Claimed by the Rancher-Steamy Romance Story by Salty Vixen

He was a tall man, broad-shouldered, and when he sat atop his 17 hands tall stallion, the two made a truly impressive site to behold. The felt hat he wore, pulled forward to keep the sun out of his dark eyes shadowed his tanned face. Today, as a concession to the July heat, his cotton shirtsleeves were rolled back, revealing his tanned, muscular forearms. His mount acted a bit skittish, but the man easily and deftly controlled his temper.

He was the last to arrive at the 4th of July party, as usual. He never hurried; everything he had always done had been well thought out and paced to be completed on time. But today, there had been a problem with one of the out-fences, and since it was a holiday, he had gone himself to repair it, rather than send one of his men. People always came to him these days; perhaps that was another reason he had no reason to hurry. People were always adapting to his schedule and his way of doing things these days. Everyone that is except for the woman who watched him silently from across the open green lawns.

She was standing near the corner of the house, just watching him. She had to laugh to herself. His own party, at his own lush, near palatial-style mansion, and the host was late. She couldn’t hear his words as he moved through the milling crowds, greeting everyone, and easily moving from the role of well-trained ranch hand, to that of the polite, urbane and gracious host. Everyone smiled at him. No one would ever dream of chastising him, not even his own mother, for being late to his own party. Good Gracious no! Those here, who had not grown up being friends with his family, owed their livelihood to him, in one way or another. His family, like her own, had been one of the wealthiest in the area. Yet he had struck out on his own, and diversified, and now owned many of the buildings in town, and had interests in several privatebusinesses.

All this, besides now owning the largest, and most profitable ranch in the area, if not the state. And his house had been built to be the largest, with the most lavish of decorations. It would have been more fitting in the city of San Francisco, than out here in the country. Suddenly, he stopped mid-sentence and turned abruptly, staring directly to where she had been staring at him just a split second before. Julie gasped in air as she propped herself against the side of house. She had ducked out of sight, she was sure, right before he had seen her. That was the last thing she wanted, for him to see her watching him. She could not bear to see the knowing look of assurance, mocking her, which would cover his handsome face at that bit of knowledge.

For years, she had ignored him, tolerated him, as they were all growing up as children, then curious teens and finally as young adults. She pressed her hand against her heaving full breasts, which were barely confined by her low cut summer frock of blue gingham check. She felt as if she had run a mile and not just scooted a few steps to hide herself. With her other hand, she shoved back her near shoulder length tousled, red curls. She couldn’t believe, first of all that she had been staring him, let alone almost getting caught in the act of doing so.

Their families had been close all her life, growing up. Her family, the Bradleys, and his, the Morgans, had lived on the adjacent ranches for all of her life. Their ranches had many shared borders, fences and water rights. Her own family had consisted of her parents, Victoria and Jason, and her four brothers and 1 sister, all older than she. Her second oldest brother, Nick, had been a best friend with Jim Morgan for all of their lives practically. She could never say just when she had become ‘aware’ that things were different. It had been sometime shortly after her 21st birthday. That was when, at the birthday party in fact, that her recently deceased father’s lawyer had revealed a codicil to her father’s will.

Needless to say, since Jason’s oldest son, Jared, was a lawyer, and yet had known nothing of this, had added to the consternation of everyone. Her father’s elderly lawyer had announced that the codicil, upon Julie’s 21st birthday, now bequeathed to her a specific 50 acres of land, the most valuable land of the entire Bradley’s vast holdings. The problem was that this was the main source of water for most of the county, and therefore was the lands’ true value. And this was the water source for the both the Morgan ranches, both Jim’s and his father’s. Suddenly, she had felt a change in everyone’s attitude. The water rights had always been considered gratis, between the two families, when her father was still alive, and no one had ever considered anything else since then. But the animosity, while never quite on the surface, between herself and Jim, had been felt by all.

But no one had paid any attention, because they were always polite and courteous to each other in public, never involving any one else in their ‘squabbles.’ Soon, she had begun to feel as if she were a “pawn” to be bargained with, and risked, and lost, if need be. Not that any one else see it as such, but because of her feelings for Jim, she could not help but feel any other way. And things had appeared to be lining up that way to her, when all of a sudden Nick had stopped hinting and one day just flat out said ‘if she would just marry Jim, then everything would be settled and go back to normal.’

Of course, she had overheard him speaking to her brothers at the time, in the ranch office. But never the less, how she learned of it, didn’t alter what she now believed was everyone’s thoughts, and plans. That had done it. She had her bags, well just one really was all she could handle riding a horse, and after leaving a note for her mother, she had left in the middle of the night. Thinking back on it all now, 9 years later, it had been a foolhardy thing to do. She had ridden cross-country for several hundred miles. Then she had stabled her horse, cabled her family where the horse was, and caught the train north.

She had arrived at her great aunt’s home in San Francisco almost a week after her midnight flight from her home, like a thief in the night. Her Aunt Tillie, after hugging her breath out of her and sending one of her servants to send a cable to her nephew Jason’s family, had the next two hours yelling at her. But things had finally settled down. And so, she had become her aunt’s traveling companion for the next 9 years of her life.

For the first 8 years, she had seen sights, and lands she had never thought she would see. They had travelled through most of Europe’s main cities, and in between trips to Europe, her aunt had taken her on explorations of the East Coast of the states. One time they had gone to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. And has a birthday present, her aunt had booked them on a cruise on the Nile. She had become quite cosmopolitan over the years, and a very seasoned traveler. But then, last year, she had had to return for her youngest brother, Allen’s wedding. She and her great-aunt had come for the festivities. It was to be a very gay and fun-filled week of parties, and preparations, before the actual ceremony took place. And it hadn’t taken long for things to go very, very wrong.

Jim Morgan finally turned back to the guests he had speaking with. But it didn’t take him long to make a plausible excuse. He moved a bit haltingly, the slight limp slowing him down occasionally, across the lush green lawns. He knew that many of his guests watched him surreptitiously, but he disdained their pity. His leg had healed better than any of the many specialists his mother had badgered him into seeing, had ever thought possible. But then they had not counted on his personal strength of character and determination of spirit. At least he had kept his leg, which his own local doctor had doubted was possible in the beginning.

He rounded the corner of his house, and yes, he had been right. There she was Julie Bradley. Her beauty had enthralled him most of his life. And time had not dared dim that beauty he saw. She always looked the same, if not more beautiful to him, each time he saw her. He had liked her, had a crush on her and lusted after, at different stages in his life. And now, when he looked at her, he wasn’t sure what he felt. Before him stood the woman whose own careless, impetuousness had nearly cost him his leg a year ago.

Jim watched her face, with its smooth, porcelain like skin not a freckle or blemish dared to mar such perfection. He remembered how he and Nick had teased her mercilessly one time when she was around 16, when she had gotten a single pimple to mar that lovely face of hers. She had fought back like a wild cat at times. He knew her eyes were the bluish green of the ocean, even though her eyes were close as she leaned back against his house.

He watched her breathe, slowly and deeply, as if trying to control her emotions. Her hand was pressed to her full breasts. He knew how those wonderful, round breasts felt in his hands. He remembered, and became even more aroused, how her nipples would tighten and pearl up in his hot sucking mouth. He knew he could wait no longer.

“Julie.”

She nearly jumped right out of her skin at her softly spoken name. She nervously pushed her hair back, forgetting that in doing so, she revealed the scar that trailed down her neck and onto her left shoulder. It was her constant reminder of her carelessness of a year ago, that had caused the accident they were both in. She had come away from it in much better shape than he had. At least physically she had come away better, emotionally, she didn’t think so. She ran her sweaty palms down her blue and white checked gingham dress, before she held it out to him in greeting.

“Hello, Jim,” her voice cracked a bit as she softly greeted him
.
Dear Lord, she thought to herself, a year had passed since the accident, and the just sight of him, the sound of his voice saying her name, brought her to near panic state. But she was determined not to show how he affected her. For so many years, growing up, she had pretended so well to not care what he thought of her. And then, a year ago, everything had changed. So she had stuck her hand out, a bit defiantly perhaps, to prove she still didn’t care. She saw the disdain in his dark eyes as he glanced for a brief moment at her outstretched hand. But like a mouse trapped by the snake’s hypnotizing stare, she couldn’t move to pull her hand back. She gasped though, when his own strong hand grabbed her wrist, and in one smooth movement, he jerked her forward and into his muscular arms. He barely moved under the impetus of her body hitting his own. His one arm wrapped around her back, while the other hand threaded through her hair and held her tightly against him. His dark eyes bore into her startled blue ones, his mouth just a bare inch from her own. His voice was deep, scratchy with closely held emotion, as he asked her moments before he claimed her mouth.

“Don’t you think the man you gave your virginity too last year deserves more than just a handshake, my sweet?”

She struggled for perhaps, two seconds, and then she succumbed to the same unexplainable, yet incredible ecstasy he had aroused in her a year ago. For what seemed countless moments, she kissed him back, lip to lip, hungry mouth devouring an equally thirsty mouth. His tongue eagerly seeking hers and her own stroking his longingly. And when his large palm cupped her full right breast, her moan of desire was caught and swallowed by his seeking, hot mouth. It was Jim, who pulled back for a brief second, his hand tangled in her curls.

“Tell me my sweet, do you still shave that sweet pussy of yours like you learned over in Europe?”

Before she could gasp, or even form an answer, he was again taking her mouth with his own. It was the sound of a voice in the near distance, which caused Jim to step back from her abruptly a few seconds later. He had to reach back out to steady her for a second though as she stumbled without his support. Her eyes opened slowly, regaining a sense of where she was. She looked into his piercing eyes. For a moment, they were alone in the world. Nothing else mattered, not the past, nor the future. Nothing mattered except that she wanted to step right back into his embrace, and have him kiss her, hold her and caress her.

Reality finally struck. They both heard his mother’s voice this time, calling to him. They were both aware of the thinly disguised animosity his mother showed to Julie, at the best of times. She had blamed Julie, and held her totally responsible for her son’s injury, ignoring the fact that Julie had been injured herself. And she let anyone, and everyone, who would listen, that is had all been Julie Bradley’s fault. Jim had only just released her arms, when his mother rounded the corner of the house. How she had known just where he was amidst the crowd of people, he would never know. He turned to his mother and readjusted his hat, which Julie’s eager hands had knocked askew, moments earlier.

“Hello, Mother.”

Silence followed his greeting as his mother took in the scene that greeted her. She saw Julie’s averted eyes, flushed cheeks, and tousled hair. And Jim’s face was deliberately bland, but his mother guessed that she had just interrupted a fight between them. Immediately she grabbed her son’s arm.

“I don’t know why you can’t leave my son alone, Julie Bradley. It’s because of you, that he….”

“Enough, Mother!” Jim’s voice cut across her tirade. He had heard it many times before, and he didn’t want Julie to have to hear it now. “Let’s all head back to the party, and forget the past. Mother, why don’t make sure everything is running smoothly, while I run upstairs and get cleaned up.”

Julie turned to leave him also, but he caught her arm, as he watched his mother leave. “Why don’t you come upstairs and use one of the spare rooms, Julie? You look a bit bedraggled at the moment.” He couldn’t stop the smile that curled his upper lip. He liked her looking like she had just been thoroughly kissed, by him that is.

He showed her into the room next to his own master suite, closed the door and went on towards his room to clean up. Julie walked over to the lovely ceramic bowl and poured some water into the bowl. She splashed some cool water over her face, letting the drops cling, then drip down her face onto her chest. She then picked up a brush, and ran it through her tangled curls, trying to restore some order to the mess that it had become.

In the mirror, she saw a door half open behind her. Not really thinking about it very much, she went over and walked through the open doorway. The moment she heard the splash of water, she realized that she was in Jim’s bedroom. The last time she had been in his house, they had never quite made it upstairs. She thought for a moment that she should definitely not be in here, and that she had better leave, but she found herself beginning to look then wander around the room. She walked over to his large dresser, pausing to touch the brush that lie there, then lifted the bottle that contained his male cologne scent. She lifted the bottle, and inhaled deeply of the scent she had remembered often in the middle of the night, in the middle of a dream.

After a few moments, she replaced the bottle stopper, and moved over to the very large bed. She sat down, enjoying the wonderful, sensual softness of the down-filled bed. She lay back on the bed, closing her eyes in abject surrender to sensual enjoyment. She smiled, thinking that some extravagances, such as a deliciously wonderful bed to sleep in were well worth the cost.

How long she lie there, the breeze drifting across her flesh from the open window, she had no idea. She was tired, she had not had a good night’s sleep she had returned to her home a few days earlier. She had too many thoughts on her mind each night she lay down to sleep. Her mind would race with indecision, and she just couldn’t relax to get to sleep. Finally, she lifted her long lashed lids.

The first thing she saw was Jim, standing next to the bed gazing down at her. He was wearing a towel knotted at his waist, and a very devilish smile. His dark hair was dripping with moisture, and his skin gleamed in the faint sunlight streaming through the open windows. She wasn’t sure if she spoke, or he did. But in the next moment he was beside her on the bed, kissing her as if nothing else existed, and nothing else mattered, not the past, not families, nothing mattered but their feelings, and what happened between them when they came together.

“You drive me crazy, woman!”

Jim finally muttered when he released her lips for a few seconds. He moved his mouth downward though, as his hand tugged at her dress until her breasts popped free. He eagerly sucked her right nipple deep into his mouth, while his other hand cupped her left breast. He massaged her sensitive flesh, stroking her left nipple until it hardened and peaked as much as the right nipple he suckled on deeply. When he finally released her right nipple, it broke free of his mouth with a gentle, sucking, plopping noise. He smiled and lowered his head to the left, to worship and prepare it as he had her right nipple. He moved his hand down to tug her dress up to her waist. With one easy move of his hand, he ripped her panties aside. He gasped himself when he discovered her sweet smooth flesh that awaited him between her thighs. He stroked her soft, hairless pussy in amazement.

He remembered his trip to San Francisco a few months earlier. He had contacted her at her aunt’s, after taking a suite at an exclusive hotel. She made an excuse to her aunt, something about going to a friend’s house for the weekend, and joined him at his hotel suite. At first, they had looked at each other awkwardly, but then somehow, one or the other had moved, and they had ended up in each other’s arms. It had been a few heated minutes later that he had discovered that she had changed slightly from the last time.

He had heard of this before, but he had never seen a woman’s shaven pussy before. He had been amazed, fascinated by her smooth, responsive flesh. He couldn’t stop touching her pussy lips. And when he moved down her hot body, she couldn’t stop the soft screams that escaped her throat as he showed his oral appreciation of her smoothness. He licked her softness, and gently parted her flesh to claim her tiny pleasure point for his own. Her passion juices flooded her flesh, and he lapped them up eagerly.

After several long hours of lovemaking, she had convinced him to “try it.” And so he found himself lying flat on his back in the big bed, naked and spread-eagled. She never failed to surprise him. She had told him that she wanted to tie his hands and feet to the bedposts. That way he was totally at her mercy. He submitted to her demands, and she soaped him up with his shaving crème. And then he had watched in amazement, and excruciating arousal, as her soft hands had moved his rock hard cock this way, and that, deftly wielding the razor quite cleverly over his skin. She had even managed to shave his balls, a bit more timidly at first, but she soon got the hang of it.

When his pubic area was as smooth as hers, she had rinsed all the residue soap away. He had watched as she moved about the room, naked, putting away all the supplies she had used to denude him. He loved watching her move, her breasts, full and round, would bounce and jiggle with each enticing step. He loved playing with her breasts. He wanted squeeze her big tits, massage the sensitive flesh until she squirmed in arousal. He remembered how his using the word “tits” had turned her on the last time they had been together. She was such a lady in public, and she could raise his blood pressure in private so much that he questioned having a stroke sometimes. But his body just kept him asking for more.

She finally returned to the bed holding a scarf in her hand. She kneeled on the bed next to him, and told him to lift his head. She quickly then tied the scarf over his eyes. She then again deserted him on the bed, leaving him tied, and blind. The silence of the room was overwhelming at first, but his other senses soon kicked in. And he thought he could hear her moving about the room. He jumped as far as his confines allowed, off the bed, when he some soft, silken strands strike his chest. He quickly realized she had a “silk ribbon whip.” Good God, he thought, he was so hot, and hard, he nearly exploded at the touch of her “whip” against his skin. The soft whip worked its way over his body until he felt the lashes against his hard, pulsating cock.

The silk against his hairless flesh was one of the most arousing and erotic things he had ever felt he decided, in his last rational thought. To his amazement again, he felt her climb upon the bed between his spread thighs. He felt her lying down, half across one of his thighs. When her soft hands began caressing his hairless lower abdomen, then his hard cock, and finally cupping and massaging his balls, he began oozing his passion fluids. He felt her fingers touch the liquids, and spread them over his hard cock, over the head. Finally, she began stroking his cock, in a firm, upward motion, over and over, pausing only to massage and squeeze his balls every now and then. He knew he was so close to cumming, and he desperately wanted to be deep inside her flesh. He pulled and tugged furiously at his bounds, but they did not give way. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand, when she lowered her head and let her hair brush over and over his hairless cock. When she raised back up, she looked him in the eye, and took him deep inside her hot, wet mouth. She licked his hard cock, then sucked him softly, then harder, and faster.

