When he put his mouth to her, she swayed and caught herself. Holding her hips steady, he teased her with his tongue until she cried his name.
"It's going to be good, Francie. So good."
"I love you, Noah."
She didn't murmur it tonight. She said it clearly and loudly for him to hear and respond to. But instead of responding with words, he touched her again and again with his fingers and his tongue until she cried out in ecstasy. Then he lifted her into his arms and took her to his bed.
She gazed up at him with passionate brown eyes, looking only at him. As he stripped, she watched. Her appreciation was so damn arousing. When he lay down beside her, she stroked his chest, then propped on her shoulder. "I want to give you what you gave me. I want to love you every way I can."
She kissed his lips with a slow, tasting fervor that made sweat break out on his brow. She kissed his nipple with a slow sucking motion that drew his arm muscles taut. She kissed his navel and his thigh muscles contracted. And when her cheek brushed him, then her lips, he thought he'd found heaven.
He shuddered and knew he'd had enough if he wanted complete union. That's what he wanted tonight. He couldn't see further than that. He rolled her onto her back, sheathed himself in a condom, then sheathed himself in her.
Each stroke brought them closer together, each kiss desperately defied their parting, each caress made Noah wonder what he was giving up, why he was giving it up, and how he could change the nature of his past and the course of his future. Francie was the rainbow he could never reach, the pot of gold he could never find, the love he'd never experienced. That realization pushed him to the edge, toppled him over the peak, and, as Francie tightened her thighs around him, propelled him to the same wonder she found as she raked her nails down his back and shouted her joy. He lowered himself, kissed her, and wrapped his arms around her.
Francie nestled into his shoulder, holding him as tightly as he held her.
****
Francie reached for Noah and found the wrinkled sheet. Strong morning sun flashed across the foot of the bed. She heard a low voice in the kitchen.
Grabbing one of Noah's shirts from the closet, she buttoned it and went to find him. He was on the phone.
"Okay, Tom. I'll wait to hear from you later today."
A chill ran up Francie's back that had nothing to do with her bare feet. "Tom Carson?"
"Haslow and Chesterfield still want the property. They've raised their offering price. I'm going to sell."
"You can't! More important, you promised you wouldn't!"
"Francie, this is a business decision. The fire last night gave me no choice. It will take time to repair and rebuild. In the meantime the rink will be losing money again. I can't afford that right now. My cash flow is too strained."
She remembered what Craig had said about a problem if there was an unexpected crisis. But much more was involved here than the rink. What about the two of them?
When she remained silent, Noah quickly continued, "I'm not forgetting about you. With the sale, I can give you enough severance pay so you can start school. You can get that teacher's degree you want."
He hadn't forgotten about her. How wonderful. He also hadn't said he loved her or needed her in his life. Selling the rink would sever their ties. He'd have no reason to come back to Gettysburg. "No severance pay can buy me off." Francie's heart beat so hard she could barely breathe as a realization hit her. "When did you make this decision?"
"After the fire."
"Before or after we made love?" It was immensely important that she know.
"Francie, what does it matter?"
"It matters to me. When?"
"As we drove back here."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I knew you'd be upset. You were upset enough."
"You know what you did, Noah? You used me."
"I did not."
"You didn't tell me about the rink because you knew I wouldn't make love with you if you told me."
Noah's face changed, and the change scared her. It looked like the face of a man who'd had a dream grasped from his hands. "Does your love depend on what I do with the rink?"
"No. But it does depend on honesty. I gave you everything last night, Noah--everything I felt, everything I am. I thought you gave that to me, too. But now I find it was some kind of calculated ruse--"
"You're wrong."
"Tell me, Noah. After you left this week, when was I going to see you again?"
His expression didn't change. "I don't know."
Her heart seemed to sink to her toes. "It doesn't matter to you if we never see each other again?"
"I didn't say that."
Francie had never felt more confused. She couldn't have dreamed the strong feelings between her and Noah, yet his leaving denied them, his actions denied them, his words denied them.
