Stay With Me

by Rita Hestand

  "You don't mind being married to a breed?" she asked leaning her cheek toward him.

  "I was gonna take this slow, and savor every minute with you, but damn, I want you."

  She turned with a smile, and whispered, "Then take me."

  He turned her so he could unbutton the buttons on her dress, and as he did, his lips kissed her tan back. "I wish I could do this faster," he murmured near her ear.

  "So do I," she chuckled and stared into his eyes as she looked at him over her shoulder.

  Then he kissed her, turning her so he could hold her closer. All the while his hands ran over her back, absorbing her into him.

  Slowly, his arm went around her taut skin to her breasts and she sighed as the kiss deepened. "I love how you touch me," she whispered.

  His hand covered one breast, finding her nipple puckered and tight, he squeezed lightly and sighed into the kiss. A hot devouring kind of kiss.

  "Your dress is beautiful, you are beautiful," he said in a husky tone, "But I can't wait to feel you against me."

  She moved her arms out of the sleeves as he wrestled with the tiny buttons at her back. Each button brought him closer to holding her warm body against his.

  Hurriedly he unbuttoned the dress and raked it away from her sweet, hot body. She instantly pressed herself into him, and he sighed with contentment, "Oh, that's much better."

  "But your clothes… " she whispered, as she threw open his shirt and came against him, her breast needling his chest, as though begging his attention.

  "Wait a minute sweetheart, let me get my boots off."

  She helped him and the boots went flying through the air thudding against the floor, somewhere.

  He undid his pants and they fell to the floor and he kicked them away quickly.

  He stood her up and took her beautiful lace drawers off then brought her solidly against him, "Oh God, you are so beautiful."

  "I am yours now, and no one can change that."

  He lifted her in his arms, kissed her solidly on the lips and laid her back on the bed. He stared at her lovely body and the ribbons of hair covering her. He growled. "I wanted this to be slow and sexy for you, but I want you so bad, I’m afraid it won't be at least not the first time. To think you are mine now, makes me want you all the more."

  She stretched herself, moving the hair from her body against the pillow.

  His gaze went all over her.

  Then his knee was beside her on the bed and he slowly lowered himself to cover her with his now naked body. She swooned and smiled as he cuddled her to him, kissing every part of her slowly.

  His tongue shot out to lave her breasts and she closed her eyes and smiled. "I love how you make love with me." She cried.

  Without forethought he entered her, and she sighed with such happiness. She was hot and wet, and her muscles worked him deeper inside her. They kissed breathlessly and the room steamed from their lovemaking as he slowed his pace and kissed her everywhere.

  It didn't take long for the orgasm to crescendo as they met each other in the heaven they created with their love. She moaned softly in his ear, then her teeth gently bit at him and he jerked as it excited him. He'd never known such a haven of love with a woman. He wanted her again and he couldn't believe that he could so quickly.

  "Your magnificent," he whispered.

  She smiled, and her tongue went to his ear and she made love to him as it went gently inside and out, until he felt himself grow with excitement. She blew softly there, and he felt goosebumps on his body.

  It was like flames licking at their bodies as they explored each other with fascination.

  He entered her once more and she moaned as her body responded with wild abandon.

  Waves of desire intensified their lovemaking as she scratched his back and moaned his name over and over.

  He took nearly her whole breast in his mouth, his tongue manipulating her nipples into hard little knots. Her hands went to his butt and kneaded them as he pumped his love into her sweet, sexy body.

  The orgasm came in a wave of glory and they both moaned the sweet aftertaste of their love.

  Moments later, they lay spent, entwined on the bed and with the sheet rumpled at their feet.

  Turning sideways, they stared into each other's eyes, "That was beautiful." He told her in a whisper.

  "I love you Mr. Nelson." She said and snuggled as she turned her back to him and cuddled tightly against him.

  "And I love you Mrs. Nelson," he smiled against her neck as he kissed her there.

  "I like the sound of that," she whispered, closing her eyes.

