Chapter 54: Let the Fun Begin
'Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not weakness.'
It was after supper when Joel left the house. Becca was sitting at the kitchen table helping Ellie with her homework. His wife was feeling much better. She was a month into her second trimester. Her stomach was starting to grow. She wouldn't be able to hide it much longer.
They would be ready for them.
Thankfully, the morning sickness tapered off. She was becoming moody though. One minute she was all over him. The next minute she was crying or yelling at him. He took it all in stride though. He knew her hormones were going crazy.
She decided not to work at the hospital. It was too risky. She couldn't take the risk of someone in town knowing she was pregnant. It was too dangerous for them right now. Whomever shot her and framed her was still out there. There was no telling when they would strike again.
Sharon came over to check up on her. Luckily, the baby was progressing nicely. It had a strong heartbeat. He didn't know why, but he thought it was a girl. He felt it in his blood. Of course he would be okay with a boy too. He just wanted a happy and healthy baby.
He had a lot of experience in raising a young woman. Even though he lost Sarah, he liked to think he raised her up well. She had been a fine young woman. Intelligent, independent and capable. She took care of his sorry ass.
He worked hard for her though. He toiled his ass off seven days a week laying out concrete and putting up drywall until the wee hours of the morning. Being the provider, he sometimes missed the important moments in her life.
He still remembered that fateful night everything went to shit. It had been his birthday. He promised to be home early, but he ended up staying later. He didn't come home until almost ten, but his girl had been waiting for him.
She looked proud as punch as she handed him his gift. She swiped twenty dollars from him to fix his stupid watch, but he loved the thoughtfulness. It was so her.
Joel smiled to himself as he walked to the barn, remembering the DVD she tracked down for him. The old karate movie him and Tommy used to love.
He remembered taking her fishing and teaching her how to ride a bike. There were so many memories. The hurt was still there. He would always feel her loss, but the guilt and grief he could let go. He would no longer mourn his child and wallow in his despair.
He would keep her alive in memory. He would talk about her more. Share more stories with Becca and Ellie. God, he wished they could've met. They all would've got along. He could picture them all busting his chops.
He pushed open the barn doors as he closed them behind them, making sure they were locked. Becca and Ellie respected this was his time to be alone. Sometimes a man just needs to be alone with his thoughts.
He walked over to his work bench and sat down with a sigh. He stared at the crib he was making for their baby. It would be a surprise for his wife. A gift he knew she would cherish. He would make it sturdy and durable. It would be holding precious cargo.
He laughed to himself. Cargo. That word held a special meaning to him. It brought Ellie into his life, which gave him Becca. He would do it all over again. Maybe without making the same mistakes.
He hoped this crib could be passed along to his grandkids one day. He would be dead and gone by then. He knew Becca would still be alive to see their child grow up. He was a practical man. He knew they would only have one child.
Becca expressed her concerns having a baby at thirty eight. She was considered a geriatric pregnancy. She was high risk. She was worried about not having the necessary resources if something should happen.
He couldn't think about losing her. He told her vehemently if he had to choose between her and the baby-he would choose her. Every single time. They could always try for another baby. He couldn't get another Becca. He could travel what's left of the world three times over and he would never find another Becca.
He took his hammer out of the tool box and picked up his chisel. He started to get to work, letting his mind focus on the present rather than the past. He had a future to look forward to. For once, since this outbreak began he didn't see bleakness ahead of him. Just a bright light.
Becca walked out onto the porch with her cup of tea. The cold weather was starting to break. It was the end of April. Spring was about to begin. She already started planting her seeds for the upcoming Spring. She wasn't thrilled about being heavily pregnant in the Summer, but she couldn't choose the date. Life chose that for her.
She could finally start wearing her dresses again, which was for the better. She couldn't fit into her pants anymore. She didn't know what to do. She tried on Maria's maternity clothes, but Becca was taller than her. Nothing fit. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't go into town and ask anyone. She thought about Betsy. She knew without a doubt she could trust her. She thought Joel thought so too. Maybe she would bring it up to him later.
