Falling In Love With Her Husband Read online

  “Should I come to you or would you like to come to me?” I tried to sound playful but it was hard to concentrate on anything but how great she looked. The nightgown didn’t hide the curve of her breasts and hips as much as the dresses did.

  “I thought I would show you my treasures first.” Her voice was soft. “I’ve been hoping for this night for awhile now.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I tried. I didn’t come right out and say it. Do you remember that day you lost your job at the bank and we were in the barn?”

  I nodded.

  “I told you I wanted you to come to my room.”

  My eyes widened. “I thought you wanted firewood.”

  “The firewood was nice but it wasn’t what I really wanted. I won’t make you decode my messages from now on. I should have just said it but wasn’t sure how.”

  I feel so stupid. Why didn’t I get that when she said it? “That’s it, Ann. I don’t care who comes to the door or if the house burns down. I’ve wanted you for so long, I’ve thought of little else.” I locked the door. “We’re not leaving the room until we consummate this marriage.”

  She smiled. “I wasn’t the one who interrupted us before. I want this too.”

  This I liked to hear. She wanted me. That was the crucial part of this night. I was glad I waited for her to be ready.

  She cleared her throat and took off her nightgown, letting the cotton fabric fall to her feet.

  I beheld her beauty for a moment. Never in my wildest dreams could I have pictured her like this. Her round breasts with the taut pink nipples, her slender waist, and the patch of dark hair between her legs… She was perfect, and I was about to make love to her. I would finally get a chance to explore her the way I’d wanted to since we got married.

  I forced my feet forward, aware that I suddenly felt nervous. I took a deep breath to calm the wild beating of my heart. It didn’t work. “You are beautiful.”

  She gave a soft smile and peered up at me. “It’s your turn.”

  My hands slightly shook as I removed my clothes, aware that she was watching and not sure if that excited me or scared me. I’d never been naked in front of anyone since I was old enough to bathe myself. I stood in front of her, my pulse racing as her gaze swept over me. I cleared my throat and asked, “What do you think?”

  Her face turned a pretty shade of pink. “I like what I see.”

  I cupped her face in my hands and gave her a chaste kiss. “I love you, Ann. I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you how much.”

  I lifted her in my arms and carried her to the bed. It suddenly occurred to me that I had no idea how to make love to her. I knew the mechanics of it because of the stories I heard from the older boys in school. But this was really happening to me and it was with Ann. I wondered if she would enjoy it. I hoped so. I wanted to please her.

  I settled next to her, lying on my side so I could take in her naked body. She was amazing. Every part of her captivated me. My fingers brushed her cheek. It was a familiar action, and right now a familiar action made me feel like I knew what I was doing.

  She turned to me, pressing those wonderful curves into my flesh. She was soft and smooth. My breath caught in my throat. Her abdomen cushioned my erection, sending an unexpected thrill through me. If this was a foretaste of what was to come, then making love had to be the best thing I was ever going to experience.

  “Tell me what you want,” I said in a husky voice I didn’t recognize.

  “Kiss me.”

  She didn’t have to make that request twice. I lowered my head to hers and obeyed. The kiss started out as a gentle one. I parted my lips and she did the same, allowing me to taste her. Our kiss deepened and I shifted against her. She was, without a doubt, the most exquisite woman in the world. I could happily kiss her for the rest of my life, but my body wanted more. I wondered if hers did too.

  I slid an arm under her to support her weight. Her hands rested against my chest, her fingers a bit ticklish but also sensual. My hand cupped her breast, which was just as soft as I remembered from having touched it before. I groaned. My shyness was slowly slipping away as my desire for her intensified. I traced the length of her side, covering the dip of her waist and the rise of her hip and the strength of her thigh. She was incredibly made, and she was mine. All mine to cherish and enjoy.

  She moaned and rubbed her leg against mine, sending shivers through me. I wanted to enter her right then. But I was determined to take it slow, to learn her and savor each moment. All of it was terrific.

  I turned her on her back so I could have better access to her body. My mouth left hers and descended to her neck. Her arms wrapped around me, the palms of her hands pressing into my back. I nuzzled her neck, taking in the wonderful smell of the lilac soap she used when she had bathed after dinner. I groaned as I pictured her wet and naked in the metal tub. Now that I knew what she looked like naked, I could visualize it. And I liked it.

  “Oh Ann. You’re so very beautiful.”

  My words barely came out as a whisper. I wanted to both feel her and taste her. I took the time to study her curves, taking time to caress the full length of her body, spending more time on her breasts. I kissed them and cupped them in the palms of my hands, my thumbs brushing the hardened nipples. With a soft sigh, she shifted and spread her legs. I took the invitation and settled my anxious body between her thighs. I leaned back so my hungry eyes could take in her figure.

  I massaged her legs that rested against my waist, and I worked my hands up her thighs, pausing a moment over the center of her womanhood. Holding off on entering her, which was proving more difficult with each passing minute, I knelt in front of her. I wanted to taste this part of her and see it up close. I bent down. With feathery touches, I traced the yielding folds of her flesh. She was a wonder to learn. I ran my tongue along her, enjoying her unique taste and scent. It was her. A very intimate part. And I liked it.

