“You seem quiet and brooding,” he said.
“I’m just tired,” she said, frowning. “Yesterday was a long day.”
“Yes, it was,” he said, gazing at her. “Why don’t you rest today? We’re going to be introducing the bull to his new ladies.”
She licked her lips. “I will.”
Wesley walked in with a smile on his face. Anthony was certain he would have been upset by what he learned in Helena, but the man was beaming.
“Good morning,” he said, kissing Pearl on the cheek and slapping Anthony on the back. “It feels good to wake up this morning and not have to worry whether you would be arrested.”
Anthony grinned at him. While he was glad for his friend, he couldn’t help but worry about what the old man had said to him yesterday. Everyone on the street had heard him proclaim that Wesley wasn’t his son. But the boy didn’t seem bothered by the news.
“Are you all right with the way things are between you and your father?” Anthony asked.
The man grinned. “I’m so relieved. Now I know that his blood does not run in my veins. That no son or daughter of mine would ever have his tainted blood.”
At least the man was honest about his feelings.
“I’m just glad to see my sister, and someday I’ll go back to see my brothers, but right now, I’m staying home with my beautiful wife and my good friend. Thank you, Anthony, for giving me this chance. Thank you for helping me that terrible day.”
Smiling, he nodded at his friend. It was the least he could have done for his fellow man.
Turning from the stove, Pearl set their breakfast in front of each man.
“Husbands, your breakfast is served,” she said.
Just looking at her, he could tell something bothered her, but so far, she had not told him what caused her grief. If she didn’t tell him tonight, there might be a spanking in her future.
Maybe she was pregnant? But it seemed much too soon for them to know she was with child. They had been married almost two weeks. She was on the last butt plug, and this weekend, they would both claim her.
After they finished breakfast, the two men stood. It was time to get to work. They had a bull to introduce to their waiting heifers. He had a lot of impregnating to do in the next few months before the weather changed.
“Let’s go,” Wesley said, eager to begin the day. The man was so happy, he hadn’t noticed how subdued their wife was this morning.
Anthony walked over to where Pearl cleaned off the table.
“Rest today. Tonight, I want to see my cheerful Pearl returned or you will have to tell me what’s wrong.”
She sighed and licked her lips. “I’m just tired. Yesterday was a long, eventful day.”
“All right,” he said. “We’ll see you at lunch.”
“Yes, I’ll see you then,” she said. “Maybe we can soak in the tub tonight.”
He grinned and then he grabbed her, pulled her to him, and kissed her thoroughly. His lips covered hers and took control. When they broke apart, she was breathing hard. “I can’t wait, darling.”
“Hurry home,” she whispered against his lips.
Wesley stepped in front of her and pulled her to him. “I think tonight would be a good time to celebrate. This morning we put in the last butt plug. It’s time, darling, and I can hardly wait for both of us to claim you at the same time.”
A shy smile crossed her face, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Something was wrong.
Wesley covered her mouth with his. When he released her, she smiled. “Have a good day, gentlemen.”
“See you soon, darling,” Wesley called as the two men walked out the door.
When they reached the barn, Anthony turned to Wesley. “Did she seem quieter than normal today?”