NOTE: Just a little heads up. This chapter will be a little smutty towards the end. Just to let you know. This story is M for mature after all.
Chapter 7 - Shall We…
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Four hours had passed since Nathan had packed the sisters into their ice cocoons. Downing his fourth cup of coffee, he turned wearily toward his two unconscious patients.
Going back and forth to the icehouse, getting all they needed, Ezra and Vin finally both fell fitfully asleep…one on a chair, the other stretched out on the floor. Nathan continued to hold his lonely vigil over the young women.
Finally needing to stand, he walked over to his small clinic's window sipping the coffee clutched in it. It was still dark out, but dawn wasn't far off he felt. Turning around he walked over to his two patients going from one to the other feeling their foreheads. They were getting cooler making Nathan sigh with relief
It seemed the worst had past for the moment. Sitting back down on his chair he continued to sip his coffee hoped he could figure out what had caused their sickness.
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The sun was barely above the horizon, when Mary opened the clinic door, carrying a basket full of breakfast items. Nathan had been dozing slightly when he heard the handle rattle. Opening his weary eyes, he gave Mary a tired smile. Vin and Ezra didn't stir from their uncomfortable sleeping position as she walked by them.
"I brought everyone some breakfast. Thought you could probably use something to eat the most," she said keeping her voice low.
"Thanks Mz Travis, I'm sure we can." Turning to look over his shoulder, he continued, "Their fevers started dropping a couple of hours ago. I expect they'll be coming around shortly. I just wish I knew what caused them to take on so sick. I don't have a clue what might have caused it."
Mary put down the basket of food she was carrying on the clinic table. "Perhaps I can help you Nathan. I discovered there have been a few others in town sick with the same symptoms – headache, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, some other feelings, although not as bad as the Dannon sisters.
Mary glanced at the sleeping women, "Seems it's a case of food poisoning. The one thing everyone had in common was a meal they ate at the hotel restaurant. It would appear that the sisters were more susceptible than anyone else."
"Well if that is what causing this…then both sisters will still have some unpleasant things in store for them before it's all over"
Mary stared with confusion at him. Suddenly she nodded, understanding filling her eyes, "Oh that! I guess it will be a test to see how much Ezra and Vin really love these two."
The healer nodded. "It ain't gonna be pretty, that's for sure."
The sound of someone stirring behind him, made both turn around.
Ezra was trying to straighten up in his chair, issuing a couple of low grunts as he did so. Scooting up finally on his chair, he gave a tire nod to both Mary and Nathan.
"Morning Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Travis," wiping his hand over his face. He gave an exaggerated stretch trying desperately to remove the kinks from his back.
Vin suddenly woke up as well sitting on his makeshift bedroll next to Sarah. He gave a silent nod to both Nathan and Mary.
A soft moan escaped from Rebecca, her body shivering under the mound of ice heaped on her. Her eyes slowly opened staring around her in completely confusion.
Ezra scooted his chair close to the bed taking her cold hands into his. "Welcome back, darlin. You had me extremely worried for a while."
"Where am I? I feel so cold!" she shivered
Rubbing her hands trying to warm them, he said, "I'm not at all surprised considering your current situation. Mr. Jackson just needs to remove you from your icy enclosure."
"Gentlemen, before the ice is removed, I need to go collect gowns for both sisters to cover them. Let me go retrieve them and I'll be right back."
"I agree Mz Travis…we'll wait till you get back." Nathan nodded.
While they waited, Ezra continued to rub her hands trying to warm them.
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It didn't take long for Mary to return with some fresh gowns for the sisters. As she entered the clinic, she saw Sarah was also now awake with Vin talking softly to her.
Nathan spoke to Mary for a moment than said, "Vin, Ezra, both of ya'll need to step outside so I can remove this ice from them. Then Mary will help them dress. After that ya'll can come back inside."
Nodding, both men walked outside the clinic into the early morning sun. Vin propped himself against the banister crossing his arms. Ezra also leaned against the railing waiting impatiently to go back inside.
Neither one of them spoke; they both seemed lost in their own thoughts worrying about their respective sister.
It took a while for Nathan and Mary to get both sisters removed from the ice, then changing their beds and finally getting them into dry, clean bedclothes. The healer finally motioned for Vin and Ezra come back into the clinic.
