Surrender

[icu1978]

jenny barely opened her eyes when she hear alex speaking to her. sitting up she knodded her head and whispered her thanks. looking to cassi who was again holding david in the sling around her neck. she longed to hold her baby in her arms. to feel his soft little hands grasping her finger. her breast where swollen and very sore. the slightest movement caused her pain. but she was affraid to hold or even to feed him. she did not know what she was coming down with but if it was catching she had to stay clear of the baby.

it nearly broke her heart into pieces to get up and walk on unsteady legs to teh wagon. crawling into the back and laying on the pallet that alex had so kindly made for her she pulled a hefty pile of blankets over her. giving one last look at david's tiny face. so peacefull and angelic. laying her head down her eyes closed and she was once again in a deep deep sleep.

 

[andygorn]

Julia felt warm and comforted in Clayton's strong arm, as he spoke she saw the brillance of this everyday man who saw life more clearly than she did. She smiled at his joke about the West still being there when they were ready to go.

"Yes Clayton as you the the West will be there when we get there. To gain strength here with you and Amy is the wise thing to do"

She smiled at him and laid her cheek on his chest as she continued to listen to his words of wisdom. He was right she should celebrate O'Shien's life instead of wallowing in the circumstances of his death, he would not have liked what she had done to herself.

A wake when she was stronger would be an excellent idea. She snuggled into Clayton's arms. A feeling of comfort that she had not felt since her family's death covered her like a blanket.

She smiled as he said she had save him and Amy also. She had not thought of that. It made her fell important to them also, it was a wonderful feeling. When he stopped speaking a silence fell and as she raised her head to look into his eyes his wonderful humor rose up again.

She laughed as he made a joke about eating this wonderful fish. Her eyes caught the movement of his line at the same time he did.

"Ah, the great fisherman had better grab that pole"

She laughted once more.

Clayton once again heard the wonderful sounds of her laughter and he couldn't help but smile at the feeling of her close to him as she looked into his eyes.
For a moment he was lost in her eyes, unable to move, but then their catch disturbed them.

They both saw the rod move at the same time and he lunged forwards for the handle (slightly wincing in pain as he felt a twinge from some of the old scars on his body). He pulled back on the rod and landed a large silvery fish onto the shore. Looking over it, he knew that it should be more than enough for a meal for all of them.
Quickly digging a shallow hole in the ground, he filled it with some twigs and they soon had a fire going, with the fish slowly cooking on a makeshift spit over it.

Clayton resumed his place sitting up at her side, his left arm draped around her shoulders, holding her to him as he occasionally prodded the fire with a branch to keep the flames burning.
Sitting on the riverbank with Amy nearby and this beautiful woman nestled close to him, it seemed like their cares had all drifted away.

"It might be a little while for food" he remarked. "I never really had my Ma's gift for cooking...you know, she could rustle up a chicken dinner like you've never seen before..." his voice trailed away as he recalled his mother's face. Although she had died some time ago, he could still see her face sometimes when he slept, or even occasionally in the formation of clouds.

Sitting on the riverbank with Amy nearby and this beautiful woman nestled close to him, it seemed like their cares had all drifted away.
The closeness of her body was entrancing and very comfortable and with only the sounds of the river, a few birds and the fire to disturb them in this tranquil place, it seemed like the war could have been just some old legend, rather than a recent tragedy.

"I know this place might be lacking a few creature comforts, but do you reckon that you could get used to staying here for a while...?" he asked, a note of hope in his voice that she would say yes.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia watched Clayton grab for the pole, a little frown touched her face as she saw a glimpse of pain on his face but only for a moment. Soon as he yanked on the pole, a large silver fish flopped around on the ground. She watch him prepare it for the fire and when he was down, it seemed natural that they would return to the same position they were in before. She cuddled into his warm, hard body.

It was so peaceful her, the river made it soft running sound, the birds soaring and sing their beautiful sound, the trees lush with greenery, the mixture of grass and rock that peppered the land and of course the bluest sky covering the whole package.

When he asked if they could stay there, she looked up into his handsome face.

"I have long ago given up the creature comforts for the bold beauty of this land. I believe staying here until I can walk un-assisted and stand on my own two legs without falling is the wisest thing to do. I like it here with you. You comfort me more then you could ever imagine"

She was silent for a moment and then looked into his eyes once more.

"Why did you glimace before, do you have a wound that needs tending, I could do that for you, if you let me"

 

[macmillian]

Ava stood, smiling at Luke, her eyes still troubled. She went over to her horse, talking softly to him and stroking him softly. She then went to the wagon, getting her saddle out of her things and readying her horse for riding. She then went to Alex, smiling courteously. "When we ready ourselves for travel, I am.... requesting that I ride my horse. Miss Jennifer and young David would be far more comfortable if I were riding." Walking back to the fire, she places a hand on his shoulder as she walks off to the creek to wash up.

