Predestined Hearts

by Kelly Elliott

  “What type of wood is this?” I asked in almost a whisper.

  Danny walked to me and wrapped his arms around me as he placed his lips to my ear. “Pecan would be my guess.”

  The white lace fabric draped across the top of the bed added just the right amount of romance to such a strong sturdy bed. Closing my eyes, I pictured Danny making love to me in it. Moving his lips down my neck, I let out a soft moan.

  “Sophia, darling, I can’t wait another moment. I must have your lips to mine.”

  Turning me quickly, Danny pressed his lips to mine as he pulled my body in closer to his. I could feel his hard cock pressed against my stomach and my desire blossomed.

  A few short minutes later, I was laid across the giant bed as Danny softly began to cover my body in kisses. I squirmed under his touch. The need to have him fill my body grew deeper and deeper with each kiss, each touch of his fingers against my skin pulling out one soft moan after another. Knowing this would be the last time he would worship my body like this for a least four months, had me fighting to hold back my tears.

  Danny moved his lips to my stomach. “I’m going to miss you, sweet baby. Please be a good girl for Mommy while Daddy is gone.”

  A girl. He wants a girl.

  Shutting my eyes tightly, a small whimper escaped my betraying lips.

  Danny’s kisses moved up to my nipple where he gave each one equal attention. My back arched at the feel of his teeth gently biting down and pulling. Finally, his mouth reached mine. Brushing his lips back and forth across mine, Danny whispered, “I’m going to make love you to now my sweet, Sophia.”

  The moment he entered my body, my tears fell. I tightened my legs around him and drew him in closer. Our bodies’, moving together, was one of the most magical things I had ever experienced. “Please don’t leave me …” I whispered against his neck.

  Pulling his head back, I watched as a tear slowly moved down his beautiful face. Reaching up, I wiped it away before Danny pressed his lips to mine. We kissed liked we had never kissed before. My heart was feeling two different emotions, heartbreak and love.

  “I’ll never leave you my sweet, Sophia. Never.”

  His movements were slow and I could feel my build-up beginning as my body was overcome yet again with my love for Danny. I began to move along with him, our rhythms perfectly matched as he moved faster. I needed more. I’d always need more. Tightening my legs around him, Danny’s thrusts went deeper, each time hitting the spot that drove my body into an orgasm. I could feel his cock growing bigger and my body shuddered in excitement.

  “Danny … I’m so close.”

  “Sophia, lose yourself with me. Now, Sophia. Now!”

  His words were my undoing as I called out his name. Danny grunted as I felt his release and was taken to heaven. By the time I came back to my senses, my body was spent as if Danny’s cock had been buried inside me for hours.

  Gazing upon me with love in his eyes, Danny spoke. “I don’t want to pull out of your body. Your warmth is where I belong.”

  Smiling, I pushed my fingers through his unruly hair and smiled. “It is where you belong. Forever and always for you own my body.”

  “What of your heart?”

  I pulled him closer to me. “You’ve owned my heart since the moment I placed my eyes upon you.”

  “SOPHIA? DARLING, THE ship has gone from sight.”

  Closing my eyes tightly, I slowly shook my head. “I cannot leave, Irene. Please tell me I am dreaming and I did not just say good-bye to my husband for the next few months.”

  Danny’s mother wrapped her arms around me. She was the mother I had always dreamed of having. “Oh, Sophia.” She whispered as she kissed the back of my head. “We will stay so busy, the time will just fly by. I promise.”

  Turning, I faced her. I was sure I looked a mess. Irene gave me the sweetest smile as she reached up and wiped my tear soaked face. “Shall we head home for some tea?”

  Nodding my head, I followed Danny’s parents. I heard someone call out my name. Looking toward the voice, I saw Devlin. Attempting to smile, I gave him a slight bow of my head as he began to move my way. “Mr. and Mrs. Stowe. How are you this evening?”

  Danny’s father smiled and shook Devlin’s hand. “Mr. Covington, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

  Devlin chuckled. “Please, call me Devlin.”

