The remainder of the spring was a whirlwind of activity. Crooked Creek had become a major construction zone. Luc had loved the idea of getting married there. He and Ryder had disappeared one afternoon supposedly to go look at stock. Sierra had known the truth and couldn’t keep it to herself. They had gone to Boise to find a ring.

Melody suggested that as everything was under control at Crooked Creek that she and Sierra head into Boise to look at dresses.

“I’m so glad you mentioned that. Remember the gal I told you about who made my mom’s dress into mine?”

“Yes,” said Melody, who had seen pictures of the beautiful gown. “I wanted to talk to her to see if we could work something out with her for our brides.”

“I think that’s a great idea. But I talked to her and she’s been thinking about doing an exclusive line of her own designs from scratch and said she’d love to start with yours.”

“That would be great! Should we call her and see if she’s available today?”

“Great minds think alike,” laughed Sierra. “We already have an appointment with her and I made a reservation at the resort for dinner.”

Melody laughed. “You are the bestest bestie ever!”

“Also while we’re there, we need to find you a good saddle of your own.”

“Leather and lace? Sounds like a great theme for my wedding.”

“Yeah, you and Luc can have all the leather you want. I try to avoid Ryder’s belt at all costs.”

“I know,” agreed Melody. “Wicked things, those belts.”

They grabbed their things and Melody texted Luc that they would meet them for dinner at the resort and that Sierra had already made the reservation. Ryder and Luc agreed to meet them there.

Once in Boise they made their way to several tack shops. At the last one and after Melody had sat in at least a dozen saddles, the saddle maker associated with the shop suggested she try an old Del Varney that he had. They were no longer made, but they were beautiful, well-made saddles. He said the tree was good but the rigging needed to be replaced and there were some other minor repairs, all of which he could do.

Melody sat in the saddle and smiled. “This is it.”

Sierra grinned. “I knew it by the way you sat down. Ryder has a Varney. He loves it.” She turned to the saddle maker. “Think we can find some vintage Garcia sterling silver conchos for it?”

He smiled. “I was just about to suggest that. I have a set of custom ones. They aren’t cheap, but they are stunning.” He pulled them out to reveal beautiful handmade conchos in a domed flower design. Not etched flowers on a background, but an actual flower with a center and petals.

“I don’t need anything that fancy,” said Melody.

“Oh, yes, you do,” said Sierra. “And can you get her a set of Nettles stirrups?”

“I sure can. And I’m assuming you want real sheep shearling, not the fake stuff.”

“You got it,” said Sierra before turning to Melody. “I’m sorry, I just kind of rolled right over the top of you.”

“You’re fine. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Sierra laughed. “You’ll learn. We’ll make a cowgirl out of you yet.”

After grabbing a quick lunch at The Fork, a local farm-to-table eatery, they headed to the woman who had created Sierra’s beautiful gown. She’d already drawn several sketches but wanted Melody to try on the various styles of gowns—fit and flare, trumpet, mermaid, ball gown, etc. Once they decided on the basic shape, the designer pulled out sketches she’d made in the various styles that she felt would fit the venue. When she showed Melody and Sierra the trumpet-style gown they said in unison, “Perfect!” before dissolving into laughter. The dress was strapless, flowing, and sheer. It barely dragged on the floor—just enough to give it a timeless elegance and casual flair. The designer showed them a swatch of pearl-colored silk and suggested no other adornments but small buttons all down the back—from where it was cut daringly low to the hem. The designer agreed they’d made an excellent choice and that she could have it ready in time for the wedding. They also tried on veils for the style and the designer assured Melody she’d make her the perfect veil to match.

“Well, I’d say we had a pretty damn productive day,” said Sierra.

“I know. And now we get to go meet two hunky cowboys for dinner and then split into separate trucks. I want to know about some of these places you and Ryder have used on the way home.”

Sierra laughed. “Oh, I’m sure he and Luc have talked that over and arranged not to be in the same place.”

When Sierra pulled into the spot next to Luc’s truck, both she and Melody started to giggle. It had been a long, but fun-filled day. Their weariness seemed to evaporate as they contemplated enjoying the evening ahead and the prospect of not only a delicious dinner but most likely a sensual romp on the way home.

Luc saw Melody come in and went to greet her as did Ryder to Sierra. Luc kissed her in the way he did that made everything else fade away. All Melody could feel was his lips pressed to hers and his tongue exploring her mouth as though for the first time.

“Is it possible to miss someone so much when you just saw her this morning?” he whispered in her ear.

Melody nuzzled his neck and nipped his ear as she replied, “I think so. My pussy has been very empty all day.”

Luc laughed. “Then I better take care of that before we get home.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” she said mischievously.

