Silver Belles and Stetsons

by Caroline Clemmons

  Penny smiled as Larissa hobbled to the tree and again inspected the packages placed beneath.

  Eric had put a number of gifts under the tree for his daughter. He told Penny he couldn’t wait to see Larissa’s face as she opened them. He was excited about his first Christmas with his little girl.

  His excitement and anticipation added to Penny’s guilt. Sometimes she felt weighed down with it. He should have been told he had a daughter. Should have had the chance to share her birthday and other special occasions as her father, not as a friend.

  Larissa heard Eric’s horse’s hooves crunching on the gravel, and she bounced to her feet. Hobbling to the window, she pushed back the curtains and clapped her hands.

  “He’s here, mama. Finny’s here. We can open our gifts now.” The child rushed from the room as fast as her injured leg would allow.

  Penny laughed at her daughter’s excitement but a feeling of foreboding marred the occasion. Along with Eric, she had decided to tell Larissa, he was her father. She hoped and prayed their daughter would accept the news that Eric was her real daddy. They would tell her before the gift opening became a distraction.

  The door creaked open and Penny heard Eric’s booted steps as he headed for the living room. Larissa met him by the door and squealed when he scooped her into his arms. She smacked a kiss on his cheek as he hugged her tight.

  His eyes locked with Penny’s and he moved to place a kiss on her lips.

  Penny sat on the sofa and clutched her nervous hands together in her lap. Eric sat beside her and settled his daughter on his knees.

  “Mama said we could open the gifts when you got here,” Larissa said, squirming to be put down.

  Eric tightened his grip on her. “You can open your gifts in a moment. Mama and I have something we need to tell you. Something very important.”

  “But, I want to open my gifts.”

  “Wait a few more minutes then I promise you can,” Penny said.

  Larissa turned to her mother and noticed the tears in her eyes. “Mama, why are you sad?”

  “I’m sad because we have to tell you something that may make you upset with me.”

  Larissa leaned forward and placed her tiny hand on her mother’s cheek. “I’m not upset with you, mama.”

  “Larissa, we need you to listen carefully. Can you do that for us?” Eric said.

  Larissa nodded.

  “Honey, we know you loved your daddy but, Walt wasn’t your real daddy,” Penny said.

  “I am sweetheart,” Eric added, smiling at her.

  Larissa glanced at first Penny then Eric. “I know,” she said matter of factly.

  Penny and Eric were shocked.

  “What do you mean, you know?” Penny asked, her voice low and fraught with emotion.

  “Daddy told me a long time ago. When Finny came back to town. He got real angry with me and said Finny was my real daddy but he got sent away so he became my daddy. He said I had to keep it a secret ’cause you would get cross and not visit me. He said one day, when it was the right time, you would tell me.” She gazed at Eric. “Does this mean it’s the right time and I can call you daddy now?”

  A tear tracked down Eric’s cheek. “When did you get so clever? I would love it if you called me daddy.” He hugged her close and peppered her face with kisses.

  Penny’s heart swelled at the sight of father and daughter so happy together. She knew there would be consequences. Eyebrows would be raised but Eric had said they would deal with that when it happened. She trusted him to protect both her and their daughter from rumors and nastiness. Most people in town were decent, generous of heart and she hoped they wouldn’t condemn her for the mistakes of the past. They knew the life she’d had with Walt, surely they would see she’d finally found happiness.

  “Now, can we pleeeease open the gifts?” Larissa asked.

  Penny and Eric laughed.

  “Yes, you may,” Penny said.

  Eric placed his excited daughter on the floor and wrapped one arm around Penny. When she turned towards him, he kissed her lips tenderly. His body tensed, nerve endings tingled. His manhood twitched and rose to attention. He loved and wanted this woman with every fiber of his being.

  “Daddy, who is this one for?’ Larissa drew him away from his carnal thoughts.

  He studied the package. “That one is from Mama and me, for you.”