Alex .... "That will be fine, Ava. Thank you for offering." I replied to Ava."

I turned and went over to the picket line and started to harness the horses for the wagon. I set them up like I had done before. A four horse hitch with the two larger horses closer to the wagon and the two lighter horses on lead. I set the reins and tie them off. All that remains is to load any remaing equipment into the wagon. I leave Luke's old saddle in the wagon and saddle the my two saddle horses. I drape a belt and pistol holder over the saddle for Luke. I slip the Sharps into the saddle boot. In the drivers box I set the shotgun and Cassi's small pistol. The horses are ready, the weapons are ready. I go and check on Cassi to se if she needs any help.

********************************************************

Luke ....I rise from my seat and mumble something and head off in the other direction away from Ava. I Don't want it to look to obivious that I am going out to meet with her. I enter the treeline and quickly change directions and head for the brook. I follow it back and Ava is letting her horse drink the clear cool water. It is going to be a long day.

"Ava, pssst, over here", as I clear the trees and walk up to her. "Miss me?" I ask smiling. "Sorry bout last night and earlier. I have no right to put my hand on you. Your a beautiful young lady, a woman, educated with proper training. I was what they call a back woods dirt farmer. That I was and our family were good at it. But there all gone now, tween the war and the fever, it took them all. I couldn't work the pace so I gives the property to a new young couple. The land, hose barn and all. Anyway, I was afraid to come back last night."

There is a long silent pause with us just standing there and looking at each other.

"Ava......a...a....may I hold you again? I need to see, to find out if I am getting the same reaction every time we touch!" I stand there looking down at my feet again and pushing the stones around with the toe of my boot. I can not brig nyself to look Ava straight in the eye. So I hold my breath and wait. Acceptance or rejection ...............................................

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava stared at him, confused. She smiled. He needed love, someone to worry over him, to cuddle him. "Of, of course Luke. You may... hold me if you wish." She smiled at him.

She stood there, watching him. It was perfect in so many ways. He needed to be loved.

It just so happened, that Ava needed someone to love.

 

[macmillian]

Ava stared at him, confused. She smiled. He needed love, someone to worry over him, to cuddle him. "Of, of course Luke. You may... hold me if you wish." She smiled at him.

She stood there, watching him. It was perfect in so many ways. He needed to be loved.

It just so happened, that Ava needed someone to love.

Luke .... my head poped up and I was looking directly into Ava's eyes. What I saw there was the same that I was feeling. Her smile was warm and inviting and I stepped closer and slipping my arm around her waist once more.

Ava slid into my embrace and layed her head on my chest. My heart beat wildly and my hand was sweaty and my mouth was dry. I didn't want to release her, but now was not the time.

"Till tonight, we will talk as we travel. You can ride with me. OK" I felt brazen and leaned forward and placed a light gentle kiss on her cheek. "for the most wounderful woman in my world"

 

[andygorn]

Julia watched Clayton grab for the pole, a little frown touched her face as she saw a glimpse of pain on his face but only for a moment. Soon as he yanked on the pole, a large silver fish flopped around on the ground. She watch him prepare it for the fire and when he was down, it seemed natural that they would return to the same position they were in before. She cuddled into his warm, hard body.

It was so peaceful her, the river made it soft running sound, the birds soaring and sing their beautiful sound, the trees lush with greenery, the mixture of grass and rock that peppered the land and of course the bluest sky covering the whole package.

When he asked if they could stay there, she looked up into his handsome face.

"I have long ago given up the creature comforts for the bold beauty of this land. I believe staying here until I can walk un-assisted and stand on my own two legs without falling is the wisest thing to do. I like it here with you. You comfort me more then you could ever imagine"

She was silent for a moment and then looked into his eyes once more.

"Why did you glimace before, do you have a wound that needs tending, I could do that for you, if you let me"

Julia seemed to be enjoying it here and when she replied, her words were the sweetest ones held ever heard.
Although he'd been trying to make her comfortable, it had been purely altruistic; for her benefit rather than for any feeling of his own self-worth. He'd done it without thinking that she might feel want to thank him, but when she did, his heart missed a beat as he realised that his effeorts were welcomed by her.

He blushed as he heard her liking it here with him and his blush became even deeper at her words about comforting her...

Yet he was almost overcome by shame when she mentioned the injuries which he had sustained at the hands of his former owner.
Although the broken ribs had healed fine, he still carried deep bruising and swelling across one of them from where it was still recovering and he knew that he still had scarring on his back which -though healed- would never truly go away.