The two couples went into the new dining room that was totally encased in glass. The designer had taken his inspiration from the Crystal Room at the old Tavern on the Green in New York City. They had been given a prestige table by the glass walls that looked out onto the romantically lit golf course and glass ceiling that seemed to only enhance the starry, moonlit night.

“This is gorgeous,” said Melody.

Luc and Ryder asked them about their day. Sierra shared with them details regarding Melody’s new saddle. Both were impressed that she’d managed to score a Varney. They were both curious about the dress and neither woman was forthcoming.

“Sierra did this to me about her dress. She wouldn’t let me see it.”

“So he retaliated and made me spend the night before the wedding all by myself.”

Ryder laughed at her. “Let’s not tell them about you standing naked on the balcony of your old room where God and everyone could have seen you.”

“Careful, Luc, our room is on the ground floor,” teased Melody.

“What makes you think I am foolish enough to leave my naughty bride-to-be alone the night before our wedding?”

“Good, because as cool as I am at everyone else’s wedding, I’m going to be a nervous wreck at ours.”

“No, you won’t,” said Luc in a comforting manner. “I’ll make sure to ride you hard enough the night before that you’ll be too tired to misbehave.”

“I did not misbehave,” protested Sierra.

“Of course not,” said Ryder. “I only had to swat her once and threaten to make her wear a reminder to behave on the plane to France. Then she settled right down.”

“Speaking of which,” Sierra said to him. “You had a backup plan in case I threw a tantrum?”

Ryder pulled her to him and kissed her hard. “It’s not like you throwing a tantrum around our wedding was not without precedent.”

They all laughed. As dinner came to a close, Ryder and Luc ordered the resort’s take on Baked Alaska. After the traditional cake and ice cream covered by a meringue shell was created, the pastry chef would then create an intricate basket weave of meringue to set over that. The whole thing floated on a pillow of chocolate mousse.

As the waiter delivered their shared dessert, fireworks started going off overhead. Momentarily distracted, it took Melody a moment to notice the glittering emerald ring suspended from the basket weave of toasted meringue.

“Luc, it’s beautiful,” she said, her heart overflowing.

Luc took the back of a spoon and cracked the meringue so that he could get to her ring. It was a large emerald surrounded by channel set diamonds. Melody knew rings and this one must have set him back a pretty penny.

“You shouldn’t have spent that much,” she protested.

“I spent what I needed to spend.”

He took the ring, wiped it with the cloth napkin, and slipped it on her finger before kissing her. The room erupted into applause and the fireworks began to abate.

“Are you always going to have fireworks?” Sierra asked the waiter.

“No, but Mr. Girard made a special request this morning. I take it this mean she’s saying yes.”

“That would be correct,” said Ryder.

Melody kissed him again and looked down at her ring. “It’s just breathtaking.”

“I’m glad you like it. It should never leave your finger.”

Melody and Sierra looked at each other and burst into laughter.

“Well,” said Sierra, “at least he didn’t lead with that.”

Ryder look chagrinned as he was well aware to what Sierra was referring. Luc looked confused.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll explain it to you later,” Melody said, consoling him.

They finished dinner and then left the resort—Sierra and Ryder taking Sierra’s truck and Luc and Melody taking Luc’s.

Luc glanced over at Melody, who was smiling, but very quiet.

“That’s not a look I’ve seen before.”

“This? This is the look of a woman who is madly in love, just got her engagement ring, is marrying the man of her dreams, and is fairly sure she’s getting laid before she gets home.”

Luc laughed. “I knew there was something about that look that I liked.”

He tried pressing her for details about her dress. She refused to give them to him but did want his opinion on other details for their wedding including the food, the cake, and the music. Luc insisted he had no opinion and that all he cared about was seeing her walk down the aisle to take her vows and then hearing her say them. He did like the idea of a honeymoon in France, making use of Ryder and Sierra’s cottage as a base.

“I can be tolerant of you not having obey as part of your vows, but we both know that you will.”

“Or I won’t,” she teased, “and will suffer the consequences.”

“Ryder only threatened to make Sierra wear a reminder on the plane. Considering how it ramps up your libido I may very well choose to have you do it.”

“And if I don’t want to?” she taunted, knowing that he was right.

“Then I will need to put some sting in that pretty tail of yours until you remember that I’m the one who makes that decision.”

Melody leaned across and kissed his cheek as she fondled his rapidly hardening cock from the outside of his jeans.

Luc growled. “And you, miss, had best keep your hands to yourself unless you want me to remind you who leads and who follows in this marriage.”

Melody grinned as she sat back. “We’re not married yet.”

“Oh, but we are. It just isn’t official yet.”

The desire that had been swirling in her belly all evening dropped lower into her nether regions as Luc pulled off the two-lane highway and onto an old dirt road. He got out of the truck and opened a metal pole gate before driving through and heading to what appeared to be an old dairy barn.

