Under the Strawberry Moon

by Beth Bennett

  Aunt Emma opened the office door. “Kelly dear, lunch is nearly ready.”

  Kelly looked up from the computer. “Thanks, Auntie, but I’m busy. Is Branson here?”

  “Sweetheart, Branson and the others are likely to be outside all day. They’re going over that place with a fine tooth comb.”

  “Of course,” Kelly replied. “Can you just bring my lunch in here, Aunt Emma?” Kelly was determined to stay at that computer until she had the information she wanted. Hour after hour went by. The sun began going down and Kelly turned the desk light on. Dinner came and went, and Kelly kept at it. One by one Kelly could hear car doors shutting as people began to go home. Every minute that passed Kelly made progress. Finally, in the early morning hours…ping. There it was. She had it. She knew exactly where that shithead was.

  Kelly ran outside. Blake was getting ready to leave, and Branson was leaning against Blake’s car talking to several officers. “I know where he is!” screamed Kelly. She ran as fast as she could to Branson as Blake turned toward her.

  “Slow down, Kelly, slow down,” Branson fussed as Kelly ran into his arms.

  “I know where that asshole is!” screamed Kelly again. “I traced his computer! He’s in town, I got the IP address. Here it is.”

  Branson grabbed Kelly by the arms. “Are you sure?”

  “This will lead you to his computer!” She was nearly frantic. “Go get him!” By this time, Kelly was jumping up and down. The police officers and deputies couldn’t move fast enough. Blake grabbed the piece of paper Kelly held. She had scribbled the address on it.

  He looked down and shouted, “This is the Vista Hotel, across town, let’s go, no sirens.” The officers jumped in their car. As they left, Blake assigned a unit to stay at the Triple H and an officer to work with Kelly on the computer. The police cruisers left in a rush as Branson, Kelly and Officer Rob Thompson went to the house to check things out.

  They were amazed at the work Kelly had done. She showed Rob everything and made sure the computer was secure. They unplugged it and wrapped it up for evidence. “This guy doesn’t have a chance,” Rob said. “This will be enough to get a conviction for sure. I don’t think you will have to worry about this Eric fellow anymore.”

  Kelly breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over. She thought about poor little Daisy and her now orphaned calf. Branson motioned for her to come over and sit with him on the couch. “What a day,” he sighed. Kelly curled up by his side. Overcome with exhaustion, the two fell asleep as the first rays of dawn came over the horizon.

  A few hours had gone by when Blake Williams pulled up in his patrol car. Branson was awakened by the car door. He looked out the window and gave Kelly a gentle shake. “Blake’s here,” he said. Kelly stretched and rubbed her temples. Lack of sleep could give you a splitting headache.

  Branson and Kelly met Blake on the porch. “I’ve got good news and bad news,” Blake reported. “We found Eric Hinton’s computer, thanks to you, Kelly. All his belonging were at the hotel as well. It looked like he was not expecting us for company. He was gone, however. I’m really sorry, we couldn’t find a trace of him. The hotel manager hadn’t seen him either.”

  Kelly was disgusted, Branson was furious. “Damn,” Branson said.

  Kelly hung her head. She felt so guilty. “I’m sorry, Branson.” She looked up. “Blake, I’m so sorry to have caused such a mess.”

  Blake quickly corrected her. “Kelly this is anything but your fault. Stalkers are strange people. They do things like this because of their own problems. You just happened to be the object of this sick guy’s attention. You have not done anything wrong. You hear me?” Kelly appreciated the reassurance.

  Branson crossed to walk Blake to his car. “I’ve been telling her that and I’m glad she could hear it from you.” Blake shook hands and left.

  Branson put his arm around Kelly’s shoulder as they walked back to the house. “You done good, little britches.” He gave her nose a tweak.

  “Oh, Branson, I wish they had caught him.” Kelly sighed.

  “So do I, baby, but some good has already come out of this. I didn’t know what a genius you were.”

  Kelly gave him a smile. “Branson, what I did nearly any computer geek could have done.” Still, she blushed at his compliment.

  “Well, this geek had no idea how to do something like that. I think I’d like to offer you a job, Miss Kelly Taylor.” Kelly stood back and looked at Branson with surprise.

