By Kruemi
1. ArrivalThey both woke with a start, at the same moment, hearing the door slam downstairs. Whilst Michaela still tried to get her bearings, Sully was already up, putting on his buckskins. Grasping his tomahawk he ordered in a strained whisper, "You stay here, I'll look."
Before Michaela could react, he was out of the door, moving nimbly and quietly like a wildcat. Sliding up into a sitting position, she suddenly became aware that she was naked. Although there was no one around, she blushed heavily, instantly pulling the cover up as to protect her body from prying eyes. Frantically, she searched for her clothes until she spotted her wedding dress unceremoniously lying on the floor. That was when her memory came back full force.
Right now, they were supposed to be at a different place, which Sully still kept a secret, to spend the five days of their honeymoon. They only went to the new homestead yesterday evening in order to change before they started their trip. Sully had to help her with the buttons on her dress and then he had run his fingers down her exposed skin… Only the thought of it recreated that tingling feeling in the pit of her stomach again and she momentarily wondered if it was normal. Sully had heightened her desire to be as close to him as possible with his hands wandering over her body even to places she had never touched herself before. Was it alright that she melted so easily under his caresses? Sully seemed to like it…
Hearing voices and even some chuckling from downstairs, Michaela snapped back to reality. Still holding the cover close, she got up and rushed on bare soles to the large wardrobe in the corner of the room.
She had almost reached it when Sully opened the door, striding to the window and informing her, "It's just Matthew. Forgot his toolbox when they put up the bed here yesterday."
"Please tell him good morning from me," Michaela responded yet whilst speaking these words, she realized that the young man would know what they had done here last night. Although she of course knew that everyone would assume their taking this step in their relationship, she still felt extremely uncomfortable that people might think about it.
Caught in her own thoughts, she didn't notice that Sully continued to stand at the window with Matthew's box grasped in one hand and the other one remaining on the window sill, where he had supported himself when he bent down. He wasn't able to take his eyes off of her. Last night he had complied with her wish for darkness in the room when they made love for the very first time and thus he couldn't see much of her. Of course he had felt her, was intoxicated by her scent and spurred on by the little sounds she made. When she finally clung to him without any reservation, he felt as if he had waited for this moment all his life and his body was even more eager than his mind to seal their connection… Seeing the gentle curves and the alabaster skin of her back now, only covered by her somewhat ruffled hair down to her tiny waist, his desire instantly awoke again. Unable to move, he swallowed hard. Knowing that he should take it easy for Michaela's sake and with Matthew waiting downstairs, he tried to compose himself, saying hoarsely, "You're so beautiful."
Michaela was about to reach for one of her dresses and froze mid-move when she heard his words. Immediately looking down she made sure that the bed cover still hid her body and was puzzled for a moment. Yet Sully was already behind her now, gently placing his free hand on the side of her hip and planting a kiss on the top of her head promising, "I'll be right back."
His warm palm on her skin made her realize that she had shown him her bare back all the time. Again, the color on her cheeks heightened. Being modest was her second nature, not only because she had been taught so but because she simply was insecure about her body. Marjorie had always teased her because she was too small and too thin. Would Sully see her the same way?
Hearing his steps approaching the bedroom again, she hastily gathered her clothes and made herself invisible behind the folded screen.
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Matthew told Sully that his mother and Colleen had changed their plans and would be out here this morning, and it was highly possibly that they would bring Hannah with them. It hadn't been easy to convince the little girl that they couldn't start their life together right after the wedding, and neither Michaela nor Sully wanted to confuse their daughter with the fact that they were here without her. Matthew promised to keep it a secret that he met them this morning and only half an hour later, they left the property on their horses with Wolf on their heels as if they were on the run.
For quite a while, they rode without talking, both lost in their thoughts yet content with the other one's presence. Sully at last broke the silence with a light chuckle, "Good that the bags were packed."
Michaela glanced at him and seeing his grin, the familiar red settled on her cheeks. The last thing Sully wanted was for her to feel embarrassed though and thus he quickly changed the subject, "I know a nice place not far away. We could take a bath and have some breakfast."
Expectantly, he waited for her reply, noticing that the color on her face heightened again.
Michaela's mind raced. Taking a bath sounded great but it also meant taking off her clothes in bright daylight… She decided to disregard this aspect right now because the other part of his offer was appealing. "Something to eat sounds nice," she quietly agreed not daring to look at him though.
Satisfied, Sully's grin broadened, "Good," and after a while, he led his horse into a small side path.