He had thought about turning away from her completely, but the trust she had shown him was not so easily turned aside and he held her close.
Hanging his head low down to hers with a tear in his eyes, as though voicing the events aloud might make them real again, he whispered:
"It would be fair to say that not everyone I've met has been as kind to me as you have been, milady. My owner was harsh and the people under him knew much more violence than kindness...I was only one of many people who he took a disliking to. Other suffered worse than I, so I suppose I got off lightly."

He turned towards her a little more and visibly steeling himself (his tearful eyes full of hope that she would not turn her beauty away from him) he lifted up a corner of his shirt to reveal his toned body with it's large purple bruise beneath one of his right ribs.

"The physician said that I was fully healed, but it it still painful sometimes when I have to stretch suddenly..."
Noticing her concern, he quickly added: "...But it was a small price to pay to ensure that you are no longer hungry." as he smiled widely back at her.

As he fought back the pain of remembrance, he discovered that the fight was becoming much easier to win when her gaze was upon him and her body next to his own.

 

[landiek]

"Jenny, I fixed a place in the wagon for you to lie upon. Why don't you go and lay down and rest. There are plenty of blankets and you would be more comfortable. We can take care of the rest. You have done enough for now. So please go and rest....."

Cassi looked at Masser Alex then about the sight and smiled "Looks like a few more things an I's be ready."

Cassi watched as Jenny moved into the wagon. It panged her heart to see Jenny shake so but it had to be done. Though Cassi never said so she suspected that Miz Jenny was catching the fever. Since Cassi survived having it before she was certain that she was misplacing her belief but wanted to be one hundred percent sure.

Seeing Miz Jenny slumbering Cassi checked one last time then went to Alex while he was hitching the horses. "Masser Alex, I's gots somethin to ask.. but over by dem trees."

Cassi knew that he was preplexed by her odd request but when she shifted David in the sling and looked up into his eyes. "I's feaerful Miz Jenny might have the red fever."

Scarlet fever was no laughing matter and it was shunned by healthy folk. That was why Cassi was not surprised by Alex's first reaction.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

If Cassi hadn't been so serious, I would have though that she wanted a few moments alone with me before we started the journey

Cassi .... "Masser Alex, I's gots somethin to ask .. but over by dem trees"

We walked over to to the spot Cassi had indicated. She looked up at me with her large brown eyes and I knew she had something of importance to tell me.

Cassi .... "I's fearful Miz Jenny might have the red fever!"

Alex .... "WHAT, Cassi are you sure? .......... I was shocked, Where, How, When......To late for questions now. A doctor and medicine was needed and the nearest town was six hours away.

Alex .... "Cassi, Think you can drive the wagon six straight hours to town? We will have to go straight through without stopping. We have to make maxime time without hurting or killing the Horses." I stepped in closer to Cassi and gave her a hug and a kiss.

Alex .... "Jenny will be fine as soon as we get her to a doctor. We all will be fine. My Lord, Cassi, I do love you" and I kissed her again. "Come on, we best be going. I'll help with the remainder of our stuff." Taking her hand, we walked back to camp.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia seemed to be enjoying it here and when she replied, her words were the sweetest ones held ever heard.
Although he'd been trying to make her comfortable, it had been purely altruistic; for her benefit rather than for any feeling of his own self-worth. He'd done it without thinking that she might feel want to thank him, but when she did, his heart missed a beat as he realised that his effeorts were welcomed by her.

He blushed as he heard her liking it here with him and his blush became even deeper at her words about comforting her...

Yet he was almost overcome by shame when she mentioned the injuries which he had sustained at the hands of his former owner.
Although the broken ribs had healed fine, he still carried deep bruising and swelling across one of them from where it was still recovering and he knew that he still had scarring on his back which -though healed- would never truly go away.

He had thought about turning away from her completely, but the trust she had shown him was not so easily turned aside and he held her close.
Hanging his head low down to hers with a tear in his eyes, as though voicing the events aloud might make them real again, he whispered:
"It would be fair to say that not everyone I've met has been as kind to me as you have been, milady. My owner was harsh and the people under him knew much more violence than kindness...I was only one of many people who he took a disliking to. Other suffered worse than I, so I suppose I got off lightly."

He turned towards her a little more and visibly steeling himself (his tearful eyes full of hope that she would not turn her beauty away from him) he lifted up a corner of his shirt to reveal his toned body with it's large purple bruise beneath one of his right ribs.

"The physician said that I was fully healed, but it it still painful sometimes when I have to stretch suddenly..."
Noticing her concern, he quickly added: "...But it was a small price to pay to ensure that you are no longer hungry." as he smiled widely back at her.

As he fought back the pain of remembrance, he discovered that the fight was becoming much easier to win when her gaze was upon him and her body next to his own.

