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  Once I’d dressed and arranged my hair into a bun, I followed the voices to the kitchen where Chance sat at the table having coffee with Miss Trudy and Hyacinth. Chance stood at my appearance and came around the table to kiss my temple. I couldn't miss the way his eyes lowered to my breasts on the way, for I knew the shape of my figure was different. "We have visitors," he commented aloud, although his eyes were telling me “Later.”

  "Yes, I can see that." I smiled wickedly, and then turned to my family. "Hello, Miss Trudy, Hyacinth." I went around the table and gave each a kiss on the cheek.

  "We heard about your horrible incident from Walt."

  Miss Trudy's voice was as calm as usual, but I knew she was bothered. Her lips were pinched and she gripped her mug firmly. I had amends to make, but not with the others present. She was never one to tell tales or admonish in public, therefore I knew she bided her time.

  "You look quite pretty today, Rose, with that green skirt. It really complements your eyes." Hyacinth, ever the diplomat, always found something nice to say about anyone even the veritable shrews who thought lowly of the Lenox family in town. She always spoke to them without a hint of the malice I was sure she felt.

  "Thank you," I said. Although she wasn't my sister by blood, she was most certainly a sister of my heart, and my favorite. While in the past I'd been bent on doing only wrong, Hyacinth was quite the opposite; I never knew her to do a misdeed in her life.

  "Jackson, Big Ed's son, has arrived at the ranch," Miss Trudy said, making idle small talk.

  Chance poured a cup of coffee and handed it to me as I sat beside Hyacinth. As I did so, I felt seed drip from my pussy and my eyes widened. It was warm and a surprising reminder at what I'd done with Chance just before sunrise. I looked to him, realizing his statement about being with me even when he wasn't nearby, was apt. He wasn't touching my pussy with his cock, his mouth or his fingers, but I felt him there. He watched me closely, but could not read my thoughts. If he had even an inkling, he did not let on. I just hoped I would not have a mark on my skirt, as I was not wearing any drawers.

  "Really?" I asked shifting in my seat and trying to direct my thoughts away from Chance's cock. "Is Jackson an asset?"

  "He is a big man and easily able to help Big Ed with the more burdensome tasks."

  I glanced at Hyacinth, who fidgeted in her seat. She never did that and I was quite surprised. I even saw a flush to her cheeks.

  "Do you find him acceptable, Hyacinth?" Chance asked, leaning a hip against the sideboard. He took a sip of his coffee.

  She looked down at her lap. "Yes, quite," she replied, her voice soft.

  Ah. Ah! I glanced at Miss Trudy who smiled gently. It seemed perhaps Hyacinth had finally met her man, but if she had feelings for Big Ed's son, Miss Trudy would not speak of it and embarrass her. Hyacinth was not one to talk so openly about her feelings, unlike some of our sisters.

  Hyacinth abruptly stood, her chair legs scraping on the wood floor. Chance came around quickly to pull it back for her. "Thank you," she murmured as she smoothed down her skirt. "I think it's time we left, don't you, Miss Trudy? I'm sure they are quite tired after their ordeal."

  She didn't wait for the other woman to answer, just exited the room. Chance was gentleman enough to escort her outside.

  Neither Miss Trudy nor I moved.

  "I am quite shocked. I don't think I've ever seen Hyacinth flustered before," I said, glancing down the hall and hearing the front door close.

  Miss Trudy nodded, smoothed back her already neat hair. "Yes, Jackson is a very handsome man. All of the girls have been making calf eyes at him, but to no avail. Hyacinth has been avoiding the man, as is her norm, but he seems quite taken by her. It is amusing to watch."

  "Miss Trudy," I began, wanting to direct the conversation away from Hyacinth's romantic interests.

  She held up her hand. "I am glad you are well."

  It was my turn to glance at my lap, but I did not fixate there. I lifted my chin and looked her square in the eye. "I owe you an apology for leaving as I did. I was impulsive and reckless and caused you fear unnecessarily."