  Irene nodded her head and smiled politely. Devlin began walking alongside me as Danny’s parents continued to walk ahead of me. Devlin and Chester talked business for a few minutes before Devlin turned his attention to me. “I never did get a chance to congratulate you on your marriage, Sophia.”

  Smiling, I dipped my head and said, “Thank you.”

  The smile that spread across his face caused me to smile bigger. “I’m glad you are happy. I see your love for Daniel in your eyes, Sophia. I pray someday to have someone look upon me as you look upon Daniel.”

  Irene and Chester both turned slightly and looked at Devlin before casting their eyes back ahead. “I love him very much. Daniel and I are to have a child.”

  Not looking the least bit surprised, he smiled again. “Now, that is cause to have a party.”

  My smile faded. “I am afraid I will not be in the party mood until my husband returns from England.”

  “England? Daniel left for England?” Devlin asked.

  Looking away, I gazed out toward the water as Chester filled Devlin on everything that was happening to their family business back in London. He told Devlin he thought Danny would be back within four months if not sooner.

  Four months. Four long lonely months without my Danny.

  “It’s been over two months with no news, Chester. I’m beginning to worry.”

  I stood outside Chester’s study. It was rude to eavesdrop, but I knew Irene and Chester were speaking of Danny. No one wanted to say anything in front of me for fear of the baby. My pregnancy thus far had been a hard one. I was always sick and could hardly keep any food down. I could see the worry in Irene’s eyes.

  Knocking slightly on the door, I pushed it open when Chester’s voice called out. “Enter, Sophia sweetheart.”

  Smiling, I entered the room and made my way over to the sofa as I placed my hand on the small bump that was our baby. Sitting and folded my hands in my lap. “If you are speaking about Daniel, I’d like to be present. Being his wife and the mother of his child, it’s only fair I’m kept informed of things.”

  Giving me a smile that reminded me of Danny, his father nodded his head. “You are right, my darling. We worry about you and the child.”

  Irene sat down next to me and placed her hand over my mind. “Sophia, we should have heard from Daniel or his uncle by now. It’s just worrisome, that is all.”

  Nodding my head, I gave her a weak smile. “Indeed it is, I’m sure it’s just a delay in the post. Danny will probably bring his own letter back to me.”

  Irene’s smile faded as she quickly looked at Chester and back to me as she said, “You are probably right, my dear.”

  My eyes filled with tears. “He promised me, Irene. He promised me he would come back to me. He promised.”

  Sensing my despair, Irene quickly stood. “Fresh air is what we need. Shall we go for a walk, Sophia?”

  Standing, I nodded my head. “I suspect you are right.”

  It wasn’t long after, Irene and I were walking along the streets of Savannah and the cool wind was blowing in my face. I took in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. I hadn’t wanted to voice the uneasiness I felt in my heart. I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong with Danny. Pushing my fears away, I glanced up and took in my beloved city. The earthquake that struck at the end of August was evident in many locations. Irene and Chester’s house had suffered very little damage, a few things had fallen and broken, but that was the extent of it. My parents’ home saw slightly more damage, but nothing like what others in Charleston had suffered. My hand went to my stomach, as I felt sick just thinking of the d
evastation. Turning to look forward, I saw Devlin walking toward us. Stopping, I nodded my head and smiled as he approached.

  “Sophia, your face is covered in the most breathtaking glow. Pregnancy wears well on you.”

  I felt my face blush as Irene’s mouth gaped open. It was not lost upon me that Devlin still had feelings for me. Once upon a time, I had had feelings for him, until Danny came into my life. Danny was now the only one who would ever own my heart, body, and soul.

  Danny.

  “Mr. Covington,” Irene started to say when Devlin turned and raised an eyebrow. Chuckling, she corrected herself. “Devlin, I hear you are throwing a party for your sister. What fun it is rumored to be.”

  The pride that spread across Devlin’s face caused me to smile as well. He was proud of his sister and his facial expression showed it.

