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Chapter 36 - Cowboys and Cowgirls

BPOV

As I drove Edward's truck back to the house, I let out a big deep breath. My life had become so dramatic. If anyone ever says that love isn't hard work, they are lying. There is always so much to consider. And there are more than two people involved.

If just Edward and I were concerned here, this relationship would be a piece of cake. A big piece of chocolate wedding cake. But, it wasn't. Every single outside party seemed to have their two cents, and raise yet another concern, or bring up something else to think about.

Whatever happened to riding off into the sunset? Why couldn't love be that easy? It's all I wanted, and I knew for a fact that it's all Edward wanted, too. But, I'm sure like most couples, we were faced with challenges.

Today's challenge: Pastor Weber. He wanted us to go through marriage counselling. That didn't bother me in the least. But it hit Edward like a slap in the face. He wasn't expecting it, I knew that. Edward saw it as another threat to our relationship. He had this fear of losing me. And I understood completely. I needed him like air.

But I always felt sad when he thought he could lose me that easily. Like if someone suggested this wedding might be a bad idea, I would leave him at the drop of a hat. I didn't know how else to show him that I wouldn't leave.

I, myself, worried about acceptance into the community. I had chosen to make a life out here with Edward, and I fully intended on staying here until the day I died. I did not, however, want to be the town outcast. If this was a religious town, and it seemed like it was, would I be judged for living with Edward prior to our wedding?

I brought this up at Em and Rosie's Sunday lunch and Em reassured me that it wasn't something I should worry about. I could tell by looking at Edward's face that he was surprised I hadn't brought up concerns with him. And I felt bad about it, I did. But Edward didn't need more things to worry about. Or, at least that's what I thought at the time. I didn't want him to be upset. But, as usual, it was clear that keeping my feelings inside was what bothered him.

But, what was love if it wasn't learning, and growing, and adapting to change. Love was worth all of the stress and pressure and judgement and hard work. Because after the discussions and tears, and when everything was worked out, we still had each other. But it was better than before. We had built a stronger bond. We understood each other on a deeper level. Love grew when tested. It solidified. And mine and Edward's bond was rock solid.

Edward was worth everything to me. I would go through a lifetime of challenges just to have him hold me at the end of the day. I smiled as I put the truck in park, and jumped out. I hopped up on the tailgate and sat there, swinging my legs, as I waited for Edward to ride in with Rosie's horse, Bumblebee.

He rode up five minutes later, looking as gorgeous as always, with the sun shining in his messy, windblown hair. This man was worth it all. I could have cried just looking at him, because he was absolutely everything to me. What I felt went beyond any words.

"Hey, sunshine," he said, smiling at me, riding up right close to me. "Get on."

I laughed. "How the hell do I just get on. Edward, I would kill myself," I said, reaching out and taking his outstretched hand in mine, giving it a little squeeze.

"Bella. I would never let anything happen to you, and you know that," he said. "Now, stand up in the back of the truck, and just climb on in front of me."

I raised my eyebrows at him, making him laugh. "I'm not going to let you fall. You're a farm girl, now. You can do this." He winked at me, still holding my hand tightly.

And, because I trusted him completely, I stood up. Edward let go of my hand and leaned over, grabbing my hips, and almost lifting me over to sit on the saddle in front of him. I pressed my body back into his, and he wrapped his arms tightly around me, giving me a tight hug.

"Mm, Bella," he hummed. "I love you." I smiled because it seemed we both needed to be each others arms, again.

"I love you, too, Edward," I told him, turning my head to kiss his jaw.

Edward reached around me to pick up the reins, and he clicked his tongue and moved his body, making Bumblebee start to trot. He led her to the corral, before he hopped off the saddle. He led the horse, with me still on her back, into the corral.

He reached his hands up. "Put your hand on my shoulders," he told me. I did, and he grabbed my hips, lifting me down. He smiled at me, walking me backwards to the fence. His eyes looked a little predatory, and it made me smile. I loved when he was like this.

"You look so damn sexy on the back of a horse," he whispered, before biting lightly at my jaw. "Mm, I want you right now." He moved his hands over my body, in a way that made me happy our neighbours were out of view.

"God, Edward," I breathed. "I love your hands."

