The Honeymoon-Another of Ben's Surprises

Ben and Liana

Liana had said no more surprises but, as Ben had planned the wedding himself, he had also planned the honeymoon. No gettin' around that one, he had thought, grinning to himself at the way she had sighed in resignation as she packed. When she'd found out at the airport that they were going to England, she had been intrigued, as he'd known she would.

When they'd arrived at Pennyhill Park Hotel, she'd straightened up on the seat of the car he'd hired and had come close to squealing. Ben had smiled at her. He'd known she'd love this place. Had wanted to indulge and spoil her for once. Especially after her news about the baby. That was still something he was coming to terms with himself.

This place was luxury itself and Liana seemed entranced. She hardly knew where to look all the way to their suite and, once inside, she was totally speechless as Ben dealt with their bags and the man who'd shown them up.

Once they were alone, he folded his arms and leaned against the door, grinning at her reaction. Fresh fruit and chilled champagne had been left for them, as well as several huge bouquets of fresh flowers. Liana walked slowly around the room, taking everything in before she turned to him, with a glow in her eyes.

"It's beautiful, Ben! It's-" She stopped there, not sure what she was trying to say.

"Yes, it is, darlin'." Ben got out of his coat and hung it up.

"An' I don' know 'bout you, honey, but I'm exhausted after that trip. Let's pop the cork on this champagne, stretch out and make ourselves comfortable."

There was an assortment of water and juice for her to choose from, since she couldn't have champagne. When they were lying in the middle of the bed, Ben's arms around her, she said, "Ben, I know this has got to be costing a fortune. You didn't have to-"

"Shhh." Ben shook her slightly in a scolding manner. "One of these days, darlin', you have got to get used to the fact that you're a rich woman now. The cost of this don' matter none, long as you're enjoyin' it."

"How did you find out about this place?" Liana asked. It didn't really seem like the kind of place you'd find Ben Wade, she was thinking to herself.

"Stayed here once." Ben's voice was both relaxed and thoughtful.

"When?" She raised her head to look at him.

He gave her a long, thoughtful look, and then made his decision. "Few years ago." His eyes were holding hers as though what he was about to tell her was of major importance.

"One of the things this place has is a vault. Lotta rich people stay here, honey." His eyes still held hers, almost probing them for her response.

"A few years back, I happened to get hold of some information about when that vault was gonna be just about to bust at the seams. Bein' the good citizen I am, I couldn't let that happen, now could I?" He grinned.

"Spent two weeks here and relieved that vault of quite a few million durin' that time." Ben chuckled quietly, remembering it.

To his amusement, Liana's eyes were shining at him. "Will you tell me how you did it?" she asked him.

"You sure you wanna know?"

"Yes. Everything." Liana settled back down on the bed, her head against his shoulder. "It's part of who you are, Ben. A big part. And I want to know all of you."

Once again, she reaffirmed for him that he'd picked the right woman. Taking a sip from his glass, Ben settled her in his arms and began his story.