  “What?” She laughed.

  “Yup, I hate that computer. I hate the detail of book keeping, but it has to be done. It would help so much if you’d head up that whole department. I need a website for the business too, what do you say?”

  Kelly considered the possibility. “Your operation is huge. I could help you a lot. For that matter, I could also help Canyon Gulch. You both need to come into the 21st century.” Kelly was thrilled. She’d never imagined that there might be a computer job waiting for her right under her very nose. When Kelly told Emma and Bob about her plan, they agreed that they needed Kelly’s help as well. Kelly was in a flurry making plans. The next day, she began to work on the computer needs of Canyon Gulch and the Triple H. She was given the go ahead to buy new computers and get the programs she would need. She couldn’t wait to do the graphic work for the websites. She knew having all the record keeping and websites working would make a tremendous difference in both businesses. It also gave her a sense of purpose and helped to keep her mind off all the trauma and sadness that had happened over the summer.

  * * * * *

  Emma and Kelly went home to Canyon Gulch a few days after Daisy’s death. Bob had his staff keeping extra watch. There was no need for them to stay at the Triple H. If Eric Hinton were still around, he knew the location of both ranches. Kelly continued to come over every day to work on the computer and sometimes Emma came with her to fix dinner. Branson didn’t have a cook and Emma felt a little sorry for him. Branson had asked Emma to help him with a surprise for Kelly and today was the day he would spring it on her.

  Riding the range all day, Branson decided to call it quits just a bit early. He came toward the house covered in dust and sweat. He beat his hat on his leg while still outside on the porch. It left big clouds of dust in the air. He had taken off his chaps in the barn and decided to leave his boots on the porch. He was absolutely grimy. He sauntered into the office where Kelly was hard at work. “Hi, little britches,” he crowed.

  “Hi, yourself.” Kelly smiled. “You’re filthy.”

  “You’re beautiful.” Branson returned her smile. His teeth looked that much whiter when he was covered in dirt. “How would you feel about taking a ride with me in the truck down to Clear Springs? I could use a dip. I don’t want to take the horses. I’ve been on a horse all day. What do you say, sweetheart?”

  “Oooo, skinny dipping in the crick. What will Aunt Emma say?” Kelly squealed with delight.

  The image of Kelly naked at Clear Springs jumped into Branson’s mind. There was nothing he would love better. Branson smacked his lips. He let out a big sigh, he knew that would never fly with Aunt Emma. “You can wear your bathing suit,” he groaned.

  Kelly let out a squeal of laughter. Branson looked sullen as his dreams of nudity slipped away. Kelly interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll just be a minute. We need to hurry if we’re going to have time before dinner. Don’t forget your bathing suit too!” Kelly ran up the stairs.

  Branson went to his room to retrieve his swimming shorts. He didn’t bother to change his clothes. They were so filthy he would wait until he got down to the spring to change. He also retrieved a very small and precious item from his top dresser drawer. Branson slipped it in his jeans pocket, making sure he wouldn’t lose it.

  Kelly was already waiting in the pickup. She had put on her blue bikini and covered up with a white terry cloth jumper. She had also grabbed two big beach towels for them. As Branson came down the stairs, he stopped by the kitchen. Aunt Emma gave him a
warm smile. “I’ve got it ready for you, Branson.” Emma handed him a huge picnic basket emanating with delicious smells.

  “Thanks.” Branson smiled.

  The basket was so loaded down, Branson had to carry it with both hands. As he put the basket in the back of the truck, Kelly pressed her nose to the back window. “What in the world is that?”

  “That,” laughed Branson, “is none of your business. At least until we get to the springs.” Branson had slipped his precious little packet into the basket on the way out.

  The day was beautiful despite the heat, and Branson so looked forward to spending some time alone with Kelly. The summer had been difficult and he thought they both needed a bit of fun. The pickup lurched and bounced as Branson slowly drove down the trail. Once they got to the ravine, the truck could go no further, and they would have to walk the rest of the way. Kelly carried the towels and Branson carried the big basket. “I’ve got a surprise for you, Kelly,” Branson proudly announced.

