by Danni Roan
"Did you get hurt?" Her eyes were wide with worry.
"Nah, I ain't quite that clumsy," he said, stepping into the room. "I'm afraid you're gonna have more mending to do, though," he added, placing his hands on her shoulders and gazing into her eyes. "Hope you won't mind."
Sadie smiled, surprising herself. "I don't mind. It's nice that I can do something for you." She blushed brightly, realizing that they were standing alone in their bedroom and wondering if the words could be taken the wrong way.
"You do lots of things for me," Ed's voice purred, "I especially like the cookies." His grin was bright.
"Oh, cookies, is it?" Sadie bantered. "I'll have you know, Edward Hampton, that I'm good for more than making cookies." Her teasing tone seemed to spring from her earlier embarrassment.
"I certainly think you are," he agreed, leaving her speechless. "You're good company, and a wonderful mother, and pretty easy on the eyes as well."
Sadie looked up at him, surprised at his words.
Ed's lips seemed to find hers all on their own. He wanted to kiss her senseless, to force the worry lines that gathered around her beautiful eyes away.
The kiss seemed to go on and on but Sadie didn't pull away as his hands ran along her arms, making her shiver.
Heart pounding as his pulse heated, Ed pulled away, not wanting to frighten her. "I'd better change and get back to work," he growled, his voice husky.
"Of course." Sadie’s voice was a small squeak as she scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Ed leaned his head against the high top of the tall bureau, considering thumping it there a few times. He had promised himself he wouldn't put any pressure on her, he'd give her time to settle in, adjust, be friends again.
Taking a trembling breath, he pulled a pair of clean denims from the drawer and stepped out of his damaged ones. He was certainly grateful that he hadn’t bought the pants too tight, as he stomped back into his boots.
Sadie leaned against the door she'd closed behind her and tried to catch her breath. Why had Ed kissed her? He'd done it before but this was different, this was a kiss between a man and a woman, not the chaste kiss he'd shared with her on the wagon ride home from church.
She could feel her heart pounding even as her body warmed. There was no doubt that she was still a woman, even if she’d changed over the years.
Perhaps instead of breeding contempt, familiarity could foster desire. "That must be it," she sighed. "Being so close..." She let the thought fade not brave enough to explore the possibilities.
Chapter 8
“Mama, look at me!” Faith called to her mother as she walked out of the house, a bundle of newly mended items in her hand.
“Faith.” Sadie’s heart fluttered with fright as she watched her daughter perched high on the back of a large horse.
“Sadie.” Ed turned, grinning at his wife. “Faith’s a natural.”
Moving to the fence, Sadie watched her little girl, hands twined in the horse’s mane as she moved around the small enclosure with Ed.
“Be careful, baby,” she said, one hand rising toward her throat nervously.
The big horse moved slowly around, then more sharply when Ed turned toward Sadie. As the animal planted its rear hoof and pivoted, Faith began to slip sideways and Sadie cried out.
Ed’s hand darted out, steadying the little girl, who giggled. “Don’t worry, little darlin’.” he drawled, “I’ll always catch you.” He turned his head, his eyes resting on Sadie and handed Faith down.
“You scared me,” Sadie said, hugging her daughter.
“You don’t have to worry, Mama, Ed’s good with horses.” She looked up at him adoringly, her innocent face full of admiration.
In the month they’d been on the ranch, the girl had grown confident and smiled often.
“Maybe we’ll get you a pony,” Ed said, leaning on the fence rail and smiling at Sadie. “Just a little one though.” His eyes twinkled, showing he understood how he had worried her.
“A very slow one,” Sadie suggested, a soft grin gracing her face.
Ed reached out and took Sadie’s hand, running his thumb over the softness of it. “Whatever you want,” he agreed. “Maybe one of these days I’ll even get you to ride with me.”
“Could Mama ride a horse, too?” Faith asked.
“Sure, we’ve got lots of horses on the ranch.” His eyes caressed Sadie’s face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you ride before, Sadie,” he finished.
