Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Two Weeks Later
The day after the horrific ordeal at the lake Heather visited her parents. Though she gave them a detailed account of the events leading up to the terrifying moment, she didn’t say anything about her pending change of address. Now, a couple of weeks later, sitting in the kitchen enjoying coffee and cake, she nervously told them she had moved to Three Oaks Ranch to be with Blake.
“I’m glad you left that place above the garage,” her father said with a frown. “I’ve never been happy about those stairs, though apparently they became a blessing in disguise.” Then taking a breath, he added, “Even so, this cowboy had better produce a ring pretty quick or I’ll have to pay him a visit.”
“Dad!”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” her mother interjected. “Your father won’t be visiting unless he’s with me, and he’ll be warm and friendly. Won’t you, Tom?”
“No promises,” he grunted, then looking at his wife he broke into a grin. “Yeah, that’s right. But he’d better!”
Though Heather laughed, and told herself couples lived together all the time, she suddenly felt oddly uncomfortable.
* * *
With only her clothes, a television set and her trophy, Heather’s move had been quick and easy. Blake had been using the small second bedroom for storage, and he’d taken great pleasure in clearing it out so she could have a dressing room and closet.
Most of the boxes were filled with old clothes, but there were also some books and household items he never used. While she’d been visiting her parents, he’d stopped at the church to deliver the load and help Emily, the minister’s wife, sort through it all.
“This is just wonderful,” she exclaimed. “There are so many needy people and everything here will find a grateful home.”
“To be honest, Emily, I didn’t realize how much I had. I cleared out the room because my girlfriend is movin’ in and I want her to have a closet and dressin’ room.”
“Ah, I see,” Emily said with a nod.
She was still smiling, but he could feel her disapproval. A short time later, driving on his way to pick up Heather, he felt a twinge of doubt. Though he loved her and wanted them to be together, he wondered if living together was right.
* * *
Blake had started riding Henry shortly after the drama at the lake. Watching from the viewing platform, Heather had been amazed how relaxed Blake appeared to be and how easily Henry transitioned between gaits. But whenever Henry suggested she climb on board, she’d shake her head and say, I’m not sure I’m ready. Now arriving home, he rolled to a stop and turned off the engine, but didn’t climb out.
“Heather, wait,” he said as she started to open her door. “I want you to change into your riding gear. The time has come for you to sit on Henry.”
“Uh, you mean now?”
“Yep. By the time you get back I’ll have him saddled and we’ll be waitin’ in the ring.”
“But—”
“I made you a promise,” he said, lowering his voice. “I told you I’d support you, and I did. I also said you’d ride Henry, and now you will.”
* * *
A short time later Heather stood in the middle of the arena while Blake lunged the big dapple grey for a few minutes, then led him over to the mounting block.
“He’s very much like Apollo. You can ride him with a light rein. His stride is bigger, but it’s comfortable. You won’t have any trouble.”
Though still nervous, she moved to the top of the mounting block while Blake adjusted the stirrup lengths, then swung her leg over and sat down.
“Oh, my gosh, he seems even bigger up here. Are you sure about this?”
“Of course I’m sure. You wouldn’t be up there if I wasn’t. Walk around the arena and relax.”
“Okay. Here goes nothing.”
To her surprise and relief, in just a few minutes she was confident enough trot.
“You’re right,” she called as she circled. “He’s really smooth and so responsive. This is fantastic. Buying him was a leap of faith, but I’m so glad I did.”
By the time she finished riding and led Henry back to the barn it was dusk. As Blake and Doug brought the horses in and fed, Heather took care of Henry then returned to the house for a shower. Elated, she washed off the day, then wrapped a towel around herself and stepped into the bedroom—only to find Blake sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.
“You and I have some unfinished business,” he declared as she ambled towards him.
“We do?” she asked, noticing two stacked pillows in the middle of the bed.
“We do. Decidin’ to confront Joe was a really bad idea.”
“I know, but we’ve been through this!”
“Heather, I have to make sure you never…and I mean never …put yourself at risk like that again. Drop that towel and bend over the pillows facing the headboard.
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
“But—”
“Now, Heather!”
With butterflies in her stomach bursting to life, she moved to the bed, let the towel fall to the floor, then placed herself across the pillows. “Now put this on,” he ordered, handing her a blindfold.
Though she was nervous as she slipped it over her eyes, she couldn’t deny the thrill rippling through her body.
* * *
Once she was in position, Blake straddled her back facing her feet, and smoothed his palms over her full, round cheeks for several long seconds before speaking.
“Heather, if you ever find yourself in any kind of trouble walk away and call me,” he began. “I’m going to teach you some self defense, but there are three basic don’ts. Are you listenin’?” he demanded, landing the first hard slap on each cheek.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Don’t think you can get the better of a man. Don’t borrow trouble. Don’t go where you know you shouldn’t. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’m spankin’ you now to punish you for thinkin’ you could confront Joe on your own. You knew at the time it was a terrible idea. Am I right?”
“Yes, I did, and I’m sorry…and…and..it’s my fault they’re gone.”
“No!” he barked, spanking her again. “Joe and Courtney are in that lake because they were out to kill you. They’re the only ones responsible for what happened to them.”
“You’re right, I know you’re right,” she bleated as he continued to slap his hand from one side to the other.
“But from now on—”
“I won’t do anything stupid. I promise!”
“Good,” he said, softening his voice as he caressed her red skin, then slid his fingers into her sex.
Hearing her gasp, he rubbed her clit, allowing her groans to guide him as he increased the pressure. But just when he was about to spank her again she let out a cry, and he couldn’t resist thrusting his finger in and out of her soaked passage.
“Ooh, Blake, that feels so good. Please don’t stop.”
Though his cock had become a steel rod, he continued the lewd attention, bringing her to the brink, then backing off, until she was pleading for her release.
“No more risk-takin’?”
“No, never, please….”
It took just a few seconds to bring her to a shuddering orgasm. With her body limp beneath him, he gripped his hardness and stroked himself into a powerful climax, taking great joy in exploding over her reddened backside.
* * *
After cleaning up the mess with a warm damp, cloth, Blake moved the pillows and they stretched out on the bed.
“I love you, Heather,” he murmured, bringing her into his arms.
“I love you too, Blake. Sometimes I love you so much it hurts.”
“So…should we get married here at the ranch or in the church?” he asked softly.
“Um…the church,” she replied without missing a beat. “My parents go there every Sunday. They’d be very disappointed if I was married anywhere else.”
“We should check the calendar and set a date over dinner, and there’s something you should know. I’ll spank you if I feel you need it.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Just as well, because that’s a promise.”
THE END