“What makes you so sure that I’m not?” Hunter asked.
“Just by getting to know you. At least, as much as you’ve let us. M’ grandson’s no fool. He hired you for a reason.”
When Hunter remained silent, pops asked. “Where did you learn the church’s language? Not many speak Latin.”
Hunter swore softly. The old man missed nothing.
“Saint Thomas of the light.” For some unexplained reason, Hunter felt compelled to continue. “I lived in the monastery for over three years. My mother was once a devout Catholic. That was before she lived amongst my father’s tribe. I followed her religion.”
“Ye were a priest?” Pop’s asked incredulously.
“No sir. I never would’ve been allowed to take the vows.” Shrugging off the sting of past prejudice, he explained. “My father’s blood prevented it.”
Sensing that it was a touchy topic with Hunter, Pops steered clear from it. For once, he thought to himself, those walls surrounding the boy were down. He didn’t want to give him a chance to build them back up. “Well as m’ dear Moira would've said man was all made equal. Fools the lot of us.”
Chuckling, Pops snatched up Hunter’s water glass. Pulling a flask from his worn jeans, Pops asked. “Now, how about a shot of the sweet stuff?” With a wink, Pops poured the young man a healthy dose of his precious liquor.
“What I am afraid to hear, I’d better say first myself.”
An Irish saying
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Swatting away a pesky horse fly, she hunkered down further into the hay loft a pout forming her bottom lip. She could hear her name shouted over the noise in the barn. From her secret hiding spot, Lily had considered, climbing down and heading back into the house. It was the doctor’s fault. Everything was going good until he showed up! Melody was smiling a lot lately, and living with the O'Malley men was so wonderful. Now, here comes this doctor who she knew was going to spoil it all. Lily was just sure he would.
When Gabe had first called her into the parlor to introduce her to their guest, she’d been so excited. That was until she heard the gentleman’s name, Dr. Something or other. It wasn’t like she was a baby, afraid of doctors or anything. She liked Doc Bixby well enough. Lily reminded herself. Nope. It was just that once he tried to force her to speak, she’d embarrass herself and everyone around her.
Remembering the times she’d tried so hard to speak correctly, just to please her teachers. Only to be slapped or have her hands smashed. Her own mother and father had been upset whenever she’d tried to speak around them. They’d grown tired, of waiting for her to get whatever she was trying to say out. Why couldn’t she be normal like the other little girls? Lily had heard them say at night, when they’d thought she was fast asleep.
Nobody wanted a dummy around. So Lily knew that once she tried for the doctor, everyone here in her new home would know she was dim-witted. They wouldn’t want to claim her. They’d probably send her away. Just like the way her teacher Ms. Mason, had said her parents should have done. The ladder leading up to the loft, creaked softly informing the girl that she had company.
“Decided to take a nap up here did you?” Michael gently asked. At the negative shake of his little friend’s head he smiled. “Well then, you might as well come on down, Little Bit.”
Lily’s chin defiantly set, rose up a notch. Sensing Lily wasn’t going to come down without a fight, Michael sighed. “Move over. I’m coming up.”
Scooting over on her belly to make room, Lily examined Michael. Though only a few years older than she, he was larger than life to her. Michael was kind and let her tag along after him even when she sensed he would rather be alone. He was her best friend and even if he had never even heard the sound of her voice, they communicated just fine. Whenever Michael was around Lily felt safe.
“No one is going to make you, do anything you don’t want to do. You know that don’t you?” Lily let out a snort in response. Michael knew all too well how stubborn the young girl could be. This was going to take some time.
“Well, since we’re going to be up here a while, Want to play marbles?” Lily shot forward and hugged her friend fiercely.
“Yeah, yeah. No buttering me up ‘little bit. You can shoot first.”
**********
“Can I get you some more lemonade doctor?”
“No thank you Mrs. O’Malley. Four glasses is more than plenty for me.”
