T'on Ma

by Magnolia Belle

  "I could manage that," he nodded and stood up, returning to the stove.

  "What can I trade for the ingredients? I'm all out of fresh eggs," May asked.

  "Consider this my gift to the officer and his bride."

  "You really are too kind. Thank you." With her mission accomplished, May returned to their camp.

  * * *

  That afternoon, Lana was sitting on a blanket by their tents when Christina walked up. "There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you!"

  "Well, you found me." Lana smiled and patted the blanket next to her. "Sit down and talk. I want to hear all about married life."

  "I guess you do. I just found out you're getting married yourself tomorrow! I can hardly believe it."

  "I can hardly believe it, myself."

  "How did this all happen?" Christina asked. "Why didn't I know about it sooner?"

  "You were too busy getting married," Lana teased.

  "I suppose so." Christina pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. "Can I ask you something?"

  "Of course. After all we've been through together, you can ask me anything."

  "I don't want to upset you, but - I thought you loved Centas Yi and that he loved you. What happened? I mean, I know you had a fight, but to marry someone else so quickly just doesn't sound right."

  "Oh, Christina, it's such a mess. I wonder if I'm going to wake up and realize this has all been some kind of crazy dream. I don't know where to start."

  "At the beginning. What happened with Centas Yi?"

  "We had a real eye-opener of a conversation about the differences between the way he and I live. I don't understand his ways, and he'd rather die than live in my world, so I told him goodbye. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. I know I hurt him deeply."

  "So you don't love him anymore?" Christina didn't understand how feelings that deep could change so quickly.

  "Of course I still love him. Like I told Ma, I probably always will, at least a little."

  "Then why Liam? That's hardly fair to any of you." Christina's pretty face wore a deep frown.

  "There are so many reasons why." Lana sighed deeply before she went on. "We're from the same type of world. He loves me so much, I can feel it. My pa is crazy about him. He's got a college education and a good career with a real future. I think the world of him."

  "Well, you've said a whole lot, but I haven't heard the most important reason. Do you love him?"

  "In a way. And, before you fuss at me, he already knows how I feel. He's willing to give me time."

  "He'll give you time to fall in love with him after he marries you? Isn't that a little late?"

  "Christina, who else is out here? More Kiowa, a few buffalo hunters, homesteaders like us scattered over hundreds of miles, and soldiers. If you danced with any of them at your wedding, then you'll know what slim pickings those are."

  "I didn't mean to make you mad," Christina apologized.

  "I'm not mad. Not really. Just frustrated and scared." She picked at a loose thread on the blanket. "Were you scared when you got married?"

  "A little. But I knew I was in love with your brother."

  "Speaking of whom," Lana changed the subject, "how is your husband?"

  "Grinning like a possum," Christina laughed, shaking her head. "He is so happy."

  "Can I ask you something?" Lana looked over her shoulder at her.

  "Yes. What?"

  "What was it like the first time that, uh, that you slept with him?"

  "What was it like?"

  "Yes. Did it hurt? Does it hurt? Were you miserable or did you like it?"

  Christina turned bright red and burst into laughter again. "Oh, dear! I don't know what to tell you. It's all so, so private and personal."

  "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. It's just that I'm worried about that, too."

  "Have you talked to Ma?"

  "No."

  "Well, let me try to answer you, then. Did it hurt? Only a little, at first. Does it hurt? No. Did I like it? I love it. Maybe I'm not supposed to. Maybe I'm wicked or something, but I truly love it."

  "Oh, good." Lana let out a long sigh, not realizing she had been holding her breath. "That makes me feel so much better."

  "You know, it's funny, but I'd always just assumed that you and Centas Yi had already - well, you know."

  "Nope. Almost, but no."

  "Well, then, that's good. I mean for you and Liam."

  "Yes. For me and Liam." Lana looked across the horizon as a sadness passed over her heart.

  A group of women walked up, interrupting their conversation. "Excuse me," one of them said, "Is Mrs. Cooper here?"

  "Which one?" Lana laughed, glad for the interruption.

