VIII: DANIEL GARRETT

I want to dedicate this story to two blog mates, Cheriepye and Xtinabobina. Your generosity and support goes beyond the pale. I thank you. Cherie, thanks for the female sim in this story, she fit perfectly. And Xtina, here is the story you wanted, Daniel Garrett. And I named the female after you. Enjoy all.
And forgive the sensuality quotient here, I went all out. And had fun doing it.




Daniel Garrett

It was his, the papers signed and notarized at Luke Tyrell's law office that very morning. Daniel Garrett now had his own piece of property. Sam Fredericks' widow, Janelle, now married to Gabriel Grayson, had given him a fair price for it.

He turned and walked into the dirt road, and directly across the way was his older brother Lance and his family. Ideal, they could still breed horses together...but also separate.
It was time for Daniel to break out on his own, Lance and his wife Jane now had two children, The house was getting too small, now Daniel had his own place but close enough to still revel in his extended family.
All that was missing was a wife.
A family of his own.
He was not getting any younger.

Across town, Tanner Turley, new Deputy sheriff of Thunder Valley, brought his younger sister Christina to show her the house they were going to rent. It belongs to the Doctor, Forbes Corbett, but since he is out of town more than he is in it, Corbett took rooms at the boarding house instead of staying in his house. Tanner nodded toward the view. "Nice view of the town..." He observed.
Christina did not look, she was watching her older brother. They had been through...so much. Could they settle down, at last?

"Are you alright Tan?" Christina whispered softly, using her childhood name for him.
Tanner looked off, his face taut. "I suppose Tina, We will move in immediately, it is partially furnished, which will help. Perhaps a new start is what we need. I know...we have had fresh starts before, but I feel it this time, this one will stick."
Christina hoped so, she could see the closely guarded look on her brother's face, the thin sheen of misery just below his countenance. A fresh start...

Since meeting that handsome young cowboy outside the sheriff's office, a few weeks back, Christina had spoken to him a few more times. What possessed her to stop by his new ranch uninvited, she was not sure. It was early evening...

Daniel reached up to assist her down from her horse. The bolt that roared through him at that first touch was like nothing he ever experienced. Ever.

He did not lower her to the ground, not right away. Daniel was strong, he held her aloft, her arms encircled his neck, their lips mere inches apart. Slowly, he lowered her, her slim, willowy body skimmed his entire length, leaving sparks and flames in its wake.

He was having a definite reaction to her, they stared at each other for sometime, not speaking. He had only spoken to her a couple of times. Truly, she was quite lovely, creamy skin, her hair was almost the colour of his, only...richer, it almost shone with a glorious light...Christ! What was he doing? And thinking?
The sun would be going down soon, she should not be here, alone with him. Not at all.

Daniel did not know how it happened, he was showing her his horses, the stables, then he kissed her. Thoroughly.
Everything changed. Everything.
They divested themselves of their clothes, under the just risen full moon and a sky full of shimmering stars, they began to explore, caress. He sat her in a chair, and took off her stockings slowly, one at a time, he then stood behind her, his hands moving down her shoulders, cupping her breasts, then back to her shoulders.

"I want you, Christina..." He said hoarsely. What was compelling him? He never felt this way, with any woman. Not that he had a lot of experience, he never had a long-term relationship. He visited a few saloons over the years, a quick slam with a soiled dove, nothing more. But this...

Their noses touched, Her hands raised to touch his arms, she was looking at him, with those moist, brown eyes. He melted, heart and soul. "I want you..." he repeated. "I want to touch you again, may I?"
"Yes Daniel." She replied, breathlessly.

Sometime later:

What had he done? He had done more than touch her...He ravished the girl. Had he no self-control? He had no choice, he had to offer to marry her, it was the proper, honorable thing to do. He did not know her...at all. Was not even sure he liked her, let alone loved her.
She turned away, whether it was from shyness or disgust, Daniel was not sure. He felt miserable.
He took her on the grass, of all things. Outdoors. In the moonlight.

"We must marry..." he said, not keeping the misery from his voice.
Christina turned to face him then. "Is it so horrible a prospect Daniel?"
"I...I don't know. This should not have happened, I am so sorry." He whispered.
Christina reached up and touched his cheek. "I'm not sorry. And I will marry you Daniel..."

