Chapter 6 The Homecoming
May 15, 1887
My Dear Brother,
I hope this letter finds you and Jessie well.
I have arrived safely in Denver and have met and married Mr. Cullen. He is a fine man and is exactly as he depicted himself in his letters; even more so. You should have no worries for me. I am very happy and I do believe that Mr. Cullen is as well.
After a few days honeymoon, Mr. Cullen and I traveled by buckboard wagon to his ranch which is some sixteen miles west of Denver. We carried with us diverse goods and supplies for use on his ranch that he bought while we were in town.
I was surprised to find Mr. Cullen's "spread," as they call it here, is quite large and he employs several men to help him with the herding and husbandry of the land.
Mr. Cullen spends most of his day in the saddle as he surveys his stock and supervises his men. It was a very bitter winter this past year and more than the usual amount of cattle perished in the snow, so I know that Mr. Cullen is hopeful for many new calves. In the summer, the stock is given time to fatten up before the drive to Denver in the fall where the prime cattle are sold off to market. It is a busy time for all farm hands.
Bear Valley Ranch is beautiful; there is no other word for it. Tall and stony mountains border a fertile river valley that is verdant with Ponderosa and Bristle Cone pine trees, along with Douglas firs and Gamble oaks.
Interspersed with the thick stands of trees are grassy meadows and pastures. Mr. Cullen has selected some stands for lumbering but there are many more remaining, some coming right up to our house.
I spend most of my day seeing to things around our home. It is well built and comfortable, a traditional "ranch" house. The main level is composed of a large front parlor that holds a huge fire place, my husband's study, and a bedroom. On the second level are four bedrooms that are suited for guests and lodgings for our man-of-all-trades and his family.
The kitchen and dining room are in a separate building that is attached to the main house by a breezeway. The large dining room can seat all the workers on the ranch at long plank tables and benches. Behind the kitchen, is a pump house and Mr. Cullen speaks of building a chicken coop not so very far from that.
Our home is situated on a mountain foothill that overlooks the river below and we have a fine porch on the front where I frequently sit and do hand work. It is ever so pleasant a place to reflect and wonder at this beautiful and interesting world I now find myself.
Not too far off is a large barn, big enough to hold all the horses on the ranch and then some. Beyond the barn there are corrals for livestock and a bunk house for the men who work the ranch. It is quite a busy place and I am finding my footing here as the days go by.
I've scratched out some flower beds near the house and have thought of using old rain barrels as planters. I packed my seeds to take with me when I left Virginia and I am hoping I can soon see some familiar flowers growing here in this very different land.
Immediately upon arriving, Mr. Cullen helped me pick out a suitable place for a vegetable garden and had a plowman up the next day to turn the soil for me. I've been able to work the soil well in the intervening days—I have the blisters to prove it!—and have put out some of my seeds. I do hope they take. There's nothing like fresh squash and beans on the table at dinner.
Sometimes, I can hardly believe I am so far away from Occoquan. When I wake up in the night, I find myself expecting to be back in my little bed in the yellow room in the house wherein I was born. A part of me pines for it but a much larger part of me rejoices in my new husband and the life he is willing to share with me. It's all a matter of getting used to new things, isn't it?
Please give all my old friends my sincerest affection,
Yours Truly,
Your Sister,
Mrs. Edward Cullen
Edward sat in front of the fire in his study as he read—or supposedly read—but he found himself glancing up frequently to watch his wife as she penned a letter to her brother. She had the most endearing habit of chewing on her bottom lip as she wrote and it entranced him as did just about everything she did. He surreptitiously looked at the clock on the mantel and wondered if it was too early to suggest bed.
He wryly smiled at himself as he reluctantly went back to his book. Bella was able to distract him no matter what she was doing, whether she meant to or not. It was his own obsession with her that was at fault and he was going to have to work on his self-control or he would fail in his duties as a stockman and a husband.
But he wasn't the only one who was enraptured with his bride. Without realizing it, Bella made quite a commotion when she arrived in Bear Valley. Since they came so late in the day, they took their supper with the men in the mess hall. He'd never heard it so quiet during a meal. Bella's soft Virginian lilt entranced them as she answered the questions a few brave souls put to her.
After supper, he took her down to the camp fire near the bunk house and they sat together on one of the logs that were used for seating, listening to one of the hands play ballads on his guitar. Night birds and crickets could be heard intermittently in the still darkness. The fire crackled and threw warm shadows across the faces of the people gathered round.
The soft, starry night sky flew up over their heads in unending velvet banners, wrapping them all in comfortable mystery. Occasionally someone would join in singing a verse and refrain of a favorite tune but most of the time, people were left to stare into the fire—or at the new Missus, to be honest—and think their thoughts.
"Do you sing, Mrs. Cullen?" one of the hands asked.
"I sing a little but I'd much rather listen than sing tonight."
There were murmurs of both disappointment and encouragement, so Bella laughed and asked the guitarist if he could play Aura Lee. He began playing the beginning bars and Bella, in a sweet, surprisingly rich voice began to sing the plaintive song about the maid with golden hair and a man's love true for her. She was not aware but, like a siren, she re-enchanted the whole crew with her, including one Edward Cullen.
After Bella finished singing, there was a hushed silence for a bit, the only noise was the crackling of the fire. One brave soul spoke up, "That was right beautiful, Mrs. Cullen." There were murmurs of agreement. Edward stood and thanked his men for the company and held his arm out to his wife to escort her back to their home and to their bed. He could wait no longer.
It was obvious from Edward's expression that he adored his new wife. A few of the more astute hands elbowed each other and nodded in his direction as they walked away. The boss was certainly smitten. They silently speculated what this would mean to them. If Bella turned out to be capricious and flighty, it could go badly for the ranch. If she was level-headed and treated the boss well, then there could be nothing but a benefit for everyone. Right now it was sort of an even call. Shrugging, Cookie got his betting book out and started to take bets from his fellow pards.
It was evident from that first night that Bella had a deep impact on the ranch hands. Edward noticed they were acting very strangely. Half of them would use any excuse they could to find themselves working in the vicinity of the house during the day and the other half planned stunts to garner her attention.
Edward was sure that Bella believed by now that the only way a horse was ridden in the west was at a breakneck gallop, coming to a sliding and rearing halt in the front yard of the house. He had to put a stop to that because it wasn't good for the poor horses. At this point, he didn't care if the fool men fell off and broke their stupid necks.
He was even an astonished witness to some of his crustier men, whom had always felt a biannual bath was plenty, getting sluiced off a couple times this past week and slicking down their hair with violet water in hopes Bella would join them in their bunk house meal as she did the first day they arrived.
It was sweet, in a way, how she was completely oblivious to the stir in all the manly hearts her presence made. She simply smiled her enchanting and friendly smile as they vied for her notice. He had to start planning work details on the far side of the ranch just to ensure that something got done during the day. His head man, Eric Yorkie, became his ally in getting a good days work out of his lovelorn ranch hands but it was getting rather tiresome. He hope the newness of Bella presence would wear off soon and things would return to normal at least for the ranch.
However, he didn't want things to return to normal for himself. He was more than delighted to return to his home at the middle of the day to share dinner, lovingly prepared by his wife. He discovered that she brought exactly three books with her to Colorado: The Holy Bible, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, and Housekeeping in Old Virginia. The last appeared to be a much used book that was filled with recipes and good advice. Bella was introducing him to a few new treats that she got from its pages.
Their midday meal was the largest and so supper was usually left over from dinner. Bella was a darn good cook and she'd even been able to get Cookie around her thumb with a thorough use of blandishments and bribery. All in all, she'd done very well getting started on the ranch and he was very pleased. Sitting in his study together at the end of a day just underscored how perfect it all was for him.
He shut his book and looked back up at Bella and saw she was blinking back tears. "Sweetheart, what is the matter?" he asked, suddenly concerned.
"Oh, nothing. Just a little homesick," she laughed. "Can you imagine me being homesick for a place where I was treated like a scullery maid? I guess I am just missing old memories."
"Come here, then, Bella and let me make it better." He patted his lap as he spoke and she smiled.
"You always know how to make me feel better, Edward."
Taking the letter, she rose and went over to snuggle on Edward's lap. "Would you like to read what I wrote Michael?"
"You don't have to show your private correspondence to me, Bella."
"I know. I just wanted to share it with you. You used to like to read my letters." She nuzzled her head into his shoulder and rested her hand above his heart.
"I still do. I am honored you wish to share this with me."
"I have no secrets from you, Edward."
He took the letter and read it through, marveling at the familiar handwriting and how he now was holding on his lap the woman he first learned to know through her pen.
When he finished reading, he said, "I am, you know."
"You are what?"
"I am very happy with you, my wife, and I hope that as you get used to living with me, you won't miss the home that you had quite so much."
"What I really miss, Edward, are my Mother and Father and they can never be returned to me. The home that I left wasn't the home that I miss, so don't let this bother you. I will brighten soon. I am just mopey this evening."
He held her closely and kissed her head. She lifted her face and he kissed that, too. Then he kissed her neck, her ears and finally her lips as he traced down her arm with the tips of his fingers to hold her hand in his over his heart.
