by Melody Anne
“It seems that way.”
“I’m Esther. I’ve worked for the Anderson’s for many years. I’m retired now but they’ve become so much a part of my family, that I can’t seem to stay away,” she said with a gentle laugh. Bree felt completely at ease with her.
“It seems they wouldn’t let you go, even if you wanted to leave,” Bree said with wide eyes as she looked over the yard filled with people, young and old, all of them laughing and carrying on. She smiled as she saw a couple toddlers on one end of a see-saw and Chad on the other side. He was shooting them into the air, sending them into fits of contagious laughter.
Bree felt a flash of memory register. She saw herself flying high on a swing with Jasmine next to her, both of them laughing. Bree smiled, then giggled, overcome with happiness at the small piece of her past. For the first time since waking from her coma, she felt like it really was her family.
Chad looked over and their eyes connected, sending a bolt of electricity zipping through the air. Her stomach clenched with need so overwhelming she had to quickly sit because she didn’t think her legs would carry her weight any longer. When she saw the instant heat in Chad’s eyes, it caused her body to go from hot to smoldering. She instantly wished they were alone. Maybe when she was once again in his arms, it would flood her mind with her life before the accident. She suddenly wanted to have her memories back more than anything. It seemed she had a very fulfilled life.
“Higher,” the kids on the see-saw called to him, impatient with his momentary pause. He jerked his gaze from hers and started playing with them again. Bree realized she’d stopped breathing and took in a fortifying breath of air.
***
“Do you see the heat flying between those two?” George asked his brother with a satisfied smile.
“I’m surprised the dry grass doesn’t ignite,” Joseph confirmed.
“I hate that my daughter has been through so much, but I’m sure glad Chad was the one to step into her life. I think another wedding may be in the near future,” George beamed.
“I’m happy for you, brother. You deserve joy in your life. Speaking of which, I think I’ve detected some sparks between you and Esther,” Joseph said with a twinkle in his eye.
“Now, don’t you start matchmaking on me. Esther and I are only friends,” George said in a hushed tone as he looked around, making sure no one had overheard them. If his kids even suspected he had feelings for Esther, they’d be all over him. He knew they had their own suspicions about Joseph and him stepping into their children’s lives and matchmaking.
“I’m just saying…” Joseph trailed off. He watched as George’s eyes sought out Esther every few minutes or so. It looked to him like his brother may have found a second chance of happiness in life. He deserved it. Losing his wife was devastating for him, and Esther was a good woman.
“Well, don’t you be saying anything. And don’t even think about getting any fool idea’s in your head,” George said before he stomped off to speak to someone else. Joseph’s loud laughter followed him across the yard.
***
“My Dad and Esther, huh? I would’ve never even imagined it,” Austin said to his cousin, Lucas.
“Eavesdropping definitely has its benefits,” Lucas said as he watched his uncle stomp away.
“He’s mourned for long enough. I think it would be great if he was able to find a slice of happiness again,” Austin said.
“I just think it’s time he gets paid back. I can’t prove it, but I know Dad and Uncle George have been meddling in our lives. They think they’re so slick, but they start crying about grandkids and all of a sudden they have more than a houseful. That seems like more than just a coincidence to me,” Trenton mused.
“Good thing I’m smarter than the rest of you,” Austin answered smugly.
“Sure, Cuz, we’ll see how smart you are,” Trenton laughed. Austin glared at his cousin before walking away.
“What are you two up to?” Jennifer asked as she came up and wrapped her arms around her husband.
“Looks like Dad may be falling in love. We think it’s time to do some interfering of our own,” Trenton answered, quickly kissing his wife. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her, no matter how much time he spent at her side.
“What do you mean?” she asked, looking confused.
“I don’t know how the old men have done it, but I know they’ve been meddling in our love lives. Not that I’m complaining – it led me to you,” Trenton added. He loved his wife and wouldn’t change a thing between them.
“Then why do you want revenge?”
“Not revenge, my dear - payback,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
“Men,” she said before kissing him and heading back to the other women, who made far more sense. Trenton enjoyed watching her as she walked away. The longer he was with her, the more he fell in love. She only grew more beautiful each day.
***
“How are you holding up?” George asked.
“I’m still standing,” Bree answered. She didn’t think any of them planned on leaving the ranch anytime soon. They’d all been there for several hours and the party was in full bloom. She was tired, but didn’t want to admit her weakness to them. She had a feeling she wasn’t normally one to complain about things.
“I’ll start rounding everyone up. They’re just so excited to have you back home,” George said.
“You don’t have to do that, I’m fine,” she automatically responded. She felt as if she were ungrateful, when everyone had been nothing but kind to her.
“It’s okay to be tired, Bree. You’ve been through a lot. Your brothers have always been protective over you, and the years of lost time when everyone mourned the loss of your mother has made them even more so. Too much time was lost, and now we all want to be reassured that nothing will rip our family apart again,” he explained.
