owns for herself and is a symbol of a man’s esteem for his wife.”

“Alright,” Miko replied softly, “what is this dower thing you want to give me?”

“I promise,” I professed, “to put into a trust fund for you the sum of ten million dollars to do with as you wish, with the guarantee that I will change my will and that you, and any children we have together, will share equally among all my wives and other children as heirs of my estate should I expire before you. Is this acceptable to you?”

Miko sat silent, stunned in a daze. She looked at my parents and they just smiled silently. She scanned the table to look at her future sisters and they smiled softly and nodded. Miko then turned to me and asked unbelieving, “This – is –not – happening! Are you serious, you’re offering me ten million dollars and if I don’t take it, I leave here forever?”

I started to speak but Miko held up her hand and added, “Sean, first of all, I had no idea of your wealth. I came here for love and only for love’s sake. This is a total shock to me and I want you to know, I’d never marry anyone for money.”

“You’re not,” I answered softly. “You’re marrying me for love. You’d just share in your husband’s wealth, that’s all: just like in any other marriage. Any money you make as a nurse is yours to keep. Well, is my offer sufficient?”

Shaking her head in disbelief, she looked at me stunned, bowed her head and whispered, “Hai, Omuko san. I will accept what my sisters have accepted with joy and take my place as fourth wife.”

“Thank you, Miko,” I accepted with joy. “You’ve sealed our futures. By the way, what does Omuko san mean?”

“It’s the most respectful way to say ‘husband’,” Miko answered softly as she blushed.

After taking and swallowing another bite Miko, pondering out loud said, “I guess I can now afford my uchikake.”

We broke out in laughter.

The rest of the meal was quiet, mostly because Miko ate in continued disbelief. After dinner, Miko and I took a walk down by the pond. She was still dazed about the dower so I said to her, “Look, Miko, once the trust fund is created, you can do as the others have done: just let the trustee take care of it and forget it’s even there.”

“I thought my life would change,” Miko replied, “but nothing like this!”

“Welcome to your new life,” I answered.

We talked about how life would change in the interim period between now and when we got married. She giggled when she said she wasn’t going to say anything about our engagement just to see how long it took for a co-worker to notice her ring. She said she probably wouldn’t get any peace once they found out.

“The hardest thing,” she said, “is going back to an empty apartment and trying to concentrate on things. I never minded living alone, but now, I’ll have this emptiness inside until we’re together again.”

“But now,” I encouraged, “your dream is now a reality. No more wishing, hoping or living alone with this pain in your heart. That should make the separation bearable, don’t you think?”

“I’ll be fine, Sean,” Miko assured. “I can now call you or my future sisters for company. Even if I’m by myself, I’m not alone any longer.”

We walked back to the house and said evening prayers. After prayers and sitting downstairs, Priya said, “Cone on, Sister, let’s try to call your mother it’s nine O’clock. I’m sure she’ll be glad to hear from you. If you’d like to talk in private, you can do so from the study.”

Miko started crying and revealed, “I haven’t talked with her in four and a half years: ever since my father ordered me never to call saying that they no longer had a daughter named Miko.”

“Bullshit!” Mom retorted. “That’s your father speaking. Take it from any of the mothers here: if you were my daughter and even if you ended up pregnant, I gave birth to you and could never deny my own flesh! Call her, Sweetie, she’ll not only talk to you, she’ll be happy for you knowing you’re safe and loved. Come on, Baby, we’ll call her together.”

Miko fell into my mother’s lap and nodded saying, “Hai, Hahagimi. Yes, my mother.”

Miko composed herself and Mom, Priya and I accompanied her to the study to place the call. We waited while Miko went and retrieved her purse and upon returning, looked her mother’s number up on her palm pilot. She dialed the number and her hand shook as she held the receiver.

We heard the phone ring and Miko said “Moshi moshi?”

Miko shed tears as she spoke to her mother in Japanese and I handed her some tissues. As she spoke, she’d continually wipe her cascading tears. After about five minutes of conversation, Miko cupped the phone and said, “My mother wants to talk with you, Sean, I’ll translate.”

I rose and went to the desk, putting the phone on speaker and put the receiver back on the hook. I nodded to Miko and she spoke to her mother and we heard a soft woman’s voice speak.

Miko said, “My mother wants to know if you know my past.”

”Hai,” I answered.

“Do you accept and love her completely despite her shame?” Miko’s mother asked.

“Hai” I replied, “Tell her with all my heart.”

“Will she be well taken care of?” the voice asked.