  He wrapped a hand at her breasts, another at her sweet love nest and they slept.

  But an hour later, she knew she would need to feed Elan soon, so she moved from the bed after kissing him.

  "I must feed Elan," she said.

  "Bring him here, in the cradle dad made for him. I want him close, but I want you even closer." He winked.

  She nodded and slipping into a house dress Cora had laid out for her, she went to the house to get Elan.

  Not seeing Charlie or Cora, she assumed they were sleeping or making love. She smiled and went to get Elan from his cradle. He was just waking up.

  "Come my sweet, come meet your new daddy." She smiled at him and carried him in the cradle to the bunkhouse.

  Clay had put his pants on and was making a sandwich from the supplies Cora and Charlie had left for them.

  Cora had even moved one of her rocking chairs out there for her.

  Willa sat in it and fed Elan.

  She opened her dress and fed him as Clay fixed them something to eat.

  While he ate, he watched Willa feed Elan. "I love watching you feed him." He told her.

  She smiled dreamily, "And I like you watching."

  "Today is so special. He has a father now, and his name has changed to Elan Nelson."

  "I like that. Now we are a family." Clay told her.

  When she fed him, he drifted off to sleep again and she laid him in the cradle so she could eat too.

  Clay had put her a plate on the table and as she ate, Clay stared down at Elan. "I'm going to teach him many things."

  "Oh, like what?"

  "To rope a steer, to ride a horse, to pitch hay, to mend fences, to be a good boy and whatever I can about life. Although I think Charlie and Cora can teach him a lot about that."

  "Yes, older people have lived more and know more, and I think they will be excellent grandparents."

  "Elan saved Dad's life." Clay exclaimed.

  Willa turned her head in question, "Oh, in what way?"

  "I don't know exactly. It's like he's young now, he's more involved and has dreams of his own now. I like that. Just because you age does not mean you give up life."

  "I agree, and Elan has so many more that love him now. He needed that. We are a bigger family."

  Clay stared, his eyes glistening into hers, "And it will get bigger, if I have anything to do with it."

  She chuckled, "Who knows, I may already be pregnant."

  Clay's expression changed to one of euphoria. "I'd like a lot of children, to make a big happy family."

  "I think I'd like that too," she reached for his hand.

  "God Willa, I'm so happy." Clay told her not taking his eyes from her.

  "I never thought you'd fall in love with me." She whispered.

  He leaned to kiss her soft lips. "Your more woman than I'd ever hoped for."

  "When did you fall in love with me?"

  He chuckled, "From the moment you walked in the door, I knew I was attracted. I tried to fight it. When you told me how sick dad was, and I touched your hand, I knew you'd captured my heart. The day I went to town, I realized there could be no other. I wanted you. Only you."

  "I too fell quickly. But I thought you wouldn't want me because I was a breed." She admitted.

  "You were a woman, and no matter how hard I tried, that's how I saw you, as a woman. A very beautiful, and desirable woman." />
  "I should be ashamed for letting you watch me at the creek."

  "Yeah, so should I."

  "But by then, I had already realized how much I cared for you."

  "Every time you came, I wanted to cry out to you. But I couldn't."

  "And I wanted to come to you, badly."

  "When Ed tried to rape me, and you saved me. I knew then, I was yours. I knew I loved you."

  "If he'd have touched you, I'd have killed him." Clay frowned. "I knew you were mine then. God forgive me, I wanted you so."

  "And now?" she stood up and came to sit in his lap.

  "I want you more." He pulled her close in his arms and kissed her tenderly.

  "Then take me," she whispered.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Life was good for Willa and Clay as they began working together with Cora and Charlie to build up their spread and improve upon the place.

  Ed bought Charlie's land and agreed to his terms, and it seemed as though life was going to take a turn for the better.

  With the sale of the land, Charlie was able to buy a lot of supplies and more cattle. Willa and Cora built a huge garden and even a rose garden in the front of the house.

  Clay and Charlie painted the house, and it looked quite grand. Even folks in town had remarked when Charlie bought supplies how great the place looked. But there was no mention of Clay and Willa.