Ezra sat down next to Rebecca's bed taking her hand again. "How are you feelin now darlin?"
Rebecca looked up at Ezra starting to reply when she emitted a strange noise. "I feel really strange…oh…I'm gonna be sick."
Ezra grabbed a bucket near her bed making it just in time as she began to heave uncontrollably. Crying mournfully, Rebecca closed her eyes as Ezra eased her body back onto the bed. He could actually hear her stomach making loud gurgling sounds.
Vin had also been sitting quietly next to Sarah, when she also made a weird gurgle. As if on cue, Vin grabbed the bucket near her bed just as she began to vomit violently. He held her head for her trying to keep her blonde hair out of the way.
"I'm sorry darlin. I'll take care of you." He said softly. Laying her back down on the bed, he wiped the sweat from her face. Sarah's face looked drawn and tired.
Rebecca's face was also coated with a sweaty sheen as she proceeded to vomit again. Ezra wiped her face with a cool cloth that Nathan handed him. Moaning, she fell back onto the bed before slipping into a troubled sleep.
Looking at Nathan, Ezra asked, "How long should we expect this to continue Mr. Jackson? She is obviously suffering."
"Unfortunately, what she has needs to work its way through her system. So trust me when I tell you the worst is yet to come."
He made a face, "Indeed! How much worse can it be?"
"Do you really want to know?"
Glancing at Rebecca then back to the healer, he said, "As much as I'm sure I shall regret asking this question, but yes."
Vin listened quietly to the exchange as Nathan explained everything to the two men before saying, "What can we do Nathan? Ain't there anythin you can give 'em?"
"Fraid not Vin. Both of 'em have food poisoning, which means it has gotta work its way out of their bodies. So now the fevers gone, next comes the vomiting then as it moves through them it will…how can I say this, cause other parts of the body to rebel."
Ezra looked at Nathan trying to understand his explanation when it suddenly dawned on him what the dark healer was implying, "You mean?" A horrified look filled his eyes.
Vin tried to grasp Nathan's words. Ezra crossed to his side of Sarah's bed whispering into his ear. Understanding flooded his face, "You mean along with the vomiting they both are gonna git the runs, too?"
Ezra screwed up his face. "Mr. Tanner, if you please! The thought of what shall occur was enough for me without your graphic description!"
Vin grinned a little. "Hey pard, I coulda been a lot more vulgar, but I was tryin to be polite with Sarah and her sister here. 'Sides if you don't like what's gonna happen, why don't you leave it to Nathan to care for Miss Rebecca."
Ezra returned to his chair. "No, I'm not leaving her. It may not be pleasant…" he looked at Rebecca's sleeping face, "but, I love her. I will do what must be done to care for her."
Vin nodded his head in agreement. "I feel the same. I'm not leaving Sarah."
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For five days, Rebecca and Sarah struggled with their illness. As predicted by Nathan, both women suffered bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, but Ezra and Vin remained steadfastly by their sides.
Nathan did what he could to help the sisters, but as he had warned earlier, this illness needed to work through their bodies in order for them to recover.
It proceeded to be a long five days…for all of them.
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Rebecca made her way back from the outhouse after her latest "icky bout" as she had begun to call it. She was beginning to feel better, but not at the moment.
'Ezra, bless his heart,' she thought as she slowly plodded up the clinic stairs, 'had been an absolute saint.' He had refused to leave her even though she knew he was having trouble with her illness. He had confessed to having a weak stomach when it came to things of this nature. Yet he stayed, helping when he could.
This illness had taken so much out of her and Sarah that just going to the outhouse was a chore. She was barely eating, but when she did manage it wouldn't take long before it came out again and had caused both sisters to lose weight.
As she continued to drag her body up to the clinic, she heard someone approaching.
"How are you feelin today, darlin? Any better?"
Turning around, she looked wearily at Ezra coming up behind her. "I thought you had gone to get something to eat and clean up?"
He stopped beside her putting one arm around her. "I have darlin…now I have returned to continue my watch over you." He caressed her face. "You look exhausted."
"I am." Rebecca nodded. "I just wish this would end soon."
"I know you do. I'd end it for you right now if I could." He cradled her body lending his strength to her.
Rebecca smiled weakly as she started to climb again. Grimacing, she struggled to move her wobbly legs.
