Whispering Hills of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 3)

by Dorothy Wiley

  “William, your kisses do something odd to my insides. And the feel of your bare skin on my hands, it…” Her lips quivered with unspoken desire. “I’m tingling everywhere, and my legs feel like limp ropes. I don’t even know if I can walk.”

  “Then, I’ll carry you,” he said, sweeping her into his arms and standing. He looked into her eyes savoring the desire he had aroused in her.

  She placed her palm against his jaw. “Let me behold this wondrous place one more time.”

  As her widened eyes roamed the cavern, their violet color glistening with flecks of silver and gold, William decided he was the luckiest man alive.

  As the five of them mounted their horses, Kelly felt the shock of the dry bitter wind. If it was this chilly in the ravine, she did not look forward to the rest of their journey back to Boonesborough. But Sam said they weren’t far away now. They should be back in Boonesborough in another hour or two.

  But even as chilly as it was, William’s kisses left her blazing on the inside. If what he did to her in the cavern was a taste of what he had in store for her tonight, her curiosity was aroused along with the rest of her. Her reaction to him had been swift and nearly overwhelming. What would it be like in private, in his bed?

  And now, as they rode back toward the trail, every time his crystal blue eyes met hers, she felt her pulse leap. And each time his eyes raked boldly over her body, he stoked a growing fire within her. He had unshackled her heart and now he was freeing her body. Under the beauty of the glorious cavern, he deftly brought her untried sensuality to sparkling life. For the first time, she felt like a desirable woman.

  His eagerness toward her was evident, yet she could tell he was deliberately making an effort not to scare her or rush her. What he didn’t know was that now, after tasting the passion in his kisses, and after touching his broad bare chest, she ached for the fulfillment of lovemaking. She was certain she wouldn’t be afraid.

  She could already sense a tangible bond—both emotional and physical—between them. She needed his nearness and he seemed to feel the same way. As he kissed her, his heartbeat thudded against her own and she cherished the intimate sensation. And his hands had felt so warm, so gentle.

  Kelly also felt secure in his arms. She trusted William as she had never trusted anyone, except her mother. She smiled at the memory of her mother and wished she could have met her new husband. Maybe mother can see him from heaven, she thought. Her mother would think him handsome, but most of all, she would appreciate his kindness toward her daughter.

  She closed her eyes, imagining her mother’s face, her smile, her voice, the gentle touch of her hand. And she heard the voice say, “Bright be thy path sweet babe.”

  Her mother’s blessing.

  Her eyes misted beneath her eyelids.

  This was a magical place.

  When she opened her eyes, she heard a gurgling creek teeming with rain water descending the craggy hill. Sometimes hidden by dense stands of woods, it came into view again from time to time, the water tumbling languidly down limestone rocks and colorful boulders.

  As they passed one particularly beautiful spot, Bear commented, “Water is sacred. It is the lifeblood of the earth.”

  The brook’s peaceful sound added to her sense that God meant for them to find the remarkable cave. The profound place seemed to change her. Not only did she experience passion there for the first time in her life, she experienced what it felt like to be loved, cherished even. And it happened in an enchanted place she would never forget.

  “Are you warm enough?” William asked, observing her as he rode. “If not, you can come sit on my horse in front of me. I can warm you up.” He had the same hungry fox look on his face.

  “If I did, you’d wind up having to take me off in the forest somewhere,” Kelly whispered over to him.

  “I don’t see the disadvantage there,” William said, with a sensuous grin and twinkling affectionate eyes.

  She met his smile, shyly, the thought of going off into the woods with him sending tiny sumptuous quivers down her spine.

  Then a softer and more loving look touched his eyes. It seemed with every hour his love deepened and intensified.

  Catherine had told her some time ago that a man who loved her would be gentle and make lovemaking something she could look forward to. She was pleased with their initial intimacy—more than pleased—thrilled even, and powerless to resist him. Her flesh tingled at just his touch. But she worried if tonight she could respond as he would like her to. She had no idea what to do or even what to expect. She didn’t want to disappoint him.

  She supposed that when the time came she’d figure it all out—with William’s help, of course.

