He dragged out the pallet and shoved it under the wagon. Emma climbed in, giggling like a schoolgirl. Even though she and Peter had slept underneath the wagon, now it almost felt as if she and Davis were doing something naughty. The feeling must have been contagious because she heard Davis laugh softly behind her. She settled herself on her back. She watched as Davis took off his pants and shirt, folding them, and then his boots and socks. He climbed in and lay on his side, facing her. The darkness was so complete she could hardly make out his face.
“I bought a present for you today at the supply store.” He fumbled with the pants he’d just taken off, removing something from the pock
et. He took her left hand and held it.
“When we got married back there on the trail, there was one thing missing from the ceremony.” He slowly slid a wide gold band on her finger.
“Now everyone will know you’re a married woman.” He reached over and kissed her softly on the lips. Emma looked down at the band and felt a glow in her stomach. Davis had bought this for her. Smiling at him, she murmured. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I absolutely love it.” She hugged him tightly.
“Emma, I’ve missed you while you were ill.” Davis unbraided her hair, running his fingers through it. He reached over and pulling her head toward him kissed her. “Open for me, darlin’,” he murmured against her lips. Hesitantly, Emma opened her mouth and he plunged in, stroking and thrusting.
Once again warmth flooded her at her husband’s touch. She sighed softly, and slid her palms up his muscular arms. Her heart sped up, and those now very familiar butterflies let loose in her stomach. She shifted, squeezing her thighs together as the throbbing started.
Davis moved his hand down to the hem of her nightgown and slowly inched it up.
“Davis, no.” Emma whispered. “We’re right out in the open.” She tried to push the nightgown down, but Davis stubbornly held onto it.
“It’s okay, darlin’ there’s no moon tonight, and nobody near us. I made sure of it when I put the wagon here.” He slowly brought the nightgown up again. “We’re as much alone as if we were in the wagon. Relax, let me love you.” He nibbled on her lower lip, sucking it into his mouth.
Emma released her hand from the nightgown and smoothed her hands across Davis’s chest. The short crinkly hairs felt good on her hands. He continued to bring her nightgown up until it was over her head. Their nakedness outdoors fired her blood. She rubbed her breasts against Davis’s chest and groaned softly as her nipples came to rigid peaks.
He moved down to her neck, kissing the tender skin beneath her ear. Meanwhile his hands moved slowly up and down her body, moistening her center. His lips moved down further until he caught one of her nipples between his teeth. The sensation shot right to her core. She found it hard to take in a full breath. Hesitantly, she reached down and circled his manhood, something she’d never done to Peter, never having had the desire to do so. Something about this man’s touch encouraged a side of her she’d only recently discovered.
Davis let out with a sharp intake of breath, and covered her hand with his own. “Darlin’ if you keep that up, this is going to be over as fast as the last time.”
She drew her hand back. “Don’t you like that?”
He groaned. “Oh yes. A little too much. But this time I want to make love to all of you.”
Eyeing her as if presented with a banquet, he slowly moved down her body, nipping, sucking, and kissing her skin. She burned everywhere his lips touched. When his mouth reached her most private part, she gasped, and grabbed his hair with her fingers, kneading his scalp.
“That’s it, darlin’, come for me.” His warm breath fanned over where she throbbed almost painfully, and pushed her over the edge. She shattered into a million pieces as waves of pleasure washed over her. Slowly he kissed his way up, and entered in one stroke, filling her, causing another surge of sensation.
Emma grasped his shoulders and moaned. Within minutes, he threw his head back and tensed before collapsing on top of her.
“Darlin’,” he gasped, “the only way I’m going to last longer is by lovin’ you more often.” He rolled to her side, and inhaled deeply.
The air was still and warm as they lay quietly under the wagon, hands joined, her head resting on his chest. Once their breathing returned to normal, Davis helped her back into her nightgown, then they cuddled close together, Emma’s head tucked snugly under his shoulder. Davis ran his fingertips up and down her arm, causing drowsiness to descend like a comforting blanket.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shortly after dawn, the camp awoke. As red, orange and yellow rays of sunlight kissed the newly awakened earth, Emma listened as women spoke softly as they prepared breakfast and their men checked wagons, harnesses, and animals. Soon the high shrill of children’s voices echoed, as they climbed out of wagons and ran about with all the natural exuberance of youth. As fires started up, the slight breeze blew smoke around, and smells of bacon and coffee wafted in the air.
While Emma scooped out flour to make biscuits, Davis walked over to the animal area to check the oxen. Being Sunday, today would be a day of rest, laundry and the final opportunity to restock at the fort supply store. Jeb Preston was to join the fort chaplain in a service for soldiers and emigrants. Emma was thoroughly enjoying the respite the fort offered. She felt much stronger, and looked forward to her trip to the store.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Davis and Emma stood side by side as the service came to an end. All the emigrants had joined the soldiers for the service. A sense of peace descended on her as Davis placed his hand on her lower back to guide her out of the building used as a chapel. After speaking with the chaplain, they stepped into the bright sunlight. They had only gone a few steps when Nate stepped in front of them.
“Mornin’, Emma,” he tugged on the front of his hat. Glancing in Davis’s direction, he added, “Cooper.”
“Hale,” Davis answered with a short nod, draping his arm possessively around Emma’s shoulders.
Ignoring Davis, Nate turned to Emma. “Commander Sanderson has decided a small party will be given tonight for the soldiers and wagon train travelers. He’ll be asking the women to contribute food, and the army band will provide music for dancing. He felt it would be a good send-off for your trip tomorrow.”
Nathan took Emma’s hand. “I hope you’ll be able to join the festivities.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful, doesn’t it Davis?” Emma smiled up into his face.