Retriever of the Lost Souls (Retriever Series Book 1)

by Brian

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  Susanna on the other hand had also been taken to have a traditional talk. It should have been her mama giving her the talk, but her aunt and her soon to be mother in law had taken the place of Conchita.

  They told her what to expect on their first night together. They explained that there may be some pain in the beginning, but it would soon become pleasurable if she allowed it to be.

  They too spoke about being a good and obedient wife and that Martin should also be a loving husband. They knew that the two would have a happy marriage as they were both the perfect complement to each other.

  That evening, hundreds of friends and family attended the wedding. Martin realized he had never been this happy and couldn’t believe that he had nearly missed out on having such a smart, beautiful woman for a wife.

  Since the celebration went long into the night, Martin and Susanna quietly grabbed their things and slipped out. The guesthouse would serve as the newlywed’s abode for the next few nights. Earlier, candles had been placed throughout the house to provide soft lighting, along with flowers to spread a fresh, floral scent throughout.

  To give Susanna a chance to prepare, a very nervous Martin excused himself to the outhouse. When he returned, Susanna had donned a modest, yet sensual lace nightgown that covered her shoulders, leaving a hint of softness underneath. Martin slowly walked toward his bride and put his arms around her, whispering words of comfort. He assured her that they would wait until she was ready. She looked at him and smiled.

  “My husband, I am ready for you now. I will do whatever it takes to make you the happiest you have ever been.”

  “You have already made me the happiest man in the world.”

  As he started kissing her softly, he felt her breathing increase. She trembled as he began to lightly rub her back, sending cascades of shivers down her spine as well as his own. Her hands began to explore his body. He pulled away, regarding her, before slowly removing her nightgown. He gazed upon her body, and his breath caught in his throat. He continued kissing her, first on her cheek, then moving to her neck, and very slowly to each breast. She moaned softly and closed her eyes in ecstasy. Her body was trembling so much that Martin was afraid she would collapse. He picked her up and gently laid her down on their marriage bed, barely able to contain the passion that rose within him.

  Lying next to her, she looked at him through tears of joy, passion, and innocence as Martin took each breast in his mouth and his hands began to caress and explore her soft body. The fire between them was building into an inferno when a moan suddenly emanated from deep within Susanna’s body. Her eyes were wide with a combination of wonder and fear.

  “What happened? I have never felt that way before. What are you doing to me?”

  She continued trying to ask questions, but he covered her mouth with his, quieting her mid-sentence. Unable to keep his hunger at bay, he positioned his body on top of her and saw her beautiful brown eyes flash with fear.

  Susanna was scared, but somewhere in her mind, she remembered what both her tia and her mother-in-law had told her about this moment. When their eyes locked and held each other, she felt the fear subside. Susanna saw pure love in his eyes that were blue as the sky and yearned to explore their bodies and unite as one. She winced in pain as their bodies came together, even though she knew what to expect. He paused a moment as her hips shifted to accommodate his desire, then continued guiding her through the process of becoming a woman. His woman.

  Soon the pain was but a memory, replaced by a pressure growing within her that felt so good, she felt like crying. The power within each seemed to intensify as if both were in a Latin tango. When he released his desire within her, she too released hers.

  Martin couldn’t believe what had just happened. Their lovemaking was unlike anything he had ever felt before. They were both breathing hard when he heard a soft giggle which grew into laughter so hard, that tears were running down her face.

  “What’s wrong?” he gently asked.

  “It was wonderful, and I can’t contain my joy at what a wonderful husband and lover you are. I couldn’t help but wonder if we have made a baby already!”

  He smiled gently at her and said, “If we did, it would be a wonderful miracle. If we didn’t, practice makes perfect!” She then giggled even more.

  The stayed for the next few days, coming out only to eat food to nourish their bodies. They could not contain the passion that called to them and the end of the week came too fast, both Martin and Susanna were tired from a busy week. Martin was beaming, and Susanna was glowing as they made their way back to the hacienda. The entire family was there to greet them, and all present could see both faces flushed with a joy that was both beautiful as well as binding.

  After a hearty breakfast, Martin announced that they would be going back to Texas that same day.

  “I must go if I am to secure a life for me, my wife, and my future family,” Martin stated.

  The family gave a collective sigh as nobody wanted them to leave. Finally, Salvador spoke up.

  “I understand, my friend. It is just very hard to say goodbye to my daughter. It might be a while before I see her again.”

  “Don’t worry, Salvador, we will make many trips to see you and the family. I won’t take your daughter away from you like that.”

  Happy with this news, Salvador smiled with relief. A few hours later the newlyweds were all packed up and ready to go back to Killeen. After many hugs, kisses, and tears, they were finally prepared for the long trip back to Texas. They would be going by carriage this time since Susanna’s belongings were too much for the limited space on the train. Four days later, they finally pulled up to the house that Martin had purchased just after his proposal to Susanna. Situated just minutes away from Martin’s office, it was a beautiful two-story house with five bedrooms. Susanna’s eyes opened wide with shock.

  “Oh Dios Mio,” she said under her breath. “To whom does this house belong?”