Daniel stood, reaching for her small hand. He brought her to her feet. She reached up and put her arm around his neck. Daniel thought by now she would have grabbed her clothes and run for the hills, but she did not. She leaned in close, her breasts rubbed against him, he could not stifle the low, ragged moan that escaped his lips. He closed his eyes, Damn...

He reached down, stroking her leg, the soft silky feel of her skin stirred him to life once again. She felt it, for she rubbed herself against him, a slow languid motion.
"Daniel..." she whispered. "Can we...can you..."
Oh God...he could.

She had been a virgin. He knew that, all the more reason for them to be married, he took her innocence. It seemed, she was eager to be rid of it.
Passionate, oh she was that. Daniel loved it, reveled in it.
"I can my sweet...I can." He whispered.

Afterward, he walked up behind her, and pulled her close. He closed his eyes, Christ, he could go again. Just being near her...he inhaled deeply...the smell of her, whatever soap she used, the feel of her...her skin. He could not get enough. Surely it would not stay this way after they married. This first flush of...what was it? Lust? Raw need? His need for her was like nothing he ever felt before.

Daniel spun her around and pulled her in his embrace. She smiled slightly. Her lips were red and swollen from his kisses.
Dare he suggest they make love again? No, they were outside, in his yard, anyone could see them, his brother and his family were not that far away. Scandalous. They could move inside his house, continue there...christen every room...Jesus.
He was out of control.

Daniel stepped away. The smile still on his face. Maybe she was right, it would not be so terrible a prospect. At least, their nights would be exhilarating, even if their days may not be.
"We will get married as soon as possible, then." He murmured. "Shall I see your brother?"
Christina smiled. "Come tomorrow Daniel. At supper."
She reached down for her dress and petticoats. "I...I should go..."

Daniel's face softened. "Are you...all right?"
She bit her lower lip. "Oh yes...I am. Truly."
Yes, Daniel, thought, not so terrible a prospect at all.

It was a quiet ride to her house, neither spoke. Daniel tethered the horses to the fence and walked her to the front entrance. He looked at the house, not a lamp lit in the place. "Is your brother home?"

Christina caught her breath. "Yes..." she lied. "He is no doubt abed, he had a long day." In truth Tanner was working, but it was too tempting to say he was not at home. For she would ask Daniel in. And she knew what would happen next. As if sensing her apprehension, as slight as it was, she heard Daniel ask in that whispery, sensual voice of his, "May I kiss you good-night, if I promise not to hold you?"
She wanted him to hold her, and oh so much more. Instead, she replied, "Yes...you may."

He reached down, cupping her cheek, and without moving his body, began to lower his head oh so slowly toward her waiting lips. Tentatively, she touched his arm, gently. It was solid, firm, muscular. Only an hour before, those arms held her, encircled her with their strength, loved her most thoroughly. The memory of what they did, burned still.

As soon as their lips touched, Daniel's promise disappeared as an early morning mist in the dawn sunlight. They both threw their arms around each other, and kissed each other soundly. Deeply.

Oh goodness, she could not get enough of him, what was the matter with her? She was moments away from taking his hand and taking him to her bedroom. She heard herself moan, and loudly. Daniel kissed her even more fiercely, if that were even possible, his tongue...magic.

It was Daniel that broke the kiss, he was smiling quite broadly. "Well, I did try. Not to touch you. I could not help myself."
Christina smiled in return. "Neither could I."

"I will come back tomorrow night, to speak with your brother. If he gives his permission...how old are you? I am 26." Daniel asked.
"I am 22, certainly the age of majority, I really do not need my brother's permission, but he will like that you asked." She replied.

"The sooner the better." he crooned huskily. "Us getting married."
Oh my, she could feel him, A rush of heat roared through her once again. She had to go in, now.
Before she did drag him to her bed. "Good-night...Daniel."

She ached all over, her skin tingled, burned, like it had a life of its own. Never had she felt so alive. Wasn't a young woman supposed to keep the man in question at arm's length, play it coy? She did not. Now she agreed to marry a virtual stranger, and what of her brother? He should not be alone. How terrible was she, not once did her thoughts go to Tan, and how her marrying and leaving would affect him. Perhaps he would be fine, she would not be that far away, a 6 minute ride.

Could Tan come with her? What would her new husband think of that?
What had she done??

The next morning:

Gideon was in shock. He did not just hear Dan was getting married. MARRIED?? His best friend..."Dan, I thought you only spoke to her a few times, marriage?"
Daniel smiled slightly. "Well things kind of...progressed."
Gideon smiled knowingly. "I see. Progressed."