  "You are in love," she replied with a small shrug.

  I nodded without hesitation. "Yes, yes I am. But that's no excuse for my behavior. What you shared with me was not understood until yesterday. I admire your bravery and am appreciative of what you’ve done for all of us."

  I saw her in a completely new light now. Perhaps it was because I'd grown up in the very short time since I married Chance, or learned some things, even outside of the bedroom. It had been six days, but I saw the world differently, saw people differently. I'd gained the perspective only marriage could provide, and it made me perhaps a little more empathetic, or at least I hoped so.

  "Love changes a person, Rose. For me, it was you and your sisters. For you, perhaps you will be blessed with children of your own, but I am glad to see you finally discover your feelings for Chance. He has always been the man for you. I knew it all along, but it was to happen in your time, not mine." She smiled a little slyly. "Although I think Chance may have nudged you along."

  I thought about the seed that made my thighs damp. Every time we came together, Chance's seed had been copious, our lovemaking ardent and frequent. He was correct; I could be with child. It was one task on the ranch that only I could fulfill, and while he put exceptionally good effort into the creation, I was to be the nurturer, the life giver. Or, I could look at it not as a task, but as the one thing, the only thing, that Chance and I would create that was completely both of ours.

  "Yes, I think perhaps he did."

  Miss Trudy stood. I followed suit.

  She came around the table, put her hands on my shoulders. "Out of all my girls, you have always been the sensible one, thinking of tangible things while the others had their minds in the clouds. They talk about ribbons and lace to no end. Perhaps now it's time for the roles to be reversed, although I do not foresee any lace on any of your bodices. Let go, Rose. Enjoy life. Let Chance take some of your burdens, for he is strong enough to do it."

  Chance pulled me into him, my back to his front, as we watched Miss Trudy and Hyacinth ride away.

  "I'm surprised they're riding the wagon," I commented.

  Chance kissed the top of my head. "If Jackson is as keen on Hyacinth as it seems, then I'm sure he did it so he could help her down on her return."

  The idea had merit, for Hyacinth could not turn down the man's aid. I turned in the circle of Chance's arms so I could look at him. "That's devious planning. Is that what men really do?"

  "To what, get to put their hands on a woman?"

  "There's nothing inappropriate about what Jackson would do, is there?" My worry for Hyacinth's virtue must have shown on my face.

  "I'm sure Jackson is a perfect gentleman. To ease your mind, we will visit tomorrow. I would like to get a glimpse of this man myself."

  I arched a brow. "Now who's the protective one?"

  "She is my sister now," Chance replied, his voice hinting at his protective nature.

  "Tomorrow then. In the meantime, I wanted to try something Miss Trudy mentioned."

  Chance's brows went up beneath his hair. "Oh?"

  "She said because you are so strong, I should let you take on some of my burdens."

  He ran the back of his knuckles over my cheek. "I assume she was not speaking entirely of physical burdens."

  I shook my head slowly. "No. I don't believe so."

  "What are you implying, kitten?"

  I smiled mischievously as I ran my hands over his chest. "I thought I'd allow you to have your way with me."

  Chance froze. "Allow me? Every time we fuck I take control."

  I glanced up at him through my lashes. "Except that one time." I flushed at what I'd done.

  "Kitten, I allowed you to take control," he countered.

  I felt cranky all of a sudden. "Very well. Then this time when we fuck, you may do whatever you want." My tone was a little tart. This was not going as I'd planned.

  "Hey there. Shh," he crooned. "You're being serious and I was poking fun. Tell me, kitten. I want to hear."

  "I want to let go, Chance. To truly give myself to you and know that you'll keep me safe."

  He hissed out a breath as he tilted my chin up. I met his dark gaze. I saw everything there—his heart, his love, his very soul. "I'll keep you safe, kitten." He took my hand, his big and warm and gentle. "Come."

  He pulled me not in the direction of the house, but toward the stable. "Where are we going?"

  "I need some rope for what I'm going to do to you."

