Mary Travis dabbed the perfume around her neck, and then gazed critically in the long mirror for several seconds, her hands coming down almost unconsciously to smooth the folds of her new taffeta dress. Finally satisfied with her appearance, the woman’s eyes strayed to the open trunk on the bed and wandering over to the luggage, she picked up the letter that nestled amongst the packed clothing.

The ‘Clarion’ newspaper owner had returned to Four Corners the previous day, having spent the past three weeks in Boston with her father and mother-in-law, plus her teenage son. The four Travis’s had travelled to the bustling city ostensibly to view several colleges and secure a placement for Billy to study Mechanical Engineering. They were also visiting relatives and friends but, unbeknownst to Mary, Evie had another motive for persuading her daughter-in-law to make the trip.

It seemed that wherever the four had visited, there just happened to be an eligible bachelor also paying his respects to ‘mutual’ acquaintances. This had occurred on no less than five occasions and it hadn’t taken Mary long to work out who was behind the machinations. Evie Travis loved her only son’s beautiful and strong-willed widow, but she desperately wanted Mary to make a new life for herself; particularly as the fourteen year-old Billy would soon be leaving home to start his studies. For the older woman that fresh start would have to include a well-landed husband, preferably away from Four Corners.

With a soft sigh, Mary unfolded the letter and re-read the flowery message. "Well, you’re nothing if not persistent, Mr Armitage," she murmured ruefully.

Ralph Armitage had been an overly attentive and singularly determined suitor, who had proposed marriage to Mary after only their second meeting. The woman had tried tactfully to fend off the young man’s rather gauche advances but, after he had ignored her subtle hints, she had been forced to be blunt with the besotted bachelor. Her letter of refusal had had the desired effect and the man had reluctantly backed off but, just prior to her leaving Boston, a servant had delivered a note from Armitage in which the man declared his undying love for Mary.

Dropping the young man’s letter back into the trunk, she resolved to write a reply later that evening. All thoughts of Armitage went out of her head as she studied the ornately carved wooden box lying on the quilt next to her luggage.

There was a thoughtful look to her features as she turned the oblong box over in her hands. Even now, a week after making the extravagant purchase, she still couldn’t explain what impulse had taken her into the fancy store in Boston’s fashionable shopping arcade. Fear of rejection or ridicule made her even more uncertain whether she would actually give the intended recipient the birthday gift.

Billy had decided to stay with his grandparents and Mary had returned home alone, so she had no excuse for not doing as she pleased tonight. It would be a risky gambit, but there would never be a better opportunity for bringing things to a head with a certain gentleman. Gathering her courage around her like a mantle, she suddenly came to a decision. Tucking the item under her arm, she hurriedly left her bedroom.

-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-

It was early evening and very few people were on the streets of the town, as Chris Larabee headed towards the boarding house. He’d just shaved and bathed but, feeling the need for his own company – more so on this particular night – he’d declined Vin and Buck’s invitation to dinner, a drink, plus the inevitable game of poker.

It wasn’t that the black clad peacekeeper felt like being antisocial, but he had a genuine desire to be prone in a comfortable bed and grab a much needed early night. The gunslinger had been thrown by his horse several days ago, after a rattle snake had spooked the normally sure-footed gelding and, as a result, Chris had dislocated his left shoulder. Nathan had easily pushed the joint back into place, but the painful limb had swollen and stiffened up, and the older man’s entire upper torso was still feeling the effects of the injury.

Chris left the bedroom door slightly ajar as he got into his room and, casually tossing his hat onto the chair, he crossed to the small bureau and poured himself a glass of whiskey. The neat alcohol coated his throat as it slid down, but he welcomed its fiery warmth as it settled in his belly, knowing the liquor would eventually ease his aching shoulder and back. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he smiled wryly when he spotted the glass jar on the bedside table. It was one of Nathan’s herbal ointments, guaranteed by the healer to ease his bruised shoulder, and given to the injured gunslinger with the firm instruction to use it regularly.

"You’re such a mama hen, Nathan! Rain doesn’t need to be a wife – not when she’s got you!" the man mused.

As he twisted around to get rid of the empty glass, Chris felt the muscles in his back twinge and a taut, burning sensation shot through his half-healed shoulder, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

"Shit! Ezra, I promise not to laugh the next time you pop your shoulder," Chris muttered through his gritted teeth.

