Chapter Forty-Two

"There you are!" Samantha exclaimed gently as she leapt from the bench she'd been sitting on and rushed toward Tim and Eleanor. "Are you okay?"

Timothy smiled at the woman who had quickly become his sister in the short time that he had known her. She was beautiful, kind, patient, and strong while also being one hell of a protective firecracker when need be. So much about Sam reminded Tim of Evelyn Marston. Zach was a lucky man and Samantha was good for him.

He gave a squeeze to the soft hand wrapped firmly around his own and swallowed hard against the emotion rising in his throat. He had gotten pretty damn lucky himself.

"We're fine," Eleanor spoke up, sounding quiet and embarrassed. "Sorry I worried everyone and made you wait."

Samantha's smile was warm. "Don't you worry about that. We didn't mind waiting just so long as you're okay now."

Tim heard Zachary grumble something under his breath as he tugged at the collar of his starched shirt. Samantha shot the man a warning glance but was nothing but bright smiles when she turned back to Timothy and Eleanor. "No more running off, Eleanor." She stated firmly. "You deserve this."

"Damn right she does," Tim agreed.

Eleanor's answering smile was shaky and her blue eyes were damp but her tone was sure when she said, "I know."

"Are you ready ladies and gentlemen?" the preacher called out. "The hour is growing late and this groom is getting more impatient by the second. The bride may have to resort to holding him down once again if we don't get him married."

Eleanor's eyes widened and Timothy laughed. "Hold him down?"

Sam's cheeks reddened. "He's stubborn and tired of waiting."

"I'm not the only stubborn one in this relationship," Zachary assured her.

Tim glanced down at Ell to find her smiling back at him. His heart seemed to somersault in his chest. Damn he was in love with this woman. "We're ready," he assured the preacher, leaning down to kiss Eleanor's brow.

"Been ready," Zachary agreed gruffly.

Again, Timothy laughed. His best friend certainly had never had much in the way of patience.

The four of them took their places before the preacher. With fireflies dancing around them, the sound of the fountain trickling nearby, and faint saloon music floating on the cool evening breeze vows were spoken. They were simple words and had been spoken by countless people countless times before them but never had they been spoken with more conviction than at that moment in that park.

When the time came for Tim to kiss his bride, sealing the vows they had just shared, he did so without hesitation knowing that for the rest of is life Eleanor's soft gaze and warm lips would be all he would need to survive.

"Do we all want to go get something to eat?" Samantha offered after the preacher had gone and they were standing together in the glow of oil lamps.

Timothy was a bit hungry and food didn't sound bad—or maybe he was simply delaying taking Eleanor to the hotel because he was nervous as hell. He loved the woman and he wanted her something fierce but what if he disappointed her? Ell had been used and abused by so many men for so long—himself included. Timothy wanted to show her a different side of what happened between a man and a woman but how could he when he himself had never truly experienced it? He'd never cared about the women before, never taken the time to show them pleasure—Dear god what if he messed this up? What if he disappointed his wife?

He cleared his throat. "Sure we can...."

An impatient growl rumbling from Zach's chest cut off his reply. "Food can wait. We're going to the hotel now."

A flush covered Sam's cheeks but she stood her ground as Zachary stared down at her, his expression making it clear his hunger was for something other than food. "Zachary, I'm starving."

He grumbled, took her by her hips and pulled her body flush against him. "And I've already arranged food to be sent to both hotel rooms."

"Oh," came her breathless response.

"Any other arguments, stubborn lady, or can we head to bed now?"

Samantha barely cast a glance over her shoulder. "We'll see you both in the morning."

Timothy was chuckling as Zachary scooped a shock Samantha into his arms bridal style. "People will see!" she gasped.

Zach pressed a kiss to her wild red curls. "Since when have we cared what anyone might think?"

Sam's response was simply a contented sigh as she relaxed against Zach's chest, running her finger over the rifle strap he'd insisted on wearing.

Moments later, Timothy found himself alone with Eleanor in the cool night air as the gentle breeze blew loose tendrils of her blond hair around her captivating herself. She was chewing her lip, had her arms wrapped tight around herself as if they were a shield, and her gaze was distant making it clear her mind was somewhere else.

Timothy swallowed hard, shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Well....." He tried to think of something to say. Since when had he ever struggled to find words? They normally flew out of his mouth without much effort at all on his part.

Eleanor didn't meet his gaze. Instead, she continued to stare off into the distance. "Well..."