When he was sure he couldn’t stand another second of her sweet torture, she stopped and moved to straddle his hips. He couldn’t see her, could only feel the soft brush of her skin against his, the creak of the bed with her movements. But when he felt the soft, wet brush of her womanly flesh against the head of his cock, his hips unconsciously jerked upwards to meet her. She lowered herself to meet him, and he buried himself deep with in her welcoming flesh. He nearly shouted out when he felt the heat of her enveloping him. All he could do was feel, being at her mercy. But his body thrust upwards to meet every movement of her own. Her hips would move forwards, then back, then she would rise back above until he nearly was forced to leave her, and she would slowly slide back down, again taking him deep within herself. He longed to rip free of his ties, and throw her to the bed and take her hard and fast, but she was in control this time. And she kept this slow and easy, drawing out their pleasure, riding him slow and sure, until she could stand it no more. She allowed his body to control their ride to climax then. He was so spent that when her body slid down to lie next to him, he could only sigh. He felt her fingers moving to untie his hands, and slip off his blindfold. He was glad, for he quickly removed the ties on his ankles, then pulled her into his arms for them both to sleep.

Julie’s moan brought him back to his ‘task at hand.’

“Jim, we mustn’t…” She whispered softly, but not at all convincingly. “Your mother…”

“Hush, baby. Nothing matters but this!” Jim rose above her in the bed, holding her eyes with his, and slowly entered her hot womanly passage.

Julie gasped, her hips shifting and lifting of their own accord to accommodate him, her thighs spreading even wider for him. She knew she should be fighting him, feeling ashamed of lying on his bed, her breasts naked and her skirts tossed high. But she wasn’t. She was feeling on fire for him, just as she always had, even when as a teenager, she had thought she hated him. He made her feel more alive, more passionate, when she was with him, than with any other person.

Jim paused, feeling seated within her hot flesh, savoring the intense passion overwhelming him. It had seemed so very long ago since he had felt this good… Julie pulled his head down, claiming his mouth for her own at the same instant her body began responding with sweet, muscular contractions, drawing him deeper and deeper within her body. He met her movements with his own thrusting rhythm then, sliding one hand between their bodies. He had discovered her sweet point of madness during their first time together. He knew that just a few touches, in the right spot, sent her over the edge every time. He found that perfect spot, and flicked gently. Julie opened her mouth to cry out, and he covered it quickly, muffling her cries of passion. He held himself in check, feeling her spasms around his hard shaft, and finally, unable to wait a second longer, he thrust to his climactic finish deep within her.

Jim remained on top of her body, and inside of her, for several long moments afterwards. He waited until her eyes finally lifted. He could see the passionate fog was slowly clearing. He wanted to keep that dazed, just made love to look in her eyes forever. In fact, he didn’t give a damn who knew he had just made love to Julie Bradley. Slowly, he moved from her body, to lie beside her. He let his eyes travel over her flushed cheeks and swollen lips, down to her naked breasts, pushed high by the bodice of her dress. He reached out to cup her breast, but Julie moved quickly, sliding away from him and off the bed. With her back to him, he could tell she pulling her dress back up, trying to restore some order to her appearance. He saw her hands brush nervously over her hair.

“I better get going,” Julie said softly, turning to the door.

She didn’t hear Jim get off the bed, but he caught her just as she entered the hallway. His hand on her arm turned her back towards him. She blushed brightly seeing he was still naked. She knew it was silly in a way, considering she had just been on the bed with him, making love. Her brain told her it was just sex, but her heart was telling her differently.

“We have to talk, Julie.” Jim held her close to his chest; his hands holding tightly to her upper arms. “I’ll be down in a few minutes, and we’ll find somewhere quiet.” He stopped abruptly, as he thought he heard a noise. Julie took that opportunity to pull free, and start down the hall. He shook his head ruefully. “You can run Miss Bradley, but you will soon learn you have nowhere to hide anymore.” He went back to his room to finish dressing.

At the end of the hall, a door opened and closed softly. Phyllis Morgan looked down the hall at her son’s closed door. She was having trouble taking it all in… She was sure her son had been … her mind stumbled over the words. She knew then that Julie Bradley had seduced her son, somehow. The vixen was out to get her son’s money, she was sure of that. There was no way she was going to let that little whore get her claws into her son, she made a silent vow, before turning to go back downstairs.

Jim entered his garden a short time later. There were people everywhere, but he could feel himself looking for just one, the whole time others were calling greetings to him, stopping him when they could. Nick handed him a mug of beer before too long, slapping him on the back.

“Always the last to arrive, even at your parties, Jim!” Nick laughed at his lifelong best friend.

“I had a few things to check before hand…” Jim sipped the beer, his eyes still traveling the crowd, searching. Almost as if Nick could read his mind, he pointed to a small crowd off the far side of the garden.

“Julie is here.”

Jim looked over and saw her standing with her sister, and several other people. He didn’t know if Nick knew how he felt about his sister. He was sure though that if Nick knew what he had been doing with his sister a short time ago, he would find himself sitting in the dirt faster than anyone could spit. It was Nick who suggested they go over and join that group.

Julie laughed at her sister, Angie. She was such a darling, at times, and other, so maddening. It was because of her sister that Julie had decided to come home. Angela was engaged to marry Jim’s brother, Tony. Tony and Angie had been sweet on each other for as long as Julie could remember. Tony had gone away to law school, and not unsurprisingly to anyone, had returned to join her brother Jared’s law firm. And even though her head told her not to, Julie had found herself coming back for their engagement party. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched the two lovers together. Tony had his arm around her shoulders at times, hugging her close.

“No, really, Julie. We could have time to put it all together.” Angie laughingly goaded her sister.

Before Julie could answer, Jim spoke from just behind her. “Put what together, Angie? What are you plotting now?”

Julie stood absolutely still. She could feel the heat from Jim’s body almost; he was standing so close to her. All she would need to do is lean back…

Jim inhaled deeply as he spoke. He could smell Julie’s sweet, light fragrance… And he could smell their musky lovemaking, he was sure of it. Perhaps it was just in his head, but he wanted to lean down and kiss her neck, smelling her scent more deeply. Angie’s voice drew him back though to the conversation.

“I’m trying to convince Julie to make it a double wedding ceremony.”

Jim felt as if he had been punched in the gut. Only Julie though heard his sharply indrawn breath. She wanted to turn and tell him, but she knew she didn’t dare draw attention to herself. She didn’t want anyone speculating about her, nor him. She wondered if it was her imagination that she felt Jim brush against her back for a second, before Angie spoke again.

“I was telling her it would be the perfect plan. She can marry Frank and then Jared’s law firm will be completely within the ‘family.'”

Jim turned to look at the man Angie was talking about. Frank Fitzhugh was new to Jared’s law firm, having come from Boston. He was from a wealthy, ‘old’ family and Jared had been quite happy to have him join the firm, giving them a real ‘east coast’ connection. Frank had flushed at Angie’s words. But Jim felt he could see something in the other man’s eyes that he suddenly didn’t like. He had been friendly with him previously, but when it came to Julie, he was becoming downright possessive.

Frank smiled, holding his glass up in a salute to Julie. “I certainly would be proud to have such a beautiful woman as my wife.”

Tony interrupted Angie as she started to answer him. “Perfect!”

“Angie, honey, enough match-making!”

Angie just laughed at her fiancé. “Just think of the money we could save. Two weddings for the price of one.”

Frank smiled, nodding his head. “Just so long as we don’t share the honeymoon.”

Everyone laughed around them, except Jim, and Julie. Tony reached over and gave Frank a light punch on his arm. “Don’t worry, partner. No chance of that what so ever.”

Frank laughed also, looking at Julie. He had been giving her very appreciative glances ever since they had met a short time earlier. “Just say the word, Julie, and I’m all yours.”

Julie smiled weakly as everyone around her laughed. She didn’t think she could stand much more of this joking around. Coming here had been a mistake, she knew that now. Seeing Jim, being with him was so much harder than she had thought it would be. Suddenly she felt she needed to get away, to get some fresh air, even though she was standing outside. She stepped back, and bumped right into Jim. His arm immediately encircled her waist, holding her securely against himself. For a moment, she relaxed against him. And then, she became aware of her brother Nick looking at her, then at Jim. Julie pried his hand from her waist, and moved to the side a few feet.

“I’m going to go get something to drink. I feel parched all of a sudden,” Julie said nervously, by way explanation of such an obvious retreat.

Angie reached out towards her as she moved away. “Julie, are you all right?”

Julie smiled at her sister. “Yes, Angie, I’m fine. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Julie turned and hurried over to get a glass of lemonade. Taking it, she gave a quick glance around, and then walked over to the secluded section of Jim’s garden. There was a small gate, nearly hidden in the shrubbery. In fact, if you didn’t know it was there, you could easily walk right past it. Julie walked into the darker area of the garden, where there were quite a few trees, and bushes, wildflowers. She could hear the small fresh spring that was at the center of this part of the garden. She walked to the edge of the water, looking down. She could see her reflection. She looked the same as she had yesterday, and the day before that. But she didn’t feel the same. She was feeling all jumbled and mixed up inside. She slipped her shoes off, and sat down on a nearby rock. She lowered her feet into the cool water. The sun snuck through the canopy of the trees, here and there, keeping the small area from being too cool.

A noise behind caused Julie to jump and nearly slide off the rock. She turned abruptly, expecting to find Jim behind, since very few people knew of this area. Instead she saw Phyllis Morgan standing a short distance from her. She started to get to her feet, but the rock was slippery, so she sat still, waiting for the other woman to speak.

Phyllis came a step closer, speaking in a low, angry voice. “Keep away from my son, you tramp. If you don’t, I will make it so that you won’t be able to ever show your face in this town again!” Phyllis spun on her heel, and walked away from the stunned younger woman.

Julie sat for awhile in silence. She was amazed at the other woman’s animosity towards her. She knew she was hostile, but she had no idea it went so deep. Slowly, Julie stood and slipped on her shoes. She made her way back out of the secret garden. She saw that most of the people had moved over to field that lay a short distance from Jim’s house. She wandered over there, still feeling raw and abused by Phyllis’ attack. The noise though drew her attention and she saw that a small baseball game was happening. Julie no sooner reached the edge of the crowd than another of Jim’s brothers, Rick, spotted her.

“About time you got here!” Rick yelled at her. He grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the house.

“Hey! What’s the hurry, Rick?” Julie laughingly followed Jim’s brother, who was her age and always been one of her playmates as they grew up.

“I want you for my team!” Rick smiled back at her as he pushed her into a room. He grabbed some clothes, tossing them at her. “Now change clothes. I need your pitching arm!” Laughing, Rick grinned at her, closing the door.

Julie stood for a moment in bemusement. But she knew that if she didn’t hurry, Rick would open that door even if she wasn’t ready. Hurriedly she got her dress and undergarments off. She pulled on the pants he had thrown at her, and found they were denim and fit rather snugly. She pulled the shirt on, and found it also fit her snugly across the chest, but the buttons closed securely. She opened the door and Rick handed her a pair of socks and boots. She shook her head at him, but went back and put them on. A few seconds later, she was on the field, getting ready to pitch the ball.

Julie had always been something of a tomboy growing up, probably because she and her sister were so outnumbered that they had little chance. She was good at playing ball, running and could even climb almost any tree. She was a darned good pitcher too. The crowd cheered as she pitched the third batter out. As she walked in from the makeshift pitcher’s mound, the other ‘team’ yelled, “cheat” at Rick, and “ringer” at her. Rick laughing grinned and said they were just sore they hadn’t remembered her earlier. Julie laughed and shook her head.

The game went on for a while, back and forth, all in good-natured fun. Finally, it was her brother Heath on the pitcher’s mound, and her turn to bat. If she could just hit the ball hard enough, she could get the two runners in, and her side would tie the game. If she could hit it hard enough, maybe she could her run in and they would win! She walked up to the plate, ignoring the taunts of her brother from the plate. Rick was telling her to stay calm, from his stand on 3rd base. She rested the bat between her legs, rubbing her palms down her thighs. She picked up, ready to go.

Blam! She smashed the ball way out, over the outfielders heads even. For a second she was too stunned to run, but luckily she dropped the bat and took off. The cheering and yelling was deafening. But Julie just kept on running. Over first base, onto second, hitting third with the corner of her foot, sailing towards home, aware that the ball had to be getting as close to home as she was.

Jim had not been paying any attention to the game at first. But it had been impossible to not notice the change in the yelling at one point. He had strolled over with Nick, and saw that Julie had changed her clothes and was pitching the ball. He didn’t fail to notice the way her full, round breasts were straining the shirt she was wearing, nor how the tight pants outlined her thighs and hips. Talk about torture! He had watched in silence. He couldn’t help but notice that he wasn’t the only man who took appreciative notice of Julie’s clothing. While she wasn’t the only woman playing, she certainly was the most attractive. He saw that Frank, on Heath’s team, could barely keep his eyes off her.

Jim had moved closer as the game wore on, finally ending up standing just beyond home plate. He hadn’t been cheering for either side, just watching in silence, unaware that Nick had watched him. Nick couldn’t fail but notice how Jim’s eyes seemed to be glued to Julie’s every move. He was beginning to wonder if their previous, well-publicized animosity towards each other had flared up once again. Good Lord, Nick had thought to himself, watching his sister running the bases, he hoped not. Jim had been his friend for most of their lives, and Julie had always been his favorite sister, which was probably because they were closer in age.

The cheering and yelling had gotten louder as the ball neared the plate at almost the same Julie was. She knew she had just one chance and she slid for the base. Her feet hit the base as she heard ‘safe’ a scant second before the sound of the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt. Her speed though carried her on and she slid into Jim, who was a few feet to the side of the base, knocking him flat, on top of her.

Julie couldn’t hear the yelling of everyone, over the roaring in her ears. She could feel Jim’s strong hard body pressed to her own, their breaths intermingling, as she looked up into his face. Her apology died on her parted lips as she gazed at him. She could feel her nipples hardening in response to his heat. Her legs seemed to naturally fall apart and he settled between them, equally at ease. Neither was aware of anyone around them. It seemed like forever, and yet not nearly long enough to Julie. The only voice she heard was his, as he whispered softly, for her ears only. “Seems like we were just in this same position…”

Julie gasped, afraid someone would hear. Then, over all the other voices, came Phyllis. “Oh my God! Jim! Are you all right? Has she hurt you?” Julie saw the bright flush that momentarily covered Jim’s cheeks. He pressed his hands to the ground, raising himself off her soft body. He staggered a bit, regaining his footing. He reached a hand down to Julie, but Phyllis grabbed the hand, pulling him towards herself. He watched angrily as he saw several hands reaching down to help Julie help, and all the solicitous questions as to her well being. He ignored the slight ache in his leg as he saw that it was Frank who managed to get her hand into his own, pulling her upright.

Frank brushed his hands over Julie’s arms, helping to remove the dust. Julie thanked him, but was looking over at Jim. She couldn’t hide her feelings in that one moment. Jim could feel the pull across the short distance. She gasped though, as Frank ‘accidentally’ brushed his hand down over her chest. She turned to him and he apologized quickly, but Jim could see a look in the other man’s eyes that told him the movement had not been an accident. Julie blushed brightly, knowing that Jim had seen the other man touch her. Before Jim could react as he wanted, Rick came up to Julie, grabbing her and swinging her around wildly.

“We won, Jules!” He kissed Julie quickly on the lips and set her down. Jim saw the kiss, and only felt a sharper pang of jealousy. He brushed off his mother’s hand, telling her for the 3rd or 4th time that ‘he was fine’ and ‘no harm was done.’ He reached out, and managed to grab hold of Julie’s arm. She turned in surprise, which turned to a small smile as she saw who it was.

“I’ll show Julie where she can clean back up and change her clothes.” He led her through the people, back to the house. Neither saw the glare his mother gave their departing backs.

Jim picked her clothes up on the way, but led her upstairs to his own room this time. He started some water running in his bath for her, and then turned back to her. Julie nervously pushed her hair back, off her face. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

Jim walked over to her, stopping right in front of her. “I’m fine, Julie.” He reached out, quite naturally almost, and started unbuttoning her shirt. He knew he should leave, and she knew she should stop him, but they didn’t. He parted the edges of the shirt, revealing her soft, full breasts, a light covering of dust over their tops. He saw her nipples were taut and couldn’t resist touching each lightly with his index fingers. He held her eyes as he lightly brushed his fingers over her breasts, trying to remove some of the dust. Julie gasped at the quick arousal shooting through her body at his simple touch. Jim moved his hands to cup her breasts, and gently squeezed each globe. He quickly set up a rhythmic massaging of her breasts, starting to lower his head to the bountiful feast her breasts presented to him. Julie moaned softly, leaning forward into his embrace.

Nick’s voice, in the hallway, had them jerking apart abruptly. Julie spun away, dragging her shirt edges back together. “Jim! You better get back down to the party.” His footsteps didn’t come any closer, but nor did they hear them retreating back down the stairs.

Julie glanced back over her shoulder. Jim met her eyes, but he didn’t say a word. Both knew he had to leave. He turned and walked out of the bedroom. Nick was still standing in the hall, a short distance away. He realized that Jim had come out of his own bedroom, and was surprised that he had not used one of his many empty guest rooms for his sister to get cleaned up. As Jim neared, he pushed away from the wall he had been leaning against.

