The entire family seemed to be there to welcome the newest McCullough home. Kelly took a fair amount of ribbing from the others and had his fill of ball and chain jokes.
At three o’clock he returned home, hoping to find Ashlynn there, but her truck was again missing. Without even entering the house, he backed out of the driveway and headed into town. When he found her she was at the market. He didn’t recall her ever working so many hours at the store.
He stole an apple from the display and talked to her as she bagged grapes, since she couldn’t seem to spare a few minutes to sneak away with him. He was becoming damn needy and wasn’t sure how that happened. Had he always been such an attention whore?
“Do you want to get dinner?”
She placed the last bag of grapes on the display and looked at her watch. “I have to stay here until closing. My one cashier’s sick.”
“What time’s closing?” He should probably know that.
“Seven.”
“Will you come to the pub then? We can have dinner there.”
“I can.”
“Okay. I gotta run.” He kissed her, not caring that they were in public. She was his wife.
Ashlynn didn’t get to the bar until seven-thirty. They had a good crowd and Kelly couldn’t find time to sit with her until almost eight. He made them a sampler platter of fried food from the menu. That was the extent of his culinary skills.
By the time they were eating the stereo was pumping and it was difficult to talk. “How was your day?” he shouted.
“Long. How was yours?”
“I’m ready for it to be over. I wish I could come home with you.”
“I wish you could too.” She made a face like she had something she wanted to say.
He said what was on his mind and her expression told him she’d been thinking the same thing. “I feel like we never see each other.”
“I know,” she agreed. “In the winter I’ll have more time, but until then it’ll be tough.”
“Did you mind me waking you up last night?”
She met his gaze, her eyes turning a darker shade of chocolate. “No.” Her cheeks blushed the softest hue of pink as she gave him a bashful smile.
“Can I wake you up when I come home tonight?”
Her gaze lowered, a sweet rosebud smile on her lips. “Yes.”
He glanced at the clock. There was a line at the bar and Sue was working her ass off. Maybe he should think about hiring some extra people for the time being. It was only ten o’clock and Wednesday was one of their later nights. Fuck.
“I should probably get back to work,” he said apologetically.
She nodded and reached for her bag. Kelly walked her to her truck and kissed her the minute she opened the door. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck.
She was wearing those baggy overalls. His hand slipped behind the front panel and cupped the front of her cotton panties. “Kelly, we’re in the parking lot.”
“Shh, let me in.” His finger glided under the elastic trim and met her soft folds. He lifted her and propped her on the seat. “Shut off the interior light.”
Her hand reached out and they were bathed in shadows. He pressed his finger deep and she moaned quietly in his ear. Drawing his arm back he pressed in another finger and began to slowly fuck her with his hand.
Her grip tightened on his shoulders. She gasped in his ear and his cock swelled. God he wanted to go home with her. She didn’t seem to be sore anymore so he increased his speed, pushing his fingers deep. Her skin grew damp with every press of his knuckles.
She arched and made a long whimper as her sex clamped down on his fingers. She was so fucking responsive. He pressed to his knuckle and tickled her G-Spot. She shook in his arms as her climax bathed his fingers.
When he removed his fingers he sucked them into his mouth and groaned. Her eyes glittered under the moonlight. “You’re bad, Kelly.”
He grinned. “I warned you. I’m so hard I could hammer nails right now.”
She glanced at the bulge at his crotch. “Should I do something?”
He arched a brow. “What did you have in mind?”
She shrugged. “I don’t want you going into a bar full of women like that. If there’s something you need I’ll do it.”
He shivered. Had there ever been sweeter words? “Get in the back seat.”
She shifted and climbed into the back. He shut the driver door and opened the back passenger door, climbing in beside her. Closing them inside, he undid his belt and zipper and pulled out his cock.
She looked at him and asked, “What should I do?”
“Take off your overalls.”
