The disgusting little crusties were still in the corners of Jeanine's misty emerald eyes as she perched on the edge of the town sheriff's desk, giving a colossal and rather dramatic yawn. "It should be illegal to wake up this early," she whined, although it left her throat as more of a weary and jumbled sigh. In reality, it was just past noon and the sun was high in the sky, but as a night owl by habit and on account of her profession, she was not used to rising before most were eating their lunch. Granted, these were strange hours she kept, but singing at the saloon the past few years had accustomed her to them and she was reluctant to disrupt her sleep pattern. But unfortunately, not everyone was able to keep such a disjointed schedule.

After finishing her performance the previous night, she'd been too lazy to wander all the way back to her sister and brother-in-law's house, so she'd simply crashed Nathan's solo party in his office, where he had a small cot. It took some persuasion for him to let her stay - since his proposal, he had been adamant about celibacy up until their wedding day - but she'd managed to convince him that she had no ulterior motives other than sleeping and snuggling. She was proud to say that she'd managed to keep her hands to herself, even when they'd been so intimately curled up together on that tiny excuse for a bed. However, when they moved into their new home and had a real bed of their own, she would make no such guarantees.

Now with it bordering on afternoon, Nathan was obligated as sheriff to at least show his face beyond his office, despite Jeanine's efforts to tangle him in her long limbs and keep him from leaving the cot. After a momentary struggle, she'd been tickled into submission and was now watching him get dressed, making a half-hearted attempt herself to look presentable. She didn't have to be at the saloon until much later in the evening and until then, she was content with ruffled auburn tresses and the same short black dress she'd donned the previous night. Singing a soft tune under her breath as she sat on his desk, swinging her legs, Jeanine was finger-combing through her silky hair when she arbitrarily proclaimed, "Let's go shopping." The look he shot her was less than favorable, so she continued, "For the house, I mean. Unless you plan on putting that cot in our bedroom." She flashed a cheeky smile, standing up and sauntering over to him. After snatching his stetson and plopping it upon her own head, she took his hand and dragged him out the door, no longer complaining about lack of sleep.

It wasn't long before they'd entered the mercantile, hand-in-hand, and Jeanine forced herself not to gravitate toward the clothing or jewelry. "I don't want any creepy animal heads mounted on our walls," she said, glancing at him sidelong with glimmering green orbs. He wasn't as much of a hunter as some of the other men in town, but she wanted to clear up any discrepancies about that issue right away. She did not want some dead buck watching every move she made in their home. Continuing to wander through the cluttered aisleways, Jeanine suddenly gasped and released his hand to bound over to something that had caught her eye. "Oh, Nathan, look - it's perfect!" A impish expression on her features, and launched herself at a bed that was pink, flowery, and just about everything he disliked. After falling onto it face first, she turned herself over and sprawled out on the mattress, posing rather provocatively. "Pink has always gone well with my complexion," she intoned seductively, struggling to keep a straight face as one of the store's employees - a young boy - was gawking at her from over in the corner.

Upon first waking up Nathan had near forgotten all of which that had transpired the night before, but his sudden loss of memory had soon found it's way back when he tried to roll over. At first it proved to be a difficult task, what with another warm body pressed up against his own, leaving no extra room for him to stretch or move at all really. So Nathan decided to make do and instead threw his arm around his fiancée. Finally growing comfortable once more, while wrapped securely around Jeanine, Nathan near fell back to sleep and he would have also . . . if someone would have kept her hands to herself. Her sudden touch had startled him enough to become fully awakened and as he leaned over to scold her Nathan came to realize that Jeanine was still tucked safely away in her dream world. Well somebody was all touchy-feely in her sleep! This he actually already knew and if it hadn't been for the way she was softly breathing Nathan would have thought that she was trying to be her usual self, a tease.

After chuckling lightly to himself Nathan looked up and came to realize the time. It was late.. well at least for him. Other than when Nathan had been sick in the past he couldn't remember a time he had slept in past noon. Deciding that he had been in bed quite enough Nathan gently began to rouse Jeanine, not wanting to waste anymore daylight. It was amazing that none of the other working lawmen had walked in or any of the townsfolk with their many complaints. Surely someone was bound to burst in through the front door at any moment now. Now of course Jeanine protested as she was accustomed to sleeping in until the sun was nearly setting behind the distant mountains, but Nathan was not going to be having her sleep away the rest of this day. He had to toughen up and not give into her pleas. So quickly, before she could do much else, he attacked her in a tickling frenzy. This he knew would wake her up.

