An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series)
Page 13
“You have your standards, I understand.”
“Are you back for good now?”
“That depends.”
“I was going to tell you that I loved you. I came out the next morning to tell you, but you were gone.”
Something glimmered in his eyes. “You love me, huh?”
“Yes, even though you’re the wrong sort of man.”
“That’s a strange way of complimenting me,” he laughed.
“I don't care anymore about anything. I’ve been struggling for a while—”
“You lost your husband. That’s to be expected.” He took a step towards me. “Are we gonna keep arguing or are we gonna get married?”
“I want to get married right this minute.”
Humor registered. “Right now?”
“Yes, this very minute. I’ll get my handbag. Turn the wagon around.”
A hand wrapped around my forearm. “Hold up there, honey.” He drew me to him, his face so close I could see the tiny blue flecks in his irises. “I never asked you properly, and I haven’t gotten one thing right yet, so I want to do this proper.”
“Go ahead then. Just hurry.” He laughed, flashing slightly crooked teeth. “If you think I’m spending another night alone, you got another thing coming, mister.”
“All right, but hobble your lip for just a second there, and let me do this.” He thrust a hand into a pocket. “I’ve never in my life gotten down on one knee before. It’s a shame I wasn’t able to ask your father’s permission first.”
“He would’ve said no anyhow.”
His look betrayed annoyance. “You gonna keep quiet, so I can do this?”
“Fine.” It was amusing how nervous he seemed, his expression suddenly stern, with a hint of apprehension.
He cleared his throat. “Okay. Here goes.” He lowered to one knee, his face lifting upwards. “Hannah Clark?”
“Yes?” It was then that I saw the ring, a gold band with a pretty little diamond. I gasped, “Where’d you get that?”
“I bought it in town this morning.”
“With the money you got from my horse?”
“No! Now would you be quiet!” I clamped my lips together, waiting expectantly, not believing he had bought such a pretty ring. “Hannah Clark, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes.”
He sighed with relief. “Let’s get this on.” He slid the ring over my finger; although it was slightly too big, the diamond caught the sun, glinting and flickering with brilliance.
“Oh, Nathan. It’s so pretty.”
“We’ll have the goldsmith fix it, so it won’t fall off your finger. Now kiss me, woman.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, while our lips met. The kiss was just as hungry as the one he had given me the night he had left. I pressed myself to him, feeling the firmness of his chest. He growled, drawing me even closer, his beard scratching my cheek.
“God, you’ve driven me crazy,” he murmured.
“Let’s go to town now. I want to get married.”
“Don’t you want to wait for a pretty dress and invitations and all that other nonsense?”
“No. All we need is a pastor and a witness.”
“Is that so?” He’d yet to let go of me.
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye, but I wouldn’t have been able to leave if I saw you.”
“I was going to tell you how I felt.”
“Honey, I’ve known it for a while. You didn’t have to say anything.”
“Can you forgive me for being so mean?”
“I deserved every bit of it.”
“No you didn’t.”
“I stole your horse.”
“Yes, you did.”
“I’ll buy you another one.”
“I have the money I owe you from the harvest. I did well. Frank was right, it paid for everything and then some.”
“I did well too.”
“With what?”
“Mining.”
“Did you find any gold?”
“You could say that.” I stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate. “It’s fair to assume that we’ll be good for a while. We can plant the other fields next spring. I can buy as many horses as you want.”
“Can I get dining room furniture?”
He laughed, “If that’s what you want as a wedding present, yes.”
I hugged him. “I do.”
“Now that I’m rich, you’ll marry me, eh?”
“I said yes when I thought you were poor.” He smelled of musk with a hint of perspiration; my senses were nearly dizzy with the prospect of being with him. “Let’s hurry, Nathan. I’ll get my things, so we can go.”
“You’re gonna get married in that dress?”
“I don’t care.” I rushed to the house. “Maria!” I shouted. “I’m gettin’ married! You have to be our witness!”
Two hours later, I found myself in the church, with Adaline, Rhoda, and Sally in attendance with their husbands. Maria and Jerry joined us as well. I’d been given a handful of pretty yellow wildflowers that Maria had picked in a nearby field. Pastor Bailey officiated the service, pronouncing us man and wife, his happy countenance beaming with approval.
Adaline and Sally had thrown together a small reception, serving ice tea, lemonade, and apple cider. We ate finger sandwiches and chocolate caramels. It wasn’t nearly as extravagant as my wedding to Frank had been, but it hardly mattered. I would have to write to my family soon, explaining this change in circumstance. Nathan held my hand, his tanned face beaming. He’d been in the elements for weeks, and it showed, as he had browned and wrinkled accordingly. The ring was something the ladies ogled, admiring the diamond, which was set in four prongs.