Suddenly, Ezra scooped her up carrying her the rest of the way. Rebecca placed her head against him. Taking her into the clinic, he placed her gently on the bed then took up his regular seat next to it.
"Aren't you supposed to be resting too? That chair isn't the most comfortable place to be. I know it's hurting your back," she stated watching Ezra grimace.
"Fear not darlin, my back is quite unimpaired. I believe I've finally become accustomed to sitting here."
"I don't believe you." She said flatly.
"My darlin girl, I am quite alright and I shall tend to my needs once I know you are fully recovered." He leaned over brushing his lips across her forehead, "Now, close your eyes and sleep. I shall endeavor to do the same."
Exasperated, Rebecca sighed loudly, "Lord, but you are one stubborn man." She stared one more time at the gambler before taking his advice.
Leaning back into the chair, Ezra folded his arms before taking his own advice drifting off to sleep.
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Rebecca sat up in bed smiling at the bright sunlight that streamed through her window. It was good to be back in her own bed after spending two weeks at the clinic. The sisters had finally been given a clean bill of health and released from Nathan's tender care.
She yawned giving a slow, sensuous stretch. For the first time since her illness, she had slept through the night. She hadn't felt this good in sometime. Climbing out of bed, she went to the closet and began picking her clothes for the day.
She wanted to take a ride and breathe some fresh air.
Exiting the hotel she stood for a moment taking a deep breath. Smiling, she put on the hat she was carrying; making sure her shirt was tucked into her jeans, and headed toward the livery.
After being confined she felt the need for some exercise. So she had decided to take a long ride in the country.
As she entered the livery, Rebecca received whinnies from several of the horses. She stopped to pet the nose of Vin's horse Pecos, and Buck's big grey before she passed Ezra's horse, Gambler.
"Hello there, pretty boy! How are you today?" Gambler arched his neck as she spoke to him. He reached out allowing Rebecca to stroke his velvety nose. Digging in the pocket of her jeans she withdrew two lumps of sugar and offered them. Quickly gobbling the treats, he pushed her with his head, begging for more.
"I'm sorry, that's all I have today. I'll bring more next time, I promise," She gave him one more scratch before moving to her horse.
Nutmeg whinnied and shook her head up and down as Rebecca crossed the barn. Entering the buckskin mare's stall she stroked her neck. "Feel like going for a good long ride, girl?" The horse responded with an enthusiastic whinny. Laughing, she tossed a blanket into her back; "I take that as a yes!" as she continued saddling the mare.
It didn't take her long to ready Nutmeg. Leading her from her stall, she tossed the saddlebag she carried onto the horse and mounted in one fluid motion. Clicking her tongue, she trotted off down the street.
Just at that moment, Ezra exited the saloon and caught sight of Rebecca riding by at a fast trot. He yelled to get her attention, but she had urged her horse on and quickly disappeared down the street. Running into the livery, it took the southerner mere minutes to saddled Gambler and race after her.
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Urging Nutmeg into a gallop she soon turned the mare loose once outside the town. The feel of the horse moving beneath her and the wind whipping her face made her smile. She felt free for the first time in days.
She hated being sick, hated being confined to one place for too long. One of the things she had always enjoyed about being in a band was the travel. She had been able to visit places she had seen on TV or read about in books.
Unfortunately on the band's most recent tour, she had been unable to indulge in any site seeing. Their schedule had been so tight that they were flying in out of towns every other day.
Rebecca gave an ironic laugh as she and her mare flew along. Her love of visiting new and strange places had taken her to some weird spots, but never in a million years would she have believed it possible that something like this could have happened. Even now five and half months after her arrival, she had to admit that sometimes being here still felt like a waking dream to her.
The one true reality of the whole situation was her love for Ezra. She had finally realized he was the man from her dream. She had been a little slow to realize it, but it was now so clear.
He had become her world and she loved him with every fiber of her being. At this moment, if she were offered the chance to return to the future, she knew her answer would be no. Leaving Ezra was something she would never be able to do.
Her horse's long strides were sure and swift and she felt like she was flying. She had twisted her long auburn hair into a single braid down her back and could feel it slapping against her back as she rode.
After riding for a bit, she slowly eased the mare from a gallop into a trot. As she did, she became aware of another horse approaching from behind. Turning in her saddle, she saw Ezra approaching at a furious clip.