Bree loved him – she couldn’t remember him being her father, but he was such a kind and gentle man, and she knew beyond a doubt that she loved her father. She threw her arms around him and clung for several moments. When she pulled back, there were tears in his eyes.
“Thank you, Dad. I’m sure everything will eventually come back to me, but one thing I know is that I love you. I can feel it in my heart, even if my mind is shut down at the moment.”
“That’s the best thing you could ever say to me. I love you, too, Sweetheart. Now, I’m going to get all these testosterone filled men out of here so you can get off your feet and rest. You are growing my beautiful grandchild, after all.”
Bree laughed as she let him take her arm and lead her to the porch. She thought a nap sounded pretty heavenly right then, though. She was passed around once again as everyone said goodbye. The little kids all needed a hug and kiss from her, and she once again felt that warm glow in her heart as she held them tightly against her chest. She obviously loved this big chaotic family. Memory or not, she felt at home – at ease with her world.
She stood next to Chad as they waved goodbye to the last departing family members.
“Sorry about that, Bree. When your family makes up their minds, there’s no stopping them. That’s one of the things I love about them most,” Chad told her as he led her inside. Bree collapsed in the comfortable chair, feeling like her eye lids weighed fifty tons.
“I loved it. They’re a bit overwhelming, but it’s obvious they love me. I think my memory will come back. I have a good feeling about it…” she trailed off.
Her words sent an arrow of panic through Chad. When she realized he’d lied to her, she was going to be furious. He would just make sure she fell in love with him before that happened so she wouldn’t want to leave.
“That’s great. I need to go tend the animals,” he said, sounding short as he strode out the door. He tried to ignore the startled look in her eyes, and the flash of hurt his words caused. He mucked the horse stalls until his muscles were screaming and sweat dripped from his brow. He pushed himself hard, hoping by the t
ime he went inside, he’d be able to fall face first into bed and pass out.
It didn’t work. After a hot shower, he crawled into bed, where he laid for hours, his mind filled with thoughts of Bree, and wishing she were lying next to him. He would’ve most likely caved and went to her, had she not been sleeping so soundly.
She wanted her own room until she felt more comfortable in their relationship. She’d laughed about it, patting her stomach, but she said it felt wrong for them to sleep together when he was too much like a stranger still. Though he may not survive it, he hadn’t argued with her. But he didn’t think he was going to get any rest with her sleeping only a few short feet away.
Chapter Ten
Chad took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. He wanted to marry her, and preferably before she got her memory back. She carried his child – he wouldn’t let the baby be raised without a father. He’d be there to always protect them both.
Bree was sitting in the kitchen when he came around the corner. She gave him a tentative smile, unsure of why he’d stormed away from her the night before.
“Let’s get married now,” he blurted, then wished he could take back his words when her eyes widened and she sat with a stunned look on her face. He should have gently approached the subject.
He could see a myriad of thoughts running through her mind. He knew she thought he was probably insane. Hot, then cold. She wouldn’t know what to think.
“Did we discuss marriage before the accident?” she asked, not taking her eyes from his. He could lie but he wouldn’t go that far.
“No, but things were good between us.”
“I don’t want a marriage of convenience. I know, I don’t know how, but I know I can only marry for love. I can barely comprehend being pregnant, and I wish I had my memory back, but I’m not going to marry you just because we slept together. Every time I ask you about the past, you hedge around it. Why?”
“The doctor said not to force anything on you.”
“That’s a cop-out and you know it,” she replied, getting irritated with him.
“It’s the truth,” he insisted.
“Would you have asked me to marry you if I wasn’t pregnant?”
Chad stood there like a deer caught in headlights. All he needed to say was ‘yes’ but he knew it was a lie. Maybe eventually he would’ve asked her, he tried to reason with himself. But he’d always vowed never to get married. Having a baby changed things, though. They needed to put the needs of their child’s welfare ahead of themselves. She should understand that.
“That question doesn’t matter – it’s irrelevant,” he hedged.
“I disagree. I think it’s completely relevant.”
“I want to raise my child. Does that make me a bad guy?”
“You can be active in your child’s life without marrying me. I don’t even know you, not really. Maybe I’ll feel differently once my memories come back, but you’re not helping matters by acting like a Neanderthal,” she scolded.
“You’re my responsibility. I don’t shirk on what’s right.”
“So, now I’m nothing more than a responsibility. One more daily chore for you to take care of.”
“You’re twisting my words,” he huffed in frustration. Chad moved around the room, running his fingers through his hair, trying to figure out how to get through to her. Why did she have to be so stubborn?
He walked to the fridge and started pulling items out. He had to do something with his hands or he feared he may place them around her small neck and strangle her. He smirked at himself. He would never, in a million years, hurt a woman. He wanted to kill the men who’d dare to harm her. Until they were caught, she was still in danger. If she’d just agree to marry him, he could protect her and the baby. Even with amnesia, she was pure Anderson, stubborn, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
Chad tossed a sandwich in front of her, then sat at the table and took a large bite of his sandwich. He was angry – and she was frustrated.