"And my hands love you," he chuckled, giving my bum a squeeze. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, catching me off guard.

"What?" I asked, leaning my head back, so Edward could kiss my neck.

He stood back up, taking my hands in his. "Like about living together? The pastor? All that stuff."

"I am, and I have to apologize to you about that," I told him. "I'm sorry about not telling you about my concerns."

"I accept," He said, smiling at me. "And I know I get whiny and pouty sometimes, but Bella, I can handle things. So, don't think you can't talk to me. I want to know what's going on up here." He let go of my hands and placed his big, warm hands on either side of my face. "Because your brain is just as sexy as the rest of you."

"I know that I can talk to you," I told him. "And I want you to know that I love our life. I have no doubts whatsoever. My only worry was about being accepted by the community."

"Bella, we are lucky to have you out here," he said, kissing my lips. "But, please, let me take some of your worries. That's my job, honey."

I smiled at him, reaching up to run my fingers along his jaw. "Can I tell you one thing?" I asked.

"Of course, Bella," he said, looking into my eyes.

"I'm not leaving you," I said, simply.

Edward frowned, before he chuckled. "I know that," he said.

"Then, please, Edward, stop being afraid that I'm going to leave," I told him. "No matter what anyone says, we'll face it together. I'm not going anywhere. I love you too much."

He smiled at me, but looked down quickly. "Don't make me into one of those crying cowboys," he chuckled, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.

I kissed his lips, softly, wrapping my arms around his back. "Plus, there is a bare ass under these jeans, that I just resist," I teased.

Edward laughed. "I love you, Bella."

"I know you do," I told him. "I can't wait until tonight, when you show me how much." Edward smirked at me, cupping my breasts over my shirt, making my eyes close. His touch always felt so good.

"I can show you right now, if you want," he said, reaching down to pop open the button on my jeans.

"I might be crazy to stop you, right now, but my parents are going to be here right away. And they've just accepted this relationship. Let's not risk that," I giggled, reaching down to button my jeans. I slapped his bum. "But, I'm going to collect tonight. Twice."

Edward laughed. "Okay, let's go get the horses saddled up."

Edward and I, with Seth on our heels, walked over to the pasture. Edward put their harnesses on, and I led them, one by one, to the corral, while Edward carried their saddles out of the stable, and set them on the fence.

I would never, and I mean never, get used to how sexy he looked carrying a saddle. The muscles in his forearms and his neck were straining as he walked over to me. By the time I had Cinnamon and Sugar in the corral, Edward had all three saddles out. He came over to me, and took my hand. We walked together to get Nutmeg.

"You want to try riding him bareback?" Edward asked, holding Nutmeg's reins.

"Really?" I asked, not having ever considered it.

"Nutmeg is the best horse, I swear. He's great at reading your body. Sugar won't ride bareback, and Cinnamon isn't all that sure about it, but Nutmeg is fine with it," Edward explained.

"Okay, but, you'll hold onto him, right?" I asked, a little nervous. Nutmeg was Edward's horse, and that horse loved him. I had never ridden on Nutmeg, not even with Edward, so I didn't know what to expect.

"Of course I will," He said. He got down on one knee beside the horse, patting his thigh. "Get up."

"But, I don't want to hurt your leg," I said, standing still.

"Bella," he scolded, winking at me. "I'm a lot stronger than you're giving me credit for. Put your left foot on my leg, and throw your right leg over the horse's back." I lightly set my foot on his leg, and my hand on his shoulder. "Okay, baby, slide your leg over his back."

As soon as I slipped my leg over Nutmeg's back, Edward stood up and holding onto my hips, helping me sit down. "There you go," he said, smiling. "Yeah, put your legs in that groove behind his front legs. "Don't squeeze him to hold on, Bella, or he'll want to run, okay. Just sit, and I'll guide you."

"Am I doing it right?" I asked, as Edward pulled him forward, and Nutmeg started to walk, slowly. "It feels weird."

Edward laughed. "Yeah, it's different for sure. Hold onto his mane," He said. "You are doing so good."

I started to slide a little bit, and Edward stopped, pushing me back up. "Sunshine, look ahead to the corral. When you look down at Nutmeg, you lose your balance."

