The Bride Found

by Piper Davenport

  “I don’t feel nervous, just excited. I trust Clayton.”

  Once Emma was dressed, the girls made their way downstairs. Everyone else had arrived and Clayton waited at the bottom of the stairs with a glass of champagne for her.

  Nona had once again outdone herself. The party was perfect. Very low key, very intimate, and they kept it short and sweet. Once the cake was cut, Clayton informed everyone that he was going to take his bride home. He ushered her out the front door and back into the wedding carriage. The driver took them to Clayton’s house and he assisted her down.

  “Where’s Rose?”

  Clayton lifted her into his arms and made his way to the front door. “Both she and Richard are staying at the Wades’ until Wednesday. Hattie has gone to stay with a friend of Nona’s.”

  Emma looped her arms around his neck. “Rose isn’t coming to D.C. with us is she?”

  “No, sweet. She’s going to spend some time with Richard.”

  “Oh, good.”

  When they reached the front door, Clayton pushed it open and carried her over the threshold. He gently set her down in the foyer and kissed her. “Welcome home, Mrs. Madden.”

  Emma groaned when he broke the kiss and he chuckled as he led her upstairs to his bedroom. “There’s more of that, Emma. Never fear.”

  Clayton pushed open the door and Emma gasped. Rose petals covered the room and champagne chilled in a bucket of ice, next to chocolate covered strawberries on a table in the corner. The fire had been lit and only half of the sconces had flame, so the room was romantic and warm. “How did you find strawberries? They’re out of season.”

  He smiled. “If I tell you all my secrets, I won’t be able to surprise you.”

  “Clay, this is beautiful. Thank you.” She pulled his head down for a kiss.

  “Let’s get you out of that dress,” he whispered and turned her to reach her buttons.

  He slipped each of the buttons free and then slid her blouse off her shoulders. Emma pushed her skirt and hoops off her hips and let them fall to the ground.

  Emma heard Clayton’s sharp intake of breath. “What are you wearing?”

  She wore a lavender demi bra and matching underwear. Holding her hands up, she said, “Okay, now don’t have a heart attack. This is what we wear in the twenty-first century.”

  “What do you mean?” Clayton asked.

  “These are our undergarments.”

  He turned her around… and then again. “Where are the rest of them?”

  Emma giggled. “This is all there is. No corset, no pantaloons, no petticoats. Just this.”

  “Always?”

  She nodded. “Yes, every day.”

  “Heavens!”

  “Do you like it?”

  Clayton rested his hands on her hips. “I think we’ll have your dressmaker make you more of whatever it is that is.”

  Emma laughed. “Okay, baby, you pick the colors and I’ll figure out how to get them made.”

  He cupped her cheek and smiled down at her. “Emma, you are so beautiful. I’m not sure how slow I’ll be able to go.”

  She shrugged. “So, don’t go slow.”

  He pulled his shirt off and it was her turn to gasp. His chest had been chiseled out of stone. Other than a tiny dusting of light blond hair at his sternum, his chest was bare.

  “Yummy.” She slid her hands up his chest.

  He slipped his hands down her hips and cupped her bottom. She gasped when he squeezed gently. He moved up to her bra strap, but stopped. “Sweet, how do I—?”

  “I’ll show you how later.” Reaching behind her, she unhooked her bra.

  He pushed the straps from her shoulders and she pulled her body away just enough for it to fall to the floor.

  Clayton’s eyes grew large, and a low growl erupted from his throat. “Magnificent.”

  Sliding her hands down his chest and to the waistband of his pants, Emma slipped the buttons and felt the evidence of his arousal as she pushed them from his hips. He picked her up and laid her gently on the bed. As he stretched out beside her, he stroked her cheek and took a moment to look at her. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He cupped her breasts, drawing one nipple into his mouth, then another, gently blowing on each and then kissing his way down her body. She wove her fingers in his hair as he knelt between her legs smiled up at her, hooking his fingers in her panties, and slipping them past her hips. She lifted so he could remove them completely and his eyes widened.

