The Contract – Chapter 12
8th Month
Victoria smiled as she read Minnie's letter; her friend lived in San Francisco and she kept Victoria updated on Jarrod's comings and goings. Based on what Minnie wrote Jarrod and Alexandria had been going out quite a bit and by all appearances they were extremely happy. Minnie went on to say that Jarrod was no longer attending his weekly poker game and had not attended any in almost three months; instead he was seen out with his wife. Minnie had actually ran into the couple one night and based on her observation Minnie was quite sure whatever issues Jarrod and Alexandria had been experiencing were now in the past.
Victoria would have to agree with her friend on that. When Jarrod and Alexandria were at the ranch for the July Fourth celebration she noticed a closeness between the couple she had not seen in the past. She had felt guilty that she had spied on them when they were here the last time but things were not adding up for the couple; and now she had hoped they had turned the corner. Victoria watched as they walked hand in hand during the celebration noting she had never seen them do that before. And at the end of the night after the firework display she watched as the couple shared quite a few kisses, very intimate kisses at that.
Meanwhile in San Francisco Jarrod was looking over some contracts for the ranch and knew he would have to go to Stockton to finish them up. Usually he did not mind going to Stockton but now he did as he wanted to spend time with his wife. He knew Alexandria was busy getting ready for a rather large wedding and doubted she would be able to get away to go with him to Stockton. Jarrod looked at the contracts once again and noticed the date and knew he would not be able to put it off. He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair and decided he would do as much as he could here before heading to Stockton.
Jarrod heard the front door open and close and smiled as he got up to greet his wife. Alexandria put her hat and gloves on the table as she removed her wrap. Jarrod came out of his study as she was removing her wrap and helped her out of it. Jarrod placed the wrap on the table and took her into his arms and kissed her.
As tired as she was Alexandria fell into Jarrod's kiss. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body close to his. Alexandria heard Charles come into the room and pulled away from Jarrod's kiss but kept her arms wrapped around her husband's neck. She heard Jarrod grimace when she pulled away and giggled.
Jarrod sighed and asked, "What can I do for you Charles?"
Charles smiled wryly and said, "Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes Mr. Jarrod."
"Thank you Charles." Jarrod didn't wait for him to respond as he took Alexandria's hand and led her into his study closing the door behind him. Charles smiled widely as he watched the couple disappear into Mr. Jarrod's study.
Jarrod sat Alexandria down on the couch and fixed her a sherry before joining her. He handed her the glass as he pulled her close to him.
"You are spoiling me counselor," Alexandria said as she nestled close to Jarrod.
Jarrod smiled as he replied, "You deserve to be spoiled my dear." He kissed the top of her head.
Alexandria sipped her drink as she relaxed after the long day. Her latest customer was a very fussy bride who was working her last nerves but this young lady was a prominent citizen of San Francisco and if she could take care of her she would be set up. But right now all Alexandria wanted to do was spend time with her husband.
The first few months had been horrible but now they were actually living and acting like a married couple; almost. Jarrod had been courting her the last few months and although they had gotten quite close they had not taken the final step in their relationship. They had come close a few times but Jarrod had stopped short saying the time was still not right. She wondered if it had something to do with their contract but was scared to ask.
Jarrod spoke quietly, "It appears I'm going to have to go to Stockton to finish up a contract Nick has been working on."
Alexandria sat up and looked at Jarrod, "When?"
"The sooner I go the sooner I can get back. But I'm going to do all the preliminary work here so that should limit my time in Stockton."
"I'm sure your mother would like to spend some time with you Jarrod."
"You're probably right but I would rather be here with you." Alexandria blushed at Jarrod's admission which brought a mischievous smile to the attorney's face. "So I take it by your reaction that you feel the same as I do?"
Alexandria sipped her drink and said, "Yes I do."
Jarrod took the glass out of her hand and put it on the table. He placed his large hands on her face as he leaned in for a deep kiss. He broke away and said huskily, "Come with me to Stockton, please."
Alexandria smiled and said, "If you were going in a few weeks I could but I have to finish Elizabeth's wedding dress." She rolled her eyes and Jarrod laughed at her.
"So you will be free in two weeks?" Jarrod asked.
"Unless I get another client yes. Why do you ask?"
Jarrod grinned rakishly and said, "I want to take you to the Lodge."
Alexandria asked, "The Lodge?"
Jarrod leaned in close and said, "The Lodge. My father built it for my mother when I was small and every year we take a family trip up there. It is quite beautiful, private and secluded." Jarrod leaned in and kissed his wife's neck hoping she would take the hint. Alexandria moaned in pleasure as Jarrod kissed her neck. He spoke into his wife's neck, "I take that as a yes?"
Alexandria simply nodded her head yes as her husband gave her his undivided attention. He rose up and said, "I'll make sure we are not disturbed and I'm sure my family will make sure it is stocked for us."
Alexandria played with her husband's hair and said, "I can't wait."
Jarrod smiled widely as he stood up and helped Alexandria up so she could freshen up before dinner.
The contract negotiations preceded exceedingly well so Jarrod planned on returning to San Francisco the next day. As he played pool with his brothers he decided to bring up his plans for next weekend.
"Do you think you two could do me a favor next week?" Jarrod asked as he watched Nick shoot.
Heath looked at his brother suspiciously as the entire family noticed Jarrod's chipper mood. "Depends what it is."
Nick added, "And besides this is a working ranch."
Jarrod rolled his eyes as he looked at his mother who hid her smile. Victoria and Audra were thumbing through the latest fashion book Alexandria had sent them.
Nick missed his shot and grumbled as Jarrod took his turn. Nick figured he would question him as he was shooting hoping to gain the upper hand on his brother. "What's the favor Jarrod?"
Jarrod shot and made his ball and surveyed his next shot as he answered Nick, "I need you to open up the Lodge for me and make sure it is stocked."
Before Nick or Heath could answer Victoria did quickly. "What for Jarrod?"
Jarrod smirked at his mother as he made another ball and moved to his next shot. "I am taking Alexandria there in two weeks and would not rather waste..."
Victoria interrupted Jarrod and said, "They will gladly do whatever you need them do to Jarrod."
Jarrod smirked again at the scowl on Nick's face from his mother's answer and him winning the game. He put the stick up and walked past Nick and kissed his mother on the forehead, "Thank you Lovely Lady. Now if you'll excuse me I am heading to bed as my train leaves at eight tomorrow morning."
After Jarrod left the room Nick said, "Mother we're right in the middle of branding."
Victoria cut her eyes at Nick and said, "Audra and I will go with you and Heath so it will not take as long to prepare the Lodge."
Nick protested, "It's still going to waste a few days doing this."
Heath realized what was going on and said, "Count me in mother."
"Me too," Audra said.
Nick put his hands on his hips and said, "Has everyone forgotten this is a working ranch?"
Victoria rolled her eyes at Nick and said, "Nicholas your brother has been married eight months and this will be the first time he has taken Alexandria to the Lodge for the weekend."
Nick looked from his mother to his brother and sister and finally understood what was going on. Heath rolled his eyes and Victoria and Audra laughed at Nick. They decided to go up the following Wednesday to prepare the Lodge for Jarrod and Alexandria.