A few hundred yards further at the edge of a clearing, he pulled his Indian pony to halt and slid down to the ground. Following suit, Michaela's eyes roamed the place. A few yards of grassy ground led to a small pond that was framed by rocks of different sizes. The crystal-clear water tempted not only her to step closer; Wolf was already there, eagerly drinking the cool liquid. Seeing her longing gaze and being aware of her timidity about undressing in front of him, Sully suggested, "How 'bout you take that bath and I'll look for somethin' to eat?"
Appreciating his understanding she looked up at him, "I'd like that," and her relieved smile spoke volumes.
"Alright." Lovingly he ran his hand down her arm, "I'll leave Wolf with you. Take your time."
After watching Sully vanish between some shrubs, Michaela took down one of her bags from her satchel, searching for some pins and a towel. Then she quickly approached the pond yet still hesitated at the edge; old habits and a new sense of freedom were fighting for control over her mind. Glancing sideways at Wolf who was laying lazily in the grass, with his head resting on his front paws and eyes closed, she decided to give a new experience a try. Determined, she undressed up to her underwear, pinned up her hair with a few, often-practiced moves and made some tentative steps into the water. The ground was rocky and slippery too and before she knew it, her feet lost their hold. Throwing her arms around to keep her balance, she lost the battle and dived into the water up to her shoulders without her being prepared for it.
Wolf lifted his head shortly, hearing her startled squeal yet went back to his former position when she broke out into a somewhat nervous laugh.
It didn't take Michaela long to begin enjoying the coolness softly brushing her naked arms and legs when she moved them. It would be nice to do some swimming strokes and have the feeling all over her body…
Rising up to her feet again, she looked around assuring herself that she was still alone. Before she could have second thoughts, she made some steps to a rock that lay near the edge of the pond, jutting out over the surface. She quickly pulled her camisole over her head, spreading it on the dry top of the stone. After making sure again that only Wolf, who didn't seem to be interested in whatever she did, was there, she took off her bloomers as well.
Out of habit, Sully approached the clearing soundlessly. Only Wolf sensed his return, but he didn't show it yet. Sluggishly, he opened his eyes now and then, watching the woman in the water. If necessary, he would be on his feet in a split second though. However, for now there was no reason to move at all and thus the animal remained in its lazy position.
Sully smiled to himself; the view right before him was everything he had dreamed of. It was like a scene out of a fairytale coming true; he was out in the woods with Michaela as his wife and she enjoyed it as much as he did. She seemed to sit on a stone lying on the ground for she was only to be seen from her bare shoulders upwards. Her head was bent back and with her eyes closed she was savoring the warm sun on her face while her arms slowly moved back and forth. She looked like a nymph, tentatively trying the real world. He wished she had her hair down; then the illusion would be perfect.
Lost in his pleasant thoughts, he didn't pay attention to his steps anymore. A twig burst under his sole and instantly the peaceful picture was disturbed. Michaela's head jolted around, frantically searching the surroundings for the source of the noise. Alarmed by the sudden move Wolf straightened, ready to spring into action.
"It's just me," Sully said reassuringly stepping closer, which worked for his gray-furry friend but not for his new wife.
Whilst his old companion instantly resumed lying in the grass, Michaela grew even more flustered. She was naked! She couldn't possibly get out of the pond just like that! Yet seeing Sully's expectant look she realized that he anticipated her emerging from the water. She knew that at some point she wouldn't be able to hide her body anymore… However, as much as she wanted to be a good wife to him, she wasn't brave enough yet to forget old insecurities and habits. Deciding she would at least put her underwear on, she turned as to take it down from the rock.
Guessing her intention, Sully objected, "Ya really wanna pull these wet clothes over?"
Hesitating, Michaela looked up at him, embarrassedly uttering, "Sully, I can't just…"
Sensing her misery he quickly suggested, "How 'bout I hold the towel up for you, so you can step in? Ya'll be covered and can get dry, all at the same time."
It didn't even occur to Michaela at this moment that she was capable of handling the towel herself. It was exciting and warming to feel treated so solicitously. The only request she still had was, "You'll keep your eyes shut?"
"If ya want me to," he nodded and let his lids droop.
There were still a few seconds without any sound, but eventually water splashing indicated that she was coming out. As soon as Sully felt her presence, he enveloped her with the soft fabric and opened his eyes again. She was only inches away, turning now until she was with her back to him grasping the edges of the large towel.
Yet he wanted to drag the moment having her in his arms and thus he offered, "Here, let me help."
When he started tenderly rubbing her back, Michaela didn't dare to move. She liked the soft pressure of Sully's hands on her body though and whispered, "That feels nice."
She didn't look up at him yet she heard his smile as he replied, "Good."