  “What’s wrong?” Emma asked.

  “Never seen…ah…”

  She cocked her head and then realized what he was saying. “Oh, right. Waxing.”

  “Waxing?”

  “We like to keep things clean and tidy in our century. Is it weird for you?”

  He shook his head. “It’s beautiful.”

  He ran his tongue the full length of her and Emma mewed, arching into him. His tongue applied pressure and he sucked gently before gripping her thighs and holding her still so he could suck a little harder.

  “Clayton,” she whimpered.

  He slid a finger inside of her, using his thumb to apply pressure to her clitoris again, then slipping another finger inside of her.

  “Clayton,” she cried, and her body spasmed around his fingers.

  He kissed her inner thigh and slid inside of her, slowly at first, letting her body get used to him. Hovering above her, he kissed her gently and she gripped his biceps.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  He buried his body deeper into hers and she let out a quiet hiss at the sting, but Clayton kissed her deeply and slowed his pace.

  Emma raised her hips to encourage him to continue. “More, baby,” she begged.

  He slid in again and then began to move, faster and faster each time, until they both came undone. As Emma tried to catch her breath, Clayton pulled her close and settled her cheek against his shoulder. “Did I hurt you?” he asked.

  “It hurt less than I expected.” Emma ran a finger across his chest.

  “Are you certain you’re well?”

  She looked up at him with a giggle. “Better than well, Clayton. That was incredible. I can’t wait to do it again.”

  Clayton chuckled and stroked her back. A knock sounded at the door, and Emma wrinkled her nose. “Who’s that?”

  “Your bath.”

  She pushed herself up. “You anticipated everything, didn’t you?”

  He grinned and slid off the bed. He held his hand out to her and she let him pull her off the mattress. Clayton quickly ushered her into the dressing room where a tub of warm, scented water waited for her. She stepped in and sighed as she slipped further under the water.

  “Is it helping?” Clayton grabbed his robe and closed them into the small room.

  “Yes, much.” She closed her eyes. He knelt down beside the tub and stared at her. Emma smiled without opening her eyes. “Why are you hovering?”

  “Am I?”

  She chuckled.

  “How are you feeling?”

  Emma sighed. “I feel great.”

  “Are you overly tender?”

  “I’m fine, Clay.” She opened one eye and then closed it again. “I promise.”

  He stroked her cheek and leaned over to kiss her. Emma felt her face grow warm when he broke the kiss, and Clayton raised an eyebrow. “What’s amiss?”

  Emma shrugged. “Was I okay? I mean, were you satisfied?”

  “Sweetheart, you are remarkable.” He kissed her again. “Are you hungry? Or tired?”

  Emma shrugged. “I’m a little tired, but I could do that all over again to be honest.”

  “Not tonight, sweet. You need some time to heal.”

  “What about if we sleep for a little while and then do that again?”

  “We’ll see.” Clayton stood. “Let’s get you out of the tub.”

  He grabbed a clean towel and held it out to her. Emma grinne
d. He wrapped the towel around her body and lifted her from the tub. “You are so beautiful.”

  “How beautiful?” She wove her arms around his neck and pulled the towel from her body.

  “Sweetheart, it’s too soon for you. Will you trust me?”

  She wrinkled her nose. “We’ll see.”

  “You’re not playing fair, Emma.”

  “I know, honey. But you have now made me want something I didn’t know I was missing. So I blame you.”

  Clayton laughed and she reluctantly wrapped the towel back around herself as they moved back into the bedroom.

  “They changed the sheets already?” she whispered.

  “Yes,” he whispered back.

  Emma dropped her face into her hands.

  “Why are you hiding your face?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it feels weird that we’re allowed to do this now.” She shivered. “And that people know that we’re doing it.”

  “Come by the fire, sweetheart.”

  She joined him in front of the warm flame and sighed. “I’d rather climb back into bed.” She dropped her towel again and pushed his robe off his shoulders as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Now.”

