5 comments/ 18544 views/ 5 favorites Evening Light Ch. 02 By: zouzouni Thank you for your feedback. Enjoy  *** At 5:30am on the dot there was a knock on her door. In her nervousness she was awake and more than ready to go. A young man who introduced himself as Connor was waiting for her. Connor walked her through her tasks and where all the equipment was kept. Grace on her part remembered everything. Surprisingly it was similar to the way her Grandfather taught her so that she didn't have to work to hard to retain it all. She put her head down and got to work. Occasionally another hand or trainer would walk in to get a horse or return one. They would introduce themselves politely and more than a little curious about her. She was sure she'd get the names straight eventually. Within a couple of hours she was done and aching having used muscles that she didn't even know she had. She cleaned and returned all the equipment, made sure the horses had fresh water, and was making her way back to her house for breakfast when she literally walked into someone. "Whoa there little lady" he drawled in a deep Texan accent. Grace looked up to see what most women would consider gorgeous, tall, blond and blue eyed. He left Grace cold. "Sorry" she breathed. "Name's Taylor Smith, but most people call me Tex, nice to meet you." He said as he took her hand and brought it to his lips. Again most would find the gesture romantic. Grace found it down right creepy from him. Due to her job she was pretty good at reading people and he set off all her alarms. After providing her name and extricating her hand from his she managed a quick exit. She didn't like the way he looked at her, like he was a predator and she was his next meal. Over the next few days Grace slipped into an easy routine. She found that she could manage her chores and still get to work on time. The schools welcomed her with open arms having waited so long for someone to take up the position. Apparently there weren't many applicants and none that wanted to relocate to a rural area. The principals were open and honest with the challenges they faced and the staff were grateful for any assistance or advice. She was looking forward to working with these people to make life better for these children and the adults in their lives. On the days she didn't work in the schools she took it upon herself to have lunch with the hands and trainers. At first they were uncomfortable with her presence but soon her easy going nature got to them and they relaxed around her. She was young and the older and married men felt like they needed to protect her from the amorous younger ones, constantly telling them to mind their manners around a lady. Grace was amused and flattered by the attention both the fatherly and not so fatherly but she wasn't really interested in a 'roll in the hay' so to speak. The only one that made her uncomfortable was Tex and she avoided him like the plague. Lucas appeared to be avoiding her so all in all her life was stable. One day she decided to go and watch the men start training a young mare that had arrived a couple days beforehand. Sitting on the fence she watched as Grant, a young trainer was attempting to put a bridle on the mare. She kept snorting and pulling away from him. He became increasingly frustrated at her lack of cooperation. He started pulling the rope around her neck harder and tighter and the mare's eyes widened in fear. Grace could see Bradley and a couple of the others start to get edgy at Grant's handling of the horse. When Grant whipped the mare with the reigns Grace had had enough. "Get away from her you bastard." She yelled as she hopped down from the fence. Furious she rushed towards him and grabbed the rope from his hand. "How could you! You're scaring her half to death, no wonder she doesn't want to take the bit." She growled at him in a low voice so that she didn't frighten the horse further. "Give me that bridle." She demanded. Grant was so shocked by her outburst that he numbly handed it over without at word. "Gracie girl, you shouldn't really be going near a riled up horse." Bradley cautioned. Grace just held up her hand to stave him off and approached the mare slowly. "There now girl, no one is going to hurt you. You're safe now." Grace soothed and continued to murmur to the horse as she got closer. The mare was still snorting but slowly she calmed and allowed Grace to stroke her neck and scratch a sweet sport behind her ear. Grace managed to carefully place the bridle on her and buckled it securely. She then led her in a circle to ensure her comfort before handing the lead to Bradley. Bradley on his part was looking at her with shock and not a little admiration. "Well now child, aren't you a packet of surprises" he smiled. Lucas had been leaning against the stable doors watching and was about to intervene when she went flying into attack. He was mesmerized by her movements the way she touched the animal each stroke gentle and confident. It was almost sensual to him. This woman he didn't want on his property was definitely getting his attention. As she walked towards him he said loud enough for her to hear "Don't touch my animals without permission again." And he walked towards the men not allowing her to respond. "You've got to be kidding me." She grumbled as she made her way to the main house. Once there and over a steaming cup of coffee she told Miss Em about what happened. Miss Em listened and nodded in understanding of her frustration. The both of them sat in quiet contemplation of the strangeness of men **** Grace was struggling to get her ample intellect around the enigma that was Lucas Marshall. She felt like he was avoiding her but couldn't be sure. Then when he was around her he was so haughty and arrogant that she just wanted to slap him. Being driven to violence was something utterly new for her. It didn't help that he was so damn handsome. Her experience with men was seriously limited and she didn't understand how someone so frustrating could make her heart beat faster. The days wore on and Grace was enjoying the simple routine that had become her life. Under Bradley's guidance she was becoming more involved with the horses. Out of the direct eye line of Lucas of course. She could often be found in the stables giving Kendra's Smile, the mare she'd helped, a good scratch or a bit of carrot or apple. That's exactly where she was when Tex walked in and leaned against the stall next to her. "Hello there darlin'. Been avoiding me?" he drawled. "Been busy." Grace replied continuing to stroke the horse in front of her and hoping that he'd go away. She could feel his eyes on her but refused to look at him. "I can give you something to stroke if you like." He said out of no where. Grace looked at him incredulously and made to leave. "Don't be like that darlin', you know this has been coming for a long time." He laughed as he pushed her back against the stall door. "Get off me!" she yelled as she tried to push him off her. When his mouth descended on her hers true panic set in and she started to fight back hitting and scratching him. Anything to get him, his mouth and his hands off her. Her struggles only made him laugh. "Don't worry baby I'm gonna make you feel real good." He said as he ripped her shirt open to paw at her breasts. Grace was beside herself in fear as she renewed her efforts. Tex became frustrated with her struggles and he hit her hard across the face. Her head snapped back against the hard post behind her. She stopped fighting against her would be rapist and started fighting for consciousness. Tex was thrilled at her lack of fight and used the opportunity to continue his attentions on her breasts and begin to unbutton her jeans. Lucas was taking a last round of the property since all the others had gone home or into town being a Friday evening. He was alerted by the shuffling and snorting of horses and walked into the stables to find out what had the animals so uneasy. What he discovered was Grace up against a stall with Tex about ready to introduce himself to her in the biblical sense. This caused him to see red. Fury unlike anything he'd known rose with in him. His anger however was directed at her. He knew it would happen eventually, that she would encourage the attentions of the men. But Tex? Did it really have to be him? Before leaving the two of them alone he took one last look at her wanting to remember her for the brazen hussy that he knew her to be. What he noticed, however, was not eyes half closed in desire but those stunned by a blow. There was blood trickling from her lip and she appeared to be weakly fighting him off. Lucas realized that this was anything other than what it appeared to be. With a speed driven by renewed fury he reached them and pulled Tex off her landing a solid right cross that sent the blond man sprawling. "Hey now Lucas, you need but wait your turn." Tex said as he gingerly picked himself off the ground. "You have 30 seconds to get off my property." Lucas said in a low growl. Tex took one look into those cold eyes and took to his heals. Lucas turned his attention to the dishevelled heap that was Grace. She looked so broken and hurt that his heart almost stopped beating. He covered her as best he could and lifted her into his arms carrying her to the main house. There he rang a doctor and the