Wes rode his horse a little faster than usual, however he knew his horse's limit. He was eager to reach Big J and his wife. When he entered the yard, all was quiet. It would be he thought; it was just past midnight. The barn door opened up and Clay's unmistakable figure came out of it. He was like a shadow always protecting the family.
"Wes! I assume you are staying here tonight, and I can take your horse. He looks a little tired, you must have been eager to get down here fast." It was almost a scolding tone in his voice. Clay loved horses and hated to see anyone abusing them. He patted the horse's neck while getting hold of the reins.
He smiled at Clay, how well did this old cowboy know him. Nothing ever escaped his sharp eyes.
"Yes, Clay, thank you! Would you know which room my wife is in?"
"Ahhhh, I thought so! This has something to do with Mrs. Sara being here." His piercing eyes examining him under the brink of his hat. " What did you do Wes? You know you can't take to your old ways now that you are married !" The tone of his voice had a sharp edge to it. Clay always spoke his mind without fear and gave his opinion.
Wes grinned at him " I'm not! Don't worry. There is only enough space in my heart for one lady." Clay didn't look surprised, but he mumbled all the same," That is how it should be!"
"I'll be going inside now. See you in the morning."
Wes wanted in the hurry to climb up the stairs, but as it seemed tonight everyone expected and waited for him to make an appearance.
"Hello father !"
Roy just lit up his cigar in the parlour.
"Son! I thought you'd show up." There was a short pause while he looked at Wes.
"You know you are married to a very special lady, and shouldn't be playing around." His father had the same approach and same tone of voice as Clay. Wes knew why too. Olivia could be very opinionated when she thought someone's being wronged. This time it was his wife she protected. He smiled, it felt good to see his family embrace Sara so readily. They were all like a mother hen protecting her.
"Father, I love my wife! I wasn't a participant in that kiss. It came as an unexpected move from the young 'supposed to be' a proper lady and caught me by surprise."
"I believe you, but it's not me you need to convince. The green room." Roy motioned with his head looking up the stairs.
"Good night father." He bid his father and proceeded to climb up the stairs by two.
Wes slowly opened up the door, and slipped into Sara's room. He just listened for a moment, but her even breathing told him she was sleeping. He stood next to the bed and watched her while the moon shone on her face. Her long beautiful hair was spread on the pillow. Something in him stirred, and he knew he'd never let her leave his side again.
He removed his clothes and got in bed beside her, and took only a few moments before she instinctively pressed herself closer to him. Nothing made him more content than to have his wife in his arms.
When she opened her eyes Sara found herself looking into the dark eyes of her husband as he watched her in her sleep. She first thought she was dreaming.
"What are you doing? Why are you here? What do you want?" She threw questions at him.
"I'm where I belong; beside my wife."
"You should've thought about where you belong before you kissed Rowena. Why did you bring me back here if you want her?" There was pain he could read in her eyes.
"I didn't kiss her. She kissed me, and I never kissed her back. Sara, you are the only one I want." He tried to explain.
"Oh! Yes, of course , and she also made you come and see her. Wes, you were in front of her house!" Sara wasn't going to make it easy for him.
"I was there to see her father, but certainly not her."
Sara wanted to believe him. Could she? The struggle raged inside her, she closed her eyes and trembled.
Wes inhaled deeply, he reached for her and brought her into his embrace capturing her waist gently. There was no immediate rejection he expected, and he let the air out of his lungs, relieved. He bent and kissed the nape of her neck, and instantly he felt her shiver. That brought a smile to his face. She responded to his touch as always.
"In the morning we are going home, but for now you need your rest. It's time you stop running away from me."
With tenderness he caressed the slight swell of her stomach where their child grew.
"Our baby needs the rest. Please, sleep, Sara."
"I'll try."
Sara felt his warmth and his solid, large body beside her. Her love for him made it impossible to push him away. She rested her head against his shoulder and before she knew it, fell back to sleep.
He stayed awake for a while and just indulged in joy of having her so close to him.
At the breakfast table, everyone smiled at them, glad to see them together. Olivia still looked at him suspiciously, but didn't mention anything.
After he talked to Austin and his father they drove back to the ranch. He held her close still not believing she's coming home with him. It was a pure joy and happiness he felt.
He could tell Sara had something on her mind when he noticed her clasping her fingers tight.
"Wes, could I ask something of you?" Finally, she found courage to ask.
"Anything Sara, you can ask anything and it will be granted as long you don't run again." She got one of his irresistible grins, and his vivid eyes sparkled. He teased her, and she so loved that side of his personality. Sara thought how handsome he was, her heart started to beat faster on its own accord.
She never asked for anything and was still unsure how to go about it , "My horse.... Martha still uses him, but his old...... and there is plenty of grass in the pastures on the ranch for him......Do you think we could buy him from her? I have little money left .." Her cheeks got flamboyant and she cast her eyes down to the turning wheel.
"If Martha would sell him yes..." After thinking a little he added," ...well will convince her anyhow. I'll pay her anything to get your horse if that makes you happy. I want to make you happy Sara." That was his Sara she always thought of others. She asked to save her horse. How could he think for a second she could be mercenary?
Upon their arrival home Sara looked at him, and smiled.
"Do we have to go inside? Can we stay on the porch for a while?"
"If you wish."
They settled themselves on the large swing, and she snuggled close to him. When she slid her hand under his shirt and touched his taut belly muscles, his temperature increased Immediately.
"Sara , we won't stay here for too long if you continue this. Sweetheart, you know how you affect me." She giggled but didn't take her hand out instead she slowly caressed it. Wes closed his eyes, as much he wanted her he stayed still. He was glad to see her getting more confident.It was a new thing for her to be spontaneous like that.
"Tomorrow we are going to the trappers cabin and will stay there for a few days. Just me and you. We need time to be alone. Away from everybody to spend time with each other. We never had that. "
"I would like that. Is that the same cabin you and Austin talk about?"
"Yes, it is. There is a stream coming down the mountain and a deer family comes every morning to the water, but you have to be up early to see them. I think I know the way to wake you up."
Sara's cheeks took a deep colour of red.
Their midday was interrupted when she spotted a well known wagon coming up the long road leading to the house.
