The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) (7 page)

chapter fifteen

The Thunderstorm

Startled by a loud clap of thunder,
Carrie sat up in bed. More thunder, and she lay back and pulled the pillow over her head and fell asleep again.

A banging sound awoke her. Confused by the unf
amiliar surroundings, she got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Case was dripping wet. He was sitting in one of the chairs wrestling with his soaked boots. He managed to get them off and stood. “What happened? Where have you been?” she asked.

“It got pretty loud, so we had to go out and keep them calm. We got lucky. They were spooked, but didn’t stampede. When the storm passed, we got them quieted down.

“Case, you’re shivering. You need to get out of those wet clothes. You go upstairs right now, and get out of them.”

“You sound just like Mama,” he said.

“I take that as a compliment. Now go,” Carrie said.

He went.

She decided to check on him. Taking the lamp, she went upstairs and into his room. His clothes lay in a sodden mess on the floor. He was still shivering. “Move over,” she said. “You’re going to catch your death and make me a widow before I even get married. Now scoot.”

He moved over. She found another blanket and spread it over him. She peeled back the covers and crawled in beside him. “Now turn over.” He did as she said. She molded her body against his. He put his arms around her. She held him until his shivering stopped, and he fell asleep in her arms.

She felt him stir, and looked at him, anxiously. His eyes were open. “Hello,” she said.

A
panicked look crossed his face. “Did I… did we…?”

“Hush, and hold me.”

“Carrie, I…”

“No, we didn’t. At least, not yet.” She looked at his face, and rubbed her hand over the stubble on his face.

“I’m going back downstairs now. You gave me a fright the way you were shaking.”

She gathered the wet clothes and took them with her. Downstairs, not knowing what else to do, she took them to the front porch and draped them over the swing and chairs to dry.

When he came downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomed him. Carrie had built a fire in the stove, and brewed coffee. The cook had brought over biscuits, scrambled eggs, and steak. “Good mor
ning,” he said. “How long have you been up?”

“An hour maybe. How do you feel this morning? Any signs of a cold?”

“I feel fine,” he said. “You sure were bossy last night.”

“I was afraid you might get sick. I didn’t want you to miss the wedding. I want you to be there.”

“I intend to be,” he said.

After he ate, he said, “I’m going to check on things. “I’ll be back in an hour or two, if they didn’t scatter too much after I left.”

“You said y’all calmed them down. How do you do that?”

“Oh, we sing or talk to them in a low voice. We move
real slow, too. They’ll be settled after a bit. It’ll be all right.” He put his battered hat on and walked to the barn. She stood at the door and watched until he went inside.

He came back in. “It’s all quiet now. Come outside and take a deep breath. It always smells so clean and fresh after a storm
and the grass is even greener.”

On the porch, she could feel a gentle breeze making its way through the trees
, landing on her face. “It does smell good,” she said. “You know what? I want to get some seed and have flowers here, like your mother had. This is such a beautiful place, it’s a shame to have those dead flowers there. I also want to talk to the cook about a garden. I’ve always liked vegetables. Fresh ones would give us a little variety in our meals. I can find out from Letty or some of the church members about canning some and we will have them during the winter.”

“Let’s get ready and go on into town, you can mail your letter, we can give Silas a list of what we need. Then let’s take Jack and Letty to dinner at the hotel. How does that sound?”

“It works for me, she said.

Case
helped Jack get the church ready for the next day’s services. He gave him the marriage license, “Just so I don’t forget it”.

In the kitchen,
Letty asked Carrie, “What are you going to wear tomorrow?”

“I ha
ven’t given it much thought. Since we’ll be attending church, I thought I would wear one of my nice dresses,” she said.

Letty grinned a conspiratorial grin. “Let’s knock Case’s socks off. Are you up for surpris
ing him?”

“Absolutely,” Carrie said. “What do you have in mind?”

“We’re about the same size, don’t you think?”

“I guess so. We look to be,” Carrie said.

“I want to show you something. When Jack and I got married, Mother went all out. She had a gown made for me. It hasn’t been worn since. Want to try it on?”

“Sounds like fun,” Carrie said.

Letty got a box from a shelf in the closet. She wiped the dust from the top before removing it, and took out a pale green gown. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful. Are you sure? I would hate to have
anything happen to it.”

“Nonsense,” said Letty. “You saw the lid. It’s just gathering dust. Try it on.”

Carrie removed her outer layer of clothing and pulled the dress over her head. Letty looked at it critically. “The length is good.” She pointed to Carrie’s breasts, and said, “You’re a little fuller up here than I am, but I think it will be okay. Do you want to do it?”

“Yes. I do. How
do we keep it a secret?” Carrie asked.

“That part will be easy. I’ll
just ask Jack to announce the wedding will begin an hour after services. I’ll distract Case and you can slip back to the house and change. After you’re gone, I’ll cover for you, and tell Case you’ll come in when the music starts. This is going to be fun.”