local sheriff. She wasn't quite out of it but she wasn't really awake either. Her low mewing sounds distressed him further. He didn't know what to do so he knelt next to her and murmured that she was safe and that no one was going to hurt her. No more than 15 minutes later the doctor and sheriff arrived together. "What happened?" asked Dr Jenkins briskly as he opened his case and went about examining her. "She was attacked. Hit her head pretty hard I think." Replied Lucas. Sheriff Peters had some more questions and they went to the next room to give the doctor some space to work in. Lucas explained everything he saw as the sheriff took notes. He was hovering around the doorway keen to make sure she was alright. Dr Jenkins came out of the room and looked at Lucas. "She'll be Ok just a mild concussion and some bruising. I've given her a sedative that should help her sleep but it may make her confused so she shouldn't be along tonight." He explained looking at Lucas. He nodded in understanding and swallowed hard dreading asking his next question but he needed to know. "Did he ... was she ..." He couldn't get the words out. "I know what you're asking Lucas but I reckon you got there just in time. He didn't hurt her in that way." Dr Jenkins said gravely. Lucas took a deep breath in relief. Dr Jenkins turned his attention to Sheriff Peters "Now Jacob no fussing out of you, the child needs her rest. There'll be plenty of time tomorrow for your questions. Lucas, you call me if anything changes." He said as he grabbed his things and left. Sheriff Peters left as well with the promise of coming passed the following day to speak with Grace. Without thought Lucas gathered her in his arms and took her to a guest room upstairs, quickly changed her into one of his t-shirts and tucked her into bed. Later that night as Lucas was getting ready for bed he heard a series of doors opening and closing and some giggles. Entering the large hallway he found Grace opening yet another door, this one happened to be a linen closet. Only to giggle when she discovered it wasn't her room. "What are you doing?" he asked. "Went to the bathroom and now I'm lost. Tell me kind sir, which one is my room?" she said sweetly and dissolved into another round of giggles. This one made her swoon and loose her balance. Lucas put his arms around her to stop her from falling. Then realizing that the drugs were confusing her he picked her up and carried her back to her bed. As he lay her down she didn't let go of her hold around his neck. Instead she drew him closer and kissed him. It was a shy kiss, a tentative one. But when her tongue briefly ducked out to lick his lips he almost lost control. He wanted to devour her. "Mmm I knew you'd taste good." She said as she fell back and went immediately to sleep. Lucas was a mass of tension. His body was reacting to her softness and warmth. He wanted her. He wanted to bury himself deep inside her and never come up for air. He left her room quickly fearing his reaction. She had him not knowing which end was up. Needless to say, sleep was long time coming for Lucas that night. Lucas had gotten up early to tend to the horses. When he returned he found her standing at the kitchen sink washing her breakfast dishes chatting with Miss Em. Standing there in his t-shirt that came down to her knees she was delectable. Again his body burned with desire for her. And again he was furious at his reaction. Angry that he'd let her stay knowing that throwing a young woman in amongst men was a recipe for disaster. Angry that Tex had hurt her. Angry that she fit in so well. Angry that despite everything, he wanted her with every fibre of his being. Angry that she made him feel this way. It was out of this anger that he spoke his next words. "Don't forget your chores. And don't go messing with any more of my men. I can't afford to loose any more employees." He said harshly. The moment the words were out he wished he could take them back. He saw the slump of her shoulders, the effort it took her not to cry. When those brilliant blue eyes filled with hurt and anger looked at him, he wanted to die. Wiping her hands on a tea towel she lifted her chin and said quietly "I'll wash and return your t-shirt as soon as possible. Thank you for letting me stay the night." And she walked out. "I've never been more disappointed in you in my entire life." Miss Em exclaimed and went after Grace. Lucas stood there in despair not knowing how it had come to this. To be continued ... Evening Light Ch. 03 Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate all of them. I'm trying to keep this coming as quickly as possible. Enjoy :) *** Part 3 Grace allowed Miss Em to comfort her as she dissolved into tears back at her place. As was her way she did not permit herself a great deal of time for self pity and after many assurances Miss Em went back to her day and Grace started hers. She had some apprehension walking back into the stables where it happened but she was determined not to let her life be ruled by fear. It was in that very spot giving Kendra's Smile an apple that Bradley found her. "What are you doing here Grace, you should be resting." He admonished looking with concern at her swollen lip. She was grateful the rest of the bruises were covered up. "I'm fine Bradley. Just a little shaken up." She said marvelling at how quickly the country grapevine actually worked. She realized that by Monday the whole county would know about what happened. Bradley continued to fuss over her but she reassured him that she was ok. She was touched by his concern. Sheriff Peters came by in the afternoon and she told him all that she could remember. He informed her that they would do their best to apprehend Tex and make sure she was safe. He suggested that she didn't go anywhere alone until he was caught. Grace promised to be careful as he left. Grace tried her best to return to a normal routine. People in town stared for a while but then it became old news. The men on the ranch took the edict of keeping her safe very seriously escorting her to and from town on the rare occasions she needed to go. She was becoming annoyed at their over-protectiveness. Lucas was making himself scarce as usual. All this she could manage, it was the nights that were the hardest. Her nightmares were back with a few new ones thrown in for good measure. There were ones about Jaime, the young girl that committed suicide. Dreams with Tex attacking her, and some other ones where Tex was attacking Jaime and she couldn't stop him. These were happening nightly. She dreaded going to sleep but she was so tired. Then once a nightmare occurred she was wide awake. Grace was exhausted. It was taking her longer to finish her chores, so she just started earlier since she was up anyway. She was barely eating and definitely not her usual self. A couple of weeks of sleep deprivation and no food had left her weak and careless. One evening she pulled out some left-overs that had gone slightly off. But she ate a few bites anyway, too weak to taste anything and too tired to care. Less than half an hour later she was bringing up the meagre contents of her stomach as she lay groaning on the bathroom floor. Lucas was going over the schedule for the day when he noticed Bradley practically running towards Grace's place. Lengthening his stride to join him he asked "What's up Bradley that's got you moving so quick of a morning?" "Grace didn't come to do her work this morning and I'm worried about the girl. She ain't been sleeping well, nightmares, heard her scream from time to time. Ain't been eating either, wasting away to nothing, gonna make herself sick. Stubborn too, insisting she's fine." Bradley panted. Even though he was keeping out of her way Lucas had noticed the weight loss and the permanent bags under her eyes but she had never missed a day and her absence worried him too. With a burst of speed he ran to her house and looked around. Nothing. Then he heard noise from the bathroom. He opened the door to find her sprawled on the floor shivering. One touch told him she was burning up. He gathered her in his arms and headed quickly to the main house. He ran into Bradley coming in "Good Lord!" he exclaimed. "Bradley, call Doc Jenkins and tell him to get his arse over here straight away." Lucas demanded as he rushed out. Lucas took her straight upstairs to his room and cleaned her up as best he could. He was applying a cold compress to try and cool her down when Dr Jenkins and Bradley walked in. "What happened this time?" the doctor asked. Lucas explained how he found her as the doctor busied himself by taking her temperature and her pulse. Bradley filled in some gaps about her not sleeping or eating, as well as noticing some off food on her kitchen counter. Dr Jenkins gave Grace two shots, one to stop her vomiting and bring the fever down and one of Vitamin B to boost her recovery. "So Doc?" Lucas asked. "Ran herself into the ground that one did. Gave herself food poisoning to top it off. Post traumatic stress I'd say, but she'd know more about that if she's willing to admit it. Just look after her for a couple of days, plenty of water, maybe some of that electrolyte enriched stuff. As for the rest, time and an understanding ear would be the best bet." He explained and left shaking his head at the girl on the bed. Lucas