“Luc, this is somebody’s place.”

He grinned. “Yes, a long-time friend of both Ryder’s and mine. The only one who’s been here in years is Sierra and Ryder and we have the owner’s permission.”

Luc parked the truck and walked around to open her door. Even though she often felt foolish doing so, Melody had accepted that Luc preferred that she wait until he opened the door of whatever vehicle they were in and helped her out.

He took her by the hand and led her into the barn. It was dark but smelled clean and fresh. Luc pulled out matches and proceeded to light candles that had been placed all around it. Melody grinned. Obviously, he had planned this.

On one side of the barn were the old mangers where dairy cattle would be fed while being milked. She noticed that it appeared that in one place the boards dividing two feeders had been removed. In addition to the candles, there was a fluffy, quilted blanket and a pillow on the floor.

Luc drew her further into the barn and closed the door, putting a large wooden post in two brackets, effectively barring the way out. Melody’s nipples hardened into almost painful beads as she felt her pussy produce even more of her silken essence. Luc walked past her and sat down on a bale of hay.

“Strip,” he said seductively.

The timbre of his voice had deepened as had his accent. Melody knew from past experience that he was as aroused as she and she idly wondered if they’d get home much before dawn.

“I thought this kind of fucking was done in a hurry only partially naked.”

“And have you done much fucking in barns, ma souris?”

“No, this would be my first.”

“Best then to do as you’re told. Strip.”

As Melody began to undress, she wondered if Luc knew how much power his voice had over her libido. Looking into his face as he leaned back against the barn wall, she rather suspected he did. The grin that was rapidly forming wasn’t that of the proverbial Cheshire cat, but more that of a feral predator watching his prey prepare itself for him.

She kicked her sandal off at him. He caught it easily.

“Careful, souris, there is no one to hear your caterwauling if I take this sandal and apply it to your backside.”

She saw his eyes flash with lust as she removed her other shoe and her jeans. As was her norm, she wore nothing underneath them. She hesitated after she had hung them over the feeder.

“The rest of it... now.”

Melody pulled her sweater over her head revealing the lilac lace bra she had worn, knowing it was one of his favorites. She couldn’t believe how exposed she felt. She knew him well enough to know that while never jealous, Luc, as most alpha males, was incredibly territorial and would ensure that no one could see or hear them. She realized that even knowing that, being made to strip somewhere outside of their home was having a definite effect on the state of her arousal.

“Do not keep me waiting, woman. I will count to three. If I do not have that bra in my hands when I am done, this little interlude will begin with you face down over my knee being reminded that you will do as you are told.”

He never got to three before the bra she had flung across the barn hit him in the face. He chuckled and crooked his finger. She crossed the barn to him—all at once very shy about what was to come and yet looking forward to it nonetheless.

Once she was within arm’s reach, he tugged her the rest of the way, latching onto one of her swollen nubs with considerable force. Melody wrapped her arms around his head, cradling it to her breast. She moaned as he licked, nipped, and sucked her nipple, allowing her to do nothing but succumb to his mastery over her already inflamed libido.

She made a noise of protest when his mouth left her pebbled tip before he latched on to the other with equal skill and vigor.

“Luc,” she sighed.

The sigh turned into a gasp as he brushed his finger past her clit and began to finger her. His thumb came to rest on top of and then to tease the pearl located between her legs as two of his digits began to stroke her in a way he knew would easily trigger an orgasmic response.

Melody’s hips started to push against his hand and her pussy began to tremble in the way it did before climaxing. She was almost ready to free-fall into the abyss when he stopped and stood up.

“No,” she wailed in frustration.

“Yes,” he said, stroking her backside. “Shall I spank you for your naughty behavior before or after I plow that pussy of yours?”

“I haven’t been naughty,” she protested.

“Haven’t you?” he purred. “Did you not refuse to tell me about your dress?”

“But...”

“Yes or no?”

“Yes, sir,” she said, beginning to comprehend that he was in the mood to spank her but understanding while there would still be some sting it would not be overly painful or long-lasting.

“Did I have to tell you more than once to get naked for me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you throw things at me—not once, but twice?”

“Well, technically I kicked one and threw the other,” she corrected.

“Did I not hear you wail your disapproval when I did not take you to completion?”

“Yes, sir, but that is not a spankable offense.”

“Is it not? Who is the one who makes the decision about when, how hard, and for what you get put over my knee?”

“You, sir.”

“Damn straight, me, sir.”

He reached up to pinch her still distended nipple. Melody could see that he enjoyed watching her body shiver in anticipation.

“Do you see where my friend Ryder has widened the space in the feeder?”

Melody nodded.

“Go lean into the feeder and put your beautiful derriere and your dripping pussy on display for me.”

She turned and crossed to the feeder, looking back over her shoulder as she stood in front of it.

