by Connie Mason
Jess... I must have fallen asleep."
"I wasn't going to awaken you, love, but I couldn't help myself."
Her fingers slid into his hair at the nape of his neck. His mouth came down to meet hers, and a tiny whimper left her lips as he deepened the kiss, lashing the fragrant inside of her mouth with his tongue, savoring the taste and scent of her.
When he tugged at the shift, Meg eagerly helped him remove it. "Just the way I want you," Jess moaned. "Naked."
He kissed the side of her neck, tasted the small, shell-like ear, and took her mouth again, cupping her bottom and pulling her against his arousal. Then he nudged her legs apart and shifted his weight between them.
"Can you take me now, sweetheart? I'm sorry, I can't seem to restrain myself. Next time we'll take it slower."
Meg didn't want it slow. She was as desperate for him as he was for her, and more than ready to take him. Heat pooled between her legs, dampening her thighs with moisture.
"I'm ready," she gasped. "Please. Now."
"Thank God," Jess whispered fervently.
She felt him prodding her body's opening and pulled him to her, frantically grasping his forearms as he pushed all the way in until he filled her. She gasped and arched up, sensations spearing through her; hunger, stripped to its rawest form, need pulsing so fiercely it blazed behind her eyelids. She clamped down hard, feeling him hot and hard, buried to the hilt inside her.
Jess kissed her mouth as he began to move upon her; kissed her nipples, laved them and sucked them into his mouth as he pistoned his hips against hers. His hands moved over body, sliding down the indentations of her spine, gliding over her hips. Meg arched upward, heat sweeping through her as unspeakable ecstasy flared and ignited.
She could feel his hardness, the hot, thick, rigid length of him, the pulsing fullness, and then pleasure, sweet and fierce, shot through her. She cried out, trembling, shuddering. His hands gripped her hips and he thrust deeper and deeper, faster and faster. It was primitive, decadent, deliciously carnal. It was more than Meg could bear as she shattered into a million pieces.
On the outer edges of her awareness, she saw Jess stiffen, heard him call out her name, and felt him collapse against her as he found the completion he sought.
Jess rested his head against hers for a moment, then lifted himself off her. His harsh breathing matched hers as they slowly regained their wits.
"That was too quick," Jess complained. "The next time we'll take it slower. I want to taste you all over, pleasure you until we're both too exhausted to move."
"And I, you," Meg whispered happily. "But perhaps you should rest first."
He laughed, wrapping an arm around her waist and dragging her atop him. "We can rest when we're old. Tonight is for us."
Chapter Nineteen
Three days later, Jess and Meg retrieved their bags from the station master and boarded the stage to Cheyenne. Sheriff Diller had returned to Dodge and provided Jess with a document stating that the Gentry brothers were not outlaws, never had been, and were not wanted by the law. Diller even asked Jess to stay, citing the fact that the town needed a good doctor, assuring Jess that this time his efforts to practice medicine would not go unappreciated.
But Jess had had enough of Dodge City to last a lifetime. He politely thanked the sheriff and booked passage on the next stage to Cheyenne. Diller personally saw Jess and Meg off and wished them well.
Meg was relieved that Jess held no fondness for Dodge City. She was anxious to return to Cheyenne and check on Zach's health. She assumed Mary Dowling was taking good care of Zach but she was still worried.
"You're awfully quiet," Jess said as he settled back against the hard seat. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
Meg frowned. She had no idea what he was talking about. Unless...no, how could he know?
"I was just thinking about Zach," Meg hedged. "Do you think he and Widow Dowling are married yet?"
"It's possible. I know if I was Zach I wouldn't let any grass grow under my feet."
Meg mulled over Jess's words. He hadn't mentioned a word about marrying her since the night he was released from jail. Was it just an oversight? Or had he changed his mind? Perhaps now that he was a free man he'd had second thoughts about burdening himself with a wife and family.