She bent and unlaced her boots. He stroked himself as he watched her unhook her suspenders. When she was in only her flannel and panties, he said, “Panties too.”
She slid the cotton briefs down her legs and looked at him for direction.
“Sit on my lap facing me.”
She climbed over his legs and he guided her hips where he wanted them. Lifting his pelvis he lined his cock up with her sex and pressed her down. Her eyes widened as he filled her. He gripped her hips through the flannel of her shirt and showed her how to move.
Each time she lowered her body onto his he breathed through his teeth in pleasure. “Unbutton your shirt.”
Her fingers undid the buttons of her flannel. He plucked the cups of her bra down and pulled one tight nipple into his mouth. “Kelly!”
“Shh…. Not so loud. Someone’ll hear us.” He sucked her other nipple as she glided over him. Her head fell back and she moaned.
To silence her cries of pleasure, he cupped her head and brought her mouth to his. He lifted his body and thrust hard into her tight little pussy and she screamed into his mouth as she started to come again. Her sex clamped down on his cock and she went wild in his arms. He exploded inside of her, pumping every bit of his release deep into her womb.
She collapsed in his arms and panted. He stroked her back and held her close. He didn’t want to let her go. As he softened, he continued to hold her.
“I could fall asleep like this. Sex is exhausting,” she mumbled into his shoulder.
“I wish I didn’t have to go back in there.”
“I guess you’re too busy to leave.”
“Unfortunately.”
She sighed. “This stinks.”
“It’s only the third day. We’ll adjust and figure out a way to see each other more.”
“I hope so. I love having you for my husband, but I feel like we haven’t really figured out how to be married yet.”
He stroked her hair. “We will.”
* * * *
Over the next few weeks Kelly’s newly married status progressed much the same as it had the first few days. He was convinced his wife was the sexiest creature to walk this earth, but that was because most of their encounters had to do with sex.
Ashlynn was incredible. She was also a fast learner and an exceedingly enthusiastic pupil. However, he was beginning to feel like their marriage was a sham.
The pub had been busy, like it always was once the warmer months faded and the blustery climates of autumn settled in. Halloween was two days away and the forecast was snow.
Ashlynn had been running herself ragged preparing the farm for a harsh winter and moving her plants into the greenhouse. She was constantly reading the almanac and contacting suppliers for items she wouldn’t be able to grow in the oncoming months. Her main supplier changed owners and she wasn’t happy with the quality of their reserve.
Kelly passed a lot of the time, when Ashlynn was busy, by hanging at the big house. Braydon was back and forth between Center County and the city looking for jobs. He and Kelly had gotten rather close over the past month and Kelly was hoping his brother landed a job with the architectural firm Bray had his eye on in Pittsburg.
Sammy and baby Liam were doing great and Mallory was pregnant again, but not with twins this time, which seemed to relieve her. Everythin
g was progressing… except his marriage.
Some nights he watched Ashlynn sleep and wondered what she was dreaming about. He realized there was so much about her he had yet to discover. He knew her body by heart, could conjure her laugh on call, but as far as what motivated her…he was at a loss.
She was sweet and supportive and only ever nagged him about picking up his things he sometimes left around the house or putting his dishes in the sink. He’d thought by now she might be pregnant. They went at it like rabbits. There was no denying the disappointment he suffered when he spotted that little box of feminine supplies in the bathroom a few weeks after their marriage. Perhaps God was waiting until they were more settled to give them a child.
He’d started attending church and was still working on his penance from his last confession. There were a lot of women to repent for.
His brother’s birthday was tonight and they’d all be going to the big house for cake. He arranged for the time off, but hated that it had to be spent in a group setting. As much as he loved his family, he missed spending one-on-one time with Ashlynn.
Kelly left his office and found Sue at the bar. “You got this covered?”
“Yup. All good. Tell your brother I said happy birthday.”
He pulled his keys from his pocket. “Will do. Don’t forget to lock the back door when you leave. Call me if you need anything.”