“Maybe I should just go and stay with my father. I think he’d like that.”
“No.”
“You can’t just tell me no. I’m an adult, in case you haven’t noticed,” she said with a glare.
“You’ll stay here,” he commanded. He was really ticking her off.
“You insufferable pig. Don’t you dare try to tell me what to do!” she snapped, standing up so fast her chair went flying behind her.
Chad jumped from his seat at the same time. He was furious with himself – the stalker – the situation – just about everything. He tried to calm himself down – remember she’d only been home one day.
“I’m going to the barn,” he said, turning to leave. He was proud of the restraint he was able to use. His passion always flared whenever he was in the same room with her, hell, within the same county.
“Afraid of a girl? Or is it that you just can’t handle it when a female doesn’t fall all over herself trying to please you. I bet you’re used to men, women, and children bowing all over themselves to do your bidding,” she said, then turned to make what she hoped was a dramatic exit. Men!
Chad sent her a smoldering look that was wasted on her retreating back.
“What? Does Princess Bree not like someone disagreeing with her? You have it all backwards, Honey. I think you’re the one who’s so used to getting her own way, she can’t handle it when she doesn’t get the last word in, or win the argument.”
Bree had never in her life wanted to punch someone, but she felt her fists curling as she fought the urge to walk back and slug him in his smug mouth. He was calling her a princess. She looked around his impressive home with a derisive laugh. Sure, she’d learned she came from money, but he didn’t look to be hurting, himself.
“I’m sorry. It doesn’t look as if you like that. Would you like for me to get on one knee and beg for forgiveness?” he said with a grin.
“That works just fine for me,” she answered.
“Good luck with that,” he snarled.
“I’m leaving,” she answered and took a single step before he grabbed her arm and whipped her around to face him.
“I don’t understand what it is you do to me, but I can’t resist you – not even for your own good,” he growled before grabbing a handful of her hair and pulling her against his body. His head dropped and his mouth connected with the sweet heaven of her lips.
Bree’s eyes widened as anger turned into full-blown passion, but her body knew what she wanted, and she quickly clutched at his shirt, opened her mouth, and held on for dear life.
Bree instantly melted as he seduced her with his hands and mouth. The man could literally kiss the sense right out of her. She didn’t care that they hadn’t solved anything. She was hungry for him, and only he could feed her desire.
His body felt like steel underneath her hands. She wanted to feel skin against skin. Her nipples were painfully hard as they pressed into the lace of her bra. She needed it gone – there were too many clothes in her way.
She moved her hands to his shirt and tugged at the material, wanting to run her fingers along the contours of his masculine chest – down the washboard that was his stomach, and lower to his hardness, currently pressing tightly into her stomach.
Chad took the hint and moved an inch back so he could rip his shirt off, then in the next second stripped hers and tossed it somewhere behind them. His hands moved back to her hair, tugging her close, causing her to cry out in pleasure.
“More – I need more,” she cried as his hands moved to her neck, then lower to unclasp her bra. She breathed a sigh of relief when the cool evening air hit her aching nipples, then gasped in ecstasy as his mouth surrounded the tight pink bud of one, then the other. It felt so good, it was almost painful.
His teeth clamped down on her sensitive bud, making her back arch, and a guttural groan escape her dry throat. He swept his tongue along the well-loved skin, then moved back up the smooth column of her throat and she greedily bit down on his lip.
He groaned and she felt her body heat rise to another level.
Chad stripped her pants and panties in one smooth motion, then lifted her up on the counter without breaking their mouths apart. She rubbed her nipples against his solid chest, trying to relieve the aching. It only stoked the flames higher.
“Now,” she commanded him. She needed their bodies connected – she had to feel him inside her, or she’d die of sexual frustration.
“Can’t wait anymore,” Chad groaned as he parted her thighs, stepping between them. Bree barely caught a glimpse of his impressive manhood before his head was pushing against her tight entrance.
“Yes,” she called as he pushed slightly inside her. He stalled and she raked her fingers down his back to his firm butt and pulled him closer. With a groan, he finally pushed inside her, and Bree saw lights going off behind her closed eyelids.
So full – so very full.
She felt complete as he filled every inch of her, stretching her in the very best way. She thought she couldn’t possibly feel any better than she did in that moment – until he began moving.
Chad began thrusting in and out of her, slow at first, but quickly increasing his speed. Bree could do nothing but hold on tight as their bodies slid together, building up pressure, until finally she exploded in a fusion of light. She shook around him as he pumped inside her a few more times, before his body locked tightly against her and he quivered underneath her touch.
His hot breath skimmed across her neck as he leaned into her, shudders consuming him. She ran her fingers down his spine, his skin hot to the touch. He gently nipped her shoulder, then brushed his tongue across the point, alleviating any pinch. She didn’t want to let go. She felt more emotion locked in his arms, than she had since waking from her coma. She didn’t want to let the feeling go.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Better than okay. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to move for at least a month,” she sighed.