by Carré White
“Congratulations,” said Jane. “I hope my wedding is as nice.”
“I’m sure it will be…once you’ve secured yourself a fiancé.” She had spoken with Wesley Hornsby at brunch yesterday, giving him all of her particular attention.
“We shall see.”
“Thank you, Pastor Collins,” said Jack. “We’re grateful that you were able to perform the ceremony.”
“It was my pleasure.” He beamed. “I’m glad I could help you folks out. You make a handsome couple.”
“Thank you, sir,” I murmured. Others waited to offer their congratulations; the eagerness in their expressions augmented my happiness.
Mother embraced me. “All my girls are married now. Congratulations, my love.”
“Thank you.”
Hannah took my hand, squeezing my fingers. “You look beautiful, Fanny.”
“Thank you.”
“Congratulations,” said Nathan. “You look as fine as cream gravy, if you don’t mind me sayin’ so.”
“Oh, Nathan. I’ll never get tired of your silly sayings.”
“Give your father a hug.” He drew me into his arms. “I’ve never been prouder than today. You’ve made a wise choice, and I know you’ll be happy with Jack.”
“I think you’re right about that.”
Paulina had tears in her eyes. “I would’ve given anything to wear white for my big day. I’m jealous.”
“I’m sure you were beautiful.”
“She was,” agreed Samuel. “And still is.”
Louisa said, “You’ve made us proud, Fanny. That man needed a good wife, and now he has one.” She glanced at Jack. “Welcome to the family.”
“I’m honored you let me in.” His smile drifted over me. “I’m grateful you came to town and turned my life upside down.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“It was perfect.”
“Now you’re just humoring me.”
“I adore you, Fanny, even when you’re yelling at me.”
“Oh, Jack.” He clasped my hand tightly; his expression of joy warmed my heart.
The reception was at Adaline Ross’s house above the bank. Her husband owned the building, and they were friends of the family. The town doctor, Samuel Caldwell, and his wife, Rhoda, attended, as did several important people from the mining district and the mayor, John Moore. We were inundated with congratulations, cake, and wine, which flowed freely. The children had gone outside to play, their shouts and laughter drifting in through the open windows.
Today had been the realization of a dream. I had embarked on this adventure hoping that I would find my future out west. My family had taken a leap of faith, following their hearts to the untamed wilderness known as the Colorado Territory. Hannah had been the first to leave New York, traveling by train and then wagon. She had been the trailblazer, beginning our migration to parts unknown. Whatever the future held for us from this day forward had yet to be revealed, but, as I gazed around the room at family and friends, I knew we would prosper—we already had.
“My dear,” whispered Jack. “We should make our exit, don’t you think?”
A tingle went down my spine. “I suppose.”
Hannah winked. “I guess you’ll be going then.”
“I think—yes.”
“I understand.” She drew near, murmuring, “I know he wants to be with you. The poor man’s about to burst at the seams.”
“Oh, stop that!”
“Have a marvelous time,” she giggled.
“You’ll come back, won’t you, Fanny?” asked Peter.
I bent to speak to him. “Yes, of course. Your grandmother and grandfather will look after you for a few days.”
“The cake sure was good,” said Connor. “Can I have more?”
“I’ll cut him another slice,” offered Paulina.
“Thank you.” Jack’s hand was on my back, applying pressure, as he desperately wanted to steer me towards the door.
“I’m sure we won’t see her again for days,” said Louisa.
“You’re all incorrigible,” I giggled.
We wouldn’t have to go far to begin our honeymoon, as Jack’s apartment was across the street. After bidding everyone farewell, we approached the door, finding a dimly lit hallway. Jack’s hand grasped mine, while we hurried down the stairs. It was dark outside now. The streets were filled with drunken miners, and there was fight in front of the saloon. Men had gathered to watch, while two men threw punches.
“Oh, goodness,” I exclaimed. “Is it like this every night?”
“Mostly. This part of town is rowdy.”
The bakery was locked, but Jack had the key. “We’ve a desperate need for law and order. It’s slow coming.”
“Is it safe living here?”
“Yes, for now. Once our house is finished, things will be nice and quiet.”
We were in the stairwell, heading for his floor. “Where is Lola?”
“I’ve given her several days off.”
“I see.”
He unlocked his door, throwing it open. “Come here.”
“Oh!” I was in his arms, my feet dangling before me.
“It’s tradition to carry the bride across the threshold.”
“By all means,” I giggled.
The room was dark, although a window was open, and the sounds of male shouts could be heard. We stood in the parlor, while he lowered me to the floor. I clung to him, my arms around his neck. His lips were on mine, coaxing a response, which I was eager to give. My bonnet fell away, while he struggled to undo dozens of tiny buttons on my dress.
“This will drive me mad,” he muttered.
“We need light.”
In his haste to reach the lamp, he knocked over a book from an end table. “Blast it!”
“We have all the time in the world, Jack. No one’s going to interrupt us.”
He grinned crookedly. “That’s true.” A dim light filled the space, casting shadows in the corners of the room. “Turn around. I offered him my back. “Whoever made this dress should be shot.”
“Hooks, eyes, and buttons. I’m sorry.”
“And laces and layers. It’s a minefield of irritation.”