Julia raised her head from the comfort of Clayton's body as he explained the kind of violence he had suffered from the hands of those that thought they were his masters. She saw the pain of rememberance in his eyes and for a moment she thought he would turn from her but no just as she found comfort from him, he seemed to find comfort from her.

He explained the doctor's diagnoses that he was healed, but was he, just like herself the mind had a way of bringin him back to that terrible place where he had been forced to experience the worse kind of treatment a human being can do to another.

He showed her the large purpled large patch that was a severe bruise beneath his ribs on his right side. As his humor came to fore once more he moved back into position next to her. She took his face in both of her hands, she moved forward and kissed him tenderly on his lips.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled a little as he gathered her close. She laid her head on his chest for a second, then smiled and nodded to him. "We'll talk later tonight... " She left him then, going over to the water to clean up. She sighed, removing her dress to wash herself. She thought a lot about her current situation, about Luke, going west, teaching, school, and becoming Ava Chaimberlain. The last one bothered her more and more, now that she was becoming closer to these people. She just hoped that if they ever found out, they would at least allow her to explain herself.

 

[macmillian]

Luke ....

"OK Tonight after supper and everyone is settled, you and I can find a place and talk."

I"ll meet you back in camp Ava! I waited and watched and made sure everything was safe and then I returned to camp. When I arrived at camp, most of the work was done. The horse teams were hitched to the wagon and was ready to leave. Cassi was just puting the last items into the back of the wagon and securing everything. Cass Closed and drew the canvas closed to keep out the morning moisture.

Alex .... "Hey Luke. Please check the two lean-to's out and make sure we aren't leaving anything behind. We checked al the sleeping areas and all around the fire. It appears that we have everything


Alex ...."Luke you take the chestnut today, give your old mare a break. there is a pistol belt on the saddle witha left hand draw i set up for you. For now you will be drawing across in front of yourself. But don't wory, I don't think there will be any trouble. It rode through last night. We'll leave as soon as Ava returns.

I assist cassi up onto her drivers seat. "You need me woman, you sing out and I 'll come running!" I hand walked the wagon and horses out onto the road. The wheels had some of the red Georgia clay stuck to them.I tied off Luke's horse on the rear ring.

Ava saw us up on the road and she mounted and rode over to us.

Alex talkes ....

"Ok.... we start of with Luke riding point, and do not get too far ahead. I start with the wagon and cover the back..If you want we can change up whenever we need to. Ava, I see your rifle in the boot. Can you use it? also if you Luke want Ava to ride with you up front, that's ok with me. But keep your eyes open, good luck now let's roll.

It is now six am and the wagon and three riders head west and the next town. Well maybe this time the town will be more friendly than the last. It was a nice steady Pace and we were eating up the distance between us and the town. Every hour we make a stop, cool the horses and check their condidtion.. they are doing very good.

 

[andygorn]

Julia raised her head from the comfort of Clayton's body as he explained the kind of violence he had suffered from the hands of those that thought they were his masters. She saw the pain of rememberance in his eyes and for a moment she thought he would turn from her but no just as she found comfort from him, he seemed to find comfort from her.

He explained the doctor's diagnoses that he was healed, but was he, just like herself the mind had a way of bringin him back to that terrible place where he had been forced to experience the worse kind of treatment a human being can do to another.

He showed her the large purpled large patch that was a severe bruise beneath his ribs on his right side. As his humor came to fore once more he moved back into position next to her. She took his face in both of her hands, she moved forward and kissed him tenderly on his lips.

Clayton hadn't expected her to kiss him, yet somehow it seemed so right...in this place...at this time...with this beautiful woman.
Her lips had the lightest touch that he'd ever felt.

Trying hard not to rush things, yet desperately wanting to reciprocate, he moved his hands to her cheeks, stroking the incredibly soft and smooth skin of her face and he slanted his head to one side so that he could get more of his lips onto hers; touching again and again in feather-light kisses.

He moaned as Julia kissed him back, tasting her sweet breath in his mouth as their mutual feelings seemed to take over.
Time seemed to slow down and stop as the midday sun beat down on them and he saw once again the image of himself reflected in her gorgeous eyes, knowng that she would be able to see herself in his eyes, too.
One of his hands moved from her face to start to stroke through the soft, dark, tresses of her hair which was such a beautiful contrast to the soft white features of her skin.

Through their kisses, he managed to whisper: "I've ever seen anyone quite so beautiful as you, Julia."

 

[landiek]

"WHAT, Cassi are you sure? .......... "

"no Masser ALex I's ain't fully sure.. could be so many things.. but I's seen this before." Cassi felt utterly responsible. It was true that she wasn't fully sure if that was what the young mother had but the displayed symptoms made her wary.