“All right,” said Nathan. “I think we’ll be going now.” He squeezed my hand, murmuring, “We gotta hit the road, honey.”
Our eyes met, as heat passed between us. “I’m ready.”
“Thanks so much for the nice spread,” said Nathan, shaking Doc Caldwell’s hand.
“Congratulations,” he said. “You make a handsome couple.”
“We don't expect to see you in town for a while,” said Mr. Higgins, with a grin.
“No, can’t say we’ll be needin’ anything for at least a week.” Nathan led me towards the door. Maria and Jerry would be traveling with us to the house, so privacy would not be achieved until after we closed the bedroom door.
“Take care,” said Sally. “I’ll see you in church this weekend.”
“Yes, you will. Thank you.”
Rhoda and Adaline exchanged a glance, and the look that passed between them warmed my heart. I sensed my friends approved of my choice, which was mildly astonishing considering Nathan’s reputation. Earlier Rhoda had pulled me aside, whispering, “That man would do anything for you, my dear. He might not be what you thought your future looked like, but he’ll keep the rain off your head and your sheets warm.” She pinched me for luck.
Later, after we had arrived home, followed by a surprisingly heated encounter beneath the sheets, I lay in Nathan’s arms, his heart pounding against my chest. Having waited this long to be with him, the joining was far better than I could have hoped for; his skill in this particular area was something I would have to question him on…at length.
Our eyes met. “Are you all right?”
“Of course.”
“I didn’t hurt you?”
“No, not at all.”
“It’s been a while for me.”
“Me too.”
His lips met my forehead, his breath fanning over my skin. “You look so sweet in your moment of rapture.”
“Shush.”
“The way you trembled beneath me, your—”
“Don’t say it.”
“I didn’t know you’d be so noisy.”
I pushed against his chest. “Not another word.”
“Touchy,” he laughed; his voice was scratchy.
> There was wetness between my thighs, as a reminder of the things we had done. “I want a baby.”
“I’ll do my best, darlin’.” Humor shone in his look. “You sure are pushy. First you’re demanding marriage and now children. What’s next?”
Leaning over him, I grasped his face, feeling the scratchy quality of his beard. “I kiss you.” Our lips met, tongues playing, while his arms went around me, holding me close. The way we fit together, my hipbone against his tummy, my curves molding to his hard planes, it was easy. Being with him was like sliding into a comfortable pair of shoes…but this kiss was quickly getting the better of me; certain female parts had begun to tingle again…wanting something more.
“I love you, Hannah,” he murmured.
“I love you too.”
The End
Epilogue
Three months later
“So, what does it say?” asked Nathan, who had strolled into the parlor. He’d been tending to the horses, wanting to feed them before the storm came in.
I held a letter from my younger sister Paulina. “I can’t believe this.”
“What? Bad news?”
“Paulina’s coming out this way.”
“By herself?”
“She wants to find a husband.”
“The pickin’s are pretty slim, Hannah. Did you warn her?”
“I did.”
“Is she as stubborn as you?”
“I guess she is.”
“How’s she coming? From St. Joseph or Independence?”
“She didn’t say. She’s joining a family who’s homesteading. She’s coming all this way by wagon, just like we did. She say’s she wants to experience every second of the adventure.”
“That’s some feat.”
“She’s bringing my china.”
He closed his eyes. “Did you have anything to do with that?”
“Um…I might’ve.”
“You and fine china.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It drove Frank crazy too.”
“It could all break. Bad axles and river crossings have broken more wagons then I can count.”
“I know. I remember. Frank and I had quite a time with it. It sure was an adventure, but I’d never want to do it again.” I gazed at my husband, admiring the way his blue eyes sparkled when he looked at me. “Don’t you have some friends who might want to marry her?”
“The drunks at the bar?”
“Oh, stop that, Nathan. You’ve met more than just those sorts.”
“I guess. I’m not much for being a matchmaker though. My choices are liable to insult her.”
Standing, I went to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I have to tell you something.”
“What’s that?”
“I think I’m with child.”
He squeezed me; his breath was near my ear. “I wondered about that. Don’t remember your monthly for a while.”
“I’m so happy, Nathan.”
“Just wait till you’re in labor. You’ll be hollering up a storm, cursing me sideways.”
I giggled, “Don’t ruin the moment.”
“I’m not. I’m just preparing myself for what’s to come. I forgive you, by the way.” Our eyes met.
“For what?”
“For cursing at me.”
“Oh, Nathan.”
“I love the way my name sounds on your lips.” Tenderness shone in his eyes. “You’re fine as cream gravy and you’re mine. My prayers did come true.”