Soon the two of them were up and moving around, getting ready for what was left of the day. It was while Nathan was finishing buttoning up his shirt that Jeanine suggested they go shopping. At first he hesitated in giving an answer, not ever having been a shopping kind of guy, but when she added 'for the house' he felt more relaxed about the idea. Either way Nathan would have gone with Jeanine, whether shopping for materialistic items or not, just this he much rather preferred if he had to go. The house which would soon become theirs was rather empty anyways and in desperate need of furniture. Nathan was free for the rest of the day unless something dire came up so it worked out just fine. Then there was the issue with the cot. He cringed as she mentioned it. The day they were to be married Nathan would be burning the blasted thing.

The mercantile wasn't very far at all and once they arrived Jeanine made sure to put down at least one stipulation. No mounted animal heads. That wouldn't be a problem since Nathan really wasn't a big hunter. Sure he went out and would come home with a deer or if he got lucky an elk, but it was always intended for preserving and making into meals, not for display. Nathan had a few restrictions of his own that he figured he might as well bring up since Jeanine had done so. "It's a deal, but only if--" Before he could finish something had caught Jeanine's attention. Nathan came to a halt after taking a few steps in her direction and the expression on his face was one of horror. A floral pink bed. She was only joking, right?

Clearing his throat Nathan closed in the empty space between him and the atrocious piece of furniture. "I, uh.." How was he to break the news to Jeanine that there would be no way he would allow that mass of a thing in their home. "Ain't no way." That had been simple enough. "I don't care if ya wanna put up pink curtains with flowers all over it, well.. actually I'd rather ya didn't, but I could deal with it. A pink bed though?" Even with Jeanine sprawled out on the bed Nathan still had no desire to even join her as the pink color was rather overpowering. "What 'bout this one?" There was another bed that was covered in a deep red bedding set. Nathan went to inspect this other bed by sitting on the edge and lightly bouncing up and down to test it's resilience. "It's comfortable... C'mere." Nathan motioned for her to come and join him just before laying down on the left side of the bed. "I think I'll claim this side as mine."

Just the absolute and total dread of Nathan's facial expression as he laid eyes upon the pink floral bed was enough to crack her resolve, and she burst out laughing, tossing her auburn head back onto the piglet-colored pillow. She couldn't lie, she just loved to tease and torment him in any manner she could manage, but it was part of the fun of their relationship. She couldn't imagine being with someone she couldn't joke around with, and though the sheriff might've seemed a bit reserved or stoic to outsiders, he was a good sport and usually found some way to get back at her. He was clever, she'd give him that, but normally she tried to stay one step ahead. After all, even if the man was the head of the family, the woman was the neck and she maneuvered him as she so pleased. She was sure both Nathan's mother, Jillian, and many other married women she knew would attest to that.

After he'd regained the power of speech, her fiancé simply and surely put down her choice of bedroom furniture. Jeanine didn't bother pulling a pout or anything of that sort, it wasn't as if she'd expected any different of a reply and was devastated or anything of that nature. She simply grinned and raised a hand, wiggling her fingers at him a playfully mocking manner. "Ooh, look at the big bad sheriff, laying down the law. How about you come over here and say that to my face, hmm?" She sat up, arching a challenging brow and sticking her tongue out in defiance. But he ignored her childish gesture, instead continuing on his crusade against the pink flowery route. "I'm really not so into the girly look, I just like pushing your buttons. In fact I'd prefer a more gothic theme. Perhaps we could turn our home into a vampire den and purchase a nice comfy coffin to sleep in?" She quipped lightly, and was about to look around for the store owner to see if they had anything of that variety.

But before she could do so and cause any more trouble, Nathan redirected her attention toward another bed, this one a deep shade of red. She surveyed him sitting on the edge, bouncing like a little kid, and couldn't help but crack a smile. Her curiosity was piqued as he claimed it to be comfortable, and she hopped off the mattress she was currently occupying to glide toward the other one as he beckoned her over. Once near enough to it, she jumped onto it on all fours like a playful feline, bouncing on it herself a few times to test its give. "I don't know. Could it handle our...reindeer games?" Jeanine smirked like a teenager who had just made a less than subtle sexual reference, which she had. It was what her father had always used to call romping between the sheets when she was younger. She narrowed her eyes playfully as Nathan sprawled out toward the left of the bed and speculated aloud that he might assert the area as his own. Sitting back on her haunches, the saloon singer pretended to be affronted as she raised both hands, palms out, and argued, "Whoa now, just hold on a minute. What if I wanted that side? Did you ever think of that?" She raised both brows in silent questioning.