  CHAPTER 19

  They reached Boonesborough sooner than William expected and as they made their way into town, he noticed people out and about as usual, despite the chilly wind. Settlers were hardy souls and their abundant courage and tenacity impressed William. Some men on the frontier were adventurers, seeking their fortune, but most were just hardworking ordinary people in search of a decent life in the newborn state of Kentucky.

  As they passed a lumber mill, he observed a man using a broad ax to hew timbers for floors, tables, and benches. Another labored making shingles out of chestnut wood for roofs to cover cabins and barns. He’d learned chestnut bark was useful for tanning and dyeing and to make medicine. And farmers used the tree’s nuts to fatten hogs. Further down the main road, he smelled hog fat boiling over an open fire and nearby a lady stirred a pot of steaming wood ashes to create lye. The woman would use both to make soap. Pioneer people were nothing if not resourceful.

  “Sheriff Wyllie!”

  It was Colonel Daniel Byrd who’d yelled out and was riding up to them. The Colonel, in charge of the local militia at Fort Boonesborough, was a man William highly respected. Byrd’s light red hair and freckled fair complexion made him appear younger than his forty years.

  “A good day to you, Sir,” William replied as Byrd urged his mount up next to them.

  The militia were vital to Boonesborough’s safety. For the last ten years, Kentucky law required most men to keep ready a good musket or rifle, half a pound of good powder, and a pound of lead, and to respond to their commanding officer whenever called upon or pay a fine of ten shillings. Byrd ensured men complied with the act, including paupers, for whom he supplied arms and ammunition at public expense. But the ever-present peril of Indian raids, more often spurred men to duty than the threat of fines.

  William introduced Kelly’s father to the Colonel.

  Byrd exchanged greetings with McGuffin and the others and then said, “Glad you’re back sheriff. We had an incident while you were away. A group of men was gathered around at the blacksmith’s while he was attending to one of their horses. An argument developed. A man named Helms attacked one of the men with a knife. Someone hollered, ‘Just shoot the scoundrel.’ So Helms did, even though the man had no weapon and had left his firearm at the boarding house.”

  “Did he kill him?” William asked, concerned.

  “No, the doctor thinks he’ll be just fine, but it will take some time for him to completely recover,” Byrd answered.

  “Where is Helms now?” William asked.

  “In your jail at the Fort. Deputy Mitchell is keeping an eye on him,” Byrd answered. “I’m afraid you will have your hands full as Boonesborough’s sheriff. Before you became sheriff, our town suffered from a lack of enforcement, and without law men tend toward anarchy.”

  “Not only will we have law and order in Boonesborough,” William declared, “we will have justice.” He glanced over at Kelly. “And we will also not tolerate any kind of violence against women in Boonesborough. Only the lowest of men hurt women.” He would enlist the help of Judge Webb to be sure men who assaulted women received just punishment.

  “I believe you’re the man who can ensure it,” Byrd said.

  “Aye, he is,” Bear agreed. “The best way to stop a bad man with a gun is
a good man with a gun.”

  “And the plumb line of justice,” William added.

  “Colonel, the sheriff and Miss McGuffin were married earlier today by Colonel Boone,” Sam said. “We met up with him on our way back to Boonesborough.” Sam wisely left unsaid what took them away from town to begin with. The Colonel would likely assume they had just gone out to look at a potential land claim.

  “My congratulations to you both,” Byrd said and smiled warmly at Kelly. “I guess it is fortuitous Colonel Boone gave you his cozy cabin.” Byrd regarded William with a good-humored look in his lively ice blue eyes.

  “Indeed,” William replied, keeping a straight face with some difficulty.

  “Well, I certainly think we can let Helms wait one more day before you question him,” Byrd said.

  “Agreed, I believe I shall let the hot-headed man stew a while,” William said. “We’re all starving. It has been some time since we’ve eaten. Would you join us at the inn for a meal?”

  “Thank you, Sir, I believe I could use a good meal myself,” Byrd said.