"Oh, sorry," I said, looking up at the corral.

"Don't apologize. You're doing so good, Bella. You're my country girl. My sexy cowgirl," he said, smiling proudly. "We're almost there."

Edward had Nutmeg walking really slowly for me, and I felt really connected to both the horse, and Edward. Edward tossed the reins over a post on the corral, and then patted Nutmeg's neck. "Good boy," he said, quietly. I petted Nutmeg's mane and shoulder.

"How am I getting down?" I giggled.

"You're going to hold onto my shoulders, and I'm going to lift you off, just like we just did with Bumblebee," he said.

"Mm, my big, strong cowboy," I said, winking at him, before I set my hands on his shoulders.

"Bella," he warned, lifting me off of the horse, and wrapping his arms under my bum. I wrapped my legs around his hips, and he pressed my back into the fence pushing his hips into mine. I groaned, closing my eyes.

"Uh, Edward," I sighed. "Do we have time to run upstairs for a minute?"

Edward chuckled, leaning in to lick my neck. "I hear a car on the gravel road, so we're going to have to wait, sexy." He swivelled his hips once more, before setting me down.

"I'm going to get you for that," I said, slapping his bum.

He chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm suffering as much, if not more than you are right now."

"Good," I said, opening the corral, and leading Nutmeg in. Edward followed me, still laughing. I saw him adjust himself in his jeans before he set Sugar's saddle blanket on her back. I watched him lift her saddle on, and start strapping it on. Good god, he was gorgeous. "I'm going to go get my parents," I called.

"Okay. I love you," he said, looking over his shoulder and smiling as me.

"I love you, too, cowboy," I said. "And, I'm sorry you're suffering." He just laughed, as I walked out of the corral, and walked up to the front of the house, with Seth running beside me.

I watched my parents pull up and get out of the car. They were both in jeans and light fall jackets. They were both smiling at me, as they walked over. My mom pulled me into a hug, and my dad was petting Seth, much to the dog's delight.

"The place looks so much different in the day time," my mom said. "It's really pretty."

"Thank you," I said, smiling. "It's really great. I'll give you a tour of the house after we ride."

My dad walked up to me, and gave me a hug. "Where's Edward?" my dad asked.

"Follow me. He's saddling the horses," I told him. "Hey, dad, you'll have to see this place when the wheat is all grown. It's absolutely beautiful."

"When does he harvest?" my dad asked.

"The end of August," I said. "I actually met him the day before he started the harvest, so I was lucky to get to see it. He did so well this year, dad. And he did it all by himself, with only Emmett to help him." I was so proud of Edward, and I wanted my parents to know how hard Edward worked and how dedicated he was to this farm and his land.

"His dad doesn't work out here?" my dad asked.

"No. They retired. And when they did, they have barely set foot back out here," I explained. "So that's why it means so much to him that you are here. He really wants to get to know you, especially without his parents here." My dad wrapped his arm around my shoulder and gave me a little squeeze. I was so glad that they were out here making the effort for me and Edward.

"Well, I'm excited to try horseback riding," my mom said, smiling at me.

"It's really fun," I told her, as we walked up to the corral. Edward was just finishing putting on Nutmeg's saddle. He patted the horse on the shoulder, before he turned.

"Oh, good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Swan," Edward said, wiping his hands on his jeans, before he reached out to shake my dad's hand, and then kiss my mom's cheek. "Thank you so much for agreeing to this. I know Bella is really excited about showing you guys around."

"Well, you're going to have to show us the ropes, son, because we've never done anything like this before," my dad said, making me smile. It didn't escape my notice that he said, 'son.'

"No problem, sir," Edward said. "These horses are really gentle and calm, and they will all follow each other. I'm going to have Bella ride first, and I'll take up the back so I can keep an eye on you. You'll be safe."

"Edward, I want to take then around the property first," I told him. "Then do you think we should take a trail?"

"Okay," he said. "I'll be right back, then." He walked up to me, and kissed my cheek. "I'm going to bring the shotgun if we're taking the trails. Are they okay with that?" he whispered.

"Um, probably. I'll explain it, okay," I told him, kissing his lips. He smiled at me, before jogging up to the house.

