Here is the final, delicious chapter for your pleasure! Now, our couple does share a time of sweet love but absolutely nothing explicit that goes beyond my T-rating. In my opinion, one does not have to be explicit in the slightest to be insanely hot. I hope that everyone enjoys this final chapter with a surprise ending! Tell me what you think of that final tidbit, won't you? I included that gift on an excited whim because it felt so right and beautiful...
Adam's slumber that night was hard and exhausted, the kind that makes one feel more tired than ever upon awakening. As the sun began to spill through the window, he began to stir. The weight of his troubles came flooding back and he groaned, turning onto his back. He rubbed his eyes to remove their crusty residue and lay still, waiting for the fog to lift. As his mental faculties began to return, he remembered how he had fallen asleep. To his bafflement, Angelina was gone from his side. Then he realized that the blankets that had been covering her were now pulled up to his waist. At some point in the night, someone had tucked the corners carefully under his sides. Sitting up, he glanced wildly around the empty cabin. A struggle ensued as he disentangled himself and stumbled to the door. Upon opening it, he froze, his eyes burning with sudden emotion.
Angelina stood outside, leaning against one of the porch posts. Her face was turned to the rising sun, her black hair cascading down her back. She was dressed in a strange garment that looked something like a dress, white in color and covered in gold embroidery. His noise must have disturbed her because she turned then and a smile shone upon her beautiful face. A gold necklace, covered in precious stones, shimmered and sparkled by her slender throat. God, she was the most exquisite thing he had ever seen, far surpassing the sunrise haloed behind her head.
Silently, he managed to walk on unsteady legs to her side and pulled her close, reveling in the firm tone of her living body. She began to weep and he couldn't help a few tears himself. In time, she laid her head upon his shoulder and he rocked her gently as the sun peaked over the twin mountains and a ray of pure sunshine hit the cabin. The warmth flooded their bodies and he heard a sweet sigh.
"You were right, my love. This is the most beautiful of places to watch a new sunrise," she whispered.
He smiled, turning his head to kiss her forehead. "The sight of you far surpasses any sunrise, my angel. I can't believe you are really here. I thought I had lost you..."
"Oh, Adam, I am so sorry for all the pain I have caused you. But all of that is behind us now, I promise."
He studied her eager face and finally shook his head. "I am not afraid of hardship, Angelina, and neither should you be. We have each other now and we can face what comes together. I love you so much."
"And I, you, my wild spirit."
They remained in one another's arms for a time longer, lost in their private thoughts and in their shared love. Then she spoke again.
"I can feel your heat now. Isn't that something?"
He smiled, his arms tightening about her. "I can feel yours too. You were so cold before, always as if you had just been out in a blizzard and needed a warm fire."
"Yes, well put! I was so tired of the numbness as well. Oh, and I slept last night for the first time since that day in Morocco!"
"And how did you like it, my darling?" he asked, struggling not to laugh at her childish glee.
She drew her head back to lovingly stare up into his face. "I enjoyed the sensation so much, especially because I was cuddling with you. You are so beautiful when you are sleeping, did you know that?"
"I'm not 'beautiful', Angel," he laughed, "That isn't a word for a man's appearance anyway."
"Oh, yes, it is," she purred, turning to face him. "The way you move, the way you talk, the way your eyes shine when you are passionate about something...the way your lips are wet at this moment. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."
He shivered as her hands touched his bare chest, her fingers tickling through the soft hair until they clasped behind his neck. She leaned in and he bent down, their passion bursting into a steady flame. Their lips met and he groaned, a fire igniting in his belly. Her mouth yielded to his exploring tongue and her hands slid down to caress his chest. His ardor grew and his happiness was unmatched by any other moment he could remember. As he kissed her more deeply, his fingers teased along the top of her dress. Hooking his thumb under the white silk, he pulled the edge off her shoulder and down her arm. He savored the taste of her warm, milky flesh, kissing his way from her ear, down to her neck and onto her soft shoulder. The tiny kisses sent a desire sweeping over him, a desperate longing to show her how special she was to him. He tore himself away, breathing heavily and trying to calm his awakening body.