He broke off the kiss to find her smiling at him. "See, I am better already."
He chuckled and was bending to kiss her again when she asked, "Is it too early to go to bed?"
The next day, Bella was working in her garden, wearing a large brimmed hat to keep the sun off her face and neck. She was just getting a watering can when she heard a horse clattering down the yard towards her. She paused and wiped her hands on her apron and smiled to greet whoever it was.
She was surprised to see a stranger. He was a tall, dark man, strikingly handsome if you liked the muscular type, with a flashing white smile. He slid out of the saddle and walked over to her, "Mrs. Cullen?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am your closest neighbor. My name is Jacob Black."
"Pleased to meet you," Bella responded as she offered her hand. She hoped it wasn't filthy, even though she did wipe it on her apron as best she could. "My husband is not here at the moment."
"I know. I passed his work party in the distance as I rode here."
A tickle of discomfort ran down Bella's spine. It wasn't appropriate for a gentleman she didn't know to seek her out like that. She cast about what she should do.
"Mr. Black, I am sure you are thirsty why don't you come with me to the dining room and we will see if Cookie has any coffee on."
"Why thank you, ma'am." He led his horse over to a hitching post and then followed Bella into the dining hall. She showed him to a small table and then went to find Cookie. The cherubic man was stirring a pot on the stove.
"Cookie, we have a guest and I didn't know what to do with him so I brought him in here for a cup of coffee and maybe something to eat?"
Cookie huffed but said, "Sure, I can rustle up something. I'll bring it right out."
Quickly washing her hands in the basin, Bella said, "If you don't mind, I'd rather help you. I don't want to be out there with him alone. I just don't feel right about it."
She fetched a couple of slabs of corn bread that had been warming on the stove and the pot of honey butter she'd made that morning. Cookie put coffee mugs on a tray, poured two cups of the strong brew, and followed Bella back into the dining room. Mr. Black was sitting comfortably, awaiting Bella's return.
Cookie paused in the doorway. "Ah, Jacob Black. It's a rare to see you in these parts."
"I had to meet the new bride of Edward Cullen, now didn't I? It's only neighborly."
Cookie grumbled something under his breath and set the tray down on the table.
Bella took a seat opposite Jacob and cut the corn bread for him. "So, Mr. Black, you're a rancher?"
"I was a rancher. Now, I put my hand to just about anything."
"I've learned a person has to be a jack-of-all trades in the west."
"Yes. We frequently only have our own resources to rely upon."
Taking a sip of her coffee, she asked, "Are you a native Coloradan, Mr. Black?"
"Not exactly. I came here as a boy with my family. We were from Missouri. My Pa settled the land just north of here. Where are you from, Mrs. Cullen?"
"Virginia."
He was leaning back nonchalantly in his chair, peering down at Bella with hooded eyes. "Virginia and Colorado are far apart. How did you and Ol' Edward manage to meet?"
Her eyes flashed. The more she talked to him the less she liked him. She noticed that Cookie had propped open the door that led to the kitchen and was keeping them in sight as he worked. Maybe the feeling she had about Jacob Black was not uncommon.
"It was fate that brought Mr. Cullen and me together, Mr. Black. We were destined to be."
"Ah, newly-wedded bliss. How sweet," except he said it with a slight sneer, almost like he didn't quite mean what he was saying.
"Have you any family left in the area, Mr. Black?"
"My parents have passed on but my sister runs my household here. It's just the two of us."
"Perhaps someday I shall meet your sister?" Bella asked.
"I invited her to come with me today but she had a previous commitment. I am sure you will run into her in the future."
He ate a bite of the cornbread and Bella sipped her coffee.
"So, how are you liking the west, Mrs. Cullen?"
Bella cleared her throat. She hoped he left soon but she answered, "I like it very well, thank you, Mr. Black."
Just then she noticed a shadow pass the window and Edward walked into the dining hall. She sighed in relief and jumped up. "Oh Mr. Cullen, we have a guest today."
"So, I see." It didn't seem as he saw too pleasantly either.
Bella ran and got another plate and a cup and sat it down in front of her now seated husband. He had chosen the seat right next to her. She felt a hundred fold better with Edward here—safe and protected.
As she slipped into her seat, Edward casually reached over and draped his arm along the back of her chair. He was making it very clear. Without saying a word he was proclaiming one thing.
Mine.
Chapter 7 The Song
They were standing next to each other, Edward's arm around Bella's shoulders, waving a seemingly friendly goodbye to Jacob Black as he rode out on his horse.
"Edward, I want you to teach me how to shoot a gun."
Edward blinked in surprise and looked down at his wife, "Why?"
She was still looking at the departing Jacob and waving and said, "To protect myself from snakes."
Edward was puzzled. She wasn't referring to trouser snakes was she? He began to worry as he thought perhaps she'd grown tired of their bedroom activities. Was he not doing a faithful job by her? It didn't seem like she felt he was lacking at the time. And now she wants him to teach her how to shoot snakes?
Good Lord! What did he do wrong?
"Uh, snakes?" was all he could muster up to say.
Bella looked up at her husband and saw the worry and, yes, fear on his face. "Edward, you said you'd teach me how to shoot."
"But you want to shoot snakes." He was trying not to cover his man parts with his hands.
"Metaphorically speaking. I haven't seen a real snake since I got here."
Edward just gaped at her.
Now Bella was getting puzzled. Why on earth was Edward acting like this? "Edward, do you have a problem with me learning to shoot?"
"No not at all-uh-what do you want to shoot again?"
"It's just that, well, I don't want to be rude, Edward, but that Jacob Black gave me cold chills! I'd feel better if I could protect myself a little. As it stands now, if strange people turn up here, what could I do? Hit them over the head with my watering can?"
Edward realized how stupid he had been on two counts; first, Bella wasn't talking about his own personal trouser snake, and the fact that was the first thing he thought when she mentioned snakes probably meant he thought a little too often of their more intimate activities and secondly, he needed to do a better job protecting her—or at least making her feel safe. He hadn't been married two weeks and he already failed his wife.
He put his other arm around Bella and pulled her close, "I will teach you to shoot Bella. I'm sorry you felt unsafe today."
"I think no matter where I would have met Mr. Black I would have gotten the chills. That feeling didn't go away until you arrived."
She smiled up at him and said, "Don't you know that you're my hero?"
"You should always feel safe here, too, Bella whether I'm next to you or not. Where's Tyler this morning?"
"He, Lauren and Boy—does Boy have a real name, by the way?—took the buckboard into town to pick up that shipment for you this morning. I told them they all could go. I hope that was all right."
Edward shrugged, "It's a treat for them to go together. I suppose we can't be denying them that. And if Boy has another name, I've never heard it. Tyler and Lauren are simple people, so they chose a simple name."
He reached up and tucked a wayward strand of hair behind Bella's ear, then got caught up in the softness of her gaze. They stood there together for a long moment sharing with their eyes what their hearts felt, even though their lips had never said.
Edward's heart was certainly full but he had work to do and he was sure Bella did as well. "I've got to go back to the river pasture, Bella, but I am going to send someone up here to do some hand work. It wouldn't hurt to have an extra man up here on the days I can't be."
"Edward, please don't let me upset your plans. I would hate that."
Smiling, he shook his head and said, "There's work that needs to be done up here as well as elsewhere, Bella. I would feel better if there were another man around when you're here. Between Tyler, Cookie and the extra hand, you should feel safe."
"Oh Lord, I feel safe now. But there are other reasons for me to learn to shoot. Let me show you."
She led him over to her vegetable garden and pointed at the soft earth. There were a few large foot prints in the soil.
"Bear," Edward said.
"I thought so."
Edward stooped to the ground. "Not a grizzly, though. They're the fierce ones. This one was just looking for an easy meal."
"I had trouble with deer in Virginia. I kept them away with a yard dog." Bella smiled at the memory of the ugly dog with the big bark that would chase the deer off if they came close to her garden at night. That dog was the sweetest creature in the world and she really regretted having to leave him behind. She hoped her brother, Michael, would take care of him.
"We've plenty of dogs around here, Bella. In fact there's a litter of new puppies in the barn. If you want, go look and see if one of those would suit your purposes and you could train him up to guard your garden. And maybe he could guard you, too."
He squeezed her tightly. "Could you wrap some of that corn bread up for me to take? I won't have time to come back for dinner today, since Jacob Black interrupted my work earlier."
"Of course." Giving him a peck on the cheek, she swung away from him to do as he requested. She was surprised at how disappointed she was that she wouldn't see him until supper-time. She sent him off with a melancholy wave and went back to her garden, resolving to keep busy so she wouldn't miss him too much.
Later in the day, she went down to the barn to find a lively litter of puppies that were just learning to toddle around on their own. One particularly bold male puppy kept on trying to escape the pen to get to Bella as she cooed at him.
"You sure are a rascal," she laughed as she picked him up and held him to her face. The excited puppy licked her cheek and bit her nose.
