Everyone, particularly the bride and groom, had a wonderful time chatting with friends, eating the delicious fare, and sipping champagne.
With a houseful of family and a ship loaded with crew, Rachel and Dan went to a hotel on the edge of town to be alone. A short time after arriving, the couple was undressed and in bed. They set out to weave golden webs of rapture and enchantment around each other.
“I love you, Rachel McCandless,” he murmured and kissed her.
“I love you, Daniel McCandless,” she responded before the next one.
Rachel gazed into her love’s eyes. Her journey to find and win him had taken almost three years. At last the dark cloud over her had lifted, allowing glorious sunshine to replace it. She was wed to her fourth and last husband, to the only man she had ever loved or desired. The Black Widow gossip and accusations had been laid to rest. Dan had asked her to “promise me forever,” and she had. For now, their bright future would be ignored while they concentrated on their present and each other.
Epilogue
Charleston, 1880
“What are you doing, love?” Dan asked as he entered their bedroom.
Rachel glanced up at her handsome husband and smiled. “Catching up on correspondence. The only time it’s quiet and calm enough to do so is when the children are napping or after they’re put to bed at night. They’re a handful of energy and curiosity. They keep me busy.”
“You’re the one who insisted on proving herself,” he jested.
Rachel laughed and teased, “I’m not sure I meant three times in five years, my virile captain. You do want me to have time and stamina for you. I don’t know how I would manage if it weren’t for Lula Mae. I should tell you to order seaman Zed Tarply to stop courting her before we lose her.”
“Did you ever imagine that grumpy spinster turning sweet and soft on men? She and Zed are behaving like youths experiencing their first loves.”
“They are, and I’m happy for both of them.”
“So am I. Everybody should be as lucky as we are.”
As he removed his jacket and put it away, she asked, “Did your meeting go well? You’re home early today.”
Beaming with pride, he answered, “Yes, it did. I hauled in another big client and account. McCandless Shipping Firm is very successful and prosperous, woman. I’m glad we moved it back here. Milton’s doing well, too. We’ve worked out a few nice deals together.”
“I’m glad we settled our past misunderstanding. You were right; he is a decent man, and we all make mistakes. Is Luke coming for dinner tomorrow night? He docks this evening, doesn’t he?”
“Yes. He’s enjoying being the captain of the Merry Wind and has done a fine job of it these past years. He says she still handles as if new.”
“Do you miss being at sea and roaming her decks?”
“I don’t have time. Too much business to tend and too busy with my wonderful family. The few trips I make satisfy me… Who are you writing?”
She watched him approach with easy strides. Even after years of being with him, he still made her heart flutter wildly and her body flame with desire just by being near. “Mama and Rosemary,” she answered, “living and working together at White Cloud is good for all of them. Mama’s healthy and happy again. Even with Rosemary and Tom selling their small farm and moving in with her, Mama’s become strong and independent. Rosemary needs the help with her children; my heavens, six balls of energy to chase and keep out of trouble!” she murmured, referring to two sets of twins added to the two boys her sister had when she and Dan married.
“Six children are a handful. I’m relieved ours came in ones.”
“Me, too,” Rachel concurred with a grin. “I bet those children love living on a big plantation and romping all over the place.”
“Do you ever miss Moss Haven or Savannah?”
“No. I was wise to sell it to Burke Wells. He hasn’t missed a yearly payment yet. He has his sharecroppers bringing in hefty earnings for him.”
“That and farming the rest of his land. He’s smart and hardworking. He was pleased to see me when I visited two weeks ago. He wants you and the children to come next time. Have you heard from Richard this week?”
“Today. I plan to write him tomorrow. I did tell you his last letter said Ramón and Rosaria got married?” Dan nodded. “Richard’s being sent to South America this time. Something about trouble between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. His skill with the Spanish language has been helpful for him again.”
“Your brother did a superb job in Cuba. The truce won’t last long, but at least it’s quiet for now after years of fierce battle.”
“He said they’re calling the rebellion the Ten Years War. Sad, but it began long before ‘68 and it’s still rumbling after ‘78. It isn’t over.”
“Richard and Peter expect a big and final war to settle things. Luke hopes it stays quiet, because he’s been making runs to and from there.”
“How is Peter?” she asked. “Have you heard from him lately?”
“Not in a few months. He’s doing fine, still agenting,” he teased.
“I doubt he or my brother will ever give it up; they love that exciting and challenging and adventurous life.”
“When either or both find a woman like you, like I did, they will.”
“Thank you, kind sir, but I’m the lucky one to have found you.”
Dan leaned over and nibbled at her neck. Rachel giggled and squirmed. He held out his hand in seductive invitation. She met his gaze, read the enticement, and stood. Their mouths meshed in a heady kiss.