  “Are you certain, sweet?”

  “Clayton, you are my husband and as such, you have certain duties you are expected to perform.”

  “Is that so?” He cupped her bottom. “Would you please elaborate on what those duties might be?”

  She elaborated, quite poignantly, and he concluded his duties fully to her satisfaction. Over and over again.

  * * *

  Emma and Clayton didn’t leave the house until dinnertime on Tuesday. They were scheduled to join everyone at the Wades’ for dinner and only just made it on time.

  The Simmonds family had joined together in the parlor as a send-off to the newlyweds, along with Jamie and Sophie. As soon as Emma walked into the room, Sophie grabbed her for a hug before anyone else could.

  “So, how was it?” Sophie whispered.

  “Mind-blowing,” Emma whispered back and kissed her cheek.

  Before details could be given, dinner was announced and everyone took their seats. With Richard and Rose staying with the Wades’ until Wednesday, it was a full table. It was festive and exciting and everyone seemed to talk at once.

  Richard had apologized for his earlier behavior, and he and Emma had achieved a tentative friendship. Trust would take a while to build, but both were willing to make the effort. Even Rose behaved. Although Emma caught her occasional dirty look, she chose to ignore it. Once dinner was finished, the men and women separated.

  Sophie pulled Emma aside before joining the other ladies in the parlor. “Do you want the carpetbag to go in with the rest of the luggage?”

  Emma shook her head. “I think it should come with us, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, I do. I just wasn’t sure if you would want to lug it around,” Sophie said.

  “Well, I’d rather keep it close.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Could you imagine what would happen if someone found that?”

  “No. It’s frightening to think about it.”

  “What time are we leaving tomorrow, by the way? I’ve been a little distracted.”

  “I wonder why?” Sophie giggled. “I think early. Maybe seven? We’re bringing Samson, so it’ll be interesting.”

  “Sounds like everything is taken care of. Does that mean I can take my husband home and keep him in bed tonight?” Emma whispered.

  “Yes, absolutely. I have your bags packed from this side, and Clay put a few of your clothes over at the house, so you should be all set.”

  “He did? I didn’t see anything over there. I’ll have to ask him what he did with them.”

  “Speak of the devil.” Sophie smiled.

  Clayton made his way down the hall toward them with a huge grin on his face. “Time to go, sweetheart.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow. “How did you manage that?”

  “I have my ways.”

  Emma looped her arm with his and let him lead her out the front door and down the path that connected the two homes. “Sophie said some of my clothes were delivered to the house. Do you know where they were put?”

  “In your bedroom.”

  Emma glanced up at him. “I know I’ve been distracted and all, but I didn’t see anything in the room.”

  “No, sweet. They’re in the wardrobe in your room.”

  She stopped walking. “What do you mean, my bedroom?”

  “The dressing room joins both of our bedrooms. Along with the entrance in the hall, it also has an entrance through my room.”

  “We have separate bedrooms?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  Clayton frowned. “I suppose it’s something I assumed you’d want.”

  “Um, no,” she snapped.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Do you want separate bedrooms?”

  Clayton shrugged. “I have never thought about it. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a separate room from his wife.”

  She stood in the middle of the pathway with her fists at her sides, trying to decide how far she wanted to push this. “And I don’t know anyone who does.”

  “Is there a point to this?”

  “I don’t want separate bedrooms.” She sighed. “We go to bed, we stay in bed, and we wake up in bed. In the same bed, Clay.”

  Clayton’s eyebrows drooped. “Perhaps we should have discussed this sooner.”

  “Why? Do you want to sleep apart from me?”

  “Not in the least, Emma. I thought you might want to.” He shrugged. “Perhaps I snore.”

  “You don’t snore, but even if you did, I still wouldn’t want to sleep apart from you.”

  “All right, sweet.”

  “Good. I’d hate to have to tie you to it.” Emma paused. “Oh wait, maybe I wouldn’t.”

  Clayton laughed. “You might wear me out.”

