Penny: So, the boys are back on the ranch...wonder what'll happen now?
Puzzy: Yeah, the 'honeymoon' is over... Sadly, they are going to learn to handle reality now.
Penny: True, but I have faith that our boys will do the best they can...they are very determined lol
Puzzy: That they are :D And so much in love, it's borderline unicorns and rainbows! LOL..
Penny: HAHAHAHAA! I love rainbows! JS...Aaanyway, we wanna thank Corey, for being the fab beta he is, and our new prereader, Delphius Fanfic. She is wonderful!
Puzzy: Agreed! And a huge thanks to our readers and reviewers! Without your support, this story would be nothing! Read on!
Penny: We don't own Twilight, we just play with SM's boys :) Enjoy!
JPOV
I watched as Emmett and Edward walked together towards the house, Em's arm resting brotherly around Edward's shoulders. How I wished that was my arm laying there. Sighing deeply, I took the mare's rope and walked towards the foaling barn with her and her baby, settling them up in a large stall with plenty of straw on the floor and a large helping of fresh hay and water. I stood there for a while, just watching while the mare and foal investigated their new surroundings.
I felt all warm and fuzzy inside at the sight - so beautiful and peaceful. The antics of little Twilight made me smile as he staggered around and made small bucks and shook his head. The mare just snorted and soon started to eat the hay. After a while of fooling around, the foal got a drink of his ma's milk and settled down as well. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this content and happy. I'd found the love of my life in the most unexpected of circumstances - now we just had to work out how to keep each other without raising suspicion.
Quietly, I left the pair to themselves and started towards the bunk house for a wash and a change of clothes before supper. Halfway across the yard, I heard a feminine voice ring out.
"Jasper, hold up!" Rosalie waved at me from the kitchen porch, beckoning me closer.
"Yes, missus?" I asked when I got within hearing range and couldn't help but smile at the beautiful, statuesque blond in her apron and with loose tendrils of hair framing her smiling face.
"Do you want a hot bath? Edward just finished, and there's still plenty of fresh, hot water on the stove, if you'd like?"
"Much obliged, that would be a Godsend!" A soak in a tub full of warm water was just what I needed to take care of my still achy muscles and to get rid of the grime from the trail. My smile widened and I nodded politely at her, when she showed me around the house to a private area just off the porch, shielded by a high wooden screen.
"If you'll just tip out the dirty water, I'll fill it for you while you get some clean clothes to wear," she said and gestured for me to empty the tub for her, which of course, I willingly did.
After retrieving my change of clothes, I went back to the enclosure and sighed at the sight of the steaming water, the fresh bar of soap and the large towel she had laid out for me; a welcome change from the old scraps of cloth I usually made do with. Quickly stripping naked, I soon carefully lowered my body in the hot water. My skin was practically singed from the heat, but I persisted. It soaked through to my bones, relaxing my muscles and dissolving the grime.
Leaning back my head, I just sat there, relishing in the luxury that a bath had come to be. Who would have imagined the spoiled rich boy, Jasper Whitlock, lawyer in training, would go for weeks without a hot bath, making do with a bar of soap and a stream in the ground? I chuckled to myself at the irony. Just six months ago, a hot bath was a regular occurrence, but now it felt like a luxury beyond belief.
Soaping up the rag, I started to glide it over my skin. It felt so good - it reminded me of the gliding touch of Edward's hands as we had built up a sweat in our stuffy little tent. My arousal building, I let the soapy cloth run over my hardening cock, enjoying the slick feeling. Willing myself to stop, I listened for sounds from the kitchen - I would not succumb to the temptation of bringing myself to release with the missus right around the corner. My stubborn cock didn't get the message, however. I had to imagine that vile woman from the mercantile - Mrs. Brandon - to make it fall. But she certainly did the trick and my proud erection quickly went flaccid at the very idea of her touch when she measured me for a new shirt.
After my enjoyable wash, I stood up and rinsed off with the small pail that stood to the side, making sure to wash out all the soap from my hair. Feeling chilled in the cooling evening air, I wrapped myself in the towel and took out my razor to have a real shave. Using the small mirror attached to the screen, I thoroughly removed all of the stubble that had built up and padded my skin dry. After re-dressing, I tried to tame my hair that was rapidly drying in large curls around my face and tied it at my neck with a leather string as had become habit. I really needed a haircut soon, but Edward seemed to appreciate the length so much, especially during our lovemaking. Maybe I should just leave it be for now.
With a content smile on my face, I emptied out the tub and left it to dry on its side, before bundling up my dirty laundry. I left that at the porch and made my way inside to supper. Faint noises from the others starting to get in reached my ears; their chatter and laughter ringing through the open door.