  Martin smiled widely. “This is our house. I bought it for our family and us.”

  Susanna giggled. “We don’t have a family.”

  Martin gave a hearty laugh. “As much as I can’t keep my hands off you, we will have a family very soon.” He embraced her. “Now let’s go inside so that you can see your new home.”

  Although she was accustomed to the splendor of the hacienda, she couldn’t believe that this was the home that she and Martin would share. The furniture Martin had picked out was both eloquent and stately. Martin suddenly, momentarily, seemed unsure of himself.

  “I tried to select furniture that was similar to what you are used to, but I wasn’t certain of what you would like…” His voice trailed off.

  She hugged him, saying, “Me gusta mucho, Mi Amor. I like it very much!”

  Together they walked through the entire house, pausing in each room as she took in the splendor. The backyard had many acres of land behind it.

  “There is one more room left,” he said.

  Making her close her eyes and taking her by the hand, he led her to the last room. When he opened the door, the scent of lilacs flooded her senses, causing her to smile widely. Inside was a huge four-poster bed against the opposite wall, a walnut bureau with carved handles on the nearest wall, and a matching dressing table and mirror across from the dresser. With her eyes still closed he gathered her into his arms and began to kiss her. Then slowly Martin began unbuttoning her dress and pulling it off her, causing her to open her eyes, gasping as tears filled her eyes.

  “Oh, Martin! The bed! This was my Papi and Mami’s bed” So overcome with emotion, she could not find the words to finish her thought.

  “Your Papi wanted us to have it and arranged to have it sent here. If you want a different bed, I can get a new one for us.”

  “No, mi esposo. It is muy bonita. Mi mama loved it very much. Gracias, my husband. I love it!”

  Martin picked her up and placed her on the bed, removing her shoes, then her stockings
. There would be no more talking that night, save that of their ecstasy.

  Chapter 14

  Susanna realized how perfect her life was, and just about the only problem she had was with the local townspeople. Since she was different from everybody else, it was difficult to make friends, but she remained persistent. When old Mrs. Treymore broke her leg, it was Susanna who made sure that all her needs were met. When Mr. Holbrook’s wife died, it was Susanna who made him a few meals and kept his children occupied during their time of mourning. Then, when the local schoolmarm became heavy with child, it was Susanna who took over the teaching of the classes until a new teacher could be found. Before long, the townspeople found themselves in love with this young girl and accepted her into their fold.

  Martin worked long hours since Max was no longer able to help at the bank. Knowing he was not able to keep this pace much longer, Martin placed a help wanted ad in the newspaper. He was looking for someone who was trustworthy and had a good head for numbers. Many men applied, and Martin found fault with all of them. Either they didn’t seem reliable enough, or they couldn’t understand his accounting procedures. Then, one day a young man dressed in a smart suit, holding a newspaper opened to the financials, came to apply. He walked up to a very stressed Martin and waited until he was acknowledged.

  Martin looked him up and down. Very impressed with his demeanor he bade the gentleman sit down.

  “Sir, my name is William Motts, and I am here to apply for the job at your bank.”

  Martin could barely contain his excitement at the prospect of this good fortune.

  “Tell me why you want this job.”

  William tactfully paused.

  “I moved here recently and am looking for a job. I am not a ranch hand, so my options are limited. I am very accomplished at working with books and have yet to meet an accounting system that I couldn’t make better.”

  The questions continued.

  “What experience do you have?”

  “I’ve worked at my father’s bank since I was sixteen years old, and during the last ten years, I managed the loan side of his bank. I have never been in trouble with the law, nor do I have a gambling problem,” William answered quite succinctly.

  “Do you understand that if I hire you, there would be long hours?” Martin was very impressed with this young man.

  “Since I am not married, I would be willing to work any hours that would be required of me.”

  Desperate to hire someone, Martin looked him over once more. After a moment he stood up, extending his hand to William.

  “Welcome aboard. I’ll hire you for one month. If all works out, I’ll hire you permanently. If it doesn’t, you will be free to go. Does that seem fair to you?”

  “Oh, yes, sir,” William said with a big grin on his face. “Thank you, sir! You won’t regret this.”

  Over the course of the next month, Martin found himself at home more in the evenings than he’d been since before Max was locked out. Martin’s demeanor had also returned to its former level, and he was more amicable than he could remember being in a long time. The bank was running smoothly, and true to his word, William had been able to make the once feared accounting issues simple and easy to understand.

  One month later, Martin took William aside and handed him an official-looking letter. William’s boyish looking face broke into a wide grin. He was now a permanent employee of The First Bank of Killeen. Then, looking at the letter again, he breathed a sigh of relief as the first part of his assignment had efficiently been completed.

  Later that afternoon Martin stood to the side and watched William as he worked. There was something funny about him, but he didn’t understand what it was. The way he walked and talked almost reminded him of a woman. Martin though quickly dismissed that thought.

  “My wife is a wonderful cook, and she is making her special enchiladas tonight. Would you like to come to my home for dinner?”

  William smiled back at Martin.

  “Yes. I would love to. Thank you.”