“Do you think Julie will need any help? Should I ask Nicole to come up and help her?”

Jim shook his head, but didn’t stop, heading down the wide staircase. His slight limp was a bit more pronounced than usual as the two men walked back outside. “I’m sure your wife has her hands full keeping track of your youngsters, Nick. I showed Julie where everything was, and how to get back down the main stairs.” Jim added the last so his friend wouldn’t suspect that his sister knew her way quite well around his house, and his bedroom. The last thing he had expected was that anyone would follow them into the house, let alone upstairs.

The sun was just beginning to set as the walked back across the yard to where the band could be heard tuning up. A temporary dance floor had been erected not far from house, near a large barn, which had been cleaned out and cleared for dancing and mingling also, in case the weather should change suddenly. Julie neared the dance floor, just as they were announcing the first dance. She made her way to the ‘drinks’ table, asking for a double scotch. She ignored the surprised look she got and gulped it down. She was beginning to feel the need for ‘fortification’ to make it through the rest of the party. She no sooner set the glass down than her brother Gerry was there, dragging her onto the dance floor.

Julie laughed a bit, resisting and asking where his wife was. Gerry swung her into the rollicking dance, explaining that Kitty was busy with the baby at the moment, and his feet were just ‘itching to get moving.’ Julie enjoyed being with her youngest brother, but hearing about the baby only reminded her of the visit for his wedding. The music had barely ended, when Frank Fitzhugh was in front of her, asking her for the next dance. Bemused and half lost in her thoughts, Julie nodded her head. Frank pulled her quite close to his body, as the next song was a slower waltz. He asked her a question, and she answered automatically, then tuned him out as he started talking about himself and how he came to move from Boston to work with her brother, Jared.

But Julie’s thoughts were distracted with memories of a year ago. The first party she had attended had been a picnic and it had been so hot that she had decided to wander over to a cooler spot at the riverbank. She had been feeling left out since she had been away from home for so long. Julie had found a small pond, off of the main riverbed, and quickly shed her shoes and stockings. She had tucked her skirt up and waded out a few feet. She had begun scooping handfuls of water and splashing her face, neck and under her hair to cool off when she heard a twig snap. Spinning sharply to see the intruder, she didn’t pay attention and lost her balance. With a shriek of anger, she landed on her bottom in about 12 inches of water. Looking up through the wet rat-tails of her hair, she eyed Jim Morgan.

Julie waited for him to laugh at her, mock her by making some snide remark as he always had in the past when she did something silly or gauche around him. But he didn’t. Jim took off his boots and socks without a word, and waded into the water. He offered her his hand to help her stand. Looking into his eyes she saw they were brimming with suppressed laughter. She noticed for the first time how beautiful his eyes were, with their long black lashes. She let him pull her up before she gave into her own laughter. Jim held her hand until they were both safely on sure footing.

“Thanks for your help, Jim. I’m afraid I was so lost in just cooling off; I didn’t hear you approaching.” She saw he had tied his large black horse a short distance away. “I didn’t see you at the picnic earlier.” Julie glanced up at him, and then away hurriedly, not wanting him to see she was having a tendency to stare at him. For some reason, he seemed different to her, after all this time. He was still just as tall as always, but he seemed broader across the shoulders, his face a little craggier perhaps, but still very handsome.

Jim watched as she pulled her sopping skirts free. “I had just arrived a short time ago actually. I saw you walking away from everyone.” He didn’t say why he had followed her, and Julie chose not to ask. She picked up her shoes and socks.

“I’m sure I look an awful mess, probably worse than a drowned rat, ” Julie chided herself ruefully, shoving back her wet hair.

Jim lifted his head, looking straight into her eyes. He had just finished pulling his socks and boots back on. His eyes had taken in the way her wet dress was now molded to her voluptuous body. He could also see that her nipples were peaking under the wet fabric now. “When I first rode up, I thought you might be a forest sprite, seeking solace from the hot sun. But now, you look more like a… mermaid.”

Julie laughed. “How very polite of you, Mr. Morgan.” Jim laughed in reply. “But I can’t go back to the party looking like this.”

“How about letting me ride you back home real quick for a change of clothes?” Jim offered. He untied the horse’s reins. He swung up into the saddle, and then leaned over to offer her his hand. After just a moment’s hesitation, Julie accepted it and was swung up in front of him on the big horse. Julie had trouble catching her breath, let alone speaking as she sat in front of him. She was intensely aware of his warmth behind her, surrounding her. He guided the huge stallion with one hand while the other was around her waist, keeping her held securely. It was a really short distance, back to her family’s home, but it seemed to last forever she thought.

Jim helped her slide down and then dismounted behind her. She waited as he tied off the horse’s reins, and then led him inside. She suggested he come upstairs to use a towel to dress his pants legs if he wanted. Jim followed her silently up the main stairs. The house was deserted because of the party. Julie led him into her bedroom, moving over to find him a towel. She brought it back to him silently. She then did something that surprised herself, and she had no idea why she did it, even now, a year later.

“Would you please unbutton my dress so I can put on a dry one?” Julie lifted her hair to the side, turning her back to him. For a moment, Jim didn’t move. Then she felt his fingers moving slowly down her back, unfastening the small buttons. She waited for him to make some say something sarcastic about the silliness of women’s fashions or ridiculously tiny buttons, but he said nothing. As he unbuttoned the dress, she could feel his warm breath caress the exposed, tender flesh of her nape and more and more of her back. His fingertips would occasionally brush against her sensitive flesh. When Jim finally reached the last button, which was below the base of her spine, Julie couldn’t stop the small sigh that escaped her lips; or the tiny shiver that danced along her nerve endings.

Jim stayed at her back, not moving for what seemed like a long time to them both. And Julie didn’t step away from him either. Finally, Jim slid his one hand inside the opening of her dress, gliding across her soft, warm flesh, encircling her waist. Almost as one, his hand pulled her backwards, even as she stepped back. He lowered his mouth to kiss her neck, licking the skin, nibbling at it with his teeth. His hand at her waist moved upwards, pulling her securely back against his body. His other hand lightly caressed her neck, her hair.

Julie groaned when his hand stopped just below her breasts though. That was all it took for Jim to complete the journey. His hand eagerly cupped one full breast, finding her nipple was already peaked and ready. He caressed her lightly at first, and then began a firmer massaging of the responsive globe. Suddenly though, Julie pulled away a bit and spun in his arms. She met his eyes for a scant second before they came together in a hot, tumultuous, and life-changing kiss.

As one almost, they moved towards the bed. Julie’s dress slid down her body, as being pulled by gravity. Julie tugged at Jim’s shirt buttons until they either came free, or came off. Finally, he lay above her on her bed. His eyes held hers as he slid his hand down her body to find her hidden treasures. Her soft curls greeted him first, and he groaned when he felt the wetness covering her soft lips. He caressed her, and teased her, until Julie was crying out and thrashing about on the bed. Jim lowered his head to suck her nipples for a moment or two, and then would return to caressing her womanly flesh, enjoying her growing passionate moistness. Julie pulled his head back up and kissed him deeply, her tongue seeking out his own. Her hands traveled restlessly over his chest and shoulders.

It was only when he heard her cry out “Jim… please…” That he moved over her purposefully. He settled between her now wide spread thighs. He commanded her to open her eyes. He wanted there to be no doubts…

Julie looked up at him and saw the intensity in his face. She raised her hand to caress his face, his neck. And then, Jim moved his own body, and thrust into hers. He stopped a second after he thrust through her barrier, surprised to find her still a virgin. He had assumed… Julie cried out but once, her hands pulling him closer, urging him on. Jim kissed her open mouth and then began thrusting within her hot, grasping flesh. He pulled her legs to encircle his hips as he continued to claim her body for his own. He slid his fingers down to once again tease her soft flesh until she climaxed hotly and sweetly around him. It only took the first squeeze of her muscles around him for him to climax himself, shooting his seed deeply into her body.

“So, how long do you plan on staying home, Julie?”

Frank’s voice finally drew her out of her memories. Julie shook her head lightly. She had not heard a word he had said. She blushed brightly, as she realized how hot and eager her body had become, just remembering her first time with Jim. Suddenly, she became aware of where Frank’s hand was resting, at her low back. She moved away from him, forcing him to hold her more loosely.

“Oh… I think probably just until after the wedding. My aunt is thinking of returning to Europe.” Julie answered, forcing a smile to her lips. She was feeling flushed from her erotic and chaotic thoughts. She was so glad to hear the music ending just then.

“Would you join me for another dance, please?” Frank asked her, bowing slightly.

Julie stepped back, lightly fanning her face with her hand. “No, thank you, Frank. I really need to sit the next few out and get something to drink. Perhaps…”

Frank took her arm in his hand, and turned her smoothly away from the others and led her off the floor. “Allow me to fetch you some lemonade then.” Before she could refuse, he had darted away. Julie looked around frantically, wanting to escape from everyone at the party, and settle her out of control thoughts and emotions. Suddenly, she remembered the secret area of the garden. Turning, she moved through the crowd, avoiding people who might try and stop her. Opening the small gate, she snuck inside.

It was quite dark in the garden, so she made her way slowly to the edge of the small brook, following the sounds of babbling water over rocks and stones. She sat down on the soft, springy grass of the bank. The moon was trying to make its presence known, through the branches and leaves that hung over head. Julie lay back, looking up at the sky. Everything was always so much bigger here, than in the city. She closed her eyes, letting her mind travel back in time.

After that first time with Jim, there had been many others over the next week. She couldn’t seem to stay away from him. At gatherings, they always managed to sneak away. During the day, if nothing were planned, they would make arrangements to meet somewhere, discreet. And on several evenings, after everyone had gone to bed, Julie found herself sneaking out of the house, saddling a horse and riding over to Jim’s house. He chastised her each time about how dangerous it was, coming out alone like that, but then he would take her in his arms, and they would forget about it until the next time.

The day of the wedding had been a frantic one for everyone. Julie didn’t have any free time to talk with Jim until quite late. He had said he would drive her home, so they could be alone. He was at the point where he didn’t give a damn that anyone knew what was going on. He drove part way home, stopping and they made love in a secluded area. Lying in his arms afterwards, half-naked, Julie had then told him she was leaving the next morning, on the early train.

Jim had felt he had been punched in the gut. He couldn’t believe she was just walking away from ‘this.’

“This!” Julie had shouted at him angrily. “And just what is this, Jim? An affair? Some light-hearted fun?” She turned and ran back to the buggy. Jumping in she grabbed the reins. Jim jumped in just as the wheels were starting to turn.

“Stop, Julie! Give me the reins, you are too angry to be…” Jim tried to reason with her. But his attempt at calmness and rationale only made her angrier. She didn’t know what she was feeling. She had spent most of the day worrying over how to tell him she was leaving, and what she would do when he asked her to stay. But he hadn’t asked her to stay. All he had wondered was how she could walk away from ‘this.’ After spending the day calling herself everything from a fool to whore, his words had been vinegar on her open, wounded emotions and she had gone up in flames. She stirred the horses to go faster than was safe in the darkness that had fallen. And she was unfamiliar with the road and never saw the tree that had fallen recently. The horses had reared their feet in fear and the buggy and careened wildly, tumbling down a short ravine with its two passengers.

The last thing Julie heard was Jim calling her name. She was tossed from the carriage, hitting her head on a rock and getting quite a few scrapes and cuts as she fell through the shrubbery. She was unaware that the buggy landed on Jim’s leg, trapping him. In fact, she did not awaken for several days. And then, she was in her bed, home, quite confused about what had happened. For a week or so, she had no memory of the recent events whatsoever. She had forgotten why she had come home even.

It was only weeks later that she learned what had happened, once she had regained all of her memories, right up to the accident. That was when she had suddenly started to cry, and asked where he was? It was her mother who had sat down beside her and started to explain the events after she had hit her head. Jim and she had lain there until the next morning. Nick and Heath had headed out to look for them, but in the dark, they couldn’t see much. So the next dawn, with the Morgan’s and other friends, the search had started. Jim had been conscious for most of the time, and in terrible pain from where his leg had been crushed by the carriage. He had spent most of the time calling Julie’s name, but she never answered him, and he had feared the worst. He had been relieved when he finally saw she alive, though unconscious. He told the sheriff he had been driving and had not seen the tree until it was too late. Everyone accepted his word.

Julie learned that for two weeks it had been touch and go as to whether he would lose his leg or not. But finally, the infection was under control. The bones would heal, but he would always limp. He had asked about her frequently, her mother had told her. Nick visited her later that day, and said the same thing. If she wanted, he would drive her over the next morning to see Jim. To this day, Julie could still never say why she had dressed in the dark of night, and once again stolen away from her house, her responsibilities. She left a note for her mother this time though, explaining that she had been the one driving the horses, not Jim. She had angry, not paying attention, and going much too fast. The accident was all her fault, not his at all.

She had not seen Jim until he had contacted her in San Francisco several months later. Neither had mentioned the accident, why she couldn’t say. All she knew was that she was still craving his touch, his kiss, as much as she had the last time she had been with him. But Jim had been the one to walk out on her that time, leaving her after those heated hours alone in the hotel room.

“Why the tears, Julie?”

Julie sat up abruptly, rubbing her fingers over her cheeks. She was surprised to feel the wetness there. She looked up to see Jim was standing over her. In silence, he lowered himself to sit next to her on the cool, moonlit grass. He showed her that he had a bottle of champagne, and 2 glasses. He handed her the glasses, and then he easily popped the cork. She laughed as he poured it into the 2 glasses. After setting the bottle aside, he took his glass from her.

“Should we toast something, or just chug it down?” Jim asked her with a smile. He clinked his glass lightly to her own.

“Let’s toast Angie and Tony. May they have a happy married life together!” Julie said laughingly, wanting to steer him away from the topic of her tears.

Jim nodded. “To Angie and Tony… May they have many children and live to a ripe old age together.” He sipped his champagne, watching Julie as she did also. “Are you going to tell me why you were crying, or should I just drop the subject?”

Julie laughed softly, ruefully. “You see too much, has anyone ever told you that, Jim Morgan?”

“Only with you, Julie Bradley, only with you.” Jim leaned forward, lightly kissing her lips. “If that damn Fitzhugh had continued to hold you that close for one more moment, I was going to come over there and deck him!”

Julie laughed at his forthright admission of jealousy. “You may not believe me, but I didn’t even notice how he was holding until near the end.”

“Good God, Julie, he was practically inside your dress on that dance floor!” Jim threw back the rest of his champagne, and then poured himself another glass. He offered her more, but she refused.

“My thoughts were far away from the dance floor, which is why I didn’t notice how he was holding me.” Julie sipped her drink carefully.

“What the hell could have possibly held your interest so fast that you didn’t feel him pawing your bottom, and leering down your dress?” Jim was still hot under the collar about that dance. It had looked entirely too cozy for his peace of mind.

Julie glanced up at him, through her lashes, then back down. “I was thinking about a year ago… Gerry’s engagement party…”

Her words hung in the air between them as they both remembered that had been the day they had first made love. “God, honey. You sure know how to take the wind out of my anger, don’t you?” Jim took her glass away, and pressed her back into the grass. He came down over her, kissing her lips lightly. He placed gentle kisses on each closed lid. He kissed her mouth again, finding it open for him, her tongue as eagerly seeking his, as he was for her own. His hands covered her breasts, massaging her gently. She shifted for him as he pulled the fabric down, for the second time that day, exposing her bountiful flesh to his hot eyes. As he suckled at her breasts, Julie cupped her hand around the back of his head, holding him close.

Above his head, the moon shone through more brightly now. He raised himself to lift her skirts, smiling this time when he discovered she had left her panties off. “God, baby, I want you!” Jim spoke against her mouth, as his fingers moved to find her sweet, hot passage. He groaned when he discovered how wet she already was. Neither spoke another word as he caressed her smooth lips. He adjusted his own clothing, and thrust deep inside her. Julie took him eagerly, wanting him just as much as he wanted her. She met each thrust with a squeeze of her inner most muscles, which caused him to groan out loud in response. And finally, gasping for air, they climaxed hotly, passionately, and together.

Instead of allowing their bodies to separate, Jim rolled with her in his arms so she lying on top of him. Her thighs fell to either side of his hips, and she could feel his softening manhood, still within her body. Lifting her head a bit, she looked into his eyes. She tightened those innermost muscles once. Jim groaned in response. Then to his surprise, Julie pushed with her hands against his chest, lifting herself until she was seated, astride his hips. His manhood was still within her body, held tight by her muscles. Jim couldn’t resist the temptation her naked breasts presented him. He cupped her breasts, and began a gentle massage that soon had Julie squirming about, which only made his torture more exquisite.

“Julie, honey, my spirit is willing, but I’m afraid my flesh is weak. I don’t think I can go again, so soon.”

Julie leaned down, kissing him mouth lightly. ”That is all right.”

“I’m getting to old to spend part of the day riding the fences, then partying, and make love to the most beautiful woman here twice in one day!”

Julie laughed, sliding off his body. “But you have already done it twice, this would have been the third time.” She adjusted her bodice once again, and pulled her skirt down as Jim closed his pants. “You think we ought to be heading back to your party?”