I giggled, “Oh, dear.” His impatience was evident in the way he pulled and groaned, while unhooking and unbuttoning. It hung loosely at one point, but there was still the corset and underthings. “I think I can manage now.”
“I’ll light a candle in the other room.” He grasped his necktie, pulling it free, while tossing the item over a chair. “Would you like some wine?”
“No, I’m fine.” I left the gown on the sofa, while stepping out of my shoes. It was strange to undress in such a manner, especially in a man’s presence. Only my sisters had ever been near during such an occurrence, and they had never seen me fully unclothed.
Jack was in the bedroom, removing his shirt. He glanced at me, as I entered the room, his expression concerned. “I have a confession.”
“What?”
“I’ve…” he seemed nonplussed. “I’ve never done this before.”
“Taken your clothes off?”
“You tease. No, not that.” He pointed at the bed. “I’ve never…you know…”
“I haven’t either.”
“What if we’re terrible at it?”
“Oh, Jack.” The look on his face was comical. “I’m sure we’ll muddle through somehow.”
“You’re so beautiful, Fanny.” His interested gaze roamed over me, noting the thinness of the garment I wore. “You really should remove that.”
The room suddenly felt heated, as warmth spread from my chest to my neck and higher. “I suppose so.”
He stepped out of his pants. The shirt was on the floor, revealing the toned planes of his abdomen. Never having seen a man in this state, I was mildly surprised by the thin patches of dark, curly hair that covered his chest, leading downwards and disappearing into his underthings. As shyness gripped me, I dashed under the covers, gra
sping the material of the shift and lifting it over my head. I’d never been naked in bed before.
I glanced at him with concern. “Now what?”
“I’m going to steal that blanket.”
“Oh, no!” I clutched the end to my neck. “You better not.”
The last remaining article of clothing was removed, exposing his manhood, which produced a sharp intake of breath. I had meant to look away, but curiosity wouldn’t let me. He lifted the blanket, sliding in beside me. It was strange being in such a state with someone of the opposite sex, but he was my husband, and we were perfectly within our rights to be this way.
Hands found me beneath the covers, touching my belly. “Fanny?”
“Yes?”
“Are you scared?”
“No.”
“Kiss me.”
I rolled into him, pressing myself against his length. Our lips met, tongues battling sinuously, while hands explored. Whatever awkwardness there had been disappeared, replaced by the awakening of desire, the longing to be joined in every way possible. The mystery was revealed shortly after, the kisses leading to further touching and then something even greater, the consummation of our vows, the promise of an eternity of bliss. I lay in his arms, listening to his breathing, as he drifted off to sleep. While the drunkenness and debauchery continued in the street, I lay with my husband, his hand on my belly, while his face was in my neck. I’d never known such complete bliss.
In the morning, I felt a hand upon me, seeking to pleasure me in wicked ways. I sighed contentedly, letting him have his way. His tired, smiling grin revealed affection, while his body demanded satisfaction. In the haven of the blankets, we succumbed to our desires, and then once more an hour later. We left the bed for food and water and to use the privy, but other than those moments, we refused to be separated. This magical, pleasurable time passed far too quickly. We ate and talked and read in bed, the hours passing like minutes. It was effortless being with him.
On the fourth day, a knock sounded on the door, but I hardly perceived it. “Who is that?” asked Jack, sounding tired.
“Oh, goodness.” I got to my feet, grasping a blanket. “This better be important.” I padded barefoot to the door, asking, “Who is it?”
“Me, Hannah.”
I cracked open the door several inches. “What?”
“I wanted to make sure you’re alive.” She grinned, but her eyes widened, noting the state of my dishabille. “What are you wearing?”
“Not much.”
“A blanket?”
“Yes.” I had the grace to blush.
“Oh, my.”
“What do you want? Is everyone okay?”
“They’re fine. I was just worried. I haven’t seen you in days. I thought perhaps something untoward happened to you.”
“No.”
“You’re a mess. That hair.”
I shrugged. “I know.”
“Is everything all right?”
“I’m fine. Will you go away now?”
“When do you plan on emerging?”
“When we run out of food. Probably tomorrow.”
She laughed, “Well, then I’ll tell everyone you’re still alive.”
“I am.”
“Shall I bring something up from the bakery?”
“It does smell nice.” My stomach rumbled. “Fresh bread would be lovely.”
“I could buy a slice of ham at the butchers.”
This had my mouth watering. “That would be kind of you, Hannah.”
“Then we’ll see you tomorrow?”
“I think so.” A hand was at my back; Jack had gotten up.
“Good morning, Hannah.” His voice sounded rough.
“It’s good afternoon, actually.”
“What day is it?”
“Thursday.”
He sighed. “Is something amiss?”
“Everyone wants to know if you’re still alive.”
“You can see that we are.”
Her smile was kindly. “I’ve disturbed you. I’m sorry. I’ll bring the food and be on my way.”
“Thank you, Hannah.” I closed the door, suddenly enfolded in Jack’s embrace. “They’re worried about us.”
“There’s no need.”
“No,” I giggled. “There isn’t.”
“Come back to bed, my love.”
“Yes, husband.”
The End
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Other works by Carré White
Sonoran Nights
The Colorado Brides Series
***
An Unexpected Widow
An Unexpected Bride
An Unexpected Annulment
An Unexpected Mother
The Arizona Brides Series
***
Coming Soon
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen