Free To Protect and to Cherish by Becky Riker Page A

could fall and get hurt – or get lost.”
                  She looked over at him, “I wasn’t actually considering it, Slade. I was simply stating that I have had no sense of direction this whole time we have been out riding. It would be nice to have some sort of picture in my mind where we are, what is nearby, or where the house is.”
                  He looked relieved, “I beg your pardon. I should not have jumped to conclusions,” they continued riding, “perhaps I should draw out a map of the different places we have been today. Then you will be able to see where they all fit into our property.”
                  Jillian admired how easily her new husband could refer to his land as belonging to them jointly. She wasn’t sure if it did come that easily, but it sounded natural.
                  “I would like that very much,” she reached down and stroked the neck of the gentle horse.
                  “Are you ready to return home?” Slade stopped his horse next to her.
                  “I think we must,” she sighed. “You have been away from your duties far too long,” she glanced up at the sky, “The day is half gone and nothing has been accomplished.”
                  Slade looked across the field, “I am sorry that you feel this is a waste of time.”
                  She stretched out her hand to touch his arm, but his horse shifted and she managed to lay a hand on his thigh instead. It was rather shocking to her, but she forced herself to leave her hand there.
                  “I never meant to say it was a waste of my time, Slade. I only intended to acknowledge that you have many responsibilities aside from me.”
                  He picked up her hand, looking down at it, “I had planned to spend the day with you, however it may be, Jillian.”
                  She tugged her limb back to herself, “Well, then, I think this morning has been well-spent.”
                  “Shall we return to the house or continue riding?” he smiled at her.
                  “I believe we should continue riding until we get back to the house,” she teased him, “but I am sure our animals would appreciate a rest at that point.”
                  He turned them back, “We have not been riding them hard, Jillian. If you wish to ride longer, we can.”
                  She nodded, “As lovely as that sounds now, I fear I may find tomorrow that I regret riding at all.”
                  He frowned.
                  “I am not accustomed to it,” she hoped not to have to point out the obvious.
                  “I apologize again, Jillian,” he sounded as though he was smiling though she did not see any hint of it on his lips. “I should have considered that earlier.”
                  “Perhaps we could go for a walk following a light meal?” she offered a suggestion that would allow her to stretch her legs.
                  By evening, Jillian was already sore from the ride. She did not mention it to her husband, but she did not think it escaped his notice.
                  They parted company in their sitting room, “Good night, Jillian,” he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek before retiring to his own chambers.
                  She was both regretful and relieved that there was not a repeat of the kiss from the previous night. She was not certain her legs were going to hold her up much longer.
                  “Milady, would you care for anything before you retire?” Erin asked after Jillian had changed into her nightgown.
                  Jillian sat gingerly on the bed, “I have never been one for drink, Erin,” she groaned as she attempted to get her feet onto the bed, “but I am considering it if it will numb the