Jim put his hands behind his head, and just looked up at her for a moment. “Are you going to tell me what you were crying?”

Julie stopped fussing with her hair. “I was remembering the accident, or as much as I can remember about it all.” She met Jim’s eyes finally. “I never did apologize, and I should have, long ago.”

“Apologize for what, Julie?” Jim watched her face, which was more in shadow, than his own, which was lit by the moon.

“For the accident… your leg. It was all my fault.” Julie looked away, playing with the folds in her skirt, to avoid looking at him.

“We were both injured Julie. And I could have grabbed those reins out of your hands, but I didn’t.” Jim slowly sat up next to her. He reached out and traced the faint scar that went from her temple, down the side of her face and neck, onto her shoulder.

“You were injured far worse than I was. Everyone knows that, especially your mother. She hates me, you know.” Julie savored the warmth of his fingers against her skin. “Why haven’t you set the story straight with everyone? That it was I driving, and not you?”

“Because it isn’t anyone’s business but ours. And don’t worry about my mother.” He stood up then, offering his hand to help her up. Julie took his hand, coming to stand beside him. She bent to pick up the bottle and glasses. “Just leave them, honey. I’ll get them tomorrow.” He took her hand in his, and led the way back out of the small, quiet garden. They could hear the music still playing, and people laughing. “Party doesn’t seem to be slowing down any, does it?”

Julie nodded her head. “That is the bane of being too good of a host you know. The guests never want to leave.”

Jim laughed with her, still holding her hand in his own. He stopped her as they got almost within sight of the others. He pulled her close and kissed her hotly. His mouth devoured her own. When he pulled back, her mouth had a distinctly just kissed, slightly bruised look to it. He couldn’t help but want to mark her as his own. “Do we walk back together?”

Julie paused, not sure what to do at that moment. Jim nodded. “I’ll go this way and come from around the corner of the house. You go in the backdoor there, and come on out the front.” He didn’t give her time to agree or disagree, but turned and walked away from her. She watched him for a moment, angry with herself for not making up her mind fast enough. Kicking at a small stone, she went towards the house.

The next few days were quiet at home. She had wired her aunt that she was going to stay for a little while longer. Her family had all been happy to have her stay, and no one had asked any questions about her change in plans. Julie had made it a habit to ride out each day before lunch, taking a sandwich with her and saying she would be back for dinner. The first day she had ridden around for a while, and then ended up at Jim’s. He had seen her riding up from a distance, and walked away from where his men were working with a new horse in the corral.

Jim had smiled up at her. “Afternoon, ma’am.” He tipped his hat to her.

Julie smiled back. “I wasn’t sure… Are you busy?” She glanced over at the corral.

“Nothing I can’t walk away from, should I need to.” Jim watched her nervously playing with the reins. “Do I need to?”

Julie looked into his eyes for several long moments. She nodded her head. Jim told her to ride off towards the small creek, that was half a mile back, and he would follow her in a few minutes. Julie smiled, and then turned her mount, riding off quickly. Jim watched her go, then settled his hat firmly on his head and walked back over to his men. He said he was going back to the house to work on his books. He rode back towards the house, then circled back and headed off towards the creek he had directed Julie to.

Jim rode up to the creek area, but pulled his horse abruptly. He could see Julie’s horse tied up, but didn’t see any sign of her. He dismounted and walked over to the water’s edge. Suddenly he was splashed with water. Like a mermaid, Julie rose out of the water. Her hair was sleeked back. She was laughing up at him.

“I decided to cool off, while I was waiting.” Jim tossed his hat onto the grass, beginning to unbutton his shirt. Julie watched, swimming in the water, staying afloat where she was. He sat down, slipping off his boots, shoes. He then undid his pants and started to slide them down. He stopped though as Julie moved closer to shore. He had thought she was wearing some clothes, but as she walked nearer, he saw her naked shoulders, her naked breasts. She paused with water dancing below her waistline. “Are you coming, or not?”

Jim shucked his pants, knowing she wasn´t aware of the double meaning of her words. He walked into the water to join her. As he came close enough to touch her, she spun and dove back into the water. He laughed and swam after her. They played like children for quite some time, before their wrinkling skin, drove them back onto land. Jim pulled her down onto the sun-warmed grass beside him. Their wet flesh heated and dried quickly as their passions rose. Jim caressed her naked body eagerly, his mouth following his hands. Julie cried out as he kissed and sucked her nipples deep into his mouth. Over and over, he stroked his hands across her arms, legs, and over her tummy, teasing her with his touch. When he slid his body down over her own, Julie tried to stop him. But he wouldn’t be deterred. He slid between her thighs. He caressed her smooth lips, spreading them gently. He lowered his mouth, and licked her clit.

Julie cried out loudly, her body jerking in response to his wild, erotic caresses. He returned over and over to lick her pleasure point, while his fingers moved eagerly over her lips, and finally between them. First one finger, then two, and finally a third, all the while he continued to lap at her juices oozing forth as she grew closer and closer to her climax. Her gentle pleas didn’t hurry him though. He worked her flesh like a master violinist. He knew just which strings to pluck, to drive her higher and higher. His fingers continued to work magic within, until finally, Julie screamed out his name, and spasmed around his fingers, flooding them with her moisture. Jim caressed her tenderly, pulling his fingers from their warm nest, and licked all her sweet liquids from her shaven lips. He moved back up then, pulling Julie close, her head resting on his chest.

Julie lay stunned for several long minutes, her breathing ragged and uneven. She finally rose up, and kissed his mouth. The taste was ‘her’, she realized with a start, blushing brightly. She moved down and rested her head back on his chest. She played with his chest hair for a moment. She shifted her head then, and began licking his masculine nipple. She suckled his nipple as he had her own. With his encouraging words, she tugged harder than he had, and nipped him with her teeth. Jim couldn’t hide his reaction to her aggressive love bites. Julie continued to tantalize his nipple while she moved one hand down his abdomen to find his hardening shaft.

She enclosed his shaft with her hand, holding him gently. She encircled the hardness and began stroking her hand up and down, pulling his skin up with each movement. She deserted his nipple then and moved down his body, just like he had done with her. But Jim caught his fingers in her hair for a moment, stopping her.

“Baby, you don’t have to…”

Julie smiled slowly. “I know.” And she continued down his body. Julie encircled his manhood with her small hand and lowered her head. She licked around the ridge of flesh, pausing to tease him here and there, with darting; quick repetitive licks of her tongue. Jim groaned under her sweet ministrations. Julie moved her hand down to cup his sac, holding his balls gently, rolling them slightly, before she lowered her head to lick the skin. Her tongue moved over his sensitive skin there until she took his sac into her mouth, sucking on him gently, surely. She released him, all but the last bit of skin, holding it between her lips, sucking and tugging on him. With her other hand, Julie pressed it to the extremely sensitive area just beyond his sac. Jim moaned as she drove him crazy with her seductive touches and caresses.

“Oh, God, honey… You are driving me crazy doing that!” Jim finally managed to get past his hoarse throat. His hand lowered to caress her soft hair as she rose up a bit, to lick around the head of his rod once again. She moved her tongue to point where the ridge met at the back of the head, and began licking him slowly, at first. Then she began tapping her tongue, faster and faster, while one hand began stroking his manhood. Suddenly, he shot his seed wildly. Julie licked around the head of his cock one last time, and then moved back up to lie beside him. She kissed him. Jim opened his mouth, tasting himself on her lips and tongue. Julie pulled away finally, and lowered herself to lie next to Jim on the warm grass. They fell into a light sleep

And thus formed the pattern of Julie’s days. She continued to meet him each day for the whole week. On Saturday, there was a dance planned at his parents, so Julie agreed to skip coming over during the daytime. She felt drawn to him, even though she didn’t want to, or at least her head was still telling her not to. Her body was telling her another story entirely. Friday evening though, she found that her mother had invited everyone in the family to the house, including Frank. Julie was seated next to him, and had to force herself to listen to what he was saying. She refused walking with him afterwards, stating that she was too tired from riding all afternoon.

On Saturday, she rode to Jim’s parents home with her brother Heath, who drove into to town to pick up his date, Linda. Julie chatted with them during the drive, but her mind kept wandering to the fact that she had promised her aunt she would leave on the train Sunday afternoon. She hadn’t told Jim she was leaving yet, and she wasn’t sure she would be able to. Heath helped first Linda, and then Julie down from the carriage. He offered his arm to each lady, and escorted her into the house. The house was ablaze with lights, and people were spilling onto the lawns, and out into the barn, where the dancing would be held.

Julie excused herself as she saw that Phyllis, and her husband Rob, was greeting new arrivals. She didn’t want to face Jim’s mother’s animosity at the moment. Julie went back outside, and walked over to the barn. She looked around at the doorway, trying to see who was inside. The dancers were whirling quite madly to the music already, and it was hard to see anyone. She moved along the wall, towards the refreshments table. Her hair had been dressed high on the back of her head, and curls tumbled down artlessly. Angie had insisted on styling it for her, to match her Paris designed gown. The dress was black lace, low cut, and draped her body lovingly. She hadn’t come with many clothes, and this was a dress she had left behind last year.

Jim watched her moving through the crowd. She didn’t stop, unless someone first spoke to her. Her lace dress molded her curves, displaying her full breasts, and hips to perfection. She bent over to get a glass of lemonade, and Jim saw the full curve of her breasts, that nearly spilled from her dress. Damn! He thought to himself, the woman could probably make a dead man erect, and he was far from dead! He moved up behind her quietly. He waited until she had sipped from the glass before he leaned forward.

“That dress should be outlawed!”

Julie turned to look at the man she had been searching for. A smile curved her lips. “Oh, does that mean you don’t like it?”

Jim laughed, taking her elbow and leading her back to the doorway. “No. I like it too much. Let’s get out of here.”

Outside, he turned a corner, and they were enveloped in darkness. He walked her back along the side of the barn. “I was beginning to wonder if you were coming at all.”

“I came with Heath, and we went into to town first to pick up Linda.” Julie sipped her lemonade as they walked. “Uhmm, Jim…”

“Yes?” He stopped and turned to face her at the change of tone in her voice. “Is something wrong?”

“I have to catch the 11 o’clock train tomorrow for San Francisco.” Julie glanced up for but a second, and then away just as quickly. “I promised Aunt Tillie that I would go to Europe with her…”

Jim turned and started walking again. Julie had to rush a bit to catch up with him. “How long will you be gone?”

“She wants to go for 3 or 4 months, she said. I promised her before I came back…”

Jim nodded in silence. He wanted to demand she not go, but he knew where that had ended them up a year ago, when it was time for her to go. He had been the one to leave her, in San Francisco, but it had been harder than hell to not turn around and go back to her. But she would have to decide to stay, of her own accord, or it would never work out. And there was still the matter of the land…

Julie wasn’t sure what she wanted. Part of her wanted to hear him demand she stay; and the other wanted him to ask her to stay. “The wedding is in 5 months. I’ll be back for that for sure.”

Jim still didn’t speak, just continued walking. After a few more minutes, he turned back. “We should probably head back. You came for a dance after all, and you haven’t had a chance for a single one yet.”

Julie followed him in silence, trailing one step behind. She stopped though before they came in eyesight of anyone else. “Take me home, Jim.”

Jim turned to frown at her. “Julie…”

“Please, Jim… I don’t want to dance, and I don’t want to be around anyone else at the moment.” Jim looked into her face for several long moments. To be honest, he didn’t want to laugh, and joke and pretend everything was all right either. “All right, Julie. Let me go tell someone…”

Julie grabbed his hand. “Please, let’s just go. No one will miss us in this crowd. Please.”

Jim nodded, and then led her away to the farthest barn, where his parents’ carriage, and horses were kept. He quickly harnessed the horses, and then they were on their way back to Julie’s house. They were part way there, when he pulled the horses up sharply. Julie realized that they were at the exact spot the carriage had gone off the road a year ago. She shivered in remembrance. Suddenly, it was all too much, and her stomach heaved. She jumped from the carriage, and ran to the side of the road. She barely made it, before she lost the contents of her wobbly stomach. Clutching her stomach, she heard Jim come up beside her. He held her lightly, at her waist.

“Are you all right, honey?” Jim offered her his white handkerchief. Julie nodded, wiping her face.

“I’m okay, now. I’m sorry…”

Jim helped her back into the carriage. “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. It is all right.” He soon had the horses back in motion. Neither spoke the rest of the way. He tied the reins outside the house, to the post there, and then helped Julie down from the carriage. He followed her up the front porch steps. “Are you sure you will be all right, Julie?”

Julie looked up into his face. She knew he wasn’t coming inside at that moment. Perhaps it was better this way… “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll go straight to bed.”

Jim nodded, fighting the urge to drag her into his arms and kiss her silly. Instead, he moved away from her, back to the steps. “I’ll get going then. Julie…”

Julie looked up at him as he softly spoke her name. She knew what she thought she wanted him to say, but instead all he said was, “Have a safe trip.” Julie watched in silence as he walked away from her, for a second time.

It was dark, and quite late when the train put into the station finally. Julie didn’t see anyone waiting to meet the train. She had wired when she was coming. She picked up her small bag, pulling her cloak closer around her body, and started out of the station. She hadn’t gone far when she saw Jim walking towards her through the dark. She knew it was he… not just from his slight limp, but his height, his breadth of shoulders gave him away. Of all the people she wanted to see first, Jim was the last. She had too many things to decide on, and deal with, before she confronted him.

“Hello, Julie.” His voice was the same deep, sensual sound as always. He reached for her bag. “Welcome home.”

Julie forced a smile to her lips. “Hello, Jim. I was expecting someone from the family…”

“Nick told me you were arriving tonight, and I had to come into town on business, so I offered to give you a ride home. Do you have any more bags?”

Julie shook her head. “This is all I came with…”

Jim nodded, and pointed towards his buggy, a short distance away. “So, you aren’t staying long this time, then?”

Julie didn’t know how to answer him. She walked along next to him in silence. “What business did you have in town tonight?” She had seen him walking from the saloon, and the worst thoughts possible were conjuring up in her mind.

Jim tossed her bag in the back, and then turned to help her up. He climbed up next to her, releasing the reins and clicking the horses into motion before he answered. “I come every couple of weeks to go over the books with Dan.”

“Dan Wheeler? He owns the saloon…” Julie’s voice trailed away.

Jim kept his eyes on the road. He hadn’t confided to a lot of people that he had bailed out his old friend when he had run into money problems a year ago. He now owned half the saloon, as a silent partner. With fresh infusion of capital, it had begun to turn a very nice profit for them both. But he also knew that quite a few people frowned on the saloon, and all it represented. And while he didn’t particularly care what most people thought of him, he also didn’t want to invite his mother’s vocal opinions on the subject either.

“Dan was in trouble financially, about a year ago, so I became a silent partner for an old friend. He is doing pretty good now.” He turned to buggy onto the road leading to the Bradley ranch. He was doing his best to keep from staring at Julie.

“That was really nice of you, Jim.” Julie told him softly, meaning it. It seemed that she kept learning more ways to admire the man next to her.

“Are you cold, Julie? You have the cloak pulled to tight around you. I’ve got some blankets in the back.” Jim turned to hold her gaze. Julie looked away though; loosening the death grip she had had on the edges of her cloak to keep it closed.

“No, no. I’m fine, really.” Julie let the cloak fall apart, just a bit, trying to relax. She was glad to see the lights from the house glowing just ahead. She knew she needed to talk to Jim, and soon, but she also wasn’t ready yet. Thankfully, no sooner did the buggy pull up than the front door swung open. Angie and her mother came rushing out to greet her. Julie hopped down without waiting for help, hugging them both. Jim handed her bag to Angie who was holding her hands up. Julie heard him refuse to come in, stating he had some work to get done before all the festivities started tomorrow. He tipped his hat to the three women, then turned the buggy around and drove away. Julie continued to look after him, as her mother and sister went up the stairs. Her mother called her name twice before she followed them inside.

The following day dawn bright and beautiful. The perfect day for the rehearsal at the church, followed by the dinner at Jim’s house. He was of course, his brother Tony’s best man. He had not slept much the night before, tossing and turning, disturbed in sleep by dreams of Julie, and disturbed while awake with thoughts of her. Nick had let it slip that Julie had returned over 2 months ago, but had remained in San Francisco. They had thought she was planning to return home also, but she had given no reason or explanation for her continued absence. He had wanted to confront her last night with why she had stayed away, but he had held his tongue. By one o´clock that afternoon though, his mother was driving him crazy with all her arranging and rearranging for the dinner. He was going to just leave it all up to his very competent housekeeper, but Phyllis had wanted to supervise. Jim deserted the house for some peace and quiet.

He wasn’t at all surprised to find himself riding to the small creek where he had spent so many hours with Julie nearly 5 months ago. What did surprise him was to see someone else was there before him. He saw the small buggy tied up, and dismounted there. He left his horse there, and walked silently into the more secluded area near the water. A woman was sitting on a blanket, with a soft shawl pulled up over her head and around her shoulders. He didn’t want to disturb a stranger, but somehow he knew the woman wasn’t a stranger. He wasn’t surprised when his foot broke a twig and the woman who turned to see who was there, was Julie. But from the startled look on her face, she was surprised to see him.

