Page 44 of A Bride for Brodie

Brodie’s story was second.

Ross’s was last.

“Oh, my gosh. You’ve all had quite a time of it. I think the best thing for each of you is to rest. You should all go to bed and get some sleep.” Agatha stood and gathered their dishes. “And I won’t hear anything about it. Fiona can lie down with Ross, so he’ll go to sleep faster.” She winked.

The crafty lady was giving them an excuse to go make love and everyone knew it. But Brodie was definitely taking advantage if Lottie was up to it.

Now they could leave.

Brodie stood and brought Lottie up with him. “Thank you, ladies, for the sumptuous meal. Now, I think we’ll take Agatha’s advice and go take a nap.”

Ross and Fiona rose as well. “We are doing the same, but don’t expect to see us until morning."

“Us either,” said Lottie.

Brodie had to stop himself from taking the stairs two at a time, but he knew Lottie couldn’t take them that fast. He suddenly bent and picked her up into his arms.

She laughed. “I wondered how long before you did this.”

He gazed down into her smiling face. “Am I that predictable?”

“Yup, when you want to make love, you are.”

“The doctor said you’re not to be doing anything like housework. He didn’t mention making love. But I promise to do most of the work.”

He carried her into the bedroom and set her beside the bed. Then he hurried back to the door, closed and locked it.

She started unfastening the buttons on her bodice.

Brodie walked back and moved her hands out of the way. He finished with the buttons and slid the dress off her shoulders, down her arms, and let it puddle at her feet. Then he took the ribbon of her chemise in his teeth and pulled it open, kissing the tops of her breasts before shoving it off her shoulders and down to join her dress. Next he untied the ribbon at her waist and pulled down her bloomers to her boots.

“You are so beautiful. I think I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you for my wife.”

“Oh Brodie. You say the nicest things, but I need you to make love to me. I need you to remove this nightmare from my brain and make me feel whole again.”

“I want to do that, too.” He stepped back and removed his clothes.

She sat on the bed and took off her boots, stockings and then her bloomers. Then she lay back and opened her arms.

Brodie came down beside her and took her lips with his.

The kiss was sweet but apparently not what she wanted. She held him by his head, her fingers spread in his hair, and kissed him like there was no tomorrow and this was the last kiss they would share.

He pulled back, and they both were breathless. Brodie grinned. “If you want it fast, I can accommodate you, but next time, I go at my speed.”

“All right, just make love to me… now. Please.”

Brodie kissed her again and then made sweet love to her.

Would he ever be able to get enough of her?

* * *

End of August,1880

Lottie was definitelysure she was expecting. She couldn’t wait to tell Brodie. After the noon meal was over and the kitchen cleaned, the women had only a small amount of housekeeping to do.

By around one o’clock all the chores were done, and the next three hours until supper preparation started, was theirs to do with as they pleased.