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Chapter Forty-five

Sean barely registered his voice that uttered vows of love and honor as he slipped the diamond wedding band, next to the matching engagement ring that adorned her slim finger…

"With this ring, I thee wed."

He couldn't believe that they were here, that in spite of all the hate and pain, the years apart due to their family's lies, the misunderstandings, they'd finally made it to this day. The anguish of the past along with the love, the hope of this moment, the future, rushed his soul, seizing his breath, nearly overwhelming him, but he remained composed, not wanting to get lost in his emotions. He needed to revel in everything, to fully experience how incredibly beautiful she looked in her modest traveling suit, with her hair loosely pulled in a bun and curls hanging around her face. He needed to fully savor how her gorgeous brown eyes shined with love and the way her hands rested in his, so soft, so powerful – her touch, inciting ripples of warmth that awakened every sense in his form. How was it possible for a woman to touch a man in such a way that she changed the deepest depths of soul, his very essence he didn't know. He just knew that he, and that she too, would remember this day forever…

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Sean leaned forward, their hands still clasped, and kissed her lips, chastely, then slowly, lovingly deepened his taste of her, his heart aching with adoration and joy, before he then took her in his arms, hugging her tightly, fighting the emotion that was threatening to spill from his eyes, when she conquered his resolve, emotionally whispering "I love you."

Sean drew a deep breath at the extraordinary event of the day before, happiness surging his heart as he inattentively tended to the surprise he was making for his bride. After Marita had gotten over the initial shock of his proposal, she'd asked him if he was certain he wanted to do this. After all, he'd always been the one who was extremely cautious about how they handled their relationship, but he'd assured her that he wanted to do this, to marry that day. Marita had excitedly, tearfully accepted his request, and they'd immediately headed for Ohio, but not before she changed into one of the suits she'd left behind at her father's home when she'd moved. To avoid any suspicions, he'd left for the train station alone and 40 minutes later she'd followed behind. They didn't even see each other at the station or catch the same train to Ohio. For they'd agreed before that it'd be best if they eluded each other as much as possible, especially while in Lexington. The plan was that he'd arrive in Cleveland an hour before her, ensure that marrying there was possible and if so he'd then retrieve her from the train station. Thankfully everything had gone according to planned. Like Illinois, Ohio had no laws against miscegenation; however they were different in that most judges there would perform such a ceremony, but only for an outrageous amount of cash, something that most interracial couples didn't have which deterred many from legally marrying. It was no surprise that Sean and Marita weren't welcomed with smiles and congratulations at the Cleveland courthouse. However, they weren't rebuffed either. The clerk had took their cash, albeit questioningly and the judge had married them at the end of the day when all his other cases had been completed. Marita and Sean had then made their way back to Lexington and the ranch in the same covert way in which they'd left – in secret and thus undetected, arriving home just before sunset… Sean moved away from the stove to retrieve a couple of eggs from the counter across the way, his joy deepening and his body heated at the night he'd shared with his bride…

After lighting the candles he'd set around the guest suite, the room that now seemed like their own, Sean laid his jacket on the chaise. He then began to loosen his tie as he slowly walked over to the bed when he heard the sound of the door to the adjoining bath prompting him to turn around. Instantly, his hands ceased pulling the tie from his neck, for he was mesmerized by the vision before him - the beautiful woman that was now his wife. His intense blue gaze caught her innocent browns, stopping Marita in her path, leaving her breathless. Was this really real, she questioned in wonderment, is he truly my husband? Yes. Her heart whispered with elation.

"It's not what I envisioned wearing on our wedding night, but it's all I have." She then shyly spoke, glancing down at the simple cotton nightgown she wore.

"It's perfect." Sean quietly replied, drawing her eyes, now passionate with tenderness, back to him. Marita then resumed her steps, as their gazes remained bound with wanting and amour, passion and joy. "You're perfect." Sean softly added, when she reached him, then kissed her mouth, leisurely, fervidly drinking her in. Marita moaned, threading her fingers through his hair as he then moved to her cheek, driving her to tilt her head, welcoming the hotness the access she provided brought. Sean then skimmed her neck, groaning at its sweet taste as she breathlessly gasped his name. He then traveled lower, cherishing her shoulder with wanton fever as he smoothly pushed the straps of her gown aside and watched with yearning as the covering slipped to the floor.