Getting to his feet, the gunslinger carefully eased his shirt off, and then picked up the jar. Giving the oily cream a tentative sniff, he scooped a little out with two fingers on his right hand and attempted to rub the ointment into his sore shoulder. It wasn’t easy reaching the affected area and, although he persevered for a short while, his frustration quickly escalated.

A light tap on the door made the gunslinger whirl and, hand stabbing down to his gun butt, he froze as he saw Mary Travis’ head poke around the wooden frame.

The woman’s green eyes locked with Chris’ surprised gaze and, as her hand fluttered to her open mouth, she couldn’t stop the small, breathy gasp that tore from her throat. "Oh…. I’m sorry, Chris. I didn’t mean to disturb…. Nathan told me you were up…"

Mary suddenly stopped and then, inexplicably and without waiting for an invitation, her feet carried her into the room.

As the door clicked firmly shut behind her, she pointed to the jar of cream in the man’s hand. "Can I… help you… with that?" she asked hesitantly, almost as if she expected a hostile rebuttal.

Chris pursed his lips, his frank, open look boring into Mary as if truly seeing her for the first time. The flickering glow from a lamp, plus the candles in a three pronged holder, cast soft shadows on the woman’s shapely form and bathed her silver blonde hair in light, creating a golden nimbus around her head. There was an ethereal quality about her and the gunslinger’s fingers suddenly twitched as he fought the urge to free her long tresses from their ivory clip. Not quite trusting himself to speak, Chris inclined his head in a small nod, holding out the jar as he perched on the edge of the bed.

Many different emotions flitted across Mary’s face as she stared uncertainly at the semi-naked man before her. Garnering some strength from his faint smile of encouragement, she placed the box on the bedside table, and then took the ointment.

Chris shifted further back as Mary approached from the opposite side of the bed, and then clambered across the mattress to kneel behind him.

"Buck told me… he said you’d hurt your shoulder," she began, in a guarded voice, "and I imagine you’re fairly… sore and uncomfortable."

The woman didn’t see the brief frown crease Chris’ brow but, as her hand started to massage the oil into his skin, she felt his shoulder bunch in tension under her fingertips.

"Buck talks too much. He’s like an old woman who’s full of sob stories," he replied at length.

The herbal cream had been warmed by the woman’s firm, circular motions, and Chris could feel the welcome heat seeping into his torn shoulder muscles. With a quiet sigh, he relaxed into Mary’s gently therapeutic touch, his eyes closing as he allowed his mind to drift.

-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-

The significance of the day hadn’t escaped the gunslinger’s notice. It seemed almost too much of a coincidence, but the last time Chris had sustained a back injury, it had been his wife, Sarah, who had given him a thorough massage with a medicinal ointment. That had been on his thirtieth birthday, and the couple had ruefully laughed at the injury which had prevented them from celebrating the occasion in their normal way. Chris smiled at the fond memory and, strangely enough, the pertinent thought didn’t invoke as much anguish and sorrow as the gunslinger had believed it would. Was this all part of the healing process and acceptance for his loss? Had he finally put to rest the ghosts from his past? Or was he somehow being disloyal to his dead wife’s memory?

Sarah’s soft voice, with the lilt of Irish from her mother’s homeland, suddenly surged through Chris’ head. His wife had always used that phrase, and it had become the couple’s joint edict, a statement that had helped them get through the many hardships that life on the frontier had thrown their way.

Now hearing the words again, Chris’ thoughts suddenly turned to Mary Travis. He knew, but was having trouble acknowledging to himself, that he felt an ever increasing attraction to the beautiful newspaperwoman. But why did they continually deny the interest? The pair had skirted around each other for nearly seven years now, exchanging meaningful glances, or trying to evade looks of intense longing; the stolen eye contact that had always been either quickly masked or hastily disguised.

Seven years. Much had changed for the peacekeepers in that time. Nathan and Rain had married almost one year ago, after the former slave had managed to qualify as a licensed doctor. JD and Casey had also tied the knot, and the Bostonian’s wife would shortly give birth to their second child. Louisa Perkins, former aide to a Territorial Governor, had returned to Four Corners a mere six months after Buck had proposed marriage to her. Louisa had been appointed schoolmistress at the town’s small school and, with a house provided by the Town Council, she finally accepted that her wanderlust and days of political campaigning had come to an end.