"What's going on?" my dad asked.

"Okay. So, because we're so close to the mountains, there is a chance of running into the wildlife, so Edward brings a shotgun with us when we ride," I explained.

"Oh, Bella. Is it really safe out here?" my mom asked, looking really concerned.

"It's fine. He just brings it as a precautionary measure," I said. "He's never run into anything."

Edward came back out, smiling at my parents, before he attached the shotgun to the side of his saddle. "Okay, so everyone is still alright with going?" Edward looked a little concerned, and was wringing his hands a little.

"Yeah, we have to see where our daughter lives, now," my dad said, smiling at me.

"Alright, Mr. Swan, we'll put you on Sugar," Edward said, making my dad laugh. "She's a great horse," Edward added. "Okay, just put your left foot in the stirrup and pull yourself up, throwing your leg over the horse."

My dad did pretty good getting up on the horse. Edward adjusted the stirrups, and passed my dad the reins. "Once I open the gate, just give her a little squeeze, and she'll walk. Lean into the turns and guide her gently. She doesn't need much instruction," Edward said, petting Sugar's nose.

"You alright up there?" Edward chuckled. I giggled at my dad. He looked a little scared and excited at the same time.

"I think I'll be okay," my dad chuckled.

My mom was standing with me while Edward went to bring Bumblebee closer to our horses. "He's really good with the animals," she whispered to me, and I smiled instantly.

"That's one of the things I love about him," I told her. "He is so gentle and loving, and he treats his horses and his dog like they are his children."

My mom smiled at me. "And he's good to you, too? I mean, he's gentle and patient?" she asked, almost hesitantly, like I would get upset with her for asking. But I was so excited that she wanted to know about us as a couple.

"He is," I told her, looking into her eyes so she would see how truthful I was being. "He is so supportive of my degree, and he gave me his office so I could write. It seems that everything he does is to make me happy."

My mom turned and gave me a tight hug. "I'm happy for you, you know," she said softly. "I know I haven't always shown it, Bella, but I really did just want what was best for you."

"I'm just happy that you're here, now," I told her, because I really was. When I pulled back from the hug, I saw Edward standing with Bumblebee. He was smiling at me, and I could tell how happy he was that my mom and I were getting along.

"Okay, mom. Meet Bumblebee," I giggled, leading her over to Edward.

My mom put her hand out like she wanted to pet the horse, but pulled back. "You can pet her, Mrs. Swan," Edward said. "Just pat her on the neck, up by her shoulder." Edward patted Bumblebee softly, so my mom could see, and then he moved his hand, and my mom gave it a try.

"There you go, mom," I said, teasingly. "You've got a new friend."

My mom laughed, and Edward chuckled with us. "Okay, Mrs. Swan, can you put your foot up in the stirrup?" Edward asked.

"I think I can," she said, lifting her leg way up.

"Alright, hold on to the saddle horn and I'll give you boost up there," Edward said, lifting my mom up my the hips, as she jumped up into the saddle. "You alright?" he asked, as he adjusted Rosie's saddle and the stirrups for my mom.

"Yeah, I think so," she said, making me laugh. She sounded just like my dad.

"Good. You'll be fine on her," Edward said, before taking my hand. He led me over to Cinnamon, and I cooed at her. "Hello, my pretty girl," I said softly, stroking her neck. I loved this horse.

Edward leaned in to kiss my lips quickly, before holding my hips, and basically just lifting me up. When he let go, he slid his hand over my bum, and when I looked at him, he looked back at me innocently. I smiled at him. I knew what he was thinking about, because I was thinking about it, too. The second my parents left, we were heading up to our room. But we both had to cool down a little, as they would be here all afternoon.

Edward opened the gate, and I led Cinnamon out of it. Edward patted my leg as he walked passed me. I looked over my shoulder and I saw Bumblebee start walking out of the corral behind me. Sugar just stood there, like always, making me smile. Edward walked up to my dad and said something. My dad laughed squeezed her sides, making her follow Bumblebee.

Edward was so incredible. He was really patient with my parents and I could tell they were both having a great time already. Edward mounted his horse, and followed us out of the corral. He winked at me, and I smiled. This was going to be an amazing afternoon.