"Would you like to help me keep the bears away from my garden? Would you? We'll ask Mr. Cullen what he thinks later." She put the puppy down and went back to the house to prepare supper.
But supper time came with a message telling her Edward wouldn't be back until late. One of his mares was foaling and needed his calming touch. Bella sent some supper back with the hand who had delivered the message and went back to the house. The Crowley's weren't returning to the ranch until the next day and she would be alone in the house for the evening.
After her experience with Jacob Black today, she felt a little uneasy. She checked the front door and noticed that one of the hands had bedded down on the porch. It warmed her heart and brought a lump to her throat to see how Edward cared for her. This was a feeling she was unused to.
Perhaps she could find something to read to pass the time? She went into Edward's study to see what he had on his bookshelves. The wonder of Edward's study was that it had wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. He had many books but they only took up a small portion of the shelf space that was available. Edward said one of his goals, of which he had many, was to fill the shelves one day.
She nosed around a bit, found a book on the Spanish Armada, curled up in the wing chair next to the stone fire place and read. She learned that Sir Francis Drake was quite the scalawag.
Sleep was finally overwhelming her and she was nodding off as she sat so she decided to go to bed. Maybe she'd dream of Edward and find some comfort there.
She went through the routine of putting the house to sleep, banking the fire, blowing out lamps, pulling closed curtains. Then she performed her ablutions and slipped her cotton night gown over her head. She pulled the pins out of her hair, slowly brushed out the tangles, and then braided up the length in one long tail.
As she crept in between the sheets she sighed. Missing Edward was now a physical ache in her chest. She soothed it by grasping his pillow and pulling it into her arms. She finally relaxed enough to sleep.
It was their first night apart since they married.
Edward looked at the little filly nursing at her mother's teat, a happy smile on his face. She was this mare's first foal whose nervousness required that Edward gentle and soothe her until all was over. It was a good night's work but now it was late and he was sure Bella had gone to bed long ago. For about five seconds, he considered bunking with the men so he wouldn't disturb her in her slumbers but he just couldn't stay away. He wanted her in his arms. He needed to smell her scent and feel her soft skin. His mouth went dry thinking about it.
He said goodnight to the mare and her filly, then hurriedly rushed to the pump house, setting the lamp down on a bench inside. He quickly stripped off and scrubbed down, thinking all the while about his bride snug in their bed.
He remembered the flash of panic he had that morning when he misunderstood and thought she was telling him she didn't want to be intimate any more. He didn't know what he'd do if that happened. He needed her. He was addicted to her.
He was so in love with her.
He quietly slipped into the house, felt his way across the great room to their bedroom door and gently pushed it open. He could see her still shape lying under the covers and his heart was glad. She was his. He wondered if she knew how truly he was hers? He decided to forego his night shirt and just crawled into bed naked. As he pulled her into his arms she mumbled sleepily, "Edward?"
"Shhh, Bella. I didn't want to wake you."
She curled into his embrace, "I missed you."
"I missed you, too," he kissed her temple.
He could feel her lips on his neck as she asked, "How's the mare?"
"All is well. We have a nice filly now." He was tracing her spine through her nightgown.
"Mmmmmm. That's good."
She wrapped her arm around his waist. "Did I tell you how much I missed you?"
"You did." He reached her bottom and pulled her hips close to his.
"You aren't wearing a nightshirt."
"No. I didn't see the use in it."
"No?"
"I'd just take it off as soon as I got into bed with you, so I saved the trouble."
"Did you have plans once you got here, then?" she asked, a giggle indicating she knew his intent.
"I did. I do." He slid his hand down her leg to reach for the bottom of her night gown.
"Why are you wearing this?"
"I didn't want you to think I was a wanton, to come into our bed after working into the night, only to find me naked as a robin."
"Frankly, Bella, I couldn't think of a more welcoming gesture." He pulled her night gown over her head as she giggled.
Once free of the enveloping garment, he buried his face in her bosom and simply inhaled her. How he loved her fragrance, a mixture of soap and soft lavender. His hands slipped down her sides and he kissed the side of her breast.
She was lacing her fingers through his damp hair, loving the feel of its fullness, its silkiness. He slid over her and up so that their lips could meet as their bodies pressed together.
Bella took his bottom lip in between hers and touched it with the tip of her tongue, she could feel the goose bumps rise on his arms and she loved how she could please him. He moaned a little when she lightly brushed one hand over his buttocks and she could feel his bourgeoning desire against her hip.
She wondered what it felt like to him. Did he shiver and shudder with mouth-drying awareness as she touched him like he touched her? Her curiosity as well as her desire was aroused. "Edward, what does this feel like to you?"
"What does loving you feel like to me?" His voice was rough with need.
"It's probably not a proper question." She shyly ducked into his neck, trying to back-pedal. Sometimes she wished she could think before she spoke.
But Edward sighed in satisfaction. "You can always ask me anything, especially when it concerns the two of us. I love to touch you and feel your body under me. I can't find the words."
Edward settled down between Bella's thighs and kissed the rosy tips of her breasts, his tongue tickling them into hard peaks. It was Bella's turn to moan.
He lifted his head replacing his mouth with his gentle hand and said, "Since I met you, it seems like a greater part of my mind is always aware of you and where you are and what you are doing. Even when I was in the barn with the mare tonight, I was thinking, 'Bella's probably curled up in the arm chair reading.' 'Bella's shutting the curtains.' 'Bella's turning down our bed.' I don't know if all husbands have this extra perception but for me it is pervasive."
He brushed his lips over hers gently grazing them, softly, barely touching.
"Being this close to you, so close that I can share your breath, tasting you is the most intimate feeling. My senses overwhelm me."
He bent down and kissed her on the corner of her mouth, then her jaw.
"Have you ever read the Song of Songs?" he asked.
Bella was surprised. "From the Bible?"
"Yes."
"Parts of it, I suppose."
"Since we've wed?"
"No. I've not been as faithful as I should be lately."
"I am sure I've been distracting you."
He kissed her in the hollow of her throat and then ran his lips down to her shoulder.
"The Song of Solomon describes it better than I could."
"The Bible talks about this?" Bella wasn't sure if she should be scandalized or not.
"Oh, yes. Don't let the parsons persuade you differently. Marital love is a gift from God, Bella. There's nothing shameful about it and the Bible has a whole book dedicated to it. I'll show you.
"Let me kiss you with the kisses of my mouth: for thy love is better than wine."
Edward placed an open mouthed kiss on the edge of her breast, then ran the tip of his tongue around the edge of her nipple.
"You are the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley.'"
He trailed his lips from side to side across her body and down inhaling her scent, her aroma. She felt boneless and weak as he romanced her and loved her.
"O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock."
Edward murmured as he kissed her navel and just below.
"In the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance."
He kissed her below, tasting her with his tongue.
Bella moaned, a fire racing through her veins, and he added, "Let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely."
He lifted up to look down on her as she was spread out on the bed. Her hair had long since escaped its braid; her breasts were aching for his touch, her skin yearning for his caress.
Edward framed her face with his hands, stared lovingly into her eyes and quoted, "Behold, thou art fair, my love; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks…thy lips are like a thread of scarlet…I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense."
Bella could feel him press against her as he slipped inside and she sighed with bliss.
"Thou has ravished my heart, my wife; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with the softness of your neck."
He kissed her neck and then whispered in her ear, "How fair is thy love, my wife! How much better is thy love than wine, and the smell of thine ointments better than all spices!"
He moved with his words, adoring her with his hips, loving her with his hands.
"Thy lips," he gently touched hers with his own as he pushed back into her, "O my wife, sweet as the drop of the honeycomb; honey and milk are under thy tongue." He tasted her mouth and continued to move over her.
"Thou art a garden of delights. I am come into my garden, my wife. I have gathered my myrrh…" his voice was thick with passion as he moved and his words were interspersed with shuddering gasps.
"I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk."
With all restraint gone, Edward moved until he shouted in ultimate exaltation in a heavenly release.
He collapsed on top of her, his lips against her throat and he whispered, "'I know my beloved and my beloved knows me.' My Rose of Sharon, My dear one, My wife."
Bella was overcome with emotion. When Edward said he didn't have the words to tell her his feelings she knew what he meant. She had no words to describe the feelings she had at the moment, except for one phrase, something she needed to express.
She turned her face to her husband's to gaze tenderly into his eyes.
"Edward," she whispered. He smiled softly at her.
"Edward," she repeated, "I love you."
His eyes widened in happiness and he pulled her closer, as close as he could get to her and kissed her temple.
"I love you more than I could ever have imagined, my Bella."
Edward was late getting out to the barn the next day but when he finally arrived his mood was effervescent and joyful. Cookie, who had come down from the kitchen to visit the new filly, looked at Edward and weighed his mood with his actions. Slowly, he reached his hand out to Eric and waggled his fingers. Eric shrugged and reluctantly slapped a dollar into Cookie's palm.
Seems like Cookie won that one.
AN: Edward is quoting and paraphrasing the Song of Solomon from the King James Version of the Holy Bible throughout this chapter.
