Rogue Cowboy (14 page)

Tim McGraw’s ‘Something Like That’, is blaring from the jukebox, and I’m behind the bar, shaking my arse to the beat and singing along.

I hand Skip his beer and Dory her whiskey neat, and keep on bopping.  Sadee will be here soon to take over, because this afternoon is little Ella’s christening day.

I’m excited because Zeke is a godparent and I can’t wait to see him rocking his suit.

“Oooh, I love this song,” Sadee shouts, bursting through the door just in time to join me in belting out the chorus.  Skip and Dory watch on, contented smiles on their faces.

Thankfully, Dory is feeling much better now and she’s back to her old self.  Since she doesn’t have to work here anymore, she’s started a community vegetable garden out the back of the pub, so she spends a lot of her time here anyway.  I don’t think she can stay away, bless her!

She still wants to travel, but I think she’ll put it off for a bit, at least until she’s feeling one hundred per cent.

Laughing, I swat Sadee on the butt and wave goodbye.  I need to go and get ready for Ella’s big day.

The church is packed full of people I both know and don’t know. 

I sit beside Edie, Jackson and their kids, while Zeke stands at the front of the church holding Ella in his arms, with Laura, Luke, the minister and Ava, Ella’s godmother.

The service is short, and then we all drive over to Laura and Luke’s house for the party.

Zeke’s arm is draped around my shoulders as we all stand in a circle, watching little Ella trying to tear open her presents.

As Laura hands her the gift from Zeke and I, my heart slams in my chest.  I’m worried we might have overstepped the mark.  Zeke assured me it will be fine, but still, I’m nervous.

Laura and Luke help her rip off the pale, pearl pink paper to expose the teddy bear we purchased for her.  Her chubby little fingers squeeze the lush, soft pink fabric and she brings it straight to her mouth.

Catching a glimpse at the front of the bear, Laura gasps.  My heart stutters as I watch tears fill her eyes.  She looks to Zeke and I and the most beautiful smile curves her lips.  That’s when I know we did the right thing.

On the front of the bear, is a picture of Gus, Ella’s older brother who drowned before Laura moved back to Pine Creek.  The picture is inside a protective plastic sleeve, so Ella can dribble all over it and it won’t ruin.  We had each of the bear’s feet embroidered.  On the left cream pad are the words ‘I Love My’, and on the right side, ‘Big Brother, Gus’.

“Thank you,” Laura mouths.

“You’re welcome,” I whisper back as tears fall down my cheeks.

Zeke gives me a squeeze and kisses my temple while we watch Ella love on her new favourite teddy.

“Congratulations, Godmummy.”  I smile to Ava.

“Thank you!  It’s such an honour.  I’m stoked.”

“I bet you are.  She’s such a cherub.”

“She is,” she agrees.

“How was Western Australia?  Oscar is like a new kid.  Is that from the camel milk?”

“Yes, it’s amazing.  It had an effect immediately and we’re just astounded at how well his concentration alone has improved.  I’m sure you’ve noticed he’s also a bit more receptive and relaxed.  He hasn’t been as particular about his toys and his routines.  It’s just amazing.”

“I noticed he seems to be maintaining eye contact.  He never did that before – he was always on the go.”

“Yep.  Just another benefit.”  She gives me a cheek splitting grin and I’m just so damned happy this worked for them.  Most of all, I’m happy for Oscar.  He just seems so much more at ease.  He’s the same beautiful kid, though.

“So, I take it you’re getting a camel?”  I joke.

She laughs.  “Actually,” she says, drawing out the word.  “Jer’s got one ordered.  It’s expensive to fly the milk in, since it isn’t for sale in shops.  So we decided it would be more cost effective to just buy one and milk it ourselves.”

We talk for a bit longer, and as much as I want to ask her about the results of their last IVF attempt, I refrain.  She doesn’t mention it, either, which makes me think it might not have worked.  Then again, it might also be she hasn’t said anything because there are others around.

Either way, I stay silent on the subject.

After we’ve eaten, and chatted for most of the night, Zeke and I say goodbye to everyone and decide to head back to his place.  Once inside his ute, I kick off my heels and bring my foot up to rest on my opposite knee.  Rubbing my tender ankles, I look over to him.  “Those damn shoes killed my feet today.”

“Babe.”  He shakes his head lightly, a grin on his face.

“It hurts,” I whine.  “And, my ankles are swollen.  Why are they swollen?” I pout, feeling like a big baby.  Jesus, what is up with my emotions lately!