Dropping back down on all fours, the young musician advanced toward him like a stealthy predator, a lioness on the prowl. "Don't mark your territory just yet, love." Putting one knee and one elbow on either side of his body, hovering over him but not touching, Jeanine's auburn waves cascaded over her shoulder and stirred the air with the scent of lavender and jade as she leaned forward and purred, "There's only one way to find out if this bed is...right for us." She ghosted her soft lips against the sensitive skin just behind his ear, before it occurred to her that not only were they supposed to be abstaining from such activities, they were also still technically in public, even if they were in a relatively secluded and deserted area of the mercantile. Heaving a dissatisfied sigh, she flopped over face first onto the other side of the mattress and groaned. "Let's just get married tomorrow. Then we can play house all day and night." She lifted her head and flashed a cheeky grin, obviously not referring to the innocent games that young children partake in. "And honestly, as long as you're next to me, I'd sleep on a barrel of hay." Jeanine smiled, leaning over to give him a quick and affectionate kiss on the lips, before reaching up with lightning speed and tugging his stetson down over his face. She wasn't one to sustain a mushy moment for long.

Wait! How did they just go from floral pink decor to a dark and eerie theme? Nathan really wasn't too keen on either one of them, but if Jeanine was now playing it serious he'd rather pick the latter, minus the vampire and creepy coffin of course. He raised a questioning eyebrow towards her as she bounded over and Nathan couldn't quite help but chuckle lightly as she too took a turn investigating the bed, soon after questioning it's stability to stand up to their intimate affairs - or reindeer games as she had just called it. "I'm sure it'll do just fine." Besides, they'd probably be spending half or most of their 'quality time' together in other rooms of the house. They most definitely would not be limiting themselves only to that of the bedroom. There were also easy quick fixes for a worn in bed, just as easily as replacing it.

After having claimed his rightful side of the bed, for whichever one they were to purchase, Nathan showed no surprise as Jeanine challenged him on it. "Oh?" Pushing himself up onto his elbows as she crawled her way over, Nathan tipped up the brim of his hat while looking to her with an impish steadfast smirk. "I just figured ya would want me to be the closest t'the door. Ya know.. in case someone were t'come in unwelcomed. That way I could protect ya!" With the size and layout of the room Nathan already had an idea to where their bed would be placed, unless Jeanine disagreed, and the left side of the bed would just so happen to be the closest.

As she drew closer, how hovering over his gallant frame, Nathan laid his head back upon the bed while his hands found their usual resting place upon her hips. For the moment he had forgotten all about being in the mercantile as Jeanine tormented him with not just her words alone, but simplicit actions that drove him crazy everytime she pursued him like so. Had he been thinking straight Nathan wouldn't have let his mind wander as his resolve to hold out was slowly diminishing with every moment they spent together. Jeanine had been the one to pull back before Nathan did, however, and he too objected while mumbling to himself. Why again had he come up with such a ridiculous notion to put a halt on the physical aspect of their relationship until they were married? For the moment Nathan couldn't quite remember. Although, getting married tomorrow didn't sound like that bad of a plan. In fact it sounded quite wonderful. Nathan didn't voice an opinion on changing up their plans to wed in the Fall. Jeanine wouldn't be able to get the wedding she wanted if they up and got married tomorrow. The last thing he wanted was for there to be any regrets.

Nathan's mind was soon back on the correct set track after having received and returned an affectionate kiss from Jeanine. "Well ya know.. a barrel of hay would be much cheaper," he voiced aloud as he reached up to straight his stetson after having her mess with it. Nathan was a penny pincher. What man who had been raised out here in the west wouldn't be? Growing up the LaHaye family had not been rich or even well off by any means. They had made it through by making most of their furniture and clothes themselves, as well as their toys and when Jane and Nathan had been younger their toys, along with whatever else the family needed. Therefore it was just something he was fine with doing. Although, now that Jeanine and Nathan were soon to be joined together in the unbreakable bond of marriage he was making sure to already put her needs and wants ahead of his own. Without a doubt he that she would happy with whatever he could provide, but he yearned to give her so much more. She deserved a grand castle with all the fancy and flouncy trimmings that came along with one, and if Nathan could make it all possible he would. Whatever Jeanine's heart truly desired would be hers. "Ya don't have t'limit yerself t'just these here beds. I'm sure there's a catelog 'round here somewhere." Reaching out Nathan grabbed a hold of Jeanine's left hand, the one with her engagement ring, and pressed a kiss upon the palm with a smirk. Surprisingly though he playfully bit her pinky finger, hard enough to leave a tingling sensation behind, before jumping off the bed and darting towards the other side of the store.

ooc: posting it quickly since our internet is real bad right now with the storm. Didn't get to proof so sorry if anything sounds wacky. Will be on later hopefully!