  William turned to Kelly. Her eyes appeared weary. It was no wonder, considering what she had been through in the last twenty-four hours. “I know you’re exhausted and have had little sleep,” he told Kelly. “But a good meal can do wonders. Do you think you can eat before we go home?”

  Home. He liked the sound of that and he couldn’t wait to get her there. Just looking at her sent hot gusts of desire through him. He’d always wondered what it would be like to have a house with a wife to come home to.

  Maybe someday, even a family.

  “I would love a hot meal and an even hotter cup of coffee,” she answered. “What’s more, I’d truly love to get out of this chilly wind.”

  “Well then, let’s go fill you up and warm you up,” he said. Later, he would cradle her in his arms and warm her from top to bottom.

  Kelly’s body shivered with chill and fatigue, yet excitement and trepidation engulfed her mind. Her thoughts kept returning to what it felt like to be in William’s arms and she hungered for the taste of his mouth on hers. His kisses left a burning imprint on her. Yet, her own insecurity and inexperience made her anxious about the evening to come.

  As they dismounted and entered the inn, William held her elbow and guided her through the door. It felt good to have him next to her, and her unease seemed to subside somewhat.

  The dining area of the inn’s parlor was noisy with the hum of conversation and nearly full, but a round table in the corner by a blazing hearth was open and William and the others quickly moved toward it. The smell of fresh bread, roasting meat, and pies baking made her stomach growl. She’d been too preoccupied to think about food, but now she was suddenly ravenous. And the welcome heat from the hearth penetrated all the way to her chilled bones.

  They sat down and ordered food and coffee and then Kelly glanced around the room. She was glad she didn’t recognize anyone because she was in no shape to be sociable. She needed a bath, fresh clothes, and a good night’s sleep.

  Pensively, as the men discussed local politics, she wondered just how much sleep she would be getting tonight. The thought was another of the ceaseless, endless questions chipping away at her confidence. She began to wonder if she should feign not feeling well and put the inevitable off.

  But she couldn’t start their marriage being dishonest with William. She never wanted to lie to him or deceive him. Her thoughts drifted back to the day she’d met him. As she looked back, she recognized it for what it was—both the worst and best day of her life. She doubted she would ever have another experience as bad as the rape. And meeting William, who immediately became a caring friend, was the best thing that ever happened to her.

  “Mrs. Wyllie,” Colonel Byrd said. “Could you please pass the bread?”

  “Kelly, he’s speaking to you,” William said gently.

  “Oh, my pardons,” she said quickly, “I guess I’m not used to being called Mrs. Wyllie.”

  “You’re a Wyllie now,” Sam said. His expression was inscrutable, but his keen probing eyes revealed he’d seen more. Sam was a well-honed observer of human behavior.

  She always thought she was as well. She seemed to be able to figure out everyone but herself. But then, she had figured it all out sometime during last night. She needed to remember what she’d decided. She’d chosen to be strong.

  She had no reason to fear. None.

  William reached under the table and took her hand. His secret contact rekindled the desire simmering slowly within her. She wondered if she should feel guilty for the extreme pleasure those feelings brought her. Then he rubbed one of her fingertips with his thumb. The small quick movements sent extraordinary sensations through her entire body. How did he do this to her?

  “Would you like dessert?” a young lady asked them.

  William eyed Kelly and smiled roguishly. It was the hungry fox again. Plainly, the fox craved dessert. She could feel a hot flush creeping up her neck.

  “Aye, Miss,” Bear answered for them. “We’ll have one of everything ye have.”

  The young woman snickered and winked at Bear, then said, “I’ll be right back with those, Sir.”

  Kelly had to laugh too. She adored Bear. His protective spirit was generously applied to her as well as all the Wyllies. She could well imagine him thinking of all of them as his clan. He’d left his own Scottish clan as a young lad and was orphaned on the long sea voyage to the colonies. William’s parents later adopted Bear, treating him like one of their own. Stephen was the closest in age to Bear and the two were nearly inseparable until Stephen married Jane.

  Now, Bear lent a hand to whatever Wyllie needed helping or defending. A formidable hunter and fighter, much like Sam, she knew Bear would defend any member of his family to the death.