"We need to stop or I won't be able to control myself. Please tell me to go no further!"
Panting, her lips pink and deliciously swollen, she said nothing to that. She stared up at him and he couldn't figure out what was in her eyes. Much to his disbelief, she grasped the neckline of her dress and wiggled it up and off. Shaking her head, she sent her hair swirling about her face. Except for the necklace at her throat, she was as naked as a newborn babe. His eyes traveled slowly up her alluring curves and then back down even slower. His mouth began to water. He was overwhelmed by the gift that was being offered to him as she stepped closer and caught his gaze.
"I am more than tired of being in control of my wants, needs and desires," she murmured, slipping her small fingers to his neck. "Take me into the cabin, Adam, and defile me as you wish. No other man will ever be allowed to touch my skin as you will. I am yours and yours alone, my brave one. "
"But, I would not want to bring back horrible memories. Have you ever known kind hands? I don't want to scare..."
She put a finger to his lips, knowing what he was about to ask apparently. "Yes, my darling, I have joined with more gentle men before and been able to let the abuse I suffered to fade in time. I indulged in that most special of pastimes only a precious few times in all my years but enough to alleviate my pain. Because of my experiences, I will also be able to bring you exotic pleasure that has never gripped your delectable body before. I promise that no woman has ever loved you how I will love you. I too want to hear you scream and cry out my name because of what will be done to you. Do not worry, your beautiful body will not be hurting me at all. Please, take me now, sweetness. I am giving myself to you."
Trying to stop his hands from trembling, he fanned his fingers on her full hips and leaned down to kiss her. She cooed and wiggled in his grasp, responding to him immediately. Her fingers traveled down his spine and cupped lower, massaging whatever they found. He only had one thought in his head at that point. Drawing away suddenly, he bent down and swept her up into his arms. She squealed, her head falling back as she laughed.
"I would never defile your beautiful body, my love, but I WILL worship it," he whispered huskily, watching as her eyes grew wide.
Her eyelids drew closed and her head fell against his shoulder with a delicate sigh. His lips finding hers again, he carried her inside and kicked the door closed behind them. Carefully laying her down on the cot, he felt a bit self-conscious as she watched him undress. Her eyes followed his every move, an encouraging smile upon her face all the while. Slipping his pants down and off, he chose to stand proud and accept her scrutiny. She stared openly, her gaze lingering here and there. Her tongue peeked out and ran along her bottom lip, lustful desire clear. Her awed expression, which softened her desirable mouth and widened those beautiful blue eyes, melted his heart and calmed all of his fears.
Approaching, he lowered himself into her welcoming arms and was accepted. Pleasured moans filled the room as the couple began to kiss desperately, each starved for the other's touch. Because of this denied hunger, their passion escalated quickly. He took control first and made her cry out before she reciprocated, making good on her promises and coaxing an endless groan to sigh from his lungs. When they finally joined as one, they sighed as one and kissed slowly, enjoying the denied intimacy. Their fervor gained strength, peaked in mutual ecstasy and fell away without sorrow. Exhausted, the two lovers lay in one another's arms, speaking soft love into the other's ears.
"Are you happy, my dearest one?" Adam ventured to ask.
Angelina drew lazy circles along his naked hip. At length, she sighed, resting her head on his arm and looking up at him. "As happy and contented as I could ever be, my beautiful darling. You were and are truly magnificent in both body and spirit. When you touch me, I feel the most alive that I have ever felt. I love you so much that it hurts."
He grinned, feeling as if his face would crack. "You know that I have no choice but to marry you now, don't you? I am an honorable man and must do my duty, after all."
"Oh, Adam, how cruel and unromantic! You really are a callous rogue at heart, are you not?" she sputtered, her eyes sparking with a smile.
When she burst into giggles, he threw his head back and laughed so hard as to leave him breathless. When his giddiness fell away, he traced her cheek lovingly while staring into those blue orbs that held so much love for him. "I agree, you deserve more than a flippant proposal. Angelina Dioli, would you become my wife? Will you consent to take your place by my side, to let me love you in all the ways that you need? I desperately want you so very much and couldn't imagine my life without your love. I...I would surely fade into a ghost."