Their little back and forth routine, the banter and the teasing and the poking fun at one another, it was all part of the dynamic of their relationship and Jeanine loved every moment of it. Although Nathan was certainly the more quiet and reserved of the two, that wasn't to say that he couldn't come up with a sly come-back and clever jab of his own, she could remember being bested on more than one occasion and quite shocked as a result. He may have seemed predictable and safe on the outside, but she knew for a fact that he could pull a fast one on her without a second's notice. She loved this playful and childlike facet of their bond, to her it was a waste of time to try and build a life with someone you couldn't ever be friends with in the first place. Sure, their relationship had moved pretty fast even if they'd been together two years before their engagement - sharing a heated first kiss and meeting Nathan's mom all on the day they'd met - but she could safely say that he was her close companion in every sense of the term.

The tall brunette arched a thoughtful brow as her fiancé posed a cheeky yet valid point in that he'd most likely be better off closest to the door in case someone really were to enter their bedroom with sinister intentions. However, far be it that she actually surrender and agree, that would be simply preposterous. Instead, Jeanine scoffed playfully and waved a dismissive hand, as if the idea of such a thing occurring or her needing protection in said hypothetical scenario was utterly ridiculous. "Don't be silly, I'd just knock 'em out. Who needs real guns when you've got these?" She then raised her arms and flexed, though her biceps were just as non-existent as the last time she'd attempted to appear strong and powerful in front of him. The young musician was no weakling, but all her strength was in her long, toned legs, and her arms were just as slender and dainty as the rest of her. Nathan was no body builder, but he certainly wasn't scrawny either, he was leanly muscled and defined and she looked like a porcelain doll in comparison to him. But still, she wasn't just going to roll over and let him have all the macho glory.

After the two young lovers had managed to reign in their desire for one another, at least until they were in a more appropriate place, Jeanine shook her head and gave an amused roll of the eyes at his comment about the barrel of hay. Of course he would respond that way, she should have been anticipating something of that sort. "You're just such a cowboy," she remarked with a teasing yet affectionate grin, a light laugh leaving her lips as her emerald orbs roved over his features fondly. God, she just loved to look at him. Was that creepy? Those depthless baby blue eyes, that strong and handsome jawline, the stubble she so loved to feel against her skin, and his lips... It wasn't until he spoke once again that she was awakened from her reverie, and realized just how much she'd become distracted, openly staring at him.

A faint rosy blush colored her cheeks as she regained her composure, and she felt a soft smile touch her lips as his own gently grazed her palm, his trademark move and one she found to be so endearing, so sweet, and of course very attractive. He'd be hard-pressed to do just about anything that she didn't find alluring. Though before she even had the chance to reply to his remark about the bed catalogue, a breathy gasp fell from her lips at the sensation of Nathan's teeth baring down on her pinky and his tongue subsequently grazing the skin, sending a jolt of both shock and delight shooting up her spine. It didn't really hurt, it left a more tingling feeling in its wake, though she sat there on the bed slackjawed for a moment before realizing that she best chase after him. Why was that so sexy? Jeanine found herself pondering as she leapt off the mattress and set off in pursuit of her man, thought it wasn't a trick question by any means. She was so on edge on the sexual frustration front that just about anything he did was apt to make her want to pounce on him. Which is exactly what she did upon catching up with him, launching herself at his back and clinging like some sort of horny koala, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist from behind. "Oh, you're good," she purred throatily, pressing her full mouth up against his ear. "But I'm better." Jeanine gently nipped at the lobe of his ear, before soothing over the sensitive area with her tongue and sucking lightly, then blowing a soft current of air on the moistened skin. She then moved her lips to press against the back of his neck, murmuring against his skin with a smirk, "If you want to play, Nathan, I'll have you know that I bite twice as hard." After planting a playful raspberry on the side of his neck, she lifted her head to survey their surroundings.

Her mischievous, seductive mood took a different turn as she laid eyes upon all the cribs and rockers, baby quilts and stuffed animals before them, a glimmer illuminating her jade eyes. In her excitement Jeanine gave him an unintentional squeeze, still clinging onto him from behind. "Oh, look! It's so adorable!" Sliding down from his back, the auburn-haired songstress scampered over to pick up a little pink stuffed piglet, holding it up alongside her cheek and rubbing its soft fur against her skin. Striding back over to stand before Nathan, she placed one hand on his chest while the other still held up the plushy toy, inquiring in an innocent yet impish tone, "Wouldn't you like to make a sweet little baby to hold this?" Jeanine gazed up at him beneath long dark lashes, her emerald orbs shimmering with equal sincerity and puckishness. She closed the gap between them and wrapped her free arm around his neck, grinning as she made the piglet give him a kiss on the cheek. "Hmm? Wouldn't I be twice as gorgeous with a big pregnant belly?" She reached for his hand and pressed it against the flat, taut surface of her stomach, her thumb stroking along his skin as she raised a brow and smiled beguilingly, knowing that Annie would be more than pleased with her questions.