Coming Soon
Look for future books in The Colorado Brides Series, chronicling the lives of the Hoffman sisters and their adventures in finding love out west.
An Unexpected Widow
An Unexpected Bride
An Unexpected Annulment
An Unexpected Mother
A new series, The Arizona Brides Series, will be available in the fall of 2013.
Here is an excerpt from An Unexpected Bride
There was a distinct lack of music tonight, and conversations were subdued. The stress of the day had exhausted every one; even Abner had grown quiet, staring into the fire thoughtfully. Once the dishes were washed, I set out to find Samuel, wanting to thank him again for saving me from drowning. It was just after sunset, the sky streaked with orange and purple, with a hint of light beneath a bank of clouds on the horizon. West lay in that direction. I found him at his campsite, several men sitting near him; one held meat over the fire, which dangled from the end of a metal rod.
“Mr. Tucker.”
He turned to gaze at me; an eyebrow had risen. “Yes?”
“Might I have a word?”
“Certainly.” He got to his feet; his grin was easy, yet I sensed his interest.
I moved away, hoping he would follow me, because I wanted to speak with him in private, not wanting an audience. The men stared at us, while curiosity and amusement were evident in their expressions. We approached a set of wagons some distance off. There was no one here to disturb us, although the lights of campfires blazed nearby.
“I just wanted to thank you for everything you did this afternoon.”
His hands were in his pockets. “It’s my job to keep people safe. You don’t need to thank me for doing my job.”
“Well, someone should. I could’ve drowned.”
“Maybe, maybe not.”
“You might find this trivial, sir, but death is a concern to me.”
“Is that so?”
“Why yes.” He neared, and I found myself against the framework of a wagon, the hoop-shaped slats at my back.
“So you wanted to express your gratitude?”
“I want to thank you for all you did.”
“That’s mighty thoughtful.”
It should have alarmed me, but he was even closer now; the intensity of his caramel-colored eyes seemed to burn right through me. It was the oddest sensation, this inappropriate nearness, yet there wasn’t a part of me that didn't want to scream with wicked pleasure. The thrill of being alone with him was far greater than any concern I had over my reputation, which was shocking. His focus had shifted to my mouth, his intensions were clear, and I had no desire to stop him, if he were to kiss me.
“Just how grateful are you?”
The timber of his voice sent a jolt of sensation down my backbone. “I do believe I might owe you my life.”
“That’s far too much. How about…a kiss?”
A burst of tingles erupted in my tummy. “That’s all you want?” His expression was considerate, his look unguarded for a split second, revealing a wealth of information that he would never dare verbalize. A kiss was only the beginning…and I doubted it would be enough for either of us.
“I have a feelin’ I’m going to regret this.” His breath fanned out over my face, the hint of whiskey lingering. “But it’s all your fault. You did seek me out. There I was…minding my own campfire, when a brown-haired beauty called me away.”
“I did.” It pleased me endlessly to be called a beauty, especially by him.
“I shouldn’t take advantage of you.”
“Why not?”
He closed his eyes. “You’re not going to stop me, are you?”
“No.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, knowing that I had now crossed the point of no return. “I do so want to kiss you, Sam. I can’t seem to think of anything else—”
His lips closed over mine; the softness of the approach was a surprise, the touch light. I tilted my chin upwards, while he held my face, his thumbs grazing my cheeks. I’d kissed a man before, my ex fiancé, but it had been sweetly romantic, a quick brush of lips, followed by awkward embarrassment. This was lingering, heady, and all-consuming. When his tongue begged entrance, I knew it would shatter my world.
I moaned against his mouth, clinging to him desperately, while our tongues battled, meeting and separating, over and over. I surrendered to him, not wanting the embrace to end, letting my fingers thread through his hair. Soft, silky strands were held hostage now, as
I refused to let go. His arms went around my back, pulling me to him; the solid length of his body vibrated with energy, the excess spilling over and flooding me.
“Oh…my…goodness…”
His lips were on my neck, kissing and biting gently, sending tingles down my backbone. “I could do this…indefinitely.”
“Yes…oh…please…”
He grunted low in his throat, his lips finding mine, but this time there was nothing gentle about the kiss. He devoured me, staking claim by violating me with his tongue. A vague thought drifted through my mind, I had now been thoroughly, irrevocably seduced. He suddenly pushed me away, separating us, while his hand was in the center of my chest, keeping me at arm’s length.
“No.” He struggled to breathe, his chest rising and falling. “That’s enough now.”
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Other works by Carré White
Sonoran Nights
The Colorado Brides Series
***
An Unexpected Widow
An Unexpected Bride
An Unexpected Annulment
An Unexpected Mother
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue