Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen

Sean said, seeming to sense her thoughts. “She should pay for her actions. What kind of mother sells her own flesh and blood?”
    “A desperate one.” Judith had to agree. “Admittedly, she cared more for herself than Bethany. If she had any decency, she’d seen how loved and well cared for her daughter is with us. No one can care for her more than we do. Love her more than we will.”
    Sean leaned over and kissed her brow. “That you love Bethany as your own makes me love you more.”
    All Judith could do was blink at his declaration. “Love me more? I feel love by the way you demonstrate it most nights.”
    The one shoulder shrug and slight coloring of his cheeks was endearing and she chuckled. “Why, Mr. Montgomery, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you blush.” A warm flush filled her.
    “Don’t go expecting me to follow you around declaring my love at every turn,” he kidded. “I’m not one for flowery comments.”
    Judith nodded solemnly. “Of course not.”
    Without speaking, they continued on what had become a routine. The dishes were rinsed, Bethany taken to their room and they undressed for bed.
    When Sean pulled her against him, Judith relaxed into his broad chest wanting to bask in the attention her husband gave. He tipped her face up and pressed his lips over hers as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Hungry for him, needing the assurance that his strength gave, Judith pressed herself against him.
    Sean’s roughened hands slid down her body, slipping under her shift and up her bare skin. Each inch he touched immediately came to life. The wonderful tingling that came from anticipation of joining with him made her heart race.
    His breaths became faster as he urged her lips apart and delved in, tasting, teasing. Everything forgotten, Judith gave herself over to the sensations.
    Clinging to him, she trembled when he cupped her bottom and pushed his hips into her, the hardness of his arousal pressing between her legs.
    He guided her to put her right leg over his hip to grant access and he slid into her as both let out a deep moan of satisfaction.
    Her body accommodated for his girth and he hesitated long enough to ensure it was not uncomfortable for her. Tenderly at first, he began to move in and out of her until both lost control and all sense of rhythm disappeared.
    Release came with such starkness, Judith could only gasp for breath. Lost in a whirlwind of sensations too strong to keep at bay, she flailed under him while Sean continued to seek his own release.
    The deep moan in her ear was like a beautiful song and Judith could not help the tear that slid down her face as she clung to him in desperation when a second climax slammed into her.
    Continuing to hold each other, Sean kissed her neck as she did the same, the saltiness of his moist skin filling her mouth. Her husband was everything she could ever dream of.
    Moments later, she snuggled closer as he snored softly. In the crib, Bethany made a soft sound of waking and Judith waited to see if she’d continue to sleep or not. Whether up with the fussy baby or against her slumbering husband, for the first time in a long time she felt at ease.

    The next day, Judith sat outside with Bethany who looked around in awe at birds chirping noisily, darting in and out of a tree next to the house.
    Eloise walked up with her youngest by the hand and climbed up the steps to the porch. “I have news.”
    Immediately Judith tensed. “What happened?”
    “Nothing too horrible in my opinion.” Eloise released her son’s hand and the toddler began exploring the area. “Angela died.”
    “So soon?” A coldness gripped her as she wondered how the woman’s life had ended so abruptly. “It’s only been a bit over a month since she left here.”
    Eloise nodded and frowned. “Father O’Reilly went to Casper to visit the priest there and learned they’d found her drowned.” Eloise visibly shivered. “How awful. I wonder if she purposely ended her own