“Jim!” Julie went to get up, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. Instead, he sat down next to her on the blanket. His next words had her blushing a bright pink.

“The blanket feels good. Too bad we didn’t think of that a few months ago.” Jim turned and the bright blush staining her cheeks and neck. “I’m surprised to see you, Julie. I thought you would be occupied with last minute fittings of the dresses and all.”

Julie looked down at her fingers playing nervously with the fringe of her shawl. “I’m not in the wedding, Jim.”

“But Tony said Angie wanted you to be her maid of honor, all that was needed was the final fitting on the dress.” Jim took in her face, wondering why she had that damn shawl pulled up like that. And then he noticed that she had circles under her eyes, and her face appeared quite a bit thinner. He reached out and grabbed her shoulders, turning her towards him abruptly.

Julie gasped in surprise, and her shawl fell to the ground. She stared at Jim, not knowing what to say as his eyes traveled over her face first, and then her body. Jim stared at her eyes for a long time, and then noticed how prominent her cheekbones were now. Then he noticed her hair. It was short! He reached up to touch the short ends that curled around her face a little. His hand moved back and felt for the long hair that he loved to touch. It was quite short in fact, ending at her nape.

Julie looked away from his eyes, one hand going up to nervously touch her hair. “It was my aunt’s idea… It was all the rage in Paris…” She had hated it the moment it was done, and it had grown about 1/2 an inch in the 2 months since their return. She stopped talking though as his fingertips traced the bluish circles under her eyes. His hand moved down to trace her collarbones, which was also quite prominent.

“Is it because of the hair that you don’t want to be in the wedding? No one will care, honey.” Jim moved his fingers back up, touching the silky soft hair. One strand curled immediately around his finger. But Julie shook her head in denial. Her voice was so soft when she did finally answer, that he had to lean closer.

“The dress couldn’t be altered enough to fit.”

“Julie, you look like you’ve lost weight…” His words faded though as he finally looked down, beyond her face and shoulders. There was no hiding the bulge of her tummy. She was pregnant, quite pregnant from the look of her rounded belly. He glanced back up and noticed that her breasts were fuller than before; he just hadn’t stopped to notice. He dropped his hands from her arms abruptly. Julie shivered from the loss of their heat. “How far…”

Julie glanced up into his intense gaze. “Almost 5 months exactly. It had to have been that first day, at your house. That was the only time we weren’t careful…”

Jim nodded slowly, his eyes still glued to her rounded tummy. He wanted to touch her, but something held him back. They had always been careful, other than the very first time, and then again when he had taken her at his house, and then later in the garden. Otherwise, they were always careful. He didn’t want to force any decisions upon her, and he had known that pregnancy would force her to decide permanently.

“What did your family say?” Jim turned to glance at her down turned face, and then looked back out towards the water.

“Hmmm, other than Nick wanting to head out with his shotgun last night, they were all very supportive of me.” She looked over at Jim, a small smile curving her lips. “Of course, he had no idea who he needed to shoot, but he was willing.”

Jim turned and saw the smile on her face. “You don’t think anyone has guessed?”

“Well, no one said anything.” Jim frowned at her, sure that the ‘news’ was not taken as quietly as Julie was intimating that it was. He knew Nick, and he knew all of her brothers’ in fact. Somehow he was sure there was a lot of mental ‘arm twisting’ to get her to say who the father was.

“So, honey, now what?”

Suddenly there was a sound behind them. They turned and saw that Tony was riding towards them. Jim saw that Julie picked up her shawl and wrapped it around herself before his brother got very close. Jim rose to greet his brother.

Tony pulled his horse up as he neared them. “I see you escaped, brother.”

Jim laughed. “It seemed like the best way to handle things.”

Tony tilted his hat to Julie. “I’m glad you could make it home for the wedding, Julie.”

Julie smiled, but didn’t stand. She was afraid her shawl would slip, and she wasn’t ready to have anyone else know just yet.

“I’ve been sent to fetch you back home, Jim. Mother is demanding your presence. She isn’t satisfied with having Dad, me and everyone else to boss around. She wants you there too.”

Jim nodded. “All right. You go on and I’ll follow in a minute.”

Julie thought Jim was afraid Tony might wonder about their being here alone in the first place. “No, Jim. You go on. I’ll be fine.”

Tony looked from his brother’s face, to his future sister-in-law’s. He could feel the tension between the two of them, in spite of the supposedly casual conversation. He hoped to God they hadn’t been fighting again, like they usually did.

Jim finally nodded his head, replaced his hat, and then walked back to his horse. Tony said he would see her later, and turned his horse to follow Jim.

Jim’s house was ablaze with lights and was decorated to the hilt. He, and his father and brothers’ had all been inspected by Phyllis to make sure their suits ‘passed inspection.’ He was drinking bourbon, watching the door for the Bradley’s to arrive. He had not wanted to leave Julie that afternoon. He had had a funny feeling that something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Suddenly, there was a commotion at the doorway. Jim saw Angie coming through the door, and being hugged first by Tony, and then by her future mother-in-law.

Jim walked through the crowd to greet his newest guests. His eyes scanned the faces of his friends, and quickly realized that Julie wasn’t with them. Before he could ask, Tony asked Angie.

“Where is Julie? I told her I would see her tonight, and she didn’t say she wasn’t coming.”

Angie blushed brightly, and for a moment none of the Bradley’s spoke. It was a very telling silence. Victoria answered him though.

“Julie is still feeling tired from traveling down from San Francisco. She decided to stay home and rest up for tomorrow.” Everyone seemed to accept her explanation, except for Jim. He was sure she was hiding, to avoid announcing her pregnancy to the world. He turned to lead everyone back into the living room, when he saw Nick was just staring at him. From that point on though, the party was in full swing.

Twice, Jim tried to escape the crowd. He was going to go over to Julie, and talk to her. He wanted her to face a few facts, and for the two of them to come to some decisions, tonight. His mother caught him the first time, making sure he had at least 2 or 3 things to do for her. The second time, he got as far as the barn. He had his horse saddled when he heard a noise behind him. Jim turned and saw Nick standing behind him. Nick was leaning against one of the rails, his arms crossed. The two men, who had been friends for most of their lives, just looked at one another for a long time.

Nick moved away from the rail finally. “You know, at first I just refused to believe it. I thought ‘ no way!’ You two had always been fire and ice… And then I thought fire melts ice. Just one question, my friend, how long?”

Jim didn’t bother denying or pretending he didn’t know what Nick was talking about. “Since Gerry’s wedding.”

Nick took an angry step forward. “I am so close to knocking you down right now…”

Jim looped the reins over the rail and took a step forward. “Nick, I understand how you are feeling…”

Nick laughed harshly. “I find out my best friend has been… with my sister, for over a year no less, and you have the gall to say you understand!”

“Let’s go get a drink and sit down and talk, okay Nick?”

Nick glared at Jim. “Were you planning to go to my mother’s house while the rest of us were partying here, unaware…”

“I needed to talk to Julie. We have a lot to discuss, as I’m sure you can understand.”

Nick shook his head. “There is only one decision to be made and that is when will the wedding be?”

“Tomorrow would work for me…” Jim answered him softly. Nick looked at him surprised. “The problem will be convincing your sister, Nick.”

Nick shook his head. “No problem. She has no choice.”

Jim laughed. “Julie is too headstrong for that approach to work, my friend.”

Nick paused, then nodding his head in agreement. “Did she write to you, telling you about the baby? How did you know?”

Jim moved over to sit down on one of the bales of hay. “She kept herself well hidden when I picked her up at the train station. It wasn’t until this afternoon actually. I found her by accident near the pond. Otherwise, I doubt I would have found out.”

Nick nodded, moving over to sit on a nearby bale of hay. “I won’t ask how it all came about. The last thing I knew you too still hated each other.”

Jim looked up from his clasped hands. “Nick, I never hated Julie. I think I was always attracted to her. But she was always so antagonistic towards me, it was hard to know what was going on inside of her.”

Nick just nodded. He had always wanted Jim to fall for his sister; he had just thought it would never really happen. And now, well, they had a hell of a mess now. “Why didn’t you just come out with it? Let everyone know how you felt…”

Jim laughed bitterly. “You have seen how my mother is around Julie. Even the mention of her name sets her off. Personally, I don’t care what she thinks, but I could tell Julie didn’t want to make things worse. And I don’t think she ever really thought beyond the moment.” He laughed ruefully. “It is usually the man who wants to keep a relationship secret, but not in this case.” He stood up. “I am going over to your house to talk to her. She will not be leaving this time.”

Jim walked over and mounted his horse. Nick watched his life-long best friend ride out of the barn, into the dark night. He would like to see the confrontation that was probably going to occur at his house in about 15 minutes. But he turned instead and walked back to the house, trying to think of a good reason to explain Jim’s absence from the party.

As Jim approached the house, he could see it was almost totally in darkness. There was just one light, and he also knew that is was coming from Julie’s bedroom. He knew they never kept the doors locked, so he easily walked through the front door, and up the wide staircase. He moved quietly to her bedroom door. He slowly turned the handle, not wanting to scare or startle her.

Julie was sitting up in her bed, reading by the lone light in the room. She looked so lovely to him, dressed in a simple nightgown, and a light shawl around her shoulders. Her head was bent over her book, and he could see her long, naked neck. He admitted her short hair was rather sexy, and he could get used to it he thought to himself, as he watched her turn a page of the book.

Julie never knew what alerted her, but suddenly she looked up. Somehow, she wasn’t really surprised to see Jim standing in the open doorway of her bedroom. Maybe she had known subconsciously that he would come here, when she didn’t show up at the party. She took a deep breath, slowly setting her book down.

Jim watched her in silence, and then stepped into the room. He paused though to turn and lock the bedroom door.

“There is no need to lock the door, Jim. Everyone is gone, even the servants. I went down after everyone left and unlocked the front door.”

Jim shrugged off his suit jacket, and undid his silk tie at his throat, tossing both onto a nearby chair. He couldn’t help but smile a little as he started unbuttoning his shirt, stopping short of removing it completely, he seated himself on the bed next to her. “You were expecting someone then?”

Julie laughed. “Someone, Jim? Looking like this! Not someone, you. Just you.”

They watched each other in silence, both weighing and considering the other person’s words. Jim finally nodded and answered her. “You were so sure I would come for you?” He raised one hand to lightly stroke his fingers down the side of her face. It didn’t seem to matter how long they were apart. It was always the same for him, the compulsion to touch her, to be a part of her warmth, her passionate spirit.

Julie didn’t pull away from him, but instead turned her head into his touch. “No, Jim. Not after this afternoon. I didn’t think you would escape into the night after you discovered the truth. But I wasn’t sure you would still want me.”

Jim stared into her eyes for the longest moment; surprised that she would think he could ever not want her. He had to only be within sight of her to want her. He only had to know she was in the vicinity to want her. Before he could answer her though, Julie turned away from him.

“I am not exactly a raving beauty anymore. I have become awkward, bumping into things. I haven’t been able to eat right, and I know my face shows my sleepless nights. I may never have the figure I once did, no matter what I do… So, no, I was not sure you would come to me tonight.”

Jim moved closer to her, turning her back to face him. He caressed her face with both hands, and then leaned slowly forward, placing a light, gentle kiss on his lips. “Julie, I want you.”

For a long moment, she stared back at him. Trying to find the truth in his face. Then she flung herself forward, against his chest, hugging him close. “Make love to me, please.”

Jim heard her softly spoken request, muffled against his chest. “God, baby, you don’t need to ask me. Making love to you has been the only thing on my mind since this afternoon.” He paused to kiss her deeply, parting her lips. “If Tony hadn’t shown up….”

Julie laughed softly, her hands eagerly pushing his shirt back off his shoulders. “I think I went there unconsciously this afternoon, half hoping you would come also.”

Jim jerked his shirt off the rest of the way, pausing to remove his boots, and then quickly shucked his pants. It took less than a second for him to join her on the bed again, pressing her back against the covers. “God, Julie! It has been so long, honey.” His hands unfastened her nightgown, and pushed it down off her shoulders, slowly revealing her fuller breasts. He slowly took in the changes the pregnancy had made to her lovely round breasts. He stopped to run his hand around each sensitive nipple, enjoying the way her nipples pearled up quickly, and tautly. He lowered his head to lick her nearest nipple, teasing her with flicks of his hot, wet tongue. When Julie moved her hand to the back of his head, he sucked her inside his mouth.

Julie groaned out loud at the feelings that were rushing through her body like water over a cliff. She was hot, restless, needing him. She tried to pull him over her, but he resisted. Pulling away from her, he propped himself at her side. Holding her gaze for a moment, he began pulling her nightgown down over her distended tummy. As he tossed the gown to the floor, he moved his eyes down her body.

Julie moved her hands to cover her stomach and womanly mound, but Jim stopped her. “No, baby. I want to see you, all of you.”

“It is okay, Jim. I know I’m not very pretty like this…” Jim’s fingers pressed against her lips, stopping her words.

“You are beautiful, Julie. Perhaps even more beautiful than ever before.” He slowly caressed her breasts, and then moved his hand down. He stroked his hand slowly, caressing, over her rounded belly. At her slightly protruding belly button, he circled it round and round with his finger. Julie moved to cover her belly button, but Jim stopped her again.

“Jim, you don’t have to pretend, or lie to me. I have looked at myself in the mirror. I know exactly what I look like- a fat cow!”

He couldn’t resist; he had to laugh. “Honey, you don’t look anything like any of my cows. Although, I think your ‘udders’ have gotten a tad bit bigger.”

Julie lightly punched his arm, “Hey!”

“But I like them, bigger. I like all of you bigger. There is just more of you to touch, to kiss, to play with.” He leaned over once again, and began sucking her nipple. Slowly, he moved his hand over her belly and finally down to her mound. He signed as he felt her smoothness. He had wondered if she would still be smooth. He slid his fingers between her womanly folds to find her already wet. “Oh, God baby,” he groaned against her breast. “I don’t know how long I’ll be able to wait.” He caressed her lips and then slid inside to find her clit. He teased it lightly, making her hips writhe in response. He moved down her body, pausing to kiss her tummy. He ignored her tugging on his hair, and spread her thighs with his hands.

Jim lowered his head to lick her wet lips, and then his fingers gently spread them. He moved closer, inhaling her womanly scent before he licked her, once. As Julie cried out, he moved closer and found her clit with his tongue. Relentlessly, he toyed with her clit, taking her higher and higher. She was almost there, when he stopped suddenly. He moved back up her body, kissing her open mouth. Julie tasted herself on his lips and tongue. She met his tongue eagerly with her own. She tried to pull him over herself, but still he resisted.

“Jim, please…. I need you!” She nearly shouted the words at him.

“I know baby, I know.” Yet he still didn’t move over her. Instead he shifted on the bed, lowering himself to lie back against the pillows. He pulled Julie up and moved her sit astride his thighs. He watched the stunned look on her face. “This way will be better, sweetheart. Trust me.” He moved her forward, and Julie rose up on her thighs until his hard, hot shaft was poised at the opening of her womanhood. “You do it, Julie.” Jim told her softly.

Julie tightened her thigh muscles, using her hands on his chest to keep her balance. She looked down into his tense, passionate face. Right then, she knew the truth she had denied for so long. She was in love with Jim Morgan! She moved slightly, and relaxed her thigh muscles, and she took him slowly into her body.

Jim moved his hands to her hips, steadying her. He fought the need to pull her onto his cock in one fell swoop. He knew she needed to control this, for her safety. He had never done this with a pregnant woman before, and he was a little scared of hurting her. His fingers tightened into the flesh at her hips. Julie had paused, halfway down his shaft. He could see she was deliberately going slowly. He didn’t know if she was doing it for comfort reasons, or just to drive him crazy. He watched her face, eyes half closed. He moved his gaze down to her full, round breasts, jiggling slightly with her every breath.

Finally, he could wait no longer. “Julie!” He pulled on her hips at the same time she relaxed her muscles. Smoothly, completely, he was inside her. Neither moved for the longest time, it seemed. She savored the feel of his hardness deep within her body once again. And Jim closed his eyes at the feeling her womanly canal closing around his shaft, sucking him almost within her body. He could feel her tensing, flexing those inner most muscles of hers.

Julie opened her eyes to look down at him. She deliberately squeezed against him and rotated her hips at the same time. Jim groaned in response to her erotic movements. “Honey, much more of that and this will all be over…” He groaned again when she did again, this time her hips circled around one way, then back. He moved his hands to her breasts, caressing her taut nipples, squeezing them lightly. He wasn’t surprised when Julie involuntarily closed her body tightly around him.

Jim let her go on, rotating and squeezing, for about another minute. He moved one hand to her face, turning her to look at him. He then took hold of her hips and control of their rhythmic dance. Julie fought him for a second and then gave way to his movements. Over and over he thrust up inside of her. Her body struggled to squeeze and hold him within, but she couldn’t. And when he moved his fingers to find her clit again, all it took was two light flicks of his finger, and Julie climaxed around him. She cried out, amazed at the intensity of the feelings sweeping over her in that moment. Jim followed her with another quick thrust and shot his seed deep inside her body.

Julie started to fall forward onto his chest, but Jim caught her and slowly separated their bodies, and lowered her to lie next to him on the bed. He lay down next to her. Both just lay there quietly for several long minutes. Jim listened to Julie’s breathing, as it slowly calmed back to normal. His own ragged breathing soon slowed also.

