A New Life Out West

[Ravishing]

The house inside was already fully furnished. Perfectly set up. It just lacked all those personal touches which happened over time.

His words which included the house, had her smile. So did the kiss she returned. "Thankyou, Morgan." Pouring him water and passing it to him there was a moment then of holding his hand.

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan held her hand his rough calased finger tips brushed against her knuckles.



As they ate he said "what brought you and Marshell to the grove?" Truly trying to get to know this woman. To for once trying to be a normal honest man.

 

[Ravishing]

"My Father grew up in Thistlewood. It's like down in the valley, real small and less than an hours ride. He, was sort of on his own by 16. And..." Ivy paused sipping some water.

"He was heading down the wrong path. The old Sheriff Weatherby caught him this time and offered him a choice. Grow up, be a man and change his path. Or, keep going the way he was. Dad, actually asked if he could work for him. Weatherby deputised him the following week. Dad met my Mum when he was 20, and they had me. He took over her Fathers Ranch and both Mums Dad and Weatherby died in this shoot out. Dad became Sheriff cause Matherson thought he could manipulate him."

She squeezed his hand pausing to eat. "My mum died one winter when I was 14. And half a year on I was handling our Ranch. Dad got back on his feet, and I found better hires and we do damn good now."

 

[RidePlayer]

He listened to her story Stroking her hand soothingly. I'm sorry you lost your mother. I can't imagine what it's like cauelse as far back I can't remember my parents.

I was aparently orphaned at a very young age. Raised by the towns church. I got into alot of trouble as a kid. Thst lead to me pickpocketing the wrong man Thomas Hallsey leader of the black river gang. They took me in wffectivly raised from a boy till I became one of there lieutenants. It was the closest I had to family. Tom was a good leader he planed his heists in a way to avoid a shootout he didn't want to hurt no one and we robbed those who would be reimbursed for there losses companies banks.

I guess that's why we pissed of the wrong guy. Pinkertons the feds came looking for us. Someone in the gang sold us out most of us where killed or arrested. I got away cause Tom took a bullet for me. I don't even know If he made it. I just ran like a yellow bellied snake. That's how I found myself here I was low on funds and Gretchen gave me a honest pay till I could save up to leave. Though now you got me picturing a real honest life and future here and the darker thoughts in my head have me wondering how ill screw it up."

 

[Ravishing]

Ivy stood then and moved about to the chair right beside him there and sat herself down. She seeks to take his hands into her own. Looking into his eyes. "Be honest with me and you won't. If you get ideas in that head, which seem like your former ways. Don't do it. But if there's trouble happening in front of you. Halt it with as little violence as is necessary. A broken nose is far less than shooting someone."

She leans in seeking to put her forehead to his, still looking into his eyes. "But, if someone is threatening to end your life. Fight back. Fight back dirty. Why else do you think my gun of choice when I go anywhere is my shotgun? Because that makes one hell of a mess of anyone stupid enough to make me need to pull that trigger." She pauses a moment softly seeking to kiss him then for a few scant moments. "Once my Father has the measure of the man I know you could be. He'll back you, every, single, time. Because that's simply the kind of man he is."

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan listened to her words taking them and holding them close to his heart. When her lips met his it was like his worries dissappear. He almost wanted to forget lunch and devour her.



Listening to her words about her father. He smiled and said "let's have lunch. Talk some more and at Gretchen's dinner gathering. I intend to make my intentions to marry you known to your father. I want the.good honest life i.picture in my head when I'm around you." Kissing her again as they continue to eat. Both rhe beef and the salad was delicious.

 

[Ravishing]

Ivy pulls the plate and glass over. Grinning to him. "Oh I'm so going to take a bottle of his favourite whiskey there. And dessert. So when you ask. You two can have one to talk." Once she'd eaten, and had some water. She smiled. "Make sure you tell him. I want this. I want my chance. Like he got."

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan smiles still holding her hand. "You have my word I want this too. I want you in every way." The words bold his feelings clear and sincere.

He looks in her eyes. Smiling "Ivy thank you for believing in me." He kisses her again. Longer this time lingering as he holds back the urge to deepen it.

 

[Ravishing]

Ivy then kisses him intently, seeking to softly touch his cheek. Then she ended that kiss. "If we're done, we need to pack up. Finish the fence and I'll see you at Jacob's Ranch next?"

--------

The fence repairing went easier with the two of them, and he got to realise Ivy really did understand everything needed for her to handle all aspects of her father's ranch.