"What about the school teacher Gid, anything 'progressing' there?" Daniel asked.
"No." Gideon answered flatly. He knew there was an attraction between him and the new school teacher, Edwina Paulson, it was evident on the cattle drive. He has not acted on it, why, he was not sure. "I'll stand up with you Dan, I'll stand with you 'till I drop. If this is what you want, I am with you."

Things were changing, far too fast. He wasn't even over his mother's death, when his older brother Sam died of blood poisoning. Now his best friend was getting married. Everything was changing.
Out of obligation, he offered his sister-in-law Janelle, his brother's widow, his hand in marriage, thank Christ, she turned him down. It was a rash offer, wasn't what Daniel doing rash? No doubt. But he would not talk his friend out of it.
And what of the school teacher? Maybe he should venture into the deep end of the pond. Or not.
Everything was changing.

To say Tan was not not happy at her betrothal was an understatement. He seethed and glowered at her all day. Told her she was rash, impetuous, devoid of common sense.
Maybe she was, when she suggested Tan come with her to the Garrett ranch, he categorically refused. "A rancher's wife?? Are you insane? You always said you would not be one of these frontier wives, worked into a early grave!" Tanner huffed.

True, she did say that. What did she know of bone-numbing farm work, nothing at all.
"He will work you from dawn to dusk, squeezing out his brats along the way..." Tanner continued. "Until you are aged far beyond your years, weary and miserable with squalling spawns hanging off your apron strings. It will be a wretched life, Tina, you know this."

Christina turned away, would it? All her mind could think of was being in his arms, his bed. She knew that was only a very small part, but maybe all the hard work would be worth it, if she had him...his body. And, maybe, someday...his love, perhaps.

As if reading her mind, Tanner sniffed, "You lust after this cowboy, no doubt tall and rugged. Really Tina. How base, how carnal. You do not have to marry the hayseed to slake your lust, dally with him, and throw to the hay pile...simple."

Before Christina could respond to her brother's crude remark, there was a knock at the door. Daniel.

She opened the door and the sight of him in his suit nearly took her breath away. Oh my, he made an effort, her heart swelled in her chest, how utterly wonderful. He truly was handsome, in a charming, boyish way. Yes, he was tall and rugged. How that appealed. But it was something else, she realized at that moment, she was in love with him, dear God. When did it happen?
She knew.
The first time he touched her, helping her down off her horse. It was then. She was lost.
She did not know him, not really, but she was in love with him nonetheless. He was a good man, she sensed it, knew it to the depths of her soul.

She led him into the parlour, Tanner did not get up right away, he merely glanced up from his book, looked Daniel over and sniffed.

They were both grinning like idiots. He really thought his sister far more intelligent than this. All that schooling, and for what? To throw it all away on some lowly horseman? No doubt spent his days ankle deep in horse shit.

Tanner rose and walked over to the cowboy, his face clearly showing his disdain. The man was tall, way over six feet in height by at least 4 or 5 inches, and he could be rugged if one were to categorize him so. Wonder if he can string two sentences together? Had his sister considered that, that the man may have cow shit for brains? She would spend the remainder of her life in a intellectual wasteland.
But what cut Tanner to the quick was his sister was leaving him. He would be alone. And that thought froze his heart.

"We shall be married day after tomorrow Tan, the Reverend Wilson will be marrying us. Daniel's brother and mother and their families and his best friend will be there. I want you there Tan, you are the only family I have, I love you dearly. Say you will come." Christina whispered with great emotion.

Tanner turned away, the emotions roaring through him. What could he say? If his sister was determined to marry this cow puncher, wallow in the muck and hay, what could he say?
"I will be there..." He said flatly.

It was done, the vows spoken, the register signed, a quick wedding luncheon and best wishes all around, A quick buggy ride back out to Daniel's small ranch/farm. He reached down and carried Christina across the threshold. It was late afternoon, what do they do now?
Wait until the sun set?

To hell with that. Daniel lowered her to the floor and immediately kissed her.
Now. He wanted her now.
His insides rocked and lurched.
Her lips met his with such fervent passion that he felt dizzy with desire.

He picked her up and practically ran to the bedroom, they frantically stripped the clothes off each other, seemingly endless layers, feeling the burning touch as they undid buttons.

"You are so incredibly beautiful..." he whispered.

