Chapter 9

Their wedding ceremony was a small one with only Pete's parents, Ray and his wife, and of course, Mrs. Cuthbert attending, primarily because that's how Bella wanted it. It could have been a massive affair, and if Peter's sweet mother had had her way, it would have been. But even from his sick bed, Peter had seemed to know how Bella felt about the whole thing, and had told his mother no.

Now here they were, ready to pledge themselves to each other and their future together, whatever that future may hold.

As she slowly walked the aisle, Bella realized with surprise that this was the first time she'd seen Peter in anything other than denim pants and a white linen shirt, but she certainly wasn't disappointed. She couldn't help but admire what a handsome figure he cut in a suit, though she fully intended to mess up his slicked back hair the first chance she got.

As she got closer, they grinned at each other, and the sparkle in Peter's eyes along with the dimple in his cheek convinced her, yet again, that she had never seen a more gorgeous male—human or vampire—in her life.

It had taken a month after the shooting to be able to even have this ceremony. The Doctor had extracted the bullet from Peter's shoulder which had been an ordeal the like of which she hoped they'd never have to go through again.

She had stayed beside Pete the whole time as Ray and Pete's father had held Pete down. It had been necessary in spite of the huge dose of laudanum the doctor had given him, but to Peter's credit, he hadn't screamed at all. He had grit his teeth and borne it like a trooper, and was pretty damned proud of that fact, too. He had even kept the blasted lump of lead as a souvenir.

After the grueling extraction (the thing had been deep, and had even cracked his collarbone), he'd taken the slug from the Doctor's bloody fingers and proudly held it up for Bella to see as she'd wiped the sweat from his brow. And when she'd nodded through her tears and kissed his faintly smiling lips, he'd promptly passed out cold.

A fever had set in shortly after that and she had spent every minute by his side, bathing him to cool him down and performing quiet healing chants and simple rituals to the goddess when they were alone and he was unconscious.

The fever had broken in two days and he had recovered quickly after that, becoming an impatient and sarcastic ass which Bella'd proved to be more than a match for.

He'd been shocked into silence a couple of times by her snarky rejoinders until he'd finally grinned and laughed, grimacing when the movements pained his healing shoulder. Afterwards though, he'd pulled her to him, kissing her and telling her how much he loved her.

Now here they were, finally facing each other at the alter.

Bella stared into those beautiful hazel eyes she loved so much and could barely comprehend the love she felt for him. It filled her very being sending her soul soaring with the joy of it even as her heart ached with the profundity of the step they were taking.

She was barely aware of the pastor speaking but somehow she got through her vows and responses to finally hear the words, "You may kiss your Bride."

Peter stepped forward and pulled her into his arms as he leaned down, taking her lips in a sweet kiss before backing away with a grin. "You ready to get outta here Mrs. Whitlock?"

She smiled. "Like you wouldn't believe." He offered his arm and she took it.

Together they stepped down and were congratulated by Pete's parents first, his father shaking his hand with suspiciously misty eyes. "Congratulations son. You're a good man and I'm so proud of ya. Remember what we talked about, and treat her right son."

Bella could have sworn Pete blushed and that made her wonder just what their talk had been about.

"I will Pa, and thank you."

Her new father-in-law turned to Bella then and her breath caught when their eyes met. Something about him was nagging at her, like she knew him from another place or time. His hair was lighter than Pete's - more golden-blond than sandy, like his son's - and his features...his face was so familiar but not, and she just couldn't place it.

Yes, she'd seen him when the doctor was removing the bullet from Pete's shoulder and afterward while she'd cared for him, but she hadn't really looked at the man then, too caught up in the fear and worry of the situation to see beyond Pete and his pain.

He took her free hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles. "Welcome to the family Isabella."

She smiled. "Thank you Mr. Whitlock."

He placed an arm around his wife and smiled, and Bella got that nagging feeling again. She knew that smile from somewhere... "None of that now. You can call me Jim or Pa, whichever you prefer."

"Thank you, I will."

Mrs. Whitlock stepped forward, hugging her son tightly before turning to Bella to give her a light hug too. "Take care of my boy," she whispered.

"I will, I promise," Bella returned with a smile.

Ray approached next with his wife Helen, and he shook Pete's hand heartily, a huge grin on his face. "'Bout time ya got hitched old man! Congratulations partner."

Pete laughed. "Old man? I'm only 23!"

"Yeah well, still, most men your age have a couple a' young 'uns by now. Ya got some catchin' up to do."