“No, I’m afraid I’m a little nervous around horses.”
“The way to get comfortable with something is to spend more time with it.” Ed’s voice had dropped to a low purr. “Get to know all about it.”
Sadie met Ed’s eyes, realizing he was trying to say something more to her, but afraid to accept it.
“Faith, do you want to walk down to the bunk house with me to deliver these things?” Sadie asked, avoiding any further conversation as she offered her daughter her hand.
“Maybe we’ll see Mr. Bayer,” the girl said. “He keeps candy in his pockets.”
Sadie smiled, laughter bubbling in her. “You don’t say.”
Ed watched as Sadie and Faith turned, walking between the barn and the wagon shed toward the bunkhouse. His eyes were drawn to Sadie’s soft curves and a shiver rand down his spine. Living with that woman was going to drive him crazy in the best possible way.
“Can I count the money, Mama?” Faith asked as they began the trek back to the house. “I can count pretty well now.”
“I’ll help,” Sadie offered, placing the coins in her daughter’s hand and listening as Faith counted the number of shiny disks.
“I like it here Mama,” The girl said, ending on number nine. “I like Mr. Ed, too.”
“I’m glad, sweetheart,” Sadie replied, a lump growing in her throat. She would do her best to make sure that they never had to leave, but she would also work to build her own security. She jingled the coins in her hand, placing them in her pocket.
***
“How was your day?” Ed asked that night as he put out the light and climbed into bed.
“Fine.” Sadie offered, snuggling into the blankets. “I got all the mending caught up, but your men seem to be able to damage their clothes consistently.”
“Did you do anything else?” he asked. He had been out with the herd and had missed seeing her at lunch.
“Faith and I went for a walk, and we did her lessons. She likes the books you got her last week.”
Ed smiled, stretching his arms above his head. Sadie was so close; he could feel the tickle of her hair on his biceps. “I always liked books,” he commented.
Shifting slightly, he wrapped an arm around her and rolled her toward him, holding her gently.
Sadie stiffened for a moment, but when Ed didn’t make any other move, she nestled into his side. Tension she’d carried with her for years eased and she took a moment to enjoy being held.
“We have a load of horses needing to be trained,” Ed said, his voice vibrating through Sadie’s ear, where it rested against his chest. “It’s going to be a busy few weeks.”
“What will you do with the horses?” she asked, curious about his livelihood.
“Sell most of them. My uncle had good stock and we can always sell our surplus horses. Sometimes the livery in town even buys a few to keep for rental horses.”
He shifted again, pulling her closer. “Horses are still needed all over and the military buys a good many of them. We could do with a contract again.”
For a moment Sadie stiffened. Was the ranch in trouble?
“We’re doing alright, don’t get me wrong,” Ed said, his hand running lazily up her arm. “I probably should have come back a little earlier though, someone has to be ready to make the big decisions.” His voice was thoughtful. “I just felt I had some thing more important to do first.”
Sadie listened to Ed, feeling the vibe and timbre of his voice roll through her. His rough hand s
liding up and down her arm was soothing and she felt drowsy, her eyes drooping.
Ed listened to Sadie’s soft, even breathing and tightened his arms around her. Just holding her was satisfying. Her lush softness seemed to mold to the hard angles of his body. He tipped his head and kissed her brow.
Ed had always known that Sadie was the girl for him. Why had he waited so long to act? He could have saved her so much grief. He should have told her. Again, he blessed her with a soft kiss as he drifted off to sleep.
***
“Edward, stop your squirming,” Mrs. Crumps grumbled, holding his arm up and wiping away the blood that ran to his elbow.
“I can’t believe I was so careless,” Ed gritted. “I’ll be useless for a week at least.”
“You’ll be useless longer than that if you don’t quit fighting.” The woman glared at him as she examined the deep cut across his palm. “Barbed wire is unforgiving at the best of times.”
Ed drew in a deep breath just as Sadie stepped into the kitchen, her eyes going wide with fright.