The ladies’ man had fallen all over again for the woman’s ‘surprises’ and many charms, and Buck and Louisa’s wedding was due to take place in less than three weeks time. Unable to choose between his oldest friend and his younger ‘brother’, Buck had asked both Chris and JD to be his best men at the nuptials. It looked like the rogue had finally been tamed, and he was taking his capture - like any sensible male ‘victim’ would – lying down. Quite literally!

Ezra had concentrated on his business ventures, but had sworn categorically to remain a bachelor, whilst Josiah had renewed his ordination vows and seemed content to live out his days in priestly abstinence. And then there was Vin.

The tracker had finally cleared his name some months ago and, once freed of any threat to his life, or more importantly to the safety of those closest to him, had managed to conduct a secret romance with Inez Recillos. Chris was the only one of the peacekeepers who’d guessed what was going on under their noses, and he couldn’t be happier for his closest friend. The courting couple were revelling in their blossoming relationship and were devoted to one another, so the gunslinger expected yet another wedding announcement to be made at any time.

Chris was a shrewd observer of people, a talent that made him a successful gunman and also a top notch peacekeeper. The gunslinger had seen the blooming radiance of the lovely Mexican woman just this morning and, recalling how Sarah had looked when in the early stages of pregnancy, Chris felt sure that the pair would soon have to set a date. Maybe there would be a double wedding in several weeks’ time.

So what did the future hold for Chris Larabee? And did his future happiness involve Mary Travis? Had the gunslinger finally run out of excuses to stay in the town? Or did he have even more reasons to stay now? His friends all seemed to be settled and content in Four Corners and, whilst Chris yearned to have the love and stability of a family around him again, he was petrified of losing it all for a second time.

Chris and Mary were both guilty of avoiding the truth, but there never seemed to be the right time or opportunity to make some type of positive move. Perhaps it was fear of being hurt again that held both widower and widow back. Or maybe it was the thought of rejection that kept them at arms’ length. It was a conundrum that Chris had never been able to figure out. Until now, that is. But if he wanted more than friendship, was it the same for Mary?

Mary sensed the man’s question even before he spoke but, terrified of breaking this moment of fragile acceptance with the unpredictable and ambiguous gunman, she deliberately kept her enquiry neutral. "What’s wrong, Chris? Am I rubbing too hard?"

Chris lifted his right arm to his left shoulder, and his questing fingers captured the woman’s oily hand. "No. I just wanted to say…. I missed you."

Mary swallowed convulsively, afraid for a moment that she’d misheard. "You… you did?" she asked, her voice unusually timid and unsure.

Chris squeezed her fingers and, shifting over a little, he pulled her around to sit beside him. "Yes. Until you’d been gone for nearly six weeks, I didn’t realise just how many times I looked for you. The town seemed empty without you here."

There was surprised candour in Chris’ statement and, as he leaned closer to Mary, he gently brushed his lips against her cheek. He didn’t want to frighten her, nor do something impulsive that would fracture their friendship, but he hoped and prayed that she would respond to his tentative advance.

Mary turned to face the man, her eyes meeting Chris’ as she willingly melted into their warm depths. Even as her body began to reply to his delicate overtures, she felt the need, the sexual hunger in the man, and she experienced the awakening of a desire that she’d not had for many years.

Chris also felt her kindling passion and, in one fluid movement, he unbuckled his gun belt and hung it around the iron headboard. The boots were next, hurriedly kicked off and back-heeled under the bed. Finally, he turned back to his silently watching companion.

"Mary…"

"Chris…"

They both laughed as their words trailed off and, suddenly realising that he didn’t need to say anything at all, Chris gently clamped his hands around Mary’s head and pulled her into him. The kiss started with a chaste, feather-light brush and, as Mary’s lips parted, Chris slipped his tongue past her teeth, his hand now going down to cup her breast, as he wove an erotic dance in her mouth.

Mary squirmed, her legs beneath her long skirt already parting as the shivery fire inflamed her suddenly aching loins. No man – not even her husband – had ever aroused her with just a kiss. She felt like she was soaring in the sky, the dizzying heights making her breathless, as Chris’ lingering kiss bruised and crushed her eager mouth. Mary groped out blindly for the man’s lean, sun-kissed torso and, as her fingers trailed across the solid chest, she felt his muscles ripple beneath her hand. God, he was beautiful!