She brought her horse to a stop and dismounted waiting for him. Smiling as he rode up, she said, "Ezra…I didn't know you were out riding this morning."
Instead of greeting her, the southerner jumped from his horse. "What do you think you're doing? Haven't I explained to you the dangers of riding or walking alone in this country? Any manner of horrible things could happen to you? Let me take you back to town!"
Ezra grabbed Rebecca's arm, but she pulled it away with a jerk.
His anger stunned her, but her mood changed swiftly. With eyes flashing fire, she responded in an icy voice. "Let's get a few things straight Mr. Standish…first off, don't yell at me like some delinquent child! Secondly, you're not my husband and even if you were, you can't treat me like a piece of furniture - I'm not your property! Lastly, I'm a grown woman and I don't need your 'permission' to take a ride if I feel like it. Are we clear on that?"
Turning around she went to mount her horse, but Ezra grabbed Rebecca, spinning her toward him. Crushing his mouth against hers, he pulled her tightly against him.
She tried to keep herself from responding, but her body and lips betrayed her. She opened her mouth to his searching tongue feeling one of his hands caress her back in soothing strokes while at the same time try to loosen her braided hair with the other.
Shaking herself mentally, she pushed Ezra away with all the effort she could muster. Keeping one hand planted on his chest, she held him at arm's length.
Taking a deep breath, she said in a shaky voice, "No! It doesn't work like that! I'm mad Ezra! You can't just kiss this all away! You and I need to respect each other above everything else. I have feelings, same as you and I…"
Putting his hand lightly over her lips, he stopped her tirade, "You are right darlin. I have behaved shamefully. The only explanation I can offer is I felt I came close to losing you during your recent illness, so when I saw you leave town by yourself, I became frightened for your safety. I spoke the truth when I said it was dangerous for you to ride alone, but I'm sorry that I didn't phrase my concerns better."
Rebecca dropped her hand from his chest as a slow smile appeared on her lips. "Do you know you're the only person I've ever met that uses fifty words to say I'm sorry when two or three would probably suffice."
Grinning sheepishly, he nodded. "That has been pointed out to me once or twice by other people." Touching her cheek softly he said, "I'm sorry, Rebecca. Please forgive my boorish behavior."
Smiling softly, she said, "Apology accepted. I know you did it out of love and concern for me."
Stepping closer to the gambler, she kissed him slowly, "Shall we ride back to town now?"
Ezra nodded as he held Rebecca for a moment. He released her helping her mount Nutmeg. Then climbing onto Gambler the pair rode slowly back toward town.
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Time soon blurred for Rebecca and Sarah as the days and weeks faded into each other. The heat of summer gave way to the cool, crisp days of autumn and it wasn't long before the chilly days of winter were right around the corner.
As Christmas approached, Four Corners soon would be the scene of the town's annual holiday celebration. The week of December 25 would be filled with different festivities all culminating in a dance.
The week of the dance, Ezra had come to a decision, one that he never saw himself making...he wanted Rebecca to be his wife. He chose the night of the Christmas Eve dance to ask her. He wanted everyday leading up to that night to be special.
Gazing at his reflection in the full-length mirror, Ezra adjusted his cravat and stickpin. He brushed nervously at small pieces of lint that clung to his black jacket. He was being fastidious and he knew it, but he wanted everything to go smoothly.
Adjusting his gun belt on his hips, he frowned slightly. On nights like this, he wished guns weren't necessary. Unfortunately, such was life in the west and he was smart enough to realize it. Retrieving his hat from the bedpost, he put it on before giving a final tug on the red waistcoat he wore. Staring at his reflection and satisfied with what he saw, he felt ready to call on Rebecca.
Before leaving he opened the top drawer of his dresser pulling a small black velvet box from under one of his shirts. Opening the lid, he gazed at the ring inside, a beautiful emerald cut diamond with elegant scrollwork on either side of the stone. He couldn't wait to offer it to Rebecca hoping she would accept his proposal. Putting the box in his pocket, he made sure it was safely tucked away.
Ezra picked up the flowers he had obtained through some of his connections and took a deep breath. Exiting his room, he locked the door and took the short walk down the hall to Rebecca's room. Knocking softly, he fidgeted with his watch fob as he waited for her to answer.
A soft, "Just a moment," floated through the door.
Rebecca opened the door making Ezra's heart catch in his throat.