  I gave a slight smile as she squirmed against me and ran her fingers through my hair. I realized that she enjoyed this. I returned to sitting in front of her so that I could better explore her with my fingers, to get an idea of how I should enter her. I didn’t wish to hurt her. I heard the first time could be difficult for a woman. I wished to give her as much ease into the consummation as possible. I found the flesh beneath the curls and fingered it.

  She encouraged me to explore her, and I was more than happy to oblige her. I slipped a finger inside her and groaned at how warm and wet her flesh was. It was more amazing than I imagined. I knew it would feel good but had no idea just how incredible it would be.

  She arched her back. “Don’t stop.”

  Excited because she liked what I was doing, I slid in a second finger and stroked her. Her whimpers of pleasure served to push away the lingering doubts I had, and I became firm in my movements. I explored the area around the opening. When my thumb found her sensitive nub, she gave out a louder moan. I slid a third finger into her, noting the tightness at what I suspected was her hymen. I glanced at her, wondering if I should take the third finger out but she moved her hips against me, giving my three fingers full access into her.

  I watched her as I caressed her nub with my thumb while my fingers continued to stroke her. Seeing her naked and touching her was sexually pleasing but seeing her receiving pleasure from what I was doing proved to be the most stimulating thing I’d ever witnessed. Her breathing came faster and she moved against me in a rhythm until she let out a final cry. Her tender flesh clenched around my fingers. I stilled my movements and waited as the contractions lessened. Her body relaxed.

  Having satisfied her, I removed my fingers and entered her. She was a little tight, and her stiffening against me made me go still.

  “Ann?” I asked, forcing myself to remain still in case she was hurt.

  “Keep going,” she whispered. “Fill me.”

  I didn’t need further prompting. Wishing to prolong the tingling sensation mounting in me
, I slowly moved back only to slide further in. Her flesh yielded to me, surrounding me and clenching around me. She groaned again and tightened her hold on my arms. Her legs wrapped around my waist and drew me in as far as I could go. Any semblance of self-control departed. All I could think of was how amazing she felt. I increased the momentum of my movements, each thrust driving me closer to the brink of heaven. Her moans blended with mine until she let out another cry, her flesh clenching around my arousal, and I gave into the urge to let go. I shuddered as the intense pleasure consumed me. I stayed still as my throbbing died down, feeling complete in having emptied my seed inside her.

  I collapsed on top of her with more force than I intended. I pulled back to relieve her of my weight, but she stopped me by tightening her legs around me.

  “Don’t go,” she softly spoke.

  I looked into her eyes and saw that she was happy. Thrilled at the realization, I smiled and settled over her, making sure I didn’t make her uncomfortable. I liked being inside her. It felt as if we were one. I wanted to prolong the experience. We were closer than ever before, and it was a wonderful feeling. She was mine. I was hers. Together, we were complete.

  I touched my lips to hers. “I love you.”

  She let out a contented sigh and returned my smile. “I love you too.”

  I dropped kisses along her cheeks and forehead and back to her lips. Knowing this was the first of many times we’d come together to celebrate the marital bed filled me with a sense of awe and satisfaction. And there was no one else I would rather be with than her.

  ***

  The next morning I woke up with my arms around Ann. It was the moment I had hoped for every morning since we married, and it was finally here. She was fast asleep. I gazed at her, loving how she looked first thing in the morning. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more than I had, but I did. I softly kissed her and eased out of bed. It was still early but I wanted to take care of the horses so we could head out to the Russell farm. I knew Ann wanted to introduce her mother to Barbara. And I wanted to do what I could to please Ann.

  I noted the chill in the room so I added another piece of firewood to the box stove. I wrapped the blanket around her body so she would be warm. Then I got dressed and shaved. I felt different. It was a good feeling. I recalled how she felt, how she smelled and how she tasted. Everything about her was wonderful. I couldn’t stop smiling. I almost felt comical running down the steps with a big grin on my face, but I was too happy to care.

  As I put on my hat and coat, her parents came down the stairs.

  “Good morning,” I called out.

  “Good morning,” they replied.

  “Can I see your barn?” her mother asked. “I wasn’t able to check it out before.”

  “Sure. I’m on my way to feed the horses,” I replied.

  “Lightning is out there,” her father told her mother.

  “Lightning? That is your best horse, Todd. I’m glad you were able to take him with you.”

  I waited for them to put their coats and boots on.

  She continued. “I remember the first day you got that horse. You had just turned fifteen. Even Ann was excited about that horse. She thought it was the most beautiful shade of brown she ever saw. She asked us if we would ask you if she could ride it. Maybe we should have said yes. We weren’t sure that it was a good idea since she had never ridden a horse before. Who knows? It could have started something between you two sooner.”

  “Lucille, things are fine. There’s no sense in dwelling on the past,” he said.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Statesman, I would like to thank you for raising Ann as well as you did. She’s a wonderful wife. She brings a lot of happiness to this place. It wouldn’t be the same without her.”

  They smiled at my compliment.