couldn't help but feel partially responsible for her state. Pushing at her so soon after and saying those horrible things. He so wanted to make up for it. Lucas barely left her side for the next two days. Making sure he followed the doctor's instructions. He even slept next to her and held her while she dreamed whatever horrible things and soothed her crying when she woke. Nothing had ever felt so right to him as having this woman in his arms. He didn't like the weight loss though. It didn't suit her. On the third day he woke to find her side of the bed empty. Looking around he found her showered and dressed again in one of his t-shirts staring out the window. He smiled to himself. He liked the way she looked in his clothes but she would look even better out of them. Mentally clamping down hard on the desire threatening to flame, he cleared his throat. "I apologize but I had to borrow one of your t-shirts again." She said shyly. He dismissed her concern with a nonchalant shrug. "What happened?" she asked. Lucas explained about how he found her and briefly about how he looked after her. "So I've been here for two days, in your room, in your bed." She said. Something in him purred at her statement but he said "Nothing untoward happened." "Oh, I know, I just ... well people will talk and ..." she stammered and then as though it just occurred to her she rounded on him "Why are you being so nice to me anyway?" she accused. Standing there she began to feel very self conscious in his t-shirt with him reclining shirtless on his bed looking positively edible. Lucas smirked "People will always talk. Who's Jaime?" he asked deftly avoiding her question. That took her breath away, still weak from the last few weeks she felt her knees go as she sat hard on the window seat. Lucas noticed and he sprang up and helped her back to bed. "So?" he insisted. Fighting back tears, Grace explained about what happened before she arrived at Evening Light. "It wasn't your fault you know." He said quietly marvelling at the depth of compassion in this woman. A woman he was dangerously starting to think of as his. "I know. It's just not fair." She responded deep in thought. "You feel up to eating? You have to get your strength up." He said. Grace nodded absently. "Maybe, if you're up to it tomorrow we'll saddle up Kendra's Smile and you can take her for a ride. She's been pining for you." Lucas said impulsively. "Are you serious? You're going to let me ride? Really?" she said doubtingly. It was her dearest wish to be allowed to ride again. Lucas nodded and she smiled. It lit up her whole face like a child on Christmas morning full of wonder and hope. The beast inside him purred again wanting to do anything to make her smile like that again. Lucas cleaned up and got dressed in the bathroom and then left the room quickly. Ostensibly he left to get her food, but mainly because he wasn't sure about his level of control around her. By the end of the day she was feeling better and eating solid, all be it bland food, and had moved back to her own place. Miss Em made her promise that she would start having dinner with them in the main house so she could keep an eye on her. Grace agreed so that she wouldn't disappoint her. The following day relieved from her chores on pain of death by Bradley she wandered about with nothing to do. Lucas found her in her favourite spot, Kendra's Smile's stall. "You up for that ride?" He asked as he approached. She smiled eagerly nodding and she took his breath away. Lucas busied himself saddling the mare and his own chestnut stallion, Helios. "I could have done that." She admonished. He silenced her with a look. Easing herself into the saddle she felt right at home. All the memories of Cloud and her grandparents came flooding back. Wiping a tear she set off grateful that Lucas was in front and couldn't see her. This was a side of Lucas she hadn't seen. He was calm and relaxed. He showed her over the extent of his holdings. Explaining how his great grandfather came to be there and started off as a cattle farmer. His father preferred horses and that was how the ranch changed from cattle station into a horse training and breeding facility. Lucas had finished his business degree and was beginning an internship when his father became ill and he had to come home and help run things. When his father passed away he began implementing some of the ideas he'd had to modernize the place. Turning it into one of the most lucrative and sort after stables in the country. Grace was mesmerized by his voice and the way he sat in the saddle. Her mind was going a million miles an hour trying to figure out why this man who had basically called her a slut was now being so caring and considerate. None of it made sense. She couldn't help but recall the feel of his arms around her as he soothed her nightmares away and how safe she felt. Her experience with men was limited but she knew enough to realize she was on dangerous ground. When they got back to the stables Connor came in and told Lucas he had a phone call from a client. Lucas excused himself handing the reigns of Helios to Connor. Grace took it upon herself to take care of Kendra's Smile. She felt glorious after her ride. Lucas returned later from his call and was leaning against a stall watching her rub the horse down. She was truly stunning as she smiled running the brushes over the horse's flank. Again he was reminded of the sensuality of her movements and he felt the desire flare in him. "I haven't seen that style in a while." He said surprising her. She blushed realizing that he had been watching her and as he smiled he took her breath away. It should be a crime for a man to look that good. The things his smile did to her body were making her head spin. Heat pooled in her belly as he came closer. "Grandpa was old fashioned. He liked things done a certain way. I hope its ok?" she asked tentatively. "Kendra doesn't seem to mind." He responded with another heartbreaking smile. Lucas couldn't stop looking at her lips. Before she realized his lips descended on hers and he was kissing her. This was a world away from what Tex had done. This was divine. Grace melted into his arms. Lucas groaned as her lips parted allowing his tongue to explore her mouth. She never realized that a kiss could feel so good. Grace's head was swimming in a pool of desire. Her whole body felt hot and tingly. It was at that precise moment that her analytical mind decided to make an appearance. She could feel the evidence of his desire against her stomach. This caused a mini flashback to the incident with Tex. She knew that Lucas wasn't like that. But then she thought back to what he'd said to her in the kitchen the day after the incident. This conflicted with how he'd been nice to her. What if his actions were just a way to get in her pants because he though she was easy that way. This seed of doubt spread like wildfire. Suddenly she pushed him off her and stared at him angrily. Lucas was taken aback. He moved forward to go to her and she stepped back. "Don't." She said her voice shaky. Confusing her anger with fear Lucas said "Did I frighten you? Is it too soon?" Confusion swirled with her anger and Grace let out a frustrated sigh. "No. I just don't get this." She said waving an exasperated hand between them. "One minute you're calling me a slut the next you're being nice to me. Well you can think what you like. I'm nobody's whore and it's not that easy to get in my pants!" she yelled at him and stormed off. Lucas stood there in shock. His body was still highly aroused from their kiss but her reaction was unexpected to say the least. He went over what he said about calling her a slut and realized he had never apologized for what he had said. She was under the false impression that he thought so lowly of her. He felt like a complete fool. No wonder she was confused about his behaviour. This was all very simple to rationalize. But in the fog of desire and having the object of that desire hurl accusations at him and remove herself from him. Well all logic went out the window and anger and frustration walked through the front door. That woman was going to be the death of him. He wanted her beyond all reason but she couldn't be reasoned with. So he did the next best thing, he but the mare back in her stall and went to have a cold shower. Evening Light Ch. 04 I adore your feedback as always. I am trying to get this out as fast as possible. Please enjoy :) *** Part 4 The next week passed very quietly. Grace kept her promise to Miss Em and had dinner with them every night. She and Lucas were very careful around each other. Miss Em kept looking from one to the other in exasperation at their overly formal manner. Grace wouldn't have minded so much about the situation but those green eyes did something to her. The curve of his lips made her want to run her tongue along them. It was scaring her, the direction her thoughts took when he was near and lately when he was not so near. Her nightmares had dissipated but new more dangerous dreams had taken their place. Grace, normally a very centred and calm person, couldn't seem to find her balance. Thankfully she was busy with her work and chores. She also semi-reluctantly had the local county spring dance to look forward to. Grace got along well with most of the teachers at the schools. The