“You’ll be fine, babe.  It was hot today, and you wore those fuckin’ sexy shoes that look as painful as they do hot.  That’s why your feet are achin’ and swollen.”

“Ella loved her gift,” I sniffle.

“Told you it was a good idea,” he boasts.

“Mmm,” I mumble distractedly.  I’m too busy counting days.

Forty-four, forty-five, forty-six.

I gulp.

Forty-six days.

Holy shit.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt.

Zeke swerves and the car veers onto the other side of the road.  Thankfully, we live in Pine Creek, so there’s rarely any traffic.

“Zeke!” I shriek.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, pulling off the side of the road and coming to a stop.  “What did you say?”

“I’m pregnant,” I find myself whispering.

“How do you know?” he asks quietly.

“I’m forty-six days late. I’m never late.”  A wave of apprehension comes pouring over me, as if a cloud opened up above me and is drowning me.  “It’s too soon.  Oh god, we haven’t been together that long.  It’s too soon.”

“Babe.”  Zeke tries to get my attention, but I keep rambling, too lost in my own thoughts.

“Sienna,” he snaps, finally gaining my attention.  When I focus on him, I see the tender love shining bright in his eyes.  A huge grin is on his face and he looks…happy.  Ecstatic.  “You just made me happiest man alive, darlin’.”

“Aww.”  I start to cry, overcome with so many different emotions.

“Come here.” He chuckles, pulling me over onto his lap.

“I’m going to be a mum,” I sob.

“The
best
mum,” he counters.

I hiccup.  “You’re going to be the best daddy ever.”

“Come on, let’s get home.  I want to celebrate with my baby mumma.”  He laughs at his own joke.  The heaviness lifts from my heart and as he takes my hand in his and drives us home, my heart swells with love for the tiny little being growing inside me.

I’m going to be a dad!  I can’t believe it.  My knuckles rap on the bench as I sit, waiting, barely containing my excitement.

Sienna’s little hand lands on my leg as she tries to still my movements.  “You’re shaking all the chairs.  Stop bouncing.”  She giggles and it’s like music to my ears.

“I wish the doctor would hurry up,” I say.  We’ve been waiting for twenty minutes already, and it’s five minutes past our appointment time.

“Be patient,” she reprimands me.

“I’ll show you patience,” I growl into her ear before sucking her lobe into my mouth.

“Zeke,” she whispers urgently. 

“Can’t wait to get you home.”  Since she got pregnant, her body has only improved.  Her tits have swelled and her hips have become more pronounced.  She looks like a damn hourglass-shaped goddess. 
My goddess.

“Sienna Jones,” the doctor calls. 
It’s Stewart
, I want to snarl.  But I don’t, because she’s not a Stewart. 
Yet.
  She will be though.  She’ll have my last name before the baby arrives, she just doesn’t know it yet.

We follow him into his office and sit down opposite him.  After he asks Sienna some basic questions, he asks her to climb onto the bed so we can see the baby.

My heart slams into my ribcage and it feels like my stomach has fallen through the floor.

My eyes are glued to the screen as he places the wand on Sienna’s lower stomach.  Immediately, a fast, scratchy, heartbeat sound fills my ears.

“Holy fuck,” I whisper, ignoring the glare the doctor gives me.

Sienna whimpers and I squeeze her hand, unable to take my eyes of the tiny, wriggly, black and white blob on the screen in front of me.

The doctor takes some measurements and gives us our baby’s due date – six months from today.

Six months.

After tonight, she’ll have five months and twenty-nine days to plan our wedding.

Seeing our baby today made everything so real – as if the morning sickness I’ve been battling through the last three weeks hasn’t been enough!

Actually
seeing
our baby though, it just makes it all worth it.  I’m giddy with excitement.  I can’t wait to tell Aunty Doreen.  She’s going to be so excited!

It’s dark by the time we arrive home.  Thankfully, Zeke had the idea to pick up Chinese takeaway for dinner.  He takes the bag full of food and I grab my handbag and the envelope of pictures the doctor printed out for us.

Zeke dishes up the food, while I grab our drinks and sit down, resting my aching feet.

I yawn loudly.  “I’ll be glad to get into bed tonight,” I sigh.  “I’m so tired.”

“Here, babe.  Eat your food, then I’ll run you a bath and you can relax.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking my plate.

I scoop up a forkful of fried rice and beef with black bean sauce and bring it to my lips.  Immediately, flavour explodes in my mouth and I moan.  As I begin to chew, my teeth hit something solid and it clunks. 