"I've been thinking," Jess said into the waiting silence. "Perhaps I should move my office out of the house. If my practice continues to thrive, I'll be needing more space. When we left town, I noticed a for rent sign above the barber shop. What do you think about it?"
"I think you're going to have more patients than you can handle," Meg allowed. "Cheyenne is growing by leaps and bounds. Giving yourself more space for your practice sounds like a good idea."
"Then it's settled, that's what I'll do. The extra space in the house will come in handy for my wife and family."
"Your wife? You mean...?"
Jess sent her a dazzling smile. "Did you think I'd changed my mind about marrying you? I'm not letting you get away from me, Meg."
Meg returned his grin. "That's all I needed to hear." She sighed happily and snuggled against him.
Suddenly a thought occurred to Meg, one that burst the bubble of her happiness. "The townspeople don't approve of me. What if they avoid you and ignore your practice because of me?"
"Let me worry about that," Jess replied. "There are other towns needing doctors, but I truly hope moving elsewhere won't be necessary."
Somewhat mollified, Meg's hand stole to her stomach. She debated telling Jess her suspicions about her condition but they weren't alone in the stagecoach. Another time, she thought, smiling inwardly, although keeping the news to herself now was nearly killing her.
Four days and three uncomfortable nights later, they reached Cheyenne. The day was clear and bright, but with a definite nip in the air, heralding the return of fall and cooler temperatures. Jess arranged to have their bags delivered, then walked the short distance home.
They met many of Jess's former patients and friends on the street, and they greeted him with enthusiasm. Meg received only stares and disapproving looks. The women all but ignored her while effusively greeting Jess and inquiring about his office hours. The men gave Meg speculative glances and knowing looks, as if assessing her relationship to Jess.
This isn't going to work, Meg told herself. She was never going to be accepted into Jess's world. She'd always be that brazen woman who'd taken up a shameful profession, one who used her wiles to snag the most eligible bachelor in town. She'd be a hindrance to Jess and she loved him too much to do that.
"Pay them no heed," Jess said, obviously aware of the attention he was attracting, and of the way Meg was being ignored. "They'll soon grow accustomed to seeing us together. Everything will change once we're married."
"I wish I could believe that," Meg sighed.
"Dr. Gentry! You're back!" a feminine voice called from behind them. "You disappeared so suddenly everyone feared you'd never return. Do wait up so I can welcome you back properly."
Meg spun around, groaning in dismay when she saw Polly Gallagher hurrying up to join them.
"Don't take anything she says to heart," Jess hissed as they waited impatiently for her to reach them.
"Oh, dear me," Polly said, panting to catch her breath. "Are you back for good, Doctor?"
"I'm here to stay, Miss Gallagher," Jess returned pleasantly.
"Then let be the first to extend an invitation to you. Please come to dinner tonight. I'm sure the whole family will want to welcome you home."
Jess slanted a quick glance at Meg before answering. "I'd be happy to accept, Miss Gallagher..."
"Please call me Polly," Polly simpered. "Shall we say seven o'clock?"
Jess's reply startled Meg. Had he forgotten her already?
"May I finish what I started to say?" Jess asked.
"Of course," Polly said, slanting Meg a superior look.
"My fiancée and I would be most happy to dine with you and your family
tonight.
Polly glared at Meg. "Your...fiancée? Surely you don't mean..."
Jess placed an arm around Meg's shoulders and pulled her against him. "I'm referring to Meg. You and Miss Lincoln are acquainted, aren't you?"
"Barely," Polly sniffed.
"About that invitation," Jess prodded. "Miss Lincoln is welcome, isn't she?"
"Jess," Meg chimed in, "I don't want to go where I'm not wanted."
"I'm sure Miss...er...Polly meant to included you, Meg. That is correct, isn't it, Polly?"
"Of...of course," Polly said stumbling over the words.
Meg nearly laughed aloud at Polly's lack of aplomb. Obviously Polly had set her cap for Jess.
"When is the wedding?" Polly asked, staring daggers at Meg.
