“Good.” He continued to stand with his head inside the wagon.
Finally Fiona asked, “Was there something else, Clint?”
“I’m getting awfully wet standing here in this storm and I want to talk to you, Fiona. Can I come inside?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
He climbed into the wagon and stood at her feet. “I’m dripping water everywhere. Do you have a towel?”
“I’ll find you one.” She got to her knees. “Let me light the lantern.”
“Maybe you better not do that.”
“Why not?”
“Trust me, please.”
“All right. I think I can find a towel in the dark.”
She did and when she handed it to him their hands brushed. She felt a shiver go down her spine and she pulled her hand away. She couldn’t believe what this man’s touch did to her. She watched during the frequent lightening flashes as he wiped his face and hair with the towel. He then rubbed his arms where his shirt sleeves were rolled. When he finished, he hung the towel over a crate.
“My clothes are wet so I’ll sit here in the floor.” He sat cross-legged at the foot of the mattress.
Fiona moved a little closer to him. “What did you want to talk to me about, Clint?”
“I want to talk about us, Fiona. You, me, Joey, and Hope.”
She sucked in her breath. Was he going to tell her he was leaving them? Was he going to say they were too dependent on each other and they needed time apart? What would she do if he was going back to Texas and she’d never see him again? She didn’t think she could stand it if he told her that.
He didn’t wait for her to ask any questions. He went on, saying, “Since Rose’s death we’ve been pushed together all the time. We’re operating as if we were a real family. I think Joey has grown attached to me and I know you’re attached to Hope. One only has to see you handle the baby to know you love her.”
Fiona’s heart was breaking. He was telling her they were too close and things between them were going to have to change. How could she accept that? But she knew she had to. She swallowed and said, “I guess you’re telling me we can’t go on like this?”
“I know I’m not going about it in the right way, but yes, that’s exactly what I’m trying to say.”
There was a moment of silence. Fighting back tears, Fiona finally asked, “What do you want to do, Clint?”
His voice was raspy and sounded a little nervous when he answered her. “When we get to Fort Laramie I want to find somebody with the legal authority to marry us.”
Fiona was stunned. For a minute she didn’t believe the words he’d said. She finally blurted, “You want to marry me?”
“Yes, I do. I want to be able to climb into this wagon at any time and not be afraid I’m compromising your reputation. I want Joey and Hope to have a real mother and father; even if we didn’t bring them into the world they’re ours. And if you’re set on going to Oregon, I’m sure I can sell my place in Texas and we’ll set up...”
She didn’t listen to anymore. She jumped closer to him and threw her arms around his neck, pulling his wet body into her arms. “There’s nothing in the world that would make me happier than marrying you and making the four of us a real family.”
The lightening flash lasted long enough for her to see the big grin on his lips. “Then let me kiss you, woman, and make if official.”
He pulled her tight against him and she felt the water from his shirt seep through her gown and plaster it to her body. She didn’t care. All she could think was that Clint wanted to marry her and she was in his arms and he was kissing her. It was even more powerful and exciting than it was the first time he’d kissed her.
His tongue gently coxed her lips to admit him entrance. He pressed it against her teeth and they opened for him to move further into her mouth. His kiss became more passionate as his tongue explored and caressed hers.
He lifted his head from her mouth and began kissing her ear as his large hands roamed up and down her back. He moved from her ear and sent butterfly kisses down her neck. She felt him gather a handful of her hair and gently pulled her head backward, exposing her throat and shoulders to his mouth. “I’m getting you wet,” he whispered. “I need to get out of this shirt.”
“Yes,” she whispered as she reached between them and began to unbutton the wet shirt.
When he dropped it to the floor he muttered, “You need to get out of your wet gown.”
“But...” She started to protest, but didn’t fight when he lifted it over her head and tossed it beside his shirt.
He then continued to kiss her neck and moved to her shoulders. She stiffened a little when his hands cupped and teased her breast. “I won’t hurt you, darling.” He then moved his mouth lower and captured one of her taunt breasts in his mouth. She felt her nipple stiffen and he circled it with his tongue before nipping it with his teeth. When he sucked she felt her entire body tingle.
Fiona wasn’t sure of when or how Clint removed the rest of his clothes, but she was suddenly aware that he was naked and lying on the mattress beside her.
She wanted to ask him what she was supposed to do, but he didn’t give her a chance. His mouth left her breast and traveled back to her mouth. Fiona looped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. His mouth captured hers again and she returned his kisses.
“Oh, Fiona,” he breathed into her ear. “I’ve wanted to do this for such a long time.
His hands seemed to be everywhere on her body and at every contact she felt a sizzling fire ignite in her. When she thought she couldn’t stand any more pleasure, he began to kiss her between her breasts then her stomach and all the way down to the top of her most private place.
She jerked. What was happening? She moaned and felt him roll her to her back and mount her. The curly black hair on his chest felt like feathers sweeping her body and she automatically ran her fingers through it and touched his nipple.
His body stiffened.
“I’m sorry,” she gasped.