“Now, souris,” he commanded softly.

Melody leaned over into the feeder, noting that a removable board wrapped with padding and covered in soft leather had been left there. She tried to suppress her smile. It occurred to her that this must be one of the places Sierra had been ravished by her husband in the same way Luc planned to ravish her.

Melody glanced over her shoulder as Luc approached. She watched with total attention as he unbuckled his belt and slowly began to unbutton his fly. She could see his cock was straining at the fly trying to free itself before he even had it opened. As he released the last button, his hard shaft revealed itself as it shed the confines of his jeans. It was all she could do not to lick her lips in happy anticipation. She thought him magnificent and glorious in his masculinity.

Luc closed the distance between them and mounted her from behind, sinking slowly into her until she gasped from his possession. He cradled her hips in his hands and began to thrust powerfully. Melody reveled in feeling his swollen staff fill her so completely. Her pussy compressed the outer ring of the head of his cock tightly as his shaft thrust in and out.

Her nipples were throbbing and ached for his touch. They had beaded into diamonds. Melody reached back to try to bring at least one of his hands forward to give them some relief or at least some attention. She wailed as instead he swatted her backside with his free hand before once again grasping her hip.

Luc never failed to keep her mindful that he was the dominant partner. He seemed to take both great pleasure and pride in being the one to make her body respond to his in such a profound and primal way. Melody could hear and feel him revel in her response as he felt her body gear up to come for him.

“That’s my good girl,” he crooned. “Come for me and show me you can be just as obedient as you can be naughty.”

Melody was quite sure that Luc knew that she was as susceptible to his words and tone of voice as she was to his physical abilities in bringing her pleasure to its peak and having it tumble over the edge.

He continued to pound her pussy steadily. Melody had barely caught her breath from her first climax before the next climax started to build. He was relentless in how he used her, groaning and grunting as he took from her everything she had and willingly gave to him. She gloried not only in her surrender but in knowing that she sated his physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Melody was glad that he had her trapped against the manger as her knees buckled. She felt her body preparing not only to orgasm, but to offer him whatever he needed and wanted as he pumped his cum into her core.

Her nipples were now painful and as he had denied her his touch, she reached to ease her own ache. She felt his hand release her hip, land another hard strike on her rump, and trap both of her hands behind her back as he ramped up for his own release. Her pussy spasmed around him in climax a last time as he began to pump his cum into her, groaning with ecstasy.

He began to uncouple from her. Her protest was cut short by a sharp slap to her bottom.

“Now that I have seen to your pleasure, it is time I dealt with your wayward behavior over this past week and specifically this evening.”

Melody, who had been leaning into the feeder, went to stand but her torso was pushed back down as another sharp swat connected to her backside.

“No, Luc...”

“Yes, Melody,” he said as he began to spank her behind. “You are due for a maintenance spanking anyway. It may as well be here and now.”

Melody had learned over the months they were together that there was a vast difference in spankings that were delivered for discipline versus erotic versus maintenance. Curiously it was the maintenance spankings she disliked the most. The erotic ones were fun and designed to increase her arousal. Punishment spankings while the most painful allowed them to resolve a disagreement between them, Luc to express his displeasure with her behavior and Melody to release the guilt she always felt when she had disappointed or angered him. Maintenance was just because he felt she needed to be spanked on a very regular basis to help keep her mindful of her place and his steadfast love and concern for her.

She had hoped earlier in the evening that she would be receiving an erotic spanking, but the rapidly increasing heat and discomfort she was feeling combined with his previous statement dashed that hope.

As Luc continued to hold her in place and spank her, she began to dance. He had told her previously that when she began to dance or struggle he knew he had gone past the erotic stage and was giving her what he felt she needed. Melody couldn’t really argue with him and in fact had to agree. Her relationship with Luc was the most full of feeling and yet the easiest she had ever experienced. She was deliriously happy and when she’d said as much to Luc he had agreed he felt the same.

Melody’s backside was now ouch-y and heated, but not nearly as painful or warm as when he finished a discipline session with her. He rubbed her bottom lovingly.

“Since you were a good girl about getting your maintenance spanking this time, we’ll call it finished, n’est pas?”

Melody relaxed. Luc almost always finished maintenance or punishment with at least one hard swat to each of her sit spots and upper thighs.

“Yes, sir.”

“You lean back into the feeder and stay put. As I can see your pretty bottom, we will substitute that for standing in the corner.”

He ran his hand down the crack of her ass and briefly fingered her little rosebud that easily accepted his digit. Melody’s body had become very accepting of his anal attentions especially after a spanking or in conjunction with having her pussy fucked. His hand continued down where he inserted two fingers into her cunt and stroked her several times, making her dance in a different way.

“Bien,” he said seductively. “I will see to that in a bit.”