"So?" Luke said.
Back home, Jed got the wagon hitched up. Sarah came out to the wagon. He held her hand and lifted her elbow to help her into the wagon. She felt the tingle run through her when he touched her. She smiled secretly to herself. "I like this man," she thought.
* * *
From The Laramie Sentinel...
Miss Sarah Grace Harding and Jedadiah Elias Barnette were joined in Holy Matrimony on December 26, 1982 following regular services at the Laramie Episcopal Church. The Reverend John Carruthers conducted the ceremony. Music was provided by Mrs. Grace Carruthers, wife of Rev. Carruthers. The bride is the daughter of Jacob and Sarah Harding of Owego, New York. The groom is the son of Jedadiah and Margaret Barnette of Lebanon, PA. The couple will make their home at the J-Bar-B ranch outside Laramie. Lucas Hastings was best man while Clara Hasting attended the bride. The newly married couple left immediately after lunch for the J-Bar-B ranch.
Grace had clipped the above article from copies of the Laramie Sentinel dated December 30, 1882. She gave the three clipped articles to Sarah the next time she came to Laramie. Sarah promptly posted three letters with the articles enclosed. The letters went to her parents and her two sisters. Grace also gave her a copy of the paper for herself.
"Thank you, Grace. That was very kind of you. I hope this will ease my mother's concerns. I'm sure she has worried and wondered what has become of me."
Grace's questions pretty much mirrored those Clara had asked. Sarah assured her all was well and that she was happy. "Jedadiah is everything you said and more. He is thoughtful, kind and considerate. I was very fortunate when I saw his advertisement and answered it. I think we are going to have a happy life together."
"I'm pleased, Sarah. You two deserve each other."
In the meantime, Jed was undergoing the same line with John. He assured John everything was fine and he sang the praises of Sarah.
After leaving John and Grace, they went to the general store where Jed introduced Sarah to Asa Thompson. He told Asa with Sarah's help, he might even be able to deliver a larger crop of vegetables this coming growing season. "Well, you know I'll take all you can deliver. This has been profitable for both of us."
While Asa was getting his order together, Jed and Sarah walked down to the cafe and had lunch. It was nice to have a meal prepared by someone else for a change. Jed said, "By the way, Clara invited us to dinner Sunday. I accepted. I hope that was all right."
"Of course it was all right. While we're in town, do you think I could get some cloth and thread? I would like to make a dress and I could make you some shirts also."
"That would be great. Just tell Asa what you want and add it to the order," he said. "Was the ride in the wagon uncomfortable for you? We could get a pillow if you like. I know you were sore after we... "
"I'm fine, Jedadiah. I'll tell you if I need anything."
The ride home was pleasant with Jed pointing out various signs and sights as they rode along. He pointed out coyote tracks and wolf tracks. He pointed to the mountains and Sarah saw the taller sections were now snow covered. "Will we get much snow at our place?" she asked.
"It varies," Jed answered. "Last year we had quite a bit. But the cattle came through it fine. The year before, we had hardly any, and we had an early spring." He pointed off to the northwest. "That is where we usually get our weather. When there are heavy, dark looking clouds, we're in for a storm, snow in the winter or thunderstorm in the summer. I don't think we're in for anything for the next few days anyway."
After helping to unload the wagon, Sarah said, "I'm sort of tired and think I'm going to take a nap. Want to join me?"
"Well, since you put it that way, I believe I will." They went into the bedroom. Sarah had found in the few days since they were married, she had lost most of her shyness around Jed. "Jedadiah, I would like for you to undress me. Do you mind?"
"Oh, yes, that's a real chore but I believe I can muster up enough energy to do that." When he had removed her last garment and she stood in front of him totally naked, unembarrassed. She unbuttoned his shirt and removed it. Then she unbuttoned his pants, he shrugged out of his long johns and stood before her. She stepped into his arms, wrapped hers around his back and pulled him close, pressing her breasts against his chest. An intense wave of desire for him engulfed her. He leaned over and kissed her with a growing passion. He was nuzzling her neck when she whispered in his ear, "Make love to me, Jedadiah. Make love to me now." He did.
Their love making varied each time, as they learned what pleasured the other the most. Sarah liked for him to take charge, but occasionally she became the aggressor. Jed especially liked these times. One evening after a particularly satisfying session, she put her hands on his face and looked directly into his dark eyes. "Jedadiah Barnette, I love you. You have completely captured my heart. I am so glad I found you."
"I love you too Sarah. I think I fell for you the first day on the platform at the depot. You have made my life a brighter and better thing. You have made my cabin into a home and I truly care for you. I can't imagine life without you."
"Well, you don't have to," she said. “I'm here. I'm going to stay here and I am yours."
