Writing inspired by the following SWC prompts:

Why is there still a half-drunk bottle of Champagne in the fridge?

Left-Over Fizz

by Natasa Pap

The heavy, thick, vine-colored curtains prevented the sunlight from completely penetrating their room and bathing it in its golden rays.

Edward rubbed the sleep from his eyes and shifted in bed to look at the small, digital clock on his nightstand.

It was five minutes past noon. Surprising, he never slept in this late in his life, but considering that last night was a very special occasion, he’d let it slide this once. Sitting up in bed, glancing at the mirror he was facing from his spot, he witnessed the worst case of bed-head he’d ever had. He knew what the cause of it was though, so he didn’t mind. Then he looked down at the golden, round object resting on his left ring finger.

The sight of it made his lips curl into a smile. Then his gentle, loving gaze fell to the beautiful woman sleeping next to him. Edward survived both high school and college with Emma by his side. They’d had their ups and downs through the years, but in the end, they’d arrived at this stable, healthy place together, full of mutual love, respect, trust, understanding, loyalty and honesty.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it was worth the effort. What they had was worth fighting for in every sense of the word.

Deciding not to disturb his wife’s sleep, Ed got up and somehow managed to find a pair of sweatpants in the absolute chaos that was his side of the wardrobe. He made the short journey from their bedroom, through the living room and hallway to the small kitchen. There he opened the fridge, intending to find some ingredients to make breakfast.

Suddenly and swiftly, he closed it and averted his gaze, sensing some heat rushing into his cheeks. Feeling ridiculous for blushing, Ed reminded himself that he was thirty-four years old now, not nineteen. He opened the fridge again and took out the object that caused the redness on his face.
It was a half empty bottle of a Champagne – or half full depending on one’s opinion. The Champagne was a gift for them from Ed’s best man and Emma’s maid of honor. Those two had been Emma and Edward’s best friends and constant supporters since the beginning of their relationship.

Along with the foamy liquid, the best man and the maid of honor couldn’t resist directing some teasing words at the newlyweds as well as a few suggestive jokes that would make even that one liberal, travel-loving, rich, childfree Aunty blush.

The newlyweds had tasted some of the Champagne before putting the rest in the fridge, and had moved on to other nocturnal activities of their first wedding night.

Edward’s mind was brought back from the world of last night’s warm memories when two, soft, familiar arms gently wrapped themselves around his waist and Emma’s sweet, sleepy voice started whispering honeyed words into his ear. Her breath tickled him. Involuntarily, he let out a small chuckle, but to Emma’s ears it sounded manly, sensual, exciting and attractive.

Instinctively, she pressed her body against his a little tighter and kissed his broad shoulders. The feeling of her soft lips on his bare skin made him freeze for a moment. He held his breath. Emma allowed her hands to aimlessly wander over his naked torso. When he felt her fingers brush the edge of his sweatpants, the lower part of his stomach tightened.

The Champagne was returned to the fridge, to be saved for another time.

Edward had come to the kitchen with the intent of preparing breakfast for them, but it was obvious his wife wanted him to help her satisfy a different kind of hunger, and as far as he was concerned, her wish was his command.

When she kissed his special spot, the one between his neck and shoulder, he felt as if his brain had melted. Releasing that deep breath, he forgot he was holding in, Edward turned to his wife and took her into his arms like he did last night. With his lovely princess pressed safely and gently against his body, he made his way back to their bedroom.