Chapter 17
Spring in Montana was different from spring in Boston. Ella preferred the western version. The days grew warmer, and the fields turned green. The Rocky Mountains retained their snowy tops, glittery and proud against the bright blue sky. The new warmth reinforced just how cold winter had been.
On a particularly quiet evening, Ella curled up on a porch chair, staring at the peaceful vista before her.
In the distance, the sun made its descent toward rippling mountains.
Orange rays shot high, melding into the darkening blue sky.
A cool breeze tickled her face, just enough to make her shiver.
Ella took a sip of her tea. The tang of lemon coated her tongue, and the warmth of the liquid evened out the spring chill.
Hummingbirds flitted in a whirl of wings around the newly blooming flowers.
An occasional moo sounded from one of the pastures.
Other than that, silence permeated the ranch.
The stillness was a direct contrast to life in Boston.
The city bustled at all hours in a cacophony of noise and busyness.
Here in the country, Ella felt as though she could simply breathe.
She raised the tea to her mouth again. Her eyes remained on the sky, watching as the orange softened into light pink. The breeze intensified. Ella shivered again, but she couldn’t bring herself to go inside. Not yet. She would happily brave a little cold if it meant basking in such peace.
The door creaked open. Heavy footsteps crossed the porch. Before she could turn, a warm weight settled over her shoulders. She looked at the woolen blanket, then lifted her gaze to her husband. “Thank you.”
He settled into the chair beside her, a mug cradled in his hands, his only response a dimpled smile.
A few minutes passed. Hummingbirds continued their evening dance, finding nectar and hurrying away afterward.
One of the birds boasted colors so brilliant, it looked to be covered in jewels.
It flitted around a flower, then zoomed right up to Ella.
She gasped. Its wings beat cold air against her cheeks.
The hummingbird darted forward, brushing against her neck before it rushed away once more.
“You made a friend.”
Her mouth turned up in a smirk, responding to the amusement in Cody’s voice. “He’s such a pretty friend too.”
Cody’s lips twitched. “Is that your only requirement for friendship?”
“Not the only requirement.” Ella tossed her hair back. “But it’s a good thing you’re pretty, so we can be friends.”
A low rumble sounded deep in his throat. “You’re calling a grown man pretty?”
“Indeed. With all that tousled hair and those sapphire eyes—you might as well resign yourself to your prettiness.” Goodness, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d flirted. Doing so with her husband made her spine tingle.
His mug joined hers on the rail. He stood, crossing his arms. “And would a pretty man toss a beautiful woman over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes?”
What?
Cody hoisted her from her seat and tossed her in the air.
The blanket dropped to the ground. Ella shrieked as her stomach landed on his shoulder, her hands clutching his tapered waist for support.
Not that she needed to. Cody’s strong hands held her in place.
Laughter shook his body. “Are you ready to give me a different label now? I’m not sure my male pride can handle ‘pretty.’”
She dangled against his back, using her hands to push herself up. “If you put me down, I will.”
“Promise?”
His voice held a note of teasing. Tingles shot through her heart. “I promise.”
Cody gripped her waist and pulled her back over his shoulder. Her feet hit the ground, but her husband made no move to let her go. His eyes twinkled in the fading light. “All right. What’s your new word?”
When had he grown a playful side? Her words escaped in a breathy whisper. “Ruggedly handsome.”
His smirk turned into a smile. “That so?” He tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips before nodding. “Yeah, that’s better. Much better”
She smacked his chest. “Silly man.” Her hands paused on the solid muscles under her touch, her eyes locked on his.
He truly was handsome. But his good looks were secondary to the goodness in his heart.
That had attracted her to him more with each passing day.
Her heart skipped a beat. Admitting that to herself felt like a major step in their relationship.
Cody stilled as their stare lengthened. His grip on her waist tightened, drawing her closer. Something crackled in the air between them. Ella’s memory dug up their kiss by candlelight, a kiss that had yet to be repeated. As if reading her thoughts, Cody’s eyes dropped to her lips.
Fear flickered through Ella. Howard’s face filled her vision, and for a brief moment, she wanted to bolt. Cody’s hands slid up her back. “I won’t hurt you, darlin’,” he whispered. “You have my word.”
Her body released its tension. She sank into him, letting his strength hold her up. “I know. I trust you.”