  “Thank you, Todd. That means a lot coming from you,” she replied.

  “We’re glad to have you in the family,” her father added. “Your father will come around. He’s a good man. He does miss you.”

  “I miss him too,” I admitted. But even he couldn’t bring my mood down today. “Are you ready?” I opened the door for them and led them to the barn.

  When we came back, we were hungry. I decided to get the rolls that Ann set aside for breakfast when we heard a knock at the front door. Leaving the kitchen, I went to the front door and opened it. To my surprise, it was Mrs. Carson.

  “Good morning,” I greeted.

  “Good morning, Todd.” She wrung her hands on her scarf. “May I please come in? I have something very important to tell you.”

  I stepped aside to let her into the parlor. Turning to Ann’s parents, I made the introductions.

  As soon as the usual pleasantries were done, I invited her into the kitchen. “Would you like something to eat or drink?” It was breakfast time. I wondered why she felt the need to come out this early.

  “No thank you. I had to tell you that what you saw in the mercantile the other day wasn’t what really happened.” She looked frantic as she sat at the kitchen table. “I feel terrible. I wasn’t able to eat or sleep. I tried to get here two days ago but the storm prevented me from leaving town. Then yesterday, I had to make arrangements for a sleigh. I wanted to come and explain what happened.”

  I sat next to her and Ann’s parents sat on the other side.

  “What did happen, Mrs. Carson?” I asked.

  “It wasn’t the way Kent said, Todd. Ann was trying to get out of the backroom. She kept telling him she was married and loved you but Kent wouldn’t listen to reason. I still remember how patronizing he sounded. It was as if he thought her love was a childish thing. I was ready to step into the room, but she screamed and I heard footsteps. When I didn’t see her emerge from the room, I knew he had physically stopped her. I realized I was just a woman and I didn’t have the strength to stand up to a man. So I ran to the front door of the store. My intention was to go next door and get a man to help me. Fortunately, that’s when you showed up. I was relieved to see you. I wanted to explain what happened when I realized you misunderstood the situation, but you ran out of there so fast, I didn’t have a chance. Then Ann came out, and she looked distraught. Kent finally left, but he promised to come back for her.”

  My ears perked up at this announcement. Why hadn’t Ann mentioned this? Probably because she forgot it during the ordeal with me.

  “I think he meant it,” she continued. “It would be wise for her to be careful. I still get chills when I recall the look of satisfaction on his face, as if he enjoyed putting a wedge between you and Ann. Then I told Ann I heard everything.” She sighed, looking sheepish. “I don’t think she took that the right way, which I can understand, given my history of spreading gossip. This brings me to another reason why I am here today. I want to apologize for telling the town you stole money at the bank. I had no proof but found it such a tasty morsel of gossip, I didn’t resist spreading it. I don’t know who did it. But I am a changed woman. I have learned the error of my ways.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Carson,” I said. “I appreciate your coming out and telling me this.”

  Ann opened the kitchen door. “Good morning.”

  Her father and I stood up at her arrival.

  Her father waved her forward. “Come on in.”

  Mrs. Carson smiled at her. “I’m sorry I came so early. My spirit would not rest until I told your husband that you didn’t want to be with that man in the mercantile.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Carson,” she replied.

  “I feel much better. Now I can go home and sleep.”

  “I will see you at the store next week when I go in to help Mrs. Coley.”

  She nodded, said good-bye and left.

  My thoughts turned back to Mrs. Carson’s warning. Having her account of the events match so clearly with Ann’s made me aware that Kent did indeed plan to return. I recalled the way Ann explained her encounter with him in the store. She had been afraid of him. And for good reason. What if he didn’t come
for her when she was in the store next time? What if he came to this house? What if I wasn’t here when he did come? Who would protect her?

  It occurred to me that Ann was talking to her parents but I didn’t hear anything they said. I turned to her father who seemed to understand what was bothering me.

  “What should I do?” I asked him.

  “I wonder...” he pondered. His eyebrows furrowed. “Let’s discuss it outside. We may be overreacting so I’d rather not worry the women.” Turning to Ann and her mother, he said, “We will return soon.”

  I kissed Ann on the cheek before I followed her father out of the house.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ann’s Point of View

  After breakfast, we decided to visit John and Barbara. My father insisted on getting the sleigh and horses ready while my mother went to the guest bedroom to find some suitable jewelry to wear. She loved her necklaces and rings.

  Todd helped me with my coat. He paused, his hands on my hips. “I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered. He leaned over to kiss me.

  I loved the feel of his hair as I ran my fingers through the silky strands. When he pulled away, I realized my impulsive behavior had messed up his neatly combed hair. I smoothed his hair the best I could, but it was still messy. He didn’t seem to mind. When I saw we were still alone, I allowed my hands to descend from his neck to his chest. I found that I enjoyed our newfound intimacy.

  By the smile on his face, I could tell he liked it too. “Just wait until tonight,” he promised.

  I blushed, recalling how wonderful lovemaking was.

  Turning serious, he kissed me again. “I will do everything I can to keep you safe.”

  I frowned. “What is it, Todd? What’s wrong?”