"Cassi, Think you can drive the wagon six straight hours to town? We will have to go straight through without stopping. We have to make maximum time without hurting or killing the Horses."

Cassi felt better about Alex's support. "Yes Sir, I's shore can."

"Jenny will be fine as soon as we get her to a doctor. We all will be fine. My Lord, Cassi, I do love you" and I kissed her again. "Come on, we best be going. I'll help with the remainder of our stuff."

"I's gots most all packed.. cept Miz Ava's things" Cassi admitted with a half hearted smile. She was too concenred with Miz Jenny's illness to worry that much more.

Cassi cloed the back as to keep bugs out and to contain the sickness. It pained her heart to keep David away from Jenny but Cassi felt that it was her duty to make sure that both of them had their fighting chance. Cassi also knew that they couldn't actually go into town if Miz Jenny truly had the fever the doctor would have to come to them.

"Hey Luke. Please check the two lean-to's out and make sure we aren't leaving anything behind. We checked all the sleeping areas and all around the fire. It appears that we have everything "

Cassi could hear Alex talking as she bustered the water barrel and after a few trips to the river and back. Everything was as ready as she cared to take time for. Had the others been more attentive to her actions they would have noticed that Cassi tossed the dress Jenny wore a few days back in the fire.

"Luke you take the chestnut today, give your old mare a break. there is a pistol belt on the saddle with a left hand draw. For now you will be drawing across in front of yourself. But don't worry, I don't think there will be any trouble. It rode through last night. We'll leave as soon as Ava returns."

Cassi moved around the wagon to board the seat. She was trying to lift herself while David was hanging from her side. Thankfully Alex caught her before she hurt herself and David.

"You need me woman, you sing out and I 'll come running!"

"Yes Sir Masser Alex." Cassi replied obediantly.

"Ok.... we start of with Luke riding point, and do not get too far ahead. I stay with the wagon and cover the back..If you want we can change up whenever we need to. Ava, I see your rifle in the boot. Can you use it? Also if you ,Luke want Ava to ride with you up front, that's ok with me. But keep your eyes opened . Good luck now let's roll."

Cassi clicked her tongue and got the horses to move at the steady pace. She kept an open ear for Miz Jenny's voice as well as one canteen just for her use. David became fussy when he felt that he should be fed but Cassi was ready for that as she pushed a knotted sugar teet in his mouth.

Another blessing was that he seemed to like the honey flavored cloth and didn't fuss too often but after the second break she changed him and offered him some mush. Like most he was not too pleased with the watery substitute so Cassi added a little honey to it so he would not get Miz Jenny in a worry.

Despite the seriousness of their group Cassi couldn't help but wonder about the person she cracked with the stick. Did she kill someone? That was on her mind up to the next two stops.

 

[macmillian]

Luke & Ava ....

Luke put on the pistol belt and took the pistol out of his waist and slid it into the holster. It felt good there and made it more accessible. "Thanks Alex", I said as I stepped up onto the chestnut. The big chestnut was a good horse and it would give my old mare a break. Ava rode a nice brown and was just slightly smaller then the chestnut.

We rode out to about a hundred and fifty yards in front of the wagon, just far enough to keep the wagon in sight and also in calling distance. We rode in silence for a bit, listening for what may be ahead of us. It was a light canter and the distance seemed to melt away as we rode.

"Ava, Everything ok?", I asked smiling over at her. "It feels good to be part of this group." I looked over and she appeared to be more relaxed than the previous two days. Maybe due to the fact we were on the move.

The stops help us to stay fresh and to keep the horses in good shape. If we needed to run them, they would have it in them. Alex knew how to take care of his people and the animals.

*********************************************************

Alex .... The Third Break

By the time the third break was due, my dung was now starting to break down and I couldn't figure out why. When we stopped and we were all together, Cassi amazed me again as she had some cornbread and cold sausage she had made earlier this morning.

I checked My Dung and removed the saddle and blanket and I found a large deep welt along her right rear shoulder and the saddle had irratated the area and he was sore. I wouldn't be riding him for the remainder of the day.

Cassi came back to me with my cornbread and sausage. She Had a smile for me and that lifted my sagging spirits.

Alex .... "Cassi, How would you like some company up in the drivers box?" I asked. I showed her the hind quarter of the Dung. "He's done for the day and I don't want to run Luke's old mare. So I'll drive the wagon and give you a break. It looks like he was hit with a switch or something. I hadn't noticed it until now. The pace and the saddle didn't help." I opened the back of the wagon and placed my saddle and blanket in the rear and placed my rifles up in the drivers box.

Luke .... I saw Alex putting his weapons in the drivers box on the wagon. "Hey Alex, What's up?"