Once inside the spacious kitchen, I took my seat at the bench, next to Edward who was already seated, engrossed in conversation with Emmett. When he felt my thigh against his, he shot me a look and a small smile - the crooked, secret one that he reserved just for me. After I returned it, I looked around the kitchen and caught Rosalie's eyes. She was watching us, an interested glint in her bright blue eyes and a small smile curling around the corner of her mouth.
EPOV
Jasper's thigh was warm against my own, and I acknowledged him with a small smile, but the dream I had was still fresh in my mind. I had to admit, I was scared as hell. I wanted to tell someone, preferably Jasper, but I knew I couldn't. I was all alone in my fear.
Emmett was still rambling on about the brood mares all while dishing out bowls of the fragrant stew and passing them around the table. Just looking at the food set before me made my stomach churn uncomfortably. I had been hungry when I got out of the bath, but not anymore. Now I would be lucky to choke down a few mouthfuls.
When all the bowls were passed around and Rose had EJ settled on her lap, Emmett bowed his head. "Heavenly Father..." he started, and I tuned him out, replaying that damn dream in my mind again. I know why it bothered me so much, it was because I saw Jasper burning. My Jasper was being burnt at the stake because of me.
An elbow to the ribs alerted me to the fact that Emmett had finished saying the prayer and everyone was eating. Looking up, I saw Emmett looking at Rose and EJ. Thank God he didn't notice me.
"Tell me more about the rustlers," Emmett said after swallowing his mouthful of food. "How many?"
"Two. Jasper took the gun from one and I fought the other."
"Roughed him up pretty good," Jasper commented, and Emmett's frown deepened.
"That so?" he mused, and I nodded.
"Yeah, why?"
"Newton, down at the mercantile, went missing for a day, then came back with a broken nose. Doc had to set it," Emmett said. "He wouldn't say how he got it. He had two nice shiners to go with it, too."
Jasper and I looked at each other, then back at Emmett. "You don't think...?"
"I don't know," Emmett replied. "But it seems like the timing was too right not to be a fluke. I think I'll have a talk with him when I go back to town."
"You know," Jasper said, "it does seem strange because no one would have known where we were unless they heard talking in town."
"You're right, Jasper," Emmett agreed."I might take Sheriff Swan with me when I go see Newton."
Jasper nodded as Emmett asked, "Would either of you be able to identify either of the men?"
Frowning, I thought back to that night, and the scuffle. "The moon was full but their hats were low and they wore kerchiefs over their mouths and noses. I don't think I could."
"Me neither," Jasper added. "It was a little too dark and I had my hands full trying to dodge a gun."
There was a murmur of laughter around the table, and I glanced around at all the hands. They were listening to us intently, hanging on our every word. All of them had accepted Jasper so freely. They knew he knew what he was doing on the ranch, and they respected him. It made pride swell in my heart that Jasper had earned their respect and admiration so quickly. Even Emmett and Rosalie held respect for him, I think.
Looking over at him, I watched him eat, while barely touching my own bowl. He was oblivious of how the hands regarded him, and I truly loved him for that.
JPOV
Eating in contentment, I noticed Edward looking tense and only picking at his food. His smiles didn't come as easily as usual and his eyes were sad. I wondered what caused his change of mood, besides our trip being over.
For my part, my head was spinning with the news Emmett had relayed about the local man with the black eyes and broken nose. Could it really be that one of their friends had tried to steal their horses using deadly weapons? My God, how low would people sink? I was happy that we'd been successful at chasing them away, but a thought kept nagging in the back of my mind. What if it happened again? The pastures out there were a long way from the ranch and generally not guarded. What if...
Impulsively, I opened my mouth and blurted what I was thinking. "Emmett, I had a thought. I don't mean any disrespect, but what if this happens again? You don't have patrols riding around the pastures, especially not those furthest out. It's easy pickings out there, and you will be swarmed with rustler's if word gets out about that! What do you say to making a homestead out there with a couple of men to watch and patrol the outer pastures?" I closed my mouth with an audible snap and blushed over my own audacity. What the fuck, Whitlock?
Emmett and Edward both looked at me with surprise written all over their faces, which quickly transformed into blinding smiles. Their synchronized facial expressions could be a bit spooky sometimes, especially since they didn't look alike at all. The missus watched us from her seat beside Emmett, a knowing glint in her eyes as a her lips slowly spread into a wide grin.
"Emmett, that is sound advice, I think," she spoke softly and throwing me a glance, "but we have to choose the right people to live out there. It's gonna be tough being all alone most of the time, so it has to be someone who gets along."
"I agree, sweetheart, I will give that some thought. The idea is to my liking and we'll definitely build a place out there," Emmett answered her. My stomach was suddenly clenching hard. Could this really be? Could we actually get the chance to make a life together, even if it would be in hiding? I snuck a glance at Edward, who had relaxed his stiff shoulders a bit and was pressing his warm thigh against mine. His mouth was curling at the corner and he had little crinkles around his eyes. He looked happy and like he was trying to hide it.
