Page 17 of Mail Order Man

His kiss made it feel as if something was zinging through her body. It felt so good, and she wondered how it would feel to have him within her. All at once, that’s what she wanted—to make love with her new husband.

When he raised his head, she wanted to yell that she wasn’t finished yet, but instead she stared at him through heavy lidded eyes. “I think I like kissing you, husband.”

“I certainly hope so. I enjoy kissing you too.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I should head to bed, but let’s meet here at the same time tomorrow night and do this all over again.”

She laughed softly. “I’d be happy to oblige.” She watched him as he walked toward the stairs to go up to bed. For a second, she considered inviting him to sleep in her bed instead, but she decided it was better this way. If they took things slowly, then they would both be ready when they did finally make love. It just wouldn’t be tonight.

*****

By the end of their first full week together, Charlotte was in a tizzy. She had never felt so much passion for anyone in her life, and she was ready to share Earl’s bed. Their kisses after Walt went to bed—along with their discussions about anything and everything under the sun—made her feel closer to Earl than she ever had anyone in her life.

On Saturday, he got up early and started a fire in the pit he’d dug the day before, putting a grate over it that he’d found in the barn when he’d been cleaning it earlier in the week. Then he placed the huge slab of meat on the grate to smoke all day long. He’d come back and stoke the fire every couple of hours. He knew he could ask Charlotte to do it, but he was excited to do it himself.

Once everything was set up just like he wanted it, he went inside to have breakfast. Charlotte made biscuits with a sausage gravy and scrambled eggs. It wasn’t something he’d ever had for breakfast, but he had to admit, it was absolutely wonderful.

After breakfast, he kissed his wife goodbye, each morning kiss lasting longer than the last. “It’s hard not to linger here with you all day. Soon, it won’t matter if you want to wait. I’ll be dragging you off to your bed before you can say no.” With that, he put his hat on his head and left to start the day with his men, all of whom were still helping him with the round-up of the calves.

Charlotte stood staring at the closed door behind him, and she realized that they both were ready for a more intimate relationship, but neither was ready to say it. Now that she knew, she’d act accordingly.

Saturday was laundry day for her, so she got that out of the way first thing, and then she began the process of carrying everything Earl had brought with him down the stairs to her room. Maybe when he realized that all his belongings were where they belonged, he’d join them. You never could tell though. She’d seen a stubborn streak in the man over their time together.

When Walt woke, it was almost noon. He was sleeping later and later, but not a word had been spoken yet. Earl swore he’d seen his mouth move like he was about to say something, but he’d closed it without a word.

“Do you want breakfast or lunch?” Charlotte asked him.

When he didn’t respond, she sighed. “Do you want breakfast? I made biscuits and gravy.”

He shook his head.

“Do you want to wait to eat with Earl?”

Walt nodded, smiling.

“You like your new papa a lot, don’t you?”

He nodded again.

“You know, Papa has never heard you talk. I think your voice is the most beautiful sound in the whole world. He would love to hear it, just like I do. Do you think maybe you can talk for him?”

Walt tilted his head to one side, seeming to consider what she said. Finally, he shrugged.

She gave him a biscuit so he wouldn’t be too hungry while they waited for Earl to eat with them, but she hoped they were getting through to him. Hopefully, Walt would soon discover that he had things that needed to be said.

After the wash was finished drying, she folded it and put it away, giving the house a good scrubbing. Not that it was dirty, but with company coming, she wanted it to be as clean as it could possibly be.

While she worked, Walt followed behind her, taking on little chores. “Would you wipe up the muddy footprints in front of the door?” she asked.

Walt nodded, rushing to do her bidding.

She had a light lunch of soup and sandwiches waiting, so whenever Earl came back, she would be ready to feed him. The man seemed to always be hungry, but he cooked more than his fair share, and she had no complaints. He was good for her, and he was good to her.

When Earl came in, he looked exhausted. “Did something happen?” she asked, hurrying to him.

He shook his head. “I had to fire another of the men today, which makes us all have to work just a bit harder.”

She frowned. “Over me?”

He chuckled. “Not this time. He wasn’t doing his job properly, using spurs on his horse. I don’t care who he is. No one is going to abuse an animal around me.”