Alex .... " My Dung is down, I'm going to drive the wagon for awhile. You and Ava still ride point, but stay a little closer. Only go out about half the distance you were before we stopped."

Luke .... "Sure thing Boss", I answered, boss, now where did that come from....

Alex .... "Luke, it's Alex or even Sarge, But not boss please. We are all a team, I'll be the team leader, but not the boss. OK everybody!" It was a nice gesture on Luke's part, but I don't fell like a boss.

Alex .... "OK, look's like we are ready to roll again." I help Cassi up into the drivers box and climb up and sit next to her. I look back and Jenny is sound asleep. the best thing I suppose. Luke rides over to the side of the wagon.

Luke .... "OK Alex.........we will be ok. You are our leader and we will all listen to you, because I know that you will listen to us. Keep up the good work. Thank's for everything." I didn't even give hime a chance when I gently nudged the chestnut forward. "OK Ava let's go" and we headed out to the lead...

Alex .... Luke had taken me by surprise and before I could respond, he called to Ava and they rode out together to the lead. I turned to Cassi as she held David. I gave her the big Alex smile. "Well ready or not Cassi, here we go!" and I coaxed the team into action and we were moving again. On the first large shift of the wagon seat, our legs rubbed together and I turned to look at the woman sitting next to me and saw that she was smiling and was humming softly to David.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia's arms went upward and around Clayton's neck. She felt his hands on her cheeks gentle and caring. She felt him tilt his head so he could respond to her kisses. Clayton's kisses were gentle upon hers. Her hands touched his back and she felt the strenght of his body. She heard him whisper to her through their kisses.

"I've ever seen anyone quite so beautiful as you, Julia."

She smiled against his mouth and deepened her kiss.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava was preoccupied, keeping track of riding her horse and wondering about Miss Jenny. Cassi seemed to believe she had Scarlett Fever. Ava trusted Cassi, though she felt that the young woman simply had caught a nasty cold or flu. She sighed, hoping against hope that Miss Jenny would be all right.

She turned to Luke and smiled, nodding. They would talk tonight when the team made their camp. If they found a Doctor, it would be expensive, money Ava knew the team did not have. When the time came, she would be sure to be the one to care for the matter. It was best the rest of the team didn't know.

 

[andygorn]

Julia's arms went upward and around Clayton's neck. She felt his hands on her cheeks gentle and caring. She felt him tilt his head so he could respond to her kisses. Clayton's kisses were gentle upon hers. Her hands touched his back and she felt the strenght of his body. She heard him whisper to her through their kisses.

"I've ever seen anyone quite so beautiful as you, Julia."

She smiled against his mouth and deepened her kiss.

Clayton felt Julia respond to his kisses and she tried to take more of him into her mouth...her response was mirrored by his own, as his tongue snaked out and started to slowly slide back and forth into the hot wet cavern of her mouth. He instanty found her own tongue and these began to writhe against each other, increasing their mutual excitement. For every slight push of his soft tongue into her mouth, she did the same.
Clayton gently and slowly pulled her even closer to him:
Despite the heat of the day, he could feel the even more intsense heat of her body, her soft curves moulding themselves to his own toned physique as he pulled her towards him and she responded by moving closer whilst her arms wrapped tighter around him.

Clayton began to run his fingers through Julia's hair even quicker, and he stroked his other fingers along her cheek.
Moving his fingers slightly downwards, he then began to gently rub along the left side of her jaw, slowly caressing the incredibly soft skin of her face, then the side of her neck beneath her ear then delicately stroking her earlobe and the back of her ear.

Unable to control his feelings at being with such a beautiful woman, Clayton let out a groan of pure passion, which went through their joined lips and into Julia's mouth. Her kisses, now becoming more ardent, seemed to devour his sounds of pleasure.
He could feel the excitement and lust building between them and -from the enjoyment they were both giving each other- he knew that neither of them was strong enough to resist it.

 

[landiek]

Cassi made a simple meal with cornbread and meat. She knew that strength needed to keep them going and a meal always helped as she sang while working keeping David entertained while Miz Jenny slept.

"YA all needs to come gets somethin to eat." Cassi called to her companions as she took a dish to Jenny in the wagon.

On her way back to the spot where she fixed food Alex offered her another smile.

"Cassi, How would you like some company up in the drivers box?" Alex asked. . "He's done for the day and I don't want to run Luke's old mare. So I'll drive the wagon and give you a break. It looks like he was hit with a switch or something. I hadn't noticed it until now. The pace and the saddle didn't help."

"Shore be welcome... I's be able to check Miz Jenny more often that way."

Cassi heard Luke ask. "Hey Alex, What's up?"

" My Dung is down, I'm going to drive the wagon for awhile. You and Ava still ride point, but stay a little closer. Only go out about half the distance you were before we stopped."