  That night Martin introduced William to Susanna. Since William spoke Spanish, he and Susanna immediately seemed to connect with each other, which pleased her to no end. The evening was delightful for the three of them, and soon it was time for William to be on his way. Walking him to the door, Susanna hugged him.

  “Thank you for a beautiful evening,” Susanna told him. “I hope to see you again soon.”

  Shaking Martin’s hand, he left.

  “This has been a wonderful night. He is very nice. Thank you for bringing him to our casa, my love,” Susanna told Martin lovingly.

  “I am glad that you liked him. He is very good at his job.”

  Nervously, Susanna took Martin’s hand and walked him to their living room.

  “I have something important to tell you.” She smiled at him. “Our family will be growing.”

  At first, Martin just looked at her, confused and not understanding. Then suddenly the realization of what she had just said sank in.

  “Do you mean you are— we are —” He paused before continuing, “a baby?”

  Susanna beamed at him.

  “Yes, my love. We are going to have a baby. You are happy…si?” She asked hesitantly.

  “Oh, my love, yes. I am happy and very excited. You’ve made me a happy man!”

  He embraced her with love shining in his eyes. He could not believe the happiness he felt knowing that soon there would be three of them. He fell to his knees and kissed her stomach “Hello little one, daddy already loves you!” This made Susanna giggle uncontrollably.

  Standing up Martin told her “I hope we have a beautiful daughter that looks just like you.”

  Susanna beamed at him.

  “I think it will be in about seven months. We’ll have to get one of the rooms ready for the baby. Papa still has the bassinet he had made for me when I was born. Oh, Martin! I can't wait to tell him! He will be so excited!”

  Smiling widely, Martin agreed, “Yes, he will.”

  The following weekend, Susanna packed a small overnight bag. She hadn’t been home for a few months and couldn’t wait to go to Mexico and share the news with her father.

  They were waiting for the carriage to be prepared after their arrival when a short, fat, bald man approached Martin and asked for a word in private. Confused, Martin walked a few feet away with this man.

  “You are the brother of Mr. Max?” the man asked Martin.

  “Uh, yes, I am. Why?” Martin asked hesitantly.

  “He owes me much money. If he does not pay me —” His voice trailed off.

  “I am sure you wouldn’t like to see anyone in your family hurt, so you should make sure that he gets this message, si Señor?”

  Martin was speechless. His mind was racing.

  “How much does he owe you?”

  “He owes me 450 American dollars.”

  “If you can promise me that you will never do business with my brother again and that you’ll leave our family alone, I’ll make sure that the money is paid to you in a few days,” Martin told the man.

  Mr. Garcia squinted his eyes at Martin.

  “I am a man of my word. If you pay me this money, I won’t speak to him again.”

  After scheduling the time and date with him as to when he would be paid, Mr. Garcia walked away.

  When Martin returned to Susanna, she was quite upset.

  “What are you doing with that awful man? I saw you shake hands with him. You must stay away from Señor Garcia; he is an evil man!”

  Susanna paled as Martin explained what had happened.

  “I am sorry, my husband. I should have trusted you more.”

  “No te preoccupes my beautiful wife, I want to make sure that nothing happens to you or anyone else. Don’t worry.”

  A few hours after boarding the carriage, they arrived at the hacienda.

  “Martin! Susanna! What are you doing here? I didn’t expect this visit!” Salvador gleefully exclaimed.

&nbs
p; After they walked into the hacienda, Martin requested that Salvador summon his two sons into the house as well.

  When everybody was present, Martin looked at Salvador and with a big grin on his face announced, “Susanna is going to have a baby.”

  Salvador roared with joy.

  “Ay! que magnifico….no lo puedo cre’er! I cannot believe I will be a grandfather again!”

  Salvador hugged his daughter and son-in-law and shook Martin’s hand again.

  “You’ve made me a happy man. Gracias mijo! Thank you so much.”

  The rest of that weekend was enjoyable, but the thought of having to meet with Señor Garcia again put a damper on the celebration of their news. As they were heading back into town, Susanna looked at Martin with fear in her eyes.

  “Please be careful my love, and don’t do anything to provoke his anger. He isn’t a nice man.”

  “I’ll be cautious. I have the money here in my pocket, and I’ll hand it over then walk away.”

  When they arrived in town, Martin sat Susanna in a small restaurant by the train station and walked over to the livery stables to ask for Señor Garcia. Face to face with him again, Martin handed the money to him and quietly said, “We have a deal, correct?”

  “Si. It is a deal.”

  Martin quickly walked away, gathered up Susanna, and led her to the train. As they pulled away from the station, Martin uttered a prayer of thanks. Susanna looked at him and smiled. She was happy that they would no longer be subjected to Señor Garcia and his nasty demeanor. Martin, however, knew that Max would always find a way to get into more trouble and that it would probably never end.

  Chapter 15

  A few nights later, after helping Susanna to bed and making sure she was asleep, Martin began pacing back and forth formulating his thoughts on how he would confront his brother regarding his meeting with Señor Garcia when he heard a knock at the door. Picking up his gun, he walked to the door.

  “Who is it?” Martin asked quietly.

  “It’s me. Max. Let me in. I need to talk to you.”