  Even though things had settled out, the town was aware that Clay and Willa had married. The same preacher that married them married Laura and Matthew. So, it was no secret, but it was like the townspeople didn't want to bring it up.

  It angered Charlie, but Clay told him not to be angry.

  "Why not, you did the right thing. You two are married and there's no reason to be ashamed of it."

  "I know that dad, but right now it's very peaceful. And for all our sakes, I'd like to keep it that way."

  "It ain't right and you know it."

  "People have to have time to adjust to it. Let's don't start anything."

  "But you and Willa are hiding out here like you should be ashamed. I want you to hold your head up and be proud."

  "I am proud, I'm just not announcing it." Clay told him.

  "Alright son, but I don't think it's right." Charlie fussed.

  "We're happy dad, and we are all family now. Let's don't start trouble."

  Charlie nodded with a frown. "Alright son."

  That evening as they all sat at the table, Willa was blushing and smiling at them all.

  "You look extra happy today," Cora chuckled. "Is there some reason?"

  "Actually," she chuckled, "there is."

  "Well, what is it?" Charlie asked.

  "I'm going to have a baby," she shouted.

  Clay dropped his fork and came to kiss her, "Are you sure?"

  "Yes, I am sure." She smiled.

  Charlie and Cora looked at each other and burst out laughing then Cora came up to kiss her on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you darlin'."

  "Me too!" she cried.

  "Well," Charlie reached a hand to Willa and squeezed it. "It's wonderful. I can't tell you how wonderful."

  Then Charlie grabbed Elan out of his high-chair and kissed him, put him in his lap and looked at him, "Well, little fella, your going to be a brother."

  Elan giggled.

  Clay squatted down and kissed Willa tenderly. "I'm so happy."

  She smiled at him, "Me too!"

  But three weeks later, while Charlie and Cora were gone into town for supplies, and Clay was working on the fences in the far southern quarter, Willa had an unexpected visitor.

  Laura came riding up in a wagon. Willa came out of the house to see who it was.

  Laura walked to the porch step and stared, Willa stared, she was toting a rifle.

  "Something wrong, Laura?"

  Laura frowned, "Where is everyone?"

  "Charlie and Cora went into town for supplies."

  "Where's Clay?"

  "Out mending fences." Willa replied seeing the expression on her face was not friendly. "Is there something I can do for you?"

  "Yes, there is."

  "What? Is something wrong, why are you carrying that rifle?"

  "Let's go in the house."

  Willa opened the door for her and waited.

  "Where's that kid of yours?"

  Willa felt a tension she couldn't explain.

  "He's sleeping."

  "Get him."

  "Get him?" Willa repeated.

  "That's right, I said," she leveled the rifle at her. "Get him."

  "What are you going to do?"

  "I'm taking him."

  "Taking him, taking him where?"

  "It doesn't matter, you'll never see him again."

  "Laura?" Willa frowned and moved away from her. "Why are you doing this?"

  "You took the man I loved, now I’m taking the one you love the most… "

  "Elan?" She cried.

  "That's right, Elan. Now go get him and don't try to pull anything or I'll shoot you dead."

  "You can't do this Laura."

  "I can, and I will. Now, go get him." She instructed.

  Willa went into Elan's room and picked him up in her arms. She was unaware of how she was shaking. She kissed Elan on the forehead and walked slowly into the room

  where Laura was standing with the rifle aimed at her.

  "What are you going to do with him?" Willa cried.

  "I'm going to put him out of his misery."

  Willa's eyes widened and she clutched Elan in her arms. "He's mine, you cannot do this. They'll hang you."

  "For killing a squaw's baby? I don't think so."

  "Kill me if you must, but don't hurt my son." Willa cried.

  "Give him to me!" Laura insisted coming closer.

  "No, never!" Willa cried.

  Laura reached for the baby and Willa tried to run away. Laura tripped her with the butt of the rifle, and Willa fell, but Willa rolled so Elan would not be hurt.