Tenderness fought with burning desire as he lowered her onto the pillows.
He wanted today to be exquisite and as joyful as he could possibly make it. He was not blessed with a vast experience, but with her, he felt like Casanova.
Skilled, thorough, and wild.

Christina felt everything go warm as his hands roved lovingly over her, playing every nerve, exploring every inch.
It was pleasure...and sheer fiery torment.

And when they joined it was even more intense than the first time, that heated encounter on the grass.
Her body caught his rhythm, and they rode it together.

Afterward, They cuddled silently, hands locked together...there were no words.
Nothing could possibly describe what just happened.
It was enough to be there, together, holding each other, knowing there would be more nights...and days like this.

Daniel whispered reverently of their passion, when at last he did find his voice.
But he did not speak of love.

Christina awoke early the next morning, a naked Daniel still sleeping quite soundly next to her. She gulped deeply at the glorious sight, slowly extricating herself from his embrace, dressed and went out into the living area. She really did not get a good look around the ranch house before she was whisked away to the bedroom. Where was her trunk, even?

Sparsely furnished. Very rustic. She looked around for a book, something to pass the time until Daniel awoke...there was not one book! Dear heaven, could he even read? Was he some dumb farm hick as her brother predicted? She did not even bother to find out...anything...about him!
The prospect chilled her somehow. She always dreamed she would be married to someone she could have long, intellectual discussions with!

Daniel yawned and stretched, putting his arms behind his head. Christina was up already, no doubt getting his breakfast. Yes, he could get used to this. Having a woman in his bed, every night, and one in his house everyday, looking to his needs...in all ways. He smiled as he remembered all that passed between them yesterday. They were in the bed...for hours.
Damn, he was hungry! Good thing Lance offered to see to the horses this morning.
Daniel sniffed the air, hoping to smell bacon cooking, or coffee...or eggs.
Nothing.

Daniel pulled on a pair of jeans and went out into the parlour, there she sat...doing nothing. She looked up and smiled at him, God, it sent a roil of desire through him. Food. He needed food. Food first.

"Christina! Breakfast not ready?" He asked, his stomach grumbling in unison.
Her eyebrows knotted. "Breakfast? I was waiting for you."
Wasn't that sweet. "Well, I am awake now, you can start anytime..."
She looked shocked. "Me? Start? Daniel...I can't cook!"

He was stunned. Not cook? He thought all women knew how to cook! "W...what?" He managed to mumble.
"I thought you would have a housekeeper to do these...these chores. I do not cook, nor do I wish to." She replied matter-of-factly. "Can't you cook breakfast?" She smiled sweetly.

"Yeah...I can cook eggs...but that is beside the point! In the mornings I have the horses to see to, I can't be in here cooking breakfast!"
She shrugged. "Then I guess you will have to hire someone."

Now he was over the shock of her words, now he was getting annoyed. "I am not 'hiring someone'. I am married now. It is your duty to see to the meals. If you do not know how to cook, then you will learn. No time like the present." In two long strides he was over to the sofa and grabbed her arm, gently lifting her to her feet. "Come with me...the kitchen is through that door."

Christina gasped. How dare he manhandle her? "But...I don't want to...Tan and I always got our meals out, can't we go into town, to the hotel..."
"No." Daniel said firmly. "I will show you what to do." He gave her a gentle shove through the kitchen door.

Christina was miffed. She stood, her hand on her hip and snarled. "Daniel, I told you. I don't want to cook!"
Daniel began slicing the bacon. "Stop complaining and watch what I am doing, it is not that hard. I expect breakfast every morning by 6:30 AM, lunch at noon, at supper anytime after 6 PM."

Ooooo!! She was livid! "And where is my trunk?"
Daniel glanced over at her fancy dress. "I will go get it after breakfast, hope you have a more sensible skirt for doing the housework and other chores."
Christina blanched. "Chores? What other chores?"

Daniel broke some eggs in a bowl. "Whatever it is women do, clean the house, see to the chickens, cook, bake, wash clothes..."
He droned on, listing all sorts of mundane activities, like butter churning and soap making. WHAT!?
Tan's words came back to haunt her..."working you from dawn to dusk, squeezing out his brats along the way..." NOOO!


"See? It is not that difficult. I like my yokes cooked hard, can't stand runny eggs..." He continued on. Christina felt sick to her stomach. She sniffed the air. All she could smell, was horse excrement, the odor was all through the house! She gagged. "Can't we do something...about that smell...?"