  Larissa’s face beamed with excitement. She plopped onto his lap and tore at the wrapping. A beautiful porcelain doll, with eyes that opened and closed, was revealed. She was dressed in a pink lace and silk dress with a matching bonnet and slippers.

  She held the doll toward Penny. “Mama, look. It’s the doll from Mr. Roger’s store. The one I wanted.”

  “I see sweetheart. You are the lucky girl she was bought for.” Larissa had been devastated the last time they had been in town and the doll was no longer in the window of the General Store. It had been difficult not to tell her that her daddy had bought it.

  Larissa leaned over and gave her mother a kiss before turning and kissing Eric’s cheek.

  The rest of the gifts were forgotten when Larissa jumped down, sat on the floor and nursed her doll like a baby.

  “Mama?”

  “Yes, honey?”

  “Can we have a real baby?”

  Penny reddened when she turned to Eric and saw the raised eyebrows and cheeky grin on his face.

  “What about the other gifts under the tree? Are you going to open them?” Penny said.

  Eric smirked. “Change of subject huh?”

  The time passed quickly as one gift after another was opened. Larissa received books, dresses, bonnets and toys.

  There were enough gifts for three little girls. Penny had admonished Eric, though not too seriously, for spoiling their daughter.

  Eric retorted he was making up for lost time. He smiled and she knew it was hopeless. He had, and always would spoil Larissa.

  Penny accepted his argument but reminded him, Larissa would become a spoiled brat if it continued. In her heart she knew he would never take any notice. He was too desperate to make up for lost time.

  Penny and Larissa had given Eric a new shirt in sky blue, a dark brown wool vest and a new pair of the latest style boots.

  “How did you know my size?” he asked as he examined the boots closely.

  “I asked Mr. Rogers. He was very helpful.”

  Eric had given Penny a beautiful pink bonnet. She had also received a matching bracelet and necklace. They had numerous small diamonds and sapphires which he said matched her eyes.

  “I think it’s time we ate supper.” Penny stood.

  Eric rose and took her hand in his. “Come with me.”

  Penny was puzzled but allowed him to lead her toward the doorway. He stopped and pulled her into his arms, against his firm chest. She noticed him glance at Larissa who nodded.

  “What……” Before Penny could ask what the two of them were up to, Eric captured her lips in a spine melting kiss. Lights flashed around her, bones turned to jelly. She was breathless when he finally drew back.

  When Eric glanced up, Penny’s eyes turned to where his were focused. A large piece of Mistletoe hung above the doorway. How did it get there? She hadn’t even known you could get the plant here. Trust her Marshal to be able to find some.

  With her gaze fixed above, she almost missed when Eric dropped to one knee. He held her hand, and in the other was a blue velvet box. His eyes fixed on hers. This man held her heart, always had, she shivered with anticipation. Was her dream finally coming true?

  “Penny, will you please do me the honor of marrying me before someone else snatches you away?”

  Penny gasped when he opened the box to reveal a ring that matched the necklace and bracelet he had already given her. A large sapphire graced the center and was surrounded by small diamonds. It was the prettiest ring she had ever seen. She removed Walt’s wedding ring and slipped it into her pocket.

  “Yes, Marshal Mistletoe.
Of course I’ll marry you.”

  Eric slid the ring onto her finger and stood. He whooped, spun her around and kissed her again – beneath the Mistletoe Larissa had helped him sneak in.

  Larissa squealed when she heard her mother accept. She grasped her father’s legs and he swung her up into his arms.

  “She said yes, daddy. We’re a real family now.”

  “Yes, we are baby.” He kissed her cheek.

  “We can have a real baby now can’t we? Then I’ll be your big girl.”

  Eric watched Penny blush. “Yes, mama and I will work on that real baby as soon as we are married.” He held Larissa against them as he again captured his fiancée’s lips.

  “Supper,” Penny said. Eric had asked her to marry him. She would finally be his wife. Her heart nearly burst with happiness.

  ***

  The wedding was held in the log chapel in a field not far from town. Spring had arrived and the day was warm, sunny. The first flowers were in bloom, the hills behind dotted with unmelted snow. It was a magnificent backdrop.