Heaving out a sigh, Timothy held out his hand. "Wanna take a walk?"

He was sure he saw a flicker of frustration cross her face but she shrugged and laid her hand in his. "Sure."

Timothy wanted to kick himself as they began walking hand in hand down the sidewalk. "I really don't want to walk," Eleanor finally spoke again, her voice quiet.

Tim glanced down and took in the way the lantern light shone off her blond hair and danced against her pale skin. "You don't?"

"No." She removed her hand from his came to a stop. When she turned to face him, those blue eyes finally looked into his once more. In them he saw hurt and confusion—shit. What had he done to cause that? "Is there a reason you're avoiding being alone with me at the hotel?"

"I'm not avoiding it," he quickly denied. Too quickly. El's head tilted as she studied him. The hurt faded from her gaze but she still seemed a bit confused.

"Yes you are.... I thought maybe it was because of my past at the brothel but—"

"When have I ever made you think I cared one damn bit about your past at that brothel? I've never once judged you and you know it."

Her arched brow raised. "Can I finish?"

Timothy nodded. "Yes'm."

Eleanor took a steadying breath and folded her hands in front of her. "I said I thought that but that thought only lasted a few moments. I have a new thought now."

Timothy wasn't certain if he was supposed to speak. Hadn't she just scolded him for doing so? "And...what's your thought now?"

Color rose on her cheeks as she ran her hands over the white lace skirt of her dress. "You're nervous. You're avoiding the hotel because you're nervous."

Timothy wanted to scoff. He wanted to tell El she had no idea what she was talking and that he was too tough a man to ever be nervous. Who was he kidding? He was nervous as hell. But he wasn't going to say that out loud.

"You want to go to the hotel?" He held out his arm. "Let's go."

Tim would be damned if it didn't look like Eleanor was fighting back a smile as she looped her arm though his.

Squaring his shoulders, Tim led her down the road. When they entered the hotel, the clerk smiled. "Well, hello to the second set of newlyweds. You have a warm bath waiting in your room as well as a special dinner the chef here prepared. We hope you both enjoy your stay."

Timothy glanced down at Eleanor and felt his heart nearly pound clear out of his chest when she gazed back up at him through those long blond lashes and sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, grazing her teeth across it.

"Uh..." He yanked on the collar of his shirt and let out a cough. "I'm uh.. I'm sure we will."

The clerk was smiling as Timothy quickly led Eleanor down the hall. For weeks, he'd wanting nothing more than to lay Eleanor down, touch her, taste her, love her body in every possible way and feel her loving his as well. It was finally going to happen.

When they reached their room, Timothy fumbled around in his pocket for the key and then fumbled more as he attempted to slip the key into the hole of the lock. His trembling hands causing him to fail over and over again until finally Eleanor reached out, took the key, and had the door unlocked in an instant.

Tim felt his face flame. He was supposed to be showing Ell a good time, not proving to her that he couldn't find the hole. She swung the door open and motioned with her arm. "After you."

Timothy wanted to glare but one look at the way those full lips of hers were fighting an upward tilt had Tim's ego evaporating. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her head, and laughed. Eleanor opened her mouth to speak but fell silent with a gasp when Tim scooped her up bridal style and carried her into the room.

He kicked the door closed behind them as Eleanor let out a small sound of surprise. "This is nice...."

Timothy glanced around the room and nodded. It was nice. The room was one of the best the hotel had to offer. The furniture was rich and dark and clearly cost more money than anything Timothy had owned in his entire life. The rug was plush and soft beneath his feet, the papered walls were flawless—even the furnishings screamed elegance.

A large copper tub sat beside the lit fireplace, rose-scented steam rising from the water. There was a table with two chairs sitting on the far side of the room beside a window with heavy red curtains. On the table sat two covered trays with what must have been there dinner—the scent coming from that direction made Timothy's mouth water.

Eleanor wiggled a bit in his grasp. "Are you going to stand here holding me all night or...."

Without much thought, Tim sat her on her feet. She let out a sigh and Timothy glanced down at her and was certain he saw disappointment in her features.

Shit. That or had been an invitation, hadn't it? Here he was acting like a bumbling idiot instead of showing the love his life exactly what she meant to him. Before Timothy could fix the mistake he'd made, Eleanor was walking to the table. He stood mesmerized by the suggestive sway of her hips all wrapped in white lace.