“What the hell,” I mumble, moving the metal around in my mouth, I bring it to my lips and let it fall into my palm.

“Oh my god,” I gasp.  In my palm is a ring.  Not just any ring, but a
gorgeous
ring.  “Zeke.”  My bottom lip wavers.

He slides off the lounge and goes down on one knee in front of me.

“Sienna,” he starts, his voice gruff.  “Marry me?”  He doesn’t coat it with sappy words.  He doesn’t say anything extra than is required.  But he doesn’t have to say it.  It’s written all over his face.

“Yes,” I sob.

“I love you.”  His lips touch mine and then he leans back to slide the ring on my finger.  I can’t stop staring at it.  The band is white gold, with a large pear-shaped diamond in the centre.  Branching off that, are six smaller round diamonds, wrapping around my finger in a double band.  It is the most stunning piece of jewellery I’ve ever seen in my life.

“I’m going to run you a bath, darlin’,” he says, as I place my empty plate down on the table.  We finished eating, after he kissed me until my lips were numb and I was nearly begging him to take me to bed and relieve the ache between my thighs.  “While you’re there, you might want to start planning the wedding.”

“Why?  We’ve got plenty of time.”  I laugh, shaking my head at his lunacy.

“We’re getting married before our baby comes.  So start planning.” 

My mouth gapes open and stays that way while he undresses me.  Once I’m naked, he takes my hand and steadies me as I sink down into the warm, soapy water.

“Ahh, heaven,” I sigh.

Sitting on the end of the tub, he lifts my foot out of the water and begins to rub.

“Three months’ time.  Jabiru.  We’ll ask Jack and Jer to fly guests in in the choppers,” he states.  My eyes spring open and I stare at him blankly.

“Well?” he prompts, when I don’t say anything.

“Um.” I try my best to think of an excuse, anything…but I have nothing, because I
don’t
want there to be any reason why I can’t marry him.

The truth is, I can’t wait to be his wife.

Three months.  Jabiru.

Twelve weeks & 2 days later

There’s a tap on the door, and then Jeremy’s voice filters through.  “You nearly ready, Sienna?”

“Yep, just about.”  My hands are shaking, so I clutch them together and take a deep breath, all the while watching myself in the mirror. 

Turning to the side, I marvel at how this dress fits my bump perfectly – accentuating my new curves and cupping my new, bigger breasts.  It also hides the area I’ve become most conscious about – my new, wider, chunkier butt.

Zeke loves it, he can’t get enough.  He’s always grabbing it, slapping it, squeezing it and palming it, any chance he gets.  But I still feel a little self-conscious about it.

My makeup is lightly done and my black hair is held together in a sleek, low bun. 

I’m nervous.

Sliding my feet into my shimmery, ivory, sling back kitten heels, I ready myself to walk out to meet Jeremy – my chauffeur for today.

Jeremy and Jackson have already dropped everyone off at the top of Jabiru, so now it’s my turn.  I haven’t been up there yet – Zeke was in charge of arranging the details for that part of the day.  I took care of the reception.  I’m excited to see what he’s created, and I’m just so excited to see him.  To marry him.  To become his wife.

We’ve closed the pub for the day, and the reception will be held outside, under the palm trees surrounding the pool.

“You almost ready, love?” Aunty Doreen asks, returning from the bathroom.

I nod.  “Yes.”

She looks stunning.  So healthy, so beautiful.  Her short, blonde hair is styled, and she’s wearing makeup!  I’ve never seen her look so vibrant.  Her eyes are shining brightly with joy and her smile is infectious.

“Do I look alright?  Been years since I got all fancied up.”

“You look wonderful.”  She’s wearing a cream dress with a pale pink overlay that hits her knees.  Rather than have all the girls as bridesmaids, I decided to just ask Dory.  Of course, she was ecstatic and more than willing.

“What about your parents, love?  Will you invite them?” she asked me gently, after I’d asked her to do me the honour of being my bridesmaid.

It’s something I had given a lot of thought to, but no matter how much I contemplated it, I always came to the same decision.

“No,” I answered.

“Fair enough.  As long as you’re sure, I’ll support you in whatever you choose.”

Never once has she wavered in that support.

Never once.

“You’re right to go,” Jeremy tells me as the rotors come to a complete standstill.

“Thank you.  For everything,” I say sincerely.

“Anytime.”

“Let’s get this show on the road,” Dory cheers.