“Don’t be. I love you to touch me.” His voice had grown husky and he was kissing her again. “You can touch me anywhere you want to, Fiona. It thrills me to feel your hands on my body.”
She put her arms back around him and felt the rippling muscles in his back. He was such a powerful man, yet so gentle.
His hands moved down her sides and caressed her thighs, then cupped her rear, pulling her closer to him. Gently he moved his hand between her legs and his fingers slipped into her forbidden area. She automatically tensed.
“Don’t be afraid. Open for me, Fiona.”
She didn’t move.
“Please. I promise you’re going to like what I’m doing.” His voice was raspy and it touched her. She relaxed and he gently began to massage her.
When his finger landed on that special place and he began to slowly rub it, she felt she was going to float away. Nothing in her life had ever felt so good. She was moaning and thrusting herself toward his hand as the thunder outside continued to crash around them.
When she felt she couldn’t stand any more pleasure, Clint moved between her legs and she felt the wet hot throb of his manhood against her opening. He pressed it inside for a short way and then pulled back.
“Sweetheart, this is going to hurt, but it won’t last. Afterward, it will feel good and it’ll never hurt again. Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
Clint thrust into her and when she felt herself tear she let out a little scream. Clint was right. It hurt. But before she could figure out why he’d hurt her, the pain subsided and all she could feel was the fulfillment of having him inside of her and giving her a pleasure she never dreamed was possible.
Clint began to thrust quicker and harder. Fiona stayed with him and then she felt herself hitting a sphere of pleasure she didn’t think she could stand. She felt she was on the verge of collapse. At the same time, Clint’s body suddenly began to jerk and quiver. She felt
his warm seed fill her and they collapsed together.
They lay there for a moment, then he rolled to his side with her in his arms. His breathing was ragged as he became still.
All she could do was hold on to him and enjoy this wonderful feeling. It wasn’t the time to try to get her mind to comprehend what had happened between them.
His voice was a little shaky when he asked, “Are you all right, darling?”
“Yes.”
“I know it was your first time and I tried to be gentle with you, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve wanted to make you mine for so long, I got carried away.”
She smiled into his chest. “Did what happened between us make you mine, Clint?”
“Yes, my love. We belong to each other now and I promise it will be better next time.”
Fiona wasn’t sure how it could get any better, but she didn’t say anything. Maybe there was something she needed to do to make him enjoy it more. But if it was, at least he was going to give her another chance. As far as she was concerned, she thought it was wonderful. She cuddled next to him and it wasn’t long until she was sound asleep.
* * * *
Hope woke them before dawn. Fiona sat up and realized she was still naked. She blushed when Clint raked his eyes over her and smiled.
“After what we’ve shared you shouldn’t be shy.” He sat up and kissed her cheek.
“I guess I can’t help it.”
Hope cried louder.
“You better get her before she wakes the entire camp.”
Trying to keep the sheet over her, she reached for the baby. With Hope in her arms, she turned around. Clint was still looking at her.
“Don’t you think you should hand me my gown?”
“Do I have to? You look so beautiful taking care of the baby dressed the way you are.”
“I’m not dressed, Clint.”
“From now on I intend to keep you in this state as much as possible.”
“Clint.” She blushed again.
He shook his head and reached for her gown. “I guess this means that we’re not going to get a chance to do again what we did last night.”
“I think you’re right.” She dropped her gown over her head.
“Then I’ll guess you want me to get dressed and get out of here before our neighbors wake up and see me sneaking out of your wagon.” He threw the sheet back and stood.
Fiona gasped. Other than the lightening from the storm last night, she’d not been able to see the man who shared her bed. Now he stood before her and he was the most perfect specimen she’d ever seen. Even the Greek gods in history books didn’t compare to him. It was all she could do not to ask him to stay in the bed until she got Hope back to sleep.
She knew Clint was aware of her admiration of him because he winked at her. “Get used to this, honey. You’re going to see me like this as often as I see you.”
She shook her head at him then turned to change Hope’s diaper. When she finished, she reached for one of the bottles she’d pre-made for the baby. She tested it to make sure the milk was still good. It was and she stuck it in Hope’s mouth. Turning, she saw Clint was completely dressed. She couldn’t explain the little disappointment she felt.
He sat down beside her on the mattress and put his arm around her shoulder. “I’m looking forward to getting to Fort Laramie today.”
She grinned. “Are you really?”
“You haven’t changed your mind about marrying me, have you?”
“Do you still want to get married?”
He raised his eyebrow. “Of course. What makes you think I might change my mind?”
She shrugged. “I thought after last night...well...I mean...I did let you have your way with me.”
Clint laughed out loud and she frowned. Had she hit on the truth? Was he now not interested in marrying her?
“Fiona, my love,” he said and pulled her close to him, “last night only gave me the incentive to hurry up our wedding. I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”
“So you don’t think I’m a bad woman?”
“There’s nothing bad about you. I know you gave yourself to me because you care about me. I also know you will always be mine. No other man’s. I love you, Fiona, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Oh, Clint.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “You’ve made me so happy. I love you and I always will.”