She lay under his gaze and a tearful smile rewarded him. Her hand trailed up from his hip, over his ribs to his back, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind. She kissed him softly. "Of course, I will marry you, my love. You are my stars, moon and sun; all that I could ever want. And...I wanted you to know that I heard you last night."
"Really? Everything? And you liked my ideas?"
She kissed him lingeringly and smiled. "Every wonderful word...especially the part about you loving me as I have never been loved before on our wedding night. Would you like to give me another preview before we sleep?"
"Oh, woman, you have no idea what you are in for!" he grinned and began tickling her sides. His deep laughter guffawed throughout the cabin as she shrieked under his hands, squirming under his fingers and begging him to stop.
I* * * * *I
As the sun had peaked over the treetops, Hoss had awoken and slowly went about his morning tasks. Feeding the horses and making a pot of beans for his breakfast, he then sat on the edge of the wagon's tailgate. He had been waiting for an hour or so before a rustling sounded in the bushes. His grip tightened upon his rifle but relaxed when his brother appeared. A happy smile was upon Adam's face as he turned and assisted a beautiful young woman emerge from the bushes.
"Hoss! So good to see you!" Adam exclaimed, "I want you to meet, Angelina Dioli...my fiancé."
Stunned and utterly bewildered, Hoss looked from one happy face to the other, not believing what was before his eyes. "N...nice to meet you, Miss Dioli, but I thought..."
"All of that doesn't matter now," Adam interrupted, his grin brighter than any Hoss had seen in years. "This beautiful lady is to be your new sister and my lawfully-wedded wife!"
"Y..You will be most welcome, ma'am," Hoss replied graciously, still struggling to recover from the shock as he smiled at her.
Although the young woman returned his smile, he noticed that she glanced at his brother and stepped behind him a bit. Adam whispered something in her ear and she nodded, taking a step forward to gingerly shake Hoss' hand.
"So very nice to meet you, Hoss. Adam has told me so much about you on our way back. I look forward to getting to know you better."
Realizing how beautiful this girl really was, Hoss felt his cheeks become hot and he fumbled with his hat, crushing the brim between nervous fingers. He could only smile and nod before turning to his brother. "Adam, are you ready to get going back?"
"Hmm?" Adam tore his gaze away from Angelina and turned puppy dog eyes towards Hoss. Only then did he seemed to realize that a question had been asked. "Oh, yes, yes, we just have to go get her horse then we can go."
"Oh, the black stallion? Excellent piece of horseflesh! He's grazing just through those trees with Sport. That crazy gelding seems to have taken a shine to his new friend," Hoss chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
Adam laughed and for the first time, Angelina's face lit up, a smile beaming from her face. "Oh, thank you so much, I was worrying about Cole and hoping that he was alright! I appreciate your initiative, kind sir."
"Ahh, you're welcome. Anything I can do, ma'am, just say the word. You are family, after all."
"Thanks, brother," Adam said quietly, drawing his girl to his side again and there was unspoken gratitude behind those two simple words. "I guess we can get going now. Is that alright with you, my darling?"
"I go wherever you want to go, Adam," she smiled up at him.
Hoss felt jealous of the love that could be seen in the couple's faces. A silence fell over the threesome until he cleared his throat uncomfortably and shuffled his feet. "I'll hitch up the team then if you two go get your horses."
Parting ways, they all completed their tasks and were soon rumbling down the trail. Adam drove the team, Angelina held tight to his arm and Hoss brought up the rear on Sport. The lone rider held his mount back several yards, so as to give privacy to the cooing couple who were stealing kisses at every turn. Hoss could only shake his head and smile, a whistle coming to his lips. After all of the trials of the last couple of weeks, all seemed right with the world at last. He only hoped that this calm would ensue for a long time to come. Somehow, he knew that it would.
I* * * * *I
"Pa?"
Ben didn't look up as he continued to clean out Buck's stall. "Yes, son?"
Joe shifted from foot to foot, leaning on his pitchfork as he regarded his sullen father. "I have a good feeling. One that tells me everything is going to be okay if we're just patient awhile longer. Don't worry, Adam will be back soon. Hoss will see to that!"
