Page 25 of Colorado Bride
“I need my nightgown tonight but the rest can wait.”
He raised one finger and shook it back and forth.
“No nightgown.If you’re afraid you’ll get cold, don’t worry.I’ll keep you warm.”
She raised her eyebrows.“You will?”
“I will.We will be naked.Skin to skin.I wasn’t kidding when I said I want us to know each other.I meant it and in all ways.I want us to learn each other’s bodies as well as our minds.”
She shook her head.What if he’s repulsed when he sees me?I know he says he likes my curves, but what if he is just saying that to be kind?
“I don’t know.Shouldn’t we know each other a little bit before weknoweach other?”
He took her by the hand.“Come sit with me.”
They sat on the side of the bed.
“I know I asked if you wanted to wait and get to know each other first, but that was before we married.You wanted to get married right away and to me that means in all ways.Emily, you and I are married.Nothing will change that and I mean to make sure of it.I intend to consummate this marriage…but…for tonight…I’ll just hold you in my arms.I don’t want you fearing me, so if you really feel it’s necessary, then go ahead and use the screen for dressing and undressing.”
“I don’t know what to say.Thank you for understanding.”
“I’m not an animal.I’m a man and your husband.I won’t hurt you.”
“I know that now.”
“All right.I’ll get your trunk.”
Emily nodded.
Ben left to get the trunk.
How did I manage to get such a nice man?Maybe Sally was correct.Ben is the right match for me.
She opened drawers in the dresser and the bureau and found that both had empty drawers just waiting for her clothes.He had a closet, which surprised her.She thought she might have to use pegs on the wall.He’d made room for her in there as well.
Two windows, across the room from each other, let light into the room.Both were covered with heavy cotton curtains with a blue floral pattern and tied back with solid black sashes.
Ben returned with her trunk and put it down next to the closet.
“Is there anything you need from this now?”
“Just my nightgown.”
“I was hoping you’d changed your mind, but go ahead and get it, then let’s go to bed.”
Emily opened the trunk, found her nightgown and then closed the trunk again.Then she went behind the screen.Once there she unbuttoned her dress, carefully removed it and laid it over the top of the partition.
“Well, I guess it is good for your clothes after all.”
She frowned and looked around the divider at him.
“What is?”
“The screen.”
“Oh, yes I guess it is.”
Even though she was blocked from his gaze, her hands shook a little as she unhooked her corset, but she managed to finish the task.Then her stockings and bloomers, followed by her chemise.When she was finally naked, she pulled on her nightgown and raced for the bed, turned down the blankets, got in and pulled them up to her neck.Only then did she hear Ben’s chuckle.
