Free The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) by Susan Leigh Carlton Page B

waited,” she said. “Ever ything about this was so perfect.”
    “I’m glad too.” He opened his arms and she squirmed i nto them, as he encircled her body once again. They fell asleep.

 
    chapter Seventeen
    Our Married Life
    Carrie awakened in an empty bed. She looked around. She was alone. She stood, stretched, and then pulled the cu rtains back and looked outside. It was dark.
    She pulled her robe on, and walked to the kitchen. It was warm, because Case had built a fire, and made coffee. She walked to the back door and looked out. She could see sha dowy figures moving around outside,
    Returning to the stove, she stoked the fire, and gathered the things she needed to fix her man’s breakfast . She made biscuits, put them in the oven, and fried bacon on the stove top. She scrambled five eggs, but held off putting them on the stove to cook until Case returned forty minutes later. She heard him stomping the dirt off his boots before he opened the door and came in. He walked over and embraced her, and then kissed her.
    “How long have you been up,” she asked.
    “An hour or so,” he said.
    Do you get up this early every day?” she asked.
    “I do, a cowboy’s day starts early.”
    “Well, this cowboy’s wife’s day is going to start e arly too. Get me up before you leave,” she said.
    “Mama and Papa did it this way, Honey. Papa would get up and build a fire, and put coffee on to brew. Then we’d go do the morning chores. When we finished, and came back in, Mama would have breakfast ready, just like you did this morning. It worked all of their lives. Can we try it this way first?” he asked.
    “Well, okay, if you insist, but I reserve the right to change my mind.”
    “How are you this morning,” he asked.
    “I’m a little sore… down there, but I slept like the dead and I feel great, and you?”
    “Never felt better,” he said. “Must be the mountain air.”
    Plopping in his lap, she said, “I’m sure that’s what it is.” And grinned.
    It was two weeks later; they had just made love when Carrie said, “I’ve fallen completely in love with you, I wanted it to happen, and it did. I look up and see you, and just ache to be in your arms. I feel so safe and secure, and content too. I am such a lucky girl.”
    “Honey, I’ve loved you since you stepped off the stag ecoach The first time I touched your hand, I got goose bumps, and tingles ran all over me. They still do.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me, ” she asked. A girl likes to hear those things.”
    “I don’t know, I just didn’t want to pressure you.”
    * * *
    The ir morning routine did work well, so they continued it. They made love nearly every night, and when Case had time during the day, and during the rainy season, they took advantage of it.
    * * *
    Three months after their wedding, when Case came in from his early chores, he said, “You look a little off your feed, this morning. Are you all right?”
    “Don’t mention food,” she said. “I don’t want to have to run for the back door again.”
    “Are you sick, honey?” he asked, unable to mask his concern.
    “She looked him squarely in the eye and said, “Are you ready to be a papa?”
    When he realized what she said, he asked, “Are you sure?”
    “ Not absolutely positive, but I’m late, and I’ve been sick the past few mornings, so, yes, I think I’m with child.”
    He jumped up and went to the back of her chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. “That would be wonde rful if it’s true.”
    She pulled his hands down over her breasts, and covered them with her hands. He kissed her neck. Several times.
    “Do you have to go back out right away?” she asked.
    “Why? Is there something you need me to do?”
    “You might say that,” she said, and led him down the hall to their bedroom. “And wipe that grin off your face,” she said without looking back.
    Enter ing The Third Month…
    Carrie, Honey, I want to do something, but I want to run it by you