Cody lowered his head. He pressed his lips against hers, firm but gentle. Ella’s hands curled into his shirt. His kiss made her heart pound. She was sure he could feel it against his own. She let one hand slide up to his neck, her fingers sinking into his soft hair.
Cody tilted his head, deepening their kiss. His hands spread over her back. He cradled her against him, igniting strong feelings inside while making her feel safe. She clung to her husband, matching his passion, awed at the connection they shared.
Long, sweet minutes passed. When at last they parted, Ella found herself breathless. Cody stared into her eyes, chest heaving, but still he held her close, as if reluctant to let go. A tender smile broke out on his face. He kissed her once more, then tugged her toward a chair. “Sit with me?”
She nodded, about to sit in the one beside him when he pulled her onto his lap. Ella gasped. “Cody!”
“What? I asked you to sit with me.”
Ella sputtered. He laughed, reaching down for the blanket on the ground.
After slinging it around both of them, he held her close.
“I want to know you, Ella. Really know you. Your hopes, dreams, fears—all of it. I want to know your favorite color, your childhood memories.” His face buried into her neck, his breath hot against her skin.
“I want to know everything about the woman I’m falling for. ”
She stilled. “Falling for?”
He lifted his head slowly. Her surprise was reflected in his eyes. Cody’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. “Yeah. I suppose I am.”
Ella’s heart swelled. She didn’t respond with words. Instead, she sought his lips and showed him how she felt.
Cody leaned against his door, watching Ella sleep. Rays of sun flitted through the window. They landed on her hair, turning it red-gold. Hands tucked under her cheek, she wore a peaceful, relaxed look that made his heart ache.
He hadn’t meant to admit his feelings last night.
The words came out with no thought. But what a relief now that he’d spoken the truth.
His wife had woven herself into his life seamlessly.
He was close to being in love, if he wasn’t already.
And while she hadn’t admitted any feelings to him, he knew something was there for her too.
Her response to his kisses, the looks she gave him in their day-to-day life, the little things she did to show she cared—it all gave him hope that one day their marriage would be as love-filled as his parents’ had been.
They certainly had chemistry. Last night’s kisses had turned into more, and the only reason Mr. Blackwell might have had for an annulment—had he known—was gone.
Cody pushed up from the door and walked to the bed. Placing his hands on either side of Ella, he leaned down and nuzzled her cheek with his lips. “Time to wake up, darlin’.”
She murmured something and wiggled farther under the blankets. He moved his lips to her ear. “The kids are up and ready for planting.”
Her eyes flew open. “Oh!” She rolled to her back, staring up at him with a startled expression. He didn’t move, keeping himself a few inches above her. Ella inhaled a soft breath. “Good morning.”
“Mornin’.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Did you say ‘planting’?”
“Yep. We’ve got to get seeds in the ground for our garden. It’ll be a day-long process. I thought I’d see if you wanted to help. If not, the boys and I’ll get it done.”
She lifted herself onto her elbows. Cody leaned back so she could move to a sitting position. Ella pushed tangled hair out of her face. “I’d love to help. Though I know nothing about gardening.”
“It’s easy enough. You’ll pick it up in no time.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” She threw back the covers. “The children are already awake?”
“Yes, ma’am. Awake and having their breakfast.”
Her eyes widened with alarm. “How late did I sleep?”
“About an hour later than usual.”
She squeaked and jumped out of the bed.
Cody watched, amusement tickling his chest, as she raced to the wardrobe. “No rush, darlin’. The seeds aren’t going anywhere.”
“You just said it was a full day process.” She yanked out a dress, then faced him. “I need to get ready.”
He grinned, resting his shoulder against the wall. “Go right ahead.”
“Cody!”
Chuckling, he pushed off the wall and walked toward her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, bending low to whisper in her ear. “You had no reservations last night.”
Her face flamed as bright as her hair. “That’s different. Now shoo.”
“You just shooed me? What am I, a cow?”
Ella bit her lip, but a smile turned it up, anyway. She batted her eyes. “Cody, darling, would you please retire from the room so I can prepare for the day?”
Laughter welled up. “Are you flirting, Ella?”
“Is it working?” She waggled her eyebrows.
His laughter escaped. “All right, I’ll leave.” He winked. “But I’ll be counting the moments until you’re downstairs.”