Another kiss and they parted ways.

--------

Ivy returned to spend the rest of that day working with a horse. At times those employed there did bring her questions, issues or simply information. Ivy handled it all while still working with that horse.

When it hit 3 pm she headed into the main house, starting dinner which was served to those Ranch hands at 5. At 6 pm when her father came back, she had dinner with him. Mostly telling him about the day's work. Passing on things said to her and a few discussions had about those issues they needed to talk about. When all work was out of the way. She got her father a measure of his whiskey. Allowing him to have the moment alone he usually had on their porch. While he did this. Ivy went to their office. Making notes on everything talked about and the ways they planned to accomplish things.

------

The five next days were rather easygoing, at both Jacob's Ranch and the Wendell Ranch. Gretchen on that fateful Sunday had the lamb slow roasting all day and in between it she prepared the veggies with Emelia chatting about the coming meal at 4 pm. An early enough dinner that everyone would have hours after it to enjoy time with others and it would be a relaxing day. She'd gotten word from Ivy that they were bringing a bunch of apple pies made to Ivy's Mum's county famous apple pie recipe.

Indeed the Sheriff had two days of having an apple pie scented house and all the teasing of being told he could only have actual apple pie on Sunday. Which perhaps made the up and coming dinner at Jacob's Ranch... more enticing! Apple pie ... and Gretchen were waiting.

------

And thus ... at 3:20 pm Sheriff Marshall Wendell made it home in time to hop on the carriage with his daughter Ivy to take Four apple pies to Jacob's Ranch. Two left at home so they'd get apple pie, and their ranch hands would the following day. The ride was quiet and Ivy was actually nicely dressed up for once. Of course so was the Sheriff, even if he'd coped a wink or two made by his daughter about it. They passed through the main gate and onto Jacob's property and were soon pulling up out close to the barn.

Hearing the commotion Gretchen left the main house. She also was in quite fine looking clothes. Her less worn deep red skirt is paired with a white blouse which in the right light, and angle hints at those upper womanly curves. She wasn't quite aware it gave a vague peek, mostly because it was so rarely worn these days she'd forgotten.

Ivy for her part wore a dark blue skirt which showed off her newer black boots with slight heels on them, paired with a pale blue shirt. That pale hair was held up by a blue scarf wrapped about it prettily.

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan loved how capable Ivy was. Glad that he would have her knowledge to do his part and keep there land running after being married.

The week flew by the only real noticeable event was the Greg Thompson the youngest son of the thompson family freshly into marrying age delivered a package for gretchen. Seeing Emily he smiled and tilted his hat "good day Ma'am." Offering a charming smile to the young woman. Before returning to his work.

Morgan somehow found himself smiling at the interaction.

As the rest of the week passed Morgan saw a news article of the Pinkerton's increased search for any surviving Black water gang Members. He frowned at this but put it behind him they wouldn't look in some backwater town like this just for him. THis was his escape his second chance at a proper life.

When the dinner was getting ready he could smell Gretchen baking a apple pie and said "damn woman sure can cook thank god we will be neibors. Course if lunch was any indicator Ivy was just as good a cook."

Washing up after the days work he noticed Ivy and Marshell coming up the path to the home. He tipped his hat and said "Sheriff, Ivy Good evening." Over the past few days Marshell had seen how hard a worker Morgan was first hand.

 

[Ravishing]

(Gretchen did lamb and veggies. Ivy did the apple pies!)

Emily would have smiled at Greg Thompson's good day, and it had indeed caught her eye. It had her chatting animatedly with her Mother on the day before Sunday, and Gretchen asking Morgan for a favour. To leave word at the General Store, for Greg Thompson to come to Dinner on Monday night. Sure it'd be wonderful leftovers, but Emily seemed to brighten at that. Her attention easily shifted, which led to her and Gretchen discussing Morgan, mostly with Em admitting she didn't love him, that maybe her mother had been right and it was simply a silly crush.

-----

Ivy smiled at Morgan even as she sought to get his help with the pies. Allowing Gretchen to turn her attention to the Sheriff. "Marshall, it's wonderful you both made it on time. Everything is almost done and I, wouldn't mind if you'd perhaps help me by carving the meat up. So folks can grab their meals and drift where they want to. Emelia and her husband plan to go to their little place and have it there. Emelia says it's more comfortable." Of course, Emelia had known Gretchen's attention seemed to have drifted to the Sheriff himself, knowing those two would be eating in the privacy of the main house alone. Em, deciding she'd eat with Emelia and Jose.