Ellie was sitting on the steps of the porch, idly strumming the guitar. She sat down on the bench and smiled softly. Joel taught her well. She loved watching them play together. She couldn't wait for Joel to teach their child guitar. He was going to be a good dad.
She was grateful she got him in this stage of his life. He was calmer with her. More at ease. Never a day that went by since she's been did she feel unappreciated. He was sweet to her, kind and affectionate. He was patient with her mood swings. He wasn't quick to anger with her anymore.
Sure, they had their spats like most married people would and there's been a night when he slept on the couch to give them space. After the anger wore off they talked through it like adults. They were opened and honest, settling their dispute. They weren't perfect, but they stayed together because the love was deep.Unbreakable.
Becca looked out at the barn, seeing the light on. She smiled to herself. She never asked what he did in there. It wasn't her business. She understood he needed his space just as much as she needed hers. They were used to being solitary creatures, but they've come to appreciate the strength in numbers.
Ellie looked up at her guitar and jerked her head towards the barn,'What do you think he's doing in there?'
'Devil worship.' Becca had a serious look upon her face, smirking behind her teacup,'What do you think he's a farmer?'
'Plenty of animals to sacrifice?' Ellie replied in the same sick sense of humor.
They stared at each other and laughed. Joel was the hugest animal lover. He confessed to her he cried at Bambi. Who didn't cry at Bambi though?
They both saw the light go off in the barn. They turned to look at each other. They tried to act cool as Ellie started strumming her guitar again as Becca paid serious attention to her cup of tea.
Joel smirked as he walked down the trail, holding his hat in his left hand,'Two pretty ladies welcoming a man home. He sauntered over to them as he covered his heart with his hat,'Makes a man feel mighty special.'
Ellie groaned and got up from the steps as she watched Becca and Joel look at each other,'I'm not sitting here watching you two eye fuck each other.'
Joel started laughing as Becca's eyes widened. She gently tapped her head as she kissed her cheek,'Wash up. I'll be up to say goodnight.' She looked at her sternly,'Language. You don't want your sibling learning bad habits. We got to set a good example.'
Ellie's eyes widened and she nodded. She took her sibling duties seriously,'Yes, maim.'
Joel placed his hands on his hips, his eyes crinkling tenderly at the exchange between them. Becca worried about being a mother. She was already a mother. A damn good one.
She ran into the house and slammed the door behind her, barreling up the stairs.
Becca looked down at him standing at the bottom of the steps. She nodded her head up at him,'Eye fucking, huh? I guess she leaned that from you.'
'I got eyes.' He shrugged,'And I wanna fuck ya.'
He saw the blush rise in her cheeks. God, he loved that he could still make he do that. Blush. She was still shy around him sometimes, like when he ate her out on the kitchen one early morning before he went out to work on the farm. She had been the first thing he ate before breakfast. He could still hear her quiet muffled groans in her arm so she wouldn't wake Ellie. The way her thighs clamped around his head as his face was buried in her wet cunt.
He felt his cock twitch in his jeans. He swore he could still taste her. God, she was everything.
She saw the look on his face and smiled knowingly,'Oh no. Here comes trouble.'
He feigned a look of hurt and cocked his head to the side,'Who me? I'm your darlin husband, honey girl. Ain't nothin troublesome about me.' He smirked,'I'm a good ol' Texan. As gentleman as they come.'
She shook her head and laughed at his elaborated Southern drawl,'You're a take ya home to mama kinda man, huh?'
Something stirred inside him as she enunciated her southern accent. She often spoke of her time in Kentucky. She grew up on a ranch. Much bigger than this. She didn't seem to boast about it. Just stated facts.
She didn't do much of farming. Her father had ranch hands for that. Probably one of his fuckin cousins. Immigrants who came to America to be free and ended up doing the dirty worked. They worked harder to feed their families back home. Now humanity knows what it's like to actually work at it to survive. Together.