There was an untamed strength and ruggedness about him, but it was more than that. Chris’ bronzed skin was smoothly supple, and the few bullet and knife scars on his chest and back added to the primal baseness of the man. He was the embodiment of male sexuality and his potent manliness exuded from every part of him. Mary could feel his sensual compulsion luring her in and, even if she wanted to, she was helpless to stop the pull.

It had never occurred to her before to think that a man could be so graceful and perfect, and Mary was astonished by her unseemly thoughts and emotions. The delectable voyage of discovery continued for her and, as her fingernail traced around Chris’ nipples, she playfully tugged at the few dark blond hairs curling out of the puckered skin.

The peacekeeper felt his erection pressing against his heavy-duty pants, its swollen, enflamed head butting insistently for freedom – although not seeking the ultimate release just yet. Grasping Mary’s hand, Chris broke the seductive kiss with a groan, and guided her fingers to the top fly button on his pants.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, before he allowed her to go any further. It took an enormous amount of self-control for Chris to pause in his lovemaking, and he had no idea what he would do if she said no, but he needed her to be as committed as he was. There must be no regrets from her later, for they were about to embark on a journey that could only lead to one conclusion.

Mary’s eyes wandered greedily down the man’s chest, and she subconsciously licked her lips as her gaze came to a rest on his hand covering hers. This felt completely right; she loved Chris and felt secure with him. And it was abundantly clear that he had feelings for her too. Mary didn’t want to wait any more, and time was slowly running out for her. It would be a fresh beginning and perhaps a new family for both of them. For an answer, she tugged the clip from her hair, and then started to unfasten the front buttons of her dress with her other hand. Mary had only reached the second one before the man – no, her lover – took over and finished slowly undressing her.

-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-

The atmosphere in the bedroom had suddenly become sexually charged, a heady flirtatious tension that swept both man and woman along with the promise of shared delights. The couple were on the centre of the bed now; Chris was completely naked and Mary wore only her silk chemise and décolleté knickers. Their shed clothing lay in a tangled heap on the floor, almost echoing the actions of the two lovers as man and woman wrapped around each other in the first blistering delights of foreplay.

Any pain or discomfort from his shoulder had dissolved now and, as Chris lowered his mouth onto Mary’s again, he wrapped his arm around her protectively. His other hand slid over her silken top, feeling the conical shape of her erect nipple. Rolling the tempting mound firmly between his thumb and forefinger, he felt his straining cock leap eagerly as the woman gave a throaty growl of pleasure.

With trembling hands, Mary managed to yank off her suddenly constrictive chemise and, as she wormed her body closer into Chris, she felt his warm hands slide under the waistband of her knickers.

There was an exultant look to the peacekeeper’s face as he gently rubbed his finger over Mary’s soft, moist hole and, feeling her warm juices start to flow, he stroked a second finger around the edge. His other hand nipped at and played with her hard, prominent nipple and he smiled delightedly as she panted from his exploratory touch. Bringing his glistening digits up to his mouth, he then groaned in desire as he tasted her salty sharp-sweetness. He could be patient when he needed to be, and there was one last thing he wanted to do for her, before his own needs took over. But aware of how tenuous his sexual control could be, it had to happen now.

"Honey, would you let me give you more pleasure?" Chris whispered in Mary’s ear.

Mary smiled at Chris, but she was suddenly confused and wondered what on Earth he could possibly do to increase her burgeoning excitement. With a mute nod, she felt him pull away from her as he carefully removed her underwear and tossed it on the floor.

Within seconds, Chris had knelt between her legs and, gently parting the woman’s lithe limbs, he placed his face into her groin. The gunslinger sucked in a deep breath, smelling the odour of his lover’s wet lushness and his tongue flicked out, its rough heat teasing at Mary’s sex lips as he lapped up the musky juices. The liquid was intoxicating and he was a thirsty traveller drinking at an oasis in the desert, whilst drowning in a sea of destiny.

Never before had the woman received such intense pleasure from foreplay. Mary, like most teenage brides of the day, had gone to Stephen Travis’ wedding bed a virgin. And her husband had been in a similar position. Not that it had mattered; they had adored one another and, if their lovemaking was somewhat unadventurous, then so be it. But now Chris had shown Mary how wonderful the sensations of her body could be when aroused by an accomplished and unselfish lover. As she felt his thrusting tongue plunge into her inflamed hole, a rippling shudder consumed her and she thought she would pass out from the lustful passion. This was something she had never experienced before and, in that instant of sexual indulgence, she suddenly knew she was about to be fulfilled as a woman.