  That's when the rifle went off as Laura tried to right it. It hit Willa in the back and Laura saw the blood and screamed then ran out the door. She stopped on the porch and shook herself then got on her horse and rode like lightning away.

  Clay heard the shot as he was coming up to the house.

  He saw Laura ride away, he ran into the house and saw Willa lying on the floor, blood oozing from her wound, and Elan crying next to her.

  "Willa?" he cried and ran to pick her up.

  "Willa?" he cried again, and she opened her eyes, "Clay, she didn't get Elan, did she?"

  "No! Is that what she was after?"

  "Yes," Willa carried faintly.

  "I've got to get you to the docs?"

  Charlie and Cora rode up and came into the house on a run. "Is everything alright?" Charlie cried.

  "No, Willa's been shot!" Clay cried out with anger.

  "We passed Laura riding like thunder and wondered. "What happened?"

  "She tried to take Elan!" Clay looked down at her in his arms. "We gotta get her to the doctor."

  Cora was right behind and shrieked. "Oh my God!"

  Elan was crying. Charlie picked him up off the floor. He handed him to Cora. Cora held him close.

  "The wagon is right outside. Put her in the back and we'll take her to doc's."

  Clay nodded.

  "Laura did this?" Cora shouted.

  "Yes!" Clay grit his teeth.

  There was no time to waste as Willa had passed out and Clay and Charlie got her situated in the wagon. Cora brought Elan and they all hightailed it into town.

  Everyone that saw them seemed to follow along.

  "What happened?" one man asked.

  "Laura shot Willa." Clay told them.

  More people joined them and stood in front of the docs when they took Willa inside. Haywood was among them. "Laura did this?" Haywood asked.

  "Yeah," Cora told him as she sat on the wagon seat.

  "Why?" Haywood demanded.

  "
She tried to take Willa's baby from her." Cora cried, as tears rolled down her cheek and she cuddled Elan to her.

  Haywood frowned. "What the hell did she want with her baby?"

  "Vengeance, I suppose."

  Haywood seemed to think on that for a while. Then suddenly he ran off.

  Clay and Charlie waited for the doc to tell them how bad off Willa was.

  "The bullet is lodged in her back, close to the spine. I'll have to try to take it out. If I can, she'll mend in time, but, I gotta have permission to operate."

  "You have it," Clay told him.

  "You don’t understand, if I move that bullet half an inch closer, she'll be paralyzed for the rest of her life and in a wheelchair or worse."

  "What do you mean, worse?" Clay shouted.

  "I mean, it might kill her."

  Charlie shook his head and turned away.

  "Can you do it, doc?" Clay stared at him, then when he didn't answer he came up to him and grabbed him by the shirt collar. "Can you?"

  "I'll do my best son, that's all I can tell you." The doc wasn't afraid.

  "And the baby?" Clay asked.

  "She's pregnant too?" The doc looked shocked.

  "Yes!" Clay shouted.

  "If she survives the operation, they'll both be fine, if not, I'll do a c-section and try to save the baby, but how far along is she, do you know?

  "About three months." Clay told him.

  "Then, I'm afraid…" he didn't have to finish.

  Clay turned away and hit the wall with his fist.

  "I'll do everything I can Clay."

  "You have to let him try to save her." Charlie told him.

  Clay hit the wall again, then turned, with tears in his eyes, "Go on doc, do your best."

  The doc proceeded to clean the wound and began to work on her.

  Meanwhile Cora was still sitting on the bench with the baby clutched in her arms.

  Suddenly Haywood came marching through the street with Laura in his arms. Everyone turned to see him, and Cora turned to look.

  "Haywood!" Cora called to him.

  Haywood stopped and turned to look at Cora. "She went too far, Cora." Haywood yelled. "I knew she loved Clay all this time. She told me so, after her wedding. She swore she'd get even. I didn't know she'd do this. Tell Clay it's taken care of. I killed her."

  "Haywood… " Cora called after him, shaking her head. "Dear God!"