Unintentionally Nathan had darted off towards the corner of the mercantile which, in the past, he always did his best to avoid. He was too distracted in the moment, however, to realize where he had taken refuge as he kept his eyes on Jeanine in case she decided to follow him. Nathan knew she would and that's why he had ran away. He had a game plan set in his mind. When she was to make her way over he planned on overpowering her and then tickling her into submission. What she was admitting defeat to? Nathan had not a clue, but hearing her squeal and cry out and beg him to stop was something he rather enjoyed as it wasn't often that she was the one giving into him. It was almost always the opposite, although not through tickling frenzies of course. As childish as it may seem Nathan rather enjoyed their little games. Ever since he had thought himself to be a man, at the ripe young age of fourteen, Nathan had steered away from what he considered to be immature schemes. He did nothing but work hard, fish and play ball after that. Now though, with Jeanine in his life, Nathan was slowly starting to loosen up and that little boy that use to love hiding away in the barn from his father in a game of hide and seek was starting to resurface.

With a come hither sort of glare and smirk directed off towards Jeanine, Nathan readied himself as he planned on moving to yet another corner. A last minute change to his thought out strategy. But as he readied himself in stance something behind him fell off the shelf. Not obtaining the time to think about the consequences of taking his eyes off his assailant, if even only for second, Nathan turned himself around and bent down to pick up whatever it had been. He had failed to gather the item up as Jeanine hurdled herself at him and quickly attached herself. Nathan shot fully upright, for a second appearing startled, but then soon reached across his middle and tried his best to peel her off. He should have known better than to even try as she was the master at clinging to, well.. him. Her fun-loving words which had been spoken and like such brought him to a standstill as he relished at the work of her seasoned mouth. Nathan succeeded to keep himself from shivering as she blew against his skin, but in lifting a hand he tried to swat her away as if she were a buzzing pesky mosquito. She had challenged him then and Nathan almost wished to accept, but the here and now wasn't exactly the most appropriate.

Jeanine's attention got caught up into something else and as she exclaimed aloud Nathan tried to focus on what it had been. Cribs, blankets, already sewn extra small outfits, stuffed toys and so much more. Baby items. It was everywhere! If you asked Nathan it was a waste of wall and floor space. Was all this really necessary for a baby? All of a sudden Nathan began to feel warm as the room seemed to creep in on him. He didn't even realize when Jeanine detached herself from his backside. He just stood there frozen in place, only his eyes moved back and forth at the mess of frills and soft plush items. When Jeanine presented up a stuffed pink piglet and made it give him a kiss Nathan jerked back to to the now. Her spoken words had confused him at first, he had to go back and rethink as to what it was she had said. Though before he was able to make sense of them his body grew hot again, but much of it was due to the closeness that the engaged couple shared after Jeanine had closed in the gap. Still stiff as a board, Nathan allowed Jeanine to direct his hand to her stomach. Before she said anything Nathan's eyes opened wide in alarm as he saw some sort of sparkle reflect within her emerald orbs. Oh god! Was she..? No. It wasn't possible! It had already been a few months since they had last been together, but then again she could possibly be months along. When did a woman start showing? He knew hardly next to nothing about pregnant woman and he wasn't so sure he was ready to either.

Nathan wasn't able to breath a sigh of relief as Jeanine spoke up once more as he wasn't quite sure how to take her words. Was she speaking hypothetically? Or perhaps she was asking because it was now a certainty. Turning his head sideways just a bit he looked down at her with caution. "Of course!" Pregnant women were touchy, right? So Nathan went on to say what he figured Jeanine would want to hear just in case. "Why.. why do you ask?"

The look on the sheriff's face was that of someone who had either just seen a ghost, been paralyzed, or witnessed something so traumatizing that they could no longer function. His apprehension and fear when it came to infants was no mystery to Jeanine, and although she felt for him and his irrational terror, she couldn't help but also be marginally amused by it. In stark contrast to his other family members - Jane being the sunday school teacher and his mother constantly pining for grandbabies - Nathan cringed at the mention of children, and appeared to be scared into speechlessness at the sight of all the baby gear. He really would need to get more comfortable with kids if they were going to start a family, if he was going to be a daddy, the father of her children. She knew that he would be amazing at it if he just lost all that hesitation, all that unneeded alarm and distress. He was an incredible man, the best she'd ever known, his heart was gold and so would be his parenting. She was more than positive of it, all she had to do was make him believe it too.