single ones that didn't have dates had invited, no, near harassed her into coming along with them in a group. It was the social event of the season. Where everyone for miles around would come to dance, catch up and enjoy themselves. A part of Grace was enjoying just being a girl again, wearing a dress and heels instead of jeans and boots. One of the group of teachers, Sarah, didn't live far and had agreed to pick her up. Grace eased herself into the front seat and Sarah exclaimed "Wow girl, you could knock someone out with those things." Grace looked down at her halter-neck dress that showed off to perfection her ample breasts. "Oh my God, it's too much. I knew it was too much." She said as she tried to get out of the car. "Don't be silly you look gorgeous. You'll definitely be turning heads tonight." Sarah laughed and locked Grace in as she made another attempt to get out. Grace squirmed in her seat feeling thoroughly self conscious. Sarah did her best to calm her down and they were in good spirits when they arrived. All the streets around the town centre had been closed. A large stage area was set up at one end of the town square where a band was playing. There were stalls of every kind and people were milling about greeting each other as the passed by. Sarah and Grace met up with the rest of the group who took it upon themselves to show and describe to Grace every detail about the way they did dances in their community. Grace was nearly in tears from laughter at their jokes, pokes and digs about their town and the people in it. By this stage the dancing had started in earnest. Surprisingly Grace found herself not lacking a dance partner. In fact, several times she had to say no simply to take a break and have a rest. She was dancing with Bradley discussing him giving her a ride home later that night when they were interrupted. "May I cut in?" Lucas said. "Indeed Lucas, these old bones can't take much more of this." Bradley joked. Grace felt her heart stop beating as he took her in his arms and moved with her to the music. Lucas hadn't planned to come tonight but Miss Em needed a ride and an escort. He realized it was more about getting him out of the house than anything else. He'd spotted Grace a while ago. Hell, who hadn't seen her. He watched her dance with varying men. From colleagues to Doc Jenkins to high school students she probably knew from work. He watched all of them be taken in by whatever magic she seemed to have. He however, didn't like their hands on her, even Bradley. She looked stunning, and that dress. He'd never seen her in a dress. It showed her beautiful shoulders and back, toned from working the ranch. Going in to her tiny waist and flaring out to just below the knee. The front showed enough cleavage to be tasteful but it was enough to send him into fits of desire. The combination of others dancing with her and watching her in that dress forced him to cut in and calm the beast roaring in his head. Grace was feeling light headed. A mixture of his hands on her, his powerfully masculine scent and the way those green eyes were staring at her with something akin to a predator marking his territory. They didn't say a word to each other, they just danced. It felt like forever revolving in this silence just looking at each other captivated. Lucas broke the spell. "You look truly beautiful tonight." He said causing her to blush. She whispered a thank-you not trusting her voice quite yet. "I realize I should have said this a long time ago, but I didn't mean what I said that day. I don't think of you that way in fact I ... well I... I was just mad as hell and it came out all wrong." He stammered through his apology. All Grace's anger melted away. She knew the truth when she heard it, and she heard it. She relaxed a little in his arms and gave herself permission to enjoy him even for a little while. If Lucas didn't know better he'd have thought that it was a conspiracy. Firstly, Bradley came over to apologize that he couldn't take Grace home as he was taking Miss Em since she was all tuckered out. Then Grace's friends claimed various excuses for their exists and inability to offer her a ride. Eventually they gave in to the inevitable and Lucas offered her a ride. She graciously accepted. He had been nothing but a gentleman but still Grace was apprehensive about being alone with him. She was unsure about her ability to control her attraction to him. No man had made her feel this way. Lucas parked the car and even opened the door for her. He was going to simply escort her to her door but somehow they drifted towards the main house. Standing on the veranda Grace stared at the stars. The breeze picked up and she gave a small shiver from the chill. "Are you cold?" Lucas asked from directly behind her as he started to rub her arms up and down. His touch on her skin was hot and she bit back a moan. Her heart started beating faster. He'd managed to control himself all night in public but now she was here alone with him and he was touching her, he couldn't stop. Coming around to face her, his lips descended on hers in a blistering kiss. Unable and unwilling to hold back any longer Grace melted into his arms. They both moaned as their tongues met. Lucas' hand traced the ladder of her ribs to close over her breast as he ran his thumb over one hardened peak she let out a soft whimper. He smiled inwardly enjoying her sounds. He found it pleased him that he was eliciting these reactions in her. Grace was beyond reason. She was simply a pool of liquid heat. She ran her hands under his shirt tracing the hard planes of his chest causing him to growl into their kiss. Lucas pulled away from her breathing hard. He lifted her into his arms with one swift motion and carried her upstairs into his room. Grace had no fight left in her, she knew this was going to happen and she wanted it to. She wanted this man, the one who drove her crazy with fury and desire to be her first. She'd deal with the consequences of that later. Lucas laid her on the bed and proceeded to divest them of their clothes. Looking at her laying there luscious yet somehow vulnerable he thought 'Mine, all mine'. He leaned in and captured her lips again then trailed kisses along her jaw and neckline. Moving lower he captured a hardened bud in his mouth causing Grace to arch up almost completely off the bed. Emboldened by this reaction he proceeded to worship her breasts with his mouth and hands until she was positively writhing underneath him. Moving lower again he kissed and licked along the joint where her abdomen met her thigh. He parted her legs and inhaled her smiling. "What are you doing?" she breathed unsure. "Shh, just enjoy." He said his voice husky with desire. He explored her velvety folds with his mouth and tongue until she was once again writhing above him. It didn't take long until she screamed as she flew apart in his arms. Lucas held her until she came back to him a beautiful smile playing about her lips. It was irresistible to him and again he captured her lips fuelling her desire further. Unable to restrain himself any longer he positioned himself at her entrance and slowly pressed forward. She was tight almost unbearably so. He felt a small resistance but in his lust addled mind he surged forward until he was completely sheathed in her. Grace uttered a cry of pain and winced at the invasion. She had been lost in her own fog of want until the reality of his size and her virginity hit home. Lucas was not so far gone that he didn't notice her discomfort. Holding himself still he considered her tentative touches, strange naiveté, incredible tightness and it dawned on him. "Why didn't you tell me" he panted trying to control himself. "Would it have stopped you?" she said as she squirmed under him still uncomfortable. "Yes. No. I don't know but I would have done things differently. I didn't want to hurt you." He replied still trying to hold still for her. It was becoming impossible. She was so hot and tight and he was longing to move inside her. "I wanted this to happen. I want this, I ..." she breathed kissing his jaw and neck. Lucas groaned and captured her lips driving all pain from her mind. She felt wonderful. Lucas slowly started to move inside her building up the fire again. The pain quickly receding Grace gave in to these new and incredible sensations. Lucas tried to stay slow and gentle but all too soon her tightness and delicious responsiveness to him were becoming too much. He picked up his pace causing her to gasp and moan into his chest. Loving the way her back arched as she pressed her breasts into him he drove into her harder and faster. He watched her carefully and could tell she was close, as was he. Committed to making this good for her he captured her lips and kissed her passionately as he drove them both into oblivion. Grace screamed his name as pleasure unlike anything she'd ever experienced washed over her. Lucas held her gently as they caught their breath. Rolling off her he tucked her into his side and stroked her face. "Are you ok?" he asked. "Mmmm" she nodded dreamily staring up into his eyes. She looked so divine that he couldn't resist kissing her again. Grace giggled then frowned as the thought occurred to her. Watching the emotion play over her face Lucas asked "What?" "I know I haven't done this before, but was I