Bella felt the blood drain from her face as Pete slugged Ray in the arm, both of them laughing. "You just mind your business and I'll mind mine, partner."

Mrs. Cuthbert stepped up and hugged Bella. "My best wishes to you on your marriage, Miss Isabella. If you need anything, you be sure and let me know. Don't be a stranger. I'll be missin' you at the boardin' house."

Bella smiled warmly. "I'll be sure to visit."

Pete grabbed Bella's hand and looped her arm through his. "It's time for me to take my wife home. Thank you all for comin' and for your good wishes."

Bella looked up at him with a smile as they left the church and he helped her into the waiting carriage that had been a gift from the town for Pete's bravery in thwarting the bank robbery.

Pete glanced at her with a grin as he snapped the reins over the horse's back to move it out. "I can hardly believe you're mine. You've made me so happy, sugar."

She leaned into his side, her hand running over the fine fabric of his suit sleeve as she smiled softly. "I love you. More than I have ever loved anyone before." She looked up, meeting his gaze. "It scares me at times, you know? What would I do if I ever lost you? How could I go on?"

He took her hand, placing a gentle kiss to the back as they stared at each other. "I swear to you now Bella, I'll always come back to you. I'll never let anything happen to where I can't get back to you."

She shook her head, looking away. "You can't make such a promise. You're a Ranger and things happen, like the bank..." Her eyes met his. "We're only human…"

He tugged her hand, his look earnest as she met his gaze once again.

"No Bella, I'll always get back to you, no matter what. I won't let myself get killed." He grinned. "I refuse to let that happen. Don't be afraid and don't worry. We're gonna grow old together and watch our children grow up and have young 'uns of their own, just you wait and see." He kissed her hand as he looked into her eyes. "I'll always come home to you. I promise."

She leaned up and kissed his lips softly as the carriage rolled to a stop in front of Pete's house. "I'm going to hold you to that Peter Whitlock and I want you to know that I'll be very angry if you break that promise."

He grinned, kissed her again and hopped down from the carriage. "That will never happen Mrs. Whitlock. I never break a promise."

She climbed down with his help and he swept her into his arms as the stable hand drove the carriage to the back. "Peter Whitlock! Your shoulder! Put me down before you hurt yourself!"

He pulled her closer, kissing her breathless before whispering against her lips. "Hush wife. I'm fine."

He climbed the steps and opened the front door as she protested. "If that shoulder starts bleeding again…"

Her voice trailed off as he carried her in and she got her first look at the inside. It was nothing like she expected a single man's home to be. It was comfortable and homey, the furniture looking rather new and tasteful.

He smiled as he set her on her feet. "Welcome home, Mrs. Whitlock."

She pressed herself against him, pulling him down into a kiss, their passions igniting as they made love to each other with lips and tongues.

Breaking the kiss she murmured, "The house is great, husband, but I'm more interested in you at the moment."

He grinned. "Yeah?"

"Yes, I'd be very happy if you showed me the bedroom now."

She smirked as he swallowed thickly. "Okay then."

He took her hand and led her down a hallway, finally stopping in front of the very last door which he opened as he stood aside. "This is it."

She walked in and tugged his hand, urging him to follow. The bed was a huge, mahogany four-poster, made up with plump pillows and a gorgeous, wedding quilt done in muted shades of grey and blue. Bella ran her hand over the meticulously hand-stitched quilt in awe. "It's beautiful Pete." She turned to him and cupped his cheek. "I love it."

He placed his hand over hers and turned his head to softly kiss her palm. "It's a gift from my Mama. She told me she started it the day after I told them about you and she just finished it."

Her grin stretched slowly as she raised a brow. "And just when did you tell them about me?"

He pulled her into his arms and smiled against the tender skin of her neck as he murmured, "The day you dragged me through what must'a been every shoppin' establishment in the city." He placed warm, shiver-inducing kisses as his hands roamed her back, one dipping low enough to softly squeeze her bottom. With a quiet moan she hitched a leg over his and pulled herself closer as he murmured between gentle sucks and nips, "The day you told me off then kissed me senseless," he breathed as his teasing kisses trailed to her jaw, "The day I knew I had to make ya mine or die tryin'." His lips captured hers in a searing kiss and as he expertly plundered her willing mouth, she buried her hands in his hair, mussing the soft, sandy strands just as she'd promised herself she would. When he ended the kiss with a teasing nip and soothing suck to her bottom lip, her eyes slowly opened to see his pleased grin.

