Finding Her

by Rita Hestand

  Aiden felt restless. Mr. Ferguson told him he'd drive him to the church in the wagon. He also told him there was a cabin back in the woods a ways where they could go to share their wedding night and days if they wanted to. "Thank you. I don't know if I have thanked you for all you've done for me and Lucy."

  "No need son, this is the most excitement we've had for a while. I guess you know my woman thinks a lot of Lucy."

  "I know, so do I."

  "She's a good little gal."

  "Thanks."

  "Anyone tell you that you clean up well?"

  "I had a nice bath last night in that tub you told me about. Sure, was warm. I stayed in it until the water got cold."

  "You want kids?"

  "Sure, in time. But I want a little time with her. Just her. I never felt this way about a woman before Mr. Ferguson. I mean, I've known her for years, loved her, but it wasn't until this last time that I realized she wasn't a little girl anymore."

  Mr. Ferguson laughed. "You got a lot of years ahead of you boy. Enjoy them."

  "I hope we can. Mr. Ferguson, are you ailing?"

  "No sir, I'm fine. Just not as strong as I used to be. Can't get the work done that needs doin'. I used to keep this place in good shape. But lately, it needs some work."

  "Don't you worry your head about that. Me and Angus can handle it. If war breaks out there might be another couple comin' to help out."

  "Oh, tell me about them."

  "They are a nice couple from Philadelphia. Their the ones that lost a daughter to the Sioux."

  "Oh yes, I remember you telling us about them. Well, they are welcome as can be."

  "Thanks, now I want you and your wife to quit worrying about the place."

  "That takes a load off my mind, right there." Mr. Ferguson chuckled.

  "I know you can son. I know it. And I'm glad we figured this all out between us. My kids will appreciate it too. They worry so much. Now they don't have to."

  "I'm glad they feel that way, sir."

  "Do you need me to tell you about the birds and the bees?" he asked with a chuckle.

  "Uh… no sir. I think I got that figured out."

  Mr. Ferguson burst out laughing as they headed for the church.

  Angus and Pumpkin were all spruced up and left early to help decorate the church for them.

  Aiden saw a wagon decorated with flowers all over and tin cans behind.

  "That's for you two."

  "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

  "Sure, weddings and having babies are something you learn early about." He chuckled again.

  It was good to see the old man laughing and Aiden began to relax now. Lucy was going to walk down the aisle in that blue dress and take his breath away. This would be the happiest day of his life.

  An hour later the music began, and Aiden stood waiting to see Lucy walk down the aisle with Mr. Ferguson. Aiden saw her and his eyes widened, a smile spread over his face and before he knew it, Lucy was standing by his side and the preacher was saying all the traditional words.

  "And do you Lucy Ann Gaines take this man in holy matrimony, to love, honor and obey, until death do you part?"

  When she just stood there, the preacher bowed, "Just say I do, hon."

  "I do!" she spoke up.

  Everyone laughed.

  Then he asked Aiden the same.

  Aiden had bought her a ring, it wasn't fancy, just gold, and he slid it on her finger. Then suddenly the preacher was pronouncing them man and wife.

  "You can kiss her now."

  Aiden took her in his arms, his eyes going over her then he bent his head and softly took her lips. The kiss went on and on and the preacher had to finally clear his throat before Aiden would turn loose of her.

  Everyone gathered around to congratulate them. Angus looked down right spit and polished and Pumpkin was crying.

  Mrs. Ferguson had a tear in her eye too.

  "It was just so lovely."

  But just as they were about to walk down the aisle to leave Angus came from outside. "Soldiers are comin', you two better get."

  Aiden grabbed Lucy and whirled her into his arms, carrying her off to the buggy which Angus had moved to the back of the church.

  Aiden put Lucy in the wagon, and they drove, hell-bent for the little cabin that Mr. Ferguson had showed him the day before.

  Lucy's eyes widened. "Why do you think they were here?

  "Lookin' for me, probably."