  “I want to see it.” Kelly squealed and clapped her hands in excitement.

  Branson responded, “You better cool your jets, Kelly Taylor, remember what happened the last time you were here with me.”

  “Huh!” Kelly replied. She followed Branson to the pool as she sang at the top of her lungs. “Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf? Who’s afraid of Branson Bennett no oh no, no, no, not I…” It was terribly off key and sounded awful. Branson just shook his head.

  Chapter Eight

  Branson set the picnic basket down and got his shorts ready. Kelly took off her cover-up and Branson stopped and stared. The blue bikini covered all the necessary parts, but what it exposed left him wanting more. He couldn’t help but wish they were, indeed, skinny dipping in the crick.

  “Why don’t you take a picture,” Kelly sassed. “It’ll last longer.” She stuck her toe in the pool. “Ah! It’s cold.”

  “It’s spring fed, hence the name Clear Springs. It’s always cold.” Branson took off his shirt. It was Kelly’s turn to stare. His shoulders were broad and strong. He had a sexy farmer’s tan and even the skin that hadn’t been exposed to the sun was gorgeous. His waist tapered down into slim hips. Branson knew Kelly was taking in the view so he arrogantly flexed his muscles for her. Kelly put her hand over her mouth and giggled. She was entranced with the light furring of hair that covered his chest and ended in a sexy little trail that disappeared into his jeans. What she wouldn’t give to run her hands over it.

  When Branson began to pull down his pants, Kelly gave a little scream. “Branson!” she said indignantly.

  “Don’t look if you don’t want to see something.” Kelly turned her back as Branson changed into his swimming shorts.

  “Last one in is a rotten egg,” Branson yelled as he did a big fat canon ball into the pool. He splashed water all over Kelly.

  “Ahhh!” she screamed as the freezing water doused her. Branson did some strong strokes in a circle, showing off for Kelly. She managed to make it into the water up to her waist, but every step she squealed and complained about the cold.

  “I can’t stand it, Branson, it’s too cold. I’m going back to the bank.” At that moment, Branson disappeared beneath the water. After a few minutes, Kelly became concerned. No one could stay under that long. Maybe he had gotten trapped by a log. Just when she was becoming really worried, she felt something grab her by the ankle. Before she could let out a scream she was jerked under water. They came up together, Kelly sputtering and coughing.

  “I’m going to kill you,” she screamed. Branson gave out a big laugh and swam away from her with strong smooth strokes. Kelly swam after him but couldn’t catch him. Branson circled around and grabbed Kelly by the waist. Drawing her to him, he placed his wet lips on hers. Kelly put her arms around his neck. She sighed into his mouth. Branson pressed the kiss deeper. Their tongues entwined as they explored one another. Branson was absolutely delicious. He made Kelly ache with desire. Kelly felt his chest hair, rub up against her. He felt wonderful. Branson drew his arm around her back and pressed her bottom against him with his big palm. Kelly could feel his erection as she drew near. “Oh, Branson,” she whispered.

  Branson nibbled on her ear. “I love you, Kelly Taylor,” he whispered. Branson gave her a light kiss.

  Kelly pulled away from him and looked into his eyes. “I love you too, Branson.” Branson took her by the hand and drew her out of the water. They made their way onto the bank and wrapped up in the big beach towels. Branson opened up the basket and spread out a red checkered tablecloth that Emma had packed. He began taking out fried chicken, potato salad, biscuits, fruit and iced tea. Kelly was amazed.

  “Oh, Branson, this is great. I’m starving.” Branson gave her a deep smile.

  “I can’t take too much credit,” he admitted. “Emma did all the work.”

  “That’s okay,” Kelly said. “You had to ask her, this is so thoughtful.”

  Kelly tore into the chicken and biscuits. Branson enjoyed watching her eat. Everything was delicious. Including the chocolate cake at the bottom of the basket. After they finished, Kelly lay her towel on the ground. Branson lay down beside her and began kissing her neck. She smelled so good. Her scent was mixed with the earth, the water and the summer. She smelled like a warm summer day. Her skin glistened in the sunlight as the water droplets dried. Branson picked up Kelly’s little hand and kissed it. He played with her fingers. Kelly loved the feel of his touch. He was so wonderful. As he rubbed his lips across her hand, Kelly felt him slip something on her finger. She sat up on her elbows. “Branson, what…” Kelly looked at her hand. There sat the biggest, most beautiful Tiffany set diamond she had ever seen.