"So beautiful." He passionately whispered as his eyes roamed her exquisitely nude form, before he returned to her stare, capturing her soul with his gaze, driving her to recommence their kiss, her tongue caressing the depths of his mouth. Sean hungrily groaned as she quickly, fluidly discarded of his clothes, then gently guided him to sit upon the bed. For a moment she stood before him, stroking his cheek, treasuring the adoration and impassion in his blue stare. She loved him and wanted him so much, her heart ached, when his hands came to rest on her thighs, brushing against them, causing her breath to quicken at his silent, fervent request. Marita remained standing for a beat longer, watching as her husband's eyes darkened with desire when she finally answered his feverish demand and straddled his lap. Sean groaned as her feminine heat brushed against him, rousing him to kiss her with fierce hunger, to pull her closer to him. His hands heatedly wandered the length of her back, intermittently stopping at her buttocks and thighs to cherish their softness, their feminine splendor. Marita ardently moaned at the fire that flamed within her then sinuously changed her position and joined her body to his. Sean groaned as she sighed an anguished, yet enraptured cry. "I love you." He emotionally whispered as he now looked her into the eyes, holding her misty gaze. "So much." He uttered as he brushed away the tear that escaped down her cheek, then captured her lips again as she began to move against him, sealing a bond more powerful, deeper than the vows they'd made, binding their hearts and souls, creating a union that could never be broken again.


Flowers, the scent of flowers and a peaceful silence filled the air, deepening the mirth in Marita's wake from sleep. Marita took a deep breath, savoring the smell of the blooms, stretching with happiness at this new day, this new life she was starting with Sean, when she opened her eyes to find the source of the sweet smell in the air, a single red rose laying on the pillow before her. Delight instantly heightened in her heart, causing her to brightly smile at how wonderful life was right now. She then reached for the lovely bud, her hand stopping midway when she caught sight of the wedding rings that now graced her finger. This was all so surreal, her being married to Sean Logan. If someone had told her three months ago that returning to Lexington was going to change her life so dramatically, she never would've believed them. Even three weeks ago, after she'd learned the truth about her life, she never thought that three weeks later she'd be here – waking as Sean Logan's wife. Her heart pounded with excitement and bliss as she recalled their wedding in Cleveland and the wonderful night that followed. "Unbelievable" She happily sighed then picked up the rose, smiling as she brushed it against her nose when she noticed a folded parchment on the nightstand with her name upon it.

My beautiful wife, forgive me for not being at your side this glorious morning, but there is something I must do to make this morning more precious for you. I hope that your sleep was as peaceful as mine and that you'll join me in the sunroom once you've fully awakened. I'll await your presence. I love you.

Your splendidly happy husband, Sean.

Marita beamed with glee. "Husband." She quietly whispered in awe as she stared at the words on the paper her smile growing, if that were even possible, when the smell of the rose that seemed to fill the air was gradually overtaken by the smell of burning bread drifting into the room. Alarmed, Marita placed the rose and note on the nightstand, exited the bed, quickly slipped on her robe then followed the unpleasant odor to the kitchen where she found her ambitious husband, cursing his apparent failure at trying to cook a loaf of bread. Marita stood in the doorway, watching Sean swear in frustration as he activated the motor of the ceiling fan in hopes of reducing the smoke that now filled the room. Marita brought a hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh that threatened to escape even as her heart flooded with tenderness at the thought behind his loving attempt.

"Need a hand?" She offered after gaining control of her snickers that were straining to burst through. Sean turned to her, a disappointed scowl on his face, sighed then returned his attention back to the charred bread, uttering a retort she didn't quite understand.

"It's the thought that counts." Marita assured as she walked up to him and gently ran her hand through his hair, stopping at the nape of his neck, drawing his upset eyes to her. "Thank you for trying." She whispered, then gave him a kiss, slightly soothing his vexation.

"Yeah, trying and failing." He quietly scoffed.

"Well you can't be good at everything." She smiled, then again took his mouth, this time tasting him with ardor, melting away all that was left of his frustration.

"There are things I'm good at?" Sean murmured as their lips parted, his eyes intense with fervent flames.

"Oh yes." Marita passionately confirmed.

"I thought I was mediocre at best at 'that.'" He ardently replied as he pulled her close causing her to gasp at the heat she could now feel emanating from him.

"I wasn't talking about 'that'. I was talking about your scrambled eggs." She quipped, then pecked his lips and quickly fled his grasp, surprising him so that he didn't have a chance to pull her back like he wanted. Marita figured if they didn't stop this banter now they'd be making love on the kitchen floor, which might not be so bad, she heatedly thought as a wave of desire, smoldering and intense rushed her stomach and core, but it was still the kitchen. She reminded herself, forcing the hotness down, the splinters alone would wreak havoc on her back and buttocks due to the wooden floor. "They look delicious." She uttered as she made her way to the counter where the scrambled eggs sat on a plate, then scooped a small piece in her mouth as Sean watched with an amorous smile. "Hmm, very good." She declared, raising an eyebrow to her husband.