  ***

  At the church, Angus and Pumpkin went into a back room as they would surely be questioned.

  A young Lieutenant came up to the Fergusons. "We're looking for an escaped prisoner, Aiden McCoy. Do you know him?"

  "Heard of him," Mr. Ferguson nodded. "But this is a church sir, and there are no escaped prisoners here."

  "What's the church all decorated for?"

  "A wedding, sir."

  "Who's?"

  "A neighboring friend, they left a while ago. Seemed pretty anxious to get on with the wedding night, if you know what I mean." Mr. Ferguson remained calm and chuckled. "What's the man wanted for?"

  "Treason."

  "Well, I hope you find him."

  "Well then, we'll have a look around, he could be hiding here." The Lieutenant declared. "Search the place." He ordered his men.

  They went through every room. Angus and Pumpkin snuck out the back way and hid under the church. The preacher went about his business.

  The Lieutenant stared at the preacher, then walked up to him. "Who did you just marry sir?"

  "Why a young fella by the name of Leroy and a girl named Ann. Two good citizens of our community." The Preacher explained.

  The Lieutenant eyed him suspiciously then turned to a Corporal. "There's no one else here, sir."

  The Lieutenant eyed the preacher. "You didn't have many come to the wedding, did you?"

  "No sir, I think there might have been a shotgun behind that young man's head. If you get my meaning."

  The Lieutenant seemed aggravated by his answers.

  "Tell the men to mount up, we have plenty of other places to search." The Lieutenant yelled at the Corporal.

  "Sir, please don't raise your voice in the house of the Lord." The preacher asked nicely.

  The Lieutenant frowned, "Of course," he frowned and stared at him.

  After they rode off, the Ferguson went up the preacher. "Thanks Evan."

  "No thanks needed, I didn't like that young man's attitude."

  "I didn't think you'd lie for them though."

  "I didn't. Aiden's middle name was Leroy and her middle name was Ann. So, I didn't really lie at all, but I doubt anyone knew that but me at the time. Is he really guilt of treason?"

  "No, just guilty of understanding people, is all."

  "Well, they looked like a sweet young couple and they sure did look in love."

  "That they are." Mrs. Ferguson smiled.

  "I wish them well. Looks like they could have a hard time getting started."

  "No sir, they won't. We've made sort of an agreement with them, since our kids are so far away and can't be around during our older age, I'm giving them the farm if they help take care of it and see after us in our old age."

  The reverend stared at him a long moment then smiled, "Well, I guess you know them pretty well then."

  "Yes sir, I do. They are good people. And they'll be part of our community."

  "Then for all general purposes, you might ought to have them use their middle names and change the last name for a while."

  "That's a good idea, I'll tell them. I have a feeling they are gonna have a long honeymoon, though." He chuckled.

  The preacher chuckled too, "Good, might be good idea any ways. I wish them well."

  "Thanks, and it was a lovely wedding."

  Angus and Pumpkin grabbed a ride on the way home and they all chuckled and talked about the wedding and the angry Lieutenant.

  Chapter Twenty

  Aiden found the cabin and it was
quite hidden among the trees. He helped her down from the wagon and kissed her solidly on the lips.

  He hadn't meant for the kiss to linger but he was so happy and so mesmerized by the beauty of his new bride he couldn't help it.

  He pulled away breathlessly, "We better get inside. Go on in I'll put the wagon away. He unharnessed the horses at the lean-to and made sure they had food and water before he went inside. He glanced around at the lovely place that had a little pond on it and lots of beautiful trees.

  Glancing at the road he listened for anyone coming down the road, but there was no one. A loon, far off echoed through the air, other birds chirped the tree tops. Spring was nearly upon them and the temperature was pleasant.

  Aiden went inside and found Lucy walking around.

  "It's beautiful here Aiden," she smiled shyly at him.

  "It sure is," his eyes pinned her.

  "Someone put a ham on the stove and there's a pot of beans cooked too!" she told him.

  His eyes never left hers. "Sounds good."