“Okay,” I laugh.  Stepping down from the chopper, I make my way over to the end of the aisle and wait.

I look up and my eyes find his.  God, he looks so handsome.  My mouth waters.

I can’t wait to kiss him.

The acoustic version of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill singing ‘It’s Your Love’ begins to play as I slowly make my way down the makeshift aisle to the man who holds my heart. Tears fill my eyes and spill over, running freely down my cheeks.

It’s his love.  He holds me captive.  He makes me better than I was.  He makes me more than I am.  I’m finally happy and free.

And, it’s all because of his love.

With Dory following me, I finally make it to the end of the aisle.

“Fuck, baby.”  His voice is thick and rough with emotion.  “So damn beautiful.”

“I love you,” I choke out.

Standing next to Zeke is his best-man and brother, Luke.  Our guest list was small compared to some weddings, but we invited those who matter most to us.  Skip and Rhonda, Jackson, Edie and their kids.  Jeremy, Ava and Oscar.  Jules, Clay and Banjo.  Sadee, Genevieve, June, Jo and her little girl, Briana, Laura and Ella.  They’re all here, but I can’t take my eyes off the man standing in front of me.

He’s clean-shaven and he’s got a little bit of gel in his hair so it’s styled.   He looks unbelievable in his black three-piece suit.  It fits him like a glove, moulding over his shoulders, encasing his wide frame.

He steps forward, at the celebrant’s instruction, and reaches for my hands, skimming his fingers over my bump in the most loving, gentle way.  He takes my hands and the celebrant begins.

“Welcome all, to the wedding of Sienna Jones and Zeke Stewart.  What an absolutely beautiful location they’ve chosen here today.  A true representation, and equally as beautiful, as the love they share for each other, I’m sure you’ll agree.”

Skip murmurs, “Here, here,” and I smile even wider.

“Sienna and Zeke have written their own vows, and now I’ll ask you first, Zeke, to share your words with Sienna.”

Zeke clears his throat and looks deep into my eyes.  “I struggled with finding the right words to say, today.  It seemed nearly impossible to find words that held enough meaning to convey the depth of my love for you.  Then, I came to realise, it’s not the words on their own, but the significance that you place behind them, that makes them special.

“Sienna, I swear to be your strength when you’re at your weakest, and to always support you through your triumphs.  I promise to shine light in your dark times, and encourage your dreams.

“I swear to you to be faithful, to always be the man I am today, and to forever endeavour to be a man worthy of your love, your time, and your beauty.

“Above all else, I swear to love only you.  Always.”

Oh my god!
  I think my heart just exploded with love.

“Baby,” I choke out through a sob.

“Sienna,” the celebrant prompts.

“Zeke.”  My voice wobbles with emotion, but I keep going.  “You are my best friend, my confidante and my lover.  Because of you, I laugh, I smile, I dare to dream again.  Today, I give myself to you in marriage.

“I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of struggle and sorrow.  I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in the highest regard.

“Above all else, I swear to love only you.  Always.”

“Jesus,” he breathes when I’ve finished.  “Can I kiss her yet?” he asks the celebrant, never taking his eyes from mine.

“Soon enough,” she chuckles in reply.  “The rings?”

Luke hands Zeke our rings and we finish our vows, before sliding the white gold bands onto each other’s fingers.

“Now, you may kiss your bride,” the celebrant announces.

“Finally,” Zeke mutters.

He takes a step forward and his arms go around my waist as mine go around his shoulders.  He dips me back and his mouth comes down on mine.  The whole world fades and there is no one else.  In this moment, it is just us. 

As he pulls back, the hoots and hollers of our guests fill my ears and I begin to laugh softly.

“I love you, Mr Stewart.”

“I love you, Mrs Stewart.”

Damn, I like the sound of that.

***

“Everyone, please join me in welcoming Mr and Mrs Zeke and Sienna Stewart,” Skip bellows into the microphone.

After exchanging our vows, Jeremy and Jackson transported the guests back to the pub for the reception, while Zeke and I had some photos taken. 

Now, we’ve just arrived back.  Our guests are mingling, eating canapés provided by the caterer and waiting for us to have our first dance as a married couple.

Zeke takes my hand and leads me onto the makeshift dance floor as the jukebox begins to play.  He holds me close, kissing me softly and singing along to the words of ‘Lost In This Moment’ by Big and Rich.  Slowly, everyone joins us on the dance floor.  The people who mean the most to us, share in the most special day of our lives, and it couldn’t be any more perfect.

