One Bride for Five Brothers

Maybe I should have one of those donut holes we sell by the cider. That sounds good. Actually, that sounds amazing. Maybe with bacon. I wonder if I should jog back to the house and whip up some bacon before anybody misses me.

Whew. Yeah. Bacon sounds amazing.

I'm not usually hungry like this, not usually this frail. The last month or so, the boys have been giving me such a workout, I feel sort of invincible. Nothing can harm me while under their protection. And I've been stretched to my physical limits over and over again, rebounding like a champ and then demanding more.

They've awoken a hunger in me I never could have anticipated. Like opening a secret door, it must be something that has always lived inside of me but I never thought I could let out. A solid month of the most outrageous sex I ever could have imagined, and then some. Literally, weeks and weeks in a row…

Wait.

Weeks and weeks. Which means I never had to stop, right? Never had to explain to anybody that I had cramps, headache, or didn't feel like that day was a good day for. Sex. Actually, haven't had my period at all.

Haven't had my period since my dorm room, now that I'm thinking about it. Which means I'm late. Like really late, like…

Oh my gosh.

Holy cow.

Chapter 19

Hank

I stand outside Vanessa's cabin door for a few moments, just listening. It's still pretty early. We're used to it, of course. And she hasn’t complained, but I know the crack of dawn is uncomfortable for most people.

After a little while, I realize I don't hear anything. I sort of want to sneak in to watch her sleep. She's just the prettiest thing when she's sleeping, her hair fanned out all around her angelic face, her breath even and deep. Those nights where I've slept next to her have been some of my most enriching sleep ever. Sweet dreams change my attitude during the day. It's pretty nice.

Yeah, I admit it. It's really pretty great.

Quietly, I tap on the glass with my knuckle, then wait. The crickets are still chirping, and there's a distinct nip in the air. I think I saw frost on the grass, but that seems early. We should still have a few weeks before a hard frost actually settles in.

I tap again, a little louder this time. I'm sure

she's here. She's just sleeping.

A shadow moves behind the door, but it comes from the other side of the cabin, not the bedroom. I realize sheepishly that I've just disturbed her in the bathroom and sort of wish I could run away. But the door swings open and she smiles meekly, pushing her hair back from her forehead.

“Oh, I'm so sorry,” I cringe. “I didn't mean to disturb you.”

She takes a deep breath, flaring her nostrils.

“No, it's okay,” she sighs. “I'm up. Come on in.”

She shuffles toward the kitchen, dragging her feet a little bit.

“Vanessa, are you okay?”

She waves her hand in the air without looking back at me.

“I'll make you some coffee.”

I squint at her, trying to figure out what's wrong. Hung over? No… I can't remember the last time she had anything to drink. Whose turn was it last night? I know Tim and Tom can get pretty acrobatic in their expectations.

“I brought you some more blankets,” I call out toward the kitchen, setting them on the bench at the foot of her bed. Then I straighten up the sheets, tucking the edges in and smoothing the pillowcases for her. I lay the comforters on top, arranging it up all neatly.

“Well aren't you just the sweetest?” she smiles, shuffling back toward me.

She stands with her hands on her hips, the light from the window making her pale pink nightie almost transparent.

“You look gorgeous,” I breathe, shaking my head. “I'm sorry you're not feeling well.”