Daniel laughed. "Sorry, this is a working farm/ranch, nothing we can do about the smell. I may need your help some afternoons, mucking out the stalls..."
Christina was utterly appalled. She looked over at him, he was smiling! He was enjoying this! Miserable man!

Christina took a seat, she felt as if her legs were going to give out. This was not to be borne!
She cleared her throat. "I...I tried to find a book to read this morning, do...do you not have any?"

"Books? Why would I want those dust collectors? I can't read worth a lick, no need to." Of course, Daniel was teasing, he was a voracious reader, all his books were still across the road over at Lance's, he had not a chance to move them over.

But Christina thought he was serious. She did not know Daniel at all, was not aware of his wry sense of humor. He was teasing her about a lot of the chores too. But she did not know that. All of the sudden she lost her appetite. She felt sick to her core. She was married to a illiterate, dumb rancher. Who was going to make a work horse...and broodmare out of her.

Daniel brought over the bacon and eggs, He looked at his bride, she sat stock-still, her eyes were moist. He shouldn't of teased her so, but he could not help it. She really had no clue what was expected in running a ranch, even one as small as his. They married so quickly. They were strangers. In all ways but one. He was about to tell her he was teasing about the books, and mucking out the stalls and such, until she spoke.

"I...I want to go back to my brother. I...I can't stay here. With you. This was a mistake, all of it."
Daniel almost dropped the plate of eggs and bacon. "Christina..."

He gently led her over to the other side of the table, putting a fork in her hand. "Eat while it is hot."
He sat and began to eat as well, but the food had no taste. Her words still ringing in his ears.

"I am sorry Daniel. it is my fault, I never should have said yes to your proposal of marriage. This life is not for me, it is not what I envisioned for myself, working on a ranch, married to a man who can't even read..." Her voice trailed off. She should not have said that, but she could not help the way she felt. She was blinded by his good looks and glorious body. And his astounding lovemaking. It was not enough, it would never...be enough. Not for her.

Daniel said nothing. Finally, he said, "Suit yourself, after breakfast, I will take you back to your brother."

Daniel helped her into the wagon and set out for the other side of town.

If she wanted to leave, then fine. He had no idea she was so...spoiled. And prejudiced. Be damned if he was going to set her straight now. Let her think he was some illiterate shitkicker with hay between his teeth. A lot of people could not read...or write. He was lucky his mother insisted he and Lance got an education. Hell, he almost went to university, he was no dummy!
How dare she? Whom did she think she was? Her and that haughty brother of hers! Who needs her! He can get his own damned breakfast, he had been ever since he moved into his new place. To hell with her!

She looked over at Daniel, she could feel the hot, simmering anger radiating off him. She watched as his muscles bunched and knotted under his shirt as he worked the reigns. She gulped deeply. She was shameless, she married this man in haste, because she lusted after him. It wasn't love at all, how could she have been so blinded? Or was it? She was so confused. her feelings...muddled.

But yet, something deep inside ached. She did not really think he would take her back to her brother's, but here he was. Did last night mean nothing to him? How did everything get so muddled? She felt tears form in her eyes again. Why did the thought of being alone in bed...without Daniel...fill her with such sadness? Surely they could overcome their differences...or could they?

Daniel pulled the wagon into the Turley yard. Without speaking, he helped her down from the wagon, then quickly stepped away, as if physical contact would burn him. They stood, staring at each other.
What now? Escort her straight to her brother? Run right to Luke Tyrell for a divorce? Dammit, she was his wife. In all ways. They had consummated their marriage. Many times. They were married.

In two steps, they were in each others arms. Daniel moaned aloud, not hiding his desire.

They kissed. Christina's breath fluttered in her throat, like the very air surrounding her was thinner.
This stranger, this husband...she was held mute by the beauty of his touch, the depth of his kisses.
This man...who could have stepped right out of her dreams. That ache was back, that ache of lust and passion. And only he stirred it in her.

Daniel broke the kiss and stepped back. "Come home with me Christina, we can work this out, talk this out. We can make this work. You cannot deny there is something...between us. Something rare. Something extraordinary. We should not be so quick to throw it away."

Oh God, she could not think straight when he looked at her, when he touched her. Or kissed her.


He reached up and grabbed her face, pulling it close to his lips, his thumbs stroking her chin.
Christina closed her eyes, his hot, passionate breath feathered her cheeks. "Come home...to my bed, my arms. Nothing else matters, except that we be together. I want you Christina...like I have wanted no other woman before..."