But they had plenty of time to tackle that hurdle, she herself was very well-acquainted with children of all ages and would help ease him into it. The responsibility was undoubtedly overwhelming at times, but more rewarding than anything at the end. However, judging from the expression on his face he clearly did not share this viewpoint, his features did not relax nor did the horror dissipate. He was stiff and tense as a wooden plank up against her, something highly unusual. The amusement on her youthful features fading and yielding unto mild concern, Jeanine's light brows furrowed a bit as she tossed the stuffed piglet into a nearby crib and then wrapped her other arm around his neck, emerald eyes roving over his features curiously. She arched a brow at his overly enthusiastic agreement to her statement about being twice as gorgeous with a baby bump, but it suddenly hit her with the uncertain and frightened tone of his following statement. She nearly blanched herself, her eyes growing wide. Oh god...he thinks I'm - oh god! At first she was stunned into silence, not having even considered that he might mistake her words as fishing to anticipate his reaction to a huge blow-out secret, but then a big grin broke out on her features and she couldn't help but laugh. If she was really mean and wanted to get him good, she'd pretend she really was knocked up, but alas, she wouldn't be that cruel and put him through such emotional turmoil. Besides, if she pulled a stunt like that, she'd have to face his retaliation and that did not appeal to her.

Cradling his cheek in her warm, smooth palm as she surveyed him with amused and affectionate eyes, the tall brunette tenderly brushed the pad of her thumb along his cheekbone as she began in a fondly exasperated tone, "Oh Nathan." She shook her head lightly, a smile still lingering on her lips. "Breathe, babe. There's nothing in here but the couple sips of coffee I drank from your cup this morning." Jeanine placed her free hand atop his on her stomach, which still lingered there due to the fact he'd been frozen in fear. She waited until he had a moment to process her words, until the pure panic faded from his face, before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "We'll only take that step when you feel ready. I promise." She added sincerely, kissing him once again. She then pulled back and looked into his eyes, continuing casually, "And besides...I'm aware that you're practically clueless when it comes to children, love, but you know as well as I do that it takes two and I've been flying solo lately." The seductive singer lifted her hand from her own stomach and placed it on his chest, rubbing gently, before sliding it downward while her nails lightly grazed his skin. She leaned forward and gave a sultry sigh against his ear, "Quite literally, but your name is still on my lips at the end of the flight," as her hand sank all the lower and she even hooked her thumb into his belt buckle, giving his pants a playful, impish tug before pulling back and revolving on her heel, sauntering away with swinging hips as if nothing had happened. That would leave a distinct image burned into his brain.

Tossing Nathan a smug, triumphant smirk over her shoulder, Jeanine hummed a light and airy tune beneath her breath as she glided between the cribs, weaving in and out before stopping and leaning up against one, running a hand through her loose auburn tresses. Absentmindedly she reached over and picked up one of the the vibrantly colored quilts, redirecting her gaze toward the sheriff and waving around the bright blanket like some sort of flag. "What do you think? This would look nice on the that red bed you liked over there. We could call it 'the babymaker.'" She fought for a moment to keep a straight face, but it was a struggle in vain as a wide grin broke onto her features. Straightening up, Jeanine put down the quilt and then walked back over to him, a light chuckle reverberating in the depths of her throat as she once again wrapped her arms around him and then peppered playful kisses along his jawline as she murmured, "I'm sorry, I'll stop teasing." The auburn haired songstress clung to him as she had before, only this time in the front, and with one leg haphazardly hooking around his which caused them to teeter on the spot. Giggling, Jeanine looked up into his eyes, her own lit up with joy and playfulness. "I love you. Marry me." She grinned, still smothering him with kisses and laughing against his skin.

Time seemed to have slowed down to a standstill as the unknown hung heavily in the air. Was Jeanine really pregnant? The thought was absolutely frightening for Nathan and, at least for now, he prayed it wasn't so. Sure, one day he wished to have children. At least one boy to carry on the LaHaye name, but first thing first Nathan wanted to make Jeanine his wife. Even after their wedding he thought they'd like a bit of time together before welcoming a baby into their home and everything that came with one. Even her subtle laughter did nothing to settle his question, even though he had not exactly came right out and asked her. By the look on his face he didn't need to either as Jeanine had already figured out what was on his mind. The touch of her hand upon his cheek did something to help him relax. He looked down at her soon after and the smallest bit of a smile twitched into the corner of his lips. Even if it turned out she was baring his child he'd still have her and the rest would just come naturally, at least he hoped. If not Jeanine had enough experience and his ma would be more than pleased to help them out. Jane too.

Nathan was almost, although not quite, at ease about the thought of becoming a dad. He let out a breath, heavy and drawn out as he'd been holding it in nearly the whole time without realizing. What Jeanine said next was what he'd been hoping to hear. His entire being finally relaxed as the possibility was finally lifted from his shoulders before he returned the simple kiss she had graced him with. He still said not a word, however, as she went on saying they'd only take that step when he was ready. Another good thing to hear as they were in it together. Nathan chuckled even as she continued to speak and brought up the fact that it takes two, but of course this he knew. Pregnancy was just something he knew absolutely nothing about other than how to initiate it.

