The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

Ranching For Beginners

Morning came all too quickly and Arthur resented the crow of the rooster, the birds chirping outside the window and the sun rising just over the horizon. But then he remembered where he was and what the day would bring for not only him, but his family as well.

He felt Lorna snuggling into his side and before his eyes even opened, he was smiling. Unfortunately, he inhaled a mouthful of Lorna's hair. He cleared his throat and slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his cerulean blue eyes.

"Hey." Lorna whispered.

"Morning." He laid back down and wrapped an arm around her."How'd you sleep?"

She stifled a yawn with the blanket."Better than I have in years. You?"

"I was up half the night listenin' to all the sounds - gettin' used to 'em. But, I'm ready to get workin'."

She smiled, tapping his chin with her finger."You worry too much."

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her nose."I'll get the coffee started."

"No let me." She placed a hand on his chest."I'm a housewife now, I want to take care of my Husband."

"Told you-"

"I know what you told me, but...you've taken care of us, even while you were sick. So I want to repay you for everything that you've done."

His lips curled into a smile, as his hand travelled up her back."You're a peach."

She breathed a quiet laugh."The sweetest they come."

Lorna managed to escape Arthur's stronghold, a devious plan of his and pull on her robe. She checked on Lily and William, before padding into the kitchenette to start the coffee.

Arthur laid in bed, ferociously rubbing at his face, trying to wake himself up. He yawned and rolled over, picking up the pocket watch that sat on the nightstand. It read 5:10.

"Coffee should be ready soon." Lorna whispered, climbing back over him.

He found himself falling into wicked temptation and whacked her on her behind, earning a squeak out of her. He chuckled to himself, letting out another yawn.

"Could use a little you before I have to get up." He nuzzled his face in her neck, just below her ear.

"We can't, the kids will hear us."

"Never stopped us before."

She snickered."Arthur...we don't have the time anyway."

He pulled away."I ain't a young man no more, probably be done before the coffee."

"Arthur!" She playfully scolded.

"What? It's just a fact of life I gotta accept."

"Well I can't." She nuzzled his neck."...Tonight."

"Least you gimme something' to look forward to today."

Arthur tore himself away from the warmth of his wife and bed, pulled on a clean shirt and pair of pants, washed his face in the basin, brushed his teeth and hair, then sat at the table in the kitchenette sipping his hot coffee.

Lorna decided to get herself ready for the day, since she wouldn't have the time once the children woke. She took her time washing her face and brushing her teeth. She ran a comb through her brown locks, gently detangling every knot and snag. She then pulled it back in a bun that looked like it took some time doing, instead of the sloppiness that ensued while on the road.

She pulled out a crisp white shirt and a eggplant purple skirt - apparently the color purple was mighty fashionable these days. She walked out from behind the room divider and over to the table, where a steaming cup of coffee awaited her.