Chris moaned as he felt Mary’s orgasm engulf her, and he swallowed the rush of liquid that poured into his mouth, savouring the spectacular taste and scent that was different for each woman. He realised in her moment of uninhibited passion, he would never again look to another’s bed; he had found in Mary – not a replacement for his beloved Sarah – a new partner who’s essence and goodness was equal to what it had been when he’d first met his wife.

Working his way up her body, Chris planted kisses and lightly nipped at Mary’s fragrant, silken skin with his teeth until he got to her breasts. His tongue flickered over a straining nipple, and the gunslinger licked and nuzzled the swollen bud for several seconds, before suckling on the hardened areola. All the time, his fingers adeptly worked at her dripping hole, as he lovingly seduced her to yet another climax.

Mary’s entire body seemed enveloped in joyous ecstasy, her splayed legs rigid and tense from the delightful actions the man was bombarding her with. She felt light-headed and her breath was coming in rapid, whimpering gasps as she willingly surrendered to the relentless demands of her lover. "Oh, dear… Lord! Chr…. Chris! I want… you!"

Chris smiled at the woman’s breathless entreaty and, quickly wiping his mouth, he moved further up the bed until he was eye level with Mary. "I think you enjoyed that and there’s more to come," he murmured, as he swept a tender hand over the woman’s sweaty forehead.

There was no denying his own needs now, and as the gunslinger covered her body with his, he watched Mary’s face soften and relax as he gently but firmly pushed into her. There was no resistance to his thrusting entry and, squeezing her eyes shut, a shaky sob escaped the woman’s lips as Chris began to move inside her.

Her warm channel was slick with moisture, a combination of Chris’ saliva and her own mounting excitement, and his penetration was hard and decisive. As Chris felt his lover’s inner muscles cocoon his throbbing shaft, Mary instinctively wrapped her legs around his and matched his rhythmic tempo precisely. The excruciating, but delightful, pressure increased on the sensitive head and his engorged balls tingled for release, causing Chris to pant noisily as more of his pre-cum trickled into her.

Nothing could delay the inevitable and, as Mary clung to Chris, she cried out in abandonment as another wave of pleasure exploded in her groin and belly. Each focussed drive took him deeper, until she thought he would be buried forever within her. The incandescent heat of his spearing cock caused yet another all-consuming orgasm to flood through her, and Mary’s stomach clenched, her finger nails digging into Chris’ back as she tumbled along a fast-running river of wanton desire.

"Oh, God, Chris… please… love me…." Mary pleaded with her lover to give his all, knowing, but beyond caring that he was on a course that could only lead to one outcome. There were no physical fences around them now, the barriers of conformity had been obliterated, and they were about to traverse the same path as Adam and Eve. And that hitherto forbidden apple was the sweetest fruit that Mary had ever tasted.

With an almost sixth sense, Chris knew how desperately Mary wanted him and, as he felt pressure increase in his balls, he took his own final, or maybe the first, leap into the unknown. "You’re beautiful, Mary…. Fool…. Wasted all those years….Oh, Jesus!"

As the scalding, hot flow spurted forth, Chris gripped the woman’s hands in a tight clasp, kissing her passionately on the lips and neck as his love poured into her eager body. She was his now, he had claim to her and she to him, and there was no going back for either of them. Nor did he want to return to the dark, lonely days that had haunted his existence following Sarah and Adam’s deaths.

Those troubled times had been a hollow and desolate existence, not living. Chris knew that now. He’d learned the lesson the hard way, although he’d been pointed in the right direction – but not known it – on that fateful day he’d come to town and his eyes had locked with Vin Tanner’s. The shy, enigmatic tracker had reached out and offered loyalty, trust, respect and a brotherly kinship that had nothing to do with the blood running through their veins. With a selfless wisdom that was as ancient as the Earth itself, Vin had been the first person to give the guilt-wracked gunslinger a new belief in mankind. He’d broken through the almost impenetrable barrier of grief and anger that Chris had meticulously cloaked himself in, and ignited a light that had been cruelly dimmed in the dying embers of a destructive fire.

Once that breakthrough had been made, the gunslinger had slowly re-joined humanity, and gradually embraced the onslaught of emotions and love offered by his new found friends. And now a physical acknowledgement of his love for Mary had completed the circle. It was a fitting and proper testimonial to his past life, and as one door closed, another opened.