Joel had a serious look on his face as he walked up the steps to her. He stood in front of her and swept her bangs out of her eyes,'Would ya have thought?' His eyes searched her face,'Take me home to mama?'
Becca knew what he was asking her. She cupped his cheek and smiled softly,'I would have. You would've charmed the pants off her.' She averted her eyes shyly, whispering,'You charmed the pants off mine.'
He busted out laughing as his rested his forehead against hers, placing his hand on her stomach protectively,'It took a lot more than that, baby doll. You made me work for it.'
She placed her mug on the table and wrapped her arms around his neck,'You were an asshole.'
'Still am.' He shrugged,'Ain't nothin gonna change that.'
She shook her head as her eyes narrowed slightly,'Not with me. Sometimes. Most of the time.' She grinned,'Maybe when I'm all riled up.'
He smiled resolutely as he placed his hat on his head,'Wouldn't have noticed, darlin.'
She heard the sarcasm in his tone and laughed,'There it is.'
His squinted his eyes, his mustache twitching as he suppressed a smirk,'You got a bratty mouth on ya.' His eyes lowered downward,'I got something for that.'
Her cheeks burned brightly as she smiled shyly,'You got a filthy mouth, husband.'
He pressed his forehead against hers, whispering,'I'll show ya a filthy mouth, wife.'
She snickered as she placed her hands on his cheek and leaned up to kiss his cheek,'Get washed up before you come to bed. You're not coming into our bed smelling like that.'
He grinned as he smacked her ass and squeezed her ass cheek,'Wouldn't dream of it, darlin. I know when the getting's good.'
He took off his boots and left them by the door outside.
He was walking past her and she slapped his ass. His eyes widened as he looked back at her, a wide grin on his face,'Didn't know ya had it in ya.'
'Oh I do.' She smirked as she followed him into the house,'Just needed the right person to bring it out and in me.'
He licked his lips as he let her walk up the stairs first. He grabbed her waist as he followed her up the stairs,'You take a shower yet?'
'No.' She glanced back at him, giving him a small smile,'I was waiting for you.'
He leaned in and kissed her neck, whispering,'Where ya now?'
'Mmm hmm.' She nodded as they reached the top step. She held onto the banister as he kissed her neck,'We need to say goodnight to Ellie first.'
'Of course.' He nodded as he followed her to Ellie's room.
She was laying in bed and reading book. She looked up at him and nodded,'I know. No more reading. Time for bed.'
Becca laughed as she walked into her room and leaned over her, kissing her on the forehead,'You're the one that gives me a hard time trying to get you ready for school.'
Joel nodded and sighed,'And I'm the one she bitches to about it.'
Becca glared at him playfully and placed her hands on her hips,'What were you saying about that shower?'
Ellie groaned as she turned the light off,'Okay, I'll go to bed. Just don't be loud. I'm young and impressionable.'
He snorted as he kissed her forehead,'Sure ya are. Goodnight, kiddo.'
'Goodnight.' Becca whispered softly as she kissed the top of her head.
Ellie said goodnight to them as she pulled the blankets over her head.
Joel closed the door and smirked up at her,'I say in about ten minutes she's gonna be reading under her blanket.'
'Ten.' Becca snorted as she walked to the bathroom,'More like five.'
He walked in behind her and closed the door, making sure to lock it. She turned on the shower to get it hot.
He leaned back against the door, watching her as she took off her dress. She was wearing a pair of black cotton panties. Nothing out of the ordinary, but made everything look sexy to him. She wasn't wearing a bra. She told him her breasts were too sensitive.
His eyes trailed down to her stomach. Her belly was getting bigger by the day. She could still cover it with loose dresses, but he knew it would only be a matter of time.
He loved how open she was with her body now. Before, she used to be shy getting undressed in front of him. He would always have to coax her. She was ready and willing now. Pregnancy seemed to change the way she looked at her body. It gave her more confidence in herself.
He knew she was protective over the baby. It's why she refused to work at the hospital or go into town. He agreed it wasn't safe for her either at the moment. There were too many prying eyes. Too many people they couldn't trust.
