His Errant Educator (Willamette Wives Book 3) (15 page)

Brushing a tear from her cheek, she climbed the stairs. Once inside, she found the small pallet the three children shared, the babes on either side of Hope, who slept with an arm flung over little Johnny. Another tear slid free as Agatha stared down at them before sinking to her knees beside the quilt. Such innocence, such trust and peace, and yet she knew it was all an illusion. No, she couldn't allow her ma to be torn asunder yet again by some man who only pretended to care for her while he in reality was only using her because of her skills… her ability to add money to his coffers. She'd die before allowing that. How could no one understand that it was up to her to make sure no one ever again hurt her ma? If Wyatt couldn't understand her concerns, then she would simply have to address them herself.

Drawing her knees up, she laid her face on them, attempting to calm down as she didn't wish to have her anger disturb the little ones' sleep. Strains of music drifted over the space between the buildings, doing much to soothe her soul. When arms slipped around her from behind, she stiffened for an instant and then relaxed against her husband's solid chest.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I love you, you know."

"That is the one thing I will always know," Wyatt said, his lips against her ear. "What I don't know is why you won't tell me what has you so upset."

Agatha sighed, knowing that never having dealt with the ugliness that she and her ma had, never being the subject of looks that made you feel dirty, never living with the guilt because you knew you'd committed a sin, never having heard whispered words behind lifted hands that you knew were judging you, scorning you, her husband would never understand how that felt. It wasn't something he could fix, and wasn't something she was going to burden him with.

"I don't know exactly," she said with a sigh as she reached out and stroked her fingers down Grace's arm. "I'm still thinking… like you said."

"You know I'm here for you, don't you? There is nothing you can't tell me."

She knew deep down that he was right but still… she couldn't tell him how she was feeling, not truthfully, because sometimes she didn't even know herself. Instead, she turned until she was facing him, wrapping her arms around his waist as he stood, drawing her up with him. "Just hold me, Wyatt. Hold me and never let me go."

"Never," he said, bending to kiss her cheek which was wet with her tears as he pulled her tight against his chest. "It's going to be all right, little one. I promise."

When they returned to the barn, it was to see Benjamin mounting the makeshift stage that had been erected for the musicians. The crowd began to quiet as attention was focused forward. Agatha saw Roger, a beaming smile on his face as he stood next to Teresa who caught her gaze, her smile fading a bit.

Agatha felt guilt slide through her, knowing without a doubt that she was the cause of the uncertainty written across the girl's face. Before she could make any movement, her pa's announcement of their upcoming nuptials had the crowd cheering and people rushing to offer their hugs and congratulations. The couple disappeared among the well-wishers as Agatha stood with her husband.

"Everything all right?"

Agatha looked to see Anna, knowing the concern she saw on her friend's face was also her fault. "Yes, everything is fine. I'm just feeling a bit off tonight."

"We all have those days," Anna assured her, giving her a hug. "You know we're here for you whenever you need an ear or just a friend."

Agatha smiled at hearing her husband's words echoed by her friend. "I know, and that helps me remember what I asked of you and Charity. Let's go congratulate Roger," Agatha suggested and then added, "and I need to apologize to Teresa."

They joined the group and when they were standing in front of them, Agatha reached out without hesitation and pulled Teresa into a hug. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just meant that we… all of us love your ma. I don't want you to…"

"I know," Agatha said. "You don't have to explain. I just wanted to apologize and wish you and Roger the very best."

"So we can still be friends?" Teresa asked.

"I'd love that," Agatha assured her, looking over the girl's shoulder to see her husband giving her a smile. Glad that she'd removed some of the worry in his eyes, she squeezed Teresa a bit harder. "Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive," Teresa said.

Mr. Parker called for everyone's attention, announcing the Owens brothers were going to play a special song for the newly engaged couple.

"Go," Agatha said. "This is a special day for you both."

"Thanks, Agatha," Roger said, giving her a hug as well and bending down to speak directly and only to her. "For reminding me that there are things that are worth fighting for and making sure I didn't give up." He kissed her cheek and then stepped back and gave his fiancée a deep bow. Teresa gave him a beautiful smile before dipping into a perfect curtsey. Agatha once again felt her husband's arms slip around her as the music began and the couple moved off together.

"Are you ready to tell me what's wrong?" Wyatt asked after sliding into the bed beside his wife.

"I already did," Agatha said. "Why do you think something is wrong?"

Sitting against the headboard, he reached for her, pulling her up and onto his lap. "Aggy, I don't think something is wrong, I know something is. You hardly said a word all evening. Even before you left the barn, you weren't enjoying the dance like I thought you would." When she sighed but didn't speak, he ran his hand up and down her back. "Honey, talk to me."

"You'll just think I'm worried about nothing, and you're probably right."

"Would you give me a chance before deciding what I might or might not think?" he asked, cupping her chin and lifting her face. "I admit I can't read your mind but, Aggy, I can read your eyes and I know you are hurting." When his eyes never wavered from the hold they had on hers, she sighed.

"I'm worried about Ma," she admitted.

"Catherine? Why?"