"Sure thing Boss." Luke answered....

"Luke, it's Alex or even Sarge, But not boss please. We are all a team, I'll be the team leader, but not the boss. OK everybody!"

Cassi lifted her head listening to the men talk and wondered wasn't the team leader the same as a boss? Then she pondered on the other name he used. What was Sarge?

"OK, looks like we are ready to roll again." Alex helped Cassi up into the drivers box and climb up and sit next to her.

"OK Alex.........we will be ok. You are our leader and we will all listen to you, because I know that you will listen to us. Keep up the good work. Thanks for everything." Luke said. "OK Ava let's go"

"Well ready or not Cassi, here we go!"

The wagon gave a lurch forward then as the wheels got turning the ride changed to smooth tumbling. Cassi even started to hum some old cotton songs to David while they traveled on. Yet each time Alex's leg brushed hers she desperately wanted to be under him and having his cock thrust deep inside of her whorish lust hole.. Instead she kept silent, fearful that she would delay their arrival to the next town.

 

[macmillian]

"Surrender"

Maybe I was not playing fair as I let my right leg continue to touch and rub Cassi's leg. I knew it sent shivers up my spine at her touch and I knew I was having about the same affect on her too. I kept an eye on our back and so far today we had not sen anyone on the road. It was clear of anyone going in either direction.

The next hour passed quickly and it was time to take a quick break. I called a halt and Luke and Ava returned to the wagon. Luke and I checked the stock and they all were in good condition. My big dung was moving better without the saddle and my weight. He would be OK.

A little water for the stock and and after a short fifteen minute rest, they were ready to go again.

Alex .... "Ava how are you doing. You have been in the saddle now close to four hours. You seem to be doing fine. We have maybe another two hours of riding and we should reach the town. That should put us there around one, one thirty. Not to bad. Don't forget to get yourself a drink."

Luke .... "Here you go Ava", and I handed Ava a cup of cool water from the water barrel. "You want to ride by the wagon or stay out front with me. I enjoy your company. You help the time to pass quickly."

Alex .... "Cassi, how is Jenny doing. Is she riding ok?" I was holding David while she had gone in the wagon to chech on Jenny. I watched as Cassi came out of the wagon and sat on the drivers seat. She reached for David and I handed him up to her and I returned to my position next to Cassi.

Luke .... "Already Alex", I waved my left arm, picked up the reins and urged the chestnut forword. The stop had lasted only fifteen minutes and we were on the move again.

Alex .... "Luke , Pick up the pace a little. We can use up a little horse on this nexr leg." I called out to him as he rode off.

 

[rvplymates]

Clayton felt Julia respond to his kisses and she tried to take more of him into her mouth...her response was mirrored by his own, as his tongue snaked out and started to slowly slide back and forth into the hot wet cavern of her mouth. He instanty found her own tongue and these began to writhe against each other, increasing their mutual excitement. For every slight push of his soft tongue into her mouth, she did the same.
Clayton gently and slowly pulled her even closer to him:
Despite the heat of the day, he could feel the even more intsense heat of her body, her soft curves moulding themselves to his own toned physique as he pulled her towards him and she responded by moving closer whilst her arms wrapped tighter around him.

Clayton began to run his fingers through Julia's hair even quicker, and he stroked his other fingers along her cheek.
Moving his fingers slightly downwards, he then began to gently rub along the left side of her jaw, slowly caressing the incredibly soft skin of her face, then the side of her neck beneath her ear then delicately stroking her earlobe and the back of her ear.

Unable to control his feelings at being with such a beautiful woman, Clayton let out a groan of pure passion, which went through their joined lips and into Julia's mouth. Her kisses, now becoming more ardent, seemed to devour his sounds of pleasure.
He could feel the excitement and lust building between them and -from the enjoyment they were both giving each other- he knew that neither of them was strong enough to resist it.

The intimacy of their kiss was overpowering for them both. Julia melted into his body, her emotions were uncontrollable as his tongue romanced hers. Her body was on fire with the need of him. And as he groaned in her mouth her kisses became more demanding.

She moved her hands across his back, at time she grasped it hard, passion was building up in her. Her body cried out for his, wanting him, needing him.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava looked back at the group momentarily, then speaking so only Luke could hear her. "When we get to town, I want you to suggest to Alex that I take Jenny to the Doctor." Staring straight ahead, not looking at Luke so as to alert the others that they were speaking, she continued. "Please, it is imperative that I am the one who takes her to the physician." Leaving it at that, she continued to ride silently, her mind far elsewhere.