There was a risk of someone watching them on the farm, but he patrolled along with Tommy and his men. They kept a close she on Sharon as well.
As long as the perpetrator is out there they had to stay vigilant.
He unbuckled his belt and undid his jeans. His heavy belt buckle fell onto the floor, causing a clatter.
She smirked and placed her index finger over her lips, telling him to be quiet.
He grinned as he pulled his jeans down his legs. She watched the reveal of his tanned and muscular legs. This was always her favorite part, watching him get undressed.
His eyes met hers and he had a cocky smirk on his face as he slowly unbuttoned his flannel, giving her a show. He slowly undid each button and pulled it off his shoulders, throwing it onto the floor with their other clothes. He pulled his long John and white tank top over his head. He was completely naked and she let her eyes take her fill.
She would never get tired of looking him. Even broken, sick and a grumpy asshole-she always thought he was a handsome man. Anyone with eyes could see that. She tried picturing him as a young man before the outbreak. He was probably handsome then, but got better with age.
She loved his salt and pepper hair. The lines on his weathered face. They were all getting older. There isn't anything we can do about that. All we can do is treat ourselves well. And love well.
She saw him looking at her belly and laughed as she patted it gently,'I know. I'm gonna start really showing soon.'
He shook his head as he walked over to her, placing his hands on her stomach,'I think it's beautiful.' He stroked her cheek as he raised his eyes up to look at her,'You're beautiful.'
She smiled softly as she leaned into his touch,'I can't fit in any of my clothes.'
His eyes widened as he nodded,'We need to fix that.' He rubbed her belly,'Can't have my wife walking around in nothing.' He snorted,'All of Tommy's men will be scamming to patrol here.'
She rolled her eyes and teasingly punched his chest,'I'm serious.' She wrapped her arms around his waist,'I can't wear the same stuff all the time.' She took a deep breath,'I was thinking…could we trust Betsy?'
He considered it for a moment and shrugged,'Do you trust her?' He shook his head,'I trust her with my life. I don't feel that way towards many people. She's one of 'em. Her son's a good boy. He helps us out on the weekends. He's been helping me around here.'
'I've seen him.' She nodded and smiled softly,'I do trust her. She married us. I…just would like to maternity stuff to wear. I tried Maria's clothes and they don't fit.' She frowned,'I know it's selfish to ask because she's really busy and I haven't been contributing in town and-'
He placed his finger on her lips and shushed her,'Who gives a shit what ya done these past few weeks?' He snorted,'You worked your ass for them in the hospital for four years. You didn't get paid a dime working twelve hours six hours a day. They can kiss your ass. I work for them. Every fuckin day. Half those roofs are fixed cause of me.' He snorted,'Tommy couldn't fix a roof if it fell on him.'
She laughed as she looked over his face,'Was that a dad joke?' She frowned,'You're starting already?'
He laughed and cupped her cheek, stroking her cheekbone with his thumb,'You ain't being selfish cause ya wanna be comfortable while growing a life inside ya. I know I couldn't that shit. I couldn't handle a bullet let alone a fuckin baby coming outta…there.'
She cocked her head to the side as she ran her hand through his hair,'My hole is a little bigger than yours.'
He growled softly as he mumbled under his breath,'Doesn't feel like it.' He leaned in close to her and rested his forehead against hers,'I'll talk to Betsy tomorrow morning. I'll make sure my girl's happy.'
Her eyes filled with tears and she shook her head in disbelief. It's been almost a month since she's been back and his sweet demeanor hasn't changed towards her. He still made her feel appreciated. Loved.
'Let's get in the shower before it gets cold.' She whispered softly.'Water supply is limited, you know.'
He followed her into the shower and scoffed,'There's water round here for miles. That's just the council's way of controlling everyone.'
'I don't like them.' She frowned,'They remind me of communists.'
