by Caroline Lee
In a few minutes, she’d be married to him.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ash kept his arm tightly around his new wife for the entire ride home. He couldn’t believe how complete she made him feel, snuggled up beside him. And she was his, all his. He wanted to grin, but the wind had turned, and his face was cold enough without opening his mouth. Still, he couldn’t help pressing the occasional kiss to Molly’s hair, breathing in her delicious scent—she managed to smell like cinnamon even now—and thinking about their wedding night. He felt like a kid again, nervous and excited to be with his first woman. But Molly wasn’t any woman, she was his wife.
The ceremony had been short and to-the-point; he’d known he could count on Reverend McCullough to marry them without a lot of fuss. Molly’s sisters had stood beside her—Annie beaming and Wendy looking a little worried—and Nate stood next to him, looking uncharacteristically somber. The Reverend didn’t go into any long homilies, but just had them repeat their vows. Molly stumbled a bit over the “as long as we both shall live” part, but Ash had only grinned slightly. She had the right to hesitate, the whole marriage was hasty. But he had every intention of spending a lifetime making her realize it was a smart decision.
The only surprise during the wedding ceremony had been on Molly’s part, when Nate handed Ash the ring the older man had bought at Bullard’s the day before. It was just a thin golden band, and the look of awe on Molly’s face when he’d slipped in on her finger had made the price worthwhile. She lifted her hand to peer at it, and when she’d turned to him, she had tears in her eyes. He knew she hadn’t expected a ring, and her surprise made him smile. What was it about the woman that made him feel like smiling so much?
He supposed that he was a man in love with his wife.
After the ceremony, they went over to one of the small restaurants in Cheyenne for a wedding dinner. He’d met the owners once or twice, but was surprised at the amount of effort they’d put into the meal, all for the newlyweds’ sake. The wife clucked over Molly, and admired her ring, and gushed over how much easier their lives would be now that they’d found each other. Molly, for her part, declared that the slices of cake the woman brought them after their meal of turkey and dressing to be some of the best she’d ever had. Ash figured that was pretty high praise.
And then, legally husband and wife, they’d climbed into the sleigh, Ash slapped the reins against the patiently waiting draft horse, and they headed home.
At first, Wendy had chatted amiably about Cheyenne sinking behind them, and the stark whiteness of the surroundings, but soon she settled into silence, broken by the occasional question. The girls were snuggled between trunks on the back of the sleigh; Molly had made a cozy little nest out of blankets, and both were wearing their fine blue wool coat and cloak that she’d made them. Nate was riding beside them, as always. Ash would rather be riding too, but he hadn’t been able to ride as much as he’d like since he busted his arm. Besides, if he were riding, it’d be harder to hold Molly.
She took his hand in both of hers, nestled against her legs under the blanket, and he traced the calluses on her palms. He liked that she wasn’t afraid of hard work, and was looking forward to expanding their home with her. With one rough fingertip, he circled the simple gold band around her ring finger, and felt her shiver. He hoped it was from desire, not cold, but he freed his hand to wrap his arm around her again. She sighed, and pressed her cheek to his shoulder. She’d said little since they’d picked up her sisters, but as the normally taciturn one, he didn’t mind her silence.
Her sisters were a surprise. Annie was… well, Ash couldn’t think of any other word than ‘adorable’ to describe his youngest sister-in-law. He’d never had much use for the weak and useless of this world, which was why he admired Molly so much. Even when Nate had shown up all those years ago, starving and bedraggled, the kid had seen that he’d need to impress Ash if he wanted to stick around. But there was something about Annie, something precious and shining, which made Ash want to protect her. He’d been expecting a sickly little thing, and yeah, Annie was frail. But she was sweet and trusting, and Ash had taken one look into her bright eyes, and knew that she’d become part of his family.
Hell, being married was changing him already.