She hurt too badly to keep her thoughts to herself. "I guess I was a convenient affair. I made the same mistake twice, falling in love with ambitious men who have no room in their lives for love."
She took one last long look into his hard green eyes and then went to get dressed. Good-bye had arrived sooner than she'd expected.
****
The sterility of Noah's office walls in Richmond glared at him with unnerving sameness, echoing the sterility of his life. Monday morning, Francie had left the apartment and his life. He'd left Gettysburg on Tuesday, simply because being so close to her yet so far away had hurt too much. He hadn't contacted her before he left. She hadn't contacted him.
Two hours out of Gettysburg he'd tried to look at their situation rationally. Simply put, Francie had felt betrayed. Under the circumstances, he would have felt the same. After Noah had discovered Craig's embezzling, he'd wondered how Craig had faced him day after day, knowing he was being dishonest with his friend. Yet Noah had made love to Francie, knowing full well he'd made his decision. Of course, it went deeper than thinking she wouldn't make love with him if he told her. Subconsciously, he'd figured it would tear them apart, a thought that had become more and more unbearable.
He'd been back in Richmond a week, and he now realized—without a doubt—he loved Francie. That's why their physical relationship had been fantastic. That's why he wanted to spend every minute with her. Because he loved her. He'd been afraid to call it that. He'd been afraid to feel it. He'd been afraid to risk it. He'd been afraid to declare it.
And now he was afraid he'd lost Francie for good. Losing her was unthinkable. He'd rather lose every customer, every manager, every rink, every penny. But he was new at this. He was new at love and showing his feelings.
So he called Craig. After the preliminaries, Noah asked bluntly, "How are you and Joanne?"
"I moved back in with her and the kids last week."
"That's terrific, Craig. Uh...can you tell me how you made it happen? How did you get her to trust you again?"
"It sounds as if there's a point to that question."
"I've met someone."
"Francie Piccard."
"How do you know?"
"She called me a few weeks back. Wanted to know if I could influence you not to sell the rink."
"I see."
"We got into more than that. I thought she deserved to know why we weren't partners anymore."
"I didn't think I should tell her."
"I figured that. She's a special woman."
"I know. I've messed things up royally."
"Fix them. You're good at that."
"I'm not sure how."
"Show her with actions, old friend. She has to see you mean what you say. At least that's the way it was with Joanne."
"A few of the right words would probably help, too," Noah muttered, exasperated that three small words could be so hard to say.
Noah told Craig he'd be in touch and sat at his desk to think. One idea fell in line behind the next because unconsciously he'd been mulling it over for the past week. Show her, Craig had said.
Noah
picked up the phone to do some research, made another call, then waited for a package to arrive Federal Express.
****
Two days later, Noah returned to Gettysburg. No one answered the door at the Piccard house, so he took a chance and drove to the rink. Francie's car sat parked in the lot, and he wondered how often she came here to look at what used to be.
Noah unlatched his car door, got out, and purposefully strode to the skating rink. "Used to be" didn't matter. Because of Francie, he saw the world the way it could be. Because of Francie, he was ready to risk loving. Because of Francie, he could dream. He had to convince her the future was better than what used to be.
He opened the door to the rink and went in. Patting the envelope in his back pocket, he wondered if he should have wrapped it. He hadn't wanted to take the time, but if it would help Francie realize...Hell. Pretty packaging was inconsequential at this point.
He found her in the center of the rink as if she was imagining...remembering...wishing. Now he had wishes, too. Because of Francie, he wanted to be part of a family. Because of Francie, he wanted children of his own--their own. Because of Francie, he could believe in forever.
She didn't hear him as he crossed the carpeted foyer. She did hear him as he stepped onto the rink's floor.
When she turned and saw him, he realized he'd never been more nervous in his life. He searched her expression for a sign of welcome, but found none. He tried to smile. "Hi."
Her face didn't change, her eyes didn't dance just for him. "I can leave if you're meeting someone here."