Ok? I mean was it Ok for you? I ..." she stammered and buried her blushing face into the pillow. Lucas smiled at her insecurity. She truly didn't know the effect she had on him. He titled her chin so he could look her in the eye. "You are amazing." He breathed and kissed her lips gently. Appeased, Grace curled into him and drifted off to sleep. Lucas brushed another kiss on her forehead and joined her. Evening Light Ch. 05 Your feedback is as always invaluable. Thank-you. I'm moving this along as quickly as I can. Enjoy :) *** Grace woke and stretched her pleasantly sore body. When she remembered what caused that soreness she blushed. Looking over she saw Lucas still fast asleep. His face relaxed, he looked so good she had to pull her hand away to keep from touching him. As quietly as she could she slipped out of bed and gathered her clothes. Dressing quickly she kept stealing glances at him. Grace wanted last night to happen but in the cold light of day she didn't know how this was meant to work. She worked for him in exchange for a place to live. Did this make them a couple? Was it a one night stand? Where they even friends? She didn't know the answer to any of those questions and if she was honest enough she was too scared to even ask. She quickly left to get to her place before anyone saw her. Lucas rolled over to find her side of the bed empty. He sat up in confusion. Running a hand over his face he looked around and noticed that her things were gone. The bed felt strange, too big somehow, even with his large frame in it. He'd taken her virginity and now she wasn't even here to talk about it. Didn't women want to talk about these sorts of things? He was unsure about how to proceed with her. Lucas wasn't a stranger to women but he'd learned early to have his dalliances elsewhere. He lived in a small community and broken hearts were not pleasant when everyone knew your business. Relationships however, were not his strong suit. And Grace, well he didn't know what he wanted from her. He loved having her in his bed, he knew that much but further than that he was unsure. No woman had him this turned around ever. Pondering these things he got up determined to find her. Grace had finished her work and had decided to take a walk to clear her head. She was leaning against a fence post looking over the beautiful valley below lost in her own thoughts. She didn't hear him approach until she felt his solid presence behind her. Breathing in she recognized that scent. Lucas. Resisting the urge to lean pack into him she kept staring forward. Lucas wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her neck. "Good morning." He said quietly. Grace smiled and returned his greeting. He turned her in his arms and kissed her. He intended for it to be a simple kiss but his body had other ideas. He drove the kiss deeper. Plundering her mouth with his tongue and marvelling in the way her body pressed against him. He couldn't get enough of her. Grace's head was spinning. She wasn't sure that this was, what she wanted, but her treacherous body definitely had other ideas. They broke apart breathing heavily. "Damn woman, you make my head spin." Lucas chuckled not letting her go. Grace blushed. Deciding, now or never she asked "Lucas, last night was great, but I don't know enough about these things to know how this works." She said hoping she made sense. "What do you mean" he asked staring into her eyes. "You and me. What is this?" she continued. "Why does it have to be anything? I want you, you want me, why can't we just leave it at that?" he said peppering kisses along her jaw and neck. Grace was grateful for his arms around her because she didn't think she could stand properly. "I don't know if I can do that." She whispered. "Hmmmm." He said as he continued to devour her earlobe. Wanting desperately to give in to her desire for him, she managed to wriggle out of his arms. "Lucas, I may not have a lot of experience but I know I'm not the kind of girl that does the casual undefined thing. I don't know what this is between us but it scares the crap out of me." She said in a rush. Realizing her admission she blushed and turned and practically ran back home. Lucas stood there for a long time. He thought that if he had her it was satisfy that itch. Instead it made it stronger and more present in his mind. If cared to admit it to himself, whatever was between them scared him too. He couldn't explain what he was feeling but he knew she was doing a number on his head. He made his way slowly back to work unable to get both the feel of her body or her words out of his head. Life returned to a normal routine. Grace was still confused about her feelings towards Lucas. She wanted him. He'd woken things in her that she never new existed. When he'd look at her with those brilliant green eyes she wanted to leap into his arms and have him kiss her into oblivion. But was that enough? She didn't know. Again Grace fell back on an old friend, work. She spent every waking minute she wasn't at the schools with the horses. Bradley had taught her so much. The others men had been very supportive also. Keen to impart their knowledge on someone that genuinely wanted to learn. Bradley and Connor were settling a new stallion into a stall. Grace was standing by ready to help if needed. The three were chatting amicably when Grace suddenly felt nauseous. She managed to make it outside before she threw up. Connor raced over to see if she was all right. "Grace, are you Ok?" he asked concerned. No one had yet forgotten her recent experiences and they were all still a little over-protective of her. "I'm fine Connor. Just a little sick. I think I'm coming down with a cold. Nothing to worry about." She said after she'd rinsed he mouth out with water. Connor wrapped an arm around her and gave a friendly squeeze escorting her back inside. Lucas had come in from the other side of the stable to check on the new horse. He saw Connor walk in with Grace. He turned his head so fast it almost came clean off when he looked back and noticed his arm around her. He was furious. The look he gave Connor did not go unnoticed. Connor quickly let grace go and went to finish up with Bradley. Connor and Bradley finished up and left telling Grace to look after herself and not give them her cold. Grace laughed and told them she would be making sure she did give it too them just for being so cheeky with her. Throughout the exchange she had pointedly ignored Lucas. She pretended that he wasn't there. She felt this was some small vindication for the last few weeks of him avoiding her. Not that she was much better. Lucas was quietly fuming as she continued to chat to the others or fiddle with the horse. He realized that they had been avoiding each other but for her to obviously ignore him. That was not all right with him. He'd started unconsciously making little growling noises as he moved about the stable. Grace could hear him moving about and making noise. It was getting on her nerves. "Is there anything I can help you with Mr. Marshal?" she finally said fed up with listening to him. "Oh its Mr. Marshal now is it?" he shot back sarcastically. Grace just kept putting things away making him even angrier. Angry as he was, he couldn't help but stare at the curve of her butt as she bend over. His hands itching to squeeze those rounded curves. "I see that you and Connor are getting cosy. I thought you didn't do the casual undefined thing." He smirked, throwing her own words back at her. Grace's blood started to boil. She'd already been through this once with him. She wasn't about to do it again. "Yes well, you notoriously find it difficult to tell the difference between friendship and anything else. Assumptions and ill considered comments seem to be your favourite pastime?" she said angrily. "That is not what I meant and you know it." He threw back at her. Even though she looked like she wanted to throw something at him he wanted her. He could feel himself becoming aroused the longer she glared at him. "Yeah well, talking about things isn't your strong suit. You're better at ignoring people." She retorted and walked out. Once outside she took some deep breaths feeling a little nauseous again. That man infuriated her. How could he make love to her like that and then ignore her? Sure she hadn't exactly spoken to him much either but it was all his fault wasn't it? Why on earth did he have to be so gorgeous? Her brain was awhirl with questions as she reached her place. Try as she might she couldn't come up with many answers. Well at least ones she was prepared to acknowledge to herself. Dinners with Miss Em were awkward with the two of them giving each other furtive looks and heated stares. Miss Em just shook her head at them. Miss Em was cleaning up one evening after Grace had left and Lucas was sulking. Something he did regularly these days. "What are you moping about for boy?" she chuckled. "I'm not moping!" he exclaimed. "Why don't you go talk to her?" She suggested. "Talk to who?" Lucas shot back feeling defensive. "Oh my word, you young people are just plain stupid. Anyone with eyes can see you two are crazy about each other. Now don't give me that look. Go talk to her." Miss Em admonished. Feeling put out that he was being treated like a two year old, Lucas left with Miss Em's laughter ringing in his