She was stunning. Her long auburn hair was pulled up and to the side so that it cascaded over one of her shoulders. Her dress was a dark purple with intricate beadwork scattered over it. It bared her shoulders and she had on an amethyst choker with matching drop earrings. Small amethyst studs graced the back holes in her ears.
"Darlin, you are a vision to behold. I shall be the envy of every man at tonight's affair."
Blushing, she lowered her eyes. "May I return the compliment? I think I will be the envied one."
Smiling, the southerner produced the flowers he held behind his back, "These are for you. I hope you like them."
"Daisies!" Rebecca smiled with delight, "However did you find daisies at this time of year?"
"Well I have my sources," Ezra grinned, "and I know they are your favorites, so..."
"You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Standish," Rebecca smiled shaking her head.
Kissing him gently on the lips, she said, "Let me put them in some water and I'll be ready to go."
Rebecca turned motioning him inside. Pouring some water into a glass she put the flowers in it. Snapping off the stem from one of the flowers, she inserted it in her hair. Then retrieving the thick wrap from her bed, she draped on her arm.
Turning toward him again, she kissed him murmuring against his lip, "I love you, Ezra."
Rebecca had decided that tonight she wanted to be with Ezra. For some time now she had wanted to make love to him. She was sure he felt the same, but being the gentleman that he was, he had not pressured her.
"I love you too, Rebecca," Ezra smiled, "Shall we?"
She locked the door then took Ezra's offered arm as they strolled down the hallway.
Standing for a moment outside the hotel entrance, Ezra put her wrap over her shoulders. They both watched as the last rays of the winter sun disappeared over the nearby rooftops.
"It's going to be a beautiful night don't you think, darlin?" Ezra asked.
Taking a deep breath, she let the cool night air wash over her, "I think it will be a night we'll always remember."
It had been decided the dance would be held at the Grain Exchange, as it was the biggest building in town with enough floor space to accommodate everyone. The ladies, using whatever holiday items could be found, had decorated it from top to bottom with Christmas décor.
The windows of the Exchange glowed with a multitude of lights. Music and laughter drifted out of the building as Ezra and Rebecca walked up the steps.
"Sounds like the dance has already started," Rebecca commented.
"It never hurts to be fashionably late, my dear," Ezra drawled, a grin creasing his handsome face.
Laughing, she smiled. "Indeed!"
Upon entering the building, Rebecca noticed their friends were already in attendance. Sarah and Vin were among the many dancers whirling across the floor. Sarah was grinning from ear to ear as Vin spun her around.
Rebecca removed her wrap and Ezra took it with his hat to a vacant chair. He smiled as he returned, "Would you care to dance, my dear?"
Smiling she said, "Most definitely."
Putting her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand in his, Ezra guided them onto the dance floor. Rebecca couldn't remember the last time she felt so giddy from pure pleasure.
As the night continued, Ezra tried to decide when would be the best time to broach the subject of marriage. His heart pounded each time he thought of asking her so he became quiet.
Rebecca couldn't help but notice his mood change. His face took on the look of someone contemplating a big decision. Sitting on the chairs encircling the dance floor, she kept glancing in his direction.
Buck approached Rebecca asking if she wanted to dance. Nodding, she smiled as he led her onto the floor. As they danced, her eyes kept returning to Ezra. He was obviously lost in thought.
"You look beautiful, little darlin," Buck said as he twirled Rebecca across the floor.
"Thank you, Buck," Rebecca replied smiling at her dance partner, "I wanted to look really special tonight."
"Well, I think you succeeded," he grinned, "Ezra sure is one lucky fellow."
"You think so?" she replied.
"I do indeed and I think my time is up cause here comes your beau." Buck stated.
Tapping Buck on the shoulder, he said, "Mind if I cut in?"
Buck let go of Rebecca's hand handing her off to the southerner. "She's all yours pard."
The gambler took her into his arms, kissing her cheek saying, "Do you mind if we take a walk?"
Smiling, she shook her head, "Not at all. With all this dancing, it's gotten rather warm, so a walk sounds nice."
Ezra grabbed his hat, but forgot Rebecca's wrap on the chair. After saying their farewells to several people, they stepped outside into the darkness.
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Offering his arm to Rebecca, he led her into the crisp December night air. It felt wonderful on her skin after the oppressive closeness of the Grain Exchange, but it didn't take long for her to become chilled.