He turned to look at Julie next to him. He lifted one hand to smooth back the short curls that were sweat dampened and clinging to her brow. She did look sexy with her hair short like this.

He lightly traced her lips, and then moved his hand down the side of her neck. He came to rest his hand on her farthest breast. Cupping it in his palm, he began massaging it lightly. Julie finally opened her eyes.

“No more. I won’t live through it,” she whispered to him softly.

Jim chuckled. “We don’t have time. You have to get dressed and come back to the party with me.”

Julie sat straight up in the bed; or as straight as she could with her rounded belly. “I can’t be seen like this!”

Jim laughed this time. “No, honey. You will have to put some clothes on first.” He moved to stand next to the bed. “Come on, Julie.” He took her hands and pulled her out of the bed. He poured some water into the basin nearby. He took a cloth and some soap and began washing his chest. Julie watched him silence as he moved the cloth down to wash him manhood. He responded to her look in the expected manner. Julie flushed brightly, and turned away.

“I really can’t go, Jim. What will every say? I don’t want to ruin the party for Tony and Angie.” Jim rinsed off and dried himself. He grabbed her hand.

“Do you want me to run you a bath, or do you want to wash off here?”

Julie glared back at him. He was just ignoring her.

“There isn’t enough time for a bath.” She said tersely.

But Jim was determined. He re-soaped up the cloth and began running it over her breasts. He ignored her attempts to move back. He lowered the cloth, running it over her belly, and then between her legs. He moved the cloth much more slowly there. Julie couldn’t stop the soft cry of desire that escaped her lips. Just as Julie started to lean towards him though, he stopped. He rinsed the cloth out, then lightly ran it over her body again. He rinsed it again, wrung it out and set it aside. He picked up the towel and dried her off. He handed her the hairbrush, and began pulling on his own clothes. He stopped once he had his tie in place, seeing Julie was still standing there naked. She had brushed her hair, and her face was surrounded by a halo of wild curls. She looked like a naughty cherub at that moment.

“Julie, either you pick out a dress, or I shall.” She glared at him, considering sticking her tongue out at him, but decided against that childish gesture at the last minute.

“I really don’t have much to wear.” She stood in front of her closet. She only had two dresses at the moment that fit that she had brought with her, and neither was really suitable for a party. Jim came over to her, and began rifling through her dresses. To her surprise, he pulled out a dress. She had forgotten about it. It was high-waisted, so it might fit she thought.

“There is another problem, Jim.” He looked at her, from the soft, sheer pink dress. “I can’t wear a, uhmmm… corset.”

Jim laughed. “Don’t worry, honey. You don’t need one.” And with that he lifted the dress and dropped it over her head. Julie’s protest was muffled, so she raised her hands and pushed them through the armholes. The dress drifted down over her body. It fit, sort of. She looked down at herself, then up at Jim.

Jim was staring at the way the pink dress clung to her full breasts, and draped so obviously across her full tummy. The low cut bodice revealed an incredible amount of enticing cleavage he thought. And there would be doubt as to her pregnancy in this dress. He turned her around before he could think twice, and fastened up the buttons at the back. He stepped away to grab his own jacket, and Julie slipped on some pink slippers that would match the dress. He grabbed her hand and started for the door.

Julie hung back. “What about some under….”

Jim tugged her along. “You don’t need any. No one will know any difference, except me.” He unlocked the door, and still holding her hand, pulled her behind him down the stairs. “Besides, thinking about you being naked under that dress is going to make crazy. That should make you happy.” He paused next to his horse. “We don’t have time to hitch up the buggy, so we will just take my horse.” He mounted and then easily pulled her up to sit on his lap in front of his.

Jim turned the horse and started at a slow canter back to his house. Julie shifted a bit and he wrapped one arm around her, just beneath her breasts. He pressed his arm upwards, enjoying the feeling of her full breasts pressing against his forearm, and bouncing with the movement of the horse. By the time they reached his house, he was half-erect again. He rode to the barn first, to give his body time to relax.

He lowered Julie to the ground, and then quickly removed the saddle from his horse, and returned him to his stable. As he came up to Julie, she noticed his ‘state.’ She smiled, looking back up into his face. He could see the look in her eyes. Julie moved close to him, and slid one hand down to his hard rod, pressing against his trouser front. “We could stay out here,” she whispered to him softly. “And I could take care of this for you.”

“You little minx!” He pulled her close and kissed her hotly. “You could tempt a saint!” But he pushed her away from his body, removing her hand. He took a deep breath. “We are still going in, now come on.”

Jim wrapped his hand around her elbow and starting walking towards the brightly lit house. He could feel her tension emanating from her small body. But he knew that it was time they faced ‘the consequences.’ He wasn’t ashamed of what they had been doing, although that in the eyes of many, he probably should be. He also knew that Julie would receive the brunt of the disdain. He knew many people would probably want nothing to do with either of them, and many of them would be so-called church-going people.

Abruptly, Jim stopped walking. Julie actually took a step or two more, pulling up sharply as Jim didn’t release her arm. She looked back at him, expecting him to be looking at her. Instead he was staring off in space, not really focusing on anything.

“What’s the matter, Jim?” Julie asked him softly, feeling a sudden dread that perhaps he had changed his mind, and didn’t want to marry her, and have their baby…

Jim looked down at her after several long moments of silence. His words pierced her heart. “I’ve changed my mind, honey.”

Julie jerked her arm away from him. “Well, just fine!” She shouted at him, turning her back and starting back towards the barn. She was surprised that he didn’t follow her. She was in the barn, struggling to saddle one his other horses, when it was taken from her hands. She turned and glared at him angrily. “Give me that! I’m going home, now!”

“Let me do it, Julie. This is too heavy for you to be lifting.” He saddled the horse for her silently, still thinking to himself. Julie had expected him to argue with her, insist she stay. She wanted him to insist that they go back, and go into the house and tell everyone.

Stunned, she sat down on the nearest bail of hay. He was letting her go…

“I would have thought you too would have had enough rolling in the hay for awhile, anyway.”

Stunned, they both turned to see that Julie’s brother Nick had entered the barn and was standing just inside the opened door. Julie started to stand, but Jim’s hand moved to her shoulder to stop her. He took a few steps forward.

“We were on our way inside, when…” Jim paused, searching for the right words.

Julie spoke up behind him. “Jim changed his mind and decided to take me back home, to hide me away, I assume.”

Jim turned and glared at Julie. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Obviously, you changed your mind about telling your family and decided not to face them.” Julie stood, putting her fisted hands angrily on her hips.

Jim walked over and stood toe to toe with her, looking down at her angrily. “Are you crazy? I did not change my mind.”

“Then why the hell did you drag me back in here to hurry me away, before anyone could see me in this condition?” Her hands pointed dramatically at her distended abdomen.

“I’m not hiding you away, Julie.”

“Well, dragging me out of my bed in the middle of the night to your house, and then when we are almost at the door, you turn around and start dragging me back to my house is not what I would call facing the situation.”

Jim raised his voice to match her’s. “Dammit, Julie! I’ve been ready to face this situation since I found out about it. You are the one who was keeping it a secret from everyone. You are the acting ashamed of having my child. You are the one who keeps running away from every encounter we have.”

“I do not run away!”

“Like hell you don’t! Each and every time things get intense; you take off in the middle of night.”

“It was not in the middle of the night. I took the morning train…” Her voice trailed away, knowing that was a weak argument.

Nick spoke up again, moving farther into the barn. “You two keep yelling like you are and the whole party will be out here to see what is wrong. And that will take the question of anyone doing any running away out of the equation.”

Jim and Julie both turned to look at her smiling brother. Julie brushed past Jim, pulling her skirts up as if not to touch him. “Nick, please take me home immediately.” She took a few steps past her brother, when she stopped dead in her tracks. She spun around and looked accusingly at her brother. “If you knew, how come you didn’t come after him with a shotgun? That would have been the brotherly thing to do!” She glared at him, hands back at her hips, this time impatiently tapping her toe.

Nick smiled and crossed his arms across his broad chest. “Well, knowing you as I do, I tended to believe Jim when I found him saddling his horse getting ready to go off and fetch from home.”

“Humph!” Julie snorted disgustedly. “I’ll just go find Jared then. He will defend my honor.” She had only just reached the door when she heard Jim chuckling behind her right before he asked her a question.

“Uhm, how are you going to get his attention without going into the party?” Julie stopped, stunned for a moment. She hadn’t considered that. She turned and looked at both men haughtily over one shoulder.

“I will just walk home then. I don’t need anyone to defend anything. I can take care of myself just fine.” She walked through the door, and started down the near dark road, lit only by the faint glow of the partial moon. She continued to walk, even though she slowed her step, expecting to be chased after any moment. But she got down the road, past the house, and actually to where the lane turned into the main road. She paused there, resisted looking back, and started off towards her house.

Nick turned to look at his best friend. He gave him a long, measured glance. “Did you change your mind?”

Jim unsaddled the horse, and moved over to saddle his own horse once again. Nick thought he heard him softly apologizing to large black beast for dragging him out again that night. He pulled the cinches tight, then started leading the horse out of the barn. “No, dammit all, I did not change my mind. I decided that walking in, like that, was probably not the best way to handle things after all.”

“Ahh,” Nick nodded his head, following beside him. “And just what did you think would be the best to handle everything?”

“I was going to take Julie home. Then I was going into to town to beg Reverend Hill to forge me a wedding license, dated an appropriate amount of time back. We could then say we had been keeping it a secret because of a fight we had, or something…”

Jim mounted the horse. Nick put his hand out though to stop him. “You know, Reverend Hill is pretty upstanding man. Somehow I don’t think he will go along with a fake wedding license.”

Jim glared down at the other man. Granted he had not had time to completely think things through, but it was still a sound plan. “I didn’t say fake. I figured we’d say we’d gotten married, and then after Tony and Angie’s wedding, we would go to San Francisco and get married for real. No one need ever know the truth.”

Nick was nodding his head. “Why do you need a forged license though? Just say you got married, and then do it later.”

“Because I am damned sure my mother will want to see tangible proof before she will believe it. Accepting it will be another thing altogether.” He shrugged, and nudged the horse into a canter down the road to catch up with Julie. He was surprised when he didn’t see her on the road. He didn’t think she could walk that fast and felt a catch in his chest. Dear God, he prayed silently, don’t let her have fallen… He didn’t dare give rise to any other of his tumultuous thoughts just then. He almost road past the turn off to the small creek, and something made him stop. He turned the horse, and headed towards the creek.

Julie was seated in the grass, almost exactly as she had been earlier in the day. He saw her back stiffen as she heard him coming up behind her. He dismounted easily, tying the horse up, before he walked over and sat down beside her. He noted Julie never turned her head to make sure who it was, not even when he sat next to her.

“I’m sorry, Julie. I didn’t make myself clear back there.”

Julie turned her head slightly away from him, ignoring him. But Jim was undaunted and went on. “I decided that if we just burst in like that, well, it would make you the target of some very nasty gossip. And you don’t deserve that.” He was Julie’s head turn back slightly now, and he thought he could see her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her, but he held off for now.

“I decided to take you back home and then go into town and get Reverend Hill to forge a wedding license for us.” He stopped as Julie gasped and turned to stare at him as he’d lost his mind. He shrugged his shoulders. “I figured we’d say we’d gotten secretly married, and had had a fight before we told anyone. And then when the kids’ wedding is all over, we would go to town and get married for real.” He watched her face for signs of reaction. The last thing he expected was for her to shake her head no.

“Why not?” He asked her angrily.

“Because your plan is full of holes, my love. First of all, Reverend Hill wouldn’t forge a license for us. I mean I really can’t see him doing that. And secondly, I don’t think people would believe it, least of all your mother, Jim. She’d probably grab a gun and try and shoot me.”

Jim chuckled and reached out to put his hand over her rounded tummy. “I’m counting on her not wanting to hurt her grandchild.”

Julie shook her head but reached out her hand caressed the side of his face. “You are living in a dream world.”

Jim pulled her close to kiss her. Just before he covered her lips with his own he muttered softly, for her ears only. “I don’t give a damn where I live, or what kind of world it is, Julie, just so long as you are in it with me.”

Jim reentered his home after taking Julie back to her mother’s. They had decided that they would wait until tomorrow to ‘announce’ things. He made his way over to the bar in his den first thing. He had just helped himself to a glass of his most expensive brandy, which had been cleverly hidden away, when Nick entered the room, closing the door behind him.

“Is that a celebration drink?” Nick asked his friend wryly. Somehow he had known that no matter what Jim wanted, he knew his sister, and doubted the meeting had gone smoothly.

Jim turned and smiled at him slowly. Without a word, he poured Nick a glass of his expensive brandy. Nick took a sip, nodding his appreciation.

“So this is where the good stuff had been hidden all evening. I’m getting tired of drinking the cheap champagne, and that watered down punch is awful.” Nick told the other man as he settled into one of the deep, fine leather chairs that faced the fireplace. Jim moved over to join him, his limp a bit more pronounced.

“Have I missed anything so far?” Jim asked quietly, sipping the brandy slowly. He stretched out his legs, staring at his boots that were no longer pristine and shining. His boots told the story of his busy evening.

Nick shook his head. “Just the usual party nonsense. Your mother and my mother have been corralling people all evening, moving them from room to room. All right, so what happened?” Nick finally asked, exasperated at Jim’s uncommunicativeness.

Jim smiled. “She didn’t kill me, or maim me.”

Nick laughed. “That is good, anyway. Are you getting married?” He asked, cutting right to the core of the matter.

Jim nodded his head. “I was inclined to head to town and getting the next train to San Francisco. But Julie is harder to convince. She is coming to the wedding though. And we will announce our engagement then. She still wanted to wait until after, but I think she really wants to go to the wedding.”

The door flew open behind them, letting the party sounds intrude on the quiet conversation. Both men turned to see Angie silhouetted in the door. They stood as she walked further into the dark room.

“Why are my brother, and future brother-in-law, hiding away from the party?” Angie walked over to loop her arm through Nick’s. She smiled over at Jim though. “You know, I haven’t seen you around much tonight, Jim.” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “And to be perfectly honest, I’ve had the dickens of a time keeping you mother from noticing your absence.”

Jim flushed, to his surprise. “I’m sorry…”

Angie waved her hand, cutting short his apology. “That is all right. I figured you were back at my house, arguing with a certain someone.”

Her words fell into a stunned silence. Finally, Angie laughed at the two men. “Of course, I knew. And no, it is not because Julie confided in me, even though I gave her plenty of opportunity to do so. I suspected almost from the beginning, but when Julie came back this time… Well, I was sure.”

Jim shook his head at his future sister-in-law, wondering if she had some kind of psychic powers. “How could you know? Even Nick didn’t know…”

Angie released Nick’s arm, and started for the door. She turned back, shaking her head. “It is simple really. Julie would never be pregnant with any man’s child but yours Jim.”

She smiled slowly. “You men,” she said in exasperation. “Julie has been in love with you Jim probably her entire life. But you were too blind to see it. And she was too stubborn to admit it.” Angie turned on that verbal bomb, and left the room.

Nick turned to look and Jim, and was relieved to see that he was just as surprised as he had been. He certainly never would have guessed…

Jim sat back down in his chair, and downed the rest of his brandy in one gulp. “Impossible.”

Nick laughed softly, and patted him lightly on his shoulder. He breathed out heavily. “You know, with women, you never reallydo know.” And with that, Nick left his friend alone with his thoughts.

Jim reluctantly left his solitude a few minutes later. He felt like he didn’t belong at his own house. He realized that it had nothing to do with the party, but that he would rather be with Julie just then, than anywhere else, or with anyone else. He shook his head ruefully, not fully comfortable with this revelation. He walked over to where one of his brother’s was tending bar. He took a beer, rather than some of the champagne. He had only been standing there a few moments, when Angie and Tony walked up to him. He didn’t like the saucy, knowing look he saw in the young woman’s face.

Angie just smiled up at him, hugging Tony’s arm close. “I’m glad to see you decided to come out of your cave, Jim.” She reached out and took a glass of champagne. She took a sip, wrinkling her nose a bit.

Jim shrugged. “Blame your future mother-in-law Angie, she is the one who picked out the champagne for the party.”

Angie shrugged back. “Oh, it is all right. I was really wondering whether you were planning on sneaking off again.”

Jim caught the startled look his brother gave him. Obviously, he had been pretty successful in hiding his absence from most everyone else. He shook his head. “I’ll stay put for now.”

“Hmm.” Angie murmured thoughtfully. “I think you should drag her over here. It certainly would liven things up!”

Jim frowned at his near tipsy future sister-in-law. “Somehow I would have thought the party was lively enough for you.”

Angie grinned, downing her champagne. “Oh, I’m fine. I was just thinking of everyone else, like your mother… my mother…”

Jim just shook his head at her, but Tony was getting tired of the innuendos his future bride was tossing around. “What the hell are you going on about? The last we need is stir up any trouble. Mother is already driving me crazy.”

Just then, Tony and Jim’s mother came to join them.