"Didn't you see the way Benjamin treats her? It's like he expects her to always be ready to… I don't know, jump up and do his every bidding. I know he's her employer but she is not his personal servant!"

"I didn't see anything of the sort. Perhaps you misunderstood…"

Agatha sat up in order to look at him directly. "I did not! That man won't even let her talk to anyone else. I watched and any time another man even walked in her direction, Mr. Goldman was pulling her back onto the dance floor. She has every right to speak with whomever she wants. He can't just order her around!" Pushing against his chest, she continued. "What is it about you men? Women have brains and thoughts. Why are we supposed to keep quiet or simply say, 'yes, sir,' 'no, sir,' 'whatever you say, sir!' It's not fair and I'm sick of it!"

"Whoa," Wyatt said. "I'm not exactly sure what you are talking about but I'm definitely sure you won't continue in that tone of voice."

"See, that's exactly what I mean. Just because you don't like what I'm saying, you tell me to shut up!"

"I did nothing of the sort. I simply am reminding you that there is no need to yell or be disrespectful when you are speaking. It's rude and…"

"That's another thing! I'm sick of people accusing me of being rude when all I'm doing is trying to protect my ma!"

"Aggy, didn't I hear you apologize to Teresa for being rude? Why would you do that if you didn't believe you'd been—"

"Naughty?" she said, moving off his lap. "That's what you men always use to keep us naughty girls in line, isn't it? Well…"

Instead of finishing her sentence, she squealed as she was hauled right back to him, this time not onto his lap, but over it.

"No, I make use of something far more effective to keep you in line," Wyatt said, his action of pulling her nightgown up to her waist giving her no doubt as to what that something was.

"Fine! If it makes you feel better than go ahead and smack me!"

"Though your permission isn't necessary, I do thank you for it. Just know that what made me feel better was holding you in my arms. This, young lady, is to help you feel better." Without another word, the crisp, sharp sound of his palm connecting with her bare flesh filled the room. It was soon accompanied by her gasps, yelps, and complaints that he wasn't listening to her.

"Oh, I guarantee that I'm listening," he said, applying two more solid swats to her sit-spots. "I'm listening for my sassy little wife to apologize and promise to speak to her loving husband with respect."

Biting her lip, swearing to herself that he could wait forever, it only took another dozen smacks before her recriminations morphed into words far more suitable.

"I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to be disrespectful to you, but it just makes me so…" Ready to say "mad," she surprised herself when the word "scared" was uttered instead.

The swats to her bottom ended as she was turned over and adjusted until she was once again cradled in Wyatt's arms.

"Why scared, sweetheart? Of me?"

"No!" she said instantly, then sighed as she laid her cheek against his chest. Her bottom throbbed but it wasn't its pulsing that she felt. His steady heartbeat thumping beneath her ear did what nothing else could—it calmed her, centered her as it always did. She also felt a tingle begin in her tummy, as well as a spasm in her sex. This man always seemed to know exactly what she needed. Once again reminding her that he offered his strength for her acceptance. God, what would she have done without him? He was a blessing she would eternally be grateful for. A miracle, really, and one that had her questioning her feelings. With a deep sigh, she snuggled a bit closer, smiling as the hand used to spank her now rubbed against the very nates just reddened.

"I want Ma to be happy," she said softly.

"What makes you think she isn't? Has she said something for you to think she is unhappy?"

"No, but she wouldn't. She spent all that time with… with him, and never said anything about how she felt. She lied…"

"She was protecting you, sweetheart," Wyatt gently corrected.

"It doesn't matter why," Agatha insisted. "She could swear she was content but I'd still wonder how could she be when it seems like the very first man she meets is already bossing her around." Hearing her voice sharpen and feeling a squeeze against a tender flank, she sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just that I'm scared she'll be trapped."

"I promise that won't happen."

"How can you say that? You don't know Ma like I do."

"Aggy, I think you are allowing the past to color the present. Your ma might have felt trapped before but she is an intelligent woman. Even before Wallace's death, she'd already left him—"

"But…"

"I'm not finished," he admonished softly. "She found her own strength, and I don't believe she'll ever again allow anyone to take that from her."

"That's not true. She allowed Wallace to take her happiness and her… her joy from her just to protect my reputation." When his mouth opened, she shook her head. "No. You don't know the hell she went through because of me. Ma works too hard. She has to support herself so she'd have to do whatever he wants if… she should just come to the ranch! You could make her if you tried!"

"I won't do that and even if she did, it would make it a much longer day for your ma. She'd have to get up earlier than she already does in order to prepare breakfast for the restaurant's customers. I know that Ben mentioned how much his business has increased since he hired Catherine. Your ma is a very good cook."

"Then she should remember that," Agatha said. "He's just paying her mind so she doesn't come live on the ranch where she belongs. God forbid he'd have to depend on his two girls to do all the work."

"Agatha, tell me you did not insult Ben by insinuating…"

"No, of course not."

"Sweetheart, your ma knows that she is always welcome to come live with us."

Looking up to find his eyes, she looked for any hesitancy in his gaze but found none. "You told her that?"

"Yes, and though she thanked me and promised to come for a while when our children are born, she told me that she works because she enjoys it, and has found happiness for the first time since your pa died."