She returned his grin with one of her own while carding her fingers through his hair. "You are an evil tease, Whitlock," she breathed while trying to get her breathing back under control.

He chuckled. "Not if I fully intend to follow through, wife." He gestured to a door across the room. "That there's the washroom. If you want to, uh, get ready I'll wait here. There's a clothes press in there for you. My mother and Mrs. Cuthbert saw to your things early this morning, so you should have everything ya need."

Bella stroked his cheek for a moment, smiling at his obvious case of nerves as she dropped her hand. "That was very kind of them. I'll have to remember to thank them later." She gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I'll be back in a bit."

He nodded and she left the room to change. When the door closed behind her he ran a hand through his hair and blew out a nervous breath, speaking quietly to himself as he removed his suit jacket and loosened the knot of his tie. "Damn Pete, pull yourself together…"

Bella's voice startled him as he undressed down to his skivvies.

"Did you say something?"

He peeled back the covers of the bed and jumped in, pulling them over his lap as he answered. "Uh, no, just mumbling was all."

She opened the door and walked out, wearing a light cotton robe, her hands wringing together nervously as she smiled weakly.

Flipping back the covers on the other side of the bed, he looked back at her and cleared his throat nervously. "Care to join me?"

"Absolutely" she said as she climbed onto the bed and knelt next to him.

"I've never…" she met his eyes. "I mean, well…"

He took her hand and kissed it. "I haven't either. I mean, I have a basic idea and my Pa talked to me some yesterday…" he spoke quietly, a light blush staining his cheeks. "…but that's it as far as experience goes." His gaze locked with hers as he gently squeezed her hand. "I'll try to do my best by you though. I'll try not to hurt you too badly, but I know it'll hurt and for that I'm regretful." He looked down. "I've, uh, heard that women don't generally like their wifely duties, so I'll try to make it quick…"

Her head snapped up from where she'd been staring into her lap. "What? No! Did your father tell you that? Because it's not true!"

"No, Pa didn't, but Ray and some of the other Rangers..."

"Well, they're wrong."

His brow pinched in confusion and she thought about what she was saying. "Well, at least I don't think it's true… not that I would really know or anything… I mean, I've heard it can be pleasurable… for the woman…"

She trailed off with a slight shrug as she realized that her modern knowledge and views of sex were showing, and he still looked baffled as he studied her blushing face.

"You've heard? From whom exactly?" Now he looked worried and Bella's mind raced to come up with a plausible answer. She couldn't very well tell him about sex-ed, TV, and the internet, now could she?

"Well…" Her hands twisted together in her lap. "…uh, m…my mother used to talk to me about these things when I was growing up, you know, to prepare me for married life."

His brows climbed. "She talked about such things with a child? And why didn't you tell me that you were regainin' your memories? What all do you remember?"

Bella's stomach dropped when she realized the hole she'd dug for herself in this situation and she struggled for something to say that wouldn't worsen things. "I really only remember little bits and pieces here and there from when I was growing up, just small glimpses…"

"Do you remember where you're from? Perhaps we can locate your kinfolk…"

She grabbed his hand and met his eyes. "No Peter. I don't remember and I've no wish to try. You're my life now and I love you. I'm your wife and the past can stay in the past for all I care." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Please, this is our day. We're married and we should be focusing on us today… please?"

He studied her for a moment, still looking very concerned before finally answering. "All right. We'll forget about it for now, but we need to talk about this. I get the feelin' that there's things you're not tellin' me."

Relief flooded her as she leaned forward and kissed him, drawing back to look in his eyes as she spoke. "There's nothing important about my memories. You're all that matters to me now." It was the only honest response she could give him since there was a hell of a lot she was keeping from him, but needs must...

Stifling the guilt she felt, she kissed him again, and they lost themselves to their passion as he pulled her body flush to his. Soon, he rolled her to lay beneath him as his hand trailed slowly from her trim waist to the side of her breast.

She gasped into their kiss as pleasure shot through her at his touch in such a sensitive place, but she wanted, no, she needed more so she placed her hand over his and guided his hand until he cupped her breast fully.

He broke the kiss with a groan, staring into her eyes as he moved his hand to explore the softness of her. He marveled at the feeling and the hardened peak he could feel in the center of his palm as he gently kneaded her flesh, drawing a soft moan from her as he ran his thumb over the rigid bud.

"You're so soft, so beautiful…" he whispered reverently and she smiled as she reached for the string that held the robe together in the front to pull it and bare herself to his heated gaze.

