Along Came Love Read online

  "You sure you are okay with a fall wedding?" Jake asked, knowing her answer before she gave it.

  "The season has little to do with it, as far as I'm concerned. I can't wait…" she smiled, cuddling up to him.

  "Hmm…me either." He cradled her against him as he took the wheel this time. "Are you sure you are up to driving?"

  "More than sure, let's go see our house…" he invited.

  "Sounds terrific." She agreed. "We've all been working on it while you were getting better."

  Jake had seen the outside paint job, but he hadn't gone inside and he couldn't wait to see all the improvements Samantha had made.

  The little room he had wanted to save for Selma was all fixed up for her.

  "I have to tell you, Mom is almost as excited about this as we are." Samantha chuckled.

  "I'm glad. I can't imagine her not being with us," Jake said as he kissed the top of Sam's hair.

  "Thank you for welcoming her into our home…" Samantha said as she smothered him with a kiss that surprised and delighted him.

  Since his accident Sam had come completely out of her shyness with him and kissed him anywhere any time. In fact, he could barely keep his hands off of her. Right now it was tempting to just carry her to their bedroom, but he loved and respected her too much to ruin her wedding night.

  As they settled on the leather couch in the living room they cuddled. Samantha wasn't shy now as she reached for his kisses. Their lips met over and over as Jake's hand slipped down to her breast, where he reverently covered it with his hand. He felt the nub of reaction through her clothes and he felt the need of intimacy. It shocked him for it was the first time he'd reacted with such fire since the accident.

  "Is the wedding still a week away?" he groaned aloud.

  "Yes…" she managed through the hot kisses he showered over her lips, nose and eyes. When his lips dipped again, he took them with a fire she hadn't expected. "Oh Jake, I wish we were already married…" she groaned.

  "Me too…I feel like a kid with raging hormones or something. I want you so bad.

  I haven't felt like this in a while and it surprises me, and yet, being with you, it doesn't. God knows I love you…"

  "Oh Jake…I'm so on fire…for you…" she breathed.

  He pulled away slightly to look into her face. The bedroom wasn't far, he could carry her there and show her how much he loved her, but somehow he still wanted to make her wedding night the most special night in the world.

  "Honey…we can't stay here," Jake protested as he tried to get up.

  He almost fell over and she helped to catch him. The sweet smell of lavender and roses assailed him. He wanted her so badly, he was almost embarrassed to stand in front of her. If she came close enough she'd know why they couldn't stay. And she did.

  She gasped, and covered his lips with her own. "I feel the same…"

  "Let's don't talk about it…" He whispered as he kissed her into new submission.

  "Okay…" she moaned.

  He turned away and held her hand, pulling her out of the house. They drove in silence for a long time. Then it dawned on him that she might feel bad about wanting him and he couldn't have that either.

  He stopped the car, pulled her to him, kissed her madly, his hand going around her to wrap possessively against her breast. "I love you…and I'm not ashamed of that, and neither are you. We love each other in the sight of God, and want each other, which is perfectly natural. Never be ashamed of loving me, as I'm not of you. I just knew if I didn't get out of the house quick, you couldn't walk down the aisle in a beautiful white dress and keep a smile on your face."

  She chuckled softly in his ear. "Oh Jake…only you would worry about things like that. But I'm glad you do. You are one of a kind, my man and I love you more than words. I'll behave…for a while longer. But don't be surprised if I turn into a siren on our wedding night."

  Jake laughed, "And don't be surprised if I turn into a pirate taking my prize on our wedding night."

  She pulled from his embrace and smiled, "Mom's going to spend the first week at her house, then move in. She wanted to give us a little time to behave ourselves."

  "She's such a gem. She knows everything…." Jake chuckled.

  "So, you're having a bridal shower on Tuesday." Jake asked.

  "Yes, Hannah and the others are throwing it for me…" Samantha giggled.

  "And I have a bachelor party Thursday. Boy, they are sure keeping us busy with different things going on all week, aren't they?" Jake shook his head.

  "Maybe it's best. When we get together, look what happens." Samantha giggled again.

  "I guess that's why they do stuff like this," Jake nodded. "To keep us in line."

  Samantha tried to move away from Jake, but he pulled her back into his arms. "Don't move away, I like you close. I'll behave. But you've got to quit kissing me like that."

  "Like what?" she gasped with indignation.

  "Like you want much more…" Jake chuckled.

  "I do…" she smiled.

  "Sam…I may die before Saturday comes…" Jake chuckled, his hand straying once more to the round nub of her breast. She moaned aloud. And he couldn't resist moving his head down to where his hand was and kissing her there. He suckled once and she squirmed away but not before he realized how hard the nipple had become. He read her right; she wanted him as much as he wanted her. And it physically hurt not to give in to those wants.