  "Are you hungry?" she asked.

  "Yeah…. But not for food." He told her walking up to her slowly so as not to scare her.

  "You look so beautiful," he whispered.

  "Ma Ferguson did my hair."

  He glanced up at the baby's breath and smiled. "It's lovely."

  She licked her lips, "I feel bashful Aiden."

  He smiled as he looked into her face once more, "Well, don't. It's just me, looking at my beautiful young wife."

  "You look very handsome." She said shyly.

  He turned and put the wooden bar over the door so no one could come in, unless invited. Then he looked her up and down.

  "Why are you staring at me like that?" she tried to chuckled, but it was a nervous chuckle.

  "All these years, we've flirted with each other endlessly. But with you and me, it wasn't flirting, it was a mating game. Today, I look at you and it overwhelms me that you are finally mine. Don't ever be afraid of me, Lucy. I'll never hurt you. I want to protect you, take care of you, but most of all…. I want to make love with you."

  "I know Aiden, I'm not afraid of you. But… this is all like some dream come true. It was a beautiful wedding. Better than I ever imagined. I want to make you happy Aiden."

  He stood just in front of her, his hand going to her cheek now, his thumb stroking her there. "Right now." His eyes sought hers. "I'm the happiest man, you can't imagine. I never thought I could love this hard, this much."

  "I know, it's scary isn't it?" Her soft chuckle filled the room, and the tension fled.

  "Scary and wonderful all in one." He whispered.

  She took his hand now, "Make me yours Aiden… "

  She led him into the bedroom. There was a brass bed, with a beautiful handmade quilt on it, flowers were on the table next to it. A bottle of wine and two glasses set beside the flowers.

  "They did all of this, for us?" He asked.

  "I reckon they did."

  She began to undress, and he watched, spellbound by the way she did it. In moments she was naked and standing by the window, waiting for him.

  "Aren't you going to undress, or do you need some help?" She encouraged.

  "Lord Lucy, I've never seen a woman I wanted more."

  "Well then…" her voice was low, almost husky as her eyes melted on him. "Come on cowboy… it's branding time."

  He broke out in a huge smile. Then he moved his head back and laughed. He chucked his boots in the air, his hat went flying, and he was undressed in seconds. He slipped down under the covers.

  "Will we need a fire?" she asked looking at the small fireplace.

  "Honey I am the fire, come to bed." He smiled.

  She smiled and came to join him, going straight into his arms. "Oh Aiden, your right. I see it in your eyes, feel it in my body."

  His hand danced over her body, as his lips caressed hers in a kiss that lit the fire and she moaned softly.

  His kisses burned a fiery trail down her neck, slowly, kissing every inch of her there, down her shoulders, and his hands moved from her breasts so his lips could caress them.

  She moaned again, "Oh," her body began to move on its own, closer, hotter, aching for his touches. "I love the way you kiss me there… " she cried.

  His tongue shot out to lave her, as his hands went ever lower. She moved her legs to he could have complete control of her.

  Her body rose to meet his touches, delighting in the way he kissed and made love to her breasts.

  "They are kind of small compared to most women," she whispered.

  "That's okay, they won't be long, I intend to give them as much nourishment and attention as they could possibly need. They are so lovely, I've thought of them since the other night. How beautiful they are. And all mine to love."

  "Hmm… Aiden, you are such a fantastic lover."

  "Does it bother you that I've had other women?" he asked, waiting for her answer.

  "God no, I wanted a well-seasoned lover. For I'm not that practiced."

  "Have I ever told you, that I love that you are both Indian and white?" He asked.

  "No, why?" she asked with a chuckle.

  "Because the Indian in you is totally uninhibited, and the white side is shy and sweet. Your wild and yet your vulnerable. The mixture creates a wonderful lover."

  "I lose control when you kiss my body." She admitted.

  "Good, I don't want you in control. I want you free to love me like you want. I'm yours too you know."

  She moved over him, her head just above his now, "I like that. But I have to tell you, I think you can teach me to be a great lover."