He laughed as he pulled the shower curtain closed,'That's because they are.' He shook his head as he let her stand under the shower,'I said that the first time I came here.' He grasped her waist and turned her around with her back against his chest, letting them both stand under the water,'We'll play nice for now. I'll keep on building our new home. Then we can get away from these snobby fucks.'
He buried his face in her neck and kissed her wet skin, whispering,'They don't mean shit to us. This is what matters.'
'We're the lucky ones right?' She repeated the words back he always said to her.
He smiled against her skin as he slid his hands up over the slight curve of her stomach and up to her chest, groping her tits in his hands,'Damned right we are.'
She bit her bottom lip to stifle her moan, being care not to disturb Ellie. He gently groped her tits, being mindful to not be too rough with them. His thumbs swiped over her nipples. He looked down at her chest, watching the way the water rippled off her body.
She wrapped her arm around him to tangle her hand in his hair, even curlier from the water,'I want you.'
His eyes widened at the firmness in her tone. He loved that she was slowly building confidence when it came to intimacy. She wasn't afraid to ask what she wanted or what she needed.
He squinted his eyes as the water sprayed over his head,'You want me. Ya got me, honey girl.' He shook his head,'You never gotta ask me that.'
He leaned his head down and kissed her hungrily. The kiss was sloppy from the water and their desire. Their eyes clenched shut as they each fight for dominance over the kiss.
He was the one who relented. He pulled his mouth off hers and placed his hand over her lower back, whispering,'Bend over, baby.'
She did as she was told. She braced her hands against the tiled wall. He spread her legs apart with his knee. She gasped slightly as she felt his rough hand between her legs, slicking her up with his saliva.
She never understood why he did that. She was always so wet for him. The shower took care of that as well. She wondered if it was a pride thing for him. Marking his territory.
He rubbed the tip up himself up and down her slit, his nose nuzzling shushed the back of her ear,'Ya ready for me, sweet thing?'
She nodded silently as she pushed back against him, urgent to feel him inside her.
He smirked at her neediness. Not one to be rude to a lady; he slid himself deep inside her. He groaned lowly as he bottomed out inside her, the feel of her overwhelming. She soothed his busy after a long and tiring day. A balm to his soul.
He firmly pressed his hand against her lower back as he bent her over even more, getting deeper inside her. He angled his hips lower as he thrusted firmly, but gently against her. She had her mouth biting into her mouth to muffle her moans. Her wet bangs were plastered to her forehead. Her eyes closed in pleasure. Absolute trust.
She was always the most beautiful like this. In the throes of passion. She loved him. She wanted this. Wanted him.
He couldn't resist taking her long hair and wrapping it around his fist. He stared at the stark contrast of her red hair and his tanned skin. Polar opposites. Yet, she somehow found him through the darkness.
He gently tugged her head back to him and kissed her deeply as his hips collided with hers. She began pushing back against him. She smirked as she heard him mutter a curse word under his breath. He grasped her hips and pulled her back against him as she met his thrusts. He followed her rhythm. Hard and fast. Smooth and little. Back and forth they went. Their muffled moans lost inside each others mouths as they kissed deeply.
He could feel his orgasm approaching. He hurriedly slid his hand between their bodies and rubbed her clit furiously, desperate for her to come with him. He heard her whimper and began pounding into her. His hips becoming erratic as his orgasm fast approached. He could feel her pussy tighten around him and he gritted his teeth as he fucked her through her orgasm.
He placed his hand on her mouth to muffle her scream. She tensed up and elbowed him hard in the ribs, making him fall back against the wall.
His eyes widened up at her as he shook his head,'What the fuck was that?' He slowly pulled himself up and groaned,'Ya coulda killed me, Rebecca. Jesus fuck.'
He took a deep breath and turned the shower off. His ribs were aching something fierce. He couldn't shake it off like he could when he was going. He wasn't going to let her know that though. He didn't want to take his anger out on her. He understood her boundaries. He crossed the line.
She covered her face with her hands embarrassingly,'I'm sorry. Fuck, I'm so sorry.' She took her hands on his face and looked over at him warily,'Did I hurt you?'