  “And a round of ales to toast to the bride and groom!” Colonel Byrd ordered as the woman turned away to retrieve the desserts.

  All of them, except Byrd, looked at her father.

  “Excellent idea. After all it is a wedding feast,” McGuffin said. “But I’ll be toasting with my coffee. Give my ale to my new son.” He sounded resolute and sure of himself, and enormously proud of William.

  Kelly nodded her head in approval and smiled at her father.

  When the desserts arrived, carried by three women each bearing two or three plates, Kelly’s eyes widened. She’d never seen so many sweets in one place. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything sweet. But now, the table nearly overflowed with luscious temptations—apple and chess pies, bread pudding, apple tansey, gingerbread, custard, and apple dumplings. The smell of nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, along with the tantalizing aroma of fresh pie crust, made her mouth water.

  “Ladies first,” Bear said, “as long as ye don’t pick the apple dumplings.”

  “I won’t, Bear,” Kelly reassured, “but I simply can’t choose. They all look delicious. Why don’t you gentlemen take your pick and I’ll just take what’s left.”

  “Good heaven’s no. You’ll have first pick, my bride, including the apple dumplings,” William said, giving Bear a reproving glance.

  With a mischievous grin at Bear, she reached for the apple dumplings, then at the last second, moved her hand to pick up the gingerbread.

  “Ye had me frettin’ there lass,” Bear teased.

  The men all found something they couldn’t resist and when he quickly finished off the apple dumplings, Bear took a second, and then a third dessert. It seemed as though the giant’s belly was bottomless. William only ate a small custard sprinkled with nutmeg, but seemed to relish each spoonful.

  “Kelly, do you know how to make custard?” he asked after finishing the last bite.

  Kelly swallowed a mouthful of gingerbread. “Well no, but I can learn easily enough. But you need to have chickens to have eggs and a milk cow.”

  “We’ll get both and anything else you’ll need. It’ll be good to have some chickens around again. I’ve mi
ssed having eggs every now and then. Sam, do you remember what Uncle Toby used to say about eggs?” William asked, laughing.

  “Yes, indeed, I do. He would eat eggs every morning, but they had to be from chickens that had a rooster with them. He said that’s what kept lead in his ‘pistol.’ He was about ninety when he told me this,” Sam answered.

  “Maybe we should think about what he was saying,” Colonel Byrd said with a chuckle.

  “He also smoked a pipe and chewed tobacco till he was ninety-five, and he drank spirits all his life,” William added.

  After the good meal, delicious gingerbread, and the hearty ale, Kelly was feeling much more like herself.

  “Can I join you gentlemen at your camp tonight?” her father asked Captain Sam and Bear.

  “Indeed, you are most welcome, Sir,” Sam answered.

  “Did ye bring a good wool blanket with ye?” Bear asked. “I fear ye will need it tonight.”

  “No, I’ll need to buy one before we leave for your camp,” McGuffin answered.

  “We’ll take our leave and visit the general store then,” Sam told William. “But first, may I have a word with your lovely bride?”

  “Of course,” William answered. “Why don’t the rest of us get a breath of fresh air? Bear, you can smoke your pipe.”

  The men all stood and then promptly left, leaving her and Sam at the table. She eyed him quizzically. What did he need to say to her?

  “Kelly, I just wanted you to know how pleased I am that William has married you. As his oldest brother, I look out for him and I want to be sure he remains happy. I think marrying you is the best thing he’s ever done.”

  Kelly lost her breath at the compliment. She tucked his words away in her memory, wanting to remember them forever.

  She started to say something and he said, “Please. I have more I need to tell you.”

  She became instantly alert, wondering what exactly was on Sam’s mind.

  “Kelly, I also believe your marriage to my brother William is the best thing you will ever do. He is a man of honor and principle. A man of high virtue who will do everything in his power to keep you safe. He is nothing, nothing, at all like the men who attacked you. And nothing like that Harpes bastard. It’s like night and day. Darkness and light. Goodness and wickedness. Let William share his goodness with you. You’ll be safe, I promise you. He would never do anything to hurt you.”