"I am so happy, I can't find words to express it." He lay on his side, propped up on one elbow and scanned her naked, body, letting his eyes pause on her breasts, then her treasure vault, returning to her face. "God, you're beautiful. I'm glad there were no single men in Owego. With great deliberation, he looked into her eyes again, then he kissed her on the lips, her neck and then each of her breasts. He slowly kissed his way to her navel, ran his fingers through the silky hairs. Using both hands, he parted her legs, opening her up for him. He put his mouth fully upon the opening to her vault, causing her to writhe with pleasure. Suddenly she felt something she had not felt before. Waves of heat passed over her. His tongue was inside her. It was moving, exploring. It found the special place and sent floods of ecstasy washing over her. She lost control of her body, twisting, thrusting. He held her by her hips, keeping his tongue inside her. She cried out a long, long cry of extreme pleasure that lasted and lasted. When it ended, she was as limp as a piece of wet paper.
“What did you just do to me, Jedadiah? We've made love quite a bit but none of it was like this. It was incredible.” She grasped his rock hard member and said, "It sounds shameless of me, but I want you to put this big thing in me and pound me into the mattress, Now!"
He did just that and after he had completely emptied himself into her, they clutched each other tightly, their bodies wet from their exertions. Jed roused himself. "I'd better see to the cattle, if I have the energy."
Sarah lay there for a few minutes and got up to prepare the evening. Thinking to herself, she said, "That was incredible. I never dreamed it would be like this." Then... "I'm going to be sore in the morning."
Three weeks later, while preparing breakfast, Sarah felt ill. She rushed to the back door, barely making it outside. Jed found her there, retching. "What's wrong, Sarah? Are you okay?"
She straightened and wiped her face on her apron. "I'm okay. I don't know what it was.” After it happened three mornings in a row, Jed was really concerned. He rode to Luke's and told Clara Sarah was sick and he was worried. She and Luke went back to the ranch with him.
Clara went with Sarah into the bedroom. "Did you eat something bad?" she asked.
"No, but it's happened every day for the past 4 days."
"Has your time been regular?" she asked.
"I'm always right on time," she said. Then she reflected back, "I'm late," she said. "Do you think I'm pregnant?"
Clara asked, "Is it possible?"
Blushing, Sarah said, "Oh yes, it's very possible."
"I think you should see the doctor in Laramie, but I think he will tell you the same thing. "You're going to be a mother."
A worried Jed poked his head into the room. "Is everything okay? Are you all right?"
"Jedadiah, Clara thinks I'm going to have a bab
y."
"Are you sure?" he asked Clara.
"I'm not sure, but all of the signs point in that direction. The sickness in the morning, and so on. You should have her checked over by the doctor, but yes, I think you're going to be a father."
Jed had trouble restraining himself. He rushed from the room and grabbed Luke. "Sarah's pregnant. Clara thinks Sarah's pregnant."
Luke grinned, and reached out and pumped Jed's hand. "Congratulations, Jed. You're going to make a fine papa."
Three days later, the doctor in Laramie confirmed the news. Leaving the doctor's office, they stopped by the post office and general store to check their mail and get a few supplies. Sarah had a letter from her mother and one from Martha. Dreading what her mother might have to say, she read Martha's letter first. It was cheerful and expressed her pleasure in the news of the wedding, along with her best wishes for happiness.
Opening the letter from her mother, expecting all sorts of recriminations, she found a letter of love and hope for Sarah's future. She regretted not having the opportunity to say goodbye. Her father sent along his congratulations on the wedding and his hopes of a bright future for her. Sarah was thankful for the nice letter and a bit ashamed of herself for not trusting her mother more. Still, she felt she had done the right thing. She knew she had. She was going to be a mother!
Their final stop before heading home was at the church. As expected, they found John and Grace inside cleaning. Grace was beside herself with joy. She was delighted at the news. "I just knew you would make a good match. You're both loving and caring people. Your baby will be blessed to have such parents as Jed and you."
John congratulated them and asked they say a prayer for their baby's well being.
They didn't ride home. They floated on a cloud of happiness. They talked about preferences. Jed said, "I'd like to have a son. He could be partners with me on the ranch. A boy would be nice. A girl would be okay too. Another Sarah Grace around the house would suit me just fine."
"I'd like to have a little girl,” Sarah said. “I think it would be fun teaching her how to do things, making dresses for her. Of course, I'd love a boy just as much."
In the end, they decided it didn't matter as long as the baby and the mother were both healthy.
Waiting For The Baby
“Sarah! What in the world are you doing?” Jed cried out.
“I’m weeding the garden,” she said.
“You shouldn’t be doing that should you? Aren’t you afraid you’ll hurt yourself?”
“Jedadiah, women have been having babies since the Garden Of Eden. I’m as healthy as a horse. I’ll be all right,” she said.
“All the same, it worries me. You’re the only wife I have and this is my only baby. I’m just trying to protect you,” he said.
“I know what you’re trying to do and I love you for it. I can do anything I’ve always done, I just can’t over do things. You notice I don’t do this in the afternoon, only in the morning when it is cool.”
