by Reece Butler
Jessie looked down at her flowers. Ace wondered if she would give in or let him win this battle but keep her determination to win the war? She thrust out her chin and set her shoulders back.
“I do.”
“I now pronounce you man and wife. Kiss the bride and seal the agreement.”
Jessie handed her flowers to Bridie with a sweet smile. It was gone by the time she raised her face to him. “This better be worth it, husband.”
Ace rested his hands on her waist. He tugged her forward until she pressed against his body. He knew when she realized what pressed against her belly by the way her eyes widened. She gulped, and then set her jaw once more.
He turned his head and nibbled her neck from her ear to her shoulder. While doing so he turned so his back faced the family and friends. Then he dropped his hands to her bottom. He took a cheek in each palm and squeezed. She squeaked and grabbed his biceps. He caught her open mouth with his and let her taste his tongue. She moaned and wrapped her arms around him. He lifted one knee, let it rest between her thighs and rubbed. She moaned louder and sucked his tongue deep.
“That’s enough for now,” said Sin, whispering loudly. “The bedding should be done after the party.”
He pulled Jessie’s hands from his back. Ace sucked in air, wishing everyone was gone, so he could finally bury himself in her heat. She was more than ready.
“They’ll be fine,” drawled Trace. “Now it’s my turn to kiss the bride.”
Ace frowned as five of Jessie’s brothers and the three MacDougals lined up to kiss her. He scowled when a grinning Luke Frost, Gabe Downey, and Oscar Cutler joined the line. The Circle C bachelors were eager for a bride, but he didn’t want them touching his woman.
“Stop growling,” said Sin. “They’ll behave with all her brothers watching.” He lightly pounded his fist into Ace’s shoulder. “Let’s check if we can see Fin MacDougal yet.”
Ace let Sin pull him away from his blushing bride. Why would a woman who demanded so much sex from them those first few days blush so easily? He snagged a glass on the way out of Trace’s parlor, frowning when he realized it was lemonade and not whiskey.
Far below, a lone man on a big horse walked along the valley road. His red hair blazed like a beacon. Since Gillis MacDougal was hauling Jessie into his arms, the one riding toward them had to be Finan. He hadn’t brought a posse with him, nor did he look like he was in a great hurry to get to Jessie.
Fin had disappeared the day after announcing his so-called “engagement” to Jessie. They’d thought he’d gone back to Texas until he arrived a few days ago, telling everyone he would soon be married and off to Texas. He looked so sure of himself that Trace insisted they move up the wedding.
Ace swigged down the lemonade. He choked at the acid taste, eyes watering.
“Bridie made the lemonade all by herself,” said Sin with a poker face. “She’s very proud of herself. She says we’re her uncles now, so she has eleven.”
Ace nodded, unable to speak. His eyes watered. He flicked his tongue in and out of his mouth for a moment to let the acid evaporate. “I’ll pass on my thanks when I see her.”
Though only thirteen, Bridie’s wide smile and beautiful golden-red hair already had men hoping she’d choose them in a few years. Meggie was closer to marriageable age, being sixteen. Considering they were the only young girls around, having eleven uncles gave them protection that would have helped Molly Sinclair and her family.
Miss Lily had passed the word that Molly and Sarah were doing well. Rosa, having survived years of rape, could put life in perspective for them. They were still afraid of strangers, but were less likely to cringe whenever someone moved too quickly. It would still be a long time before they were ready for visitors, especially men.
Having rescued Sarah, Luke and Gabe had a special interest in the young woman. She wasn’t ready to be courted, but the Circle C had made it clear they would not tolerate any disrespect toward her. It also meant she wore their brand. They wouldn’t push, but if Sarah showed interest, each would be there with hat in hand, ready to propose.
Ace tried not to think of how Jessie, travelling alone, could have been sold into the same type of hell. With her attitude, she’d attract men who enjoyed dominating a woman. They would break her body and ravage her soul, but he liked to think her spirit would survive.
His family crest pinky ring was on her left hand. A proper wedding ring was one of the things they’d get in BannackCity after they sold the steers. Perhaps they’d drive them to Virginia City instead, and make even more profit.