Looking down on my plate, I continued to shovel food in my mouth, anxious to hear Emmett's decision, but knowing that it wouldn't be settled at the dinner table. An excited chatter started up again, as the hands started to discuss if any of them would like to live all the way out there all alone. It didn't seem like any of them were too keen on the idea though. Gut clenching with anticipation, I suffered through the remainder of the meal and cleared my plate.
When everyone had finished, Rosalie excused us and I stood up, only to be stopped by Emmett's hand on my arm as he reached across Edward.
"Jasper, wait - I want to discuss this idea of yours in a more private setting, just the four of us. You see, I think this could be ideal for Edward. He won't say it, but he's longing to be master in his own house - and since apparently no girl has caught his fancy, that might seem a long way off. But taking care of our outer pastures might be the right solution, you see?" He looked at me questioningly and I quickly nodded.
"But," Emmett continued, "being part owner of this business also removes him from the hands somewhat - and not just anyone would be comfortable living all alone out there with one of the bosses. As I'm sure you could hear, neither of them fancies to live even further away from town, riding about all on their lonesome watching horses all the time. They like the distractions of town and the camaraderie of living here too much...," he trailed off holding my eyes with an imploring gaze and a raised eyebrow.
Clearing my throat, I replied, "I wouldn't mind. I like the solitude, and it's beautiful out there. Edward and I get along well, I think...," I threw Edward a questioning look; though I already knew his answer, we had to play our part. He was quick on the uptake and deliberately slid on a mask of apprehension, tapping his lip with his forefinger, before answering.
"Yeah, I could do that. Jasper and I got along great and I would love to live by myself - it's not like it's the end of the world out there - a couple of days ride, and we'd be back in civilization again. I'm in," he threw me a surreptitious glance of triumph and approval, making my body go slack with relief. We were doing it! We were going to live together!
EPOV
I was shocked as hell when Jasper suggested to Emmett that he needed someone to watch the outer pastures. What surprised me even more was how easily Emmett agreed! He was right about me wanting a homestead of my own, but all of this seemed too good to be true. I couldn't figure out what was up with Rose. She gave Jasper a strange look when he suggested his idea. I would have to watch her more closely.
As excited and happy as I was at having mine and Jasper's dream come to life, a lingering fear resided in the back of my mind. In the dream I had, our homestead was where we got found out by Emmett and what led to our horrible demise. Even out there, away from everyone, we would have to be careful. It wouldn't be complete freedom, but I think I'd known that since I'd realized I liked men.
On the other hand, having the homestead with Jasper would be a dream. Out there on the trail, in that gorgeous meadow, spending time together any way we wanted to was just the way I wanted to live my life. I would be in charge of everything myself, with Jasper by my side.
Thinking back to our time in the pasture, I wondered if Newton was really one of the rustlers. Everything fit into place so easily. He was gone for a day while we were out there, and came back beaten up? I wanted to go with Emmett to talk to him. I was curious to see if Newton reacted in an odd way at seeing me. If he did, I knew it would have had to be him. If it was, he would be sorry he tried to take our horses. I would see to it that he spent time behind bars, and maybe hung. If I knew I wouldn't be hung for it, he would have been dead a long time ago, the slimy bastard.
"What do you think about that, Edward?" Emmett asked, bringing my attention to the conversation at hand.
"What?"
"What do you think about sharing the homestead with Jasper, building one bunkhouse, and taking two of the hands out there with you?" Emmett repeated, and I pretended to think about it for a minute. I didn't give a fuck who was out there with us as long as Jasper and me were the only two sharing the main house. But wait - if there were hands out there, we would have double the risk of getting caught, and no doubt they would be able to hear through the walls.
"I think me and Jasper can handle it," I told Emmett, and felt Jasper nudge my leg under the table in thanks.
"If you're sure," Emmett said.
"Yes, I'm sure, Em. I know what to do and anything Jasper has trouble with, I can help. We'll take good care of the horses, don't worry."
Emmett clapped me on the shoulder, smiling. "I know you will. Well, it's settled. Tomorrow, I'll go into town, see Newton, and get the lumber to start building. Y'all should be out there by next week."
"Sounds good to me," Jasper said, and offered his hand for Emmett to shake. I pushed my chair back and stood.
"I'm gonna have a smoke, then go up to bed. That trip wore me out," I said, and Em nodded at me. I then went out to sit on the porch of the bunkhouse. It wasn't long until Jasper joined me. I had rolled two cigarettes and when he sat beside me, I offered him one.
Taking the smoke, he asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, beside the fact that I can't believe you had the guts to make the suggestion of a new homestead out in that pasture," I answered, lighting my smoke and taking a deep draw.
"Course I did," he replied like I should have known all along that he was going to. "Perfect opportunity."
I smiled at him and he returned it briefly before looking serious again.