***

“Ahh, this is heaven,” I sigh to myself, lying back and spreading out like a star in our king-sized honeymoon suite.

We decided to fly to Sydney for the weekend, staying at Darling Harbour, for a few days as our honeymoon.  After the baby comes, we plan on travelling to Tasmania for a month.

We spent the morning wandering around the markets, picking up gifts for everyone.  After lunch we took the ferry across to Manly and walked up to the beach.  After that, we caught the ferry back and had lunch at a gorgeous little Mexican restaurant, and then we watched a fireworks display near the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Now, we’re back at the motel – well, I am.  Zeke’s out picking up some snacks for us.

“You naked yet?” Zeke comes in, carrying drinks and food.  My husband is cheeky!

“No,” I call back.  “I’m relaxing.  I lay down and now I don’t think I can get up.”

I hear his chuckle get closer as he moves through the suite, coming to me.

“Mmm, just where I want you,” he rumbles as he enters the bedroom.

My stomach clenches, just at the sight of him.  I watch, enraptured, as he tugs his shirt off over his head and tosses it on the floor, leaving him barefoot in just his jeans. 

So hot!

My eyes stay glued to him, tracing the outline of his tattoos as he stalks toward me, coming to a stop at the foot of the bed.  He grasps my heel and lifts my leg up, watching as my short dress slides up, exposing more of my thigh.

“Fucking love your body, baby.”  His calloused hands travel up my legs. 

“Oh, that feels so good,” I moan, as he kneads my calf muscles.

“Got you a present,” he surprises me by saying.

“You did?”

He nods, but makes no attempt to move away from me.

“Are you going to give it to me?” I ask, giving him a little of the attitude he loves so much.

“I was.  But, now I think you’ve earned a spanking.  Then, maybe if you’re a good girl, I’ll let you have it.”

My panties dampen and my breathing instantly gets heavier.

“Roll over.”

My body automatically heeds his demand.

“Fuck, I love this arse,” he murmurs.  His hand slides under my dress and he lifts it up to expose my purple satin panties.  He slides them down my legs until they’re in a bunch at my knees.  Then, he drags his fingers up my wet centre so softly I can barely feel it.

I push back against him, desperate for
more
.

“Naughty girl,” he whispers before bringing his hand down on my arse.

“Zeke,” I cry out, arching my back.  My sex throbs, craving the pleasure only he can bring.  He soothes the sting of his palm with a gentle rub before sinking two fingers deep inside me.

Ripples of pleasure spread through my body as he begins pumping his digits in and out of me, alternating between furiously fast and torturously slow.

With every second that passes, he drives me higher and higher to my release.  My head drops down between my arms as I focus in on the way my body reacts to his touch.

“Do you want my cock?”

“God, yes!” I clench around him as his hand comes down again, turning my opposite cheek pink.  “Please,” I beg.

His fingers leave me, but only momentarily, and then he’s filling me with his cock.  Hard.  Fast.  Deep.  Pure pleasure.

“Love your sweet pussy, Sienna.  Fucking love it,” he growls.

He grips my hair and tugs me back as he rides me.  His body thrashes into mine over and over again until I’m crying out his name and convulsing around his cock.

“Zeke!”

“That’s it baby.  Milk me.  Squeeze my cock nice and hard with that tight little cunt of yours.”

His fingers dig into my hips as he stills and grunts his release deep inside me, filling me with his warmth.

He stays inside me until we’ve both caught our breath again, and then he slowly eases himself from me.

“Love this arse,” he murmurs, kissing my behind all over.  “Fuckin’ love it.”

He returns moments later with a washcloth and cleans me up, before tossing it back into the bathroom.

Completely satisfied, I lazily roll over and watch him pull his jeans back on.

“My present?” I stifle a yawn.

He shakes his head and grins the grin that means he thinks I’m adorable – at least, that’s what
I
think it means.

Silently, he hands me a gift bag.  I prop myself up in bed and open it up to reveal a beautiful drawing inside a gorgeous timber frame.  His name is signed at the bottom and I gasp.  “You drew this?  It’s amazing!”

“I started drawing it the first time I saw you.  It’s a tattoo, to go from here to here.”  He reaches out to touch my shoulder to my wrist.  “But, I kind of like your milky, virgin skin, so I had it framed instead.”

“It’s beautiful, babe.  Thank you.  I love the frame, too.”

“I’ve got good taste,” he boasts.