Laurey

Laurey opened her eyes slowly, unused to the sunlight streaming into her room. She must have slept late–later than she had in ages without waking up throughout the night, plagued by terrible dreams. Though that wasn't a surprise; she'd never woken up safe and warm in the arms of a man who loved her before. They'd stayed cuddled up all night, and she didn't even roll over, let alone flail around like she usually did when she slept.

He'd been so gentle the night before. She'd heard so many awful stories and rumors about what women went through on their wedding nights, but she should have known it wouldn't be like that with Jud. Those other women just didn't have husbands as nice as hers. The only thing that had darkened the night was the revelation that he had been with other ladies. That had sent her mind reeling into places she didn't want it to go, as she thought of other bodies entwined around his, ladies in frilly underthings who knew just what to do, who'd wrap their painted red lips around him, knowing just how to please him and look pretty while doing it. She'd quickly reasoned herself out of her jealousy. Really, who cared if he had been with other ladies? That probably just made him more patient now, and more…talented when the time came. He belonged to her now, and that was what mattered the most.

"You awake?" he whispered.

"Yeah. Just got up." She pressed closer against him, despite the summer heat. "But we can stay like this a while longer, right?"

"The day after our weddin' night, I don't think Aunt Eller's gonna put me to work in the mornin'."

"That's right." she wrapped her arms around his sturdy forearm, still amazed by the size of his muscles. "We should stay like this all day."

"When I make enough money, that's just what we'll do. Nothin' but lyin' in bed all day."

"I like that." She nestled against him, falling back into a contented sleep.

She held his arm as they walked downstairs, resting her head against his shoulder. Aunt Eller was waiting for them in the kitchen, greeting Laurey with a concerned look, which she promptly ignored.

"'Spose we slept past breakfast, but it's lunchtime now, ain't it?"

"Yeah, I got a pot pie waitin' for you two."

The three of them glanced at the table, unsure of where to sit.

She squeezed her husband's hand. "Reckon you oughta sit at the head of the table now. You bein' the…man and all."

"Yeah, yeah, I s'pose so." Jud sat down in his new chair and Laurey draped her arms over his shoulder, kissing his cheek. He looked so handsome, looked like a proper farmer, the head of a household, not just a hired hand anymore.

He still had to go out to work, though, which left Laurey alone with Aunt Eller.

"I don't mean to pry, but last night…"

"Last night was just fine, thank you."

"He didn't…hurt you none?"

Laurey shook her head. "Not at all. He was a gentleman, like always." She turned away and ignored the scoffing sound her aunt made as she busied herself with the dishes.