"But what if she doesn't even know what happiness is anymore?"

"Aggy, you're going to make yourself sick with this worry. Give her a chance to find her happiness. I think she'll surprise you."

"And if I'm right and she doesn't?"

"Would it make you feel better if I promise to keep my eyes and ears open and be ready to step in if I think there might be a problem brewing?"

She hesitated, sure he didn't truly understand but unable to fault him for trying. Giving a nod, she said, "Thank you. You are a good man, Wyatt Wilcox, and the most wonderful husband in the world." Reaching up, she brought his head down in order to press her lips against his. Pulling back, she smiled. "I am sorry for speaking rudely and accusing you of not caring."

"I'll always care, Aggy, and I'll always listen." His kiss had her squirming for more reasons than her uncomfortable seat. "Now, will you listen to me?" At her nod, he said, "Then take that gown off so that your wonderful husband can make love to the most wonderful wife in the world."

"Even though she is often naughty?"

"Especially then," he said, rolling her to her back the moment she tugged the gown over her head and threw it to the floor.

He alleviated the pain of her weight on her spanked bottom by moving her legs to rest over his shoulders, lifting her hips in his hands as he positioned himself between her thighs. His tongue flicked out to lick along the seam of her sex. "My naughty girl is awfully wet, isn't she?"

Feeling her face heat, she could only nod, her voice stolen the moment he bent his head again, the tip of his tongue pushing her lips apart before delving into her. Her call of, "Wyatt," had him lifting his head for a moment and giving her a grin that had her insides turning to jelly.

"Let's hear that again," he said, bending again. And he did—several times, in fact, until he roared her name after rising to thrust into her while her body was still spasming from multiple times he'd made her come with his lips, tongue and fingers.

A little later, she heard his breathing soften into a steady cadence. She'd spoken both the truth and hidden her intentions. Yes, he was a wonderful husband but that didn't mean that she wouldn't be watching her ma and Ben closely. At the first sign that Ben was demanding more from Catherine than she believed he should, Agatha wouldn't hesitate to step in and give the man a piece of her mind.

***

The church was full the next morning. Despite the rather late night, people were smiling and greeting each other, discussing the fun they'd had the evening before until Reverend Jorgensen moved down the aisle to stand behind the lectern. Giving his congregation a moment to settle, he then welcomed them to the service.

"All right?" Wyatt whispered softly, well remembering how the last time they'd attended a christening it had turned into a chaotic exodus.

"I'm fine," Agatha assured him, giving his hand a squeeze. "Reverend Jorgensen is a true man of God."

Relaxing with her assurance, he sat next to her and listened to her sweet voice singing the note of each hymn and adding a line of thanks to the minister's prayer when they bowed their heads. He thanked God every single day for bringing this woman into his life.

It took quite a while to christen all the children. The event was a solemn one and yet people smiled and even chuckled as some of the older children complained that Reverend Jorgensen had gotten them all wet. When it was their turn, Charity and Anna, along with their husbands, walked to the front, and when her friends couldn't stop a few tears from falling, Wyatt wasn't the least bit surprised to find his wife's cheeks wet as well. Placing his arm around her, he pulled her a bit closer and bent down. "One day, it will be our babe being blessed."

"Oh, I hope so," Agatha said. "Sometimes I feel as if I've used up all the miracles God has planned for me and I'm afraid we won't be so blessed."

Wyatt shook his head. "Even if we aren't, I could never be more blessed. I love you, Agatha."

"I love you, too." He was about to drop a kiss on her cheek when Hope pressed against his knees as she squirmed by him.

"Did you see me get bap-ized, Auntie Agatha? See, my hair is all wet!" She bowed her head onto Agatha's lap. Smiling, Agatha placed her palm on the child's golden curls.

"Yes, my little Hope, you are baptized and I'm so proud of you."

"Can I have a cookie now?"

Laughing, Agatha nodded and reached into her reticule, pulling out a paper wrapped package. "You were so good that you can have one from me and one from Uncle Wyatt."

"I can? I like church!"

The adults laughed as they returned to their seats, hearts lighter knowing that their children had been blessed in a building in which all could find solace.

***

After enjoying lunch at the restaurant, the women stood around Teresa. "Make sure you come out to the ranch soon," Anna said.

"Yes, do. You can visit each of us and will be able to tell Roger what you want in your cabin. I do suggest you add at least another bedroom or maybe a loft. You never know how many children you'll have."

"Oh, um, I hadn't considered that," Teresa said, her eyes a bit wide.

"Well, it's just an idea," Anna said, adjusting Johnny in her arms.

"But a good one," Agatha said. "Even though I don't have children, it's nice to have an extra room for guests."

"Ladies, before we decide on how many rooms, we need to decide on a site," Roger said, joining them as he slipped an arm around his fiancée. "Until then, we can start riding so that by the time the snow melts, you'll feel comfortable on a horse."

"I look forward to that," Teresa said. "I don't look forward to you going home."

"I'll be back before you know it," Roger promised.

The women drifted away after saying goodbye, leaving the couple to their privacy. The group assembled outside to walk back towards the Williams' home.