Shifting in the bed a little, Chris pulled the sheet up to their waists, although he never released his hold on Mary as he eased her head onto his shoulder.

Neither of the two said anything for several minutes, both seemingly content to lay wrapped in each others arms. The only movement was from Chris, as he absently stroked Mary’s back.

"I hope you ain’t having second thoughts," Chris finally asked.

"No. I was just trying to decide at what point I began loving you."

"Does it matter?"

"I… I suppose it doesn’t. We’re here together and we’ve shared a bed as…." Mary suddenly stopped. She didn’t want to force Chris into making any decisions about their future. It was enough for her at present that she was lying wrapped within the protective circle of his arms.

"As man and wife?"

"As man and woman," Mary corrected him.

Chris pulled her closer into him and gently kissed her lips. It was a romantic, not ardent kiss, although as it lingered on, he felt Mary’s tongue briefly, almost hesitantly, flick into his mouth. Chris abruptly ended the kiss, gazing at the woman with a drunken smile curving his mouth.

"Why did you really come up here tonight?"

Mary quietly considered the man’s question. Had she somehow had a prescient thought about what might occur tonight? Maybe. She had certainly gone out of her way to look her best for Chris, and had deliberately sought him out, although she hadn’t known he would be at the boarding house. Mary smiled inwardly. And so much for wearing a pretty new dress; she’d willingly divested herself of that in less than fifteen minutes of being in Chris’ bedroom! Did that mean she was a ‘loose’ woman? Probably, but she no longer cared about propriety. Not now.

"I brought you something back from Boston."

As she spoke, Mary stretched around in the bed and felt for the wooden box on the side table.

Chris accepted the package, and then balanced it on his abdomen as he prised the metal catch open. Lifting the lid, he raised his eyebrows in surprise as he studied the tightly packed rows of cigars.

"What are these for?"

"They’re a gift. Buck told me today was your birthday, so I thought I’d give you something I knew you’d enjoy."

"Reckon you did at that," Chris breathed huskily, as he snapped the lid closed and placed the box back on the table.

Mary shivered in desire as he drew her close to him again and, as his lips claimed hers once again, her hand dropped down and encircled his rapidly hardening cock. The bulging manhood was still sticky with their shared love juices and, as her finger got to the slit in the head, she felt a dewy pearl of wetness slide over her skin. Mary allowed her wet fingertips to explore every inch of Chris and as she gently cupped and squeezed his tight balls she felt, rather than heard, his guttural groan.

"Jesus, that feels good," Chris gasped as he broke the sultry kiss.

Pulling Mary on top of him, Chris tenderly tucked a stray lock of gilt hair behind the woman’s ear, before tracing a gentle finger down her cheek, neck and the downy hollow between her pert breasts. He felt his lover’s body quiver, and sensed that she too was getting aroused again. Moving under Mary, he skilfully adjusted his position, until he felt his erect shaft smoothly enter her, relishing the slick dampness in her body. As much as Chris had enjoyed their initial lovemaking, there was something special about being inside the woman he loved when she was overflowing with his fresh, warm seed.

"That’s much better," the peacekeeper said in a soft voice, as he wriggled his hips and began to stimulate his lover once again.

Chris smiled broadly. He could feel Mary responding to his movements, and he gently caressed her sweat-dampened back and shoulders as he continued talking. "Mary, it’s taken us a long time to realise what we mean to each other, but I can’t think of a better way of making up for those lost years."

"I’m just hoping this… isn’t all a dream," she eventually managed to mumble.

"Nope, it ain’t a dream. I want you, Mary. In my heart, home and most definitely in my bed. We both need and deserve each other."

Mary’s green eyes widened, and she did nothing to conceal her surprise. "You… you do… love me then?"

The peacekeeper’s stroked the small of her back, before sliding his hands over the cheeks of her ass. Hugging the woman’s body closer to own in a possessive gesture, he still kept going with his slow, forceful thrusts and was rewarded in kind as her strong inner muscles enveloped his shaft. "This isn’t just a one off tumble in the hay. I love you, Mary Travis," Chris whispered, as he nibbled at her ear.

"If you only knew how… many times, I’ve….ahh…. wanted…. to hear…ooh!" The words caught in her throat, and Mary shuddered as the heat of desire washed over her once more. The intensity of Chris’ quickening motions with his cock, coupled with his tongue tickling her ear and neck, took her breath away. All she could do was cling to the firm body underneath her and enjoy the man’s erotic lovemaking for a second time.