ears. Lucas deliberately chose to ignore Miss Em's comment about being crazy about each other. But did want to talk to her. To apologize for ignoring her and not discussing their night together. For not being clear about what he wanted. Hell, he still didn't know what he wanted but that wasn't her fault. Maybe they could sort this out. He found Grace walking into her place. He cleared his throat "Um can we talk?" he asked. Grace silently let him in and closed the door. He seemed so large in her small space. She'd avoided being this close to him and now here he was. "Talk?" she queried. He drank her in. All the words he wanted to say died on his lips. His eyes caught hers and they stared at each other. Grace could see the dark heat in his eyes and was sure it was matched in hers. Lucas' resolve failed him. He closed the distance between them took her face in his hands and kissed her. He'd missed this. He'd missed the feel of her skin in his hands and her mouth on his. He growled as he pushed her against the wall behind her and pressed himself against her. Grace felt his desire for her and matched it with increasing heat pooling in her belly. She couldn't think around him so she just gave in kissing him back just as passionately. Lucas encouraged by her reaction slid his hands under her shirt to caress the hardened tips of her breasts. Grace moaned into his mouth as she too ran her hands over his chest. Their passion was flamed by a sense of urgency. Their hands and mouths were everywhere tyring to give each other as much pleasure as possible. Lucas managed to undo her jeans and push them to the floor where she stepped out of one leg. This allowed him to stroke her heated core as he kissed her. Grace writhed against the wall, whimpering against the pleasurable assault. Lucas couldn't take any more. He undid himself releasing his arousal. He wrapped her legs around his waist and lowered her onto his hardness. Grace threw her head back in a silent scream as he filled her. She'd forgotten how good this felt. Groaning, Lucas found a rhythm that had her crying out in building pleasure. All too soon he managed to send them both to their peak. He could feel her contract around him and thought there was no where on earth he would rather be. And with no one else. That power of that thought floored him. He withdrew from her and they quietly pulled themselves together. Lucas' emotions were in turmoil. He couldn't form a coherent thought. He was becoming frustrated with himself. He knew if he stayed he'd say something stupid so he walked out. Grace collapsed onto the couch. "Well that talk went well." She said angrily to the empty room. She was furious at herself for giving in to her body. It was clear that he just wanted some physical gratification. This thought hurt her. Grace was surprised at how upset she was that he didn't want anything more from her than sex. Unbidden tears rolled down her cheeks. The shock and surprise at her reaction caused her to cry harder. Her normally calm and collected demeanour had totally departed. In its place was a snivelling mess that needed to throw up again. This stomach bug didn't seem to want to go away. Grace decided to settle for a cup of ginger tea, an early night and not thinking about a tall, handsome, green-eyed someone. Evening Light Ch. 06 This is the conclusion to Grace and Lucas' story. I hope you like it. As always, your comments are always valuable. Enjoy :) * Lucas again avoided Grace as much as he could. He could tell she was mad at him for walking out but he needed to sort out his feelings. He owed her that much. His sister had called telling him that she was coming for a visit. He was thrilled, he missed her since she and her husband moved. They weren't that far but work and other commitments meant they didn't see each other as often as they'd liked. Also her son, Ben, was terrified of horses. He wondered how she was going to get him here since last time he'd had a panic attack. He was looking forward to seeing Ben and his niece Lucy. Grace continued to focus on work and the ranch not leaving a great deal of time for much else. She was a little frustrated with whatever flu bug she'd picked up. It didn't seem to want to leave. It wasn't too bad and she was trying to work through it. Lucas' sister and her family were coming for a visit. She was curious to meet his sister wondering what she'd be like. Lucas' sister, Kate, arrived with her husband Jackson and their children in tow. The children were beautiful. Ben, at six, was shy and reserved, whereas Lucy was a precocious four year old. Grace fell in love with the children immediately as they did with her. Kate seemed relieved that there was another woman around and although she was initially hesitant around her she slowly warmed up. "Wanna come feed the horses with me?" Grace asked the kids. Lucy jumped for joy but Ben's visage clouded and she caught the edge of panic. He politely declined but Grace knew there was more going on. After she took Lucy out for a while she came back to speak with Kate. "How long has Ben had this phobia of horses?" Grace asked. Kate seemed a little taken aback. "Well he just doesn't like them." She hedged. "Oh Kate, the boy is terrified. Don't sugar coat it." Jackson said exasperated. "Do you think you can help?" Lucas said quietly. Grace looked at him. She could see that he was worried about his nephew. His concern touched her and threatened to break down the wall she'd built around herself regarding him. "There's something I can try, there's no guarantee but it has worked well for many kids. It'll take some time to set up but I could try tomorrow if you like." She offered. Kate and Jackson were looking confused. Lucas explained about Grace's other job as a psychologist and she filled them in what she would be doing with Ben. They both whole heartedly agreed. It was very hard living in the country with a child afraid of horses. Grace spent the following morning with Ben going through a program of intensive systematic desensitization. Ben was responding wonderfully and he was now confident enough to stand near a horse. Within the next hour Grace had him on Kendra's Smile and was walking him slowly around the paddock. Where there was a shy, frightened little boy now was a confident little man. Kate and Jackson had made themselves scarce but now they came out to see what was going on. Kate dissolved into tears once she saw Ben on the horse. Jackson was nearly in tears himself. Lucas stood next to his sister staring at Grace. Grace couldn't meet his intense gaze so she concentrated on Ben. Eventually Ben came down off the horse and ran to his mother. His parents showered him with kisses and hugs and told him how proud they were of him. Being a typical child he wondered what all the fuss was about and went off to play. Grace spent a moment going over some follow up exercises for Ben with Kate and Jackson before returning the horse to the stables. She was red with embarrassment from their profound gratitude. She had avoided looking at Lucas. Grace jumped when she heard her name behind her. Her heart was beating fast as she turned to find him standing there. "Um, would you care to have dinner with us tonight?" he asked. "I don't think that's a good idea Lucas." She practically whispered. Lucas noticed that she called him by his first name and something in him purred. He didn't want to pressure her but his sister could be a force of nature when she wanted something. "I realize you and I haven't exactly ... Well, Kate is insisting you come to dinner. She wants to thank you for everything." He said. Grace considered refusing but she really didn't want to insult Kate and Jackson. "Ok I'll come." She said and went back to putting the saddle away. She didn't have the courage to look at him, afraid of how she might react. Lucas was beyond confused. Every fibre in his being wanted to reach out and touch her, hold her, kiss her senseless. Warring with his lust was an unprecedented tide of emotion. Her acceptance and invaluable assistance to his family. The way she charmed and played with the children. He couldn't breathe with the power of what he was feeling. "You were amazing with Ben." He whispered his voice choked with emotion. Before she could respond he'd left. Grace shook her head at trying to make sense of him or her reactions to him. Dinner was a lively affair with everyone exited about Ben's achievements. Miss Em had outdone herself with the food with Kate's help. Kate told some amusing anecdotes about her childhood with Lucas much to his embarrassment. Kate put the kids to bed and the adults were settling in to drinks in the living room. "I should go. You guys have a lot of catching up to do." Grace said excusing herself from intruding on family time. "Don't be silly, after what you've done for us I consider you family." Kate said and hugged her close. Grace was touched. It wasn't often she had this level of inclusion and feeling of family. Her emotions were all over the place and tears threatened to spill. Grace averted her face as she wiped at her eyes. She could feel Lucas' eyes on her and that made her uncomfortable. She wanted to cry and she definitely didn't want to do it in front of him. "Thank you, but I do have an early start and I can't shirk my chores." She said as she bid them all a hasty good night