“Hai. Tell her everything,” I ordered Miko, “Including the dower.”

Miko spoke to her mom for a few minutes and she turned to me and said, “My mother says you are the answer to her prayers. If you will love me forever, she can finally rest in peace. She also says she’ll treasure you in her heart as a son. Momma, she wants to talk to you now.”

We heard the soft-spoken woman as she spoke for a minute before receiving the translation. Miko said to my mother, “I told my mother how you have treated me with love and she’s asked me to ask you a favor.”

“Anything,” Mom replied, “if it’s in my power to do, anything.”

Miko’s mom spoke for another minute when Miko turned to Mom and said, “She wants me to translate this word-for-word. She asks, ‘I give you my youngest child. Will you accept my baby and love her, cherish her, counsel and guide her as your very own in the way of the Lord Jesus Christ?’”

Mom covered her mouth as she began to cry, first nodding her reply then saying through her tears, “I have already accepted Miko as a daughter. She will never be alone again. I will impart all that I can, with the understanding I have of God’s Holy Word to guide and counsel her the same as I would my own son. I will always remember that I represent you and I want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers.”

Miko spoke to her mother for a few minutes then disconnected the call. Miko fell into my mother arms crying, “Momma, you were right, she does love me. She said she’d missed me so much and has been worried sick about me. She said Sean is the answer to her prayers that I would find a loving husband who can accept me. She’s also reassured, Momma, that you’re a Baptist like us.”

“I told you so,” Mom comforted. “No woman who’s borne the pain of bearing a child could ever deny that child. There. Aren’t you glad you called now?”

Nodding, Miko calmed down. Priya and I smiled to each other at Miko’s joy knowing what it’s meant for us to have loving parents in our lives. Mom, with her arm wrapped around Miko looked down, kissed her forehead and asked, “Well, Sweetie, you never did set a date, when do you want to officially become a Michaels?”

“I don’t know,” Miko answered, “I have to buy my kimono, arrange time off work. I, I, I think I’m confused!”

“You just need to calm down,” Mom said. “Now how long will it take to get your kimono?”

“I’d have to go online,” Miko replied, “try to find something I like, order it, then it’d have to be shipped. I’m not sure but probably about a month.”

“And how about work?” Mom asked. “Surely you can make arrangements for about two weeks in advance right?”

‘Yeah probably,” Miko agreed.

“So we’re looking at maybe a month or more, right?” Mom concluded with Miko nodding. “So, why don’t you get your kimono, and we’ll plan the date on its arrival. Sound like a plan?”

“Uh huh.” Miko agreed nodding with a smile.

We returned to the family room to expectant eyes awaiting the results of Miko’s call. Everyone was relieved to know that things went well during the call. We spent the next twenty minutes sharing our happiness for the healing of a deep wound Miko has carried all alone in her heart for so long.

Mom and Dad couldn’t understand why her father had been so cruel but Miko explained that Asian families, even those who’ve been in America for a long time culturally isolated themselves, clinging to the old traditions. Like in India, a girl’s chastity proved her character and her ability to control her emotions during marriage. Any girl that couldn’t exercise restraint regarding intimacy brought shame and disgrace upon her family name and their ancestors.

It had been an emotional day for everyone and as it came to an end, everyone readied for bed. Leeya came over and sat on my lap, hugged me tenderly, kissed my neck and said, “Tonight’s my night but it’s been a special day for Miko.”

Turning to look at her, Leeya offered sweetly, “Miko, if you wish, I’ll give you my night to share with Sean. You’ll be leaving tomorrow and then you’ll be all alone for a while. No one is expecting you to do anything, but if you wish to be close and spend the night with him, you have my permission.”

Miko’s eyes welled up as she smiled and looked towards her future sisters. She rushed to embrace Leeya and profusely said, “You opened my eyes to a love that was possible and as young as you are, you’ve shown me the caliber of woman I hope to become. Thank you, Sister. Thanks so very much!”

They each smiled softly in return and nodded. Miko smiled and looked at me out of the corner of her lashes demurely and asked,” No spreadsheets?”

“No until consummation of the deal,” I reminded her with a grin.

“I’m scared, Sean,” Miko admitted, “If I slip and fall will you catch me?”

“With open arms,” I reassured.

“My promise,” Miko asked shyly, “will you help me keep it?”

“Promises are always meant to be kept,” I promised.

Turning to Leeya, she hugged her, kissed her cheek and said, “Thank you little big sister, thank you so much.”