“Whatever are you two doing over here in the corner?” She accused the engaged couple. “You must get out and circulate. After all, the party is in your honor.” As soon as Phyllis and her oldest son were alone, she turned to him. “I’m so glad that Angie’s sister chose not to come. Victoria told me she was ill, and that is why she didn’t come. But I’m just relieved that she didn’t.” She reached over and took a glass of champagne from the bar top.

“Look, Mother, there is something you should know.” Jim told his mother softly.

Phyllis turned to smile at her eldest, but the smile faded as she saw the intensely serious look on his face. “My goodness Jim, are you feeling all right? Is your leg bothering you?”

Jim shook his head. He wasn’t sure just how to tell his mother that tomorrow was likely to be the worst day of her life. Or at least, it would seem that way to her. Before he could come up with a good way to start, his father interrupted them.

“I’ve come to steal this lovely lady for a dance, son.” And with that, Jim’s parents twirled away to the music. He watched in silence, feeling a pang of unhappiness that he couldn’t hold Julie in his arms and dance with her like that. Of course, he smiled slightly; they had no trouble at all ‘dancing’ together of a different sort. He realized that he was wishing the night away, and looking forward to the new life tomorrow’s dawn would bring.

Her sister, Angie, rushing into the room, and jumping onto her bed, awakened Julie from her deep, dreamless sleep the next morning. Julie groaned at being torn from her sleep so abruptly. She frowned at her smiling sister, and attempted to pull the covers back up over her head. But Angie would have none of that. She dragged the sheets and blanket back down. For a moment, the sisters paused. The soft morning sun poured into the room as Angie reached out and touched her sister’s rounded belly.

“Have you thought about whether it will be a boy or a girl?”

Julie shook her head. “No. I’m afraid I’ve been too consumed with my own troubles to think that far ahead, Angie. Now, why aren’t you sleeping in, like all good brides should do?”

Angie laughed and jumped off the bed. “Because I’ve decided that between the two of us, we can fix your dress to fit you in time for the wedding.”

Julie sat up in the bed. Shaking her head no, she swung her legs out to stand up. But Angie wouldn’t hear of that. She lightly pushed her sister back onto the bed.

“Yes. This is my day, and the bride gets her way. And the bride wants her sister to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor. Got that?”

Julie laughed at her sister. “There is very little honorable about me anymore, Angie.”

“Pooh!” Her sister told her sternly. “I know you too well for that, dear Julie. Now,” Angie found the bridesmaid dress in the closet and pulled it out. It was a lovely pale pink. “We need to have you put this on and see what needs to be altered.”

“Other than my body, you mean?”

Angie shook her head, and took the nightgown from Julie as she pulled it over her head. Julie really wasn’t thinking this morning. And when Angie gasped a moment later, she realized that her sister had seen her shaven mound. She looked up at her sister, flushing. Angie was staring at the smooth juncture at her sister’s lower abdomen, and upper thighs. “Uhm, Julie, what happened to your pubic hair?”

“I learned about shaving when I was in Europe, Angie. I was curious, and so I tried it. I found that I really liked it.”

Angie couldn’t seem to stop looking, even though she knew better. “How do you do it?”

Julie smiled at her sister, relaxing, as she didn’t see the expected rejection in her sister’s face after all. “Well, you need to trim it off short to start, and then it is best to shave the first few times in front of mirror. After that, you can manage it in the tub, if you want.” Julie took the bridesmaid dress, and continued without really thinking. “Of course, if you can, it is easiest to have someone else shave you the first few times.”

Angie gasped, looking at her sister, all kinds of thoughts going through her head at that. “Did you have someone…”

Julie shook her head quickly, pulling the dress over her head, and letting it drop into place over her body. She had to adjust the bodice, and noticed that her breasts mounded above the low-cut neckline. And the lower part of the dress skimmed her body, with a small amount of room. If she could sit down in it, they probably wouldn’t have to alter it after all. She walked over to a chair, and lifted the lower part just a bit, and sat down. She took a deep breath in and then out, and nothing sprang or popped out. She relaxed a bit, and stood back up. She pulled the dress off.

“I guess it will be all right, after all Angie. Though there will no hiding my ‘condition.'”

Angie nodded. “True, but who cares.” She hung the dress back up. And again looked at her sister’s naked body. “Julie?”

“What, Angie?”

“Uhm… What did Jim think?”

Julie turned sharply, surprised at her sister’s question. How could Angie possibly know…? “Jim? Why, whatever do you mean?”

Angie shook her head at her sister. “I’m not that naïve, Julie. I can’t imagine anyone else being the father of your baby but Jim!”

Julie sat down abruptly on her disheveled bed. “I never said anything…”

Angie sat down next to her sister. She wrapped an arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Sweetie, you didn’t need to. I’ve known you were crazy for Jim for as long as I can possibly remember.”

“How? We were always fighting, and yelling at one another.” Julie felt the need to still protest.

Angie shook her head. She reached over with her other hand and patted her sister’s naked belly. “Appears to me you stopped yelling long enough, at least once.”

Julie flushed brightly. So much for being clever, she thought to herself, but Angie’s words drew her attention again.

“Well… What did Jim think?”

Julie took a deep breath, not used to being this intimate with her sister since they were small girls, sharing a room. “He was surprised, at first, but he liked it. Or at least, it sure seemed like he did.” She laughed, and then stopped when Angie laughed also. “Oh, my god, Ang! I shouldn’t be talking to you like this… I mean about stuff like this. You aren’t married!”

Angie laughed softly. “Neither are you, sister.”

Julie frowned at her sister. “Yes, but I’ve been to Europe, and… Stop!” She tried to keep her frown as her sister kept on laughing. “All right. He liked it enough that he let me do it to him.” Julie bit her lip, as she realized what an intimate secret she had just blurted out.

Angie blushed brightly, her thoughts getting quite rampant. “Ooh. Julie?”

“What, Angie?”

“Will you do me?”

Julie jumped up from the bed. “What? You mean shave you?”

Angie nodded. “I really like how it looks. May I touch you though?” She asked her sister softly.

Julie paused, thinking of a thousand reasons to say no. Instead she nodded her head. She took a deep breath and watched as her sister reached out. A moment later, she felt her sister’s soft fingers stroking along her shaven mound. She had never felt another’s fingers there, save Jim’s, and her doctor’s. She glanced down and saw Angie was smiling. Her sister sat back and looked up at her.

“Please, Julie. Do it for me, as my wedding present?”

Julie stopped, thinking of the exorbitantly expensive silver tea service she had purchased. She shook her head to herself, and then nodded it. “All right. But if anyone, for any reason, should ask, this was your idea, got it?”

Angie nodded and hopped up and hugged Julie tight. She then pranced over to Julie’s bedroom door and turned the lock. She looked back over her shoulder, smiling. “We don’t want anyone surprising us.”

“All right. We need some water, soap, lotion, and scissors. I’ll get my razor.” Neither woman spoke for the next few moments, as they gathered everything together.

Julie directed Angie to strip her nightclothes off and lie on the bed. Julie positioned herself at the edge of the bed, and had Angie turn sideways, and scoot to edge, her legs bent and wide spread. Julie sat in the chair she had pulled close, and arranged everything on the nightstand. Slowly, carefully, Julie began snipping little tufts of her sister’s blond pubic curls off. She set some aside, on a small handkerchief.

Finally, she had her trimmed to a quarter inch. She told Angie she needed to be very still, and if she needed to move, try and give her some advance warning. Angie giggled, promising she would. Julie used the soap and made some lather. As she smeared it over her sister’s mound and lips, Angie giggled. Julie paused and lightly slapped her sister’s thing.

“Behave!”

Angie stopped laughing as she saw Julie pick up the gleaming razor. Julie had stropped it while Angie had gathered the supplies. Julie lowered the razor, and it scraped across her sister’s skin. Angie shivered as Julie wiped the razor clean of lather on the cloth. She returned the razor again to Angie’s skin.

Over and over, the razor moved over her mound, and then her lips. Angie felt her breath catch in her lungs as she felt the air dancing over her smooth skin. She swallowed heavily, when Julie finally said she was done. She started to move, but again Julie lightly tapped her leg.

“Not yet. Hold on.”

Angie felt Julie’s soft fingers moving over her shaven pussy and mound. The water on her sister’s fingers removed any last lingering trace of lather, and checked for any missed stray hairs. She then felt Julie smearing lotion into her shaven skin. Dear lord, Angie thought to herself, the sensations seemed so much greater than when her own fingers had touched her mound previously. Julie held her hand out then, for Angie to take hold of. She pulled Angie to a sitting position, in front of herself.

Julie watched, as Angie looked down at her own smooth, shaven pussy. Angie moved her hand and touched her shaven skin, slowly, carefully. Finally, Angie looked up at her sister, a smile lighting up her face. She flung her arms out and folded Julie close, hugging her. Julie laughed at her sister’s spontaneous response.

When Angie released her, she went back to touching her smooth skin. Julie pushed the chair back, and started putting the bowl and soap away, then the razor and scissors. She stopped and took a ribbon from her dresser and cut off a small piece. She came back and gathered the edges of the handkerchief together, tying it with the ribbon. She held it out to Angie; she accepted it, with a frown on her face.

“That is for remembrance, for Tony. This isn’t any of my business Angie, but have you two…” Julie’s voice trailed away at asking such a private question of her sister. She did realize the silliness of being embarrassed, when she had just been about as intimate with her sister as she had ever thought possible.

Angie smiled at Julie. “Julie! You are blushing!” Angie stood up and put her robe on. “And to answer your question… well, I think it could very easily have been me in your situation…”

Julie gasped. But Angie just shook her head, and shrugged her shoulders.

“I say we blame it on the Morgan boys. They were just too darned irresistible.”

Julie laughed. “I don’t see Mrs. Morgan agreeing with that statement. She can’t stand me. She blames me for everything.”

Angie nodded. “I know, sweetie. But she’ll get over it, or we won’t let her see her grandchildren!”

Julie stopped in pulling up the covers on her bed. She stopped and spun around. “Wait. Did you say ‘grandchildren’?”

Angie smiled at her sister. “Shhhh. It’s a secret. No one knows, but Tony. And it is only two months or so.”

Julie laughed, shaking her head. “Does this make us fallen women, Angie?”

Angie laughed and shook her head. She unlocked Julie’s door, opening. She paused before going out. “We have to much money for that, sister dear. I think the worst we can do is whispers behind raised hands, and people counting on their fingers.”

“Angie, wait…Julie called out to her sister. Angie turned back again. “Hmm, this is just a suggestion…”

Angie smiled. “Go on.”

Julie cleared her throat. “You might want to ask Tony to help you, the first couple of times, until you get the hang of the razor…”

Angie nodded. “All right. Though he will probably be as nervous as I will be.”

Julie laughed. “Just tell him to get some tips from Jim. He did pretty well, actually…” She stopped abruptly, flushing.

Angie laughed gaily. “I can just see me telling Tony about this before we leave. Well, you never know, do you?” She waved at her sister, and then closed the door behind her.

Julie stared at the closed door. She sat down on the half-made bed. The last 48 hours were going too fast. Her head was spinning, and she was beginning to feel like she was lost, in a fairy tale. She looked at the clock and realized that the wedding was just 4 hours away. She took a deep breath, trying to quell the panic rising up in her chest, and telling her to run!

They arrived at the church late. Jim was standing outside the doors, at the top of the steps, watching for them. He walked down the steps as Jared stopped the open carriage. Jared handed the reins to the youngest Morgan, whose job it was to stable the horses during the wedding.

“Thanks, Sam.” Jared hopped down and turned to help first Julie down, and then they both turned to help Angie down. Julie held up the full train as they started towards the church. She saw Jim walking towards them, and saw his eyes were trained on her, smiling. She couldn’t stop the smile from turning up her own lips a moment later.

Jim met them a few steps away. He greeted Jared and Angie, and then walked to Julie and kissed her full on the lips. He heard Angie giggle and Jared gasp. He didn’t care though. He simply pulled Julie closer, and kissed her again. When he pulled back, he saw that Julie now had a bright flush, which pleased him more than the white color she had had a moment earlier. He turned and met Jared’s angry gaze.

“I’m marrying your sister, Jared, just as soon as we can arrange things.” Jim looked at Angie. “Now we better get in there before Tony comes out here looking for us. He was beginning to look worried standing up there.”

Inside the church, pausing at the back of the church, Julie busies herself with straightening out Angie’s train, and then the veil. She was to walk up the aisle first, and started shaking. Seeing all the people seated there, and knowing they would all turn and look at her, was almostmore than she can handle at that moment.

Julie turns to look at Angie. “I don’t think I can do this, Angie…”

Jim heard her, and stopped from going up the side aisle to join the groom. He looked at Julie, seeing the fear on her face. He took a deep breath, and made a momentous decision. He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a ring.

“Ohmigod!” Angie cried out in surprise, leaning to look forward over Julie’s shoulder.

Jim didn’t wait butpicked up Julie’s left hand. He slipped the ring onto Julie’s 4th finger, and the large diamond glinted brightly in the candlelight of the church.

Jim’s voice was soft as he spoke to Julie. “I’ve had this ring since San Francisco. I am telling the world I love you, Julie, and that you are carrying my child. And I couldn’t be happier, or prouder.”

Julie felt tears well up in her eyes as she looked up at Jim. She could hear Angie sniffing behind her. Before she could say anything though, the organist started the marching music. She looked at Jim, panic again filling her eyes. But Jim turned her, and tucked her hand into his arm.

“Come on, darlin’. We will do this together.” Without giving her time to consider, Jim took the first step and Julie had to follow him.

Jim walked proudly, though a bit haltingly, down the aisle. He looked straight ahead, smiling. He turned to look at Julie every couple of steps to reassure her. He whispered to her to ignore the gasps and keep her eyes straight ahead, or on him. She did as he said, and they made it to the front without incident. The minister smiled at them. Jim leaned forward and whispered to the reverend, as he released Julie’s arm. Julie missed the minister’s startled glance at her, and then he nodded slowly. Jim moved behind his brother, grinning at him.

“Chin up, bro. The best is still to come.”

The rest of the wedding passed in a foggy haze for Julie. She glanced over at Jim, and each time found him looking right at her. She would blush and hastily look forward again. Finally, she saw Tony kissing Angie, and then the minister introducing Mr. and Mrs. Morgan to the congregation. They turned and walked down the aisle. Julie moved to follow, but Jim reached out and held her arm, holding her back. He indicated to Jared to go ahead and start everyone outside. He ignored the look his mother gave him, right before his father took her arm and practically dragged her down the aisle, following the happy couple. When the church was nearly empty, Jim turned Julie towards the minister.

“We’re ready,” Jim said softly.

Reverend Harris looked at Julie. “I have to ask, since you don’t have a license. Do you marry this man of your free accord?”

Julie gasped and looked at Jim. She nodded her head, unable to believe that this could be happening now… of all times!

“Dearly beloved… hmmm, I guess I can skip that part.” He turned a page on his book. “Do you Julie take Jim for your lawfully wedded husband?”

Julie nodded, her yes spoken very softly. She heard him repeat the question for Jim, and he spoke loudly and strongly. She was further surprised when asked about a ring, Jim pulled a diamond studded band from his pocket. He ignored Julie’s little gasp and gently pushed the ring onto her finger, pressing it close to the one he had place there a short time earlier. Julie didn’t hear much else and then Jim pulled her close and kissed her fully on her mouth. He released her, and shook Reverend Harris’ hand.

“Thank you, Reverend. You will never know how much grief you have spared us by doing this right now.”

Matthew Harris nodded. He was well acquainted with both families. “I can guess, Jim.” He turned to Julie. “Congratulations, my dear.”

Julie laughed, shrugging her shoulders. “You can say ‘and not a moment too soon.'”

Matthew laughed softly. “My dear, God has a plan for us all. I’m sure you are doing things according to his plan. Now, I think you should get going before they all come back in here looking for you.”

Jim nodded. “You are so right, sir. Come on, Julie. Oh, excuse me. Come along Mrs. Morgan.”

Julie laughed at hearing herself called Mrs. Morgan. This would take some getting used to. Outside, Jim helped her into his own carriage, that he had parked a short distance behind the church. Instead of driving towards his home, where the reception was being held, he started towards her family home. Seeing her questioning look, Jim smiled.

“We are picking up your clothes. I am moving you in to my house now.” His tone brooked no disputes, and Julie sat quietly. It didn’t take all that long once they reached the house. Jim went upstairs with her, and had her sit down, and point to what she needed for the first few days. The rest they would pick up over the following week. Soon they were on the way to Jim’s home.

Julie felt her stomach tensing up as they neared the house. Jim drove the horses around to the back of the house. Julie looked surprised, hating herself when she had the thought that he might be ashamed of her. But she shook that thought from her head. He wouldn’t have married her, if that were true. Jim helped her down, then reached in the back and grabbed her bag.

“I thought this way, we can sneak upstairs, store your things, and then come down the main stairs together. If anyone says anything, I’ll make the announcement then. Otherwise, we can wait till later, and not steal any of the kids thunder.”

Julie nodded, appreciating how considerate he was being. She hated that she might be ruining her sister’s wedding day. She followed Jim up the stairs, holding her breath until they were inside his bedroom. She breathed an audible sigh of relief. Jim smiled as he set her bag down on a chair. He reached out and pulled her into his arms.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Morgan.” He kissed her surprised lips. His tongue found hers easily. They kissed hotly for a long, quiet moment. Jim slid one hand down and caressed her tummy. “I’d rather stay up here, Mrs. Morgan, and consummate this marriage.”