Closing her eyes she enjoyed his gentle massage. She barely noticed that his movements became more sensual; yet feelings from the previous night returned. The sunbeams seemed to be more powerful than moments before, but it wasn't the warmth from the outside that made her feel hot. Only when Sully's hands brushed over her breasts did she find the way back to reality. Although she didn't shy away, she wasn't able to follow his lead and go further with him. "Thank you," she breathed, shyly glancing up at him holding the ends of the towel together tightly.
"I found some berries and a honeycomb," was his response, watching her intently. Seeing her eyes sparkle in remembrance of an earlier incident when he had offered her the same, he happily grinned, "Might become our favorite meal out in the woods."
This remark gave her the opportunity to maybe finally satisfy her curiosity about where they would spend their honeymoon. Looking at Wolf and trying to sound not too interested she wondered aloud, "Will we find enough of them during the next five days?"
But Sully knew what she was doing. Chuckling, he pulled her close squeezing her lovingly. After planting a kiss on the top of her head he bent to her ear whispering, "I promise we won't starve."
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Michaela glanced at Sully who was riding next to her. He had taken a quick bath, too. When he came out of the water, acting as if being naked was the most normal thing in the world, she had envied him for his recklessness wondering whether she would ever feel so free, too. He looked like a Greek god: young, healthy and handsome yet unlike the statues she had seen in a Bostonian museum, he was very alive. His muscles played under his smooth skin when he moved and his tanned body, sprayed with tiny water drops, glistened in the sun. She had turned bright red when he winked at her whilst bending down to pick up the towel.
Feeling her gaze now as well, Sully looked back at her wondering what she was thinking when she quickly averted her eyes. The color on her cheeks had heightened again and her lower lip was caught between her teeth. Well, there wasn't much that made her blush…
Grinning to himself, he decided to distract her by announcing, "We're almost there, only a few more yards."
Instantly interested, Michaela straightened on Flash, looking around. She could see nothing but wood though and the narrow road seemed to lead nowhere near to civilization.
Amused by her bewilderment, Sully pointed with his head to the left, "Ya see that path?"
Looking more carefully Michaela noticed a gap between some trees and traces of wagon wheels on the ground.
Nodding at him her face lit up. To be honest, she had feared that Sully would want to spend their honeymoon at a lean-to or in a tent. Of course she would have followed him anywhere for their time alone, but the prospect of having at least a bed made her excitement grow.
"C'mon." Sully smiled at her, gently nudging his Indian pony forward.
They slowed down their horses when after a few minutes the trees to their right retreated, opening to a grassy area with an obviously fresh built wooden cabin on it. Michaela thought it charming and the thin smoke trail ascending from the chimney made it look even cozier. Yet the moment she finished this thought she realized what it meant. The disappointment in her tone was undeniable when she turned her questioning gaze to Sully, "We won't be alone?"
He knew that it was somewhat mean to still keep her guessing, but he couldn't help it. Playing innocent, he raised an eyebrow, "At a hotel ya ain't alone either."
"Well, yes." Somewhat irritated she pointed out, "But in a hotel we would have more privacy than in this small house together with other people." For herself she thought that she would even prefer them to stay at a lean-to right now.
Seeing her face falling, Sully leaned over, touching her shoulder to make her look at him. "Michaela, we ain't stayin' here."
She barely dared to hope, "We won't?"
"Nope. I thought you'd like somethin' nicer than some trees to look at." He couldn't suppress a grin any longer and Michaela realized that he was teasing her.
"Sully!" she exclaimed trying to look angry yet she failed completely. His boyish joy because he had managed to get to her made her laugh as well. With her curiosity back she wondered, "Where is it then?"
"It's not far anymore. C'mon." With that, Sully rode ahead of her down the sloping path. More or less two hundred yards later, he stopped again.
When Michaela caught up with him, she knew why. The view before her was breathtaking. A creek ran through the grassy valley beneath them and a house looking rather like a small wooden castle was leaning against the slope which led to the edge of the wood. All she could do was gasp in surprise and look at Sully for an explanation.
And he gave it. "I asked George Stone if he knows a hotel in town that don't belong to Potter. He instantly offered his hunting lodge."
Michaela was stunned. "This is what he calls a lodge?"
Sully only grinned in response, remembering the discussions he had led with the man. At least they had found a solution they both could live with and this house was the result. If it had been for him, there would stand something much smaller; but at least he had been able to convince Mr. Stone to build it at this place as to destroy as little as possible of the surrounding nature.
Silently admiring the picture before her Michaela felt somewhat guilty. She had been a little… impatient when Sully only came home one day before the wedding. Now she understood. "That is why you worked so hard here last week."
"Yep," and a bright smile that his surprise worked was Sully's response.