before leaving. "So baby brother, what's with you and Grace?" Kate asked. Lucas scowled at her. Sensing his wife's need to talk with her brother, Jackson excused himself to check on the kids. "So spill." Kate pressed. "There's nothing to talk about." Lucas mumbled. "You've got to be kidding me. The way you've been looking at her is not 'nothing'. So have you two ...?" Kate left it open. "It's complicated." He allowed. "Oh so you have, what, is there another guy?" Kate giggled. Lucas looked up angrily at the mention of Grace and another man. "Oh my God you've got it bad haven't you. You're in love with her. My baby brother is in love." Kate sighed. Hearing it out loud confirmed it for him. He'd never felt this way about anyone before. He put his head in his hands. "I've kinda made a mess of things sis." He confessed and told her about everything that had happened. He talked about why she came to Evening light in the first place, her run in with Tex and consequent illness, their night together, his attempts to talk to her. All of it came pouring out. He was grateful for his sister; she was so easy to talk to. Kate told him off for being an idiot but then tried to help him reason out his feelings. "You've got to talk to her Lucas, you have to tell her." She said for the fifth time. "Yeah and that went so well last time." He griped. "Well this time you need to actually talk." Kate laughed. "Go on, go. And I'll pretend to be shocked in the morning when you didn't come home." She teased. Lucas was nervous. What if she didn't feel the same way? He didn't think he could stand it. He hesitated at her door. Going to knock but pulling his hand away. He was acting like a lovesick teenager. Giving himself a mental shake he knocked on her door. Grace answered in her PJ's. She looked delectable but he tried to keep his thoughts focused. "We need to talk." He said. "I don't know. It didn't quite work out that well last time." She echoed his earlier concerns. "I know." He said and walked passed her and sat on the couch. Resigned, she closed the door and sat across from him. He realized that he was too nervous to sit so he stood and started pacing. "Are you Ok?" she asked worried about his behaviour. "Yes. No. I don't know." He forced out still pacing. "Can you stop moving for a minute and tell me what's wrong." She said. He stopped in his tracks and sat down again. "I don't know where to start." He admitted. "How about you start with why you walked out after .... last time ... you know." She stammered unable to get it out without blushing. Lucas looked at her with genuine regret. "I'm sorry about that. You remember when you told me that this scared you," he said indicating the two of them "yeah well it freaked me out too." He said, his voice low. "I've never met anyone like you, you make me crazy angry and crazy with want too. It was all too much. Then you go and help Ben like that. Help a family you don't even know. You are remarkable. I was watching you with the kids, you know, you're amazing. I started thinking what it would be like to see you with our kids. I remembered that we didn't use protection and you know what, that made me happy. Do you get it? Instead of being freaked out, it made me happy that you could be having my child." He said all in a rush. Grace was shocked. He was talking about things that she wouldn't even allow herself to admit she'd thought about. "We haven't worked out us and you're talking about kids?" she said incredulously. Lucas sat next to her and held her face in his hands forcing her to look at him. "Haven't you figured it out Grace, I'm crazy about you. I can't imagine my world without you. I want you in my life, my work and yes my bed. I love you." He said his voice thick with emotion. Grace searched his face for evidence of guile. This had to be a joke. He couldn't be making all her most secret hopes come true. "Are you sure?" she asked dazed. "It took me a long time to admit it to myself but yes I'm sure. I love you." He said again. Grace's heart leaped for joy. Grace kissed him. She kissed him like she she'd never kissed him before. She allowed all her fear and concern to fade and she kissed him with all the love she had. "Say it Grace." He panted. "Tell me." Grace looked into his eyes seeing the apprehension there "I love you Lucas. You infuriate me but yes I love you." She smiled. Happiness like nothing he'd ever felt surged through him. Standing he dragged her to her feet only to pick her up and whisk her to the bedroom depositing her on the bed. He followed her down pinning her underneath him. She giggled as he kissed her. "Tomorrow," he said between kisses. "tomorrow you start moving your things to the main house. You sleep in my bed from now on. And you don't have to do the stables anymore if you don't want to. My wife will not be a slave here." He continued to kiss her. "I like the work Lucas and ... hang on did you just say ..." she couldn't breathe. "Yes I did. You are mine and I'm not letting you go." He said firmly, staring at her. "Lucas it's nice to be asked, you don't just go around demanding things," she started angrily. "Please, Grace." He started kissing her again. "Please say you'll marry me so I can kiss you like this forever." He said against her lips. She was quiet for a heartbeat too long and he looked at her worried that she was going to say no. Grace was quietly freaking out. She'd barely admitted that she loved him and now he was proposing. She looked into his eyes and saw the fear and the love there. All her fears disappeared. There was no one else for her. "Yes Lucas. I'll marry you." She whispered. Lucas whooped for joy startling her. He then kissed her ravenously. They practically tore each other's clothes off in their haste but each touch and caress was designed to show the other the depth of their love. It was late when they collapsed sated and fell asleep in each other's arms. **** True to her word Kate pretended to be shocked when Lucas strolled in the next morning but smiled when she saw them holding hands. "Uncle Lucas, is Grace your girlfriend?" Ben asked. "Kinda buddy, does it bother you?" Lucas replied. Ben thought about it for a bit and said "Nope, she's kinda cool for a girl." Before leaving to go riding with Bradley. Once they'd recovered from their laughter Lucas turned to his sister and said "She's more than my girlfriend. She's agreed to be my wife." Kate stared at him then her face broke out into a huge grin. "Yesterday he was in dire straights and today he's getting married. You don't do things by halves baby brother. I'm so happy for you both." She exclaimed. Grace was relieved that Kate had accepted her so easily and hugs and congratulations were exchanged all round. "So when's the big day?" Kate asked. Grace looked at Lucas, they hadn't discussed this. "As soon as humanly possible." He said holding her tight to his side. "I'm glad I came then. We have a wedding to plan." Kate said taking charge. She immediately grabbed pen and paper and starting peppering Grace with questions about flowers, colour schemes and dress designs. Grace's head was spinning as she walked out to get some air. She wondered to the stables to say hello to Kendra's Smile. Being around the horses always relaxed her. That's where Lucas found her. "Not getting cold feet?" he asked as he brushed her lips with his. Grace felt the wave of desire well up and wondered if she would ever stop wanting this man. "No, its just all happening a little quickly that's all." She breathed. "I don't want you to feel rushed or forced into anything." He said concerned. "I don't." She assured him and he kissed her again. "If you keep doing that we won't get anything done." She admonished him breathless. "And who says there's anything else I'd rather do." He said his eyes dark with desire. Grace melted into his kiss feeling the flames of desire licking along her veins. They broke apart breathing heavily. Lucas grabbed her hand and dragged her along with him. "Where are we going?" Grace asked almost jogging to keep up. Lucas didn't talk he simply strode purposefully into the house, passed everyone, up the stairs, into his room. Once there he closed the door and captured her lips again in a blistering kiss. "Lucas, everyone is downstairs, they'll know ..." Grace breathed. "I don't care, I want you." He said determinedly. Grace gave in and allowed him to do whatever he wanted because she knew that she wanted him too. *** "Grace, you really need to see a doctor. The wedding is tomorrow." Kate admonished as Grace returned from the bathroom after having thrown up again. "I'm fine it's just a bug. All this running around for the wedding isn't helping either. Really who on earth plans a wedding in two weeks? Oh yeah, that would be me." Grace said collapsing on the couch next to Kate. Kate giggled but wasn't to be dissuaded. "Yes you and Lucas are certifiable. Me too for helping but I still think you need to see a doctor. When was your last period?" she asked innocently. The question took Grace by surprise. She hadn't really thought about it. The pressure of the incident that lead her to Evening Light, the episode with Tex and all that happened afterwards had put enormous strain on her body. Her period had become anything but regular, so missing one or two hadn't registered with her as unusual. She grabbed her