Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined such a thing.

William Etty ~ Daydreams They had left the town behind, heading north and within half an hour were in a low washout, off the road where no one could see them. It was a magnificent evening, cool and clear. The sun would soon be down, the sky turning a wondrous purple and red.

Margaret had prepared well in advance and this tickled Francis to no end. The idea that she’d planned it made it that much more meaningful. He quickly forgot about the elk Rosario was preparing for dinner.

“Francis, I’ve got a basket and some wine, Pa’s wine. It’s good. Get makings for a fire.”

He complied and when he returned she was waiting, the wine opened, blankets spread out on the desert floor the foodstuffs laid, ready for them to share an evening meal. Mags lay waiting as well, naked and vulnerable, she trembled though it was not particularly cold. She smiled as he stood, jaw agape. For the first time since she’d known him, Francis did not smile. For the first time in his life, it seemed, he was speechless.  Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined such a thing.

“Mags!” He pulled himself together.. She was stunning with her long raven-colored hair, eyes the blue of corn flowers in sunlight, and skin lily white, she brought to mind a fairy princess lying there on the rugged desert floor.

“I’ll be go to hell.”

She undressed him and kissed him more passionately than he’d ever known; every touch and caress jolting like an electric shock coursing through his body. Mags still trembled, but not as badly as before. She knew now, knew that it was all right and Francis’s responses, caresses, attention, gave her more confidence. This would be the first and best time for them both, transcending any other emotion or experience either had yet known in their young lives.

“Marry me, Mags. Marry me.” Allingham; Canyon Diablo