Once everyone was introduced to the children in the settlement, the group began to walk to the tavern. The sun was starting to set and the sky was orange and red, painting the mountainsides in soft hues of yellow and purple. Shane watched as everyone walked through the streets, laughing and talking. He smiled softly, watching how they interacted with one another. He wondered if finding a wife and getting a family would be what he needed. He looked over at Ryan, who was trying to wash Stanley with a bar of soap and a hose. Ryan had the dog's fur lathered up, running the wet rag along his neck, under his front legs and up over his tail, which wagged happily despite its current condition. Then he rinsed it and tried to dry Stanley off with a ragged towel.
"Okay, Stanley! Now, you're going inside so you can stay clean!" Ryan said, closing the door. Shane smiled at the boy, wondering what would become of him if they had to leave him here when they continued their journey to Jackson.
"Hey, Ryan; you know that I'm going to go with Zach, Colby, Ashley, and the baby, right?"
Ryan didn't say anything; he looked like he was going to cry but didn't want to. Shane knelt and put his hands on Ryan's shoulders. Ryan glanced up at him before looking away, sniffling.
"Don't worry. Everything will be alright,"
Ryan wiped his eyes with his sleeve before looking back up.
"Do you want to come to Jackson with me?" Shane asked softly.
Ryan looked Shane right in the eyes, his face brightening in a huge smile.
"Really?!" he shouted, jumping up and down. He threw his arms around Shane in a tight hug, nearly knocking him over.
Shane returned the hug, wrapping his arms around Ryan and squeezing him tight.
"Can Stanley come, too?" Ryan asked softly.
Shane couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure thing buddy. Stanley can come too."
*****
Ashley and Colby snuggled in bed together that night, Jenny sleeping nearby in a crib. They lay in silence, listening to her soft breathing and the steady beating of her heart. They turned to look at her, smiling lovingly at the sight of their daughter.
"I love her. So fucking much," Ashley whispered in awe
Colby nodded his head in agreement. "Me too. I love you, Ashley. I want to be your husband and a father to Jenny. I wanted us to have a home, and maybe even have some kids of our own. But... we don't have to wait, do we?"
Ashley kissed him passionately. "I'm pretty sure we never have to wait. You've made me happier than I ever imagined and... I want you. Always."
Colby grinned, holding her close. He slid his hand under her shirt, his palm against her naked back. Ashley moaned softly as she felt his fingertips glide lightly over her skin.

"Colby...I want you.... right now..." she breathed.
He leaned forward, pressing his mouth onto hers and deepening the kiss, sliding his tongue between her lips. She kissed him hungrily. He moved his hands beneath her T-shirt before pulling it off. He tossed it onto the ground carelessly, allowing his fingers to trail slowly down her smooth abdomen, following every curve of her body.
Her fingers tangled themselves in his hair. It felt as if he were a fire burning through her body. As soon as his fingers brushed her nipple, she arched her back, moaning loudly.  Her moans only spurred his lust even more. In response, he pulled her close letting her lift his shirt off and push it up to reveal his lean muscular torso covered with a scattering of scars. Ashley ran her hand over the muscles beneath her fingertips while kissing and licking every inch of his chest and stomach. Soon, he tugged her underwear free, stroking her cleft with feather-light touches. He teased her, making her gasp in pleasure.
"Colby...this is my first time..." she gasped, her breath heavy.
"We'll take our time, baby," he said. He kissed her forehead. "Just relax and trust me, okay?" he whispered in her ear.
His words sent shivers down her spine. Her mind went blank. All she could see and hear were his warm lips on her skin, his strong arms holding her tightly, and his gentle fingers massaging her center with a loving touch.
"Hold onto me...." He whispered. Her arms wrapped around him. She was shaking slightly. "You're safe." He reassured, as he pressed himself deep inside her and began a slow rhythmic movement. He held her tightly.
"Colby..." she groaned his name, arching herself to meet his movements. "Oh God..." She closed her eyes, enjoying the blissful sensation.

She was so tight, so ready. She clenched her body around him as he thrust in and out of her at one slow pace, making the pleasure almost impossible to describe. It hurt but not in a way that she expected. It was pleasurable...she was filled with such pure joy, a warmth spreading through her whole body. It was amazing.
It was the most incredible experience she had ever had.
The orgasm began to fade and she opened her eyes slowly, noticing his dark brown eyes watching her closely.

He cupped her face gently, caressing her cheek tenderly with his thumb. His expression was soft, adoring, and full of love.
"That was amazing," he whispered reverently. She smiled happily. He kissed her nose, then pressed his lips to hers, slowly trailing kisses down her jaw until he stopped at her throat. He got out of bed and got a wet washcloth from the bathroom and returned to the bedroom. Ashley blushed shyly as Colby wiped her body clean and gave her a small grin. He placed a gentle kiss against her lips, then climbed back into bed and spooned her from behind. He held her close, his arms wrapping around her tightly. He let her go briefly to pull the blankets over them both. Their bodies pressed against each other warmly. Ashley sighed deeply, enjoying the feeling of being enclosed by Colby's embrace.