  "I think she means your mother." Christina poked Lana in the side.

  "Ma!" Lana yelled over her shoulder.

  "What?" May stepped out from one of the tents where she was sorting through the bedding and smattering of dishes Lana had chosen to keep with her.

  "Mrs. Cooper, hello again," the woman smiled. "We just heard that there is to be another wedding tomorrow."

  "Yes, but on a much smaller scale," May nodded. "It's going to be very simple."

  "Even so," the visitor turned to indicate the women standing with her, "we'd like to offer a potluck supper tomorrow night for the bridal party."

  "You don't have to do that," May shook her head.

  "We'd like to. We're all fond of our bachelor officers and we'd like to send Lt. O'Connell off right."

  "Lana," May turned to her daughter. "It's your wedding. What do you want?"

  Lana stood and straightened her skirts before she approached the small group. "I know Liam would appreciate that very much. So do I. Thank you for your kindness."

  The spokeswoman stepped up to Lana and hugged her. "It's the least we can do. Welcome to the Army, Lana."

  Chapter 31 - Cuss The Barn

  "Liam, son." Joshua knocked on the door of Liam's quarters late that night.

  "Mr. Cooper, come on in." Liam smiled and stepped back so Joshua could enter.

  Joshua looked around the small room. It held only four pieces of furniture: a bed, a desk, a chair, and a bureau, yet it was cramped.

  "Please, have a seat," Liam gestured to the chair. "Whiskey?"

  "Sure. We might both need it."

  Liam filled up a shot glass, handed it to Joshua, and then splashed some into his tin coffee cup. Sitting on the edge of his cot, he looked at Joshua.

  "I'm surprised you're stopping by so late."

  "I apologize for the hour," Joshua said. "But this is something I need to talk to you about privately."

  "All right. What is it?"

  "I just had this talk with Nathan a few days ago, but that doesn't make this any easier," Joshua chuckled and then grew serious. "When I got married, my father never told me what to expect, but I was very fortunate that my father-in-law did. He sat me down the night before my wedding and gave me quite a talk." Taking a sip of whiskey to clear his throat, he then continued. "Since your father isn't here, I was hoping maybe you'd let me tell you what he told me."

  "Of course. I'd welcome any and all advice about being married." Liam grinned, trying to hide how nervous he had just become.

  "I don't know if you've ever lain with a woman," Joshua said, looking directly at him, "and I don't need to know. But I'm going to assume that you know the basics."

  Embarrassed silence met his statement, so he bravely plunged ahead. "When a woman takes a man for the first time, there's going to be some blood."

  "I've heard about that," Liam tried to sound casual.

  "Don't let it frighten either one of you. It's just nature. But in order to - to make it - well…" Joshua stumbled around for the words, "In order to make it easier for her, take your time. Move slow. She'll let you know when she's ready." He took a large gulp of whiskey, draining the glass, and then handed it to Liam. "More, please."

  "Yes, sir." Liam was glad to have som
ething to do. After he refilled both the glass and mug, he handed Joshua his drink and sat back down.

  "All right. Where was I? Oh, yeah. Getting ready. We men, well, all we need is a wink and a smile, and we're good to go." They both chuckled at that. "But women, they're put together differently. To make sure she's ready, you've got to excite her here," he touched his forehead, "and here," he touched his heart, "before you'll ever excite her physically.

  "I know most men don't understand that, or don't care to. They think a woman is there for them and for what they want. They're missing out on the best part of loving a woman."

  "What do you mean?"

  "If you take care of your woman in bed and see that she's happy, she will certainly take care of you. There is nothing finer in this world than having her explode in your arms, lying with you, loving you for all she is worth. Nothing. It fills you up with pride and love and a connection that you'll never have with anyone else."

  Joshua's candidness amazed Liam. Even if his father had been there, he wouldn't have talked to Liam this way.

  "There's something else I'd like to point out," Joshua said. He took a sip and then continued. "We men are providers, but women are multipliers."

  "What? I'm not following."

