Frontier Highlander Vow of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 4)

by Dorothy Wiley

  Bear repeated what William said, but preceded the words with, “Because I believe God has brought us together…” He also added at the end, “And I now change my surname from MacKee to MacKay, as that is the traditional spellin’ of our noble clan’s name. I vow that we will both remember our Highland heritage and teach our children to be proud of the Scots blood than runs in their veins.”

  Artis gave a genuine exclamation of delight.

  Repeating after William, Artis said, “I, Artis MacKay, now take you Daniel Bear MacKay, to be my husband. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a lovin’, faithful and loyal wife to you, for as long as we both shall live.” She winked at him. “And maybe a wee bit longer.”

  William pronounced them married, and there under the brilliance of the stars, they became one.

  Crushing her to him, Bear kissed his angel.

  Chapter 35

  With his arm around her shoulders, Bear and Artis stood on their front porch waving goodbye as all their guests left. The wedding merriment lasted far too long as far as Bear was concerned and he was glad to see them all leave. He couldn’t wait to begin their private celebration.

  They stood there, arm and arm, on the porch for a moment, gazing heavenward. But even the majestic beauty of the heavens could not keep his eyes off Artis. “Ye made a stunningly beautiful bride my angel.”

  “Thank ye, my braw husband. Thank ye for helping me truly find freedom. For helping me to see the beauty in life. And in the future. And in love.”

  “And speaking of love…I’ll go put that fire out and meet ye…”

  “…in our bedroom,” she finished, touching his cheek with her finger.

  With a mysterious smile, Artis turned and went inside.

  Bear suspected she had no idea how seductive she was.

  He nearly jumped off the porch and raced toward the fire. He poured a bucket of dirt over the flames and waited until he was sure the fire was out.

  He grabbed an opened bottle of wine from the beverages table and the two crystal wine glasses they’d received as a gift, and he went inside, blew out all the candles, and locked up.

  Taking long strides, he headed for their new bedroom. He was glad he’d finished stretching, preparing, and washing the two bear hides well. When they’d dried, he’d carefully sewn them together with rawhide strips and mended the cuts. Before the wedding ceremony, he’d snuck into their bedroom and covered their bed with the beautiful fur blanket. He was looking forward seeing her pale body against the dark furs.

  He nearly dropped the wine and fine glasses when he entered, for that was exactly what he beheld—Artis lay stretched out on the bear hide blanket in her sleeveless shift, a flimsy soft fabric he could see through. It revealed every curve of her erotic young body—her full breasts, her narrow waist, her shapely hips, and long pretty legs. Desire made a burning ache grow within him.

  He could not stop staring at her. She was the very image of beauty and love. The dim candlelight made the gold in her long unbound hair glimmer. Her soft pink lips seemed to beg for a kiss. Her long throat looked warm and alluring. For a moment, he felt as if he were dreaming.

  As he continued to enjoy just looking her, her sparkling intelligent eyes watched him eagerly. Yet, her eyes also spoke of her innocence and inexperience. She’d suffered the ugliness of a man taking her, but never enjoyed the beauty of a man loving her.

  Tonight she would learn how different the two were.

  He sat the wine glasses down and poured them both a half glass. He handed the glass to Artis and, without taking her eyes from him, she took a sip. He could see a drop resting on her lower lip and he instantly wanted to lick it off. But she removed it, running her tongue across her lip.

  The simple act made desire surge through his veins.

  He suddenly felt hot. He took a long sip of the wine, letting it cool his heated throat and began removing his clothing. First, he laid his clan badge next to the luckenbooth in a small pewter plate he’d put in the center of their bedroom table for just that purpose. They would rest next to each other, just as he and Artis would.

  With Artis’ watching him intently, he hastily removed the rest of his clothing until he stood before her in only his long black shirt.

  “Please take that off too,” she asked, her voice trembling.

  “Would ye like me to snuff out the fire and candle?” he asked. “I do not want the sight of me to scare ye.”