'Just my pride, darlin.' He opened the shower curtain and grabbed two towels, biting the wince from the pain in his side,'Never had a woman elbow me in the middle of an orgasm.' He laughed and shook his head,'Gotta say. In all my years, that's the first.'
'I'm sorry.' She shook her head,'It was a reflex.' She bowed her head and sighed,'David always used to cover our mouths with duct tape while he spoke sermons.' She cleared her throat,'It was a way to keep us quiet. Controlled. He would make us sit there for hours and hours. He would…cover my mouth at night.'
He sighed and wrapped the towel around her. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close,'Jesus, I'm sorry. If I woulda known.'
'Not your fault.' She looked up at him and frowned,'I'm the one who should be sorry. I hurt you. You're right. I could've almost killed you.' She gave him a stern look,'I want to take a look at that side too.'
'Ain't nothing wrong with it.' He hissed in pain as he pushed her fingers against his ribs,'Maybe it's a little sore.'
She held her face in his hands and stroked his cheeks,'Shit, I'm so sorry.' She sighed,'I still have moments when I'm back with him, you know? I know I'll have to get over that. I will. I have.'
'That's right.' He nodded,'You have. Everyone has a moment of weakness. Something that triggers a memory.' He swallowed the lump in his throat,'Happens to me every day.'
'How do you fight it?' She searched his face,'What triggers it?'
'I can't put a name to it. More of a…feeling.' He shrugged,'A scent that sparks a memory. Something that reminds me of her. You know I still get the panic attacks sometimes. I don't think they'll ever go away. I don't expect yours too either. Specially with you being pregnant. Bound to stir up all kinds of things.'
She laughed and shook her head,'You are the expert. You did raise kids. You're raising one now.'
'So are you.' He nodded,'You're Ellie's mother. I saw her call ya mama at the town hall. You saw it too. You're a good mama. You're gonna be a good one to our baby.'
She rested her head against his chest and blinked her eyes sleepily,'I'm a tired mama.'
He chuckled and kissed the top of her head,'Let's get ya to bed mama.'
She looked up at him she frowned,'What about your side?'
'No offense but your elbow hook needs some work.' He smirked,'I've had worse. I'll live.'
She still felt embarrassed about it though. She felt ashamed she was still letting David hold some aspects of her life. She thoroughly enjoyed sex with Joel. In every possible way. Now he would go back to treating her with kid gloves.
She walked out of the bathroom first as she went into their bedroom. She could hear him following behind her as he closed the door.
He sighed as he watched her go through her drawer silently,'You didn't do anything wrong.'
'Can we acknowledge I did and talk about it?' She shook her head and pull nightgown on,'You did something really innocent and I freaked.' She held her arms out,'I hurt you.'
He raised his eyebrows and held his hands up, letting her know he didn't want any trouble,'Maybe…you're overreacting?'
Her eyes widened and she placed her hands on her hips,'And you're…under reacting.'
His face scrunched in confusion and he crossed his arms over his chest, looking smug as ever with a towel wrapped around his waist,'And to think you went to college. Under reacting?'
She rolled her eyes and sighed,'Shut up.'
He snorted as he walked over to the bureau to grab a pair of boxers,'You first.'
She narrowed her eyes as she climbed into bed,'I'm not sorry then.'
'Good.' He walked over to the bed as he pulled up his boxers,'I don't want you to be.'
He crawled into bed with her and wrapped his arms around her,'This ain't nothin to be mad to go to bed about. I ain't mad. Don't be mad at yourself.' He kissed her forehead,'I love you.'
She closed her eyes and smiled softly,'I love you too.'
He was right. This wasn't anything worth being angry about. It wasn't worth it. Life was too short. They knew that better than anybody.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Joel rose at midnight. It was his time to do overnight patrol. He didn't love it. Especially when the baby was born, but this is what he needed to do to protect his family. This is what they did to keep their peace and earn their keep.
For now.