  She dragged him into the house and up to the bedroom. “Let’s start with you helping me get out of this corset contraption.”

  “It will be my pleasure.”

  Clayton tugged at the laces, kissing her neck as he loosened. Once Emma was left in just her stockings and shoes, he turned her to face him. “Beautiful.”

  She slipped the buttons on his vest, pushing it from his shoulders, jacket and all, then went to work on his shirt. “Off.”

  He pulled the shirt over his head and she tugged at the waistband of his trousers. “I want you naked.

  “I want you just the way you are.”

  “Deal,” she said, and waited for him to remove the rest of his clothes.

  “Now what, sweetness?”

  “Now I get to play.” She knelt in front of him and wrapped her mouth around his growing erection.

  He slid his hands into her hair, her pins scattering across the wood floor, and his breath left him with a hiss as she drew him deeper into her mouth. She didn’t get to play for long, however, when she found herself hauled off the floor and onto the bed.

  “Hey!” she complained as she stared up at him from the mattress. “I wasn’t done.”

  Clayton tugged her to the edge of the mattress and, from his standing position, anchored her thighs to his hips and slid inside of her. “I couldn’t wait.”

  “I was enjoying tha—” She gasped as he shifted.

  He leaned forward and palmed her breasts as he thrust inside of her. Emma was no longer able to form a coherent sentence, let alone admonish him for not letting her finish. There’d be plenty more chances to enjoy him in the future and, right now, she had an orgasm to enjoy.

  “GOOD MORNING, SWEETHEART. It’s time to wake up.” Clayton set a breakfast tray on the side table.

  “What time is it?”

  “Six o’clock.”

  Emma opened one eye and frowned. “In the morning?”

  “Yes, in the morning. We need to leave in about an hour.” He chuckled as he made his way to the be
d and pulled the covers off her. He sat down and kissed her as he stroked her face gently. “Come and eat. It’s going to be a long trip.”

  “I’d rather do other things.” She pulled him close for another kiss. “I want more.”

  “I’ll give you more—later.” He eluded her hands and jumped from the mattress.

  Emma blew air through her lips. “Slave driver.”

  Clayton held up a glass of orange juice. “Freshly squeezed.”

  “Where did you get oranges in winter?”

  “From Nona’s greenhouse.”

  She sat up and raised an eyebrow. “Is there freshly squeezed coffee? I need coffee.”

  Clayton poured her a cup and she climbed from the bed. She slipped her robe over her shoulders and walked over to the chair by the fireplace. She grabbed a muffin then sat in the chair and tucked her feet under her bottom. “Yum. This is good.”

  Clayton set her coffee on the small table next to her and stole a bite of her pastry. “That is good.”

  “Sneak.” Emma pulled her hand away. “Get your own.”

  “I’ve already eaten.” He started to dress while she sipped her coffee. Clayton disappeared into the dressing room and returned a few minutes later. “Is this what you wanted to wear today?”

  Emma shrugged. “I’d rather wear a pair of jeans and a sweater, but since that’s not an option, I suppose that’ll do.”

  “When we’re at home, you can wear whatever you like.” He laid the day dress on the bed. “Inside. In private.”

  Emma stood and removed her robe. “Really? How about this?” She settled her hands on her hips. “Can I wear this when we’re at home? Inside? In private?”

  Clayton slid his hands around her waist. “Anytime you’d like to walk around in the nude will be fine with me.” She dragged her hands up his chest and pulled his head down for a kiss. Clayton groaned and stepped away. “We have to go.”

  Emma glanced down and felt satisfied with the evidence of his discomfort straining his trousers. “Just remember what you’re giving up for the next three hours.”

  He ran his hands through his hair as he turned away and took several deep breaths. Emma stepped into her undergarments, presented her back to him for help with the laces on her corset, and then finished with her dress. She wore a comfortable pair of walking boots and Clayton assisted her with a thick cloak and gloves before they stepped into the frigid morning to meet her sister.