Still, they'd have to buy her at least one pretty dress for dances and parties— the town had one every season— and a few for church. They definitely had enough money to outfit their wife a little better, and he would like to see her dressed up in something that set off her natural beauty.
Blinking, a little startled by his own thoughts, Wilson clambered up onto the seat next to the new Mrs. Bray-Tillman.
He'd been the one to insist they not get too attached to a lady before she actually came out and agreed to marry them, but apparently now that she was his wife, his mind was already jumping ahead and he was feelingveryattached.
That might have something to do with Evelyn herself. She was a gorgeous woman, even in her plain dress and with her hair ruthlessly pulled back from her face, but her attractiveness was deeper than that. She was a strong woman, a brave one. She had to be, coming out West not knowing what her future held and then agreeing to marry two men. She also had to be open-minded. So far, they hadn't had a chance to really talk much, but she didn't seem shrewish or demanding.
Wilson was more than happy with her for a wife.
They did ask her a couple questions once they got on the road. She was tucked between him and Jake on the wagon seat so they could both speak with her. They'd traveled the road often enough they didn't need to pay much attention to Old Jet; the horse liked to do the odd job now and then but at the end of it he was always eager to get back to his stable and be spoiled rotten.
They chatted a little bit, asking about Evelyn's journey and picking up a bit more information about her life back in New York. They'd known she was an orphan, and judging by her letters she'd been well educated, but they didn’t know much more than that. It wasn't more than half an hour before she started drooping in her seat, just as Wilson was telling her one of his funnier stories about life on a ranch.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, holding her hand up to her lips to cover her yawn.
"No worries, sweetheart, you're just tired," he said. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her into him, so she could lean against the side of his chest. Startled, she seemed as if she was going to pull away, but then she cautiously settled in anda strange, tender feeling exploded with a burst of warmth in his chest. "You try and get some rest. We have a ways to go yet."
Grinning, he looked over her head at Jake, who was doing his best to look casual and not completely jealous that Wilson was now cuddling with their wife. Evelyn felt a little stiff still, but after just a few minutes her body relaxed completely, slumping against his.
"Bastard," Jake whispered.
"You're the one who always insists on driving," Wilson said cheerfully.
Not that he ever argued; Jake was happier when he had his hands on the reins, but this was definitely the best perk he'd ever gotten from his friend's controlling ways.
Evelyn was soft and warm, and she smelled good, too. Like soap and woman. His cock stirred, but there would be time for that after they'd gotten back to the house... where she would already be well rested.
Wilson grinned.
Their bride rested on Wilson's shoulder for the entire ride back to the ranch, her deep breaths not quite reaching a snoring level but definitely audible. Jake drove the familiar road with more care and focus than he had in years, wanting to make sure nothing in the wagon's motion jostled her awake. The poor thing had to be exhausted.
Even if she wasn't, she was going to need her rest for the wedding night, anyway.
He and Wilson had agreed to take turns until they had a better idea of just how experienced she was, but they hadn’t had any satisfaction outside their own hands for far too long. Justsitting next to her on the wagon seat he was rock-hard, and he was damn sure Wilson was as well, especially since the lucky bastard had actually gotten to hold her.
When they were within sight of the homestead, Wilson carefully jostled her awake.
"Wake up, Evelyn," he said, rubbing her arm with his hand. "We're home."
"Home?" she asked sleepily, her voice husky as she sat up rubbing her eyes. Somehow even that looked good on her.
"Home," Jake said, feeling a little thrill as he confirmed it. They had a bride and now they were home. Having a wife would make the ranch into a real home in the way it hadn't yet been. The sun was setting out in the fields, making the entire spread look even more picturesque than usual. "The hands will already be in the bunkhouse, and we'll introduce you to the housekeeper tomorrow."
Evelyn nodded, wringing her hands a little nervously. Jake wasn't sure if he should ask what was making her anxious or if asking would just make her even more so. Fortunately she spoke up fairly quickly. "Will I need to make dinner or..."
"Oh, no, Mrs. Vincent will have laid out something for us," Wilson said cheerfully. "There'll be plenty for you to do tomorrow, no need to worry about anything tonight."
Damn straight.
Food, show her around the house, and then he and Wilson could become intimately acquainted with their new wife. Asking her to cook in an unfamiliar kitchen would have been rude, not to mention taken up far more of her time than they were willing to give up at the moment.
Jake pulled up in front of the house, enjoyed the awed look on their new bride's face. "Wilson can go take care of Old Jet and the wagon, and I'll give you a tour of the house before we eat."
"Oh, I can, can I?" Wilson asked with a drawl, raising his eyebrow at Jake, who tossed the reins to him and grinned.
"Seems only fair, since I drove."
Shaking his head in mock censure, Wilson still smiled. As soon as Jake had gathered their wife's bags while she stood to the side nervously watching, Wilson clucked his tongue and got Old Jet moving again. He'd probably be finished unharnessing and currying the horse in record time, Jake thought with amusement.