Ever the gentleman, Ezra removed his coat placing it over her bare shoulders. Looping her left arm through his they continued their slow stroll in the moonlight. It was a beautiful night; and the sky seemed full of a million stars.
Something was on Ezra's mind as he had been unusually quiet for most of the evening and that spoke volumes. Glancing in his direction as they walked, she noticed that his hat cast a shadow across his handsome face hiding it from view. Her woman's intuition was clanging. Something was definitely on his mind. She could feel it, but she knew he would tell her when he was ready.
When the two reached the edge of town Ezra stopped and turned to face her. They had been walking in a comfortable silence to this point. Removing his hat, he stared at the ground as if it held the words he needed to begin.
Rebecca waited. Whatever he had on his mind would be related in his own way.
Ezra finally looked. "Rebecca, you and I have courted for a while and in that time I'm sure I've made it known how I feel. You have caused me to reexamine my existence and I find it is lacking in many ways. You above all people know what I am. I have been called many things over the years…a con man, liar, thief, but you, dear lady, have never held my profession or my past against me. You have become my best friend, my confidant and you have never judged me."
Leaning closer, he continued, "Since your arrival in this hamlet, I realized that I no longer wished to be alone. The thought of traveling my road without you at my side is unbearable. You are unlike any woman I have ever known and when I gaze at your sweet face I realize that all things are possible. My darlin girl, I love you…I want you to be always with me. So I hope…you will do me the very large honor of becoming my wife."
Tears welled in Rebecca's eyes as she tried to decide what she should do. She loved Ezra, but how could she commit to him, not knowing if she could suddenly find herself returned to her former life. A few tears managed to escape and spilled down her face.
Putting on his hat he stepped closer to Rebecca wiping the tears from her cheeks. Taking her into his arms, he hugged her. "Oh my sweet love, the last thing I ever desired was to cause you any distress. If I have over stepped my bounds, please tell me, for I cannot bear to see you this way."
She put her head against Ezra's shoulder as he pulled her closer, "I love you, Becca," he whispered using her pet name, "You have become my world."
She continued to hold tightly to Ezra.
"Are you alright darlin?" he asked.
Finally realizing everything she ever wanted was right here in front of her, she gave a big sigh. "I think for the first time in my life, I'm better than alright."
Placing a soft kiss on his lips, she whispered, "You asked me a very important question…I feel you deserve an answer. However, there is something you need to know about me. You might feel differently after hearing it. I don't want any secrets between us."
"Whatever it is would not affect my decision to marry you. I have no doubt that you consider it to be of some enormous import, but Rebecca…"
She placed a finger to Ezra's lips cutting him off, "Sssshhh! I need to tell you this before I lose my nerve. Actually I need to show you. Come on!"
Taking his hand, she led him back into town and her room. He started to protest, but curiosity overcame him and he followed her silently.
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Arriving back at her room, she unlocked the door lighting the oil lamp on her dresser. She turned and motioned for him to come inside. Ezra walked through shutting the door behind him. Opening the closet, she reached in withdrawing her beat-up looking knapsack. Motioning for him to have a seat near the bed she put the pack down on it. "What I'm about to tell you is known to only one other person in town. Do you remember the day of the storm when Buck found Sarah and I?"
He nodded, "Yes, vividly! I had engaged in some riding that day to exercise Gambler."
"Well do you remember the date of the storm? What day it was?"
Ezra paused thinking back, "As I recall it was Friday, June 23."
"And the year?"
Startled by her question. "1876."
She stood and walked across the room before turning to look back at Ezra, "The day we were in Brices Canyon it was Wednesday, June 23, but," taking a deep breath, "the year was 2021."
Ezra blinked for a couple of seconds not sure he had heard her correctly. "Do you mind repeating your last statement as I fear my ears are not functioning properly."
"The year was 2021, Wednesday, June 23, 2021"
"Oh come now my dear! Is this some kind of jest on your part! Have you taken leave of your senses?"
"No! I'm fine! I'm also telling you the truth. I knew you might react this way. That's why I wanted to show you some of my belongings."
Returning to the bed she opened her pack. "This sack holds everything that I have left, things that connect me to my former time. I'll show you."