  "I'll quit, if you do…"

  He nodded and sat up straight. "We better get home before they send out scouts to find us."

  "Oh Jake, I've had a wonderful day."

  Jake smiled, his hand going to her thigh. He wanted so much more, but knew better.

  But saying goodnight this night was very hard. They stirred themselves into a frenzy of desires and it was hard to let go of each other.

  "I want you so bad…" Jake whispered as he kissed her goodnight.

  "I know…I feel the same…that's what makes it so hard to get up out of this car," she wailed.

  "Come here," he called to her as she was about to turn the door handle.

  He didn't have to ask twice, she was back in his arms again. This time he pulled her almost on top of him as he parked the car and turned out the lights.

  "I won't compromise you…but you've got to know how I feel. You've got to understand that although I aim to preach. I aim to love you like any man loves his wife. I want you in every way. And our night together is going to be more than you dreamed for."

  She sighed happily against him, feeling his readiness against her, as he spoke. "What will you do with me…sir…" she laughed.

  "I'll peel the dress from you, slowly, devouring first with my eyes, then my lips. I'll caress you, gently first, then with all the fire within. My lips will caress, kiss, and lave you until you can only be mine. We will make love into the night, taking our time to explore and delight each other. We'll talk about what pleases each other, and we'll explore our bodies and our minds. We'll become one together. I can't wait to taste you, feel you, and touch you. I've waited a lifetime it seems just for us to be together. And our wedding night will be special in every way. I'll see to that."

  She let her hand drift to the bulge against her back. He groaned. "Honey, we have to wait…"

  "I know…but we aren't children anymore and I want you, Jake Travers…you and your beautiful words, and everything about you I love…"

  They might have acted upon some of those feelings if the light in the kitchen hadn't gone on. A subtle way of her mother saying, it was time to come in. Samantha sighed against Jake, moving her hand slowly away. "I'm sorry…" she whispered.

  "I'm not…" he sighed and kissed the top of her head.

  "Goodnight…"

  "Night sweetheart," he smiled and drove away.

  Chapter Fourteen

  At the shower, the ranch house was packed with women. Cal and the others decided to go over to Clint's house until it was over.

  Dips and chips an
d tea and lemonade were served. Hannah and Abby were doing most of the work because Emma would have the clean-up detail. It had all been decided.

  A cake was brought out, a Texas boot décor.

  Old school chums showed up for miles around and Samantha was delighted to see them all again. Selma was in the middle of everything and happily watching her daughter enjoy her day.

  Samantha got tons of beautiful nightwear, some risqué, some simply beautiful. She couldn't wait to try them all on for Jake. She also got a few practical gifts like blenders, and toasters and coffee pots.

  After games and refreshments it was finally over. It took forever to say goodbye to some of her friends. But as the last guest left, Samantha offered to help with the clean up. Emma shook her head. "No you don't. This is your day, no dirty dishes for you, besides, didn't you notice most of it was paper plates and plastic forks." Emma laughed.

  *****

  Jake's bachelor party was held at the Best Western Hotel, and there were refreshments galore, a Marilyn Monroe cake, and a BBQ by the pool.

  Jake enjoyed himself and was so happy to be with his brothers and dad. The accident seemed a long time ago.

  But in the back of his mind his next milestone would be his wedding day and he couldn't wait.

  *****

  Saturday finally came and although Jake felt a little nervous, he was over the top with wanting his bride. He'd waited entirely long enough.

  When Samantha walked down the aisle with an old fashioned wedding dress of white silk and lace, a fitted bodice and a wide skirt, and a veil that hid the beauty within, he wanted to rip it all off her right there and take her before God and all. This was the woman he'd waited an eternity for. This was the real Mrs. Jake Travers. And no one could have loved her more.

  Jake trembled when she finally made it to his arm and held on.

  The preacher spoke the words over them, blessed them and hats went up everywhere.

  The dancing started in the backyard as Jake and Samantha changed into more practical clothes. Then they joined their guests and Jake led off with his bride in his arms. As he pulled her closer, his lips tentatively touched hers. "I love you Mrs. Travers."

  She sighed, "I love you…Mr. Travers."

  They were so much into each other they didn't seem to notice the others gathered about to watch them.

  Hours later, they were spending the night and weekend in San Antonio, her choice of places. They picked a hotel they both enjoyed before, the Drury. Jake reserved the best suite, and almost before they closed the door, they were in each other's arms.

  "They have a beautiful pool, and a beautiful balcony…want to see them?" Jake offered with a smile.

  "Do you…" she asked tentatively.

  "I'd rather…see you…" he whispered as he gathered her to him.

  "I was hoping you'd say that…" she murmured. "You do read my mind well."