Thus in a short 20 minutes of folks grabbing food here and there and such. Marshell would find himself alone with Gretchen at her dining room table with their meals in front of them. Including a small bit of whiskey for each!

Em, went with Emelia and Jose to their place. While the other hands got their meals and drifted here and there to the seating. It left Ivy and Morgan to perhaps take a blanket and eat under the shade of a different tree, together.

The knowledge that in an hour there'd be apple pie and fresh whipped cream for dessert!

 

[RidePlayer]

Marshall happily carved the meat as people left he was alone with Gretchen.

He smiled and poured her some whiskey "to friends and good company." Blushing a bit as he looked into her eyes.

----------------------

Morgan smoothed out the blanket as he offered his hand to help Ivy down onto the blanket. As he began to eat he said "those pies looked amazing Ivy. I can't wait to eat them." Pouring her some whiskey as well.

He smiled at her as they eat enjoying her company and morgan joked "how many glasses of whiskey before its safe to tell your father I intend to wed you?"

 

[Ravishing]

Gretchen smiles at him as she collected her whiskey from him, and then she took a small sip from it. Blushing a little herself at the moment. She ate a little of the meal, yet those eyes kept straying to him every handful of moments. Finally, she had to speak. "I have to ask something. Is, it the reason you finally stepped in. That .." She paused then and took a sip from that whiskey to fortify herself. "..you may have a little interest in me?"

------------

Meanwhile, Ivy sat with Morgan and smiled at him. Accepting the measure of it and drinking half of that bit poured. "They should be. My Mother made wonderful apple pies. I followed her recipe." Then she laughed hearing the rest of what he said. "I'm sure if we wait till apple pie, you can ask him if you two can talk. He likes the apple pie."

 

[RidePlayer]

Marshell listened to her he also was part through his whiskey. Feeling more bold he said "if I was would the feeling be mutual." He was gazing the desire lighting up in his eyes. Part of him pictured just sliding there meal off the table. Turn her around and bend her over or take her upstairs and treat her like a princess. He shelved those feelings for now and said "truth is knowing there was a woman right next door who knew what I was going through. It got me past losing my wife. Then it changed I started seeing your beauty your determination. I wasn't ready to move past Ivys morher....not yet at the time. I think I'm getting there though she would want me happy."

‐------------------

Morgan smiled "well I think if you picked up any other of there recipes. I'll be well fed and happy. He suddenly held her in his lap arms around her waist as they ate. He kissed the back of her neck as they drank and ate. He said "I know we're telling your father today but I feel like I should say it. Ivy I don't have a ring yet but will you marry me?"

 

[Ravishing]

Gretchen listened to him, really listened. She blushed a little at the first comment. Which was perhaps telling in all of itself. One might blame Morgan for that! He'd gotten her thinking of him, yet, he wasn't who she was thinking of now. Heck! He hadn't really been on her mind since she'd had her time with him and they'd parted ways. She'd thought it was goodbye, and yet, he was staying.

"I can understand that. I know your wife died years before Richard. But I think the only reason I got through it was knowing, you were already dealing with it. I know, we were only slightly friends. That wasn't my doing." She felt she had to explain that, Richard had his own friends. But his friends had never been hers.

More of that meal was consumed till it was fairly much done then. "Of course, she'd want you happy. She quietly said that to me a few times, back when Richard was alive. Before she stopped coming here so much to see Emily. I think she was 17 at the time. Ivy kept hoping you'd make it and one day find someone else to be happy with."

----------------

The marriage proposal took her by surprise. She'd thought he was just saying his intention to ask her in time. But the suddenness of it didn't stop her from wanting to say yes. Ivy fully believed in taking happiness when it found her. "Yes. I will. There's time for a ring. There's also my Mother's we could use if my Father doesn't mind." It was likely that had always been Marshell's intention. To give Ivy's intended that ring, just he'd always hoped his wife would be there to agree it should be passed on.

 

[RidePlayer]

Marshell stood up "Gretchen your the same Richard would want you happy." He gazed into her eyes for a long while. "What would make you happy? "Aside from the Mastersons run out of town. His hand gently on hers holding it.

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan kissed Ivy deeply "future Mrs. Holt." Smiling at her.