The bachelor plans for whores, whiskey, and gambling were out the window. He’d won the war about the marriage, but lost the battle over the cattle drive. Jessie was coming with them to drive the steers to market. He’d never let her see it, but he was proud of her in so many ways. Of course, it was easier now that his cowboy skills were improving.
Luke strolled out of the house with Jessie’s hand resting on his arm. “You want your wife back now, Langford?”
“Maybe I don’t want to go to him, Luke.”
Jessie tossed her head and simpered at Luke. She had learned many things while in Virginia. He’d seen many a young miss in London flirt the same way. He held his grin, managing to keep it to a lip twitch. Jessie was trying too hard to keep her mad on, and it showed.
Luke stepped away when Ace wrapped his arm around her slim waist and pulled Jessie close. He already knew what she looked like naked, from all sides. But she looked even better from this angle. He looked down, his cock jumping at the view of her inviting cleavage.
She pouted up at him, eyes narrowing. “What are you thinking about?”
“That you are mine, Jessie Bonham Elliott Langford,” he said, loud enough for others to hear. He nibbled her ear and whispered. “I will slide my cock between those breasts you’re showing off. You’ll bend your head and take me into your mouth with each slow stroke.”
She turned her head and met his eyes. He nodded, just a slight movement but enough for her to know he meant it. She opened her mouth to breathe. Her corset was designed to be worn with the dress and was too tight to allow more than a shallow pant. Beads of perspiration appeared on her upper lip. Her nostrils flared as she listened.
“I’ll spread your legs. I’ll kiss your feet, all the way to your pussy. I’ll lick and nibble that button of yours until you explode. Then I’ll put my cock where it will do the most good for both of us. I’ll make you come again. Because you are mine.”
“Here comes Fin MacDougal,” called Luke. The parlor emptied, men spilling out to watch him arrive.
“She’s married, so ye can take yer sorry carcass to Texas,” bellowed Gillis at his oldest brother. “We dinna want ye here.”
Fin drew his horse to a stop twenty feet away. He looked them over, his lip curling in disgust. “Jessie ain’t enough woman fer me. I found a real woman, one who’ll bear many sons fer my Clan.”
“What do ye mean, ye’ve got a wife?” demanded Gillis.
“I found a wee lassie in BannackCity.” Fin smoothed his trimmed beard and smirked. “Morag MacConacher is far more woman than that one will ever be.”
He pointed at Jessie. She automatically stuck her tongue out at him. He hawked and spat to the side. “Yer welcome to her, Langford. She’s so puny she’ll likely die with her first bairn.”
Ace automatically tightened his hold on Jessie. He knew of too many women who died in childbirth, especially small ones like Jessie. He reminded himself that Trace told him their mother was built like Jessie, and she’d had two sets of twin sons as well as three others. Though she was short, his wife had wide hips, perfect for his hands to hold and for birthing babies.
Trace pushed past Ace and Jessie to stand beside Gillis. “Get back to town before I take a horsewhip to you.”
“Good idea. I’ll get my bullwhip,” said Jessie. She struggled to step away, but Ace kept her pinned. “Pa banned him from Elliott land after he took a whip to our hor
ses for ‘fun,’” she complained to Ace. She poked him with her elbow. “It’s about time someone did it to him!”
“Settle down,” said Ace calmly. “Let the others deal with Fin.” She opened her mouth to squawk. “If we were on the Double Diamond, I’d hand the whip to you.”
She pressed her lips together. After a moment she nodded. She turned back to Fin, showing with her expression that she wouldn’t hesitate to attack.
“At least yer bloody English lord made ye wear skirts,” said Fin to Jessie.
“Actually, my dear boy,” replied Ace in his most cultured voice, “Father is an Earl. That’s just below a prince, for those of you uneducated enough to know.”
“You’re egging him on,” said Jessie.
“Good,” replied Ace quietly. “Every man here would love to have a piece of him for what he’s done to you.”
“You’ve said what ye came to,” growled Gillis. “Get yer carcass off our land.”