She couldn't. He was temptation itself. But her pride, her resolute stubbornness would not give in to her baser needs. Her brother was right, she should have slaked her lust, then walked away.
She could not, would not accept the life he offered. Endless drudgery, with a man she did not respect. And God help her, she could not respect a man who could not match her intellectually.

She was not aware of just how snobbish she sounded. But then, she and Tanner always thought they were better than everyone else. Perhaps it was a protective measure, to protect themselves from the hurt and disappointment they have had to endure. It was easier to hold oneself apart from others if one thought they were above others.
Whatever the reason, she replied. "No Daniel. I can't."

Daniel did not argue, did not ask why. Did not even say good-bye.
He simply turned on his heel and headed toward his wagon.
If anyone matched Christina in resolute stubbornness, it was Daniel.
They really did not know each other...at all.

Almost a week had gone by, and Christina had not heard from Daniel. She stayed in her room, alternately crying and pounding her pillow in frustration.
She thought...she hoped, he would come and plead for her to come back to him.
But he did not.

Tanner walked into her room. "So this is where you plan to stay, mooning over your idiot cowboy. What did he do to you, Christina."

"He did nothing. I made a mistake, that is all." She replied dully.
"Oh, really. I could have told you that. But you married him Christina. It is done. You are his wife, and he your husband. Unless I am to understand you did not consummate your marriage..."
Christina exhaled. "Yes. we did." Oh my, did they ever.

"So he was not everything you imagined, is that it? Disappointing in bed? Or was he cruel in his taking of you?" Tanner whispered.

"It was wonderful..." she sighed.
"Then I fail to see why you are here brooding. It is your bed Christina, you made it, so lie in it. With him. Tomorrow morning I will be taking you back to your husband, where you belong. You are being childish. I have indulged you too much, I believe. It is time to take responsibility for your actions." He laughed sardonically. "I know, quite ironic coming from me. It is time we grew up...the both of us."
Christina started to argue.
"No, my dear. It will be done."

Daniel had been working like a demon possessed him. Anything to forget Christina. And the fool he had made of himself. He took her, right here on the grass, then impulsively asked her to marry him, because no other woman made him feel they way she did.
He told himself at the time it was honor, maybe guilt at seducing her. But that was not it, not really.
He acted as a callow, untried youth. Which, he supposed, he was. Idiot!!

"Uncle Dan!" a youthful, vibrant voice called out.
Daniel wiped his forehead and looked up, it was his nephew, 5 year old Whitman, and his brother Lance. He nodded at them both, exhaling a ragged breath.
Lance could see the look on his younger brother's face. "Whitman, run over to see if Ma needs your help, I need to talk to Uncle Dan."
Whitman nodded and scampered off.

"What happened Daniel? Where is your wife? Jane was waiting for her to call a few days ago, she never showed up. I haven't been over, thinking to give you sometime alone with your new bride.."

"She wanted to go home to her brother. So I took her. haven't seen her in a week." Daniel snapped.
Lance exhaled. "You want to talk about it?"
"Not particularly. I made a mistake. I let desire rule my brain. Never again." Daniel replied.

Lance shook his head. "You always were a stubborn cuss, Ma always said so. Have you gone to speak to her about this? She might be able to give you a female's perspective..."

"Ma is wrapped up in her life with Trent Buchanan to be bothered with me. " Daniel sniffed.
Lance shook his head in disbelief. "Like I said, stubborn. Ma is happy Dan. Trent is a fine man. Why can't you accept it. Accept him?"

"Ma almost died when she had that miscarriage 2 years ago! She is too old to be having anymore children, Buchanan should be leaving her alone!" Daniel snapped.

"You really know nothing about marriage, and being responsible for another person, do you Dan?" Lance said softly. "Trent nursed you back to health, when you had the smallpox, put his own life in danger. He did not do it for you, he did it for Ma, because he loved her more than his own life. That is marriage Daniel. Sacrifice. Devotion. Love. And yes, desire. If you only feel one of these things, perhaps it is better you end it."

"I...I appreciated what Trent did. I was even starting to like him, until Ma almost died. Yes, I blamed him. You're right, what in hell do I know about any of it? Love, marriage...Christ, I feel stupid."