"As soon as it can be arranged," Jess replied, smiling at Meg. "Good day, Polly. We'll see you tonight. Thanks for the invitation."
"Why did you accept?" Meg hissed once Polly had stalked off. "Are you trying to shove me down the throats of your friends?"
"I want the citizens of Cheyenne to know you the way I do. Once they do, they can't help loving you. You're a special woman, Meg Lincoln, and I can't wait to make you my wife."
"You're the only one in this town to think so," Meg said morosely. Her dismal thoughts continued in the same vein until they reached Jess's house.
"We're home," Jess said, opening the front gate to let Meg pass through. "Soon as we settle in, we'll rent horses from the livery and ride out to see Zach."
The house was just as they had left it. They carried their bags upstairs, intending to unpack. But somewhere along the way their priorities changed, and they fell into one another's arms. They made love as if they were starved for one another, and by the time they were sated, it was too late to go anywhere.
"A bath would be wonderful," Meg said.
"I agree," Jess replied, moving to comply.
He carried the brass tub into the kitchen and heated water for their baths. After a good soak and some erotic play in the tub, they dressed and left for their dinner date at the Gallaghers.
Polly opened the door, blatantly ignored Meg as she greeted Jess, and invited them inside. The rest of the evening wasn't as uncomfortable as Meg had expected, except perhaps for Polly's probing questions into her past. But Jess soon put at stop to unwarranted comments by making it perfectly clear they were unacceptable, and announcing that he and Meg were to be married within days. The Gallaghers seemed to take the news with equanimity, which boded well for Meg as the future Mrs. Gentry. All things considered, Meg thought the evening could have been worse.
It was even better after they returned home and Jess made love to her again.
Meg was up the following morning before Jess. She dressed and went to the store to buy food for the larder, which was completely devoid of anything edible. She carried home what was needed to prepare breakfast and arranged for the rest to be delivered. Then she prepared a hearty breakfast for her and Jess.
"Smells good," Jess said as he entered the kitchen and sniffed appreciatively.
"Flapjacks, eggs, and bacon," Meg said, proud of her cooking skills. "And coffee. I made a trip to the store this morning. Sit down. Everything's ready."
"So that's where you were when I woke and found you missing," Jess said around a mouthful of eggs. "For a moment...never mind."
"You thought I'd left," Meg teased.
"That thought did occur to me."
"You're not going to get rid of me that easy, Jess Gentry. Eat up. I'm anxious to see Zach."
An hour later they walked hand-in-hand to the livery, where they spied a likely gelding and mare and promptly bought them, along with saddles and tack.
The rode in silence, enjoying the fine day and each other, until the familiar house was within sight. Then Meg spurred her mare and galloped ahead.
Zach must have heard them approaching for he stepped out of the barn and shielded his eyes against the sunlight. Meg knew the moment he recognized her for he gave a whoop of joy and waved his arms in greeting.
Meg reached him before Jess. She slid from the saddle and ran into Zach's open arms. By the time Jess dismounted, both Meg and Zach were weeping openly.
"Praise be, you're back," Zach said, disentangling himself from Meg long enough to pump Jess's hand. I hope this means everything went the way you wanted it to," he added meaningfully.
"The charges have been dropped," Jess explained. "The banker admitted fabricating the whole tale. My brothers and I are finally free men."
"And does your new life include Meggie?" Zach queried. "Or are you going back to Dodge and set up your practice?"
"I'm staying right here, Zach. I already have a practice in Cheyenne. And Meg has agreed to become my wife."
"That's the best news yet," Zach crowed. "We'll make it a double wedding. Me and Mary were waiting for you to return to tie the knot."
"Oh, Zach, I'm happy for you," Meg thrilled. "You're finally going to have the life you deserve."
"And there'll be plenty of money to provide Mary with everything she needs. She won't be forced to go out and make a living for us like you did, Meggie. I don't know what I'd have done without you, honey. Half the money I inherited is yours. I already put it in the bank in your name."
"That's not necessary," Jess protested. "I can provide for Meg without your help."