He took hold of her chin and pulled her face to his. “We’re going to have a wonderful life.” He kissed her passionately and stood. “I’m going to push Zeke to get this train on the road. I want to marry my woman.”
* * * *
Fiona and Clint told Joey they were going to get married at Fort Laramie and by the time the train stopped for the noon break the excited boy had spread the news to most everyone in the camp.
Unbeknownst to Fiona and Clint, plans were underway for a big party after the nuptials were over. Hannah and Sara insisted they dig into their mother’s trunk to get her old wedding dress. She’d insisted on bringing it because she hoped one of her daughters would be needing it when they got to Oregon.
They set up camp outside of Fort Laramie a little after three o’clock. When the livestock was taken care of, Clint went to the Fort to mail his letter, to buy coffee, and to check on the availability of clergy.
Sarah and Hannah helped Fiona bathe and dress. Mattie Watson and Nina Fritz also helped. Even Susie got excited about the pretty fancy dress Fiona was wearing.
“I must say, it sure looks pretty on you,” Mattie said with a tear in her eye. “It fits so well. I was sure a lot smaller when I wore it.”
“Thank you, Mattie. I’m glad your girls insisted on me wearing it.”
“You’re a pretty bride, Fiona.” Nina smiled.
She smiled at her friends. “I hope no one will think hard of us since it hasn’t been that long since Rose’s death.”
“Nobody is going to think a thing, Fiona.” Mattie patted her arm. “It’s a hard life out here. People can’t always take the time to do things the way they do back east.”
“That’s right,” Nina added. “Everybody knows Clint needs someone to help him raise his daughter. And Lord knows you need someone to help you with Joey. I think everyone is glad you’ve come to this decision. It’s the best for everyone concerned.”
“Who have you chosen to stand up with you, Fiona?” Nina asked.
“Sarah and Hannah. They’ve been such close friends. Sarah helped me fool Luther Markin when I was trying to get out of Independence. Hannah helped bring Hope into the world and she’s always there to help me look after her. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”
“What about Clint? Do you know who is standing for him?”
“There were so many he wanted to ask. Herman and Rufus were his first choice, but both of them insisted he choose someone else. He decided to ask Zeke and Mac. Zeke because they’ve become good friends and Mac because he did away with the threat of Luther Markin.” She laughed. “Of course, Joey is standing up for both of us.”
Mattie said, “I’ve never seen a child more excited about becoming a part of a family.”
“I think we’re going to be a happy family.” Fiona smiled inwardly. Yes, they would be a happy family. Clint had given her wonderful gifts: himself, a beautiful daughter, and security. Now she had decided what gift she and Joey could give him. This would be a gift she was sure would make him happy as head of their family. She only had to wait until the perfect time to tell him about it.
* * * *
Clint’s trek to Fort Laramie was productive. He left the letter to be sent to the Fillmore widow and he found Reverend Chandler, a licensed minister of the gospel who was visiting a relative in the area. The preacher even agreed to come out to the wagon train to perform the ceremony.
At seven o’clock in the evening, in front of a makeshift alter made of crates draped with bed sheets and covered with wild flowers, Fiona and Clint said their vows. He placed the ring he’d bought
in Independence on her finger and they became man and wife.
By nine o’clock the party was in full swing. A lot of hugs and kisses had been given the bride and groom. A mountain of food had been consumed and a liberal amount of wine had been brought from the Fort, but nobody got out of hand. Music played, the bride and groom danced, then everyone danced. Shortly thereafter, Nina Fritz announced that Benny and Joey were going to spend the night with Susie. Hannah informed Fiona and Clint that she and her family were keeping Hope for the night. When Fiona started to protest, Clint danced her away.
At ten o’clock the party was still going, but the couple decided they wanted to continue the celebration in private. Clint snatched a bottle of wine and two glasses and hurried Fiona to their wagon.
The first time they made love on their wedding night it was exciting and almost rushed. The second time it was more leisurely and relaxed. As they lay naked in each other’s arms they listened to the music on the campground die away and the rustle of feet as people headed to their own wagons for the night.
“Clint,” she whispered. “I love my ring. Where in the world did you find it?”
“I got it in Independence. When I saw the blue stone, I thought of your eyes. I didn’t know when or where I’d give it to you, but I knew I would someday.”
“I love it.”
He pulled her close. “I also bought Rose a cameo pin. I never had a chance to give it to her, but I thought I might give it to Hope someday.”
“What a wonderful thought.”
“Now let’s not talk any more. I have something else on my mind right now.”
Fiona laughed. “I want to say one more thing. Can we go home tomorrow?”
He frowned. “Honey, I think Zeke plans to stay here a few days before heading for Oregon.”
“I’m not talking about Oregon, Clint.”
“Then what are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the home where I want to raise our children.”
“Where’s that?” He sounded confused.
“I’m not exactly sure, but I think it’s somewhere on a small ranch in west Texas.”
He sat up and looked down at her. “Do you know what you’re saying?”
Fiona's Journey Page 24