Secretly, doctor Emery Fisher was afraid he’d spring a leak here right on the parlor divan. Sheer determination and awkward embarrassment kept him from asking for the location of the nearest privy. He was hoping she would show him his accommodations for the night. Soon hopefully before he watered his drawers like an infant.
“It was so good of you to come all this way out to see us. I’m so sorry, Lily ran off like that. Gabe is out looking for her right now.”
Melody knew she was rambling but she couldn’t help herself. Mortified at the way, her sister had kicked at the doctor and high tailed it out the front door. Melody had tried to over compensate by drowning their guest in refreshments. Unfortunately she feared their new guest was not too pleased with his welcome which she could well understand. Melody had no clue as to what could have gotten into her normally shy baby sister.
Another bout of queasiness suddenly struck, compelling Mel to grab a hold of the backing of the couch. Her stomach had been unsettled, since after supper the previous night. She had even been so sickly this morning; she hadn’t been able to eat with the family. As it was, she had barely been able to make breakfast without tossing her cookies.
“Are you not well Mrs. O’Malley?” The elderly doctor inquired.
“I’m just a little overheated, that is all.”
“Ma’am, you really should sit down you‘re extremely pale.”
“Yes. I believe you’re right.” As Melody took a step forward, the room began to spin. Her traitorous stomach heaved unmercifully. Dizzy and unable to right herself, Melody leaned heavily against Doctor Fisher. The poor man had practically leaped across the room, to catch the wilting lady.
“Why don’t you sit here, and I will go find you some water.” He suggested.
“No! No water please…I won’t be able to keep it down.” Pleading, Melody clutched his hand tightly. Just the thought of water made her want to gag.
“How long have you been like this, young lady?” Ever the Doctor, Emory took to asking questions in order to make a diagnosis.
“I haven’t been feeling well, for about a week now. Last night, it became worse.”
“You’re newly married?” More of a statement, than a question, Melody answered anyway.
“Since the twenty sixth day of April, sir.” Melody really didn't feel up to the good doctor's questioning, however good manners dictated she answer him.
She earnestly hoped Gabriel would find Lily quickly so she could go lie down. The day was only going from bad to worse and Melody wasn’t sure how much longer she could continue to hold up against this mysterious illness that plagued her.
“Could you be expecting Mrs. O'Malley?” Doctor Fisher inquired.
“Expecting what?” Melody asked distractedly.
“Good lord this is going to be a long night...” Emory Fisher mumbled to himself.
“A light heart lives long”
An Irish proverb
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Later that night, as Melody waited for Gabriel to join her in their bed, she could barely contain her excitement. Happiness bubbled inside of her. After Gabriel had found Lily and hauled her home, there hadn't been time for a moment alone with him. Melody had a guest to settle into his room and supper to put on the table. All through the meal, it had taken every ounce of her willpower to keep silent about her news. As embarrassing as the doctor's questions and explanations had become this afternoon, one thing became clear. She was going to give her husband a baby, in about seven months’ time.
She pictured a sweet, dark haire
d infant with his father's blue eyes. Hopefully the babe would have her temperament; her husband hadn't been in the sweetest of moods in the last two months since they'd wed. Why, he practically shouted at Doctor Fisher during supper. All the poor man had asked was if Gabriel had a recent illness due to his current hair loss. How was the man supposed to know, that the damage was due to her overeager use of scissors! Good lord, but his hair was growing back so slowly. Pops claimed it was because the hair was so traumatized, it was afraid to sprout from his scalp for fear she'd come after it again. Melody was not amused.
Melody worried how her husband would take the news of their imminent arrival. She hoped Gabriel would be happy. They were so newly married that she feared it would seem like a new burden for her husband to carry. Things had been tense around the ranch since the night Hunter was attacked. Gabriel tightened security around the spread for fear of another mob forming. Days had passed without a sign of danger, but her husband still demanded that no one journey into town without him along. With Hunter laid up, still recovering the hands were on double duty.