Slowly, she removed items from the bag and arranged them on the bed. Ezra rose from his chair leaning over the strange articles displayed. He lifted a flat rectangular item, the front appeared to be covered in glass. The back was smooth with raised bumps.
"What is this?"
Taking it from his hand, she pressed the side causing it to light up. "This is my cell phone. It doesn't work here obviously, but I thought you might like to see it."
Ezra's eye grew wide as it made sounds he had never heard before.
"In my time, this was used to make phone calls, take pictures, play games…lots of different things. Have a look."
Showing him how to use it, the gambler was stunned. "I can't believe this."
As Rebecca pulled other items from her pack to show him, he began to go through all her things. With each thing he looked at, he became more and more amazed.
"Here are a few pictures of my family. That's my mom and dad and those are my two brothers, Jake and Robert."
"These photographs are in color," he remarked in wonderment, "The apparel that your family is wearing…this is normal for your time?"
Rebecca nodded.
"And what is this you are sitting on? What might it be called?"
"We don't use horses to get around anymore. People still ride for pleasure, but to get where we need to go, we call it by several different names, automobile, auto, a car…we drive it to get around. That's what I'm sitting on."
"Auto… mo…bile did you say?" Ezra struggled with the word.
Nodding, she said, "This is my driver's license. Anyone that drives a vehicle needs one. Here is some money from my time…three twenty-dollar bills from my wallet. If you look at the fine print you'll notice the dates printed are late 20th, 21st century."
Ezra examined the driver's license, turning it over and sideways. The picture changed color and another one appeared if he turned it a certain way. He examined the bills she handed him. It was very different from the bills he was used to seeing…smaller and one color. The dates on the bills read 1999, 2008 and 2021.
For the first time, he began to see Rebecca in a whole new light. It suddenly occurred to him that some of her speech patterns and other things that he took as personal idiosyncrasies were part of where she was from - the 21st Century, from another time and place." the thought staggered him.
"How is it possible that you are here?" Ezra asked in total amazement. He touched her face in a gentle caress; "You must find this whole experience very unsettling."
"I did when I finally realized the truth of our situation. I tried to figure out the hows and whys of what happened, but after a while I sorta gave up. It was giving me a headache."
"Well I hope you will allow me a moment to take in the scope of what has been related to me," Ezra stated. A sense of wonder filled his eyes and his voice.
She nodded. "I know this is a bit much for you to handle, but think how I feel. When Sarah and I first arrived, I thought everyone was crazy. Remember the day I came into the saloon and fainted? That was the day I discovered the truth and I couldn't believe it. Even now, I wake up and wonder if I'm dreaming. I have no idea how we got here or if we will ever be able to return."
She stood again and walked to the window. Staring out the window into the darkness, she continued, "When we first arrived I just wanted to return home. Now," she turned to face Ezra, tears welling in her eyes, "all I want is right here before me…this has become my home. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. So if you still want me, I would be honored to be your wife."
Ezra came to her…his eyes never leaving hers. Pulling her close he whispered, "I love you, Becca. Your revelations haven't changed one thing, except that now I know you truly are unlike any other woman I've ever known."
Rebecca gazed at his face, tears blinding her. Somehow her mouth found his and she kissed him with all the passion she had in her.
He responded with a deep moan pulling her to him. Stopping suddenly, he pushed her away, "Rebecca, I'm a man and I want you, but I don't wish to compromise you, so I think I should say goodnight."
Taking a deep shuttering breath, she said, "Don't go Ezra! I want to be with you tonight. I want us to make love."
She came back into his arms kissing him hard. Putting her mouth near his ear she whispered, "I love you and right now all I want is for you to take me to your bed."
"I want that too, Becca. I've wanted it for months."
She looked into his eyes as they glittered with unshed tears. She glanced quickly around the room and said, "Sarah may be returning soon…perhaps we can go to your room."
Ezra wiped a hand quickly across his eyes; "Yes, I think my chamber would be best."
"Let me put this stuff back in the closet."
Ezra nodded and watched as she gathered her belongings into the knapsack, "Someday, you must show me the rest of your treasures."
"Why don't I bring them with us and perhaps later," she paused blushing slightly, "I'll show you what the rest of the 21st century is like."
He smiled, "Alright darlin, but let us be off as I don't wish anyone to see you entering my room. You are a lady and as such I wish your virtue to remain unsullied."