Fin narrowed his eyes and sneered. “It may be yer land now, but ye’ll nae pass it on. Sunbird ne’er married Father, so those two are bastards.” He pointed to Ross and Nevin, then looked at Amelia, nestled between them. She blanched. Ross pulled her close.
“It dinna matter what comes out of yer belly, woman. I’ll own this ranch when Father dies,” threatened Fin. “And I’ll sell it to yer worst enemy!” He turned his horse and raced downhill, echoes of Gillis’ furious bellows chasing him.
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t stop until he’s in Tanner’s Ford,” said Sin.
“We’ll go with you,” said Luke. “In case he tries to stop along the way and make trouble.”
“Thank you,” said Trace. “I wouldn’t put it past him to torch Jessie’s new home on his way past.” Luke, Gabriel, and Oscar followed Sin to the barn.
“What if your father dies before I have a son?” Amelia wiped away tears. “We could lose everything.”
Jessie bit her knuckle. She turned her head, staring at the ground. She lifted her head, frowned, and looked at Amelia. “He’s wrong,” she said. “I’m sure Sunbird married Finan.”
“If we nae have proof—”
“Sunbird told me about the ceremony a couple of times,” said Jessie.
“But the proof would be in Texas,” said Ross bitterly. “I can see Fin burning the marriage certificate if he got his hands on it.”
“I don’t think it went to Texas,” said Jessie. She shook her head, still frowning as she thought. “Before we left, Sunbird brought me home for the last time. She said she had to hide something. I remember seeing a paper with a fancy gold seal.” Her eyes suddenly opened wide. “The night I went to Virginia, Sunbird said something I thought strange. She knew I hated sewing. Even my pillow case seams were terrible.”
“You managed to sew shut our pants, socks, and other things just fine,” drawled Nevin.
“Hunh! I was very angry and you deserved it, every time,” replied Jessie. She turned to the more serious Ross. “The night before I went to Virginia, Sunbird took both my hands and turned me to face her. Your father was in the room, along with your brothers. Sunbird smiled, squeezed my hands hard, and told me I was to sew my own wedding dress when I got home. Your father laughed and said he didn’t think I could learn that much in two years in Virginia, but Sunbird asked me to promise her.”
“Did you have a sewing machine in Texas?”
Jessie slowly shook her head at Beth’s question.
“You find anything with a gold seal in that desk, Beth?” asked Trace.
Beth blinked, thinking. “I’ve never looked past the top layer.” She turned to Amelia. “I’ll look as soon as we get home. If it’s not there, I’ll tear the house apart.”
Amelia pressed her lips together hard, but tears still leaked out. Ross rolled her to face him and pulled her snug. He leaned his chin on her head. Nevin stood at her back, adding his warmth and protection. Gil came over and kissed her head.
“Dinna fret, wee one,” husked Gil. “We’ll nae be tossed off our land.”
“I’ve seen this Morag MacConacher,” said Jack Elliott cheerfully. All eyes turned to him. “She works at one of the more respectable dining rooms. Her hair’s the same color as Gillis, and she has a temper to match. Any man who puts a hand on her gets knocked to the floor. She’s this tall”—he put his hand to his nose—“this wide”—he held his hands as if circling a large tree—“and has a voice that would peel paint.” Jack laughed. “I’d say Fin’s found himself the woman he deserves!”
Noting most people held full glasses of lemonade, Ace held up his empty one. “To Morag MacDougal, may she put Fin in his place!”
“To Morag!” cheered the men. A moment later a dozen of them choked and coughed.
Trace, eyes smiling, nodded his approval to Ace. As Bridie’s adoptive father, he’d been the first to taste her lemonade. He held an empty glass, having toasted but not drunk. He waited, grinning, while his guests caught their breath and wiped streaming eyes.
“Now that all of Bridie’s wonderful lemonade is gone,” he said, “shall we toast the bride and groom with whiskey?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Oh, baby girl, I missed you so much,” sighed Jessie.
She knew her brothers kept her at the Rocking E to keep Fin from taking her, but they’d refused to bring her horse from the Double Diamond. After a few toasts, the others stayed to enjoy the sunshine and party mood, but she and Ace left to go home.