Eleanor lifted the lid from a tray and bent low, taking in the aroma of their waiting meal. Timothy could not take his eyes off her—hell, he couldn't manage to speak either. His heart pounded against his ribs and a knot in his throat stole his voice.

Eleanor replaced the lid and stood slowly, flashing him a smile as she looked over her shoulder. "I believe I'll take a bath."

Tim was fairly certain he nodded like a man struck with idiocy as she sauntered her way toward the tub. Fucking hell. His cock tightened in his pants and he tugged desperately at the collar of his shirt. Where did all the air go?

"Hey Tim?"

Tim. That was his name. He shook his head and attempted to focus. "Yeah?" he mumbled, watching the way the low lamplight seemed to glisten off the gems in her hair.

"I'm gonna need help undoing this dress."

In a rush, Tim went to her, tripping over the arm chair in the process and falling sideways. He struck his head against the heavy footboard of the massive bed and fell to his knees as the room spun.

"Are you okay?" Eleanor gasped as she rushed forward. Timothy pulled himself onto the bed and flopped onto his back upon the soft blankets, holding his throbbing temple and praying for the world to stop whirling around him.

A soft, gentle hand was suddenly on his cheek. Delicate fingertips danced along his heated skin. Timothy opened his eyes and saw those deep blue eyes full of concern as Eleanor knelt beside him on the bed and gazed down at him.

"Timothy? Are you okay?"

Tim should say some words. He was good at words. He knew a lot of them and he used even more than that. But just now words wouldn't come. Those fingertips were setting him on fire and his gaze dropped to those full lips pulled down in a worried frown. All thought left his mind. He'd wanted to romance her with dinner and a bath. Take his time. But what was that saying. The path to hell was paved with good intentions?

In a rush, Timothy rose on his elbow and covered those full lips with his own. For a moment, Eleanor stiffened. Timothy moaned against her mouth, teasing her lips with his tongue, begging her without words to grant him access.

And she did. Her lips parted and their tongues warred for dominance. Rising to a sitting position, Timothy moved his mouth to her neck, feasting on the delicate skin there. Ell trembled against him, pressing her body into his.

Tim wrapped his arms around her and found the buttons on the back of her lace dress. Clumsily he began to undo them—Timothy had never undressed a woman in his life. It hadn't been necessary at the brothel. Reminders of just how cold and cruel he'd been filled his mind. This wasn't his first time with Eleanor—not really—but in so many ways it was. He was going to be a good man for her. After tonight, she would never have any reason to doubt his feelings for her again.

Finally, the buttons were freed and Timothy slid the dress from her shoulders, feasting on every inch of her smooth skin as it showed itself to him. Her dress pooled around her hips and next came the thin chemise she'd worn under the dress. Timothy slid the straps off her shoulders which were glistening in the low lamp light.

He licked his way across her collarbone and felt Eleanor's entire body shake with want. His name left her lips on moan and Timothy nearly found his release then and there. He buried his face in her neck and took several deep breaths to steady himself. Tonight was not about him or his release—tonight was about Eleanor.

"I love you," he whispered against her ear.

Eleanor's hands gripped his shoulders. "I love you too."

His heart soaring at her open admission, Timothy slid the chemise from her body and her full, pink tipped breasts were suddenly exposed. Timothy's entire body tensed. Perfect. She was perfect. While her breasts were large, they were full, round and his for the tasting.

So he tasted.

Never before had he tasted Eleanor this way. He'd never even seen her bare skin layed out for him. The room they'd shared for moments in the brothel while he'd found his release had always been dark and she'd always been dressed with only her skirts hiked up and her underclothes taken off to grant him access.

Timothy felt guilt fall heavy in his stomach as he licked her tightened nub. He hated the man he'd been to her before. He would never be that selfish man again.

Timothy sucked and nibbled at one of her tight nipples while his hand caressed and pulled at the other. Her moans, gasps, and small mews of pleasure filled the quiet of their room. Timothy lost himself in the taste of her, loving the sounds she made and the way her body trembled and pushed against him.

It wasn't until something warm and wet splashed against his cheek that Timothy stopped. He raised his hand and swiped at the moisture. With a glance he realized it was clear. A tear? He wasn't crying so that had to mean....

Pulling away from Eleanor's chest, Timothy rose up on his knees and looked at her face. Her cheeks were flushed, her mouth parted as those full kiss reddened lips glistened. He tore his gaze away from that temptation and looked in those blue eyes that he so often found himself lost in.

