“Same here,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair, a sign of his unease. “You’re not quite what I expected when they said ‘bride from back East.’“
“Disappointed?”
“Quite the opposite.” He let out a breath, his voice softer. “It’s been...better than I thought it would be.” Though, he’d really expected to have a wife who would stay in her place and never complain, and that was not what he’d gotten when he’d married Brenda.
“Me too.” Her voice was sincere, her green eyes earnest. “This life, it’s hard work, but I’m happy with you.”
“I’m glad. Am I what you thought you’d have?”
She laughed softly. “No, I was thinking life would be more like a fairy tale. Being with you...It’s not the dream I had as a girl, but it’s a good one. A real one.”
Seth nodded, feeling the truth in her words resonate within him. “It’s a partnership. More than I ever thought to have.”
“Just remember your partner at home when you get too wrapped up in work,” she said, smiling up at him.
They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of laughter and music floating over to them.
“Come on,” Brenda finally said, pushing off the fence. “Let’s head back. Those early mornings wait for no man...or woman.”
Seth offered his arm, and she took it, her fingers squeezing gently in agreement.
The walk back to the ranch was filled with comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes about their growing bond. The stars above were brilliant.
When they got home, Seth drew Brenda into his arms, and kissed her passionately.
Brenda responded with equal fervor, her arms winding around his neck as they kissed. Seth’s heart raced at the tenderness of her lips against his, the unspoken feelings that flowed between them in that moment. He broke away, breathless, and looked into Brenda’s eyes.
“I never knew dancing could be so enjoyable,” Seth admitted softly.
Brenda smiled, a warmth in her gaze that reached the depths of Seth’s soul. “It was wonderful, wasn’t it? I think we make a good team on the dance floor.” She took his hand and pulled him toward the bedroom. “But it’s a different kind of dance I’m ready for now,” she said softly.
As they entered their bedroom, the air was thick with anticipation and an unspoken understanding. Seth watched Brenda’s eyes, a mixture of desire and affection, as she turned to face him. Her hands reached for the buttons of his shirt, deftly undoing them one by one with practiced ease.
Seth’s heart thudded in his chest. He mirrored her actions, slowly untying the ribbons that held her dress together, revealing the soft curves of her body beneath the fabric.
Their movements were unhurried, each touch deliberate and reverent. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over their entwined forms, creating shadows that danced across the walls in tandem with their growing passion.
When he held her after they made love, he whispered, “I never thought I’d marry a woman who would enjoy lovemaking as much as you do.”
Brenda giggled. “Oh, I enjoy it!”
He kissed her forehead as he closed his eyes. “You’re a good wife.”
“I try...”
*****
SETH WIPED THE SWEATfrom his brow as he reached for a nail. A shadow fell across the fence, and he looked up to see Brenda approaching, a tin pail swinging in her hand.
“Thought you might be hungry,” she said, setting the pail down with a gentle clank. She lifted the lid to reveal a pile of sandwiches, the bread still warm from the oven. She spread out a blanket.
“Chicken salad,” she announced, “your favorite.”
A simple meal, but it was the thought behind it that warmed Seth more than the Texas sun ever could. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had made him something just because.
“Thank you, Brenda,” he said. “Having a pretty wife like you bring a picnic to me sure does make the day go smoother.”
She shrugged, a playful glint in her green eyes. “Figured it’s about time I start pulling my weight around here,” she teased.