Chapter 8 The Book
As if she was in a hazy dream, Bella leaned against the doorframe as Edward walked down the hill to the barn. His long, lean physique was a pleasure to watch.
She found, since moving to the ranch, that Edward's usual attire was a pair of comfortable blue jeans, a cotton shirt, and of course, his Stetson and boots. It was simple but awfully enticing.
His body entranced her. She sighed in happiness, despite the yearning she had in the pit of her stomach. How well she remembered how it looked bare.
Before Edward disappeared from her sight, he turned to look back at her—their eyes met and he slowly smiled and tipped his hat. Bella coyly pulled her skirt tightly across her hips to tease as she dipped a little curtsey. She returned his smile with a mischievous one of her own. He narrowed his eyes and she could hear his warm chuckle from where she stood. Waving, he was gone.
She sighed happily and felt as though she was soaring as she danced across the main room of their home, singing softly to herself, "I'm in love, I'm in love. I'm in love." Then she added the second verse, "He loves me. He loves me. He loves me."
She flopped down in the arm chair and laughed at herself. She was as giddy as a gadfly but she had a reason to be. Last night was a piece of heaven. She pressed her hand to her pounding heart as she remembered how deep his voice had been with desire, how like a shivery fire was his touch, how he surrounded her, engulfed her, consumed her, loved her.
What was it that he had quoted? Thou hast ravished my heart, my wife!
It was her heart that was ravished. She'd never look at the Bible the same way again.
Her eyes drifted over to the doorway of the study and she became suddenly curious. She arose and went into the room. Edward's study was a marvel for he had equipped it with floor to ceiling and wall to wall bookshelves. Only a very few of the shelves were full. Edward explained that among his many dreams, filling those shelves was one. Bella was proud to have added her three books to their collection.
Finding her Bible in its place in the bookcase, she sat at Edward's desk and began to read. The Song of Songs wasn't a very long book but now that she was reading it with new eyes—or rather, experienced eyes—the passages took a whole new meaning than they ever did before. Her pulse quickened and her face flushed. Who would have thought the Bible was so accepting and encouraging of marital pleasures?
Thanks to Edward, she was beginning to look at the whole world differently. Never in her life had she felt so connected, so completely adored, and so completely adoring. But she marveled he could recite so much verse under such distracting conditions as he did last night.
That posed the question, though: how did Edward become so knowledgeable? He had never spoken of his past other than that he was raised in Chicago and had family there still. She knew that once he was in the west, he lived the life of a cowboy that later led to ranching. She was beginning to realize there was more to her husband than met the eye.
She replaced the Bible on the shelf and then looked at the other volumes Edward had there. Perhaps what he read would help reveal his mind a bit more than she knew. There were Plato, Socrates, John Locke, Dante, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, even Benjamin Franklin. She also noticed there where were a few books in German and in French. Could Edward speak foreign languages, as well?
She remembered he wrote of reading Cooper and Greely. She saw volumes of poetry by Wordsworth and Coleridge. Bella shook her head in simple amazement. She never thought to ask from whence came this thirst for knowledge and appreciation of literature. She would like to find out.
But for the time being, she had work to do. So, she busied herself with her chores, hardly noticing what she did as her hands mechanically knew their jobs, a smile on her face, and a skip in her step. Did a girl deserve to be so happy?
She helped Cookie get dinner on by making platters of biscuits while he put the finishing touches on the stew. They chatted companionably while they worked.
"How long have you known Mr. Cullen, Cookie?"
Cookie paused to think, "Lessee, I met Boss when he and I were driving for Old Man Black back in '78 or '79."
"Is that Mr. Jacob Black's father?"
"Yes, William Black was his name. He was a good man, a good rancher." Cookie sniffed. "I can't say the same for his son."
"Edw-uhm, Mr. Cullen said that Mr. Jacob Black no longer ranches."
"That's right. He sold the herd off directly after his Pa died. He had no interest in cows, he said. But I had been working up here for a while before that happened. I came here when Boss bought the place seven years ago."
"Were you always a Cook?"
"Naw. I was a ranch hand like any other. But my Ma ran a boarding house back in St. Louis. She taught me to cook there. Cooking here isn't much different."
"I suppose it wouldn't be." Bella reached down to slide her tray of biscuits into the oven.
"What brought you to Colorado?"
Cookie barked out a laugh. "Same thing for everyone: I wanted to live a life of adventure."
Bella smiled at him. "Me, too!"
Soon, the men started coming up for their midday meal. Bella put a tray together for Edward and herself and then went into the main house to set the table in front of the fire place. She was getting giddy again with the thought of him returning home to her. She soon heard his familiar step on the porch, so she rushed to the door and flung herself into his arms.
Edward chuckled, "What's this, my Bella?"
"I missed you is all."
"So, are you going welcome me like this every time I come through the door?"
"I just might," she said.
"Well then, I'll have to come home more often," he lifted her and kissed her thoroughly. She melted into his embrace, all thoughts of dinner evaporating from her mind.
"How long do you have until you have to go back?" she asked a little breathlessly.
He sighed and answered, "Too soon to be able to love you like I'd want."
She entwined her fingers in his and leaned into his shoulder. "'Tis no matter. I have some dinner for you."
They went over to the table and sat, said grace and began to eat.
She wasn't sure she should bring this up but she charged on anyway, "Edward, you surprised me last night in how faithfully you quoted long passages of scripture."
She started to blush before she even began talking.
His eyes twinkled and his voice deepened as he remembered the circumstances of his quoting. "I had to memorize scripture as a boy as a punishment when I had been badly behaved. I was bad a lot."
"I can't believe it!"
"I shall have to let you talk to my mother. She delights in recounting how horrific I was. I practically have the whole Bible memorized because of those punishments."
"Your mother set you to memorize the Song of Solomon?" Surely his mother had realized the subject matter at the time.
"Not precisely. One time when I was about fourteen, she was very unhappy with me and instead of a verse or two, or even a chapter, she required that I memorize an entire book of the Bible but she let me pick out which one. I picked the Song of Solomon, and that's not even the shortest one, by the way. Not realizing what I had memorized, she had me recite it aloud to her ladies needlepoint meeting. She never made that mistake again."
"Oh, Edward! You were a rogue. I can't believe it!"
"I was a mischief maker, that's true. But as a consequence, I do know my Bible."
"You also know your philosophers, too."
He looked at her inquiringly.
"I was looking at the volumes you have in the study. Most are men who ponder the whys of the world."
"Yes. I enjoyed studying them. Those are left over from my schooling."
"You studied philosophers in school?" That was far above the general curriculum she learned in her one room school house in Virginia.
"I did, in my older years. It was probably the subject I enjoyed the most while in school."
"When did you leave school?"
"When I was twenty. When I came west."
Her eyes were wide. Bella left school when she was fifteen years old. She only had nine years of formal education but that was a lot for the women of her day. She was beginning to feel a little insecure in comparison to Edward's experience, though.
But she had told him that she would have no secrets from him so she said, "I left school when I was fifteen, when my parents died. I was needed on the farm."
He nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure one of the reasons my parents kept me in school to keep me out of trouble. I am not sure they knew how to keep me adequately occupied."
"So, you had fourteen years of schooling?"
Edward grimaced and said, "Well, I had six years of formal education in a preparatory school. Before that, I was educated at home."
"Your mother taught you?"
He shook his head and cocked his brow. "No. That would have really driven her around the bend. We had a tutor from the age of six to fourteen when I was sent off to school. That was shortly after I recited the Song of Songs to my mother's ladies group."
He had a tutor? Only very wealthy families had tutors for their children. "Your family must be very well off."
He looked uncomfortable at her words but he grudgingly admitted, "They are but I gave all that up when I came west."
"Not many would do that Edward."
"I never fit in back east. The life that was planned for me made me feel like I was suffocating, dying by inches. I was the oldest son and I didn't have a choice but to take over the reins of my family's enterprises when my father gave them up but the thought of it just about killed me. As you saw, I was reading a lot of philosophy at the time and I kept stumbling upon versions of To thy ownself be true, and I realized I wasn't being at all honest with myself or anyone else, so I escaped. My younger brother now has the onus of heir presumptive but I think he rather enjoys it. When I left Chicago, my parents were up in arms and cut me off. They hoped by doing that, I'd return but their money didn't matter to me. I think Jasper is better suited to that life."
"Jasper?"
"My brother."
"Do you ever miss them?"
He snorted a chuckle and said, "Sometimes. When I am drunk."
Bella blinked in shocked surprise. "When you're drunk?"
He laughed. "Bella, that hasn't happened in a long while, don't worry. I was just trying to make the point that when one drinks, one tends to lose one's better judgment. My best judgment tells me that I am better off in Colorado and my family is better off in Chicago."
"You never hear from them?" Bella was beginning to feel a little sorry for Edward so totally divorced from his kin.
"Oh, we certainly correspond a few times a year but as I've told you, I haven't seen any of them since I left."
"Did you write them about us?"
"I sent my father a letter when we were in Denver the day after our wedding. It was short, just relaying the bare facts that we were married and that I was well satisfied with my bride." He smiled tenderly at her.