He looked dazed for a moment and she smiled softly at him, her hand cupping his cheek. "Touch me, Peter. Love me. I'm all yours."

He looked down at her exposed body, something like wonder in his eyes as he moved the robe off of her body fully, his fingers tracing lightly beneath her breasts, then slowly down her abdomen and to her center where he stopped as he glanced back up at her. "May I?"

Opening her legs just a bit, she nodded, whispering, "Yes."

She watched him as he looked back down, softly tracing her soft curls and folds before parting them with a single finger, drawing a low moan from her when he breached her body, his finger sliding into her slick heat gently as her hips tipped up against his hand, seeking, needing.

"More Peter, please…"

He looked up at her, startled when she reached down and guided his thumb to her clit, showing him how to rub and circle it softly before removing her hands with a pleased sigh. "Yes, just like that… don't stop."

She ran her hands over her rib cage then over her breasts, writhing a bit at the feeling of what he was doing now that he had the hang of it. His name left her lips on a low, breathy moan as she felt her orgasm build.

She reached for his face and drew him into a kiss and he met her with equal passion, their shared breaths heavy with it as they nipped and sucked and soothed with lips and tongues.

She broke the kiss and met his eyes as she caressed her breast with her fingertips, whispering to him, "Kiss me here Peter", as she circled the nipple with her index finger. "Please?"

He nodded and started to withdraw his hand from her center, but froze at her next words. "No! No, please don't stop… I'm almost…I'm almost there."

He looked a bit confused but kept going as he nuzzled against her breast, drawing a louder moan from her as he licked, kissed, then firmly sucked in her nipple.

"Oh god yes!" she whispered, her center rocking against his hand as she buried her hands in his hair.

"So close…" she muttered, "yes, so close… oh… oh… Peter!"

She arched up as she came, closing her legs to still his hand as she enjoyed the pulsing waves of pleasure that moved through her, a smile of satisfaction curving her lips as he removed his hand and looked at her with curiosity in his eyes.

"Hmmm" she stretched and turned her head on the pillow, lazily opening her eyes to look at him with a smile. "That was wonderful, thank you."

He smiled tentatively. "You really enjoyed it?"

She chuckled and grabbed his hand, drawing him down to lay beside her as she kissed his lips, her answer spoken softly and playfully. "Yes, I enjoyed it very much."

Her hand traveled down his chest and she followed its path with her mouth, placing kisses as she tugged at his skivvies. "Are you going to take these off, husband?" She mumbled against his skin. She bit lightly at his nipple, drawing a groan from him as he tilted his head back. "Lord have mercy, wife, what are you doing to me?"

She ran her hand around his hip and over his hardness, stroking firmly as his breath caught, his eyes wide as he looked at her. "What… what are you doing?"

She grinned as she heard the strain in his voice, sucking in his bottom lip before answering between kisses. "I am touching my man." She drew back. "Do you want me to stop?"

He reached down, stilling her slowly stroking hand with his own. "I'm afraid if ya don't, this might be over before it begins."

Giving him a small, sheepish smile and a nod she slipped out of the sleeves of her robe and tossed it over the end of the bed as she laid back against the pillows.

She watched as he finished undressing and reached out to him as he moved to cover her body with his own, her heart speeding up as a spike of nerves kicked in.

This was it, and she had to admit to being a bit scared of the pain she knew was coming. He wasn't little by any means, and while she knew that would be a wonderful thing in the coming years, today it was probably going to be a bit of hell on earth.

She saw him wince as he supported his weight over her. "Are you going to be all right?" She kissed his shoulder and met his eyes as he settled himself, kissing her as he cradled her head in his hands. "Yeah, sugar, I'm fine. It's just a bit tender is all."

She studied his face for a moment before giving a nod. "All right, but promise me you'll say something if it gets to be too much? You don't have to be the tough Texas Ranger with me you know?"

He grinned and kissed her. "Yes I do. I aim to keep you happy."

She held his face, her look serious. "I am happy with you and not because you're a Ranger or a tough guy. I'll always love you no matter what, Peter Whitlock, you hear me? No matter what."

He stared into her eyes, all mirth gone as he gave her a slow nod. "I hear you, and I'll always love you, Isabella Whitlock, no matter what."

Her eyes filled with tears and she smiled as she wrapped her legs around his hips and whispered, "Then love me, husband."

He kissed her then as he lined himself up and slowly entered her. He whispered apologies against her lips as she cried out, tears of pain tracing a path into the hair at her temples as her body slowly stretched and yielded to his.