  “I do na scare easily.”

  “If ye insist wife,” he said, and tugged the shirt over his head.

  Artis gasped and then swallowed. If he wasn’t mistaken, her faced paled a bit. She shot him a look of utter bewilderment. Awkwardly, she cleared her throat. “Oh my.”

  Her reaction amused him.

  He eased onto the black fur and reached for her, wrapping an arm around her middle. The intoxicating sweetness of her scent made his breath quicken. And the feel of her in his arms was something he’d dreamed of again and again. But he wanted to feel all of her.

  “Would ye mind doing the same for me?” he asked, lifting her shift up her thigh, and arching a brow at her.

  She reached down, pulled the shift the rest of the way up, and tossed it to the foot of the bed. She gazed back at him, a smoldering flame dancing seductively in her eyes.

  He could not believe how beautiful and alluring she was. She was the epitome of feminine desirability. He nestled her against him again, and gave her a slow drugging kiss. When his lips finally left hers, he asked, “Are ye ready to truly become my wife?”

  “Sir, I am already yer wife. I am ready to become yer lover.”

  Bear chuckled. As usual, she spoke the truth. He was ready to become her lover too.

  With tingling fingertips, he began an exploration of her body. He intended to make a thorough study, taking his time to savor his discoveries and to prepare her for what was to come.

  First, he ran a hand slowly down her back. When he reached her bottom, he let his hand learn its soft luscious curves. Then he traced a path upwards again. On her side, he felt her terrible scar, the skin rough and disfigured, beneath his fingertips.

  Instantly, she tensed and squirmed beneath him, trying to move his hand away from the spot.

  He lowered his head and gently brushed his lips against the scar, kissing her until she stilled. “The scar will only remind me how precious you are to me,” he whispered.

  She said his name and the sound of it from her lips made him feel contentment and peace.

  With each new area he touched, she further revealed her innocence, crying out with wonder when she experienced her body’s sensitivity for the first time. Each time she did so, his heart surged with excitement. He loved awakening her sensuality and bringing her pleasure.

  And he was only just beginning. Before he was through, a tidal wave of passion would wash through her.

  He sensed her confidence growing. Tentatively, she began to explore his body as well and it made his senses spin. Her innocent timid touches sent bolts of lightning sizzling through him, heating him from within. She ran her fingertips across his chest and down his arms making him quiver involuntarily.

  Shyly, she peeked up to look at his face. “Am I doing it right?”

  “Oh aye. It’s so right, I may swoon from pleasure right here in our bed,” he said.

  Emboldened, her touch became less innocent and she let her fingers drift down his abdomen. Her fingers burned his tingling skin. His heart seemed to rush to every spot she touched and he let out a groan of pleasure.

  He had to regain control or this would be over too soon. He took her in his arms, leaned over her, and focused on kissing her as he’d never kissed her before—letting his love flow from his lips to her soul. As he deepened the kiss even more, her eager response pleased him. Instead of cooling his passion, her fervent kisses aroused him even more. His impatience grew explosively.

  Her lips felt like warm velvet. They tasted like the finest wine. T
he love that flowed from them reached all the way to his heart.

  He trailed his lips down her chin and long neck then he explored her soft shoulders. He could almost feel the heat growing within her as he showered her flesh with kisses. He planted a fervent kiss in the hollow of her glorious bosom while he rubbed her midriff enjoying the feel of the indention between her hips.

  She drew his lips to hers once more. Their kisses seemed to melt together in a dreamy intimate joining until she finally took a breath and whimpered softly into his ear.

  “I love ye, Bear” she said, peering into his face. “I never dreamed I could feel like this.”

  “And I love ye my dear Artis—my Highland lover.”

  He kissed her again, fervently. His body ached with need. He was desperate to join with her. A wave of pure passion rose within him like the hottest fire.

  When she raised her leg over his hip, as if to welcome him into her body, he could wait no longer.