The mood between them went back to that as before when they first had arrived. Although Jeanine's quickly took a turn as she went into her usual bout of teasing him, smoothing her hands across the expanse of his chest and even raking her fingers downward which she knew would drive him insane. He was about to grab a hold of her wrists and put an end to this tantalizing torment, but she advanced him even further, whispering words that unfolded a salacious picture within his mind. Although he did his best to control himself Nathan still gave a slight shiver. Jeanine was torturing him and there was no doubt that she knew this as she walked away appearing rather innocent. Rubbing both of his hands along his face, Nathan took a moment to collect himself. Two more months, he had to keep reminding himself of that. Their wedding date wasn't all too far off, but to poor Nathan it seemed like an eternity.

He continued to stand in place, but kept his hazy gaze firmly upon Jeanine as she walked to and fro. It appeared as if she were still looking through the baby items. Well, now that Nathan knew there would be a bit of time before they spoke of having babies again he didn't mind the notion. But then she lifted up a blanket and declared that it could be their 'babymaking' blanket. At that, Nathan scoffed lightly and gave a quick roll of the eyes. After Jeanine declared that her teasing antics were then over and done with Nathan slipped his arms around her small frame and relished in the sensation of her grazing his jawline with multiple kisses. "Ya know, we won't need that there blanket when the time comes." Pushing himself back Nathan looked to her with raised eyebrows and a grin before lowering himself and kissing the bridge of Jeanine's nose. "I love ya too." In reply to Jeanine's 'marry me' Nathan laughed out loud whole heartily. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Off in the opposite corner an older man, who did not seem to be phased by Nathan and Jeanine's display of affection, walked right up to the couple with a wide toothy grin. "Mah corngrats t'yo' two!" The stranger reached out a hand, grabbed up Nathan's and gave it a great big hefty shake. He then reached out for Jeanine and patted her own delicate hand. "Oh, no.. I.. we're.. uh.. We're already.. She didn't just uh.." Nathan began sputtering out words, not quite finishing any of the sentences which he had begun. "Mah corngrats t'yo' all th' same mah fella." It seemed as if this old man was up to something. "Yo' know.. yo' two seem like a couple who'd like t'own a houn'dog. Yo' got enny lan'?" "A ranch just outside of town, yessir." "Excellent!" The man slapped Nathan hard upon the shoulder and dragged him off towards the door looking out to the street while pointing a dirty finger. "See out thar in thet wagon? I've got a whole baxet of pups thet mah houn'dog Shella jest gave birth to. Ah's lookin' t'give them fine homes. Figger y'all might be interested?" Nathan looked over his shoulder at Jeanine and raised both eyebrows in question. He wasn't all too interested, but if Jeanine wanted a puppy and if the price was right then why not?

It wasn't as if Jeanine was really aiming to torture the poor sheriff with her taunting words and teasing antics, it was simply ingrained in her personality to be playful and flirtatious, borderline seductive at all times. He'd never really seemed to mind it before - granted, when they'd first met he had certainly been shocked by the way she seemed to unabashedly flaunt herself, but after two years of knowing and loving one another he was undoubtedly used to her behavior by now. And all those matters aside, normally her so-called provocations weren't a problem because he could silence her with a heated kiss or...well, something else. But it had been his idea to abstain from anu activities of the sort until they were husband and wife, so she didn't feel much remorse in unleashing the full power of her sultriness and feminine wiles upon him. She'd felt his silent tremor and sensed his resolve about a single stalk away from shattering altogether, so she'd backed down just for the moment, because the very public mercantile was not a place to be trading all their pent-up frustrations.

Now content in the comforting cocoon of his arms, the tall brunette coiled her arms around his middle and snuggled all the more closer to his warm and strong chest, a long and happy sigh leaving her full pink mouth. Upturning her gaze to meet his, Jeanine smirked slightly at her future husband's accurate assessment that they likely wouldn't need the help of blanket to make magic happen in the bed that would consummate their marriage. "Mmm, I suspect you're right," she murmured in response, a touch of throatiness to her tone. A soft giggle escaped her own lips as his brushed the tip of her nose, a light and ticklish touch. Her bright emerald orbs softened as he returned her earlier sentiment, those sacred three words that they had taken so long to say to one another, but the wait had surely been worth it. It wasn't something to be throwing around to just anyone, and because they both treasured it so dearly, she never doubted the sincerity of the statement when it came from him. Other men had tried to woo her into bed with such honeyed words and a facade of deep, passionate feelings, but there was none of that fake beguilement in their relationship.