The four of them walked to the International Hotel, and had dinner. “This is a treat for me,” Letty said. “This the first time I’ve been inside.”

Walking back to the Owens home, Carrie said, “Isn’t the full moon pretty? Very romantic.” She took a tighter grip on Case’s arm to emphasize her point.

A coyote took that moment to add his mournful ma
ting call to the scene. “What was that,” she asked. “It sure sounded sad.”

The other three laughed. Jack said, “Unlike you, he hasn’t found his mate
yet, so he’s calling her.”

“I hope his luck is as good as mine was,” Carrie said.

chapter Sixteen

The Wedding

The congregation was seated. The opening hymn had been sung. Jack concluded his opening prayer, and moved on to the announcements, the last announcement of which generated the most interest.

“
It will be my very great pleasure to conduct the ceremony of Holy Matrimony this afternoon, one hour after our worship services. Our good friend and member, Case Jamison and Miss Carrie Robbins will be joined in marriage.”

The worship service ended. A refreshment table had been set up under the trees
behind the church. The day was a typical Montana day. Sunny, mild, and with a cool breeze coming from the direction of the mountains. The members staying for the wedding, and it included nearly all who had been at the earlier services, milled around, and chatted with each other.

Case was thumped on the back, by several, shook hands with others. “How did you meet this Carrie, Case?” was
the question most asked.

“We’d like to meet her, but I don’t see her,” said the wife of one of his neighbors.

“She’ around here somewhere,” he said.

“Maybe she wised up and changed her mind, Case,” said one of his oldest friends.

The sounds of the piano came wafting through the grove and his friends, and neighbors made their way back inside. Straining, Case didn’t see Carrie or Letty. Jack grabbed his arm and led him to the altar area. “Where’s Carrie and Letty?” a nervous Case whispered to Jack.

“They’ll be here,” Jack said. They turned to face the co
ngregation. The first few notes of the Wedding March sounded. With his back to the piano, Case didn’t see that Letty had quietly, and unnoticed, taken over the piano. All eyes turned to the front of the church, anxious for a first look.

Jack was watching
Case’s face when Carrie appeared in the doorway. She was a vision of loveliness, in the flowing, pale green dress Jack had last seen on the day he wed Letty.

Case’s jaw dropped. With a brilliant smile, the radiant v
ision that was his bride to be, made her way down the aisle to join him at the altar. Case took her hand and stood by her side. Carrie was warmed by the tender touch of the hand holding hers. She looked into his face and smiled.

“
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together…” Jack said, and the wedding began. The couple exchanged vows of devotion, and Jack said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. “You may kiss your bride, Case.”

Taking her in his arms, he embraced her and lowered his head. His lips caressed hers in a
soft, tender kiss that was returned in kind. Their hands joined, they walked back down the aisle together. The audience was standing and applauding. Once outside, they were descended upon by well wishers. Hands were shaken, and welcomes were offered. Case did not let go of Carrie’s hand. During a lull, Carrie asked, “Were you surprised?”

“I’ll say. I have never seen anything or anybody as bea
utiful as you are right now.”

“Thank you,” Carrie said softly. “This was Letty’s we
dding dress and her idea. Of course I was a willing conspirator,”

Jack and Letty came up. Letty hugged him tightly, and said, “Isn’t she gorgeous? We surprised you, huh?”

“You surprised me too. I haven’t seen that dress since our wedding.”

“What are your plans now,” Letty asked.

“It doesn’t sound very romantic, but we have to pick up some things from Silas, and then we are going home to the Lazy J,” Case said.

“On the contrary, I think it sounds very nice and the most sensible thing to do.”

Carrie said, “Letty, I would be honored if you and Jack could be our first guests. Would you?”

“We would be delighted,” Letty said.

“I think I will go change, and give you your beautiful dress back, and I will be ready to go home.

“Home… that sounds so wonderful. I had begun to de
spair of ever being a wife.” She turned, threw her arms around Case’s neck and kissed him fully on the lips. “Come on, Case, let’s get this marriage started.”

“I’ll get the wagon, and get it loaded and come back for you,” he said.

“Don’t forget me,” she teased.

* * *

The wagon was loaded. Carrie’s arm was linked with Case’s as they left Helena for the Lazy J. After fifteen minutes, Carrie asked “Would you stop under the tree over there?” With a little pressure on the reins, he did as she requested. “I would like for you to kiss me now, and don’t hold back.”

“It will be my pleasure,” he said, as
he took her into his arms.

“Mine too,” she murmured, and tilted her head in antic
ipation. Their lips met, his massaged hers tenderly. She parted hers slightly. His tongue traced the contour of her lips and entered the inner recesses. When his tongue met hers, the fireworks lit the sky. Twisting her head back and forth, she demanded more. The kiss deepened. Case felt his desire growing. He moved his hand to cup her breast.

“Ohh,” she moaned softly and placed her hand atop his, squeezing, massaging her breast. They broke the kiss.