Julie shivered at his sensual touch. “I think in most people’s minds, we have already done the consummating part, Jim.”

Jim laughed. “Probably, but that won’t stop us from doing it again, and again…” He paused and kissed her. “And again.”

Julie laughed. “I think we need to get out of this room, or I will be the one to lock your door, and keep you prisoner. All we need is food.”

“I’ll sneak back downstairs for some bread and cheese. We won’t starve.” Jim stepped away from her though. “All right, sweetheart. Let’s get going, or we won’t go at all.”

Jim led Julie to the main stairs. Below they could hear all the guests, and the reception was obviously in high gear. He looped Julie’s hand through his arm, and started down the steps. They had almost reached the lowest step, when Nick saw them. He was the first to reach them.

“Hey! What happened to you two? I waited for a few minutes, but you didn’t come out of the church. And by that time, Mother and Nicole were in no mood to wait any longer.”

Julie looked at Jim, leaving it to him to tell Nick, or not. Jim smiled down at her. “I needed to thank Reverend Harris, and I had told Tony I would pay for the services. By that time, everyone was gone, and we came on together.”

Nick nodded, but the look on his face revealed that he didn’t fully believe his best friend. “Well, you haven’t missed much. We haven’t had any toasts yet, and the cake is still uncut.”

Julie frowned. “Maybe I should go and see if I can help with anything.”

Nick shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about it, Jules. Mother and Jim’s mother seem to be handling everyone pretty well so far.”

“Good,” Jim said. “I am going to find you a seat Julie, and then I will fill a plate for you. Knowing you, you probably didn’t eat much breakfast.”

Julie flushed at his insightfulness. A few minutes later, she was settled in a comfortable chair, in one of the side rooms, away from the bulk of the crowd. Jim had even propped her feet on a small, padded stool. She felt a little foolish, but quite pampered. She had only been alone for a few minutes, when suddenly, in a flurry of white skirts, Angie pulled a chair over and sat down next to her. Julie couldn’t help but appreciate how beautiful her sister looked.

Angie leaned forward. “What happened to you two? You didn’t follow us down the aisle, and then we got swept up in the crowd. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Julie shook her head at her sister. “You have better things to do as the bride, than thinking about me, Ang.”

“Humph,” Angie snorted. “Well, Phyllis looked ready to spit, when Jim came down the aisle with you. I think I saw Mike reach out and actually hold her in the pew, at one point. So, why didn’t you follow me back?” Angie paused, and then reached out to grab Julie’s left hand. “I’m dying to get a closer look at this ring. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that big…” Angie’s voice died away as she looked at her sister’s hand. Another ring had joined the first. She nearly screamed when recognized it for what it was. “OH MY GOD!”

“Shhhh!” Julie tried to quiet her sister before she drew attention to them. “Are you married? Is that what Jim was doing when I saw him lean forward and talk to Reverend Harris?” She lifted Julie’s hand again, and stared at the rings. “I can’t believe this! This is wonderful!”

“Angie, we weren’t going to tell anybody yet. We don’t want to ruin your wedding day.”

“Silly! How can this ruin my wedding day? I’m married; the worst part is over. Now we just have to get through the reception, and then we are on our way to San Francisco.”

Julie laughed softly, shaking her head at her younger sister. “You know that Phyllis is going to erupt like a volcano, when she finds out. I don’t want that happening now.”

Angie shrugged. “I won’t let anything she does bother me.”

“Somehow, I don’t think what you or I want is going to have any effect on Phyllis Morgan, Angie.” She stopped talking as Jim walked up carrying a plate totally filled with food, and a glass of punch. He handed her the plate, and pulled a small table over and set the glass upon it. He pulled another chair up on Julie’s other side.

Julie looked from the glass of punch, to Jim. “I thought I would get some champagne.”

Jim shook his head, reaching out and tapping Julie lightly on her nose, which she had wrinkled up at him. “I’m saving that for the toasts. Now, eat wife!” Jim stopped abruptly, releasing a second too late, what he had just said. He looked up at Angie, and saw that she was grinning back at him.

“It’s all right, Jim. I already wormed it out of Julie. Congratulations! And I won’t say ‘took you long enough!'” Angie laughed. “Oh,” Angie leaned over conspiratorially, whispering. “I may have Tony come and ask you for some advice, before we leave on our honeymoon today.” Without saying anything else, she popped up out of the chair, and went looking for her groom.

Jim frowned, turning to Julie. “What the hell was that about?”

Julie flushed. “If I tell you here, we will draw way too much attention to ourselves. And you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.” She paused and took a bit from the over-laden plate.

Jim stared at her for a moment. “All right, for now. I’m going to circulate for a bit, to make my mother happy. I’ll be back in about 20 minutes to check on you. Don’t move!” He leaned down, not caring who might be looking, and kissed Julie’s upturned face.

Julie sat alone feeling that people were watching her surreptitiously. She knew she was probably being silly, but she also knew that appearing in her sister’s wedding so suddenly, and so obviously ‘expecting’ was bound to cause a stir of gossip. She smiled to herself, wondering what they would say if they knew she now Mrs. Jim Morgan?

“Hi, gorgeous!”

Julie turned just as Tony sat down next to her. He looked quite handsome as the groom. She smiled at him, wondering if he knew…

Tony reached over and took a bit of something from her plate and stuck it into his mouth. He grinned as he chewed. “I thought these things were supposed to be fun, and have a ton of food to eat. I’m starving!”

Julie laughed at her brother-in-law. “Actually, there usually is a lot of food, and people do have fun. Just not the groom!”

Tony glared at her. “So, when are you going to put my brother out of his misery, Sis?”

Julie started in surprise. Tony saw the surprise and grinned. “I’m not blind, sweet Julie, unlike some others around here. I’ve seen how Jim watched you over the years. And I noticed how suddenly his looks changed. He wasn’t watching you like a kid outside the candy store anymore. Now he was watching you like a lion, waiting to fight off encroachers. It was obvious he had tasted the candy, and had no intention of sharing it.”

Julie blushed brightly, turning to stare off ahead of her. She wasn’t altogether comfortable with the idea that Jim had had feelings other than loathing for her, before she had come to recognize the feelings inside herself for what they truly were. It was like he had had a secret that only he had been privy too. And yet, she should have known!

“I always wondered why the hell he put up with some of your shenanigans, until I fell in love with Angie. And then, I understood. He had no choice, because for him, just like it was for me, there were no other options. Jim could no more walk away from you than I could from Angie.” Tony stopped, seeing Angie waving at him across the room. “I see it is time for more wedding duties.” He leaned over and kissed Julie’s flushed cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

Julie watched as Tony reached Angie, kissing her lingeringly on her lips. Before they turned to go back into the other room, where most of the guests were, Angie smiled and waved at Julie. She smiled back, but once they had turned away, she set the plate down and stood up. She needed some fresh air all of a sudden. She made her way easily through the sparsely filled room, out onto the front veranda that encircled most of the house. She looked back over her shoulder, making sure no one was looking her way. She went down the front steps and started walking around the far side of the house, away from the partygoers and noise. She headed for the secluded area at the back of Jim’s property. She gave a quick look around, and seeing no one, she walked through the small gate, under the curving archway.

Inside there was only the sound of rustling leaves, the tinkling of the water in the creek, and the soft trilling of the birds over head. She walked towards the creek, wondering what would happen next in her crazy, upside down world? She would have to write to her aunt, to let her know she wouldn’t be joining her after all. She smiled as she sat on a large rock near the edge. She didn’t think Jim would like the idea of her leaving, again.

After a few moments, she kicked her shoes off, and then rolled her thin silky stockings down. She couldn’t resist this wonderful little place of beauty and peace. Of all the places she had seen over the last few years, whenever she needed to find peace of mind and relax her body, this was the place she would call forth from her memories. She slid from the rock, holding her skirts high around her knees and stepped into the bubbling water of the creek. It felt so wonderfully cool as it washed over her feet and ankles. She moved away from the bank, and a few yards further into the water. It now came to her knees, and she could feel that there was more of a current than usual. She looked up from the water and wondered if she could reach the far bank. She hadn’t been to that side for some time.

A few more steps though, and the water was now mid-thigh, and really seemed to be rushing past her. Julie couldn’t ever remember it being this swift before. But she was almost halfway, and she didn’t think it could get any higher. And then, she slipped, missing her footing. In the next moment, she was pulled under the water, shifted along with the flowing current. She got her head above the water, and realized she had been carried a short distance down the creek. And now, she was smack dab in the middle of the creek where it veered closer to the house.

That wasn’t the problem though. The reception had moved out doors, for the cutting of the cake, and dancing. There was no way to avoid what was now going to happen. Even though no one had seen her yet, the minute she stood up, there would be a scene. And there was no way she could fight the current to get back upstream. Finally, she pushed her hands through her hair and fought the water, and the drag of her wet skirts and stood up. She had almost reached the bank, when she heard someone gasp. She looked up from watching where she was going to see that quite a few people had now turned to look at her, and not the happy couple cutting the beautiful cake.

Julie felt her cheeks flushed bright pink. She took another step towards the bank, and then she saw that Jim was coming towards her, his limp slightly more pronounced because of his hurrying. She started to reach her hand out towards him when she happened to glance down. The water had done what nothing else could- it completed her total embarrassment and shame. Her dress was molded to her every curve, revealing her full breasts and taut, distended nipples. Her rounded belly was glaringly obvious, and Julie did the only thing she could do at that moment. She once again lost her footing. It was just too bad that Jim had only just reached out to grab her fingers and had a tenuous hold on her at best. He fought to not let go, which was a mistake. Julie’s momentum carried them both backwards into the water.

A few seconds later, she resurfaced, having managed to fall into the deepest part. Jim was already regaining his feet when they both heard a strident voice speaking to them from the edge of the bank.

“I should have known you wouldn’t be satisfied with ruining Jim’s life! No! You have to ruin my other son’s wedding. Obviously you have no sense of decency to act like a lady at your own sister’s wedding even!”

Julie and Jim both looked at his mother standing and glaring at her. Jim though reached down for Julie’s hand, tugging her upwards easily. “Mother, please lower your voice. No harm has been done. We’ll both go and get dry and be right back…”

But Phyllis was too far-gone to be so easily placated. “Jim, I insist that she leave immediately. How she had the nerve to even show her face, when she looks like that…”

Julie noticed that more people were beginning to wander over, and could hear what Jim’s mother was now saying. She blushed even brighter. “Jim, I probably should go back home…”

But that was the wrong thing to say to a sopping wet man, who was getting damned tired of hiding his life from others. Jim held her hand more tightly as he turned towards the bank. She was forced to follow him, but he stopped a few feet from the edge. He looked up at his mother, shaking his head.

“I think it is time we faced a few truths around here, Mother. Julie is home, because I married her today after everyone else had left the church.” He didn’t stop as the crowd gasped in surprise and his mother’s face became pale. “So, I guess you got two daughters-in-law today, not one!”

Phyllis wasn’t defeated yet though. She shot a look of venom at Julie. “Just because she managed to get herself into trouble, Jim, there was no need for you to marry her out of pity!”

Angie stepped forward, getting more angry herself every passing moment. She shrugged off her husband’s hand on her arm. “Pity!” Angie glared at her new mother-in-law. She opened her mouth to lash out, but even as Tony was grabbing her arm, Jim spoke up.

“That’s my baby, Mother. And while we are at this truth thing,” he paused to climb up onto the grassy embankment. He pulled Julie up next to him. “I’ve tried to tell you over and over, but you will never listen. So, I will tell you one last time, in front of witnesses. The accident that crippled me was my fault, not Julie’s. Perhaps she was the one driving, but I was the one who had angered her, and then instead of just leaving things alone, I had to keep nagging at her in the buggy. Now, we will never discuss that damned accident again! Come, Julie, we need to get cleaned up.” He held his wife’s hand tight and walked away from the crowd, pulling Julie behind him.

Jim did not slow until they reached the privacy of his bedroom. He shut the door hard enough that the latch clicked, then leaned against it for a moment, water dripping from his hair onto the polished floor. Julie stood in the middle of the room, skirts plastered to her legs, the pink silk transparent where it clung to the round swell of her belly and the full curves of her breasts. She looked at him with a mixture of residual embarrassment and something warmer.

“Well,” she said softly, “that was one way to announce a marriage.”

Jim’s mouth twitched. He crossed to her in three strides, cupped her face in both hands, and kissed her thoroughly, tasting river water and the lingering sweetness of punch. When he finally lifted his head, his eyes were dark and steady.

“No more running. No more hiding. You’re my wife, and that child is mine. The rest of them can adjust or not. I don’t give a damn.”

Julie reached up and traced the scar that cut across his cheekbone—the one that matched the faint line on her own neck. “Your mother—”

“Will either accept it or make herself miserable. That is her choice.” He began unbuttoning the ruined dress with deliberate care. “Right now I only care about getting you out of these wet clothes before you catch cold.”

The dress fell in a sodden heap. Jim’s own clothes followed. He guided her into the adjoining bathing room, where steam already rose from the copper tub the servants kept ready on party nights. He helped her step in, then climbed in behind her, settling her between his thighs so her back rested against his chest. Warm water closed over them both. For a long while neither spoke. Jim’s hands moved slowly over the curve of her belly, then higher to cup her heavier breasts, thumbs brushing the sensitive peaks until Julie’s breath caught.

“Jim…”

“Hush.” His mouth found the side of her neck. “I’ve waited years for the right to touch you without looking over my shoulder. Let me have this.”

She turned in his arms until she faced him, water sloshing. Her short curls clung to her cheeks. She rose on her knees, guided him inside her with a soft, shaky sigh, and began to move. The pace was unhurried, almost reverent—nothing like the fierce couplings of earlier days. Jim held her hips, letting her set the rhythm, watching the way her body had changed and finding every new softness beautiful. When she clenched around him and cried out against his shoulder, he followed, burying his face in her wet hair and whispering her name like a vow.

Afterward they dried each other with thick towels. Jim found one of his softest shirts and slipped it over her head; it fell nearly to her knees. He pulled on dry trousers and nothing else. They sat together on the edge of the big bed, her head against his shoulder, his hand resting protectively over the place where their child grew.

A soft knock sounded. Nick’s voice came through the door. “You two decent?”

Jim called for him to enter. Nick stepped inside, took in the scene, and gave a low whistle. “Mother is still downstairs pretending she didn’t just hear what she heard. Dad is pouring her brandy. Angie and Tony are grinning like fools. The rest of the guests are pretending to dance while they gossip. I figured you’d want the report.”

Julie flushed. “Is it very bad?”

Nick shook his head. “Mostly curiosity and a few raised eyebrows. The ones who matter already knew or suspected. I told them you’d both be down when you were ready. No rush.”

Jim stood and clasped his friend’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Nick’s gaze dropped briefly to Julie’s middle, then back to Jim’s face. “You treat her right, or I’ll forget we’ve been friends since we were six.”

“I intend to.”

Nick left. Silence settled again. Julie looked up at her husband. “Do we have to go back down?”

“Not tonight.” Jim brushed a damp curl from her forehead. “Tomorrow is soon enough. Tonight you’re staying right here where you belong.”

He banked the fire, turned down the lamps, and drew her under the covers. For a long time they simply lay together, listening to the distant music and laughter from the grounds below. Eventually the sounds faded. Jim’s breathing evened into sleep, one arm still curved protectively around her. Julie remained awake a little longer, staring at the shadowed ceiling. The panic that had driven her for years—across continents, onto trains in the dark, away from every feeling that threatened to overwhelm her—had finally quieted. She placed her hand over Jim’s where it rested on her belly and felt the faintest answering flutter, as if the child already knew its father was near. Morning light was just beginning to silver the windows when she drifted off at last, safe, claimed, and home.

The following afternoon the families gathered, quieter now, in the Morgan parlor. Phyllis sat stiffly in a high-backed chair, Rob’s hand resting on her shoulder. Victoria Bradley sat opposite, calm and watchful. Jim stood behind Julie’s chair, fingers lightly touching the nape of her neck. Angie and Tony occupied the settee, still glowing from their own wedding night.

Phyllis cleared her throat. “I suppose… congratulations are in order.”

It was not warm, but it was something. Jim inclined his head. “Thank you, Mother.”

Victoria smiled faintly. “We will have a proper celebration once Julie is rested. And once the baby arrives, I expect both grandmothers will find they have more in common than they thought.”

Phyllis’s mouth tightened, but she did not argue. Rob squeezed her shoulder. Outside, the July sun poured over the green lawns and the distant fences that no longer divided the two ranches in any way that mattered. Later, when the last of the formalities were done, Jim walked Julie out to the small garden gate she had always known. The creek ran clear and quieter than the day before. He drew her against his side and rested his chin on her short curl.

“No more midnight flights,” he said.

Julie tipped her face up and kissed the underside of his jaw. “No more. I promise.”

He smiled against her hair. “Good. Because if you ever try to leave again, Mrs. Morgan, I will simply follow. And I ride faster than any train.”

She laughed, soft and free, and the sound carried across the water like a new beginning.

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