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Awkward Marriage 50
Perhaps he felt giddy too. He unbuttoned her shirt, exposing the flesh under her collarbone. She didn’t wear a corset on the farm, and it made her feel exposed. Not that such a thing mattered. He was about to see her naked. He kissed her neck and let his mouth descend to her cleavage. She gasped as she held onto his arms. His beard tickled but his warm lips made her shiver in anticipation. Though she wore a chemise beneath her shirt, the feel of his hands as they cupped her breasts seemed to scorch her skin. She had no idea that her breasts were so sensitive. Her nipples hardened and an unfamiliar ache formed between her legs from his caress. She laid back on the bed so he could have better access to her bosom. But he didn’t continue as she thought he would. He stood up and removed his clothes, his face as serious as usual but with a certain intensity in his eyes that made her pulse quicken. He wanted her. Really wanted her. The way that men wanted women they desired
Awkward Marriage 51
Her mother seemed pleased with the compliment. “You’re winning everyone over,” Sue noted. “I’d better. I don’t want everyone ganging up on me,” he replied. After breakfast, he asked her to go into the bedroom with him so he could change into Jeremiah’s clothes. “I have some things I need to talk to you about before we work on the chores,” he told her before he changed. “You may want to sit down for this.” Noting the serious tone in his voice, she simply nodded and sat on the bed. He took out his briefcase. “Do you want the good news or bad news first?” She hadn’t expected this. “Why didn’t you tell me this last night?” “Because for once, I wanted to put pleasure before business.” “Alright.” She shrugged. “I’ll take the bad news first.” Might as well get it over with. He opened his briefcase and took out the envelope from Mr. Barnett and a folder. “I sat down and read this on Tuesday evening. My father left me and my mother when I was ten. He never said why. One morn
Awkward Marriage 52
Loak at the trees, concentrate on balancing on the horse, remember where your father’s cabin is. But whatever you do, don’t think of her. He couldn’t afford to take his focus off his mission. He knew that when he set the dynamite off, he would die with George and Brian. I can’t let them live to harm her. She must be able to live. Don’t think of her. Focus. Keep your mind on business. He followed George. Brian followed him, his gun pointed at him. “So, George, how did you get caught up into this life of crime?” he finally asked. He knew that Brian wouldn’t kill him as long as he didn’t know where the treasure was hidden. “Don’t answer him, George. He’s trying to throw you off track,” Brian warned. “What difference does it make?” George shrugged. “He’ll be dead by tomorrow anyway.” “True enough.” George slowed his horse so he was riding beside Jake. Jake struggled to maintain his balance on his animal. “As soon as word got out about your fathe
Awkward Marriage 53
Sue leaned against the seat in front of Brian. “Ya know, I was jist recallin‟ a time when I first rode the mighta rails. It was the summer o‟ 1869. Oh wait. That ain’t right. That was when I git me wisdom teeth pulled. Look in me mouth. Nit a single wisdom tooth a left, but that process, it sor did hurt me a somethin‟ awful. That dentist didn‟ give me anything.‟ No alcohol or nothin‟. I ain’t never filt a pain like that befor an‟ hope I won’t „gain. Thank goodness, that be over. Anywhoo, what was I a talking‟ „bout. Oh I „member. The first time I rode the rails. I was a wee lad like yoself. Shoo, son. Ya looking‟ like ya could be thirty. No more than thirty-one. How ol‟ ye be ya anyway?” “Who cares?” Brian was irritated. “Leave me alone. George, maybe we should sit somewhere else.” “Oh no,” Gloria quickly gasped. “I git a run in me stockings‟.” She bent over and lifted the hem of her dress up to her knee. Brian and George turned around to watch. Luk
Awkward Marriage 54
After the doctor had taken care of his wound, Jake answered the police’s questions, and from the information he provided them, they found Mr. Barnett tied and gagged in Brian’s cabin. Brian had planned to come by for him on his way to Michigan, figuring that between Mr. Barnett and Jake, he would uncover the whereabouts of the jewelry. He had not realized the jewelry had indeed been returned, just as Jake’s father had told him before his death. Jake was relieved to hear that Mr. Barnett was alright. He had feared the lawyer was dead. A month later, Jake felt well enough to go to the dance with Sue. His shoulder was still sore but it was healing nicely. After he and Sue shared a couple of dances, he went with Justin to discuss business with Mr. Connor, a new man in town. He was glad to see that the other men were finally leaving Sue alone. They simply smiled and nodded to her as she passed by. He liked having her all to himself. Mr. Edwards came up to them. “It’s official.
Awkward Marriage 55 - Wrong Husband
The courthouse is right up ahead.‖ Owen dug his heels into the dirt, but the sheriff lifted him by the shoulders and dragged him along, making him stumble a couple of steps before he found his footing and walked with him. ―What a joyous day this will be! Now Jenny can rest assured that her little boy will be safe.‖ ―Little boy? She has a child?‖ ―Don‘t act so surprised. That‘s why you two are getting married.‖ ―It is?‖ They stopped in front of the imposing building and the older man set his hands on Owen‘s shoulders. ―Now, I know you‘ve never been a family man before, but you‘re about to become one. I feel responsible for you, what with you being so young and all, but I know your ma raised you right. You‘ll do right by Jenny and Jeremy. They need you.‖ ―Uh...no, I don‘t think- ―Oh, here she comes. She‘s the one in the pretty white dress. She even sewed it herself.‖ Owen grabbed the sheriff‘s vest. ―You don‘t understand. I can
Awkward Marriage 56
Baton Rogue, Louisiana August 2,1876 Owen Russell held the cards firmly in his grip. Play it calm. You’re almost there. He eyed the money in the center of the round table. After seven hours of playing poker, it all came down to this moment. If I win this hand, Aunt Rachel will be financially stable again. The dim light in the saloon and the heavy smoke gave him a headache but he pressed forward. He hated being here. But he had to do this. If he didn‘t, his aunt would end up homeless. Ignoring the drunk patrons and the prostitutes lingering around, he straightened in his chair and focused on the cards in front of him. Forcing his attention from the whispers as people bet on who would win, he peaked at the clock. Almost five in the morning. Almost there. Just be calm. This game was too important. Out of the eight players who started the game, only he and Big Roy Hawke were left. A quick glance at Big Roy, aptly named for his overweight frame, notified him that the b
Awkward Marriage 57
Three days later Baton Rogue, Louisiana Owen was leaving the bait shop to go fishing at sunrise when he saw Big Roy‘s two cronies, Mitch and Lance, walking toward him. Despite the six men who lingered inside, talking and laughing, and the old man crossing the street from the pier to the shop, he felt isolated. He recognized the twin rail-thin brothers from the saloon. By the looks on their faces, he knew that they meant business...and that business was him. Without waiting for them to catch up to him, he bolted down the street. ―Come back here!‖ As if I’m that stupid! Owen didn‘t bother glancing back as he raced passed an elderly couple and a small group of men. A dog jumped in front of him, barking, and he tumbled, his fishing supplies flying out of his hands. He quickly debated picking them up, but the sound of eagerly approaching footsteps behind him made up his mind. Scrambling to his feet, he turned the corner of a street and ducked into an alley. He fou
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