Wendy reminded him of her older sister, but she seemed more flighty. He’d turned around once or twice to see her nose buried in some book, and remembered that Molly told him the girl loved to read. Wendy was the one who’d come up with most of the language of signs that Annie used, and she was the one who’d taught the youngest sister to read and write, even without being able to speak. Ash wasn’t so sure he liked Wendy’s talkative nature, but as long as she was willing to work, he figured he’d put up with it.
He wasn’t so sure about Nate, though. It seemed like his brother had taken one look at the girl, and raised his hackles. And she’d been ignoring him since they’d been introduced, but Ash caught her staring at his brother once or twice, looking curious.
He’d pulled Nate aside after the wedding, on the way to the restaurant. “She say something to you, kid, that got you riled?”
His brother had shaken his head, but Ash didn’t let up. If there was tension between the two of them, it wouldn’t be pleasant to be snowed in all winter in the same house. “Then what’s got you so quiet? Is it because she didn’t believe you’re my brother?” He winced. “Is it the Indian thing?”
Nate’s chuckle was forced, harsh. “When isn’t it ‘the Indian thing’?” He sighed, and shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. “She’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, Ash, and she knows I’m not your brother—”
Ash’s voice was as firm as his hold on the kid’s shoulders when he said “You are my brother, Nate.”
The younger man sighed again and nodded. “You know what I mean. She can tell I’ve got Indian blood, and there’s no chance somebody as smart and pretty as her would notice someone like me.”
Ash hadn’t known what to say to that. His kid brother was probably right, as much as it pained him to admit it. Wendy might not be as prejudiced as the rest of the world, but not many respectable women would give Nate a second glance. He sighed too. It would probably be better if Wendy wasn’t interested in his brother; they were practically family now.
There wasn’t anything he could say to make Nate feel better. Instead he pulled his brother into a hug, and after a moment, felt the kid hug him back. As if Nate knew and understood Ash’s loss of words, the younger man just mumbled “Congratulations on marrying Molly.”
And now, the kid was much quieter than usual. Luckily, he had the long ride back to the ranch to think things over, and Ash was pleased to see that by the time they got home, his younger brother seemed to be more like to his usual self.
Wedding night or not, the two of them had to spend some time in the barn, with the animals. Nothing major had happened, but most of the horses were anxious for some exercise. Ash always felt badly when he left them like that, but with only the two of them on hand, it often couldn’t be helped. He and Nate spent the rest of the afternoon calming the animals, and making sure they were forgiven for leaving them alone for so long.
Molly spent the time showing the girls around the house, although he supposed that didn’t take long. The restaurant owner had sent them a bundle of leftovers, complete with extra cake, and by the time they came back from the barn, the womenfolk had laid it all out on the table.
Nate’s smiles were back, although a little strained whenever he noticed Wendy looking at him. He teased Molly and Ash about their marriage throughout the meal, and made them all chuckle, even Annie, when she understood the jokes. Ash figured she was probably giggling at Molly’s blushes, more than anything, and even he couldn’t remain ‘sour-faced’—as Nate said—through it all.
But more than the teasing, Ash’s mind was on the upcoming wedding night. He and Nate had helped Molly prepare for her sisters the day before, so he knew that she knew she’d be sleeping in his room tonight. The
thought aroused him more than he’d guessed possible. Why, it was becoming downright uncomfortable to sit here and exchange heated glances with the woman. With his wife. If he didn’t get her into that room and her clothes off soon, the heat between them might just ignite the pine plank table.
Apparently he hadn’t been as subtle about it as he’d thought. Wendy must have seen the looks he’d been giving her sister, because she offered to clear the table, with a teasing glance at Ash. Annie jumped up to help her sisters, and Ash was just thankful to have a few minutes to stay seated.
It was later than he’d realized when the kitchen was cleaned up from supper, and both girls were yawning. Nate started yawning too, entirely unconvincingly to Ash’s eye, and bid them all goodnight. Molly shooed her sisters up the stairs to the loft, but Annie broke away at the last minute. She ran across the room and threw her arms around Ash’s neck, and he was surprised enough that he couldn’t do anything but hug her back. She placed a kiss on his cheek, and made a sign that Molly had shown them all meant “good night”, and then with a little blush, ran back towards the loft.