She smiled back, the love she felt for him radiating from her eyes and then Edward sighed and said, "I need to get back down to the barn."
"Can I come with you for a moment? I think I found a puppy that would help me to fend off the critters from my garden."
"Did you? Well then, let's go." He reached out a hand for hers as they stood, then impulsively pulled Bella close to him so that he could kiss her. He was beginning to understand why newlyweds went on a trip after their nuptials. This incessant need to touch, kiss, and love her was truly interfering with his piece of mind, not to say what it was doing to his work. But at this point, he didn't care; not a bit.
She laced her arm through his and they went to the barn and Bella pointed out the happy little puppy that had caught her eye the day before. Edward smiled more at Bella's response to the puppy than the puppy itself and agreed that it had potential. They went their separate ways then, the work of the day not doing itself.
Bella decided that if the weather held true, the next day would be a good day to do her washing. She hadn't done anything but rinse her drawers since she left Virginia and she was running out of sweet smelling clothing.
The little she had spoken to Lauren told her that she wasn't much of a laundry woman, so Bella was going to have to teach her. They could do it together the first time or two but Bella was hoping it would be a chore she could delegate.
First she needed to find if she had the right supplies. She needed two wash tubs, at least one wash board, a fire, water, lye soap, and she needed construct a clothes line to dry the clothes somehow. She poked around in the shed next to the pump house and found most of what she was looking for, to her satisfaction.
She was just coming out of the shed when she saw the Crowleys returning from town, the buckboard piled high with wooden boxes. Lauren and Boy were walking alongside the wagon as Tyler urged the horses up the hill to the big house. Bella went over to meet them.
"Hello, and welcome home! I didn't expect Mr. Cullen's shipment to be so huge."
"Huge and heavy. Can you believe all that's in them boxes are books? Why on earth?" Tyler responded.
He added, "I was almost sure we'd not get them back. Lauren and Boy had to walk back from town."
Bella's eyes widened in anticipation; a whole cart load of books? She was thrilled! "Was there a letter or manifest that came with the shipment, Tyler?"
"Ah, yes'm. Right here." He reached into his vest pocket and handed her a lading ticket and a sealed letter. The letter was addressed to Edward, so she tucked it into her apron pocket. She looked at the ticket and saw that there were a total of four hundred thirty-seven books in the shipment. Amazing! She supposed that Edward's shelves were going to be filled one way or another.
"Tyler, a hand is over next to the kitchen working on some harness. Ask him to help you get those boxes into the study. You see how each box is numbered? Try to keep them in order because there may be a reason we start with one particular box. Lauren, why don't you and Boy rustle up some dinner for you and your husband? I am sure you all must be hungry."
Lauren nodded, took Boy by the hand and went to find Cookie.
Bella walked down to the barn, carrying the letter and the ticket. Edward saw her coming and smiled as he stood up dusting his hands together.
"This is a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Cullen." There were several hands around, so it was time to be formal in addressing her but for some reason calling Bella "Mrs. Cullen" made him extremely glad.
"I hope I am not interrupting but Mr. and Mrs. Crowley just arrived with the shipment. They brought this letter and the bill of lading." Bella handed Edward what she was carrying.
Edward looked down at the envelope with dread. He had a pretty good idea of what it would tell him and it wasn't good news. He held out his hand to Bella and led her out of the barn and up a path that wound through a nearby stand of trees.
Bella was silent as they walked, sneaking looks at her husband's solemn countenance. They reached a grassy clearing that had some large rocks in it, just the right size for sitting and thinking. Edward took out his kerchief and dusted the rock a bit and then gestured for Bella to sit. He sat down next to her and showed her the envelope.
"It's from Chicago."
"Your family?"
"Most likely. I guess I should open it."
He slit the envelope open with his thumb and unfolded the stationery and sighed as he peered down at the closely writ lines.
"My grandfather has died."
Bella put her hand on Edward's back in a comforting gesture and murmured her condolences.
Edward read the letter through, then handed it to Bella.
"Do you wish me to read it?" she asked, not wanting to pry.
"If you'd like. My father wrote it."
Bella looked at the neat handwriting on the expensive stationery. Sighing, she looked back at Edward as he looked across the clearing to some invisible point in front of him. She started to read the letter.
March 22nd, 1887
Dear Son,
It is with a heavy heart that I regret to inform you of the passing of your namesake and grandfather, Edward Masen. He was ill for several months before a seizure of the heart took him from this earth. We shall miss his sharp wit and intuition.
You, son, had a soft place in his heart and he always remembered how you enjoyed his library, so except for his law books, he left it to you. I hope you have a place to put them befitting their stature.
Your grandfather collected books lifelong and they, outside of his family, were his chief consolation. I hope you appreciate his generous gift.
You are missed in Chicago,
Sincerely,
Carlisle Cullen
Bella folded the letter back into its envelope and looked at her husband. He was now studying her.
"Edward, I am very sorry for your loss. Were you close to your grandfather?"
"I spent a lot of time at his house. It was a sanctuary at times. He and my grandmother seemed to understand how I felt. I am sorry that I will never see them again."
"…On this earth, Edward." She put her arms around him and he returned the favor.
"I am not willing to leave this earth just yet to join them." He leaned down to kiss her. "I wish they could have met you. They would have loved you."
"If they loved you, I am sure I would have loved them, too." She smiled up at him.
"Let's see how far they have gotten unpacking the wagon."
He took her hand and they walked quickly back to the house, to find that the empty buckboard was being led back to the barn. Lauren, Tyler and Boy were sitting on the front steps eating some left over stew and biscuits.
"We got the wagon unloaded, Boss. The boxes are stacked in the middle of the study."
"Thank you. Could you bring me a crow bar?" Edward asked.
"Sure, Boss." Tyler got up to go find the required implement.
Edward nodded and led Bella on to the study where twenty cases of books were stacked.
"I am glad I had those shelves built. I didn't realize that I would need them so soon. My grandfather had a fabulous collection."
He found the first box and pulled it aside just as Tyler came in with a crowbar. Between the two of them, they easily opened the box.
Bella peered into the box to see volumes of books, more in this one box than she'd ever had at one time in her life. She shook her head in amazement. "This is better than Christmas, I am thinking!"
Edward chuckled at her words. "And this is just one box, Mrs. Cullen. You'll have no time for chores with all the reading you'll be doing."
Bella scoffed and shook her head. "Mr. Cullen, if you two could pry the lids off of these boxes, Mrs. Crowley and I will unpack them."
Bella went off to get some rags to dust the books as they put them on the shelves. Soon, the men had done their part and left to return to their outside work. Lauren and Bella were quickly unpacking the boxes.
There were so many books. It would take Bella the rest of her life to read them all and she was delighted. She decided to place them in the bookcases in alphabetical order by author's last name. There was an inventory placed in the first case that listed all of the hundreds of books. Bella checked off each book as she placed it on the shelf.
There were dozens of books she could not wait to read. After a while, all the books were unpacked and dusted. Bella sent Lauren off to do the regular chores and she would finish getting the rest of the books on the shelves. A few hands came in to take out the empty cases. Some of them would be saved for reuse and the rest would be broken down for scrap wood.
A few hours later, Bella was putting the last of the books on the shelves. There were so many she had never even heard of a tenth of them. Some books were translations from different lands, and she was looking forward to exploring them.
She had just picked up a larger tome and was mesmerized with the colorful picture of a couple from India on the front. Their clothing was beautiful: bright colors, sparkling jewels, nose piercings and long dark voluptuous hair. The title of the book was in a foreign language, The Kama Sutra.
She sat at Edward's desk and cracked the book open and her eyes widened in shock. Her brain froze trying to process what she saw. There were dozens and dozens of drawings of a couple having intercourse.
She swallowed; half thinking she shouldn't be looking at them but unable to stop herself. From drawing to drawing, couples twisted together in all sorts of positions, more than she had ever thought possible, doing things she couldn't have dreamed of doing.
She didn't hear the door open or soft steps approaching the study. Suddenly, Edward was standing in the doorway watching her. She looked up guiltily and shut the book. Her cheeks were flushed and her mouth hung open in surprise.
"What are you reading, Bella?"
Chapter 9 The Sweetheart
Edward decided to return to the big house a little earlier than he usually did. They were just about finished with the branding and he could leave the rest of it to Eric and the hands.
He washed off in the pump house as he normally did before returning to Bella. He was unsure if his excitement stemmed from coming home to Bella or the books awaiting them in the study. It probably was a bit of both.
He was anxious to share some favorite books with his wife. He foresaw evenings spent fireside reading passages to each other, Bella in the rocker, he in the armchair. But then, upon second thought, maybe they could share more easily if Bella sat in his lap while they read. He imagined her sitting in his arms and holding her sweet little body close to his. Predictably his own responded, even at the thought. Since he was so early home, perhaps they could romance a little before supper.
He wasn't surprised not to find her meeting him at the door when he came in. He knew her well enough to know where she'd be. He saw Lauren walking with Boy into the cook house, so he knew he and Bella had their home to themselves. He smiled in anticipation as he neared the study doorway.