  “You look beautiful,” April gushed. She was Penny’s of Honor.

  Victoria, a bridesmaid, smoothed the last of the wrinkles from Penny’s gown as they stood at the entrance to the chapel.

  The Preacher greeted them and informed them Eric was waiting nervously for ‘his girls’ to arrive. “Are you ready?” he asked the bride.

  Ready? She had been ready to marry Eric for years. “Yes,” Penny, April, Victoria and Larissa all answered in unison.

  The Preacher laughed. “Let’s get on with it then.” He disappeared back inside and the girls lined up in the doorway.

  Larissa held Penny’s hand and would walk down the aisle with her mother.

  The organist commenced playing the wedding march and Victoria entered first. April followed. Penny hesitated until the girls stood off to one side at the front before she commenced her walk down the red carpet.

  Penny’s eyes locked on Eric. She had never seen him look more handsome. He was dressed in a dark grey pinstriped suit, crisp white shirt and black and white patterned vest. A black tie was in a bow at his throat. When he smiled at her she wanted to rush down the aisle and into his arms. It took all her control to keep her pace steady, her breathing even.

  Eric’s heart jumped in his chest when Penny entered the chapel. She was a vision, an angel. He had waited so long for this. Dreamed about it so many times. Her apricot dress was cinched at her waist, pink flowers were embroidered throughout. Her arms were covered with long, white satin gloves and her glorious golden hair was pulled up in a fancy hairstyle. His fingers itched at the thought of pulling out every pin and having the silken locks cascade over his naked body.

  His eyes shifted to his daughter. In the past three months he had grown to love her more than he knew possible. She wore the pink dress he had picked out for her at Christmas and a pink silk flower held her hair in place. White slippers peeked out from beneath the hem. She was the most beautiful little girl on Earth in his eyes. Eclipsed only by her mother.

  Almost everyone in town had turned up for their wedding. The rumors and spite they had expected, when people found out the truth about Larissa, had been much less than expected. The townsfolk knew what Penny had suffered through with Walt. They went out of their way to say they understood mistakes could be made and for the most part they were happy that Penny, Eric and Larissa were finally to be a family.

  Penny stood alongside Eric and held his hand. Larissa stood in front, between them.

  The Preacher began. “Dearly beloved….”

  When he asked who would give this woman to this man, Larissa shouted, “I do.”

  The congregation burst into laughter.

  Penny blushed.

  Eric kissed Larissa’s cheek. She had done exactly as he’d asked.

  The Preacher bent forward. “So young lady. You’re happy for these two to marry? To be your mama and daddy?”

  “Yes, sir,” she answered. “I want my mama and daddy married so we can have a real baby. Daddy said we can’t have one ’til they’re wed.”

  Gales of laughter again echoed in the chapel.

  The Preacher suppressed a grin and patted Larissa’s head. “We better set about getting these two married then so you get that brother or sister you seem to want so badly.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Penny burned with embarrassment. Eric squeezed her hand and she glared at him. She knew he had put Larissa up to this.

  The Preacher continued and the appropriate answers were forthcoming. When he announced they were now man and wife, Eric bent Penny backwards and kissed the strength out of her.

  The guests erupted. Hand clapping. Whooping and hollering. Within the confined space, the noise was deafening.

  Taking Penny’s hand, he whisked her down the aisle to a waiting carriage out front. They would all meet at the hotel in town for a meal. April had offered to take care of Larissa so the happy couple could spend the first few days of their marriage alone.

  Eric held Penny’s hand as she climbed into the carriage, Larissa was to ride into town with April and Mitchell. He settled himself beside his wife. His wife! At last. After all these years of wanting, thinking that it would never happen. It did. He was the happiest man on earth.