He gently detangled himself from Becca. He managed to slide his hand from out underneath her. She groaned softly as she rolled over. He stared at her longingly. He wanted so much to lay back down with her, pull her close and fall back asleep into her arms.
He had to get up. His old and weary body needed longer than it used to. Back in his thirties, he could get by on two hours of sleep. Then again he was riding high on pills and adrenaline. He had a lot to live for now.
He quietly dressed and walked over to her, bending down to kiss her forehead,'Love ya, baby.'
She blinked her eyes open at his whispering, staring sleepily up at his face,'Where ya going?'
'Patrol.' He stroked her cheek,'It's my overnight tonight.'
She nodded and closed her eyes, blindly stroking his arm as she whispered,'Love you. Be safe.'
He smiled as she fell back asleep. He got up from the bed and gently tiptoed through the house as he made his way downstairs. He made a thermos of coffee, knowing he was going to need it.
He headed out into the dead of night to the barn and opened up the doors. He pulled the rope to turn on the light. His eyes widened by what he saw. He saw Becca's horse Dusty beheaded. Her head was mounted on the wall. He looked at the blood everywhere.
His eyes darted everywhere. They landed at the writing on the wall. BE next.
He fell to his knees on the ground. They were here. They were making them aware they were close. They breached patrol. Then again, he wasn't surprised. Look at what Bruce ended up to be and his fucking 'preacher' buddy.
He didn't know what he was going to tell Becca. She was already heartbroken about Sadie. Had someone been watching them then? Were they looking to deepen the blow?
He rubbed his gloved hand over his face. He nodded to himself as he got up from his knees. He would handle this. He would tell Becca like a man. They would decide how to handle this. No secrets.
He took a deep breath to gather his courage as he slowly walked up to the house. He hated to see his wife in pain. Someone wanted to ruin their happiness. He wouldn't let them.
He walked into the house and up the stairs, ignoring his muddied boots. He went into their room and opened her door. She was sound asleep.
He took a moment to gather his courage. He couldn't help. Even the strongest man was afraid of their wives.
He leaned over her and gently shook her awake, whispering,'Baby, wake up.'
She groaned softly and turned around, staring up at him,'Back so soon?' She saw the grave look on his face and her heart sank,'What happened?'
He sighed and shook his head,'Get dressed and come with me.'
'What's going on?' She sat up as pure fear began to rise up within her,'Did someone get hurt?' Her eyes widened,'Is it Ellie?'
'It ain't Ellie.' He gritted his teeth to bite back his impatience,'Just trust me and get dressed. Please.'
She nodded and sighed, deciding to let him figure it out on her own. She got up from the bed and put on whatever warm she could find. Her hands were shaking as she walked down the stairs. Ellie was still sound asleep. She was safe and sound.
Joel held tightly onto her hand as he led her out to the barn. He let go of her hand was she slowly walked to the entryway of the barn. He stood behind her as she screamed and collapsed into his arms.
He held her as he sobbed. He rested his chin on top of her head, tears filling his own eyes. It was like she lost another child. He was going to slowly torture whoever did this.
His eyes were drawn to the BE NEXT drawn in blood above Dusty's head. He saw the saddle Becca got him for Christmas laying in the ground covered in blood. He would make sure to clean that.
'Be next.' Becca whispered shakily,'Becca…Ellie. Our names.' She looked up at him as tears fell from her eyes,'Our names.'
He cupped the back of her head and kissed her forehead,'I ain't gonna let nobody hurt ya. I'll guard ya round the clock myself if I gotta.' He sighed,'I gotta tell Tommy.' He looked over at the grisly scene,'I'm gonna take care of this.' He lifted his hand up,'I know ya wanna, but you're pregnant. I don't want ya getting sick.' He held her face in his hands,'You go on the porch and been on the look out. I'll make sure the guys are on guard.'
She nodded as she blinked away tears,'They're both gone.' She cried,'Both my babies are gone. They didn't do nothing wrong.'
He kissed her cheeks as he stroked her hair,'I know, darlin. I know. I'm gonna make sure they pay.'