As he predicted, he found all the books neatly put away and his wife pouring over one while seated at the desk. She was so absorbed by what she was reading she didn't even notice his arrival.
Edward smiled and watched her as she concentrated on the book in front of her. She made him proud with her literary interests. He wondered what book it was that had so captured her notice. She turned a page and gasped. Edward blinked at her unusual response. What was there in his grandfather's library to gasp about?
"What are you reading, Bella?" he asked.
He was taken aback when instead of answering she jumped in her seat, slammed the book shut and looked up at him guiltily. Her face was aflame with embarrassment.
Edward walked over to the desk and looked down at the cover of the book. "The Kama Sutra?" he asked.
He could see it was a translation of an Indian manuscript and he knew that alone would interest Bella. "May I see?"
Bella refused to look Edward in the eye but she nodded her head and pushed the volume over towards him. What else could she do? She was afraid to even look at her husband. Now he must surely know where her curiosity often led her— places she had no right to be if she considered herself a lady.
Edward calmly opened the book, read the first few paragraphs then turned the page to find the exquisite but graphically detailed drawings. This work was truly had the markings of a masterpiece and knowing his grandfather like he did, he realized that alone would have enticed him into adding this to his collection. But he also remembered his grandfather as a free spirit who thought modern conventions in regards to sexual conduct stultifying and ridiculous.
Edward's mother, daughter to the original Edward, was forever decrying her father's unorthodox ways and opinions.
But now, how was he going to deal with his very embarrassed wife? He thought of pointing out a picture and saying, "This looks like a good one. Do you want to give it a go?" but that would be a little too raw for her at the moment he thought.
So, he shut the book and walked around the desk to sit on his haunches next to her. She still wasn't making eye contact.
Edward took Bella's hand. "Believe it or not, my grandfather was a man of very refined tastes. His mind was the best I'd ever had the privilege of knowing. He had an appreciation for the customs of other lands and he taught that to me. Some of those lands are a little more forward than ours concerning private matters and I know that can be shocking. I hope you aren't too upset, my love?"
She looked at him with wide eyes. "I am not upset. I just never expected…never realized… I never knew there were books like that or that one could do what they were doing…," she stumbled to a halt.
He kissed her, glad to know she wasn't going to run screaming from the room.
"There's a lot in this world we will get to explore together. In fact…" he stood and picked her up in his arms, then sat down in the chair he'd just pulled her out of, holding her in his lap, "…there's something I'd like to explore right here."
He started to nuzzle her neck, holding her body close to his and she responded in a delighted sigh. Soon, they were all hands and lips, caresses and moans as her skirt was lifted and his trousers were unbuttoned. They didn't realize it but they were duplicating the diagram on page twenty-four and they didn't even need the book to show them what to do.
"No, Lauren, you pour the hot water in first, then add the clothes and let them soak for a bit. They get cleaner sooner that way." Lauren was looking at Bella in confusion. She'd never washed clothes this way before.
"You let them sit in the hot water?" she repeated.
"Yes and even better, you put some of the soap in there to dissolve first. It cuts the wash board work in half."
Bella was a sweaty mess. Washing clothes was pure physical labor and they'd been at it for a good four hours. She had prepared for it by wearing her oldest gown, just a plain brown dress, a little threadbare in places but still decent. She had rolled up the sleeves and pulled her hair back in a severe knot to keep it out of the way but during the course of the morning several strands escaped.
Bella was feeling frustrated. Lauren was a sweet girl but dumber than a post. Bella immediately felt sorry for comparing her to an inanimate object but her patience was gone after hours of constant watching, warning and reminding. It was going to be a long time before Lauren could be trusted to do this on her own.
Fortunately, Bella had devised a clothesline tied between a tree and the drip line of the house, so the clothes had a sunny yard to dry in. She was going to let that final tub of wash soak and put the fire out before getting ready for dinner.
Cookie was fixing dinner on his own today as she had expected to be tied up with the laundry. Using a shovel, she brushed the ashes up over the coals and grabbing a thick pad, she hoisted the kettle out of the fire and sat it on the ground.
Some of the first loads were dry, so she took them off the line and semi-folded them into a large basket. She would iron this afternoon.
Lauren took Boy inside to get their dinner and Bella just stood for a weary moment in the yard, her knuckles kneading her lower back as she stretched, shutting her eyes and feeling the sun on her face. Bliss.
This is how Miss Black first saw Bella; a sweaty mess, wearing a dress so old that most would have torn it up for rags long ago, hair escaping its confinement to hang in moist curls around her neck and face. She turned her nose up in disdain. How Edward could have married this slattern, she would never, ever know.
Her brother, Jacob, however developed a gleam in his eye that would never again leave when he thought of Mrs. Cullen. He would remember her like this for the rest of his life.
She must have felt their stares because her eyes popped open and then her mouth as she saw the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen standing in front of her. Miss Black had stunningly blonde hair, wide blue eyes, and a rose and cream complexion. Her figure was voluptuous without too much flesh and her garments were band box fresh, a pattern-plate of perfection.
"Mr. Black! I am sorry, I didn't hear you arrive."
"It seems that we have caught you at your work, Mrs. Cullen, we can come back at a more convenient time." He doffed his hat and sketched a bow.
"Oh, yes, you have surprised me at my chores, but it's a pleasure," she said out of politeness. She felt as dowdy as a French nun compared to the other woman's appearance. She smiled weakly in their direction.
"Let me introduce you to my sister, Mrs. Cullen. She's been anxious to meet you." He indicated the vision next to him,
"Mrs. Cullen, my sister, Miss Rosalie Black."
Bella and Rosalie curtsied to one another and then Bella said, "I was just going in for dinner. Won't you join us?"
Bella led them to the great room of their house where the table was already set for two but just as she was about to go request some food for her guests, Cookie appeared with dinner. His normally sure-footed step stumbled to a halt as he caught site of the room's occupants and his face lost all color. He appeared as though he was seeing a ghost.
Bella, fearing he was simply startled, even though that seemed out of character, said, "Cookie, we have guests today for dinner. Could you bring some more food, please and ask Lauren to prepare a pot of tea for us?"
The man just continued to stare at Jacob and Rosalie in stunned paralysis.
"Cookie? More dinner please?" Bella requested again.
"Yes'm," he nodded, then turned and left as though he had been scalded, taking the dinner he had brought with him.
Bella was amazed that this seemingly unflappable man was done to pieces for some reason and shook her head just as the front door opened and Edward walked in. Drat. She didn't want him to see her looking like this.
Edward's eyes still warmed when he saw Bella, but he was aware of his visitors so he graciously welcomed them. Bella made her excuses and went to the bedroom to tidy herself for dinner. She regretted she didn't have the time to make a thorough job of it but at least she could have a quick cat bath from the waist up and change into fresher clothes.
After she combed and re-pinned her hair, she came back out again to find Jacob, Rosalie and Edward standing around the empty fire place chatting, waiting for dinner to be served.
"I must say, Mrs. Cullen, we were all quite shocked to learn of your precipitous marriage to Mr. Cullen. It was quite a fast thing," Rosalie looked archly at Bella, obviously scanning her waistline as she did.
"Oh, Lord. Not a witchy neighbor, please." Bella prayed but then she answered, "Mr. Cullen and I have been acquaintances for more than half a year, Miss Black. I suppose it wasn't common knowledge here that we had formed a connection but I've known of folks to get married upon shorter notice."
Bella smiled kindly as she said this. She recognized she was rather tired and cranky and the incomparable beauty of Miss Black had her back up.
"I suppose you're right, Mrs. Cullen. Tell me about your nuptials. What was your dress? Your flowers? Did you have a song?"
Bella shot an amused glance at Edward. Their wedding was simple and to the point but she would always remember every second of it fondly. "It wasn't a very fancy affair, Miss Black, but since I walked into the church as Miss Isabella Swan and out as Mrs. Edward Cullen, I couldn't imagine anything more perfect than that."
Edward chuckled. "Miss Black is the queen bee here abouts and is very knowledgeable about fashion and the latest gossip. She's a little put out with me for not telling her about you."
"Yes, Mr. Cullen, it was very bad of you to keep us all in the dark about your sweetheart. We had such a bleak winter; we needed something to add a spark to our gatherings."
Jacob had been relentlessly studying Bella and he noticed the slight twist of her lips when Rosalie teased her about her quick marriage. He also noticed the besotted look she gave her husband when she commented about her perfect wedding. What did she see in that that straight-laced Jonah? He thought.
Bella saw Lauren and Tyler coming in to bring their dinner and so she rose to suggest they come to the table. As they sat, she wondered where Cookie was, since he was the one who always wanted to make sure the food was to their liking. She worried a bit, thinking something must be wrong.
"Lauren," she whispered, "where's Cookie?"
"He won't come in here, Ma'am. Said it was too stuffy. You want me to open some windows?"
Stuffy? It actually was quite comfortable in here. What is the world was Cookie on about? Maybe his dislike for Jacob Black was that intense, but to Lauren all she said was, "No, that won't be necessary, Lauren. Is Cookie well?"