“What happened?” Her voice was choked.
“I was running a fresh line with the puller and my hand slipped.” Ed’s eyes flashed with frustration.
“Is it bad?” Sadie asked, her heart pounding with worry.
“Not if he listens and does what he should.” Mrs. Crumps’ unforgiving voice was harsh, as she daubed the red essence of Mercurochrome over the wound, making Ed flinch.
“Hand me that dressing,” the housekeeper said, lifting her hand toward Sadie, who picked up the white strips of cloth. “Put your finger there,” Mrs. Crumps continued, nodding toward the knot she’d started. “We don’t want this coming off.”
Ed hissed as the bandage was pulled tight, then looked up at Sadie. “Don’t worry,” he grinned. “It’ll heal, but now I have an excuse to stay home with you all day.” He winked, making Sadie smile in return.
Ed did stay around the house for the next few days as summer rolled toward autumn. Along the edges of the hills, trees began to turn from green to gold and an early morning nip could be felt in the air.
It was nice spending time with her old friend. He would sit in the parlor with her, reading while she mended clothing or played with Faith. In the evenings, he asked her to stroll with him and bit by bit she felt the bond between them strengthening.
The man who had once been such a friend was becoming more. Sadie could no longer deny she found him attractive or that she hoped that just perhaps he might grow to see her as more that the school-chum she had been.
“What are you thinking about?” Ed asked as they walked along a worn path behind the house, her hand tucked comfortably in the crook of his arm.
“Nothing really,” Sadie said, gazing around at the open land. “It’s just nice to have a few minutes to walk, or find a bit of rest.”
“I’m sorry you had such a hard time of it before,” Ed offered, laying his hand over hers as they continued to walk. “You’re very special, Sadie.”
He glanced at her from under dark lashes, wondering what she might say.
“I’m glad I said yes.” Her voice was small and she didn’t look up at him.
Ed Hampton stopped, turning toward the young woman who had been a friend to him when no one else would be.
Gently cupping her face, he lifted it toward him as he studied her eyes. “I’m glad you said yes,” he whispered as his lips met hers.
Sadie leaned into the kiss, forgetting her doubts and worries for the moment as Ed kissed her, instead letting hope and joy fill her.
Ed lingered over the kiss, feeling the softness of Sadie’s hair in his hands, the warmth of her pressed against him, the passion in her kiss, as his heart soared with a heady joy.
“Sadie,” he whispered, breaking the kiss and leaning his forehead against hers. “I’m not very good with words or promises, or any of this romance stuff, but I want you to know that I’ve cared for you for so long.”
Sadie’s heart was racing. The kiss had done strange things to her, but Ed’s words seared through her, making her shiver. She wanted to believe him. She had always trusted Ed; he had been there through thick and thin, never demanding, never asking more than she could give.
“Do you understand?” Ed’s voice was a caress.
Sadie nodded and the man before her opened his eyes with a smile. “I want you to be my wife, Sadie. My real wife.”
Sadie leaned into his strong arms. Could she try? Could she give her heart to him? He’d asked nothing of her. She pulled back, studying his face. He was a handsome man and her heart skipped with hope as she nodded.
Chapter 9
Ed whistled his way down the stairs the next day to find Sadie already up to her elbows in cookie dough.
“Morning,” he drawled lazily, leaning over and kissing her on a blushing cheek.
She’d woken early, feeling content and cared for as she crept down the stairs to start a batch of his favorite cookies.
“Good morning,” she said shyly. “Are you hungry?”
As if in answer, Ed scooped out a dollop of batter on his finger, popping it into his mouth. “Mm, mm, sweet. Just like you.”
“Don’t you have work to do?” Mrs. Crumps growled from the cook stove, making both of them grin.
“Where’s Faith?” Ed asked, looking about.
“She doesn’t seem to want to get up this morning,” Sadie said, her cheeks still rosy.
“I’ll get her.” Ed turned with a wink and headed back up the stairs. Making love to Sadie the night before had been like touching heaven. He couldn’t remember feeling happier.