Gabriel hadn't said how the investigation into the poor old Man’s murder was going. All he'd told Melody was that Alec was looking into the matter and that he was assisting the mayor in the questioning. Between the frequent trips into town, scouting the surrounding areas and keeping up with the chores around the ranch, he'd barely been able to keep his eyes open long enough to give his wife a goodnight kiss each night. Gabriel seemed lately to hold the problems of the world on his shoulders. If only he would let her help him, his load would not be so heavy.
**********
Opening the door to his bedroom, Gabriel sighed in sweet relief. This damn, frazzled day was finally over. He'd reclaimed that scamp Lily, presented her none too willingly to the Doctor. Found Matthew's goats, trampling their way through Pops garden. Only after he'd penned them again, had he seen the damage they'd done to the feed bags he'd stored in the barn. Gabe had been ready to go for his gun, but Matthew had stopped him. Now finally, it was time to do the one thing he'd been imagining doing all day long.
“Baby, are you feeling any better?” Making his way over to the bed, Gabriel quickly shed his clothing. Climbing into the bed, he gathered his wife into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Her sweet body fit so perfectly against his. All through supper Melody had been quiet and hadn't eaten too much. Gabriel knew Mel had been feeling poorly all week. The little woman had been working herself into a tizzy waiting for the doctor to arrive. She had plum worn herself out.
“I'm feeling rather terrific tonight.” Melody smiled shyly.
“That's good... You feel wonderful to me too.” Melody giggled as he waggled his eyebrows and leered at her breasts. Those same breasts that had recently become tender, due to the tiny baby she now carried snug in her womb.
“Let's take this heavy nightgown off, shall we?”
Gabe began to inch the gown above her waist. Caressing the creamy skin he was slowly displaying. His excitement mounted, as he reached the soft triangle of curls resting gently between her thighs. Delicate and beautiful, this valley he loved so well. His cock hardened at the thought of being allowed admittance into such a sacred place.
“We need to talk Gabriel.” Melody gasped as he began to place kisses upon her upper thighs, so close to the core of her. Gabriel played with the downy curls shielding her entrance, running a finger gently through, to test her readiness. She was already wet for him and he took much pride in the fact.
“Later; baby. Right now no more words, except for... Yes Gabriel, Right there Gabriel. Like that Gabriel...” He mimicked in falsetto. The sound so ridiculous, she burst into peals of laughter.
Wicked man that he was, he knew those were the only words she'd be able to manage in a few short minutes. Lowering his head between her legs, his skillful tongue proved that he could render her speechless. Her hips rose to meet each lick that he gave her.
“Come for me angel. I need to be deep inside you.” Gabriel spoke against her throbbing core. His words spiked her arousal to the boiling point. Melody felt like she could shatter at any moment. His clever tongue flicking across her hidden pearl brought her to newer heights of pleasure.
“Please Gabriel... Please I need you now.” She begged. Her need so great, that she almost wept from it.
“Alright baby. God! I love the sounds you make when you're hot and ready for me. I love the way you taste like sweet, warm honey.” Kissing her pink quivering cleft one last time, Gabriel moved to join himself with his wife.
Coming to his knees, Gabriel shifted her legs further apart. Sliding his large hands beneath her bottom, he lifted her to meet his shaft. This position allowing him to drive in deeper, his entry so swift was aided by Melody's soft, plump wetness. The fit was tight as she surrounded his shaft like a glove.
Melody was more than ready for him, she was soaking. Instinctively, she crossed her legs around his hips, loving the way he began his slow thrusting. Entrapping his passion right where she needed it, Melody arched upwards to feel more of him. Her breath expelled in short gasps.
“Oh baby, you feel so good. Oh god, don’t move.” He encouraged her legs to spread wider. Making room for his hips so that he could drive his shaft even deeper into her slick entrance, Gabriel lifted her bottom higher.
Melody was so lost in rapture, she wasn't aware that she was meeting him thrust for thrust. She could feel her orgasm. Once again, it was building and her need flowed through her like honey. Thick and warm she gushed. All at once the waves of fulfillment hit, and she was riding the crest of the wave pulsating through her.