Pausing in his work and looking up, Ben sniffed and a sad smile came to his face. "You're right. If anyone can keep this family together and safe, it's your big brother. I'm fine, don't concern yourself."
Wise in the ways of deflection, Joe wasn't so sure and came closer, putting a hand upon the older man's shoulder. "Pa, I've been thinking. I want for you to start teaching me more about the business side of The Ponderosa. You know, bookkeeping and things. You, Adam and Hoss have taught me everything you all know about the horses, cattle, timber and mines but I want to learn the last bits."
"But you hate bookkeeping and such 'things'. What's caused this change of heart all of the sudden?"
Taking a breath, Joe shrugged. "I just thought that Adam does most of those things and if I knew them, I could take over or help when he comes back. If he brings his girl back then they will more than likely start a life of their own. If not, he'll be crushed. Pa, the last few years he has been going downhill and I think that he can't take much more. He will leave for good, I'm sure of it."
"Yes, I believe so too," Ben nodded, his face creased and suddenly aged, "Your eldest brother is strong but, though difficult, an oak is not impossible to uproot. I have always known that he was meant for travel and adventure, even back when he and I journeyed across the Midwest all those years ago. I think he's tired of life in general, not just of this ranch. And...I don't know how to keep him here once his desperation has driven him from our fold. I...just don't know, Joe. I don't know."
Joe was unable to find the words to reply, a knot having taken hold of his throat. He squeezed his father's shoulder reassuringly and returned to mucking out Chubb's stall. The two men worked in silence to clean out the barn, finishing more quickly than either would have wished. Both sullen and apprehensive, they bolted the doors closed. But upon reaching the porch, they heard the sound of a rumbling wagon-and-team coming from a far off. The men turned, waiting and hoping without their thoughts being voiced.
Finally, from around the corner of the barn, the conveyance came forth. Joe let out a breath that he hadn't realized he had been holding. Adam was driving and his companion was most enchanting. The two men looked at one another upon seeing the beautiful girl riding beside him. Hoss then appeared on Sport and dismounted as Adam jumped off the wagon. The tender fashion with which he helped the young lady to the ground was not lost on his father and youngest brother. The couple stood close together and looked expectantly at the two men, standing awestruck, in front of the grand ranch house as the backdrop. Joe stepped forward at last, breaking the spell. He reached out a hand and gripped Adam's bicep.
"Good to have you back, brother."
"So good to be back, Joe, and thank you," Adam said quietly and then turned to the woman waiting patiently on his arm. "Pa...Joe, come meet my lovely fiancé, Angelina Dioli! We are to be married as soon as possible."
Not exactly surprised, Joe extended a hand and took the young woman's small hand gently, kissing its back. "It is my pleasure to meet you, Miss Dioli." He was rewarded by a sweet smile that was nearly concealed by her shy nod.
Eyes turned to the eldest of the group then. Standing with his mouth a bit slack, Ben sprang into action at last, laughing as he grasped his eldest's hand and shook it vigorously. "Congratulations, son, well done! She is absolutely exquisite!" Having turned to look upon his son's betrothed, he smiled and stepped in front of her. "Welcome to The Ponderosa, my dear. I can easily see that my son loves you very much and that is enough for me. Welcome to the family, Miss Angelina!"
Joe observed that time seemed to stand still for an instance until the young woman smiled and stepped forward to offer her hand. The father took it between his own two hands. Her smile deepened and she leaned forward to kiss Ben's cheek lightly.
"I am truly blessed to make your acquaintance, Mr Cartwright. Your son is the most special of persons and his father must be so very proud of him. I thank you for your ready acceptance, considering that I am a relative stranger to you all. I know that I will be happy here, so long as my new family will have me...and Adam will love me."
Angelina's sweet, silvery and almost musical tones held the power of breaking the tension. Adam was beaming from ear to ear and accepted his father's enthusiastic hug as Hoss clapped both men on their backs. Joe whooped, throwing his hat into the air. Laughter ensued as all of the anguish and worry of the last weeks came flowing out of the family and their newest addition.
"You must be exhausted, my dear, do come in and rest yourself," Ben urged, leading the couple into the house.