  Aye, he would be her lover.

  Chapter 36

  Despite exhaustion and spent passion luring them both to sleep, he’d woken her in the wee hours of the night needing more of her. She’d squirmed beneath him at once and he’d tucked her naked body against him. Their bodies in exquisite harmony, their coupling had seemed otherworldly—more like a deep pleasurable dream—where nothing existed but their love. And afterwards, contentment and peace lured them both back to sleep once again.

  When dawn streamed light into their bedroom, she’d woken him with a cup of steaming coffee and a kiss that clearly said she wanted more of his love. He’d wasted no time rousing a melting sweetness within her as he enjoyed the morning light rippling across her creamy white breasts.

  Each time they joined, it was different and precious. He wondered if it would always be so. He vowed to do his part to ensure that it was.

  But now, Bear was late. He’d lingered in their bed longer than he should have. About halfway to Boonesborough, he urged Camel to a faster gallop. The gelding’s long strides made him feel as if he were flying, but even at that pace, it would take him another ten minutes or so to reach the courtroom.

  He decided to spend the time thinking about his idea. He needed a way to make a substantial living to provide a comfortable life for Artis and their future family. Boonesborough badly needed an inn. So he would build the town a beautiful one and Artis could hire a staff to run it. Between building Stephen and Sam’s houses and their own home, he’d learned a great deal about construction. He could take out a loan to help finance whatever his savings didn’t cover or borrow the funds from Sam and Catherine. He even had a name in mind—Boone’s Tavern and Inn.

  And with the proceeds from the inn, he’d invest in a lumber mill to supply building materials for the growing town. Maybe even other settlements in Kentucky eventually.

  Perhaps he would also start breeding horses for profit. William had written Roberts and explained what happened to Artis and of Steller’s just demise. And he wrote that Artis recognized the horse as one that belonged to the plantation owner. Roberts had responded saying that he was relieved that Artis was all right and that he’d already replaced his stud horse. He instructed William to give the stallion to Artis. Roberts said she was a fine horsewoman and deserved a first-rate horse.

  The splendid stallion could become their stud. While he was in town, he planned to purchase the fifty acres adjacent to their home as a surprise for Artis. He would use the lush fertile property, which had an abundance of thick grass, for their horse pastures.

  He had so many plans for their future that he wanted to discuss with Artis. She possessed a keen mind and he was anxious to get her opinions on his ideas. Kentucky was ripe with opportunity and he was sure she’d have ideas too. All they needed was the time to carry their ideas out.

  A few minutes later, he spotted William racing Smoke toward him.

  “What the hell?” he said aloud. William should be at the trial by now.

  “Go back!” William yelled.

  He didn’t understand what William was trying to say. “What is it?” he shouted back.

  William made his horse run even faster and he did the same. Soon the two pulled up on their reins and held their winded horses side by side. “The prisoner killed my deputy and escaped sometime around dawn!”

  “Good God, bless the lad’s soul,” Bear said.

  William clenched his jaw and swallowed.

  No wonder his brother appeared so upset. “I’m sorry William. Deputy Mitchell was a fine young man.”

  “We need to go back to your house, now,” William urged.

  “But why…” Then Bear realized what his brother was so worried about. “Ye think Miller is still after revenge?”

  “Yes, I figured he was coming after you. If Miller doesn’t find you there, he might do something to Artis. He’s desperate and has nothing to lose. He knows we would have hung him today.”

  “But how would he know where to find me?”

  “Criminals have a way of finding out what they need. People in town wouldn’t know who he was. All he would have to do is ask around to find out where you lived. Let’s go!”

  “Artis,” he said, alarm filling him. Bear turned Camel and the two sped toward his home.

  Stark fear gripped his heart. If anything happened to Artis…

  It was her first morning in her new home. After Bear left, she wanted to lay in the drowsy warmth of their bed, just thinking. But she would not start her time as a wife being lazy and idle. She had much to do. She washed and dressed quickly and then braided her hair. She decided to start by making a list of the things they would need to buy—dishes, pans, utensils, towels, and a hundred other little things. Then she would have breakfast and go over the list.