  My feet skidded across the ground as my pace slowed while his was still insistent. "Rope?"

  He looked back over his shoulder at me and I caught my breath. This man, this handsome, virile, arousing man, was mine. "Aren't you supposed to be compliant sometimes? Let go, kitten. I'll keep you safe."

  He repeated the words again, like a mantra. I quickened my pace and followed him, not only so he could have his decadent and most likely tawdry way with me, but letting him lead me through whatever life would bring.

  Spurs & Satin - Book 2

  1

  HYACINTH

  * * *

  I should have been listening to the minister's sermon, as he was a rather good speaker. The morning's topic of forgiveness was something I could have wholeheartedly used, but my mind was directed elsewhere. God couldn't really blame me, for Jackson Reed sat in the pew in front of me. Because of his large size, I couldn't see the minister without leaning to my left and clonking heads with Marigold. I could just close my eyes and let the word of God flow through me, but instead took the opportunity that God was affording me to look my fill at the man who'd first caught my attention the minute he first stepped
onto our ranch.

  I couldn't sit at any other time and shamelessly stare at Jackson, especially from so close a distance, for then not only he would know, but so would my sisters—the six who still lived at home—lined up along the pew on either side of me. While I tried to watch him surreptitiously, my sisters were not so subtle. In fact, they often crowded a window at the house in pairs or trios if he were within view.

  Jackson’s hair was very fair, closely shorn on the sides and longer on the top. He parted it to the right and although I couldn't see it, I knew it fell down over his forehead. His hair was marked by a crease from the hat that lay in his lap. The skin on the back of his neck was tanned and when he turned his head slightly to the side I could see his clean-shaven jaw. I knew the square angle of it as well as the long line of his nose, his strong brow and very blue eyes. He had eyes that when focused on me, didn't just see me, but saw into me. It was very unnerving, and every time Jackson spoke to me, I was tongue-tied and flustered.

  This was why I took this hour to take in the details I would otherwise miss. Surely God had given me this time on purpose. I observed the soft flannel of his blue shirt that surely matched his eyes, the very pale hairs that dusted his earlobes, visible when the sun through the church windows fell on him just right. When I breathed in, I could pick up a hint of his scent. Mint and leather.

  A nudge from Marigold had me breaking my reverie. She raised and lowered her eyebrows and tilted her head toward Jackson, silently telling me how appealing he was. No words were needed, for she and Lily and Iris had simpered enough about him since his arrival two months back. In reply, I grabbed the hymnal from the back of the pew and opened to the page the minister called out. When the piano began to play, it wasn't the words of the song that had my attention, but the deep baritone in front of me singing the words. I'd just learned one more thing about Jackson Reed; he could sing very well.

  When the service ended a short time later, we stood and Marigold leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Do you have any idea what the sermon was about?” She giggled and I frowned. I waited for Lily, on my other side, to move out into the aisle and I followed.

  “Jackson, did you find the sermon informative?” Lily asked. She was not shy around the man and didn't hesitate to pull him into conversation, her interest in him blatant. It was clear, at least to me, he did not return any of her interest, but offered her safe and neutral replies.

  He looked to Lily and smiled. I was jealous of her in that moment, for he gave her a smile and she did not appreciate it. She wanted it, most assuredly, but did not understand the value of Jackson's attentions.

  “Do you have someone you should be offering forgiveness?” he asked her. She stepped out into the aisle and he held out his hand in a gesture that I should follow her. The remainder of the Lenox pew moved in behind us down the aisle and the conversation stopped until we were once again outside.

  “I should forgive Lily, for she took the ribbon I was going to add to my bonnet,” Iris replied.

  “She also used my lilac scented soap,” Marigold added.

  Lily didn't look the least bit contrite. “Yes, but it was in trade. I gave you some of the lace to put on your new dress in trade for the ribbon.” She turned to Marigold and pointed. “That isn't your soap; it was mine to begin with. I got it for my birthday, so I should be forgiving you.”