"Seems to be. Grumbling a bit more than usual but not so's you'd notice."
The four sat together and had a fine meal of sliced ham, potatoes, green beans and some delicious dinner rolls that Cookie was known for. The talk was about generalities until Jacob asked Edward, "Are you going to the Open Range Meeting, Edward?"
"I believe I'll have to. 'Tis a shame it is at the beginning of our busiest time of the year, though."
"It's a useless effort. The politicos have decided to end open ranging, so we may as well accept it," Jacob reflected.
"It would mean a big change in how we do business: no muster, no cattle drives, turning into a farmer instead of a rancher. It would make for hard work for most."
"Are you going to fight it?"
"The only way I know how to fight and win, Jacob."
"And how's that?"
"With my wits." Edward smiled broadly at Jacob. Bella was going to have to question Edward more about this when they were alone.
Rosalie asked, "Will there be a need for cowboys after they close the ranges, Mr. Cullen?"
"As long as there are cows, there will be cowboys. They'll just have to do their job a little differently is all. Perhaps we won't need as many of them as we have had in the past but the good ones will always have a job."
Rosalie shuddered as if the mere thought of those rowdy cowhands gave her chills. There was a lot here for Bella to think about when she had time. Bella rose and suggested that they retire to the front porch for their coffee and pie as the day was lovely and the view admirable.
They spent the rest of their visit enjoying the view and dessert and finally Edward and Bella were able to wave goodbye to brother and sister as their buggy wound its way down the hill.
"I believe I'll start teaching you to shoot tomorrow, Bella."
"Truly? Did you notice any snakes today?"
"I did. One with very beady eyes that couldn't seem to take them off a very taken lady."
"He does make me feel uncomfortable, Edward."
"Trust your instincts, Bella. Be careful of yourself and I will also be doubly careful with you."
"His sister seemed nice enough."
"She is if you like that type. I never had time for it."
"She's quite beautiful, Edward."
"Not half as pretty as you," Edward responded as he wrapped his arm around his wife.
"How's your vision, Edward?" she laughed.
"I see quite clearly, Bella, and I am telling you she doesn't hold a candle to you. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, even counting in Chicago."
Bella playfully slapped Edward's chest. "That's a newly-wedded man speaking there."
"Now Bella, would you like to ask Jacob Black to weigh in on the subject? I am sure he'd agree with me."
She smiled. "Rosalie Black is a beautiful woman, Edward. Incomparable."
Edward shrugged shook his head. In his mind there was no contest. Even Bella's name was beautiful. He smiled down at her. "I have got to go down to the paddock. I'll see you tonight. Why don't you pick out a book for us to read together?"
Bella grinned impishly at him and said, "I suppose the Kama Sutra wouldn't be a good choice, then?"
Edward burst out laughing. "Wife, you please to no end. I think the Kama Sutra is something we'll need to explore a little at a time. It isn't light reading you must admit."
Bella smiled and nodded her head and bid her husband good bye. She had ironing to see to. She was determined to iron Edward's shirts and kerchiefs. She heated up three flat irons on the small stove next to the fire place so she could use one while the others were heating. She put a thick cloth on the table and got to work. It went fairly quickly and she sang while she worked to pass the time.
A few hours later, she had finished the last bit of ironing and most everything was put up with lavender sachets tucked in the folds to keep them sweet. She changed the sheets on their bed and the linens smelt nice and fresh.
She was wondering what book she should pick out for the evening. She noticed that there were two Jane Austen novels she'd never seen before in Edward's grandfather's collection. Dare she pick out one of those?
Perhaps not. The subject matter was of womanly concerns and perhaps Edward would tire of it easily. She remembered there was a nicely bound volume of The Leatherstocking Tales. That was a robust story and probably more to Edward liking.
Checking the mantel clock, she decided she had enough time to bathe and wash the sweat out of her hair. Today's work had been sticky business. She dragged the tub into their bedroom and then took a bucket to the pump house for cold water. After putting that down next to the tub, she went into the cookhouse to get a bucket of hot water.
The only person in there was Cookie and he was staring dejectedly out of the window.
"Cookie, what's ailing you?" Bella asked.
"Nothing that a good tot of whisky wouldn't cure."
"Now, Cookie, I didn't know you were a drinking man."
"Only when I need to be, ma'am."
"And you need to be now?"
"It's looking that way."
"Why?" Bella persisted.
"Matters of the heart, ma'am. Matters of the heart."
"Do you have a sweetheart, Cookie?" Bella's direct question indicated her shock. Cookie has a romance?
"That's the problem. I would like to have a sweetheart but she won't have anything to do with me."
Bella put her hand on his beefy shoulder. He really did look more like a wrangler than a cook. "Does she know how you feel?"
"She does. I made it plain to her a while ago."
"What did she say?"
He laughed ruefully. "She said, and I quote, You think that you, a common cowboy, are worthy of Miss Rosalie Black of the Lazy B Ranch? Emmett McCarty, you must be loco."
Chapter 10 The Meadow
Bella loved waking in the morning next to Edward. If she was lucky, she awoke before he did and she could spend a delicious few moments admiring her handsome husband without him being aware. This morning, Edward was lying on his back with one arm stretched towards her and his leg pressed against hers. It was as if even in his sleep, he had to maintain a connection to her.
Bella sighed. She was so enamored of her husband. Everything about him attracted her. His hair was in its usual disarray and morning scruff shadowed his jaw deliciously. His sculpted chest tantalized her fingers into following their firm slopes. She loved his strong arms that held her so securely when they loved. She was thrilled by his powerful legs and hips that he got from spending days in the saddle. He was Bella's ideal of masculine perfection.
For the life of her, she couldn't imagine that the local girls didn't feel the same way. How had it been so impossible for Edward to find a wife?
Rosalie Black seemed as though she would have been a fitting wife for him—certainly better than Bella. Rosalie was raised on a ranch. She knew what was expected of her as a rancher's wife and even more, knew how to be one. Plus, she had money, of course. Her father left his children with a huge ranch after all and she dressed as well as any woman Bella had ever seen. Not to mention she was extremely beautiful. This was a puzzle to her.
What was it Edward had written in his first letter? That he had'… never found someone of whom I had enough interest to marry or one who had enough interest to marry me.'
She wondered if he had pursued Miss Black and she rejected him? That was a scary thought if Miss Black ever changed her mind. How could Bella compete with such perfection?
Before she talked herself into a truly stupid funk, Bella roused herself. Edward married her in the end and he said he loved her and evidently enjoyed all aspects of their life together. He was always so considerate and kind. He didn't mind her curiosity; he even encouraged it.
She'd spent some time on her own looking over that scandalous book and it truly did give her all sorts of ideas. She wondered if she dared take the initiative and attempt something she had read about? Would Edward be delighted or disgusted? There was only one way to find out.
Bella leaned over her husband and kissed the hollow of his neck then languorously kissed down his chest. Rising a bit, she swung her leg over him so that she straddled his waist.
The first she knew of Edward's awareness of her activities was his arms encircling her as she lay upon his chest, kissing his neck and jaw line. She lifted her head and saw his eyes reflecting a fire for her. "Is this to your liking, Edward?" she whispered.
"Oh yes, Bella," he ground out, "I thought I was dreaming for a moment. You're not stopping here are you?"
She smiled a soft, secret smile, "No. But will you allow me to lead this dance?"
"I'd be delighted to, my love." He smiled and leaned back, determined to savor each moment.
Bella continued to kiss his chest and his neck, sliding down a bit until her womanly bits met with an obstruction in the form of a very willing and ready soldier snake.
She angled her body so that the two parts met, "Shall I, Edward?"
He groaned out, "If you don't, I am afraid I will."
She watched his face as she pushed back and sheathed him. She was delighted to see how his eyes rolled back in his head from pleasure as she settled. She had to admit to herself, it felt different in this position; deeper, fuller, more replete.
She pushed up and braced herself with her hands on his chest as she began to move her hips. Groaning, Edward grabbed them tightly, moving with her. She noticed that he was staring at her breasts which were jumping around like rabbits with their loving. She smiled as it seemed that Edward was oblivious to anything but her bouncing bosoms. His mouth was hanging open and he was gasping for air.
Bella was excited that she could give him so much pleasure but she wasn't quite done. What had that drawing shown? While atop the man, the lady twisted her upper body as she moved over him? Bella turned at her waist, still moving her hips and rising as she did, trying to duplicate the picture.
"Bellllla," Edward rasped out. Then, still moving, Bella twisted to the other side. She had to admit, this felt amazing. It was a little too much for Edward, though.
"Ohhhhhhh, damn!" Edward arched his back and she could actually feel the results of his climax inside. She'd never felt that before. Edward reached up and abruptly pulled her lips to his to kiss her deeply.
"You are an enchantress. You have bespelled me." He kissed her again. "I love you so much, Isabella Cullen, so much."
He had wrapped his arms around her and one hand was cradling the back of her head and he kissed her once more.