 

[Ravishing]

Gretchen watched him stand, as he held her hand still. Those words had her heart flutter some within her chest. This wasn't some fleeting thing. Or an overactive imagination when watching someone work and wishing for silly things. No. This was a man she'd somewhat known for all the time she and Richard had been married. She'd spoken more to his wife and daughter, than Marshell directly. Part of her inwardly wondered if the reason Richard had kept her from him was that he'd thought things might change? She'd loved Richard with all her heart, they'd had a child. But honestly, right now she was truly a woman, had been once since Richard had made her one. But it was the first time being one had made her heart feel ... giddy. Thus she stood then, carefully and slowly. Stepping half a step in closer so they were in each other's personal space. "I believe, more times like this, with you. It's been only recently that I've realised, I was really missing having someone. I hope, you've been feeling the same. I'd, very much, like to kiss you Marshell, and see if that kiss keeps my heart feeling fluttery." It was bold of Gretchen, far bolder than she'd been in a while. Unless one counted the events of a week ago.

-------------

Ivy kissed him deeply there while sitting on his lap. It made her smile all the more when he called her the Future, Mrs Holt. "It warms me inside to hear you say such. I'm glad my house is close to the end reaches of the Jacob's Ranch. But before I let my head try and plan all the things my heart wants. You, need to ask my Father." That hour for apple pie time was almost upon everyone!

 

[RidePlayer]

Marshell put his hand on Gretchen's lower back. He pulled her into his firm chest. Lips finding hers. Kissing her deeply. His tongue tracing her lips. Asking for entrance.

‐---------------

True for now though I want to keep kissing my woman. Kissing her again.

 

[Ravishing]

Gretchen's curves pressed to Marshell's frame and she rose up a little to the tips of her toes to kiss him. At first, it felt chaste, then far less chaste. It just reminded her how much she'd missed kissing! Lips part under Marshell's own as she kisses him quite deeply there in that kitchen/dining room of hers. It broke finally with Gretchen resting her forehead on his broad chest. "...Pie. You bought pies with you .. and everyone's going to want pie and cream.." She was reminding herself of what she knew people were expecting.


-----

Ivy laughs briefly before Morgan kisses her again. She smiles into it and returns it sweetly. Linking arms up about his shoulders. Breaking it only when she desperately needed to breathe. There was then a second kiss. More passionate, yet less intense. More a conveying of her feelings to him. Breaking from it Ivy's breath was quicker for a few breathes in and out. "I need to get up, so ... we can go get pie, and everyone else can have pie. And perhaps you and My Father can speak?"

 

[RidePlayer]

Marshell feeling a little bold said "perhaps after pie. I can have my own different desert." Still holding her "assuming you want more of....us."

Morgan nodded begrudgingly letting Ivy up. As everyone moved to the main house and started getting desert. Morgan said "sheriff I'd like a moment of your time." In addition to his own slice of pie had two shots of whiskey.

The men retreated. Morgan took a shot glass and handed it to Marshell. Taking his own for courage he said first my real name is Morgan holt. He then told Marshell his story. "The reason I'm telling you all this is at first I thought about leaving after saving some money live far from towns or settlements. Things have changed I love Ivy and I'd like your permission to marry her."

Morgan waiting with bated breath for aby response from marshell.

 

[Ravishing]

Marshell listened to Morgan's tale. It had all the early earmarks his own had. Also, Joe's own tale was damned close to Morgan's own. Barring that it had been Marshell saving the man. Here, Morgan clearly was trying hard to save himself. While he ate that pie slow and considered those last said words. He considered what his own path could have come to look like. It would have perhaps have been worse than Morgan's own. The man who'd been on the way to bringing him into that criminal fold had been worse than Morgan's once saviour. He'd killed people who travelled by stagecoach.

Marshell took a moment to put the bowl and spoon down. Lifting up the whiskey. So far this man hadn't gone back on the change of life he'd begun to walk down. Finally, he drank that whiskey and looked Morgan dead in the eye. "Alright, here's what's happening. You have my blessing. But the wedding won't be for a couple of months. Mostly so you can prove to me you are sticking to being the sort of man my Ivy deserves. If you can prove that. Then you can marry her knowing I bless this union." He poured them both another shot of that whiskey. "From now till then, I don't mind if you live with her in her house. It'll let you also get to know our Ranch some." He downed the second shot.