"I'm glad you think so." He said as he joined her at the counter and sexily thumbed away a morsel of egg that lingered on her lips, managing to reignite the heat she'd previous pushed away. "Because I'm afraid the eggs and grits I made are the only things that survived my tenure at the stove and thus will be all we'll be having for breakfast."

"That's fine by me." Marita sighed then slowly, helplessly took his lips, driving Sean to draw her strongly, gently in his arms as he gained full control, feverishly feasting on her mouth, stirring her to moan. "Hmm. The eggs are good, but you taste better." She breathed as she pulled away from his mouth.

"Is that so?" Sean huskily smiled.

"Yes." She uttered then kissed him again, hungrily.

"Hmm." Sean groaned into her mouth, again taking a deep fervid taste of her before reluctantly pulling away. "As much as I'd like to finish this there's still a minor surprise awaiting you in the sunroom." He stated with heated breaths.

"Really? What?" She breathlessly whispered when he surprised her by swiftly scooping her up in his arms and again devoured her mouth as he carried her to the room that was adjacent to the kitchen on the back side of the house.


"That was delicious." Marita contently sighed, placing a hand on her stomach as she sat back on the unique seating that was built into the walls of the room, going from corner to corner, accenting the large windows that stretched from wall to wall. "Even without the bread." She lightly added.

"Thank you." Sean softly replied, placing his arm atop the bench behind her back then leaning over and gently brushing her lips with his own.

"And the room is wonderful." She whispered a bit breathless due to the kiss. "I mean it's always been beautiful, but with all the flowers." She paused, gazing around the room at the colorful array of Persian Buttercups – her favorite flower, that beautified the room. "It's even more lovely."

"Anything for my wife." He quietly uttered, then kissed her once more.

"I can't believe we're married." She sighed in disbelief.

"Too fast." He questioned as he threaded his fingers through hers.

"Of course not." She quipped. "I asked you remember."

"Um, I seem to recall asking you first, on the tree swing in the east pasture." Sean spiritedly reminded her of the time from three years before.

"Okay, I'll give you that." Marita conceded. "But if it wasn't for my persistence, we'd still be living in sin."

"Living in sin?" Sean chuckled at her ridiculous description of their relationship, considering Marita was not an overly religious person. "Somehow I doubt our sinful ways would've left you abashed and unable to continue our relationship."

"Perhaps not" Marita acknowledged with her own laughter. "But I like this 'relationship' better." She beamed.

"As do I." Sean concurred, then sealed his response with a long, deep kiss which was followed by a companionable silence that fell between them as they sat relaxed on the bench, their hands still intertwined, Sean's arm now around her, pulling her to him, her head now resting on his shoulder while they enjoyed the warm sun that penetrated the room, breathed in the fragrant air. Both contemplating their life, the future, their families, content to remain in this tranquil bliss forever.

"Are you sure you're okay with me continuing to stay with Jessie Mae?" Marita quietly asked, breaking the silence to reveal the main focus of her rumination. Besides telling their families, which ultimately they'd decided not to do, despite Jessie Mae knowing they were back together and Alice and Lexy likely being supportive, they'd deduced that the fewer people who knew of their marriage, the better chance they had at keeping things secret. The logistics of their marriage was one of the many things they'd discussed during their meal; how they were going to live as husband and wife while keeping secret their marriage. Of course they knew that living under the same roof was not an option, but they did want to find some way to live in close proximity to each other. Sean had reluctantly suggested she move back in with her pa. However, she'd rejected that idea, to his quiet disappointment. Though her pa had made some progress in repairing their relationship, Marita still didn't trust him enough to bring him back fully into her life. And if she moved back in with him that's exactly what she'd be doing. Additionally, there was her conversation with Jessie Mae. Though she didn't come out and say "I'm back with Sean" that was the obvious conclusion of their conversation. Marita was certain the first chance her aunt got, she'd be informing her pa of their discussion. Marita didn't want to feed into that truth and in turn fuel God only knew what type of terrible response from her pa by moving back to the ranch.

"You know I'd rather have you here at the ranch, so that we can be closer together." Sean softly replied, drawing her from her thoughts. "But I do understand your reasons for not wanting to move back, and really, it is the wisest and safest choice right now."

"Well I am still working here." She stated. "So, I don't think we'll have any problems squeezing in meals together."

"This is true, but conducting the more intimate acts of marriage might prove to be more difficult."

"I seem to remember a certain young man being very resourceful in the past when it came to finding a place to engage in such acts." She declared.