  The three of them went round in circles, arguing about who was right, Jackson forgotten. He just grinned and went to join his father who stood in the periphery. I, too, stood in the periphery, but on the other side of our large group. Once everyone had thanked the minister at the door and joined us in the open field in front of the church, Miss Esther clapped her hands to gain attention.

  Of the two sisters who had saved eight orphans from the aftermath of the great Chicago fire, Miss Esther was much more pragmatic. She didn't allow any fuss, or any lip. That was why she cut off Lily, Iris and Marigold. “You three.” She pointed at them. “Mrs. Thomas needs help with the food. Go find a way to be useful, and far apart from each other.” She gave each of the girls a stern look, and although they looked somewhat contrite, they whispered to each other as they headed in the direction of the creek for the after church picnic. The large Cottonwood trees that followed the meandering water offered the only shade for miles.

  “Daisy and Poppy, you are to go and help with games for the children.”

  They nodded and went off with much less to-do than their sisters.

  “Dahlia, you can help us get our food from the wagon.”

  Miss Trudy let Miss Esther do the delegating as the group turned toward our wagon and our baskets of food that we were contributing to the picnic.

  Big Ed walked side-by-side with Miss Esther and their heads were close together as they talked seriously about something. I realized I was being left alone with Jackson.

  “You don't need my help?” I called. I tried to keep the panic from my voice as I asked Miss Trudy. She turned to me and smiled. “We have it all well in hand. You did the breakfast dishes, therefore you can enjoy the picnic.”

  In the matter of just one minute, Miss Esther had wrangled the entire Lenox family as if we were an army regiment, with all speed and haste, leaving us alone.

  My heart beat frantically and my palms were damp from frazzled nerves. I looked everywhere except at the large man beside me. I cleared my throat. “Good day, Mr. Reed.”

  As I was about to turn and flee, he grabbed my shoulder—albeit gently—halted me in my tracks and turned me about. It was the first time he'd touched me aside from helping me down from the wagon a time or two, and the feel of his large hand was very warm, even through the fabric of my dress. I gasped at the contact, not because I was afraid of him, but instead, I was afraid of myself.

  “Oh, no you don't, Hyacinth Lenox.”

  I tilted my head back to look at him from beneath the brim of my bonnet. He'd put his hat back on and his face was in shadow, but I could still see his clear blue eyes. “I'm not letting you run away this time.”

  “I'm...I'm not running away,” I countered.

  He removed his hand and bent at the waist so we were eye to eye. “No? Fleeing, then. I was hoping to share your meal with you, if you'd just invite me to do so.”

  I remained silent. It was a strategy I learned long ago, for it was often better to hold your tongue than to speak.

  “I have to wonder.” His hand rasped over the hint of whiskers on his chin. I questioned what that would feel like against my own fingers. “Do I smell?”

  My eyes widened at his question. “Smell?” I couldn't tell him he smelled deliciously of mint or leather. I'd sound ridiculous.

  “Every time I'm near, you bolt like a skittish horse. I'm thinking perhaps there's something wrong with me. I did take a bath just this morning, but perhaps I smell.”

  The thought of Jackson in a tub, naked and scrubbing soap over his strong body had my upper lip perspiring. I shook my head. “No, you do not smell.”

  He grinned and I caught my breath. He was the most handsome man I'd ever seen. I knew other women thought John Mabry from town was good looking, and perhaps they were right, but Jackson made the man look plain. I inwardly sighed. I doubted I'd find another who made me feel as Jackson did.

  “Good,” he said. “Then it is something else I've done?”

  I shook my head, for the man had done nothing whatsoever. I reacted to him the same way I always had, with equal parts attraction and mild panic.

  “Then it's not me?” he asked.

  I shook my head again.

  “Good. I'm very relieved, Hyacinth.” I took a step backwards, but he shook his head. “Not so fast. If it's not me, then it's you.”

  I put my hand on my chest. “Me?” I squeaked.