“From now on, I’ll want you to help my neck every time it aches.”
“Are you saying I’m a pain in your neck?”she asked.
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his lap.“I’m saying you’re a cure for the pain in my neck.”
She laughed softly.“I was worried about you for a moment there...”
He pulled her down for a kiss, feeling the smile on her lips with his own.He hadn’t truly kissed her before, preferring to keep their encounters to quick pecks while on the trail.Now though, he felt as if he could explore her mouth with his, his hands gently roaming over her back.
This care-free wife of his was something to behold...and something he would always cherish.Finally, he broke the kiss, and he could see that she’d enjoyed it as much as he had.“Excuse me, wife, but I’m tired and need to ready myself for bed.What do you think I am?A chair?”
Her giggles filled the cabin.“You’re going to be a pain in my backside, aren’t you, Everett?”
“Every chance I get.”
She jumped up from his lap and hurried to get her nightgown.He excused himself while she readied herself for bed.She was between the sheets when he came back inside.
The entire time they’d been gone, he’d slept in his clothes, but to her surprise, he stripped off completely before climbing into bed.She thought it was completely, at least.She closed her eyes when he was down to his drawers, not feeling comfortable watching him get completely naked.She’d seen naked little boys, of course, as she’d been a surrogate mother to her younger siblings.But she’d never seen a grown man naked.She was a bit surprised at how much the idea of Everett naked bothered her.
He pulled her against him, and she was happy for the fabric of her nightgown.She snuggled into his arms, pressing a kiss to his bare shoulder.“Now don’t you go and try anything, Belle.I’m tired, and I told you we’re waiting until Saturday night.”He mumbled under his breath something about brides that didn’t know how to blush, and she laughed.
“I’m trying to sleep, you crazy man.”
He chuckled softly, still holding her close.“Goodnight, Belle.”
“Goodnight, Everett.”
As Belle closed her eyes for sleep, she realized she liked being held by Everett.He made her feel safe and loved.She had a feeling that life would turn out just the way she wanted.And maybe she could have the dozen children she’d always dreamed of.Under the beautiful Alaska sky.