  “Yes! She is betrothed to a rather fine gentleman. They are to be wed, then move back to New York City right after the wedding.”

  “New York City?” I asked.

  Devlin smiled. “Yes. My mother has her knickers in a twist over it all.”

  Irene covered her mouth and giggled as I attempted to hold my laughter back. I wondered if Devlin knew his father and my mother had once engaged in an affair. For all I knew, they still were. Devlin turned and caught me staring at him. Clearing my throat, I said, “A party sounds lovely to celebrate such an occasion. I’m sure your sister is very pleased.”

  “Indeed she is. I insist all of you come. I’ll send over an invitation this afternoon.”

  I shook my head. “No. I couldn’t. I’ve been ill and hardly able to keep …”

  Irene placed her arm in mine. “Nonsense, Sophia. A party is just what we need to keep our mind off of things.”

  Chewing on my lip, I nodded in agreement. “Wonderful! I’ll see you ladies tomorrow evening.” Nodding and excusing himself, Devlin began walking away.

  Turning to Irene, I widened my eyes at her. “You wicked woman.”

  “What? I was in the mood for a party, Sophia.”

  My mouth dropped open and I attempted to talk but the only thing that came out was laughter. I was shocked how Irene had been sneaky in the way she got us invited to Devlin’s sister’s party. We began walking back toward the house as tears fell from our eyes as we laughed harder.

  Yes. A night out was exactly what we both needed.

  Making my way through the room, I got a glimpse of my mother. I stopped and watched her. She was talking to Mrs. Covington. My stomach turned at the thought of her sneaking around and having an affair with Devlin’s father. I had wanted to tell my father so many times, but could not bring myself to do it.

  I felt a hand touch my arm. Turning, I saw my father. “Daddy,” I said as I walked into his arms.

  Pulling me in closer, my father spoke against my ear. “You are the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  Grinning, I hit him playfully on the chest. “I’ve missed you, Daddy.”

  “And I you, darling. You must visit more often. I fear I am losing my little girl to her husband’s parents.”

  My heart sunk. I shook my head as I felt a flutter in my stomach. Placing my hand over the baby I whispered, “Daddy …”

  Father raised his hand. “I know, sweetheart. Believe me, I know. She becomes more unbearable as the days wear on.” Rolling his eyes he made a funny face which caused me to chuckle.

  Peeking over to my mother, I noticed she was watching us. Turning to my father, I couldn’t believe I was hearing the words coming out of my mouth. “Why don’t you divorce her? She does not deserve your love.”

  My father pulled his head back in shock. “Sophia Marie, that is your mother you speak of.”

  “No, Father, she was the vessel who carried me and brought me into this world. That is all. She does not deserve my love, nor yours. If you only knew the things she has done.”

  My father’s eyes turned dark with anger, then they softened almost immediately. Taking me by the arm, he led me to the other side of the room. Glancing over my shoulder, I looked at my mother. She was too busy talking to Mr. Covington to notice her own husband and daughter.

  Stopping at the far side of the room, my father looked out over the dance floor as if he was paying attention to everyone. Without even so much as looking my way he began to speak. “I know of your mother’s actions, Sophia. Do not think I am foolish.”

  Sucking in a breath, I asked, “Why do you stay?”

  He slowly looked at me. “I love her.”

  “You are clearly unhappy, Father. You are not in love with her. You are comfortable with her.”

  “Child, do not attempt to tell me how I feel.”

  Placing my hands on my hips, I turned and faced my father. “Do not call me child. I’m a grown woman who happens to be growing a baby in her womb. I do believe the days of calling me that are long over, Father.”

  The flutter in my stomach happened again. Placing my hand over the baby, I stared my father down. My nerves were a mess.

  My father threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, Sophia, you always did have such passion running in your blood.”

  Facing me, my father took my hands in his. “You are correct, Sophia. I do not want to start over. I am very much comfortable in the sad situation I have allowed myself to be in. I stay for your sister.”

  I shook my head. “I would never want to go through this life being without someone I did not love. Please, Daddy, for me.”