"And when I asked what was wrong, I didn't mean about the homestead. It was before that. Don't think I didn't notice."
"Oh...yeah...that..." I sighed, and resigned myself to the fact that I was gonna have to tell him.
JPOV
Shivers of dread ran up my spine from hearing Edward's dream this afternoon. He looked so troubled, so sad and scared and I wanted nothing more than to wrap him in my arms and comfort him. That was just not a possibility, sitting here on the porch in plain sight. When he finished talking, I kept my eyes on his red-rimmed ones and whispered for him to follow me.
Standing up, I flicked my finished cigarette butt into the darkness and followed the ember with my eyes. I had the strongest urge to grab his hand, but didn't. It would be too dangerous. Slowly, I took the few steps down and started towards the big red barn, where the new foal and its mother had been put up. It would look innocent enough that I checked on them before turning in, as it had been me that helped the mare and I had just been asked to be in charge of the foaling - another thing that would change again in such a short period of time.
Edward's light footfall echoed slightly in the still night, accompanied by the crickets chirping. He was right behind me as we made our way through the darkness, only the moonlight lighting our path.
Immediately when we reached our destination, I felt his warm, strong hands grab my shoulders and push me into an empty stall filled with fresh hay. His soft lips brushed over my cheekbone in search of my mouth and a small moan was torn from my throat at the feel of him against me.
With an inhuman effort, I restrained the sounds that wanted to escape as I felt his hands searching my body for bare skin. My arms were wrapped tightly around his waist, holding him in a vice grip. His strong, lithe form was pressed so close to mine that you wouldn't be able to fit a sheet of paper between us.
Our tongues were sliding against each other wetly, sending thrills through my body and making me shake with pent up arousal. My cock was hard enough to burst and I rubbed it furiously against his hip in search of friction. I would spill in my jeans, no doubt, but that was just too bad - at the moment, I couldn't care less if I had to spend my night with wet drawers. Feeling my desperate movements, a broken grunt sounded from Edward's chest and my hardness jerked violently at the sound, shooting the first of many squirts of my seed.
White spots danced before my closed eyes as I became lost in the waves rolling over me and my knees buckled. Edward held me up, but after a few more passes of his cock over my hip he had to cave too. A low moan spilled from his lips as he was overcome by his release. Spent and exhausted by emotional stress, our bodies sunk to the floor. The fall was cushioned by the soft hay and we rested comfortably in each other's embrace, exchanging soft kisses in the darkness.
"You know I didn't intend this to be about sex, right?" I asked him, stroking his collarbone with my fingertips, "I only wanted to comfort you, to tell you that everything will be alright...," I pressed my lips gently against his, hoping that he understood.
"I do know - and remember, it was me that started it. I couldn't go a moment longer without feeling you against me. I needed to feel our connection again. I love you and I love how you make my body react - and now, you've given me the chance to feel it every day. You've erased a lot of my fears, Jasper, by coming up with this idea, and I am so happy about that." His eyes were barely visible in the darkness of the barn, but I could still see all of his emotions in them.
"I love you so much, Edward. I couldn't go on living right beside you without having you. And leaving was not an option either - I would fade away without you. I'll do anything for you, sugar - anything at all. Try not to worry too much, alright? We are going to be together now, alone, sharing the life we dreamed about on the trip. Everything else is without importance. No one will see us out there - we'll be safe. And I'll kill anyone that tries to take you away from me!"
A smile lit up his features, but I could still see a hint of worry lines on his forehead. Doing my best, I tried to kiss the slight frown away, pressing small pecks on his face everywhere I could reach.
Nodding, he said, "I know, love - I know. And I would kill for you too," with a sigh and a final kiss he continued, "we better get back, before someone starts to look for us. Tomorrow will be here soon, and I for one, am quite interested in how the confrontation with Newton is going to play out. Fucking bastard, that one!"
Begrudgingly, we untangled our limbs and stood up, brushing hay off our clothes and hair. My drawers were uncomfortably cold and sticky and I grimaced at the feel of them clinging to my skin, making Edward laugh at my expression. Chuckling, I punched him lightly on the shoulder before stalking off and muttering expletives under my breath. That only made him laugh harder as he followed me out of the barn. With a lingering look and light brush of fingertips, we parted ways - me towards the bunk house and him to the main house.
Soon this charade would be over. Soon, we would settle in for the night together, in the same bed and share everything. I let the relief wash over me at the thought. Soon.
Puzzy: Aaaw, they're too adorable, aren't they? And whadda ya know? They actually will get their house!
Penny: Yeah! I just hope nothing bad happens when they do...
Puzzy: You never know.. We do have a mean streak, don't we? *snickers* REVIEW PEOPLE!
Penny: Mwahahaha! *evil laugh* Please, let us know what y'all think! We cherish every word ya'll give us! Till next time...