  But Artis’ heart was so full, near bursting with love, all she could do for a few minutes was roam from room to room admiring her house. She still couldn’t believe she lived here. In Scotland, it would be considered a stately manor house. And, even better, she lived here with Bear! He’d been so good to her last night. He made her feel things she didn’t even know existed. Feelings and sensations that left her reeling.

  As she wandered around, she continued to reflect on her wedding night. He taught her the very nature and meaning of making love. Her pulse quickened just remembering everything he did to her. She already longed for his touch and the security of his big arms. And she never dreamed yielding to the searing need he created could be so pleasurable.

  She’d tried to show him pleasure as well, and he seemed delighted with her attentions, but she recognized she still had a lot to understand. Learning what pleased his magnificent body would be nothing but a joy. His muscled chest and arms were so impressive and arousing to touch. His massive shoulders had always nicely filled the clothes he wore. But to see them bare, nearly took her breath away. And when he’d stood before her completely unclothed, looking so powerful and virile, it did take her breath away.

  When Bear had left for town, she felt an extraordinary void inside her. It was as if a part of her had suddenly disappeared. She hoped the trial would not take all day and he could come home soon. She decided to prepare a nice meal for lunch in case he was able to get home in time.

  Home—their home. The wonder of it all still astonished her.

  She heard a noise at the back door. It sounded like someone walking in. Bear could not be back so soon. She became instantly alert, fully aware of her surroundings. Her dirk. She raced for the bedroom, grabbed it, and stuck it in her boot. She snatched up her pistol. Damn, she’d forgotten to load it. Bear told her to keep it loaded and close before he left, and she had promised him that she would. But caught up in her musings, she’d forgotten.

  She quickly began loading it but stopped when she heard something behind her.

  She turned around and shrieked. A dreadful looking man stood before her. He had the appearance of someone who had just come from the dead. A bowed back made him stand hunched. One arm hung limply. His skin wa
s pasty white, his face bony, his beard grungy. His soiled clothes smelled sour with the pungent odor of sweat and filth. His large eyes leered menacingly at her.

  And his pistol pointed directly at her.

  She backed up a step, then two, and took a deep breath trying to control her thundering heart. “Who are ye and what are ye doin’ in my home?” she demanded.

  “So you’re MacKay’s wife. Put that pistol back on the table and I’ll tell you.”

  Reluctantly, she complied.

  “I’m the brother of the man your husband murdered. Shot him in cold blood in the general store. Later he shot me too, in this shoulder.” He pointed to the spot. “Now I have a bum arm.”

  “At least yer alive.”

  “A lot of good that will do me. They took all my gold. I was a rich man. Now I’m a pauper thanks to them.”

  Her mind raced. It was the robber. The one who shot her! That’s why he looked so pale. He’d spent more than a month indoors in William’s dark jail.

  “Yer brother was committin’ a robbery, and threatened violence,” she declared. “And ye attacked us and nearly killed me tryin’ to get yer revenge. I am just now recovered from the dreadful wound ye inflicted on me.”

  “Then I will have to do a better job of it this time and ensure you don’t recover,” he sneered through yellowed teeth.

  The thought of being shot again made Artis shudder. She had to get this man to leave her alone—one way or another.

  “Ye should leave. My husband will be back shortly. He just went to borrow a tool from his brother’s nearby cabin. If he finds ye here in our bedroom, he will kill ye.”

  “You’re a lying bitch. I’ve been hiding behind your house. I saw him leave for Boonesborough. I was hoping you would come outside and start your chores, but you didn’t. So I decided to come in and get you. I’ll get my revenge now.”

  Artis’ heart sank and her knees threatened to buckle. She felt a shiver of panic whip through her. “Please, just leave. If they find ye, they will take ye back and hang ye.”