As soon as she arrived at the Double Diamond she’d jumped from the wagon and run to the barn. She didn’t even want to go to the river and look at her new, as-yet-unfinished, home.
It wasn’t how most women might start their married life. She didn’t much care if Ace didn’t like it, but she’d known and loved Nightwind far longer than Ace, Sin or Henry.
The dark horse nickered as she gave her one more hug. She picked up the currycomb, humming as she worked. She looked up when Nightwind lifted her head and twitched her ears.
“Can we start over, Jessie?”
Ace leaned a shoulder against the wall, as if he’d watched her for a while. She bit her lip.
“I don’t think I thanked you for asking Trace to bring Nightwind to me.”
He sighed at the change in subject. “You’re welcome. It was the very least I could do.” He dropped his head. He shook it then snorted a laugh. “I’ll admit it. I’m jealous of a horse.”
The fact that Ace would admit such a thing proved he was trying. She could do no less.
“She’s not just a horse. Nightwind is my best friend. She was the only female on the ranch other than Sunbird and the feral cats.” Jessie rested her forehead against Nightwind’s shoulder. “She was always there for me. Always.”
“I’m glad you had a friend. I hate to think what you went through. I didn’t know about the beatings—”
He lifted the currycomb out of her hand and placed it in the basket. He tugged her gently to a half-barrel. He sat down, and she let him pull her into his lap. He held her tight, arms kept loosely, so she could escape if she wanted to. He inhaled a shuddering breath then let it out. She heard the strain in his voice, felt the way he held her tighter than ever before. His heart thudded against her back.
“And I’m jealous of the way you look at Trace, as if you trust him to fix anything for you. I want you to look at me like that.”
She bit her lip and turned her head away. She loved her brothers and Nightwind. She remembered loving her parents, but that was long ago. She’d watched Beth and Amelia laughing with their men. They’d worked out a balance of playful threats and warnings, ones the women pushed aside whenever they wanted. She’d heard Beth and her brothers at night. Not the whispers, but the sounds of need, and of joy.
During the days she did a lot of thinking.
“You don’t love me. My brothers forced you to propose.”
“Ah, Jessiemine.” Ace rested his chin on her head. “I wasn’t forced into anything. If I didn’t want to marry
you, I’d have told them to shoot me.”
“Why did you marry me, then? Because you want my body?”
He kissed the top of her head. “I want your body, all right. When I saw you swimming at the hot spring, I wanted to make you mine after lusting after you for weeks, thinking I could never touch you. When you rolled over, my life changed.”
“You didn’t act like anything changed.”
“I didn’t want to change. I knew what we had to do, and nothing else would intrude.” His lip twitched. “Especially one bratty boy who made me horny as well as angry.”
“You were angry at me because you wanted me but couldn’t have me for weeks? That wasn’t my fault.”
“Ah, Jessie, it wasn’t just your body I wanted. It’s the ferocious pixie cowgirl I fell in…” He coughed. “I fell for. That’s the woman I want at my side.”
Jessie didn’t move, or speak.
“Jessie, my parents didn’t want me. I was an extra, a backup in case both my older brothers died. Mother had parties in Kent and Father stayed at his club in London. They shipped me off to school, where I met Sin and Henry. None of us grew up with the love that you and your brothers had.”
“My parents had seven children and wanted every one of them,” she replied. “We took in Ross for a while until they died. I remember Mama saying she wished Nevin and Gillis could join us.”
“Do you want children, Jessie?” He whispered the words against her neck.
“Yes, as many as Mama. I just didn’t want a husband.” She opened her mouth to say something then closed it again.
“What is it?”
“What if they look like Sin or Henry? Will you be angry?”
He used a finger to tilt her face until they looked at each other.
“I want lots of your children growing up on the Double Diamond. I don’t care who their father is. We could adopt dozens more if you want. Just as long as you’re happy, I don’t give a damn what else happens.”
“Do you love me?”
Ace stared at Jessie for a few minutes. “I don’t know, but I want to be with you more than anyone else in my life.”