Ash watched her climb the stairs bemusedly. He could probably crush her with only one hand, she was so tiny. And without hearing, and little speech, it would be easy to dismiss her as useless. But she made him feel protective, and he liked the way she had opened her heart to him already.
He listened to the quiet murmur of Molly’s voice drifting down from the loft for a moment longer, and then retired to his room. He got ready for bed quickly, and then removed his boots and flannel shirt and sat on the edge of the bed to wait for Molly.
When fifteen minutes had passed and she still hadn’t shown up, he started to pace, ignoring the cold floorboards against his bare feet. Maybe she wasn’t coming? Maybe he’d misinterpreted her heated glances, or the way she’d prepared the loft for her sisters? Was it possible she didn’t understand how much he needed to feel her in his arms? He groaned, and raked his fingers through his hair.
And then, just when he’d figured he’d run out of patience, and was planning on heading up to that loft and carrying his wife down to his bed, the door opened, and she slipped through.
He stopped and stared. She’d obviously used the privacy of the loft to perform her ablutions and change into her nightgown and robe, but she was carrying a dress and petticoats over one arm. Her robe was a faded red, and tattered around the hem, and was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. She was just stunning, her curls falling down around her shoulders, those light eyes filled with a desire he’d hoped to see. The longer he stood and stared, the more amused she became, and he watched the dimples he loved slowly appear on her round cheeks.
He couldn’t stand it anymore. He had to hold her. In one quick movement, he crossed to her, wrapped his good arm around her, and lowered his lips to hers.
The kiss was nothing like the one they’d shared at the altar—had it only been a few hours ago? It was hot, and explosive, and when they came up for air, Molly realized that her robe was pooled on the floor behind her, and he was doing a tolerable job of undoing the buttons of her nightgown with only one hand. Then Ash placed a line of kisses across her jaw and down her neck, and found a sensitive spot below one ear, and she decided she just didn’t care. She twined her fingers in the hair at the base of his neck, and held on for dear life.
But when one muscular palm cupped a breast through the thin cotton fabric of her nightgown, and she felt the burn clear down to that private area between her legs, she gasped and pulled away. It had been a sudden bolt of desire, as powerful as a lighting strike, and it left her shaken. She put one hand against his broad chest to slow his inexorable advance.
“Ash.” His name was almost a gasp. She felt like she was panting; things were moving so quickly. “Ash, I’ve never done this before.”
His smile was fleeting, this taciturn husband of hers who rarely laughed. “I know, honey.” He dropped a kiss to her exposed shoulder. “You’ll have to trust me.” Another kiss, and Molly shivered.
“I…” She felt like her tongue was made of lead, her brain made of cotton. All she knew was that she loved this man, and loved the way his lips made her feel. Her objections seemed silly, now.
“It’ll be fine, sugar, trust me.” Molly thought she might have nodded, but at that moment, callused fingertips brushed lightly against one bare nipple, and she couldn’t think anymore.
Lord knows how he managed to get the rest of her nightgown off, but she helped him peel off the undershirt that somehow had gotten stuck on his cast. When he dropped his jeans and longjohns, she blushed and tried to look away, but he caught her chin. “It’ll be fine, Molly.” His kiss was deep and gentle and strong and reassuring all at once.
When she thought she couldn’t stand another moment of the build-up, Ash guided her over to the bed. He sat down on the edge, and looked up at her with something akin to adoration. Molly’s heart suddenly lurched, wishing that he could love her the way she loved him. He didn’t say anything, but ran his good hand down her side, over one ample hip. “…so lovely.”
Molly almost scoffed. She’d always been too big, too tall, too broad, too everything. But here was a man she didn’t tower over, who could hold her tightly with just one arm. Here was a man for her, finally. Standing over him for a rare moment, she ran her palm lightly down one of his cheeks, lingering at the cleft in his chin. She’d loved his kisses with the beard and without, but it was nice to be able to see his sporadic smiles more clearly.