diary and started going over the dates. It was definitely a possibility. She looked up at Kate not knowing what to say or do. "I'll call Doc Jenkins and drive you down there right now." Kate said heading to the phone. Grace just sat there. She wasn't sure how she felt about this new development. What would Lucas think? He'd implied that he would be happy but the idea of something isn't often the same as the reality. What if he didn't want her anymore? What if he didn't want their child? She was nearly in tears when Kate came back in the room. "There now. Why are you so upset? I thought you'd be happy." Kate asked, confused. "Lucas. What if he..." Grace choked out. Kate caught on to Grace's unspoken fears immediately. "Don't you worry about him. He'll be over the moon. He loves kids and family is the most important thing in his world. Come on now, let me drive you to the doctor and we can find out if we are right." Kate said. An hour later Grace walked out of the clinic with a look of shock on her face and a small ultrasound picture in her hands. Kate was almost skipping with joy. She started chanting "I'm going to be an aunty, I'm going to be an aunty." "Kate, please keep your voice down. I'd like to be the one to tell Lucas not the county grapevine." Grace said coming out of her shocked state. Kate agreed and they headed home. The following day saw Grace walking down the aisle in an outdoor ceremony at Evening Light ranch. Lucas throat closed with emotion as he watched her walk towards him. He never thought he would experience the depth of feeling he felt towards this woman. She literally took his breath away. They said the words that millions of others had in front of their closest friends and family. And then they kissed to lots of whooping and laughter as the kiss was a little much for polite company. Blushing, Grace turned to greet their guests. All in all it was a simple affair with some friends from work, all the ranch hands and their families and Lucas' sister and her family. Grace's parents didn't attend; they refused to cut short their holiday. A small part of Grace was upset but mostly she was relieved. They had always prioritized their own lives above her needs and in the last few years they had barely spoken. Grace felt that she'd found her own kind of family at the ranch. That was even more true now. Grace was standing on the porch watching twilight descend when she felt strong arms surround her from behind. She leaned in to his masculine strength and sighed. "How's my wife?" Lucas smirked. "Fine, husband." Grace said rolling her eyes. He'd been calling her 'wife' every opportunity he got. "Are you sure, you look a little pale are you feeling sick again?" he asked as he turned her round to look at her with concern. "Lucas, I need to tell you something." She began cautiously. "Oh my God, you are sick, and you didn't tell me." He growled. "It's not what you think Lucas." She soothed. "Remember when we first made love?" she asked blushing. "Yes." He gave her a heated smile and kissed her. "Lucas stop that. I can't think when you do that." She tried to push him away but he held her tight. "That's the point. Besides you're the one that brought up such pleasant memories." He said chuckling as he continued to kiss her earlobe and neck. "Mmmm, do you remember that we didn't use protection and you said you'd be happy if ....? Happy if...?" she couldn't continue he was driving her crazy with his tongue on her throat. Lucas however, in spite of his mounting desire managed to put two and two together and he stopped abruptly. "You mean you're ... we .... I'm going to be.... WOW a baby!" He whispered in utter shock. Grace was beside herself, he was silent for what felt like forever. "Please Lucas, say something. Tell me what you're thinking." She pleaded concerned that he'd be angry at her. Lucas was in heaven, a slow smile spread across his face until he positively beamed. "We're having a baby. I'm going to be a Dad." He said again. He took her in his arms and pressed her hard against him. "Have I told you how much I love you?" he breathed against her lips. "Only a couple of hundred times today." She smiled. "You're not mad?" she asked. Evening Light Ch. 06 "Mad? I'm the happiest person on the planet. I have the woman of my dreams and now my own family. It's everything I never knew I wanted." He said and kissed her. Grace's head swam with the heat of his kiss. They broke apart panting. Lucas looked at their guests and decided that they were well entertained. He picked Grace and carried her to their room. "Lucas, we have guests!" Grace exclaimed through her giggles. "I'm invoking by spousal rights. Besides they won't care if we're gone. Even if they notice I'm sure they'll understand." He said to her blushes. Grace scooted off the bed before he could catch her. She went to her draw and pulled out the ultrasound picture. Tentatively she handed it to him. Lucas' surprise when she left the bed turned into curiosity when she handed him something. It took a while for him to register what he was seeing but when he did his whole face lit up. Grace was staring at him intently and her heart soared when she saw the look on his face. "I'm so happy I think I might just actually burst." He growled before capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Despite the tiredness and nausea Grace still felt that familiar heat tear through her veins at his touch. Lord the man was dangerous. Lucas unzipped her simple dress and let it pool at her feet. He made quick work of her underwear before laying her down on the bed. She was perfect. He stood there staring at her, his eyes caressing each part of her body like an actual touch. The anticipation was killing Grace. She wanted him so badly. She squirmed trying to get closer to him but he deftly avoided her touch. "Please Lucas." She breathed. "Please what Grace? Tell me what you want." He said his voice low and husky with desire. "Please touch me. I need you." She begged. "Where Grace? Where do I touch you?" he said as he ran his fingers lightly between her breasts. "Here?" he asked as he circled the full mounds moving closer and closer to her sensitive nipples. "Or here?" he continued running his hands down her sides and along her hips and thighs. Grace was writhing on the bed as he tortured her with light touches everywhere but where she wanted his hands. Lucas chuckled at her impatience but he was enjoying building her up, making her crazy with desire. Finally he parted her legs and he gently touched her heated core. A soft almost imperceptible touch that had her lifting her hips of the bed seeking more. They both groaned as he slid a finger inside her discovering for himself the evidence of her mounting need. Lucas watched her as he pressed on her swollen nub. That was all it took for her to arch up off the bed as waves of please rolled over her body. Grace was panting trying to regain her breath. Lucas took the opportunity to remove his clothes before joining her on the bed. He gathered her in his arms as she lazily opened her eyes. "That was cruel, heavenly but cruel." She smiled at him. "No more than watching you all day and having to keep my hands off you." He smirked. Grace chuckled and kissed him. She rolled him onto his back as she let her tongue explore his mouth. She could feel his hardness between her now dripping folds as she slid herself along his length. Lucas groaned at the pressure she was providing. He gripped her hips wanting to be inside her. Grace refused to budge. It was time for a little payback. Grace continued to slide along him, grinding her hips occasionally. Unfortunately for her plan, moving this way was also rubbing against all of her pleasurable spots making her ache to have him inside her. Relinquishing her plan to make him suffer she lifted her hips and lowered herself on him causing them both to cry out in pleasure. "God yes Grace." Lucas said through clenched teeth. He gripped her hips and lifted her up only to lower her back down to both their enjoyment. Grace took the hint and with her hands on his chest she started moving against him in a steady rhythm. Lucas could feel her, every bit of her gripping him, heating him, loving him. It was incredible. He managed to capture one hardened nipple in his mouth and sucked hard causing her to cry out above him. Grace felt the pleasure shoot straight from her chest to where they were joined. It caused her to start moving faster and grind against him harder. Lucas was revelling in the sensations, hips bucking to meet her thrust for thrust. "Oh Lucas!" she cried out as he felt her walls contract around him signalling her release. That extra pressure was all he needed to trigger his own climax as he emptied himself inside her. Breathless Grace collapsed on top of him as he held her tight. Once they regained their breath, Lucas rolled them both to their side. Grace squirmed trying to find a comfortable position. Eventually she turned around so he was spooning her from behind. She rested her head on his arm and closed her eyes. "I love you. And I love our baby." Lucas whispered into her ear as he ran his hand protectively over her belly. Grace's heart swelled at his words. As she was drifting off to sleep she couldn't help but remember what he had said earlier. It truly was everything they never knew they wanted.