Ashlynn had gone to his parents’ early. He’d be the last to arrive because while everyone else finished work around five, that was when his day typically started. When he pulled up to the log cabin the lot was full. He spotted Ashlynn’s truck near the split rail gate and parked beside it.
When he entered the kitchen he was greeted by the mayhem that was his family. People crowded around the long farm table shouting over each other. Laughter mixed with the cries of babies and the arguing voices of his older nieces and nephews.
Spotting his wife’s spiky blond hair he headed that way. He bent and placed a kiss on her temple. “Hello, beautiful.”
She smiled up at him and he saw she held little Liam in her arms. His finger gently brushed his cherub cheek. “Hey, wee knight.”
Ashlynn blinked her lovely whiskey brown eyes at him. “Isn’t he precious? He’s been sleeping here for almost an hour.”
“He’s a prince.” And he was. “How was work?”
She shrugged. “All right. How was your day?”
It seemed all so superficial, these polite niceties they always broke the ice with. He wasn’t complaining. They had a very respectful way with each other, but it didn’t seem to mesh with the flesh slapping, heart pounding intimacy they shared each night once they were in bed.
“My day was good.” He settled into the chair and Luke nudged him.
“When are you gonna give us one of them?” his brother asked, tipping his chin at little Liam.
“We’re working on it.”
His brother gave him a knowing look. Luke had been single since he blew out his knee in college. He should have been recruited to the NFL but that all changed the moment he was injured.
When his brother returned home he was miserable for the better part of two years. Then Tristan showed up and they seemed to form a friendship that pulled Luke out of his depressed shell.
Luke was a flirt to anything with tits, much like Tristan, but Kelly knew Tristan was all an act. Something about all that flirting and never sealing the deal told Kelly it was a cover. Kelly would know, since he talked to a lot of women Tristan blew off and also because he ran the pub they all fraternized at. It wasn’t Kelly’s place to share, but he wondered if Luke knew his friend was gay?
Liam began to fuss and Sammy came over to collect him. “He’s probably hungry.”
Ashlynn gently handed the baby over and smiled longingly as his sister-in-law carried him into the other room.
“Kelly, love, when did you get here?” his mother called as she placed a tray of mugs and coffee on the table.
“Just now.”
She slapped his cheek lovingly and turned to say something to Kate. His older sister yelled into the den for her kids to calm down then returned to whatever she and his mum had been discussing.
As Kelly took in the scene he noticed a sort of rightness he usually overlooked. His family was amazing. Generations were growing and they all were close in some form or another.
He considered Ashlynn’s family. What was Roy doing right at that moment? He should tell Ashlynn to invite her father to family events. There was no reason for him to sit home alone in that big house when the McCulloughs had plenty of family and love to spare.
His hand covered hers and she glanced at him questioningly. He squeezed her fingers, telling her he loved her without words. Her lips gently curved and she squeezed back.
Cake was served and Sheilagh was her normal obnoxious self once the whiskey came out. They were closest in age so they had the greatest rivalry. He loved her to death, but sometimes he wanted to kick her ass.
She should’ve been graduating from college this year, but she’d never gone off to school. It pissed him off. His sister, unlike him, was a genius. Something kept her here and he didn’t know what. His parents didn’t seem to mind, but they should have. She had so many offers and scholarships thrown at her she could have wallpapered her room with recruitment letters.
By ten o’clock the snow had begun to fall. Colin stood at the door with a sleeping Tallulah in his arms. “We’re going to head out.” He bent and kissed Sheilagh’s cheek.
Sheilagh smiled up at Colin, her cheeks rosy from the booze. “Goodnight, Father Colin. Drive safe.”
Colin rolled his eyes at the endearment and their mother said, “Should you be driving in this? The roads have only been salted.”
Colin helped Sammy with her jacket. “I have the plow on the truck. We’ll take it slow. We’re only a mile from here.”