However, Michaela had met Mr. Stone in Denver; this banker hadn't made the impression to her that he gave away gifts without an ulterior motive. Doubtfully knitting her brow she wondered, "He offered it just like that?"
"Uh huh."
Before Sully could tell her that the man's only request had been to be allowed to visit them during their stay, quick footsteps from behind made them both turn.
"Are you Mr. Sully?" A man around their age hurried towards them, stopping short of their horses and looking up at Sully.
Seeing the somewhat nervous expression on the stranger's face, Sully slid down from his pony, holding his hand out affirming, "Yeah, but it's just Sully."
Seeing the other man gaping at Michaela who was dismounting Flash, he added, "And that's my wife…"
Sully didn't have time to give away her name because he was cut off. With a look of complicity, the other man winked at him whispering, "She's quite a prize." Without taking another breath he continued speaking aloud now, "I'm Mr. Stone's groundskeeper, Nathan Reed. I just moved here yesterday so I'm quite new here as well."
Only now he paused for a moment, contemplating whether to already tell Mr. Sully about his boss' orders. Yet now this woman looked at him. If she were his wife… Catching himself and remembering his own honeymoon, he decided to give them at least this day and the next one as well; then they would be bored of one another anyway which meant giving Mr. Sully something to do would actually be doing a good deed. Thus he only greeted Michaela with a nod and a quick, "Mrs. Sully." Instantly dismissing Michaela's presence again he turned back towards Sully, "My wife will take care of your meals and the other necessary things. If you want me to look after your horses…"
"No, thanks," Sully quickly assured. He sensed Michaela's discomfort though he wasn't sure yet what caused it. However, the upcoming days were supposed to be the happiest of their lives and he would do anything to avoid trouble. "Ya don't have to wait on us, we can…"
"That's our job and my wife and I want to keep it. We are paid for these things, so just enjoy it," Mr. Reed hastily assured, showing an amused smile.
After all, contemplating this man in Indian clothes, he was sure that there wasn't much effort needed to satisfy him. "And now I'll show you the house so you can get familiar with it."
It was Sully's turn to grin. "No need, 'cause I built it. I know every plank in there."
"Oh, alright." Nathan had heard about the architect but would have never considered this man before him as the one. After all, his boss really praised him and it would be better to not step on his toes. Starting his retreat he announced, "Lunch will be served in an hour, if that's alright for you."
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"How 'bout a nap?" Sully grinned down at Michaela, squeezing her hand lovingly and raising his eyebrows suggestively. They were on their way back to the house from a little stroll after lunch. Michaela had first been irritated that Mr. Reed regarded or better said, disregarded her as 'only' Sully's wife but not as her own person; yet for a change it felt nice not be the center of attention. She couldn't remember when she had been so relaxed the last time and she felt a little drowsy indeed. Thus she agreed, glancing up at her new husband, "That would be nice."
Not much later, Michaela lay under the cover of their large bed in the guest room clad only in her underwear. Her eyes were already closed when the bed dipped under Sully's weight on his side. Only when he slid closer, pulling her into his arms did she realize that he had something else on his mind than sleeping; as she snuggled closer, her skin never met any fabric or leather. Instantly fully awake again, she tensed yet Sully was prepared for this reaction. Cupping her head against his chest he pressed his lips to the top of it. Running one hand up and down her arm he started as if to tell a bedtime story, "There's an old Indian legend that says man and woman were once united. Four legs, four arms and two backs. One day the Great Spirit got angry at this creature and threw his tomahawk and cut them apart. And ever since that day, men and women have been tryin' to get back together whenever they can."
When Sully finished his little tale, Michaela was glad that he couldn't see her face. It was as if it only now dawned on her that making love wasn't only reserved for the wedding night. Of course her mother had informed her about the wifely duty as she called it, but Michaela hadn't connected this phrase with what happened between her and Sully last night. She couldn't even describe what she had felt. She had been carried away, had stopped thinking and this frightened her. She didn't like to lose control but in Sully's arms it had happened. At the same time she had felt as free as never before in her life. It was as if Sully had cut the cord that held her to the ground until now, hindering her from flying as free as a bird. Of course she wanted to relive this last experience but the first aspect still left her somewhat anxious…
Sully waited patiently, sensing her inner battle. She didn't relax yet but wasn't withdrawing either. He wanted to make her as happy as she made him and after some long moments he whispered in her hair, "Last night, I could feel that you're my other half. Trust me, Michaela. We belong together."
With this, he had her. The tension left her body and it was as if she melted into him when she tentatively embraced the thought of them being united again. Agreeing she breathed the words, "Yes, we do."
Since the next chapter will be a longer one, it might take me a week or a little more until I'll post it. Thank you for your patience!