Joe lingered for a moment to gaze up at the house and to thank a merciful God for bringing his eldest brother back and for providing him with an eternal well of happiness. Angelina Dioli was absolutely a beautiful prize, albeit a bit too elegant and quiet for Joe's personal taste but he digressed. One could easily see that his brother was enthralled to the deepest degree and that brought gladness to Joe's heart. At last, Adam would have a reason to be happy and to forget the trials of the past.
Hoss interrupted the young man's thoughts, jesting at Joe's idle posture. The young men worked quickly to take care of the horses. Joe was in awe of the majestic black stallion who was put in the huge pasture off of the house. Tossing his head and allowing his knee-length mane to be caught by the wind, Cole galloped away, obviously bent upon finding some peace for himself.
When the brothers returned to the house, a spirited introduction was in play. Hop Sing apparently knew Angelina Dioli already which surprised Joe a great deal. He stood by while laughter and chattering winged back and forth. Joking with the excited cook, Angelina was all smiles, her graceful hands never leaving Adam's arm. Joe was struck by the quiet elegance of the couple, so in love and devoted to one another yet demure in their affections. Knowing glances were exchanged, slight caresses were made by wandering fingers but never was their attention broken from the company at hand. He hoped that such a match could be attained for himself one day. Jealousy flooded through him but was instantly replaced by contentment. After all, his brother wouldn't be leaving after all and that fact made him want to jump for joy.
I* * * * *I
Three nights later, Adam and Angelina found themselves back in their line cabin but this time her wedding gown and his black-tie suit lay crumpled on the floor. Their undergarments littered the floor, stretched out toward the bed. The building had been decked out with wild flowers by Hoss and the pantry had been stocked by Joe with provisions and also little gifts such as chocolates, nuts and strawberries. The fireplace flickered shadows about the wooden walls and kissed the resting figures in the large bed, gifted by Ben for the newlyweds. A quilt that Adam's mother, Elizabeth, had once embroidered had been placed upon the bed and now covered the bodies of the lovers.
An arm behind his head, Adam lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His lovely bride stirred by his side, her head and shoulders resting upon his chest. She cooed in her sleep and hooked a leg over his thigh, burrowing deeper against his ribs. His body was drained and relaxed, perfectly exhausted after their time of sweet, careful and slow lovemaking. He caressed her bare shoulder, marveling at the beauty that lay against him. His lazy thoughts fluttered over the pleasures that she had wrenched from him and he smiled, a pleasant shiver suddenly jerking his limbs. The movement disturbed the young woman and she stirred.
"I love you, my Adam," Angelina muttered sleepily, kissing his neck before laying her ear back over his heart.
His smile deepened and he kissed her hair, inhaling of its flowery sweetness. "I love you too, my dearest Angelina. Sleep well, I've got you and I'll never let go."
"Good night, sweet angel," she sighed, her breathes becoming even.
As he felt himself began to drift off, he clung tighter to the feminine figure clinging to him. Sleep closed in but he fought the sensation, wanting to hang onto this happiness for a bit longer. Observing his perfect woman as she lay naked against him, so vulnerable and trusting, he vowed again to never let her go. A new life awaited them and he was filled with sudden excitement. At long last, after years of struggles and trauma, they were finally going to be happy. He felt a healing steal over his soul. The reason that he was alive made sense now. His purpose was clear, which was to care for this beautiful creature and make her the happiest woman alive. He had been touched by an angel and had felt her salvation steal through his lonely, broken heart.
Far from being the ill and saddened man that he had been in the beginning of his story, he felt emboldened and ready for what life had in store for him and his new wife. Oh, god, was he looking forward to this journey...wherever it may lead. With a prayer of thanks, he closed his eyes, sighed and instantly fell asleep, his chin slumping against the forehead of his dearest beloved.
The firelight continued to flicker until the flames burned into ashes and the stars continued to shine until the morning light cascaded from the mountain peaks, flooding the cabin. But still, the newlyweds breathed softly, dreaming of what their future might entail and of the baby that was, even in the moment, unknowingly being conceived in Angelina's abdomen.
The End