'We're gonna make sure they pay.' She looked at him sternly,'I raised them. I nurtured them. Dusty didn't deserve this. Sadie deserved better than to die like that. More fucking beautiful things being taken from this world. I not about to be a bystander in my own life. We made a promise to each other remember?'
He nodded and sighed,'We did.'
'Okay.' She pursed her lips and gave him a determined stare,'Then give me the damn rifle and get a move on.'
He smirked as he handed her the second rifle he carried over his shoulder as backup,'Yes, maim.' He smiled proudly,'Did I tell ya I love ya this morning?'
'No.' She snorted as fresh tears fell from her eyes, whispering,'I really need to hear it.'
He placed his hand on her lower back as he pulled her close,'I love ya, Rebecca Miller.'
She nodded as she leaned up and kissed his cheek,'I love you too, Mr. Miller.' She jerked her head,'Get moving before they do.'
He tipped the brim of his cowboy hat and ran over to the smaller barn to get another horse. It wasn't as well trained as Sadie or Dusty, but it would do.
He saddled up the horse and climbed up. He jerked on the reins as he sped down the trail. The dust disappearing in the dark.
Becca watched was he rode away on his horse. She held onto the rifle tightly, looking back at Dusty and sighing sadly. She really did love her horses. Whomever did this was going to pay. She would make sure they would be dead to rights.
She frowned when she saw Ellie coming up the path. She was running towards her a frantic look on her face.
She saw the tears in Becca's face and the pure devastation,' What happened? Who died?' She shook her head,'Joel?'
'No.' She she shook her head and sighed,'It's Dusty. Someone…' She sobbed softly and tried to choke back her tears for Ellie's sake,'Don't go in there.'
'Fuck that.' Ellie jerked her arm away and walked over to the barn.
Her eyes widened as she stumbled backwards. She shook her head and tears filled her eyes,'We're next, Becca. We're gonna be next.'
'No we're not.' She walked over to her and held her face in her hands,'We're gonna protect each other. Come on. Let's go on the porch.'
Ellie nodded as she took her hand and they walked back to the house together. They both looked over their shoulders, wondering if anyone was lurking. If they knew of their bite marks. Their immunity. There would be in uproar. They might get shot.
They accepted Joel as one of them. They were always the outsiders. The newcomers and late bloomers.
Joel rode to Tommy's as fast as the horse could take him. He was used to riding Dusty or Sadie. He was used to their stride. He felt a deep sadness in his heart for the girls. He loved them as much as Becca did. He bonded with them. Rode with them.
He past Sharon's house when he seen someone coming out of it. He narrowed his eyes and pulled the reins to stop the horse a moment. He pulled the horse behind a wall as he watched the figure pass into the floodlight.
His eyes widened when he saw Lizzie. He shook his head confusingly. What the hell was Ellie's girlfriend seeing Sharon in the middle of the night for? A back alley abortion? Did the girl swing both ways. He didn't judge. It would make a lot of sense.
Or was it something or a more insidious nature?
The question weighed heavily on his mind was he rode to Tommy's house. He knocked on the door and waited for a half asleep Tommy to answer the door.
He scratched his head and sighed,'Who died?'
He sighed and placed his hands on his hips,'Why does everyone keep asking that?' He shook his head,'I mean someone did die. Dusty.' He waited for the name to sink in and he rolled his eyes exasperatingly,'Becca's other horse. Sadie's sister. I went to on patrol with her and…found in the barn with her head chopped off, mounted to the wall like some fuckin trophy.' He frowned,'The words be next above it. Becca thinks it has to do with her and Ellie's names.'
He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed,'This is getting deep.'
Joel nodded and smiled wryly,'Very deep.'
Tommy stared downward a moment and shook his head, laughing to himself. He looked up at Joel and gleefully smirked,'It's been awhile since the Miller boys been up to some trouble.'
Joel returned his smirk and clapped his hand on his back,'Brother, I couldn't agree more.'