  “I can’t believe you coached Larissa to embarrass me like that. In a church of all places and at our wedding. I’ve never been so embarrassed and angry in my life. In front of all our friends. The whole…”

  Eric drew her into his arms and kissed her. His tongue delved into Penny’s mouth, twisting and turning with hers. His hands fondled her breasts and even through the layers of material, he could feel the hardness of her nipples. He couldn’t wait to divest her of the layers of clothes she wore. Hold her naked body against his. It felt like he had waited a lifetime but finally, she was his. He would love her until the last breath left his body

  ***

  Eric’s eyes wandered over his wife’s body as she stood saying goodbye to April and Mitchell. Larissa was in Mitchell’s arms and Penny was giving the couple last minute instructions.

  “Penny, it’s not like we haven’t cared for her before. I promise you, she’ll be fine. Go and enjoy yourself with your new husband.” April said.

  Penny gave Larissa one last kiss before Eric dragged her back into the hotel where they were spending their first night. He had booked a secluded cabin in the woods for the following five days of their honeymoon.

  “Upstairs Mrs. Finn,” Eric whispered in Penny’s ear as they headed for the steps.

  Her feet barely touched the ground as he whisked her up two flights of steps then in to their room.

  He closed the door and spun Penny around. Wrapping her in his arms, he lowered his head and seared her lips with a kiss. He groaned as she responded and her tongue slipped in to tease his.

  She felt Eric’s hardness as he held her close. His hands caressed every inch of her body and warmth seeped into her. She wanted and needed this man. Her husband.

  Eric drew away. “Want you.” He quickly rid her of the layers of clothes she’d been wearing. She blushed as he stood back admiring her nakedness.

  “You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. You’re mine now and I’m never letting you go.”

  Penny’s hands trembled as she slid his jacket from his broad shoulders. Her fingers refused to stay still long enough for her to unbutton his waistcoat and shirt. Eric took over and before long he also stood naked. His erect penis lay against his stomach. It was even larger than she remembered. The man was male perfection and she loved every inch of him.

  Eric eased Penny down onto the bed. He worshipped her body with his hands, his lips and his tongue. When he slipped two fingers inside her, he found her wet, ready, willing and able.

  His eyes focused on his wife’s and hers were on him as he lowered himself over her, positioned himself and eased inside.

  “I’ve died and found Heaven,” he whispered
.

  “If that is true then I have too. I love you with all my heart. Always have and always will, Marshal Mistletoe. You must tell me how you managed to find that Mistle…” The rest of the sentence died on her lips as she felt her body come alive. It pulsed with each thrust as Eric drove into her. Stars flashed before her eyes. Her fingernails scraped at his back and she screamed out his name as everything inside and around her, exploded. She shattered into a million pieces as Eric milked her orgasm.

  After she descended, he kissed her gently. “Ready for more?”

  “Yes, please,” she answered breathlessly.

  Eric moved in and out, his rhythm steady. She felt herself climbing again. This time he joined her with a roar when she soared into space. He brought them both back down to Earth gently.

  They spent the rest of the night, wrapped in each other’s arms and ‘making Larissa’s real baby.’

  Epilogue

  “Keep your eyes closed.” Eric held Larissa in his arms as they walked from the house. His hand rested firmly over his daughter’s eyes so she wouldn’t be tempted to peek.

  Penny waddled along by their side. For only five months pregnant she was huge and Doc had said it was most likely twins. He’d said he could clearly hear two strong heartbeats. Penny had been shocked by the news, Eric and Larissa – elated.

  Eric lowered Larissa to the ground in the front yard and removed his hand. “Open your eyes now.”

  Standing before them was a black and white pony. Saddled and waiting patiently.

  Larissa squealed, ran to the pony, wrapped her arms around its neck and planted excited kisses on the well behaved animal’s neck.

  When she ran back to Eric he scooped her up. She kissed his cheek repeatedly. “My own pony. Thank you daddy. I’ve always wanted a pony of my own. I love you.”

  “Put me down.”

  “Mama doesn’t exist when daddy’s around,” Penny grumbled, but her eyes were alight with amusement.

  Larissa asked her mother to bend over which Penny did with difficulty. She accepted the kisses to her cheeks. “Thank you, mama. I love you too.”