  "We provide a bill of groceries. They take that and make a meal. We give them four walls and a roof. They give us a home. We give them our seed. They give us children."

  "Oh. I understand."

  "But the reverse is also true," Joshua shook his head, one eyebrow raised. "You give them a harsh word or a hard look, and it's gonna come back to you with a lot more potency. So, whatever you want in your marriage, you're gonna have to put it there."

  "I'd never thought of it like that before."

  "Most people don't. I think that's why we don't seem to figure women out. They surprise and confuse us. I've wondered many a time, 'Now where'd that come from?' when arguing with my wife. But when I thought about it, it was something I'd said or done four days earlier. She'd taken it, multiplied it, and given it back to me, but good!" He chuckled at that.

  "Which brings me to Lana. She is very intelligent, which I like to think she gets from me." He grinned. "But she is also extremely stubborn and thinks she already knows most of the answers. You two are going to have some be-u-ti-ful fights."

  "Oh, now..."

  "I mean it, Liam. Some real humdingers. Whenever you do, though, keep respecting each other during the fights. No name calling or hitting or shoving. Say what you've got to say, and, if you're that mad, go out and cuss the barn. But not each other."

  "All right. If that's the case, then I pity the barn."

  They both laughed at that and then finished their whiskey.

  "Is there anything else?" Liam asked.

  "No. Only that I am proud to have you in this family. Real proud." Joshua nodded once at Liam without smiling. "Do you have any questions? After all that I've just said, you know you can ask me anything."

  "Not at the moment. You've given me a lot to think about, though. I know who to ask if I do have questions."

  "Good." Joshua stood up and they shook hands. "I'll say goodnight, then."

  "Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow."

  Once Joshua left, Liam sat at his desk and began writing a letter to his family. After a few lines, he crumpled up the paper and started again. This time, it was a telegram.

  Dear family. Am getting married tomorrow to Lana Cooper. Wish you were here. Love, Liam

  Even though it was late, he stepped outside and crossed the compound to put his note in the communiqué folder. It would be taken the next morning to the nearest fort with a telegraph, which was several days' journey away. But his news would reach his family quicker this way than by letter.

  * * *

  When the Quartermaster signed off on the housing Liam and Lana had chosen, the couple moved their few possessions into the triplex the morning of the wedding. The Coopers also packed most of their things so they could make an early getaway the next morning. The wedding would be just before dinner, and then the family would have one last meal together.

  As they had planned, the ceremony was simple but beautiful. Christina returned the favor and made Lana a bouquet from wildflowers. Lana had also borrowed Christina's wedding dress, preferring the traditional satin to the blue silk.

  Joshua didn't realize how hard it would be when the Chaplain asked, 'Who gives this woman away?' He managed to speak around the lump in his throat. But Joshua realized, when they left in the morning, Lana wasn't going to be with them. For the first time in her life, they were leaving her behind, and they might never see her again. Joshua put his daughter's hand in Liam's and then, through blurred eyes, found his seat next to May. Putting his arm around her shoulders, he could hear her softly crying. In spite of his resolve, tears shimmered in his own eyes. He was going to miss his baby girl.

  After the vows were repeated and Liam and Lana were announced to be husband and wife, they led the bridal party to their new home. Liam's friends brought whiskey for a toast. Some of the officer's wives had left a few gifts, along with the potluck supper, much to Lana's undying gratitude. The gifts were all things the newlyweds desperately needed.

  During the potluck meal, one of Liam's friends rose and held his glass. "A toast to the new couple," he announced. Looking around the room to make sure all glasses were raised, he continued, "Now we know why Liam kept volunteering for missions due west of here!"

  The room filled with laughter and everyone drank to the toast. At May's nod, Lana took Liam by the hand and stood in front of the lemon crumb cake to cut it. After the meal was over and the dishes reclaimed by the wives, people began leaving one or two at a time until only Joshua and May were left.

  "We'll say goodnight now," May hugged her daughter.

  "All right. We'll see you in the morning before you leave."

  "Honey, it's going to be very early."