  Looking away, he said, “The scandal would devastate my business, which is already in turmoil, Sophia. Covington is looking to attempt to buy me out.”

  Placing my hand over my mouth, I let out a gasp. “Father, what are you going to do?”

  Shrugging his shoulder, he glanced my way. “I shall pull through. I always have and I always will. Now enough of all of this sad talk, Sophia, I want to talk of happy things. How is my grandchild doing?”

  Smiling, I took his hand and placed it on my small baby bump. “She is doing wonderful. My stomach keeps giving me problems. I’ve been having flutters all evening and …” My father smiled the biggest smile I’d ever seen spread across his face. Stopping my chatter, I looked inquisitively at him.

  “My darling, you’re feeling your child move about within you.”

  Lifting my hand to my mouth, I felt the tears building. “Truly?”

  Pulling me in for a hug, he whispered in my ear, “Truly, my sweet darling girl. How happy will Daniel be when he returns and find his wife swollen with his child, and I’m going to guess it’s a boy with how active you say he is this evening.”

  Laughing, I gazed into my father’s eyes. “Danny wants a girl. I’ve been praying hard every night for God to bless us with a little girl.”

  Kissing me on the forehead, my father looked into my eyes. “Let’s pray for a healthy pregnancy for my daughter and a speedy return of my son-in-law.”

  “I like that prayer.”

  Father kept me company most of the night until he was forced to talk business with a few other gentlemen. Standing there alone, I smiled as Devlin approached me. “A beautiful woman such as yourself should not be standing in a corner all alone. I think Daniel would agree and want me to offer you my company, Sophia.”

  Shaking my head, I chuckled. “Mr. Covington, surely you have better things to do then stand here and keep me company. Why, you have a line of ladies lining up to dance with you.”

  Rolling his eyes he leaned closer to me and whispered, “Truth be told, I hate parties. I’ve never enjoyed them.”

  Pretending to act surprised, I gazed at him with a shocked look upon my face. “Devlin, don’t you know high society does not allow you to dislike anything. You smile and act like you are having fun right this instance!”

  Throwing his head back and laughing, Devlin looked around the room. “I’ve grown tired of all of this, Sophia. I’d love to be able to just get on a ship and sail off somewhere. Go exploring and find new things. Sleep with women from town to town and
not have to worry about being proper.”

  I began choking when Devlin mentioned sleeping around. That was not what I was expecting him to say.

  Touching the side of my arm, he asked, “Are you okay?”

  Raising my hand, I nodded my head. “Wasn’t expecting you to admit you wanted to be so … open to the um … courting of um … women.”

  Devlin laughed again. “I do so enjoy your company, Sophia. I am only teasing you, though.”

  Fearing people would start talking of how Devlin was paying such attention to a pregnant married woman, I decided I’d had enough of the party. “I’m going to go find my in-laws. I’m tired and in need of a comfortable bed.”

  Devlin escorted me to Danny’s parents, then out to the carriage. Helping me into the carriage, I took note that he had held onto my hand longer than was needed, and much longer than I cared for. Giving him a look to let go of my hand, Devlin flashed a wicked smile my way. Shaking my head, I gave him a stern look.

  “A man can dream, Sophia. A man can dream.”

  Giving Devlin a look, I replied, “Behave, Mr. Covington.”

  Winking, Devlin said, “Daniel is one lucky man.”

  Blushing, I said my good-byes. “Good evening, Devlin. Please offer my congratulations to your sister. I couldn’t get anywhere near her this evening with all of the people around her.”

  Giving a slight bow of his head, Devlin offered his farewells. “I bid all of you a good evening.”

  Once settled in the carriage, I let out a long sigh. I was exhausted. Parties where clearly a thing of the past for me, or at least until I had Danny standing next to me to help me through the night.

  Closing my eyes, Louise cleared her throat. Irene had hired Louise to help me once Danny had left. I had insisted I did not need anyone, but I had to admit she came in handy when I suffered from being so ill with the morning sickness.

  “Mrs. Stowe?” Louise asked.