June 21, 1851

Laureana tended to a couple of ill and injured ranch workers. She, Etka, and other women helped as many of them as possible. Much had changed when Luke became the new landowner. It was difficult for everyone to get used to Luke, but he eventually became well-respected among the workers; he was stern but respectful and just.

The ill and injured workers were attended to and instructed to get a week of rest. Laureana washed her hands while humming a happy melody; Etka noticed. "You've been looking happy for the last couple of days, my child. Is it about Luke?"

"He wanted to take me somewhere tonight; he said it was a surprise."

Etkta noticed how the two got along and were getting closer than ever before. "Well, you need to freshen up. Go on; I and the others will finish the rest."

Laureana nodded as she walked to her room, washed her face, and fixed her hair. When finished, she went toward Luke's study. Once there, the door was slightly open. She took a peek and saw Luke writing on what looked like a journal; he looked grim. Laureana slightly knocked on the door; Luke immediately looked up and put the paper away. "Laureana, come in! You made it just in time!"

"Are you okay, Luke? You look stressed."

He laughed as he put away his journal. "I'm fine, don't worry. It's just that I would never have imagined how much work and responsibility it is to keep all these lands in check. I guess the stress is getting to me."

Laureana stepped forward. "I see; if something is troubling you, you can always come to me. I have some experience knowing how to deal with the lands."

Luke stood from his seat and walked toward his beloved. He held her hands and kissed them. "There is something I want to show you. The wagon is ready outside; go out while I get our food." The two went their separate ways. Laureana walked outside; it was turning night soon. The wagon and horses were ready as the materials were on the back. Laureana sat in the front. Moments later, Luke arrived with a basket of food and other materials. He sat beside Laureana, got the reins, and commanded the horses to move.

As they rode away from the ranch and the town, Laureana noticed their path looked familiar. "What is it that you wanted to show me?"

"I said that it was a surprise. No need to be impatient. You will soon see it."

Laureana couldn't help but feel anxious and excited but didn't want to show it. She put her head on top of his right shoulder. Luke smiled as he put his arm around her but still held the reins. They arrived at the river, and Luke lit a lamp. The horses were commanded to halt. "So the surprise is at the river?"

"Laureana, I want you to close your eyes."

"Why?"

"I told you, it is a surprise."

Laureana was curious but did as instructed. She was led deeper into the woods until the river was heard. They stopped. "Can I open my eyes now?"

"Yes, open them."

She opened her eyes and saw a small wooden cabin hidden within the trees but close to the river. "What is this?"

"I had help making this cabin. A memento when we first came to this place together; let's go inside." They walked to the cabin, where Luke opened the door and used the lamp to lighten the interior of the building. The fireplace was then lit to bring more light. The cabin's interior was small; there was a small square wooden table with two wooden chairs, and in front of the fireplace was a long and furry rug. "It's beautiful."

"You like it? It's not completed yet; I still need more furniture."

"Of course, what is not to like? A small cabin by the river! It is like a dream!"

Relief hit him; he smiled. "I'm glad you like it." Let's get everything ready." The two helped one another get the materials inside the cabin. It was decided that they were to spend the night in the cabin. It finally turned night when everything was settled; Luke cut the chicken into pieces while Laureana cut the vegetables and herbs. Once the ingredients were ready, Laureana volunteered to cook. While cooking, she noticed Luke sitting by the fire, watching her. The food was eventually prepared and served on plates and forks. 

The two ate, and Luke hummed in delight. "You cook very well. I thought you weren't allowed to cook since it's the servants' job."

"Etka taught me; I was tired of the restrictions given to me; I enjoy cooking. I'm happy that you like it." Silence reigned as they ate. "I'm sorry to pry, but you have been stressed lately. Keeping the land in check is not simple. I'm also curious why you haven't told me about your Father." Luke suddenly choked on a small piece of chicken. Laureana pounded on his back. "Is your Father alright?"

"He's been ill and may not have much time to live. That's all."

She felt that Luke was hiding something. "Did you tell your Father about me?"

Luke put his plate far from him and shook his head. "I don't want to talk about my Father; it's painful. Please." He then put his arm around her. 

"Alright, I won't say anything more about the topic. I also want to thank you for doing all of this. There was no need to."

His stress lessened, and he gave her a peck on the head. "I wanted to create a memento where you and I can go to and remind us that we will always be together."

"I never thought a man could speak so much romance."

The young man cleared his throat and put his hand in his pants pockets. Laureana noticed the nervous look on his face and put her plate of food down. "Alright, I know something is wrong with you; I want you to tell me what!"

The crackles of the fire echoed throughout the cabin. Luke took a deep breath. "I-I'm not good at these things, but..." On his hand, there were two golden rings. "W-Will you marry me, Laureana? I want to be with you for the rest of my life."

The golden rings were stared at. Laureana was too shocked to speak; tears formed. "Y-Yes! I will marry you!" She hugged him tightly, and he did the same. Once separated, Luke put the ring on her finger and one on his. "You and I will finally be one."

They looked at one another and kissed. Their lips intertwined, but Luke used his tongue to go inside her mouth; Laureana let him do so. They embraced while feeling each other's warmth. Laureana moved her hands from his arms to his neck and back. Luke lowered her to the floor and lay on her, not putting his entire weight on her.

They separated from the kiss; Luke left a trail of kisses from her cheeks to her neck. He put his right hand on the top part of her dress. "May I?" When approved, he unbuttoned the upper part of her dress. Laureana touched his face as he kissed her neck and chest. She then began to unbutton his vest. Luke noticed and let her. When the vest became undone, his shirt was then unbuttoned. Luke sat up carefully and removed his upper clothing, exposing his upper body. Laureana gulped and blushed as her hands were put on his chest, moving her hands and making her feel him. "Are you sure you want to go on? We can always stop if you want."

"Don't stop." They helped one another undress until they were nude. Laureana covered her breast while looking away; she never exposed herself to any man.

"Don't hide from me." He gently put her arms down as her breasts were exposed. Luke's lips trailed down to her neck and onto her breasts and suckled her nipples. Laureana moaned as she felt her womanhood becoming warm. His lips trailed down to her stomach and then to her womanhood. "L-Luke!"

He continued as he felt his penis become erect. Laureana was wet and knew that she was ready. He knelt before her and spread her legs. "I'm going to put myself inside you. It might hurt a bit, but I promise the pain will be brief. Do you trust me?" Laureana nodded. He positioned himself by her entrance. The tip of his penis slowly went inside her. She closed her eyes and felt her walls stretching as Luke's penis entered her. Pain overwhelmed her womanhood. "Ah! Ow!"

Luke kissed her and suckled her breast, trying to help lessen the pain. The pain eventually turned into pleasure. She moaned, and Luke then moved his hips. He groaned as he felt her walls squeezing into him. Laureana wrapped her legs around his waist. Luke's thrusts became erratic as Laureana said his name; their bodies were sweat-filled. Their moans and groans echoed within the cabin. 

Laureana orgasmed while Luke grunted as he released inside her; they breathed heavily. Luke took his length out of his beloved and lay beside her, holding her close to him. "Yo te amo (I love you)."

Luke stilled when he heard her say those words. "You said the words..." Laureana finally admitted that she loved him. They felt complete; they stayed together in the wooden cabin throughout the night.