"I'm not meeting anyone."
She clasped her hands in front of her--a typical Francie-gesture. "You came back for legal work?"
"Fax machines are good for that." He waited for her to ask him why he was here, but she didn't. Not sure what to tell her first, he slipped the envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Fax machines aren't good for this, though."
She took the paper from its envelope and read it. Watching her closely, he waited for a sign that she understood. His heart thudded so hard he could hear it in his ears.
"You had a star named for us? The Piccard-Gordon star?"
Had the light come back into her eyes? Was that a hint of a smile? "I thought it would be a good idea."
"Why?"
So much for being symbolic. He'd have to come out and say it. "Because I love you. Because I want to marry you. Because I want our children to be able to gaze into the sky, see our star, and know it symbolizes the life we share. Will you marry me, Francie?"
Her smile returned then, the one he'd seen the first night they'd met, the one that warmed his days and electrified his nights. But it was more radiant than he'd ever seen it. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him. He didn't play, or tease, or coax. He took what she offered, gave back his share, then gave some more.
When he finally dragged his lips away, he said it again. "I love you."
There were tears in her voice. "I love you, too. I'm so sorry for the things I said. I know you'd never use me. And the rink has nothing to do with the way I feel about you. If you have to sell it, you have to sell it. I've been trying to find the courage to call you. I was so afraid you'd never come back--"
He kissed her again to show her he was back and intended to stay. "You said things I needed to hear. I didn't tell you my decision before we made love because I was afraid I'd lose you. I guess I didn't believe you'd still love me if I made you angry or did something that hurt you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
She stroked his cheek and the tender expression on her face said she understood as well as forgave. "You'll never lose me, Noah."
Her words surrounded his heart and he knew they were true. "I've made some changes. I've gone over the books with my accountant. The insurance payment will cover repairs to the rink. I have some real estate not connected with the rinks that I can sell to carry us over the hump until this is running again. And there should still be enough capital left over for you to go to school...if you want to."
"Oh, Noah. I never expected that. Could I still manage the rink? Oh, I guess not, if your base is in Richmond."
"How about moving my base here? There's no reason I can't work from Gettysburg. And there's no reason why I can't hire someone qualified to do the traveling for me. I can spend more time reading e-mailed reports." He winked and squeezed her closer. "When I'm not in bed with you."
Francie blushed, and he laughed. Then he framed her face with his hands. "I do love you, sweetheart. You haven't answered me yet. Will you marry me?"
She took one of his hands in hers and kissed it. "Yes, I'll marry you. And I'll live with you and travel with you and work with you, if you want that, too."
"I want it all, Francesca Marie Piccard. I want it all."
EPILOGUE
Noah lifted his camera but stopped for a moment to appreciate the sight before him. The sun glanced off the grove of silver maples. The leaves shimmered, reflecting the rays until the silver almost bounced against the blue sky, bringing the magic down to earth. The magic bathed Francie as she stood in their backyard in her graduation gown.
He loved her more today than the day they'd married more than five years ago. The passion between them still exploded with a look or a touch. It had been damn hard keeping his hands off of her for six weeks. But they'd been creative. And every night since then...He smiled, remembering.
Francie waved her hand at him. "Are you asleep, Gordon?"
He raised his brows and drawled, "No. Just thinking about the bottle of champagne we never opened last night. Somebody was too eager to show off a new negligee."
She wrinkled her nose at him. "And somebody else was too eager to get his hands on the negligee."
"Wrong. I was eager to get my hands on you."
Francie still blushed and her blush still delighted him.
The back door to their house slammed and Angela called down to the yard. "Wait a minute. Let me get a picture of all three of you before the gang arrives."
Noah turned and snapped a picture of Angela hurrying down the walk with their infant daughter. Sara Marie Gordon was eight weeks old today.
Francie went toward her mother. "I thought she was still napping."
"She wants to be part of the celebration." Angela winked at Noah.