  The room service brought champagne; Jake tipped him heavily, shutting the door with his boot. He poured them both a glass as he turned to look at her.

  They entwined their arms and sipped the nectar.

  "Hmm…this is good," she murmured.

  "Let me taste it," he challenged as he brought her against him and touched his lips to hers.

  His tongue shot out to lick her lips, "Hmm, it is good."

  He pulled her into the bedroom. She smiled.

  He opened the curtains and let the sunshine in. "Why did you do that?" she asked with a slight smile.

  "I want to see all of you…every inch…is that okay…?"

  "Oh yes…I hope you like it…me…I mean…"

  "Honey, I've done dreamed of every inch…I can't help but love you…" he sighed. "This day has been worth waiting for."

  When she blushed he continued.

  "Now, I'll sit here…and you take it off slowly…" he directed.

  "You want me to strip for you?" she chuckled.

  "You are the only woman I want to strip for me…" he answered.

  "Alright…" she began. She looked down at her clothes. She was wearing a wisp of a dress, so she slowly unzipped and tossed it over her head. Her curls dangled about her as the material pulled on them.

  She watched him squirm just a bit.

  She smiled, directly at him, and then she pulled the top silk teddy from her upper body, exposing the rosy peaks of her breast and midriff.

  Jake drew breath.

  She then came closer and put her foot on the edge of the bed as she slowly peeled her hose from her legs. She took pleasure in rolling them down slowly and moving so he had a good eyeful of her upper thigh.

  Now he became rigid, and she saw the bulging in his jeans.

  She smiled mischievously as she tossed the hose away.

  The only thing left was her silk bikini underwear. She slowly moved her hips with each thrust of the elastic. They came down in a wistful pile on the floor.

  She posed provocatively against the bedpost, so he could see every part of her, and smiled. "Now it's your turn…"

  His face turned scarlet…"Oh well, I'm not much of a stripper, nothing like…that." His eyes feasting on the pert tips of her breast.

  "Then I'll just have to help you…" she giggled.

  He didn't object. In fact, he relaxed and let her have her way. Her fingers splayed over his chest, right over each nipple, as she slowly pushed the snaps open, one by one.

  Once it was open, she pushed it off his shoulders, tossed his hat and began to unbuckle his belt buckle.

  The zipper made a slight noise and he gasp when her hands grazed him.

  That was entirely enough.

  He shucked his clothes high in the air, and took her into his arms. He swung her up in the air, and back against him. Slowly he lowered her to the bed. He followed her there.

  His kisses were slow and building, from warm to hot to scorching. While his hands roamed so freely over her. She moaned softly in his ear when his hands captured her breast and kneaded them like play dough. His hips joined hers and she knew he was already ready for her, but he wouldn't rush it. He was determined to show her everything and give her the kind of love a woman deserved.

  His lips were soft, and warm against her, moving lower, constantly. When he moved to touch his mouth to her inner warmth she squirmed, "Jake…?"

  "Honey, God knows how I feel, and it's only right I make you all mine." He whispered. "In every way. We are one today, and forever."

  "Oh yes…make me yours, Jake…make me yours?" she sighed as she parted her legs and let him kiss her. He was a master at lovemaking, touching, kissing, laving every corner of her. She was his and she couldn't wait till he took her completely. But his building of passion was slow and easy and totally penetrating.

  They didn't come out of the room for two days. And when they finally came out it was to eat. They were grinning at each other like children that had feasted on candy too long.

  They at on some of the country's best Mexican places. They rode the river ride, and kissed in the moonlight, oblivious to all around them. They visited the Alamo, hand in hand, crying, laughing, rejoicing in the love they'd found and the beautiful setting of San Antonio they had chosen for their honeymoon.

  And then they went to bed and came out three days later and went home.

  Jake had been right, it was a honeymoon she'd never forget.

  *****

  A few weeks later on a Sunday, Jake walked into the small church him and his family had grown up in, and walked steadily up to the podium without a cane and smiled at his first congregation.

  "I'm so happy to be here, finally. Me and my wife, Samantha, are thrilled to be a part of this church, and I am honored to be your new pastor."

  The entire congregation stood up and gave Jake a rousing welcome.

  "Now if you'll turn to your bibles…. (Ephesians 4:32) 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."

  Samantha smiled at her husband…their life togeth
er had begun…and nothing could surpass this day!

  The End

  About the Author

  Don't forget Rita's other books. Along Came Love, Heart of the Wild, Sweeter Than Wine, Nick's Baby, Pretend Mom, Runaway Bride, Strictly Business, Suspicions of the Heart, Wandering Heart you can find at Amazon and Smashwords. I've got a new series started; check it out, Raining in My Heart. There's a long list of books even children's books. Stop off at Rita's website too.

  http://ritaphestand.com