be bringing Will.”
“Are you going by train or horseback?” she asked.
“I’ll go by train. It’s about 50 miles, a tough trip by horseback. Kind of dangerous too,” he said. “I should be back Thursday.”
“Be careful, I’ll miss you,” she said and stood on her tiptoes to be kissed.
They embraced, her lips caressing his as she moved them. He deepened the kiss, tracing her tongue with his. She opened her mouth slightly and he slid his tongue inside. She could feel the nubs of her nipples harden as an involuntary moan came from deep within her body. He moved his hand to cup her breast. The moans grew as she placed her hand over his, squeezing slightly. She could feel his manhood pressing against her thigh.
She heard a wagon approaching and pulled back. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing had become faster. “Oh my, it’s been forever since I was kissed that way. It made me feel warm all over.”
“It affected me too,” his voice raspy with emotion. “I’d better go. I’ll see you as soon as I get back.”
“Promise,” she said.
“I promise.”
Thursday afternoon…
“ Martha, would you have dinner with us tonight? Hetty is fixing something special. The boys and I would like to share it with you.”
“I would love to. What time should I be there?”
“Why not come over when you finish here?” he asked.
As the afternoon wore into evening, Martha tied her horse to the hitching post and went to the door, where Luke was waiting to admit her. “I’ll have someone see to your horse.” He gave her a chaste peck on the cheek. “Come on in.”
Luke’s sons were both dressed in their Sunday best, and so was Luke, surprising Martha somewhat. The meal was scrumptious, including a roast, fresh vegetables from the garden, and fresh baked apple pie for dessert. After she finished eating, Martha went into the kitchen. Touching Hetty on the arm, she said, “You outdid yourself, Hetty. That might have been the best meal I have ever had. If not the best, then certainly among the top two or three.” Hetty beamed.
“Thank you, Miss Martha,” she said, shyly.
After dinner, Luke excused himself from the room for about five minutes. When he returned to the main living room, he sat beside Martha and the two boys on the side of their father. “Martha Sanders, my sons and I have come to care for you a great deal.” He reached into his pocket and took out a small box. Tears welled in her eyes, and her hand covered her mouth, as he asked, “Will you marry us? Be my wife, and mother to Will and Jimmy?”
Her voice nearly failed her as she said, “Yes, I will. To all of that.”
“Kiss her Papa,” Will said.
“Yes, Papa,” echoed Jimmy.
He did, and she kissed him back. Breaking the embrace, she stood and moved to the side of the boys. “I just want you to know I love you both and will do my best to be a good mother to you.” Then she kissed both of them, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Why are you crying, Miss Martha? Aren’t you happy?” asked Will.
“I am the happiest girl in all Wyoming,” she said, as Luke took a ring from the small box and placed it on her finger.
Back Home
“Running a little late aren’t you, Sis?” Sarah asked.
“Yes, but I had a good reason. I had dinner with Luke, Will and Jimmy.”
“That’s good. So you’re getting along pretty good now?” Sarah said.
“I guess,” Martha replied, waving her hand around with the ring finger extended.
“Whoa, wait, let me see that.” She grabbed Martha’s hand. “He proposed?”
“Yes, actually they did. The boys were there all dressed up and everything and Luke said, “Will you marry us?”
“I am so happy for you. He really is a nice man and will make you a terrific husband. When?”
Martha replied, “We haven’t set a date, but I want it to be soon. We are going to have
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