The sound of his laughter brought a smile to her lips, and she gave an animated little wiggle at his response to her 'proposal.' Truthfully, Jeanine was quite grateful that she had not been the one to have to extend the offer of marriage, she was most certainly not the prim or proper type but she really did not fancy the idea of having to get down on one knee herself. She'd made all the other big first moves, it was his turn to grow a pair and take the initiative, so luckily he had. But before she could respond at all to his words, a boisterous older gentleman appeared and began spouting off congratulations while pumping Nathan's hand like he was trying to churn butter out of it. The young musician was shocked only briefly before amusement clouded her charismatic features, and she tilted her head in acknowledgment of his condolences, blinking with a slight smirk as her dainty piano-playing hand received a light pat, as if it would shatter like glass at anything more firm. She gently bit her lower lip to keep from laughing as her fiancé spluttered and stuttered, evidently trying to express that she had not actually just proposed to him, knowing that she could chip in and help him out but much too entertained by his efforts to do so. The old man, who she strongly suspected was going to try to sell them something, cut him off and continued on anyhow. He mentioned something about a...dog? his slur was a bit difficult for her to understand...and then proceeded to question the sheriff about their living arrangements.

Once Nathan had answered the man's inquiry, a masculine slap on the shoulder was exchanged and the singer was once again slightly shocked as her soon-to-be husband was suddenly being dragged away from her toward the door of the mercantile. Without hesitation she followed them, brushing her cascading auburn waves over one shoulder and squinting slightly as she endeavored to understand the old man through his garbled grammar. Her emerald orbs immediately widened and illuminated with excitement as he mentioned a basket of pups in his wagon, and she speedily caught up to them at that, resting her hands on Nathan's shoulders and nodding enthusiastically at the sly salesman. She was probably playing right into his hand, a woman going all gooey at the sight of cute little dogs, but she couldn't help herself. Meeting her fiancé's gaze for a moment, she gave an enthusiastic yet sheepish smile as she said, "Oh, let's just look. What's the harm in that?" She loosely held onto Nathan's hand while following the man to his wagon, intrigued by this unexpected but welcome surprise. It had been a long while since she'd had the chance to play with a puppy, most of the dogs in town were older as they were used for hunting or herding, not many folk had the time or patience to care for something so small and troublesome.

Of course, as soon as the leggy songstress laid eyes on the little hounds, she gasped and all but melted at the sight of the tiny furballs yelping and yapping and scrambling for attention. They nearly tumbled over one another as she leaned over the basket, their big brown eyes begging to be held and cuddled and loved. "How adorable! May I...?" Jeanine reached out toward the small bundles of joy, then thought better of it and turned to the older man with a questioning look, and he replied with an enthusiastic nod and wave of his hand. Without any further hesitation, she put a hand in the basket and was immediately mauled by eager puppy paws and mouthes, grinning like a child before picking up one of the particularly vocal little pups who had quite nearly clung to her arm the moment she'd extended it. The tiny thing wriggled and squealed with excitement as she repositioned it in her arms and cradled it against her chest, a delighted smile illuminating her features at the feeling of a small, warm weight against her and soft fur brushing her skin. "Hi baby," she cooed to the little tan and white fuzzball, who squeaked and wormed its way up Jeanine's chest until it could press its tiny, cold and wet pink nose to her cheek before it immediately began licking her in earnest. "Ooh, you wanna give me some kissies? Well, you're just sweeter than sugar, huh? Yes you are..." Her voice was bright and dripping with honey, the same way one would talk to a giggling toddler, and it appeared to have the same effect on the puppy because it was now attempting to climb onto her shoulder and licking her like its life depended upon it. "Thet one thar's a girl, runt o'the litter." The old man piped up, to which she replied conversationally, "I thought she seemed smaller than the rest. You're just a wee little lover, hmm baby?" She laughed gleefully as the tiny pup squealed louder than ever, now thoroughly amused with using her oversized paws to bat at Jeanine's hair, nibbling on it like a chew toy with harmless little teeth. Turning to face Nathan, she moved closer to him until the puppy was gently sandwiched between their chests. "Look, Nathan, isn't she sweet?" Her dancing green eyes were brighter than ever as she used her free hand to grasp his and pull it towards the puppy, who was distracted from her enthralling new discovery of hair by the looming hand, latching onto his finger with little paws and suckling, nibbling at the tip with an equally tiny mouth. Jeanine giggled at the sight, cooing to the blissful bundle of fur her against her chest, "Say 'hello' to mister sheriff, he may look real tough and scary but he's a softy, a big cuddly and lovable teddy bear, just like you." Gently tickling the pup's tummy with her index finger, she glanced up at Nathan and smiled innocently, knowing that he likely wouldn't be too fond of her words to describe him.