Read [Churchminster #3] Wild Things for Free Online

Chipping Norton, the young Cirencester riding instructor with legs up to her armpits and of course a brief liaison with Stacey at the Jolly Boot. Camilla tried to not think about that one too much. Besides, as she told herself, Jed was one of the best looking men in the Cotswolds. It was hardly surprising women were going to be interested. But no one had tamed him, no matter how hard they’d tried, until he’d confessed to Camilla – on one of their rambling walks in the early days – that he’d been in love with her for years. It was a rare show of emotion, and after that their union had come together wonderfully. They were both nature-lovers, both practical-minded and hands-on. Camilla was a natural homemaker and loved making a nest for her and Jed. Despite his physical and mental strength, she felt protective towards him; he’d been so alone most of his life, although she reminded herself that that didn’t always equate to loneliness. Still, Jed was a challenging one to figure out. Her grandmother often referred to him as the ‘Bantry enigma’.
    ‘This is nice, isn’t it?’ Camilla said eventually, as they wandered through a field of tall wild grass.
    Jed put his arm round her and kissed the top of her head. ‘Everything’s perfect when I’m with you.’
    ‘Smooth talker,’ smiled Camilla. She nestled into him. ‘Can you imagine us with a tangle-haired brood of kids? It’s the most perfect place for children to grow up.’
    ‘Is that a hint?’ Jed asked, smiling.
    Camilla blushed. They’d talked about kids before, but never in depth. Jed didn’t discuss his feelings much, preferring to show his love through physical contact inside the bedroom. In the early days, Camilla had worried that his lack of communication might mean he was going off her, or that she’d upset him about something, but she’d learned over time to trust him. If she were truly honest, it would be reassuring to have a bit of feedback now and again. But, as Camilla had reminded herself, no one was perfect, and Jed pretty much ticked every other box. ‘No. You know, it would just be nice …’ she trailed off. At thirty-two, Camilla’s maternal urges were getting stronger and stronger. She couldn’t imagine a person who would give her more beautiful babies.
    Jed squinted off into the distance, apparently looking at something. ‘Maybe we should try it. You could come off the Pill.’
    Camilla stopped and looked at him. ‘Really?’
    His eyes flashed cheekily. ‘We’ve got to take notice of that biological clock of yours, Cam. Now I’ve got this promotion at the Hall, I’m bringing in more money.’
    Their finances had been a bit of a sore point between them before. Inspired by their travels, Camilla was working part-time in a travel agency in Cheltenham, but her family were rich enough to have bought her the cottage outright and provided an allowance that enabled her to live life comfortably. She knew Jed didn’t like the feeling of being ‘kept’, even though she didn’t think of it like that at all.
    They grinned at each other goofily.
    ‘So does this mean it’s official?’ Camilla asked. ‘We’re really going to start trying?’
    He touched her face. ‘It doesn’t have to be a big announcement. Come off the Pill and see what happens.’
    Given Jed’s sex drive, Camilla didn’t think it would be long before she would fall pregnant. An indescribably happy feeling surged through her and she flung her arms round him. ‘Oh, Jed!’
    He held her tight. ‘I don’t know what your grandmother would say about having children out of wedlock, though.’
    Given his family background, perhaps it was inevitable that he didn’t have much belief in the sanctity of the marriage vows. Even though she would have loved a big white wedding, Camilla had reconciled herself to doing without it. She had Jed, and that was enough.
    ‘She’ll get over it. Granny Clem’s a lot more open-minded than you think.’ As they embraced,