  "Honey, you don't need any lesson," his hand moved to massage between her legs and his fingers tested her there. She was hot and wet and ready for him and he was more than delighted that they shared in the love making too.

  "You bring out the wild in me. Oh, Aiden, what you do to me," she was on the verge of an orgasm as his fingers made love to her. But he pulled away.

  "Not yet, sweetheart, I want you clawing my back for more before I take you. I want that wild side of you coming out. I want a mate in my bed, a lover, a beautiful lover that I desire more than my life."

  "Oh, why do you say such beautiful things to me, it makes me want you all the more."

  "I say them because it's the truth. I've never known a sweeter, lovelier, wilder woman than you. You filled my lonely night so many times with thoughts of making love to you."

  "Me?" she asked innocently.

  "You, just you! I knew you were the only woman I could mate with for life. It was like some tribal animal, the scent of you, the taste of your lips, those all-seeing eyes, I've wanted you so long… "

  "Oh Aiden, take me," she reached her hands and clawed his back, her lips devoured his now and he moved himself inside her. She was so wet, so warm so inviting, and he glided himself inside her, to make her his.

  He kissed her breasts now as he began the rhythm that would claim them over and over this night.

  Her face was serene, and the look told him she was enjoying his taking of her. He smiled, kissed her mouth, then her breasts once more. She moaned aloud, and clawed his back now, as he moved more vigorously. She met him with wild thrusts of her own, eager to find that paradise that lovers make.

  "Oh Aiden," she moaned. "to finally have you inside me. To feel the strength, the fire, the love between us, is heaven."

  "You are mine now, and I'll never let you go."

  "I'm not going anywhere, but I'm afraid this wildness cannot be tamed in me now. I will always want you Aiden, night or day, anywhere, I will want you."

  And then it happened, together they found the peak of the mountain, the intensity of the orgasm was wild, and they trashed their bodies against each other for more. "Oh…" she cried out. "My God is it always this good?" she asked as they enjoyed the moment together, wanting to make it last, needing more of each other, melting into the heaven they created.

  He kissed her sweet lips and
smiled into her shining eyes as they collapsed against each other. "I knew you would be good, but I didn't know how good. You are the mate I have sought my entire life. All the flirting, the sweetness of our kisses, have brought us to this point."

  She kissed his chin as she curled into him now, their legs wrapped around each other, their hearts pounding. Sweat peppered their skin. Their hair was damp, and the warmth of their love bound them now.

  "I am yours now Aiden." She sighed with such happiness, her face serene, her smile sweet and unassuming.

  "Yes, my sweet you are," he panted. "And you are the woman I have dreamed of. I knew our coming together would be powerful, but I fear I'll never get enough of you."

  She smiled and kissed his lips. "We have a lifetime to get enough. It has never been just your body, although I love yours, it's your words. No one has ever spoke to me like you do. I love it. It sets me on fire for you."

  "My words set you on fire?" He repeated.

  "It's like what they call…. Poetry. Yes, that's the word."

  "Oh," she looked at him with a sexy smile. "Don’t get me wrong, I love the way your hands make love to me, and how you fit so well inside me, but it is the words from your mouth that excite me so. Beautiful words. Words, no one has spoken to me, but you! Oh Aiden, I'm so in love with you. And now I am a part of you, and you are a part of me."

  "That's what marriage is."

  "And I like this marriage very much." She smiled.

  "How do you feel about children?" he asked.

  "I will have as many as you want." She said her hands running through his hair. "But… for a while, I want to make love with you every day, every night, just you and I. Then I will have as many children as you desire."

  "I want that time too. But you realize we won't have complete control over the timing."

  "Yes, but the Creator has control and I pray he lets me love you for a while first. Is that selfish?"

  "No, I'm in complete agreement with that." He smiled and kissed her breasts. "I am addicted to the taste of you. And your breasts call to me."

  "And your shaft excites me with its readiness."

  "I think we should have a glass of wine and celebrate our union."