Innocence

Hoisting me up, Jaxson cradled me to him. “I promise you.”

Relaxing, I let my eyes drift closed as the cold leather seats cooled my blistering body. The last thing I heard was the muffled sound of the car door closing before I drifted off.

The morning light shone through the windows as I glinted into the bright sun coming through the balcony doors. The soft breeze created a fresh smell which waned the grossness I felt from being sick. Maybe it was the afternoon light. Bits and pieces came back over who knows how long. Millie was here at some point and said it was the flu. Hopefully I was over it.

I stirred to sit up. Jaxson was there with a light hand on my back to help me. Pillows were propped behind me. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”

“Tired. Weak. Better.”

Someone beside me stirred. I heard a whimper. Peeking my eyes open, I saw Ty. I remembered him coming home too. Sick. “How’s he doing?”

Lightly I brushed my hand over the back of his Superman pajamas.

“Better. You both were sick. It was easier to take care of you guys in here together. Millie said it would have to pass. There wasn’t much we could give you guys because it was viral. All I could do was keep you hydrated and give you fever reducer. He’s about a day behind you.”

My body ached as I threw my arm across my face. “I spent my honeymoon . . . with the flu. That’s terrible.”

I felt the mattress dip and my arm removed. “It’ll be a memory we?

?ll never forget. Something to tell our grandkids one day.”

A chuckle escaped. “Jaxson, we haven’t even . . .” I glanced over to Ty who was fast asleep catching myself before I said consummated our marriage.

Soft lips touched mine. “We will. I promise, sweetheart. We will. Rest. I’ll get you some food.”

Five days passed since I recovered from the flu. By some miracle, Jaxson avoided it. Mallory had it two days after Ty. So far, that was the end of the contamination. I sat on the back porch gazing at the mountains as the sun set, sipping a cup of hot tea. The fall mountain air felt good as I took a deep breath and watched the gray puffy clouds roll in. A storm was brewing. I loved the distant rumble.

“It’s getting cold. Why don’t you come inside? I don’t want you getting sick again.” Jaxson nuzzled me while his deep voice vibrated from within. The outdoorsy manly smell infiltrated my senses and my libido came to life.

Slightly turning my head, I kissed him. “Let’s head inside.”

Marriage was wonderful; well, the few days I’d been married were. Jaxson was attentive to my every need while simultaneously working on the McCole Classic and running the clinic. Today was the first day I felt like a human. Same with Ty.

Jaxson nibbled my ear. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes.” My breathy reply conveyed everything. Since being sick, Jaxson hadn’t touched me intimately. I needed him.

With an extended hand, Jaxson helped me up and we walked inside with his hand on my lower back. He filled me in on what happened today at work. As soon as he’d gotten home, he took Ty to feed the sheep.

Thinking of the little man. “Where’s Ty?”

“He’s occupied. I want to show you something.”

I quirked a brow. “This sounds intriguing.”

No further reply came as Jaxson led me back to our bedroom. A gasp of air left me as I saw rose petals sprinkled on the floor and onto the bed. Candles burned on every surface. The curtains from the deck billowed with the impending storm. “Jaxson . . .”

Arms came around me as Jaxson’s hand caressed my stomach. “Ty is with my parents tonight. He’s decided to make a list of why we need a dog. Dad’s helping him come up with convincing reasons.”

I chuckled. Since explaining a brother or sister would be a ways down the road, Ty decided we needed to practice on a puppy to show how responsible he was so he could get a sibling.

“You know you’re going to get him a puppy.” Then it registered. We were alone. “We’re alone.” Tilting my head back, I gave access to my neck as I felt the warmth of his lips press against the pulsing vein in my neck.

My shirt lifted and Jaxson turned me toward him. Slowly he undressed me as I him. I touched his hardened muscles that quickened under my touch.

“I will never take your touch for granted.” Jaxson’s words elicited goose bumps along my skin. We took a few steps back until the back of my knees hit the mattress. “I will never stop loving you.” Tenderly he laid me on the bed and positioned himself above me, waiting to join us together. “I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.”

WE WERE IN MOBILE, ALABAMA at the Healing with Horses event. My parents always donated to the cause as it helped children with disabilities learn to cope. It was an amazing organization. Last year, Dad won the award he was presenting this year; Healing with Horses Humanitarian Award. I saw pictures but wasn’t able to attend since I was in prison. Dad donated several horses as well as his time to the organization.