Everyone bid them goodbye and the drinking and merrymaking continued. Ashlynn’s eyes were getting heavy. This was way past her bedtime. Kelly pulled her under his arm and whispered, “Do you want to go home?”
She yawned. “No. You’re enjoying yourself. I’m fine.”
“Why don’t you do a shot of Telly, Ash?” Sheilagh yelled, strong-arming the bottle. “It’ll wake you up in the mar’nin’.”
He was about to remind his sister that his wife didn’t drink, when Ashlynn quietly said, “I think I’d like to try that.”
His brows lifted in surprise and he smiled. “Give my wife a glass.”
Sheilagh’s grin broadened as she tipped the bottle over the shot glass and slid it down the table like an old pro. Kelly caught the glass and pushed it in front of Ashlynn.
“It’s strong,” he warned.
She sniffed it and crinkled her little nose. Everyone cheered her on and held their breath as she lifted the glass to her lips. “Just swallow it in one gulp?”
He nodded and she tossed it back, sputtered, and wiped the tears from her eyes. “That tastes like turpentine!”
They all cheered and his father yelled, “She’s a McCullough now!”
Kelly noted the quick effects of the whiskey in Ashlynn’s posture and the softening of her eyes. A little while later he asked if she’d like another.
“Will you do one with me?”
He considered the snow. They could always stay at his parents’. Shrugging, he said, “Sure. Line ‘em up, Shei.”
The shots were poured and slid their way. He tapped his glass to Ashlynn’s and they threw them back. Her mouth opened the moment she swallowed and he pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her and whispered, “Another cherry broken.”
“No one needs to see that!” Mallory snapped playfully.
“You’re just bitter you can’t drink.”
“I don’t drink that crap,” his pregnant sister-in-law said, tipping her chin in the air. “Once I get this kid out I’ll show you what good alcohol tastes like, Ashlynn.”
His wife giggled and he knew she was getting
tipsy. His palm rested on her knee and playfully massaged her thigh. She sighed and leaned on his shoulder. Sometimes she looked at him like a teenager in love.
An hour later no one was making sense. Everyone was shouting and laughing. There must have been ten different conversations going on. Sheilagh was tanked and giving Luke the stink eye for reason’s Kelly didn’t understand.
His father took his mother off to bed and told them to lock up. Mallory, who was sober, drove a slurring Finn home. Luke eventually said goodnight and walked back to his place, which was the old barn across the yard.
Sheilagh’s head seemed too heavy for her neck. As she propped her cheek up on her fist she said, “It sucks Bray couldn’t be here. Do you think he’ll get that job in Pittsburg?”
“I hope. He wants it pretty bad,” Kelly said as Ashlynn giggled at nothing. He smiled at her. “You all right, love?”
“I feel all tingly and loose.”
Sheilagh snorted. “Sheeeee’s drunk.”
Ashlynn looked shocked. “No, I’m not.” Then she hiccupped and laughed. Turning her eyes on him, she held up her hand and confided, “O’m drung.”
He laughed at her slurred speech. “I believe you are.”
“How come yer not drung?” She frowned, her brows lowering behind the rims of her glasses.
“I have a higher tolerance from years of breaking in my liver.”
Her brown eyes shut and she smiled on a breathy sigh. “I love you, Kelly McCullough. I have for a very, very, very long time.”
Sheilagh, whose face was now in the nest of her arms, mumbled against the table, “You guys are so cute I could puke.”
He kissed his wife’s whisky flavored lips. “Why don’t we go to bed?”
Her head tipped back. “Bed’s far.”
“We’ll sleep here. Come on.”
“You guys are leaving me?” Sheilagh moaned.
He helped Ashlynn stand and patted his sister’s head. “Sorry, sis.”
He locked the front door and helped Ashlynn up the stairs. As he shut his old bedroom door he heard Sheilagh stumbling to her own room. Ashlynn collapsed on the bed. Her leg lifted and her foot slammed back on the ground.