She tried to think of a way to pay for Jenny's visit to the Doctor without alterting the others. Having enough cash to pay for such care would certainly raise their brows quite a bit. So would the collection of rare books in her saddle bags, and the safe waiting for her in the Territory, and the National United Bank manager who would be oh so happy to see her. She sighed heavily, knowing that ultimately she would have explaining to do.

 

[andygorn]

The intimacy of their kiss was overpowering for them both. Julia melted into his body, her emotions were uncontrollable as his tongue romanced hers. Her body was on fire with the need of him. And as he groaned in her mouth her kisses became more demanding.

She moved her hands across his back, at time she grasped it hard, passion was building up in her. Her body cried out for his, wanting him, needing him.

Feeling Julia's growing excitement, Clayton responded in kind, his kisses becoming more ardent upon her soft yielding mouth as he felt her reciprocate.

The fingers of his right hand moved away from her left ear, slowly caressing her neck as they moved onto her shoulder, feeling the soft skin and toned muscles of her neck and arms through the clothes she wore. His hand slid around her back to pull her closer to him.
In this position, he could slip his tongue into the full extent of her mouth, sliding slowly back and forth across her own writhing tongue, feeling the walls of her mouth expand and contract against him.

His fingers ran up and down the back of her shoulders and down the middle of her back until his palm was resting tantalisingly short of the full curves of her buttocks.
However, this gave his long fingers full rein to gently stroke across the taut twin globes of her behind through her dress, further stoking their mutual arousal as he felt her firm body melt into his arms.
In this position he could not help but feel the incredibly soft double mounds of her breasts rubbing up and down against his chest. He found that -like her breasts- his large erection was pressing between their bodies...even in his wildest fantassies, he had never dreamt that he could become so hard.

In the gaps between their increasingly deep kisses, Clayton managed to say:
"Julia, I want you to know that you are one of the kindest...and most enlightened people I have ever met....As such, I would never take advantage of you...yet I have to say that your beauty is astounding...and I want you more than I have ever wanted any woman in my life...If you feel the same, you should know that I have never been with a woman before...I would never do anything to offend you...or to hurt you...so please tell me what you wish me to do...I am yours to command, gorgeous lady..."

 

[rvplymates]

Julia was lost to the tender caresses of Clayton's hands as their tongues danced the tango of love her breathing increased with excitement. The heat of the day added to her need of him. His hands made their way from her shoulder to her neck, each touch bringing great pleasure to her.

Sensations of desire ran through her as he ran his hands up and down her back to finally rest in the small of her back. More excitement overflowed in her as he stretched his long strong fingers over her backside, her finger dug into his back at his touch.

Her arms grasped his body firmly as their bodies seemed to move into position that was natural for their love making. They seemed to fit hand in glove and her desires flared within her. She explored the musular plains of his shoulders and backs, getting to know the feel of him.

Her breasts rubbing against his hard chest began to softly harden and feel full. She could feel his hard erection pressing demandingly against her. When he spoke she listened. His words filled her with joy as she held on to him tightly.

"I want to join with you Clayton, I want to feel your body close to mine in a natural state. I want you deep within me"

 

[andygorn]

Julia was lost to the tender caresses of Clayton's hands as their tongues danced the tango of love her breathing increased with excitement. The heat of the day added to her need of him. His hands made their way from her shoulder to her neck, each touch bringing great pleasure to her.

Sensations of desire ran through her as he ran his hands up and down her back to finally rest in the small of her back. More excitement overflowed in her as he stretched his long strong fingers over her backside, her finger dug into his back at his touch.

Her arms grasped his body firmly as their bodies seemed to move into position that was natural for their love making. They seemed to fit hand in glove and her desires flared within her. She explored the musular plains of his shoulders and backs, getting to know the feel of him.

Her breasts rubbing against his hard chest began to softly harden and feel full. She could feel his hard erection pressing demandingly against her. When he spoke she listened. His words filled her with joy as she held on to him tightly.

"I want to join with you Clayton, I want to feel your body close to mine in a natural state. I want you deep within me"

He looked into her eyes, aware of her meaning, yet smiling almost in disbelief that she would want to share this with him: "Only if you're sure, sweet lady." he replied, as he ran his fingers through her hair, framing her gorgeous face.
Seeing her exceptionally warm smile, he kept one hand in her hair, still trying to come to terms with the softness of her body and -almost like he was unable to control himself- his left hand fell gently onto Julia's right thigh and Clayton began to massage the firm fesh of her leg through her skirts.

Their proximity meant that he could not help but feel the heat coming from her body and he could still taste the sweetness of her breath on his lips from their previous deep kisses.
Still slowly caressing her thigh through her clothes -moving his fingers back and forth up to halfway along her thigh- he looked back into her gorgeous hazel eyes and tilted her head up to his once more as he resumed their deep kisses with a heartfelt groan.