“Whew,” Carrie said. “That made me feel warm all over. It took my breath away.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Case said. He picked up the reins, and moved his team
toward home at a brisk pace.

All of the ranch hands gathered when they stopped in front of the barn. “Did you get hitched, boss.”

“We sure did, Case said. “We now have a new boss on the Lazy J.”

“She’s a lot prettier than you,” one man called out.

“Thank goodness for that,” Case said.

He helped Carrie, from the wagon. Gathering an arm load of supplies, they headed for the kitchen, The rest of the things were carried in by the men. Inside, he turned to her, and said, “Welcome home, Mrs. Jamison.”

“Why thank you, sir,” and curtsied.

“You haven’t moved your things to the other bedroom, have you?” she asked.

“Not yet,” he said.

“Why don’t you do that, and I’ll start dinner,” she su
ggested.

After dinner, s
itting in the swing watching the clear, star studded sky, Carrie pointed to the northwestern sky, and said, “Look! It’s a shooting star. That is supposed to be a lucky sign.” They watched until it disappeared beyond the horizon. She stood, and said, “It’s been a long day, I’m going to get ready for bed.”

“I’ll give you a few minutes, and I’ll be in,” Case said.

She tugged at his arm. “I’m going to get ready for bed,” she said. “You’re part of it. Come on.”

“I get your hint.” He followed her in and down the hall to their bedroom. At the door, he said, “Wait.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her in and deposited her
beside the bed.

“Well, aren’t you something?” she said.

She turned her back to him. “Unhook me, please.” He obliged, moving the loops over the buttons. Without saying anything, she raised her hands over her head, and he pulled the dress off, and laid it across the chair. The next layer had no buttons. She pushed it off her shoulders, and slid it to her feet and stepped out of it. Clad now in her pantaloons and chemise, she said, “Now you.”

H
e unbuttoned his shirt, and pushed it off his shoulder. She pulled it down his arms and over his hands, She folded it and put it across the arm of the chair.

He pulled his undershirt off, and put it atop his shirt. She unbuckled his pants, and pushed
them down his legs. He stepped out of them, leaving him in his long Johns.

Very slowly, she pulled her chemise over her head.
Standing before him, breasts bare, wearing only her pantaloons. She rubbed her hands over the muscles in his chest and shoulders. As she did, the warmth crept up her arms, past her breasts, leaving the nipples firm and erect and down to her inner core. The touch affected him, causing a swelling of his manhood.

She moved into his open
arms that then encircled her. She pressed against him, her breasts mashed against his chest, and nuzzled into the cranny between his neck and shoulders. As she nibbled his ear, he cupped her breast in his hand. He stepped back, and shed his long Johns. Then pushed her pantaloons to her ankles. “My God, you’re magnificent,” he said.

“And all yours,” she said.

She stood there, in her naked splendor, unembarrassed, as she let her eyes move down his body, his manhood fully erect and swaying with every motion. Moving to the bed, she pulled the covers back and lay on the bed, her arm extended in invitation. Lying beside her on the bed, he held her face in both hands and kissed her gently. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and then the tender skin on her neck. Her passion was growing. When he kissed the soft mound of a breast, she arched her back. He took the nipple into his mouth, massaging it with his tongue as she cooed in the pleasure his tongue was giving. His hand moved slowly downward, rubbing in small circular motion, enjoying her mounting passion.

He groaned, when she grasped his manhood. “I want you to make love to me,” she said in a throaty voice
. “It’s my first time, Case. Be gentle.”

He murmured something unintelligible, as he mounted her. With as much tenderness as he could muster, he entered until he met
a resistance. “This is going to hurt,” he said.

“Just do it quick
ly,” she said, and pushed her hips up to meet him as he pushed down. “Ahggg” she cried out in pain. He started to retract, but she held him tight. “No, don’t. It’s all right now. He began to move in slow, easy motions. He could feel her tense, as her body began to lose control, and the passion overtook her. She had her arms around his neck, her nails digging into his back, pulling him in, as she passed the point of no return. When she gained control once more, and stopped thrashing, he began moving faster and faster.

She felt him growing inside her, and then the pulsing as he emptied himself.

Spent, he lay on top of her. “I hope I didn’t hurt you too much,” he said.

“It hurt a lot at
first, but then it passed. It’s okay now. That was wonderful. A new experience for me and feelings I never knew existed. “Could we do it again?” asked.

“Well, not right away, but give me a few minutes. You’ll know when.”

He was right. She did know when. It was easier the second time. They moved in a timeless rhythm. This time when she felt herself in the beginning throes of climax, she recognized it and moved her body to maximize the pleasure, until it took over and finished.

Their faces were moist from their exertions as they lay facing each other. “I’m glad we waited,” she said. “Ever
ything about this was so perfect.”

“I’m glad too.” He opened his arms and she squirmed i
nto them, as he encircled her body once again. They fell asleep.