"See Morgan. I have hopeful plans of my own. Regarding Gretchen Jacob. If they go the way I want. I'll be marrying her. Now if that happens. Between the two family's lands, we'll be owning a fair lot. It actually puts us closer to how big Matherson's own Ranch is. Now that doesn't include everything he owns in town. But ranch to ranch. It's only like 20 acres different. Our way." That perhaps gave Morgan some perspective. "Because Ivy's rather profitable on her training and breaking in wild horses and retraining problem ones into purebred beauties. It'll mean that Jacob's Ranch will get the influx of coin it needs to increase herd size and that's a good thing. It also means they'll need to hire new hands to help."


---------


While Morgan and Marshell had their talk. The two women, Gretchen and Ivy went wandering with pie and forks in hand. Ivy admitted to Gretchen what was happening in there, and Gretchen was quiet for a number of those steps. Before, "I had a minor crush on him." Gretchen admitted, "I slept with him actually a week ago."

Ivy had a quiet moment before she gave Gretchen a sideways look. "Now that surprises me. I did too."

It was Gretchen's turn to look flustered for a moment. "...and then your Father and I, flirted a little in my house, and I invited you both here for dinner." Another bite of the pie by Ivy. "We, flirted more tonight. I might have had a minor crush on Morgan." Slipping on the name she used, but when Ivy didn't look at her shocked like. Gretchen realised he'd been honest with Ivy. "But I believe your Father and I are .. more serious."

Ivy took it all in and finally gave her a relieved look. "I can understand why he caught your eye. I can. He caught mine. But, he's in there asking my Father for my hand. We want to marry. That's not going to be an issue?"

Gretchen shook her head after a quick passing second. "No. I think, honestly, it was just the thing that made me realise I wanted something more than a single night; and your Father. He's a good man."

Ivy at those words snorted a little. "Gretchen, no. He's perfect for you. I caught the way you two pulled apart when folks entered for pie. The only thing I ask. Don't tell him what you've told me. Not sure my Father would understand that. But I can. You thought he was leaving and it was a one time, last seeing him type of thing."

Gretchen nodded to Ivy then. "Exactly. Now. This here thing with Marshell, it's deeper than me.."

Ivy laughs a little. "Then you wanting sex, you want a life and.." A giggle. "..sex."

While indeed there were years between the two. About 16 of them. Gretchen could see in Ivy what she hadn't yet seen in her daughter. Someone with that adult maturity to deal with life's curveballs, and not crack. The fact they were talking more like friends about a moment shared with the same man, and Gretchen wanted Ivy's Father. Wasn't really bothering either of them. "Karen would pinch me if she could hear all this. She's been wanting me to, ahem, get laid for a couple of months now."

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan took the whiskey his nerves steadying. He said "thank you sir. I promise I'll make you proud and someday your daughter happy."

He thought about his words "your right I didn't even think about that when you said your intentions with Gretchen. Do you think the mastersons will be upset at the joining of the land? I know they were hoping Gretchen's land would get seized by the bank so they could buy it."

He looked concerned for both families safety "you don't reckon there hostility will increase do ya?"

 

[Ravishing]

"The banker has been holding the fact she's not married anymore over her head. I know this, simply because other widows have said this in passing. My late wife heard this from others." Marshall didn't really sound happy about this. "Gretchen herself hasn't told me that. But, my hope is, we will work out we are good for each other and it'll cause a wedding to occur. If what I hope happens." Marshell looked into Morgan's eyes then again. "You very well may end up married to my Ivy sooner than later. Because I won't have someone speak badly about her when she's doing nothing wrong."

Another pour of whiskey between their two glasses. "There might well be, the moment they realise what's happened. Now, Ivy has solid help on my land there. All of the men can shoot, perhaps not as well as my girl. But then I taught her from a young age. I recall those hands I had back then thought I was crazy. They were trying to tell me no girl should learn this sort of thing. I simply told them. She's my Ivy, and I won't stop her from doing anything she wants. My girl wanted to learn to hunt and shoot and was all into helping with the horses right from a tender age." Marshell smiled. "And look at her now. She'll make you a damn fine wife, and she'll keep up with you. She's not scared to stand her ground. I am very proud of my daughter's independence. She takes after her mother and me like that. Kathrynn was amazing with horses, and she taught our girl everything she knows."

 

[RidePlayer]

Morgan smiled at the story. He said "as far as Gretchen I ow her for giving me a second chance. I also love Ivy I won't let anything happen to either of these lands."

His eyes showed how much he meant his words. Shaking Marshells hand he said "should we go rejoin the woman?"