"Ask yourself, how do you feel? If it is worth fighting for, then fight for it Daniel. If it isn't, end it. Simple as that. It is not complicated. Think on it, then make a decision." Lance patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "And if you need to talk, come on over. Jane could help too."
Daniel nodded. "I will think on what you said."

That night, after he wore himself ragged from work, Daniel drew a hot, steaming bath. Lowering his muscular frame into the wooden tub, it was a tight fit. He really should get a bigger tub, maybe with indoor plumbing. Maybe a tub big enough...for two.
He smiled slightly at the thought.
Lance gave him a lot to think about. Could they share more than the obvious physical explosion between them? Did he want to even try?


He sat on the edge of the tub, hoping no wood slivers would work their way into the most fleshy part of him.
His hand ran up and down his arm, a nervous habit from when he was a kid.
He looked down at the glint of gold on his finger. He was married. And he found, to his everlasting astonishment, he wanted to stay married.
To her.

Now dressed and still rubbing his arm, he went into the pantry, time to think about supper. He was tempted to just slip across the road and eat with Lance and Jane and the kids, but he wanted to be alone.
He had to think, to reason this out.
Love? He was genuinely confused. But what they shared...it had to have some basis in love, didn't it?
That kind of melding of body and soul did not just happen...or did it?
The sound of nickering horses and jingling harnesses interrupted his thoughts, who was that? Must be 8PM!

"Garrett. Good. I have brought your wife back to you. Quite churlish of you to deposit her on my doorstep. Not even married 24 hours. Regardless, she is your responsibility, not mine. Legally and otherwise. I was going to bring her back in the morning, but she insisted if it was to be done, better to get it over with."

Daniel felt his anger bubble, God, her brother was a snobbish bastard. And get it over with?? Is that how she saw it, as some chore, some horrid task??

Tanner motioned over his shoulder. "There she is, look how proudly she sits." Tanner's voice softened. "She has been miserable all week, Garrett. In turns, angry, then crying her heart out. I am not sure what happened between you, but I advice you talk to her. She can be stubborn, prideful. Willful even, and rash. Look at her decision of marrying you. But Garrett, I do say to you, that Christina is really a lovely girl. Give her a chance. You will not be sorry."
Daniel nodded. He could not speak.
"I have put her trunk over by the barn." Tanner yelled over his shoulder. "Christina! Come! You are home now."

Tentatively, Christina walked toward Daniel, she kept her eyes downcast. Truly, she was secretly ashamed of the way she acted. Tanner was right, it was time to grow up. She turned and watched her brother's departure.

Daniel started to walk toward her, she looked up finally, and she saw tenderness in his eyes. Tanner was right. This was her husband. This was her life now.
And she found, that did not fill her dread.

"Oh Daniel, I am so sorry! I behaved...horribly! I guess...I was afraid. Of everything. We really don't know each other..." She began, her voice shaking with emotion.

"Would it matter to you if I could read or not?" He asked gently.

"No, not really. I guess I used it as an excuse, to run. So much happened, so quickly. And...and I was afraid, of what I was feeling...for you..."

Daniel backed her up against the side of the house, his hand on the wall. He leaned in close, very close. "And what are you feeling...my love?"

Oh, that endearment made her heart want to burst. She reached up and put her arms around him. "I don't know you...but...but I love you Daniel, does that make sense?"

He sighed deeply, laying his cheek next to hers. "I will let you in on a secret or two, I was teasing when I said I could not read, I actually own hundreds of books, they are still at my brothers. Shall I quote Byron to you to prove the point?"

"They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee too well:
Lond, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell. "

Christina gasped. She loved Byron!

"And I was also teasing you about all those chores, I am sure we can work something out, perhaps cook breakfast together, until you get the hang of it...work out the rest."

He backed away and took her hand, kissing it passionately. "Let me court you, as we did not really have a courtship. For I find I am in love with you Christina. 'Yet did I love thee to the last, As fervently as thou'."

His sensuous lips caressed her knuckles, she felt her knees giving away. This glorious man, was hers. Her own Byron quoting, rugged, handsome cowboy.

He scooped her up in his arms. "Let us begin again Christina, I am bringing you home, to our house, we were just married...I am going to carry you across the threshold. And take you to my bed. Can we begin again?"

Christina threw her arms around his neck. "Yes...Yes Daniel."
"And then..." he whispered huskily. "Later, we will muck out the stalls..."
Christina laughed joyously.

~THE END~

Coming soon, Kane McCullough...