“Faith,” he called, knocking on the girl’s door, “breakfast is ready.”
The little girl moved to her door, her blonde hair sticking up in every direction as she yawned. “Mornings come too early,” she grumbled, but took the hand he offered.
“After breakfast, do you want to go for a ride with me?” he asked, noting how her eyes opened wide, bringing her fully awake.
“Can we?” she asked, “Do you think Mama will let me?” She sounded serious again.
“I’m sure she will,” Ed stated. “Soon we’ll have your mother riding horses to.”
Faith smiled, her eyes bright with wonder.
“Mama, Ed wants to take me riding after breakfast. Please say yes.” the girl cried, entering the kitchen and racing to her mother’s side.
“I don’t think you can go in your night dress,” Sadie joshed, “but if you eat well and get dressed, I’ll let you go.” Her dark eyes met Ed’s and she smiled; his heart skipped knowing that she was not simply agreeing, but trusting him to look after Faith.
Breakfast was a cheerful meal with even Mrs. Crumps enjoying the lighthearted banter between the couple.
“What will you do today?” Ed asked as he finished his meal, his eyes falling on Sadie with affection.
“I’ve got mending to do again and I might make up a nice dessert.” She cut her eyes to Mrs. Crumps, who nodded.
“Best make extra so I can send some to the men,” the housekeeper said. Ed chuckled and kissed Sadie on the cheek as he and Faith turned to go.
***
“That’s it,” Ed spoke softly, watching Sadie holding tight to the saddle horn as she sat on the old mare. It had taken him two days to convince her to try riding around the corral, but as the minutes ticked by, she was finding her balance.
“Like this?” she questioned, taking her eyes off the horse’s ears and looking at him.
“Yes, just settle in the saddle and relax.” He grinned as he held tight to the long line, guiding the horse around in a wide circle.
“It’s just so far up,” she said, giving the old horse a tentative pat.
“You’re doing good, Mama,” Faith added from where she stood on the corral rails. “It’s so fun riding a horse.”
Sadie had her doubts that she would ever find it fun, but as a rancher’s wife she felt she should at least know how to stay on a horse if she h
ad to.
“Too far up huh?” a gruff voice called, moving around the corner of the barn, leading a shaggy pony by a lead, “maybe this one’s more to your liking,” Bayer growled, his eyes twinkling.
“A pony!” Faith squealed, jumping down and running to the small animal.
Ed turned his head, grinning, the line in his hand going slack.
Sadie grunted as the horse came to a quick stop, throwing her over the animal’s neck slightly. “Ed!” she cried.
“Sorry,” Ed apologized, moving to help her down. “I wasn’t looking.” He turned his head back to the little girl who was holding her hand for the pony to sniff.
With one arm around his wife, he moved to where the big man stood next to a little bay pony.
“Where’d you get him?” Ed asked. “I didn’t think you’d find a pony so quick.”
“Some fella in town,” Bayer replied. “His girl’s grown out of ponies and is more interested in beaus now.” He grinned.
“Is he mine?” Faith’s voice was full of wonder.
“He is,” Ed said, squatting down to her level. “If it’s alright with your mother.” He looked up at Sadie for confirmation.
“At least she’ll be a lot closer to the ground,” Sadie smiled.
“Thank you, thank you.” Faith threw herself into her mother’s arms, then turned and hugged Ed tight. “I love him.” She turned back to Bayer. “Can I go for a ride?”
“Sure, little lady,” the big man replied, helping her up onto the saddle.
“She’s so happy,” Sadie offered, turning to Ed, her eyes shining. “Thank you.”
Ed pulled her close, kissing her softly. “She’s a rancher’s daughter now,” he smiled. “She needs her own pony.”
A soft joy trickled down into Sadie’s heart as she realized just how happy being Ed’s wife had made her.
“Tomorrow we’ll go into town and she can ride her pony if she wants to.”
“That sounds nice.” Sadie smiled, wrapping an arm around his waist.