  "I know. We'll be there just the same."

  "We certainly will," Liam added as he put his arm around Lana's shoulders.

  As her parents left, Liam closed the door behind them and turned to Lana. "So, wife, let's look at those presents."

  One by one, Lana set them in front of Liam at the table. "There's a bread bowl. It looks new, too!" Setting that to one side, she reached for the next item. "Two pillows. That is so nice. I'll have to find out who gave us those." Putting the pillows down, she said, "And, last, two coffee mugs."

  "Great! Now all we need is coffee and a coffee pot," Liam teased her.

  "I'll put that on my list for shopping tomorrow."

  As they sat at the table and looked at their gifts, an uneasy silence filled the room, neither knowing what to say next.

  "I suppose we ought to turn in," Liam finally spoke. "Especially if we're getting up early to see your folks off."

  "All right." They both remained seated, neither moving.

  "Lana, I'll tell you, I'm kinda nervous about tonight."

  "Are you? I am so glad you said something. I'm beyond nervous."

  Chapter 32 - Doubly Wicked

  "Oh, honey! Don't be nervous. Everything is going to be all right." Liam took her hand and pulled her over to sit on his lap. "I might not be real smooth with this at first, but we'll figure it out. Besides, your pa had a good long talk with me last night."

  "You talked to Pa about this?" Lana hid her face in her hands, blushing deeply.

  "No. He talked to me. Your pa is a smart man who loves you very much. He was just making sure I don't do anything to hurt you - now or ever." Filling two glasses with the remaining whiskey, he handed one to her.

  "Here, drink this. It will help you relax."

  Lana took a careful sip, not wanting to choke on the strong liquor. "I guess I should tell you that I talked to Christina yesterday about her first time."

  "You did? What'd she have to say?"

  "That she liked it." Lana burst out into giggles and then drank more whiskey.

  "Why is
that so funny?" Liam asked, a smile playing around the corners of his mouth.

  "She was afraid she's wicked because she likes it. If that's so, I'm probably going to love it, and then what does that make me?"

  "Well, do you want to find out?" he asked, a gleam in his eye.

  "Yes, I do." Lana drained her glass, the whiskey taking its effect. "But let me get ready for bed first. Please?"

  "Sure. I'll wait right here." He lifted his half-empty glass and kissed her shoulder. "Just don't take too long."

  "Yes, sir." She hopped off his lap and walked into the bedroom, carrying the two pillows with her. When she lit the lamp, she stopped. There, on the bed covered with the quilt May insisted that she keep, someone had left her a nightgown and the smallest bottle of perfume she had ever seen. Its sweet aroma filled the room when she dabbed some tentatively behind her ears and on her wrists. She'd never worn perfume before.

  Next, she took her hair down and brushed it until it shown. Then, when she was undressed, she slipped the gown on and, with a sly grin, put a small dot of perfume between her breasts. There was no mirror to see her reflection, so she looked down at herself.

  The champagne-gold satin gown had elegant lace around the low-cut bodice. Lace formed the shoulder straps and trimmed the empire-waist. The gown's long, full skirt swept and swirled gracefully around her ankles as she walked to the bedroom door.

  "Oh, husband," she called softly.

  Liam looked over his shoulder at her and then slowly stood up. "I…" He took two steps toward her, wonder in his eyes. "You…" Taking two more steps, he stopped where he stood. "Never in my life have I ever seen anyone more beautiful."

  "So, you like it?" She stepped out of the doorway and twirled around once.

  Grabbing her up in his arms, he murmured, "Do I like it? Your pa told me to take it slow, but I don't know if I can." He looked down into her shining, blue eyes. "Woman, you are driving me wild. Absolutely wild." With that, he picked her up in his arms and carried her back into the bedroom where he laid her on the bed.

  "Don't move. Not one muscle," he ordered as he blew out the lamp. The eager lover took less than a minute to undress and lay down on his side next to her. Looking at her in the moonlit shadows, he laid his hand on her stomach and slid it across the satin, enjoying the fabric's cool smoothness.