“I love you Gabriel.” Melody practically shouted.
“God angel!” With her confession, he threw back his head and roared. Gabriel spilled his hot seed inside her, unable to stop his own orgasm.
Melody’s declaration moved him to speechlessness. He could only pull her into his arms and hold her tightly, as he pulsated inside of her. Strange and very unfamiliar emotions swirled in his belly. Hope and fear warred within in him. Unsure what to say or do, Gabriel kissed the top of her head and ordered her to sleep. She needed her rest.
Melody followed his suggestion, partly because she was exhausted, but also because she wasn't offended. Melody knew that she did not need any sort of declaration on his part. She knew Gabriel desired her. They could build on that. Try as she might, Melody could no longer keep silent, she had needed to tell him what she'd kept holding inside. She knew Gabriel didn't love her. He hadn't even wanted to marry her, but she still felt good about their marriage. There was plenty of time for her husband to grow deeper feelings for her. Those were Melody’s last thoughts, as she drifted off to sleep complete in her husband's arms.
**********
Long after, Gabriel lay awake replaying her confession in his mind. Those three little words shook him to the core. Warmth spread in his chest. It was a feeling he had never felt before. He had not a name for it. Although he reasoned, she was new to intimacy and probably mistook lust for deeper emotion. Even so, Gabriel was elated for those words. The thought of her love, honored him deeply. Seemed to make him feel whole inside, unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
Gabriel he was worried. It was a big responsibility to hold someone's heart. It was even harder to give your own heart over for safe keeping. Time and distance could tear lovers apart. Death would certainly split apart the love you built together. He knew first hand, the pain of loss. Gabriel was not sure he could ever endure the heartbreak of losing Melody. Was not even sure he could risk it. Falling for Melody was one scary, wild gamble. Funny though, as much as he might try to fight it Gabe had a sneaking suspicion he was already taking that tumble...
“A secret is a weapon and a friend”
An Irish Proverb
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Nausea coursed through every fiber of Melody's body, causing her to bolt from the rumpled bed in search of the wash basin. Much like the previous two weeks, she emptie
d her stomach into the ceramic tub and prayed it would pass quickly. Doctor Fisher had told her yesterday, that morning sickness was a good sign. It was a signal that the babe was thriving in the womb and that the vile condition would soon subside. Unfortunately not as rapidly as Melody hoped.
As happy as she was to be with child, Melody was not too thrilled with the side effects that came along with it. Her breasts ached, her stomach heaved and she felt dizzy at odd times during the day. To make matters worse, she had turned into such a watering pot crying over the silliest reasons or sometimes, for no reason at all. Yesterday, just the sight of Beatrice the goat's new born babies, had her sobbing her heart out.
Poor Shorty, having the chore of mucking out the stalls was at a loss on what to do. The unfortunate man ended up getting stuck with a wet shirt front, as she wept like a newborn babe all over him. He had awkwardly patted her back and begged her to let him find her husband, never understanding that they were happy tears. She had a sneaking suspicion that Shorty was actually afraid of her for some reason.
“Jesus Mel… I'm getting the Doc!” Panicked Gabe shot to his feet and towards the door. Forgetting in his haste, that he was completely nude and semi aroused from this morning's amorous activities; Activities, which had been ground to a halt when Melody had begun to gag incessantly.
“Don't!” Melody begged. “Don't go.”
In blink of an eye, Gabe was by her side. Holding her hair away from her face as she vomited again, Gabriel fought the urge to scream like a little girl for the Doctor. Wrinkling his nose against the smell, Gabriel tried not to up chuck himself.
Proud that he “manned” up for her, but at the same time worried out of his mind. He felt her forehead but did not feel any fever. Luckily, Doctor Fisher had decided to stay a few weeks to work with Lily. If she would only let go of his hands, Gabe could go and get the physician so that he could fix her up.
A Bargain Bride (Brides of Liberty, Texas) Page 14