"Aw, don't get hot under the collar, doc. I ain't gonna take no for an answer. I know doctors don't get wealthy off their patients. You've probably taken more cabbages and corn for payment than hard cash." He stared pointedly at Meg's still flat stomach. "Build yourself a big, new house for all them kids you and Meggie are gonna have."
Meg said nothing as Jess placed an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug. "We definitely want a family, don't we, love?"
"Oh, yes," Meg agreed, guarding her secret jealously.
"Good. I can't wait to bounce my grandchild on my knee. Mary's inside, Meggie, why don't you go on in and discuss the wedding with her while I talk to Jess."
Meg decided that was a good idea. Another minute and she'd be blurting out her secret, and she wanted Jess to know first.
"I want the wedding to be soon," Jess said after Meg entered the house.
"So do I," Zach agreed. "I know my time on earth is limited, and I want to make the most of it. How about this coming Saturday? Will you talk to Reverend Stark? He's the pastor at the Methodist Church. That's all right with you, ain't it?"
"I don't care who performs the wedding as long as it's done without delay. Meg is carrying my child," he confided.
Zach beamed. "I kinda suspected it. She's got that glow about her."
"I've been waiting for her to tell me," Jess said.
"You mean she ain't told you yet?"
Jess chuckled. "No, but I'm a doctor. Did she think I wouldn't recognize the signs? I'll let her keep her secret a while longer."
"Who you gonna invite?" Zach asked.
"The whole damn town," Jess said determinedly. "I want to make sure everyone accepts and respects my bride. I can set up my practice anywhere, but I know Meg prefers Cheyenne."
Zach gave Jess a sad-eyed look. "Meg's reputation ain't the best. The town gossips ran her name through the mud when she took up bounty hunting."
Jess's face hardened. "They'll accept her if I have anything to say about it. Let's go inside and tell the ladies to prepare for a large wedding."
"You're going to invite the whole town?" Meg asked, stunned by Jess's adamant stand on the size of the wedding.
"And I'm gonna hire the local cafe to cater the food, enough for the whole damn town," Zach added. "The wedding will be at the Methodist church, and the reception at the town hall, with fiddlers and everything. Jess is gonna make the arrangements when he returns to town."
"Zach," Mary began, "I don't think Meg is overly enthusiastic about a big wedding."
"Mary's right," Meg agreed. "I think something small..."
"No," Jess refuted sternly. "I
want the whole town to get to know my bride. I'm sure Mary has many friends in town she'd like to invite, so why not invite the whole town? Those who don't want to come can stay home."
"The invitations," Meg protested. "We can't possibly get them all out on time."
"I'll place an announcement and open invitation in the newspapers," Jess explained. "This is only Monday. The announcement can run every day until Saturday."
"You've thought of everything, haven't you?" Meg said, not at all sure she liked the arrangements. She didn't want to be put on display before the whole town. She'd already given them enough fodder for the gossip mill.
"Zach helped," Jess said, with what Meg thought sounded like supreme satisfaction.
"It's all right with you, ain't it, Mary?" Zach asked his fiancée.
"I do have many friends in town," Mary acknowledged. "But if Meg doesn't want..."
"It's all right," Meg said. "A big wedding is fine with me. Now all I have to worry about is finding something decent to wear."
"I can help with that," Mary offered. "I have a dozen fine dresses packed away that don't fit me anymore. They're more suited to you than to my mature figure. I'm sure we can find something suitable. Come to my house tomorrow and try them on."
Meg sent Mary a grateful look. "Thank you. I'm sure I'll find something appropriate."
"Will you see Mary home for me, Jess?" Zach asked as Meg and Jess prepared to leave.
A short time later Jess helped Meg and Mary mount their horses, then they rode off together. They bid Mary good-bye at her house and continued on home.
The groceries Meg had ordered that morning had been dropped off on the front porch. Jess helped carry them inside, then left to make arrangements for the double wedding. Meg was in the midst of cooking dinner when Jess returned.