This was a totally new experience for Mary. Even in the early days of her marriage, Stephen had never wanted to love her more than once during the night and usually fell asleep immediately afterwards. Nor did he talk to her during their infrequent moments of intimacy. And she had been far too reserved to make her own sexual overtures or demands. Now, even though it was still only early evening, she was in bed with her lover, and he was more than ready, willing and able to make love with her again and again. Clearly Chris was here for the night, and had the stamina and appetite to continue until the morning and beyond. He expected no less from her and Mary was trembling like a schoolgirl with a crush, whilst begging him for more!

"Oh, God…. Chr… Chris….ahh! I need…. Faster… harder…. Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God!" Her gulping moans had got louder, and she buried her face into Chris’ neck as she tried to increase her leverage on the man’s six inch weapon of love.

Chris had also reached the limit of his self-control and he clutched Mary’s slim hips, guiding her back and forth as he expertly lanced that wet, moist passage with his eager and more than ready manhood. If anything, this second loving was even more intense than their first and, as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and head, she draped her breast against his face as another climax washed over her.

A low, feral moan tumbled out of Chris’ mouth as his own release freely pumped into Mary at exactly the same time and, as she collapsed against him, he held her in an almost crushing embrace.

"I hope you know what you’ve let yourself in for," Chris was finally able to say, as he stroked her dishevelled hair. "I’m a man who likes his own way, but when I bed the woman I love, I want her to be satisfied. And I ain’t a fella who thinks once or even twice a night is enough."

"Is that why Buck calls you stud?" Mary teased, wriggling a little as she felt him move inside her.

"Mebbe. Perhaps we need to experiment over the next twelve hours to find out. Unless of course, Billy’s expecting you home tonight?" Chris frowned, and his arm tightened around her. He had found a new love and he wasn’t about to let her leave his side. Not now, not ever.

"Billy’s staying with his grandparents for another week. And once he starts college in a few months time, I’ll only see him during the vacations. It’s not easy letting go, Chris, but he had to fly the nest sooner or later."

There was wistful sadness in Mary’s voice, and the peacekeeper automatically kissed the top of her head as he offered what comfort he could. "The kid will be fine. He’s sensible – just like his mama."

"I know. But it’ll be strange without him. Although it will mean we’ll have some privacy to get to know each other better."

"That’s true. And you won’t be alone, Mary. Hell, I don’t reckon I’m gonna let you stray far from my bed now!"

"So I’m going to be busy then? People will start to talk, Mr Larabee. And you can’t have a birthday like this one every day you know," Mary scolded, as she playfully jiggled her lower body against Chris’.

The gunslinger wagged a finger in mock annoyance and, before Mary could reply or react, he’d flipped her over onto her back and pinned her to the mattress with his body. "Oh, yes I can! ‘Cause you’ve set the standards now and I won’t accept anything less. I want you Mary, and every day and night I’m gonna love you."

Mary could feel the warm stickiness of his sexual release clinging inside her and she suddenly wondered if their union would bear fruit. She prayed that it would. "Chris, I love you, need you and I want to give you a family."

The spontaneous words tumbled out before Mary could stop them and, seeing the stunned look briefly flash across Chris’ face, she feared that she’d destroyed their new intimacy before it had really begun.

Chris smiled and, wishing to banish her sudden fears, he kissed her with growing ardour. "Well, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have to give me sons and daughters," he said softly as their lips finally parted.

"So I guess I’m gonna have to make a start on that tonight, because I don’t like to disappoint a lady," he added with a rakish grin.

Rolling onto his back and gathering her tighter into his chest, Chris knew without doubt that he’d made the right decision. This was a new chapter in his life and he welcomed it with arms and eyes wide open. He would always cherish the happy years with Sarah and Adam, and the memory of their all too brief love would be forever in his heart and thoughts. But life marched on, and with this incredible woman by his side, Chris knew he could face the remainder of his life with optimism and hope.

The gunslinger was sure that he must be the luckiest man alive to have been blessed with love not once, but twice. His and Mary’s future happiness stretched out ahead of them, and Chris knew with certainty that they had both freed themselves from the shackles of previous sorrows. They had another chance, and together they looked forward to a long and loving relationship which, with God’s will, would be contented and blessed with the joyous laughter of many children.