Marriage of Necessity

~37~ Three for Three

A couple days have passed since the sausage incident, and I'm still a touch sore from the spanking I got.

That man sure has power behind him.

After the rooster crows this morning, I get up to put wood in the stove, so I can get started on breakfast.

I realize that Junior didn't bring up the wood last night, and I let out a disgusted breath as I go to the woodshed to grab some.

When I get there, I'm hearing some weird noises in the barn, so I go to investigate. Once I get inside, I roll my eyes at my ninny-brained self.

Remi is getting her reminder.

"Sorry," I say as I start to hurry out, poor Remi over her Pa's knee and starting to wiggle.

He isn't going nearly as hard as the other night, and she isn't crying.

"Don't be sorry—What's wrong?" He asks as he continues to spank her.

I stop and turn around, feeling uncomfortable. "I was about to grab wood when I heard something in here—I forgot you were still doing this. Let this be the last day, please? She's been good to me for two days."

Matthew nods as he continues the reminder.

"That true, Remi?"

"Yes pa!" She says in a breathy voice.

"Alright. I'll finish up this one and then I'll be done, so long as you keep rememberin' to be civil."

"I will be," she nods as she grabs his pant leg and tries her best to stay still.

I start to leave, when he speaks again.

"How's come you're gettin' wood? I heard ya ask Junior to do that last night."

"I did, he must've gotten busy," I say as I leave the barn.

I grab the wood I need, and go inside. As I'm starting the fire in the stove, Junior walks out of his room.

"Mornin' ma," he grins as he pulls up his suspenders.

"Good morning," I say as I dust the wood splinters off my hands and get started cracking eggs.

"Why are ya sore?" He asks as he slips on his boots.

"What makes ya think I'm sore?"

"Yur eyes are tight."

I smirk as I stare at this boy. How in the heavens did he notice that?

"I am a little," I admit as I whisk the eggs, and get them to cooking.

"Why?"

"I'm late on breakfast, cause I had to fetch wood. I asked ya to do that last night, and you told me you were gonna go do it."

He blows out a big breath and nods. "I'm sorry, I forgot—I'll do it right now."

"No, your pa is gonna expect you for milking. You best hurry on."

He finishes tying his other boot, and comes over to me, giving me a hug.

"I'm sorry, ma. Jamie was upset cause he stubbed his toe, and I was trying to help him forget about it. As soon as I get the milkin' done, I'll do the wood."

I smile as I touch his cheek. "Ok. Thank you."

"Still sore?"

"No, I'm fine. You took care of your brother, and you're making it right with me—Go milk the cows, guilt free."

He grins as he leaves quickly.

~*~

Once breakfast is ready, I leave to find Matthew and Junior—They both should've been inside by now. When I get in the barn, I'm hearing cries.