They were red-rimmed and glistening with tears even as another slid down her cheek. Timothy caught it with his thumb and gently wiped it away.

"What's wrong?" he whispered.

She shook her head. "Nothing."

Timothy saw that wall rising back up around her. That wall that she used to hide her real feelings. Damn what he wouldn't give to blow that wall to hell with a thousand sticks of dynamite.

"Don't lie to me, Ell."

Another tear fell and again Timothy caught it with his thumb and stopped its trek down her soft cheek.

She laid her brow against his and their eyes slid closed. "Nothings wrong, Timothy.. it's just that.. No man as ever... I've never been..."

Timothy grumbled and pulled away. "Men are idiots." He met and held her gaze. "You deserve to be worshipped, Ell." Then he smiled. "Mind if I get back to it?"

Her eyes widened just before her gentle laughter rang out. Eleanor pulled away slightly and laid down upon the pillows, her full breasts rising and falling with her breaths. "Worship away."

Timothy's heart thundered. Could a persons heart beat hard enough to break a rib? He figured he was about to find out.

Timothy found her mouth once more with his own and kissed her until he was completely senseless—lost in her scent, her taste, the feel of those fingertips dancing across his back, pulling him closer.

Leaving her lips behind, he let his mouth taste her neck, her shoulders, her breasts, and then traveled further south still. Sliding her dress and underclothes down, Timothy removed them from her body entirely, slipped her shoes from her feet and simply let himself take in the sight of her.

His wife was a masterpiece all laid out against the dark maroon of the hotel blankets. Her blond hair, falling loose of the intricate coif it had been styled in was spread across the pillows, her blue eyes, dark with want were locked on him. Timothy's gaze raked over her breasts, down her taut stomach which was just slightly beginning to swell from the life within her, and then to the triangle of blond curls that seemed to beckon him to the oasis between her legs.

Her hands gripped the sheets at her sights. "Timothy... I need you..."

Eleanor's desperate voice caused his cock to grow tighter yet. He was going to make sure Ell got everything she needed tonight. Standing from the bed, Timothy undid his suit jacket and slipped out of his. Next came his vest and then his shirt. He felt a bit self-conscious standing there as Eleanor's eyes took in the sight of him.

He knew his body was lean but strong with muscles born of hard work. He had a dusting of tawny colored hair that ran from his tanned chest, down his stomach and into the waistband of his pants. Did Eleanor like what she saw? He knew he wasn't the tallest, broadest or most muscular of men...

There was a rustling of blankets and then Eleanor was standing. Timothy stood still as stone as she circled around behind him, moving close, her full breasts rubbed against his back causing him to bite his lip as a moan left his throat.

Her hands went to his hips and then around to the front of his trousers. She undid them and slid them down his legs, kissing her way up his back as she stood. It was Timothy's turn to tremble. His legs threatened to give out beneath him. Quickly he hopped on one foot at a time to remove his boots and take his pants completely off. Turning to face Eleanor he saw that she was fighting laughter.

"In a hurry?" she teased. Then her gaze dropped lower and her teasing stopped with a sharp inhale. Tim knew his cock was hard and throbbing and straining to reach her—desperate for the release she could give him.

"Tim...." Her gaze rose back to his and she mirrored his hunger.

Their bodies crashed together, desperation for some relief from the aching want within them driving both of them forward. Tongues warred, hands explored. His cock rubbed against her midsection and Eleanor pressed herself against it.

Time lost meaning. Eventually, they fell upon the bed and Timothy flipped Eleanor to her back upon the soft blankets. "Please... Timothy... I need you...."

Her whimpered pleas caused him to smile against the skin of her neck he'd been feasting on. Raising his head, Timothy met her gaze. "I need you, Ell. I need you more than you know. Let me take care of you."

Timothy began a downward trek. Tasting and nibbling every inch of her until he reached those curls between her legs. Her thighs fell apart, beckoning him in and Timothy didn't waste time. He used his hand to pull apart the warm lips of her core and buried his face inside it.

The sweet scent and taste of her overwhelmed his senses. Timothy licked up her core and then found her nub pulsing and waiting for attention. Running his tongue across it, Eleanor suddenly called out his name and buried her fingers in his hair, pulling the strands while still shoving his head down deeper.

Timothy smiled. Looked like he found something he was good at.