He gasped and groaned as he finally seated himself within her fully. "Heaven… good lord, being inside you is a little piece of heaven."

He drew back, looking at her as he dried her tears with his thumbs. "You all right sugar?"

She blinked up at him, doing her best to stifle her tears. "I will be." Her voice trembled as she spoke. "The worst of it is over I think."

He kissed her, softly sucking and nipping at her lips between sweet words as he did his best to stay still, letting her adjust. "I'm sorry baby doll… so sorry for hurting you."

She wrapped her arms around him, marveling at the feel of his smooth, sun-kissed skin and solid muscles under her hands as she whispered to him. "I'm okay now."

With that, he drew his hips back and began thrusting slowly, his face tucked between her neck and shoulder, completely missing her closed eyes and pained expression as she bit her lip to remain quiet through the pain.

"Oh Isabella", he gasped as he picked up speed, holding her close against him. "You feel so damn good…"

Four more thrusts later he stilled, groaning against her neck as he filled her.

He pulled out and laid down beside her and she immediately curled up against him, doing her best not to cry. She knew if she did, he would hate himself for it and probably be reluctant to do this again any time soon. Not that she'd be suggesting it for a couple days to come, she thought, chuckling mentally through her residual pain. However, she knew that she would be all about getting more of that when she was over the soreness from losing her V-card. And she'd sure as hell didn't want to have to beg for it.

She smiled as he pulled her close and nuzzled her neck. "How are you feeling, sugar?"

"Honestly?" she asked, and he kissed her brow before murmuring, "Of course."

"It still hurts some and I could use a good soak in a hot bath, but I'll be fine."

She leaned up and kissed his chest, then eyed the puckered scar just below his collarbone. "How's your shoulder?"

"It's fine baby doll, I keep tellin' you. No need to keep worryin' over it."

Her fingers traced over his taut abs, the muscles tensing and flexing under her touch. "I'll worry if I want to, husband."

He rolled to his side and pulled her close, his lips capturing hers in a languid kiss. He met her eyes while running his fingers through her hair. "I just can't seem to get enough of you."

"Pete, I don't think I'll be able to do that again for a couple of days…"

"Shhh", he soothed as he kissed her temple. "I didn't mean it like that darlin'. I meant just bein' close to you, holdin' you… that's what I meant." He glanced down at her, his eyes full of apology as they met hers. "I know I hurt you and I know it's gonna take a few days for you to feel right again. I'll wait until you say you're ready. I would never force you, Isabella."

Leaning up on her elbow, she gave him a soft kiss. "You're such a fine man, Peter Whitlock, and I'm so happy you're mine." She smiled and moved out of his arms and crawled out of the bed, then donned her discarded robe.

"Where ya goin' sugar?"

She felt a blush heat her cheeks as she turned to face him. "Well, I need to answer nature's call…"

He relaxed against the pillows. "Ah, right. Well, seein' as how the crew I hired hasn't finished installin' all the new-fangled stuff in the wash-room yet, those facilities are still out back." He looked apologetic. "I wanted it all done in time for the weddin' but they just couldn't get to it all. I'm sorry, sugar."

"No worries, I'll make do," she said with a small smile. "I'll be back in just a bit and then I think I'll take a bath."

He sat up and propped his forearms on his knees. "Now that part they did finish. I'll start it for you while you're out."

Rising from the bed, he grabbed his skivvies and slipped back into them as she turned and left the room, heading toward the kitchen and the door to the back yard.

Closing the door behind herself, she was delighted to see a stone path that wound away from the main house and led to a small out-house in the distance.

Eyeing the structure with disdain, her thoughts wandered to all the modern conveniences that she missed, like flush toilets for instance, and disposable feminine products, and modern clothes washers! Washing out her cloth monthly pads had been a terrible experience and she didn't look forward to the monthly chore. Suffering the period was bad enough as it was without modern pain killers.

So lost in thoughts, she didn't realize she wasn't alone until the sound of an arrogant masculine chuckle made her freeze in her tracks. Her heart tripped as her attention immediately snapped to a thick hedge that edged the property where the sound had come from.

"Well, well, if it ain't the delicious smelling human I've been savin' up for a special occasion." He emerged from the deepening shadows behind one of the tall bushes, and his blood-red eyes seemed to pierce straight through her.

Sheer terror made her feel both hot and cold at once as one weakly whispered word left her lips.

"Jasper."

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