Bella melted into his embrace well satisfied with the way this day had started. The Kama Sutra was indeed a wonderful source of marital advice. She leaned up and studied Edward's face. He seemed to be the epitome of a satisfied man.
"Are you hungry, Edward?"
"Uhm. No longer… oh, you mean for food? I suppose I could enjoy some steak and eggs. Do you feel up to fixing them?"
"Of course. I just have to get dressed and then I'll go right over to get started."
"What are your plans for the day?"
"Oh, the usual. I was going to turn out that large bedroom in the front upstairs today. I'd like to keep it ready in case we should ever have unexpected guests."
"Is it something Lauren could do?"
"She's very good at working with me on something but not when she's on her own. She can't seem to figure out things easily."
"No, Lauren isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she works hard."
"Did you have something you'd rather me do today?" Bella asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I propose that we pack a picnic and I will take you out on the ranch. You can get some horseback riding in and we can also practice your shooting while we are gone."
Bella's smile was radiant. "I suppose I could ask Lauren to work with Tyler today. He was going to make a better clothes line for me."
"Well, let's get up and get ready. I have a few things to do before we leave."
Bella started to move out of his arms but he won't let her go. She looked questioningly at him. "Bella, what you did this morning was wonderful. I am still recovering from it."
She buried her face into his neck, too bashful to meet his eyes. "I am glad you liked it. I wasn't sure you'd like me being so bold."
"You are welcome to be as bold as you please whenever you'd please. There isn't a happier man on this earth than me, I guarantee you." He kissed her one more time and reluctantly let her get out of bed.
She spent a busy hour getting everything sorted so that she could spend the day with her husband. It was no use giving Lauren a list of things to do as she couldn't read but Bella found that if she gave her one task at a time, she was usually competent.
Cookie was moody in the kitchen, still thinking of his unrequited love. Bella's heart went out to him. She was thinking how awful it would be to love Edward as much as she did and for him not to return it. It was like a knife in her heart. She didn't know how she'd live if that were the case.
Smiling kindly at the cook, she was able to pack some sandwiches, some dried fruit and a few slices of cheese and a canteen of fresh water. She didn't have a basket to put it in so she just wrapped the food up in a large napkin and went back to the main house.
One of the purchases Edward made for Bella while they were in Denver was a riding costume. This one was particular to the west. It looked like a long, full skirt when standing but it was actually a pair of very loose trousers with full legs.
Women rode astride in these parts as the trails were frequently rough. It was easier to stay in the saddle that way, especially when using the western saddles with their deep seats and high horns. There were a few women who would ride side-saddle in the west but Edward wanted his wife to be safe, or at least as safe as he could keep her.
With the riding skirt, she wore a cotton blouse and a short-waisted jacket. Edward even had her fitted with her own pair of cowboy boots as he found them to be the best for riding. Their pointed toes made it easier to find the stirrup and the thick, high heels kept the rider's foot seated correctly. Plus, the extra height they gave Bella when she wore them made her lips more accessible to his. He tried that out several times to be sure.
He also purchased a fine pair of Spanish leather riding gloves for Bella. They would protect her hands but were so sensitive, it would feel like she wasn't wearing any gloves at all. The final touch was a Stetson hat that matched his own.
Bella was dressed and ready when Edward came up from the barn. She literally took his breath away. When he remembered to breathe, he smiled. "You look like a true ranchera, Bella. You lack one thing, though."
He went over to his chest of drawers and pulled out a large bandana. He folded it long ways and then wrapped it around his wife's neck, tying it neatly at her neck. "Kerchiefs are always a necessity on the range, Bella."
He led her out to the paddock where two horses were waiting for them. Bella recognized the large mare that Edward had ridden to Denver but the other was a smaller horse.
"This is Tanya, Bella. She's an Arabian and is playful but gentle. I thought you'd like to meet her and see if she suits you."
Bella took her gloves off and went up to gentle Tanya's velvet nose. Tanya's ears were forward and her large eyes were sparkling as she snuffled Bella's hands.
"She's lovely, Edward."
"Let's get you up in the saddle and see how it goes."
He adjusted the stirrups and hefted Bella into the saddle. She had never ridden astride before and she found it much easier and more comfortable, at least for the moment. Edward took the napkin with their food tied into it and put it into his saddle bag along with the canteen she prepared.
Eric approached with two rifles. Edward took the smaller one and slid it into the scabbard on Bella's saddle and then put the other one in his own. Edward mounted his horse then turned the reins. "Are you ready to go, Bella?"
"As I ever will be, I suppose." He smiled at her and led the way out of the paddock and down along the lane. When they got away from the barnyard, Edward eased his horse up alongside of Bella's. He was watching her seat and not for the usual reasons he would watch it.
"You're a natural, Bella. Just be sure to rise with your legs as the horse rises and you won't be as sore at the end of the day. It also makes your legs stronger." He winked at her when she glanced at him.
She knew that he was thinking of her exploits this morning and her cheeks flamed. Edward laughed to see her reaction.
"Are you ready to go faster, Bella?"
She nodded and they kicked their steeds into a trot. Bella was surprised at how easy it was to manage this. It was a revelation to her.
"I think men have been keeping things from us."
Edward looked at her questioningly.
"Astride is a lot easier than side saddle, Edward."
He smiled, "Yes. Convention at the expense of comfort. Sounds like civilization to me."
"Is that another reason you left Chicago?"
"Yes. The atmosphere was stifling. I hated it."
"I am glad I am here with you, Edward."
He laughed. "And I'm delighted that you are glad."
He began pointing out various places of interest on his spread and Bella relished the thought that she was going to spend the rest of her life here with this man. It was a beautiful, wonderful place. Her heart was happy.
After they had ridden for a while, Edward led Bella up to an open meadow, filled with wild flowers and sweet smelling grasses.
"Lovely," Bella sighed.
"I thought this would be a good place to picnic." Edward swung out of his saddle and then helped Bella out of hers. They settled the horses then Edward unpacked his saddle bag. There was a nice overlook that was a perfect place to spread their blanket. Bella sat in the middle of it and started to unwrap their food. Edward sat down next to her and took the sandwich she handed to him.
"This is my favorite place—next to one other—on the ranch."
"It is indeed beautiful, Edward, but where is the other place?"
He had picked a wildflower growing in the grass nearby and held it out to her, "Any place where you are, my love."
He was just too perfect. Bella's heart beat so hard that it was painful. She took the flower and put it behind her ear, then leaned over to kiss Edward. "You are too sweet, husband."
"Must be the company I've been keeping."
They ate the rest of their dinner, sitting side by side just enjoying their togetherness. Edward pointed out birds that were flying over head and named the various wildflowers. She was intrigued by his knowledge.
After they had finished their meal, Edward suggested that they start with her rifle training. Edward sat up a shooting range at the back of the meadow.
Edward handed Bella her rifle. "This is a light gauge rifle, Bella. There isn't as much as a kick back with it but you can't shoot as far. It should be fine for your purposes."
The first thing he did was get out a wad of cotton and tore two hunks off of it. "Put this in your ears, Bella. The rifle is loud when it fires."
He showed her how to hold the stock tightly to her shoulder, line up the sites and the target, and squeeze the trigger.
Bella was surprised at the kickback and her first shot went wide but her next was better. Edward got his rifle out and they shot together for several rounds. Her ears where ringing by the time they had finished and her shoulder was beginning to feel a little bruised.
"You did very well, Bella. You'll be a crack shot before long."
Bella messaged her shoulder. The sun was blazing down on them and she was feeling quite sweaty. "It's hot work learning to shoot."
"I believe I have just the thing for you, then." He held out his hand to her and led her beyond a few trees at the edge of the meadow and there was a pond. "See, a swimming hole."
"You think we should swim here?" Bella asked.
"Why not?"
"We don't have swimming costumes."
Edward's look was incredulous. "We don't need them."
"Edward! We are outside!"
"There's no one else here, Bella. Just us two and I don't mind seeing you in your birthday suit."
Bella blushed and said, "You are sure no one else will see?"
"I made sure the men were working on the other side of the ranch today. No one else is up here." He began to take off his shirt.
Bella shyly removed her jacket and folded it before putting it down. She pulled off her boots and started to unbutton her blouse. By that time Edward was already naked and he dove into the pool, splashing her.
"Edward, this means war, you should know!"
She slipped out of her skirt and was down now to her drawers and camisole. He splashed her again, so she shrugged and stripped the rest of the way and dove in. Edward didn't realize she could swim. Soon they were teasing and splashing around in the pond. Their playing led to touches that led to caresses that led to kisses that led to what it always led to in their case.
Edward picked Bella up and carried her out of the pond to a sunny patch of grass. Their kisses were incendiary and soon they were expressing their love in the most intimate way, right there in the middle of the Wild West, in front of God, and his creatures.
The solitary horseman sitting on the ridge overlooking the meadow and the pond, growled in pent up emotion as he watched the unsuspecting couple express their love.
He'd never in his life seen such a beautiful woman and the fact that Edward Cullen had her whenever he wished just made his bile rise.
If it was the last thing he did, Jacob Black was going to have her for himself.