He and Angela had had their differences over the years that he and Francie had been married. But he loved Angela like a mother, and he respected her opinion. She'd learned to accept the joint decisions he and Francie made.
Angela handed Sara to Francie and took the camera from Noah. "You said she slept most of the night. She doesn't need the sleep right now."
Noah enjoyed getting up with Francie, feeding their daughter. Sometimes he woke up in the middle of the night, his arm around Francie, the knowledge his daughter lay in the next room a wonder, and he thanked God he was so blessed.
The first year had been tight--with refurbishing the rink, Francie going to school part-time, buying a house. But each year the rinks had become more successful. Veronica had eventually taken over as manager of the Gettysburg rink so Francie could attend college full-time. And Noah had managed to keep traveling to a minimum.
Francie slid her fingers through the thatch of her baby's dark brown hair. "Every time I look at her, I want to cry."
"Don't start," Angela warned. "Today's emotional. Gina home for a change from her school in Chicago. You graduating."
Francie glanced at Noah, and he knew what she was thinking. He nodded.
"Well, I have more good news," Francie told her mother.
"What?"
"I got the job teaching morning kindergarten in the fall. It'll be perfect. A half day of teaching. A half day with Sara. And a whole evening with my husband and daughter." Her gaze found Noah's and told him she looked forward to the time after Sara went to bed as much as he did.
The back door opened again and more of the Piccard family poured out. Angela gave Francie a quick hug and kissed her ch
eek. "Congratulations, honey. I know it's what you've been working for. You are going to let me babysit Sara, aren't you?" Angela looked at Noah. "Though I don't want to interfere if you've already made other plans..."
Noah placed his hand on his mother-in-law's shoulder and, after a nod from Francie, said, "We wouldn't trust her more with anyone else."
"Hey, Mama," Gina called. "Come see the cake. It's great."
Angela went toward her younger daughter, taking the camera with her.
Francie smiled, thinking about the past few years. She was proud of the decisions she'd made since she met Noah, and she'd had no regrets, not even when Bridgit and Brent won a bronze medal at the Olympics. How could she have regrets when Noah loved her enough to let her be herself, filled her nights with passion, and doted on their daughter as if she were the only child on earth?
Noah chuckled as Gina drew her mother into the house. "We might get your picture sometime today."
Francie rocked Sara and played with her little fingers. "It doesn't matter. I want a record of Sara's life, not mine."
Noah brushed a wisp of hair from Francie's cheek. "You look beautiful today."
Francie flicked her tassel. "Even in a mortarboard?"
"Even in a mortarboard. Especially with Sara in your arms."
His green gaze still had the power to make her knees weak. "I love you, Noah."
"And I love you, Francie." He bent his head to kiss her, and immediately they got carried away. Francie slipped her free hand into his hair as his arm went around her and the baby.
Then Francie heard the click of the camera.
When she and Noah looked up, the Piccard family faced the Gordon family, smiles on all their faces.
Shrugging off the embarrassment, Noah bent his head for another kiss and another picture. Francie lifted her lips to his, proud of their love. Proud of their life. They truly had it all.
From the Author:
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—where Because Of Francie is set—is one of my favorite towns to visit. The historic character of it is inspiring. This romance was originally published as a Kensington Precious Gems. I believe romances should touch the deepest nook of readers' hearts. From my early books to my most recent, I have kept the emotion of my characters as the focus. Though styles change, characters change, and trends change, the important element of a romance doesn't change—the hope that there can be a happily-ever-after. Since Because Of Francie, I have published over seventy novels, making both the USA Today List and series Bestseller Lists. Living in Pennsylvania with my college sweetheart and two cats, I spend most days writing, editing, cooking and gardening. Believing in the power of love and commitment, I look forward to writing relationship novels for a long time to come. For more about me and my latest releases, including excerpts, photos and short stories, please visit my website listed below. To keep in touch day to day, follow me at Facebook and on Twitter. Look for more of my books on Smashwords.
Because of Francie Page 19