  “Oh my God!” Kelly screamed as she sat up. “Branson, what…”

  She looked at him as a self-satisfied look came across his face. “I love you, Kelly Taylor.”

  “Oh, Branson,” she squealed and jumped on top of him as he let out a belly laugh and rolled on the ground with her. He came to rest on his back with Kelly splayed out on top of him.

  “Well, Kelly Taylor,” his deep voice reverberated as Kelly laid her head on his chest, “will you marry me?”

  Kelly squirmed up Branson’s body until she could look at him nose to nose. “Yes,” she whispered. Branson wrapped his arms around her and rolled her to her back. He leaned down and gave her a deep kiss. His hand caressed her arm, her waist and then her hip. He placed his large, flat palm against her stomach and moved up to caress her breasts over her bathing suit. Kelly was just the right size to fit in his hand. He let his thumb brush across her nipple. Her quick intake of breath made him smile. Branson’s other hand reached up to untie her bathing suit. He gently eased it down as he moved to suckle her other nipple. Kelly’s fingernails dug into his back. “Oh, Branson,” she sighed. He kissed down her stomach till he reached her bathing suit bottom. He undid one side of the bikini. She was so lovely it made his heart ache. He didn’t want to frighten her so he moved on top to cover her body with his.

  “Are you okay, little britches?” he asked as he smiled into her eyes.

  “I’m so glad I waited for you, Branson,” Kelly said.

  Branson nodded his head as his lips tasted her skin. “I’m so glad too…” He stopped mid-kiss. “Wait a minute.”

  “You’re my very first, Branson, I’m so glad.” Kelly was smiling from ear to ear. A dreamy look on her face.

  Branson eased himself up and retied her bikini bottom. He pulled her top back up and tied it at the back of her neck. “What are you doing? Let’s keep going,” Kelly said.

  “Baby, if this is your first time, I’m not doing it down here in the dirt. Let’s get married first.”

  “Oh, Branson, don’t be silly. I’ve fooled around. I just haven’t, you know, totally done it.” Kelly looked at him with longing.

  “Kelly, we’re waiting till after the ceremony, but let’s not put it off for long, I’ll never make it.” Branson kissed her nose again
.

  Kelly let out a huff as Branson lay on his back. She curled up with her head on his arm. “If you’re going to make us wait to do it till after we’re married, I say let’s drive into town right now and get it over with. Then we can come back here and finish what we started.”

  “All right, sweetheart,” he answered. “But what will your parents and Emma and Bob say to that?”

  “Crap,” Kelly said. She thought a minute. “They are going to want me to have a ceremony. Let’s get married at Canyon Gulch, do you care?”

  “Not if you don’t,” Branson replied. “How fast can you get everybody together?”

  “I’ll call my family right away and see how soon they can get a flight. It’s settled then, we’ll do it at Canyon Gulch as soon as possible.”

  The two spent the rest of the day lounging on the bank and whispering of love, of dreams and of their future together. As they made their way home, Kelly thought she would burst from happiness. Branson looked over at her. The sun had kissed her nose and left it a sweet pink. Her freckles were bright despite the sunscreen she had put on. Her strawberry curls were all over her head and spun all the way to her waist. She looked good enough to eat.

  Branson reached over and caressed her cheek as Kelly’s bright smile lit up her face. Branson remarked, “You look like a sweet summer strawberry, my love.”

  As soon as they pulled up in the driveway, Kelly ran screaming from the truck waving her left hand for all she was worth. “Look, Aunt Emma!” she yelled.

  Aunt Emma came running out of the house when she heard all the noise. As Kelly ran up the steps, Emma grabbed her hand. The two jumped up and down as their unintelligible chatter shook the rafters. “We want to be married at Canyon Gulch, Auntie. When can we do it?”