"Back then there were far less people roaming the ranch." Sean contended. "I'm not sure the dandelion field would be safe considering all the guards we have now patrolling the property, and then there's my family who are older now and with all that's going on a little more in tune with each other's behavior. If we disappeared for an hour every day at the same time, it wouldn't take long for them to figure out something was going on."

"I guess then we'll have to stay chaste until we leave Kentucky." Marita concluded with a half-kidding sigh. "They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"Not this heart." Sean scoffed. "Absence will only make me crazy."

"Well we can't have that, now can we?" She murmured , before teasing his mouth.

"No." Sean huskily replied. "I'll figure something out." He vowed, then possessed her lips, taking them with passion as his hand found her breast before he leaned her back on the cushioned bench, fervently resuming what they'd started earlier in the kitchen, but failed to finish due to his lovely surprise.


"You're going to miss the fireworks." Marita quietly uttered, her hand inside Sean's half-buttoned shirt, listening to his languid breaths as she lay against him, beneath the sky that twinkled with the first signs of twilight.

"I'm awake." Sean replied in the same quiet tone. "Just thinking."

"About?" She asked as her hand gently stirred on his chest.

"Home." He sighed, closing his eyes at the heat kindled by her innocent caress. "Where it will be."

"And where were you thinking?"

"I hear Toronto is a great place to start afresh." He voiced with a smile, then kissed the crown of her head.

"Funny, I've heard the same thing about Europe, Paris in particular." She playfully countered.

"I could never ask you to make such a move." Sean stated, the smile in an instant gone from his voice.

"Sean, I'm your wife." Marita poignantly declared, propping herself up to look him in the eyes. "I'll happily go anywhere you ask."

"What makes you think I want to go back to Europe?" He asked, his gaze adoring and intense, holding hers as he lightly tucked a hair behind her ear.

"I listened when you talked about London and Paris." She softly answered her heart fluttering at his touch. "Despite your loneliness, you loved the culture there and the work you did for your grandpa and uncle."

Sean couldn't dispute her response. He'd been incredibly lonely in Europe, had missed her terribly. Missing her was what had driven him back to the states, but if she'd been there with him. Things would've turned out vastly different. He'd enjoyed the work and culture of Europe so much, he likely would've never returned 'home.' "I don't know if my work with my grandpa and uncle will still be an option once they learn of our marriage." He then reminded himself and her of their impending issues with their families. "Besides that, you had a life in Toronto and you have family there."

"My life in Toronto was nothing more than me being pampered by my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Charles while doing minimal work at his bank." Marita countered. "As far as having family there, I suspect they'll be no more welcoming than your family." She said. "And honestly though Toronto is more progressive than the states in areas of tolerance, I don't think their progressiveness is comparable to the tolerance you witnessed in Europe."

"That may be true, but it is progressive enough for us to have a life there right?" He questioned. "I ask because moving across the Atlantic, thousands of miles away means you may never see your family again. " He continued, holding her eyes. "With all that's going on here with Jim Crow and the Klan, we'd likely never come back to the states again. At least in Toronto you could visit with your family, and they with you if you all so choose, but if we're in Europe it would likely be impossible." He pointed out, his own heart saddening at the possibility of never seeing this ranch, maybe even his pa and siblings again. Marita lowered her gaze as the reality of what she was suggesting weighed upon her. Things were strained with her family right now and would likely become more difficult when they learned of her marriage to Sean, but despite their differences she couldn't image that their relationship would be estranged forever. When she was truthful with herself, her heart hurt at the thought of never seeing her family again. But that was the choice she'd made when she married Sean, a choice that she'd never question or change, a choice that meant that different from others, her marriage meant that in the future she and her husband could not visit with their families due to the scrutiny and risk.

"This is a big decision." Sean tenderly touched her cheek, driving her gaze back to his. "We don't have to make it tonight."

"Perhaps not…." Marita softly replied but before her response could fully escape her lips, a loud boom obscured her words and caused her to jump, to clasp his loose shirt in a death grip.

"You okay?" He asked as he gently laid his hand over hers that was still grasping his shirt.

"Yes." She sighed, relaxing, now looking in wonder at the gorgeous colors that peppered the sky.

"Beautiful." Sean whispered as he touched her hair, caressing a curl, watching her as the bright lights reflected on her face.

"Indeed." She concurred in a hushed tone, her eyes still fixed on the sky. Sean smiled at her obliviousness to what he'd meant, that he wasn't referring to the lights in the sky, but the beauty of her, his wife. Marita then returned to her original position, lying against Sean only this time in a way so that she could get a better view of the illuminating sky while he continued to watch her with happiness and awe, paying little attention to the show above, amazed that she was his wife, that he'd been blessed with such a woman, thankful that God had given them a second chance to have the life he was certain this time would not be deterred.