He continued to lick, nibble and tease her. He slid one finger deep inside her, feeling her warm, wet walls tighten around him. Eleanors entire body was trembling, her grip on his hair was nearly painful and yet he didn't stop. One finger was replaced by two and he drew her clit into his mouth, sucking it, knowing she was close to tumbling over the edge.

And tumble she did.

Eleanors entire body tensed, her thighs pressed tight against his head, she cried out his name as she trembled and shook beneath him. Timothy drank down every last bit of moisture he could. He was trapped in her core, held tight by her tense muscles but he didn't struggle or attempt escape. He figured if he died down here, he'd die a damn happy man.

Slowly, Eleanor's body relaxed, her thighs fell to the side and Timothy rose from between her legs. Her cheeks were flushed as she lay against the pillows appearing more than a little satisfied and completely in shock.

"Tim..I've never... No man has ever..."

Timothy smiled and kissed her hip causing her to tremble once more. "Are you telling me that was your first time finding release?" he asked.

Her ears reddened and she bit her lip. "My first time not finding it myself."

An image of Eleanor in the throes of passion as she pleasured herself flashed through Timothy's mind and he felt his cock leak a bit. Damn. He couldn't wait anymore. Rushing forward, he kissed her hard and she returned the kiss with matching passion.

Timothy positioned himself at her entrance and when her hands reached down to grab his backside and pull him closer, he slid inside her fully, not stopping until their hips collided.

Kisses grew hungrier and moans more urgent as they began to move in unison. Once again his hand found her breast, squeezing it before he circled her nipple with his tongue. She cried out his name and her hips began to buck wilder in time with his thrusts.

Timothy knew he was getting close. He could feel the pressure building inside him. He wanted to make sure Eleanor reached another peak as well. Reaching low, he found her core and rubbed that nub as he thrust himself roughly in and out of her.

Those walls tightened around him as her body spasmed and his name once again left her mouth in a passionate cry. Timothy let himself go then, calling out for her as he lost himself inside her and found that release he'd been holding back.

Timothy collapsed atop her. His body felt satisfied and weak. Movement seemed an impossible task. He felt her kiss the top of his head as he rested his cheek against her chest. "That was.... Amazing..." she whispered.

Timothy smiled. He managed to gather enough energy to move off of her, roll onto his side and pull her body against him. "You are amazing," he countered.

She blushed and lowered her gaze as if embarrassed. "What's wrong?" he asked, gently running his fingers up and down her arm.

"I...." she paused and he waited patiently. Opening up was hard for Eleanor. He wouldn't push her. "I don't know what to do.... After... No one ever stays..."

Swallowing back his temper, Timothy forced a smile and put his finger under her chin raising her gaze back to his. "I will always stay, Ell. You're never going to be alone again."

She kissed him softly and Timothy heard her stomach growl. He chuckled. "I believe my woman and child are hungry," he stated.

He rose from the bed and pulled her up as well. "I can get my own food..." she insisted.

Timothy scooped her up bridal style and carried her to the tub. He tested the water which was no longer steaming but still warm and then stepped into the tub, lowering them both down inside it. "Let me take care of you, Eleanor."

She smiled and curled up against him as he wet a rag and ran it across her body, cleansing her with the rose scented water. "You're more than I deserve, Tim...."

Pride swelled inside him at knowing just how much this woman loved him and how much he loved her in return. "You deserve the world, Ell."

They bathed in a comfortable silence, taking turns to touch and memorize every inch of each others bodies. After their bath, Timothy dried them both, helped Eleanor slip into a sleep gown, pulled on his trousers, and led her to the table to eat.

It was nearing midnight when they killed the lamps and curled back up in the bed burrowing beneath the covers. Timothy slid his arm around her waist, pulling Eleanor's back against his chest and burying his face in her soft blond hair. He laid his hand over her stomach and the life that grew there. Never had a man felt as complete as he felt in that very moment.

"I love you, Eleanor O'Neil."

He heard her smile in the darkness as she covered his hand with hers. "I love you too." 

A/N: Ahh sorry it took so long to post this! I couldn't seem to get in the right mood for this chapter for a while and even once i did i had trouble finding time to write it. I've been doing a lot of sewing, crocheting and diamond art lately and I've been volunteering full time at our local community outreach thrift store. But here's the chapter! Smexy times for Timothy and Eleanor (finally) and who can actually picture Samantha sitting on Zachary attempting to hold him down to keep him waiting?

I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter! Think of it as a Christmas, or yule, or solstice, or whichever holiday you celebrate this time of year present! Love y'all!!