Rebecca tilted her head slightly, "Do you think what I'm about to do is un-lady like?"
Ezra took hold of her shoulders, "You misunderstand darlin. I don't want it said that I compromised you. Amongst my many misdeeds, taking advantage of a woman has never been one of them."
She kissed him softly on the lips, "I'm ready."
Opening the door, Ezra peered into the vacant hallway before exiting. Locking the door behind her, he took her hand and quickly walked to his room. Unlocking his door, they entered the darkened room lighting the lamp on his dresser. The flame cast a soft glow on his face as he turned toward her.
Rebecca dropped her knapsack to the floor against one wall. Her heart pounded as Ezra came toward her. Her breathing became shallow as she trembled with anticipation.
Removing his jacket from her shoulders, he tossed it on the rocker before pulling her body next to his. Running his hands over her arms, he began to kiss her gently at first, but as the kiss deepened the pressure on her mouth became more demanding. His lips were soft, sweet and she quickly brought her hands up to the buttons on his shirt undoing each one. Pushing his suspenders off and then removing his shirt, he dropped it onto the floor as Rebecca explored his chest with her lips.
He moaned softly tangling his hands in her hair undoing the pins holding it in place. He lifted her face to look at him kissing her neck then moving his lips down to her cleavage. Becca let out a low moan as he moved back to her neck again suckling on one spot.
Placing his mouth next to her ear he began murmuring in French to her. She had no idea what he was saying, but didn't care. As he continued to kiss her, he moved his hands down her back, undoing each button on her dress. His very adept, nimble fingers had no trouble undoing them before letting her dress fall to the floor. He quickly moved on to her corset before it was added to the pile.
Sweeping her up into his arms he carrying her over to his bed placing her gently upon it. Lying next to her, they both continued to explore each other. Their caressing and fondling increased.
Ezra removed the remainder of her underwear before whispering, "You are absolutely beautiful darlin." He ran his hands over her skin kissing her shoulders before moving on to her breasts.
Rebecca began to moan louder
Continuing to trail kisses across his chest and shoulders she concentrated on removing Ezra's trousers. His belt was easy, but it took a moment to undo the buttons on his pants. She could feel he was already hard before her hands had even touched him. His moaning took on a new level as she finally released him from his pants pushing them down along with any undergarments.
Pushing his shaft between her legs, he could feel the intense heat radiating from between them. Gently moving her thighs apart, he began to stroke her inside as Rebecca groaned arching her back.
Breathing heavily, he asked, "Are you sure, Becca?"
"I've never wanted anything more. I always wanted my first time to be with the man I love." she murmured against his ear.
A tremor passed through him as goose bumps appeared where her breath tickled his skin. Her hands began to touch him gently, running over his rock hard length.
Ezra began to moan everywhere she put them. He wanted her…he wanted her bad. Making sure she was ready for him, he began to slowly thrust into her.
Rebecca let out a long, low gasp full of pleasure and pain as he entered her. Ezra held her face with his hands, his eyes locked on hers moving his member back and forth inside her.
"Ohhhh…Ezra! I can feel you inside me...you're so hard." She breathed. Taking her hands she wrapped them around his shaft helping push him in and out.
"Lord darlin!" he gave a loud groan. "What are you doin to me."
As their love making intensified, their moans grew louder, her body rose up to meet his as he pushed down harder into her. He felt like he was on fire as he continued to thrust.
Moaning against his cheek the pleasure he was giving her made her body shudder. As he continued to push, she couldn't help squeezing his member each time he thrust into her. Throwing back her head she clutched the bed sheets as Ezra pushed even harder. Their bodies rocked back and forth with each other
Finally feeling they were both reaching their climax, Ezra thrusted a few more times as passion like molten lava poured into the very center of her.
Clutching her arms around him, Rebecca buried her face against his shoulder muffling her screams of pleasure.
Ezra did the same, yelling into his pillow as he grabbed his groin letting white hot waves sweep across his body. He had never felt anything like this before.
When he had finished pushing he rolled off Rebecca, his panting from their love making took a while to ease. He turned his head in her direction, caressing her face.
"My God darlin…that was incredible."
Rebecca turned onto her side. "I've never felt this way before. I've never…"
Pulling her to him, their bodies felt hot and sweaty, but neither one care. Resting against each other it didn't take long before they both fell comfortably asleep.