Nothing had changed their desire for each other over the years. They knew how fortunate they were to be so happy and prosperous. Their life and family were fulfilling.
They had moved Phillip’s body to the McCandless family plot near Charleston, and all ghosts concerning him and the past had faded and vanished. Only good things seemed to happen to them now.
Following many kisses and caresses, they were breathless and burning with need. “I’ll lock the door,” Rachel said. “We don’t have long, my love. Naptime only last two hours or less, and minutes are wasting.”
Rachel turned after bolting the door for privacy. She gazed at the naked man awaiting her on the bed, as he had discarded his garments swiftly in his eagerness. His sable head was propped against the headboard with his back resting against pillows. His bare torso was exposed, but a light sheet concealed his lower half, a teasing ruse. She grinned.
Dan watched his wife walk to the bed and halt beside it to strip. She removed her shoes with mischievous leisure. She unbuttoned her dress and peeled it off her shoulders, then worked it over her hips, wriggling seductively as she did so. With playful tantalizing, she unlaced her chemise and slipped it over her head, exposing full breasts to his merry gaze. She worked her bloomers off and kicked them aside. Her body was still slim, sleek, and taut. Its olive covering was satiny to the touch, and he yearned to trace his fingers over it.
“You’re tormenting me, woman,” he said with pride and desire.
Rachel seized the sheet and whipped it aside, revealing his splendid form. “We promised we’d never have anything between us, remember?” She lay down beside him. Her dark-brown hair fanned out on the pillow and haloed her face. Her expressive eyes were like golden honey and filled with hunger for him. She raised herself to trail her fingers over his hairy chest, making tiny curls along her path. She felt his heart beating at a swift pace. Her fingers paused at his pulse point to feel it racing with need. She roamed his jawline, smoothly shaven and strong. She sent her fingers to journey over his lips and nose. She so enjoyed touching and arousing him.
Dan shifted to send his hands and lips to work on her exquisite body. He wanted to make her senses spin wildly, as she had his. He savored the sensation of her silky skin beneath his fingertips. He roved her in all directions as if mapping a route to paradise. His hands buried themselves in her lush mane and didn’t seek freedom for a time as he kissed her deeply.
They embraced and clung together, relishing the intoxicating contact. They explored each other’s body with equal and rising passion.
Dan’s mouth left hers to travel slowly and purposefully down her neck, over her bare shoulders, and around her firm breasts. He brushed his lips ever so lightly at first over each taut peak to allow his hot breathing and warm moisture to tease and enflame the straining bud. He urged his tongue to lavish blissful attention there while he drank sweet nectar. He felt her quiver in anticipation and heard her groan with pleasure. He sent his hands on a sensuous mission to the. steamy core of her womanhood. With skill and tenderness, he caressed her moist and satiny flesh there.
Rachel closed her eyes and absorbed the rapturous inducements. She dreamily stroked his muscular back, fondled his tight buttocks, and sought his throbbing hardness. She smiled when he sucked in a loud breath of air and stiffened for a moment as she caressed and stimulated his maleness.
Soon both were consumed by passion’s flames. She didn’t have to tell him she was ready and eager to have him thrust within her, and he didn’t have to be told or urged. He moved atop her and slipped inside her. United, they worked as one to heighten their ravenous appetites and to appease them. They labored with skill and knowledge, as they knew from experience how to please each other and themselves.
“This is wonderful, Dan,” she murmured against his mouth.
“Always, my love,” he replied and sealed their lips.
They couldn’t restrain themselves any longer. They ardently raced toward victory and captured it.
After, as they lay contented and aglow in each other’s arms, both shifted their heads at the same time to gaze at the other. They exchanged smiles, then a tender kiss.
“I love you, Rachel, more and more every day.”
“I always think I can’t love you more or enjoy lovemaking more, but it happens every time. I think I’ve had the best experience of my life, but the next one is even better than all the others put together. I still feel weak and hot when you look at me or touch me. How I do love you, Dan.”
He hugged her possessively as his heart surged with deep emotion. “Destiny, woman; we’re matched, perfect for each other. I think I sensed that the first time I looked into this beautiful face and these unusual eyes. You bewitch me, wife, and don’t ever break your spell over me.”
“I won’t, my love. Remember what you demanded and I promised?”
Dan smiled and murmured huskily, “Forever.”
“Yes, Captain Daniel Slade McCandless, forever, and you’ll get it.”
ZEBRA BOOKS
are published by
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eISBN: 978-1-4201-2756-0
Copyright © 1991 by Janelle Taylor
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as ‘unsold and destroyed’ to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this ‘stripped book’
Fourth Zebra Books paperback edition: March, 1994
Printed in the United States of America
Promise Me Forever Page 53