Jed had been working long hours to add another room to the house. This room would be entirely wood. He had it all weathered in, with the assistance of Luke. It was attached in the back and when he cut the doorway, would be accessible from the bedroom. In addition to adding the room, he was tending the livestock and doing most of the gardening. His small herd had increased to over 300 and he would be moving 50 head of cattle in with Luke’s herd after the fall roundup. Next year, he expected the herd to be over 500 if things continued the way they were going.
The garden had done spectacularly well. There was a big demand for his vegetables and the return allowed him to increase his cash reserve. He and Sarah had talked about hiring someone to help. As it was, he felt he was relying too much on Luke’s assistance. A cowboy earned about $25 per month and found. (Room and board.) Jed decided they could afford it and would ask Luke how he should go about hiring someone.
Sarah was in the sixth month of her pregnancy and the doctor had just pronounced her to be in excellent health. She had mailed her family the news that she was expecting. When they checked the post office, Asa Thompson, postmaster and storekeeper had given her letters from each of her sisters and her mother. All were excited at the prospect of another family member. Her mother had spoken of wanting to be there for the birth, but the trip would be very hard for her.
Just the other day, Sarah had said she looked like a cow, big and fat. Jed said, “You’re not fat, you’re the most beautiful woman in all of Wyoming and probably the world.”
“Jedadiah, you’re looking at me through the eyes of love. It affects your vision.”
As usual, they stopped by the church while in town. Grace remarked about how well Sarah was looking. “Being pregnant certainly agrees with you,” she said.
“Isn’t she just the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen,” Jed asked Grace.
“She is beautiful,” Grace said.
“Helloooo, I’m right here and you are embarrassing me,” Sarah said. They ignored her.
* * *
Luke and Clara were having dinner with Jed and Sarah. “Sarah, what did you do with these potatoes? They are delicious,” Clara asked.
Sarah said, “I just added some herbs to them, a little garlic and rosemary.”
“I’ve never heard of that. Would you show me? I only use salt and pepper.”
“I would be glad to. I’m growing my own herbs now. Mother sent me some seeds and I have a spot in the garden. This winter, I’ll move some of them into the house in a window box.”
“Luke, Sarah and I have talked about hiring some help. The herd and the garden are getting too much for me. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Let me think about it. Did you ask John if he knew of anyone?”
“I didn’t even think of it. I’ll do that next time we go into town. I’d like to have two young fellows. I don’t know if I could keep them over the winter though.”
“You need to be able to do that. They need something to keep them going. If you can find some low on experience, you can probably get them for $20 and found. Anyone with experience is going to be $30. If you had help, you’d be able to expand faster and they would pay for themselves soon enough. You could make some changes in the barn to bunk them.”
“I appreciate the ideas, Luke. I’m going to need to do something or quit growing. Now that I’m married, we can add more land with Sarah’s homestead rights. We could wind up around 1500 acres. That would let us move a herd around and not worry about over grazing.”
“You’re beginning to sound like a rancher now..
* * *
Late one afternoon, Sarah quietly said, “Jedadiah, would you go get Clara and tell her I think it’s time.”
Continuing to work on the saddle he had brought in, he said, “Time for what?”
“My water just broke. I think the baby is coming.”
He jumped up, “Oh that time. It’s that time. Omigod… Omigod. It’s time.”
“Jedadiah, go get Clara please. He ran out of the house toward the barn.
Two minutes later, he came back. “I need my saddle,” he said. He grabbed the saddle and went out the door again. She heard him galloping out of the yard and toward the Hastings ranch. She smiled to herself. He was so excited, he could hardly stand it.
Forty minutes later, she heard the galloping of the horse and the creaking of a wagon. Clara burst into the house. “How far apart are the pains?” she asked.
Sarah said, “About 10 minutes.”
Clara said, “Jed, put some water on the stove.” To Sarah she said, “That should keep him busy for a while.” Seeing Sarah grimace, she asked, “Another one?”
Sarah nodded, Clara looked at the clock and when the next one came, she said, “They’re seven minutes apart.”
Two hours later, Clara opened the door to the kitchen where Jed and her husband sat, each with a steaming cup of coffee in hand. “You have a son,” Jed.
He jumped up, “Is Sarah okay?”
>
“She’s very tired but she’s fine. Your son is perfect, ten fingers and ten toes. Sarah did well, as she does everything,” Clara added.
“Can I go in?”
“Go, go.” She walked over to her husband and kissed him full on the lips. “Makes me want another, big guy.”
“I’m trying.”
“I’ll stay here the rest of the night and you can come get me tomorrow morning,” she said.
“I’ll be fine,” he said and picked up the saddle Jed had been working with and put it on the floor.
She walked to the bedroom and opened the door a crack and peeked in. What she saw made her want to cry. Instead, she went back to the kitchen and motioned for Luke to join her. They peeked in the door and saw Jed standing there, holding his son, tears cascading down his face. His lovely, tired wife was smiling, tears pouring from her eyes also. Luke and Clara pulled back from the door, letting the Barnettes have their privacy. “Wasn’t that just the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?” she asked her husband. He just nodded, put his arm around her shoulder and led her back to the kitchen.
Jedadiah's Mail Order Bride Page 6