“Molly, with this bum arm, I’m not going to be able to love you the way I want.” She didn’t understand, and he must have seen that. “You’ll have to be in charge.” Her breath caught; how could she be in charge of their wedding night? “It’ll be better for your first time, anyhow.”
He pulled her towards him, and then down, until she was straddling his lap, and he showed her what he meant. It was awkward, and painful, and then wonderful and surprising. He taught her the ancient dance, and when they found fulfillment, their arms wrapped around each other in a desperate embrace, he moaned her name.
The sky was lightening to a dark blue in the east when Molly slipped out of his bed. She was mortified to discover that she’d slept next to him all night naked. And then, when she realized that he was naked too, her blush was hot enough to cook eggs. Thanking the Lord that Ash was still asleep, she quickly—and quietly—performed what ablutions she could, remembering how gentle he’d been when he’d helped her clean up the night before. Pulling on her nightgown and robe, she slipped out of the room.
She stood in the dark main room, looking around the furnishings that had become so familiar in such a short amount of time. She was home. She was well and truly married. She was a woman in love with her husband, and hopeful that someday he might love her back.
She sighed, and smiled ruefully. Well, she knew one way to a man’s heart: Through his stomach. Ash liked her cooking well enough, and they might as well start their first day as husband and wife with something delicious.
She did a lot more sighing as she mixed up the biscuit dough, thinking about the incredible time she’d spent in his arms. She’d never—not in a million years—have guessed how wonderful it could be between a man and a woman. It made her wish she’d tried it earlier, but she couldn’t imagine doing that with anyone besides Ash. He was the one that made it so special, and made her feel so special.
There were eggs in the icebox, although the chickens were laying less. But for now, there were enough to scramble with some milk—she’d send Nate out for that when he woke up—and a little salt and herbs. The bacon would be filling, and there was enough butter and jam for the biscuits. She and the girls would have to make some more butter in the next few days, if they wanted some for Christmas supper. As she started the coffee, Molly made a mental note to start a batch of cinnamon rolls rising later that day, for tomorrow’s breakfast. Ash seemed to like them.
Her routine belied the significance of the day, but she was quickly comin
g to realize that life on the ranch—life in general, in fact—wasn’t like the frivolous dreams she’d harbored as a girl. Here in the Cheyenne wilderness, a woman could be married without the pomp and pageantry she’d imagined, loved within an inch of her life, and then be back to mixing biscuits the very next morning. The sheer ordinariness was what made the special memories important.
Her musings were interrupted by a strong arm snaking around her middle, and a warm breath on her neck. “Good morning, wife.”
His words, as much as his kiss, caused a shiver to race down her spine. Wife. “Good morning, husband.” She felt him smile against her skin.
And just like that, their lives together began. The rest of their family joined them for that first breakfast together, drawn by the delicious smells and the sound of laughter. They joked and told stories and caught up until well after the coffee pot was empty. Wendy and Molly showed the men more signs than they could remember, including how to sign the letters, so they could spell words to Annie if she was without her slate and chalk. They all had fun making up new signs for things around the ranch the girl was likely to need to know, and Ash seemed particularly intent on making sure he could communicate with her, despite really being able to use only one hand. It warmed Molly’s heart, to see the two of them deep in conversation about something trivial. He quickly learned how to get her attention by stomping on the floor, and how to hand her little slate back and forth, scribbling questions and answers in short-hand.
Nate had warmed up to her sisters, too. He often seemed to forget that Annie couldn’t hear him, talking to her just like normal. It seemed to simultaneously frustrate her that she didn’t always know what he was saying, and please her that he treated her like everyone else. He wasn’t so cold to Wendy, either. He wasn’t exactly friendly, though; it seemed like he expected disdain from her, and kept a wall of formality between them. Wendy didn’t say much to him, either, but she’d stare at him when he wasn’t looking, and Molly could see the curiosity in her gaze.