Leeya took her hand and led her downstairs to get changed. Priya, Monaavi and I went upstairs. As I entered my bedroom, they each kissed me goodnight and Priya warned, “Don’t you lay a hand on that girl or I’ll cut off your balls.”

Hurt, I replied sharply, “You should know me by now, Priya. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Sean,” Priya replied, “But emotions are sometimes stronger than reason and right now, they’re very high with both of you. Just love her, that’s all.”

“I will my Beloved,” I promised.

Both wives echoed, “Goodnight, Sean.”

“Goodnight, Angels,” I replied.

I went into the bedroom, turned down the bed and went to the bathroom to finish my nightly hygiene. I returned, got undressed and climbed into bed in my boxers. Several minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door and I bade Miko to enter saying, “Come in.”

Miko opened the door slowly, entered and closing the door asked shyly. “Shall I lock it?”

“No,” I answered, “not unless you want to.”

Leaving the door unlocked she came slowly into the room. She wore the same robe she’d worn the night before and stepping to the chair, pulled the sash, let her robe fall from her shoulders, slowly slid it off and placed it over the chair. Tonight, Miko wore a full-length, sleeveless silk nightgown. It was black with brilliantly hand painted orchids all over.

I smiled softly to her and complimented her by saying, “You’re absolutely beautiful!”

Sitting sideways on the edge of the bed, Miko turned her shoulders to look at me, blushed and nervously joked, “You’re an eyeful yourself.”

“Don’t let the muscles fool you,” I quipped innocently, “My wives say I’m a wimp.”

“I’d say,” she quipped back as she slid onto the bed, “more like a giant cuddly teddy bear.”

“What do you do with a…” I retorted coyly (Damn, my mouth was getting dry again!), “giant cuddly teddy bear?”

Slowly sliding down resting her head on the pillow and pulling up the sheet, she smiled coquettishly and replied, “Why cuddle, of course.”

Whew! Down boy!

I could see the tightness in her body that she was frightened. I stroked the side of her cheek and said, “I’m going crazy right now, what is it about Asian women that American men find so exotic?”

Blushingly she replied, “Because we are. The Japanese were originally from China. There has always been a mystique surrounding the relationship between man and woman, between yin and yang. And traditionally, the dance of love is equated with the forces of nature. The ovum is called the clouds and the man’s essence is called the rain. Thus, making love is sometimes called making clouds and rain. Through our heritage, no matter how progressive some may seem, Asian women maintain an air of mystery around lovemaking. Like with other art forms such as martial arts, the dance of love mirrors forces seen in nature, some mostly subtle like a gentle breeze or the rustling of the cherry blossoms and sometimes forceful like a sudden storm. Making love is the highest art form of nature. The seasons and moods of nature change slowly over time unfolding the beauty of each season. So it is with the beauty of a woman. A woman entices, teases and encourages with subtlety to make herself more enticing. A well executed glance of the eyes can be more erotic than exposing herself openly.”

Miko turned on her side, facing away from me and admitted, “That’s why I got myself into trouble. I forgot who and what I was and tried to act like an American, openly admitting my attraction: to my downfall. With you, I danced with you; I enticed and encouraged the forces of nature to take their course. You preened for me like the peacock spreads his plumage and you enticed me in return. You wooed me, making me feel special and unique. As with the peacock, all the female species do the choosing of their mates and I choose you. I made you mine knowing that I’ll share you but I will have all the love you can give me and me alone.”

“Why are women such an enigma?” I asked.

Miko giggled and answered, “Because we are the stronger of the species. We are the givers of life. The lion is the king of the jungle but it’s the lioness that does the hunting. We choose who will sire our young, from the tiny sparrow to the giant elephant, the female controls the cycle of life. It’s the way of nature… it’s the way of clouds and rain.”

“You are incredible!” I complimented in awe.

“You make me feel incredible,” Miko replied softly, “and for that, I will give myself to you and you will father my children. Now hold me, make me feel incredible in your arms.”

I spooned against Miko’s tiny frame and snuggled her into me. I put my hand on her hip and she gently took it, pulling it to her breast. I tenderly cupped her offered breast and gently squeezed. Miko audibly gasped and melted into me with a sigh. She gently lifted her leg and I slid mine in between hers and she whispered, “I love you, Sean with all my heart. Now I know what it means to be truly loved.”

“I love you too, Miko,” I professed, “I’ll treasure you always.”

With that, we drifted off to sleep, me thinking of clouds and rain.