The Kissing Tree

by Bice, Prudence

  Somewhat awed, she sat down, leaning her back against the trunk. She untied the bundle and sifted through the letters in her hand. There were so many, all addressed to her, and all stamped with big red letters that read, Return to Sender. Still, Georgiana smiled as she ran her fingers over his childish scrawl.

  He had written her! The thought tumbled over and over in her mind. Practically as many times as she had written him! Her aunt, though, hadn’t just kept his letters but had returned them. It was somehow crueler. Poor Ridge, he must have thought . . . quickly she stood up. She had to tell him. Tell him it wasn’t she who had returned his letters, but her horrid aunt. If all this time he thought . . . no wonder! Her gaze was drawn back down at the letters. She wanted to read just one first, then she would find Ridge and talk to him.

  Sitting back down against the tree, Georgiana carefully opened up the first one.

  Georgie,

  Hi. I guess I just wanted to see how you were doin’, if you like the city and all. I’m sure there are lots of fun things to do.

  It’s sure boring without ya around. Samantha hasn’t been any fun. If anyone mentions your name, she starts cryin’.

  By the way, I went back and caught that huge bullfrog. Told everyone it was yours though. Jonas and Jeremiah were so jealous. Asked what I was goin’ to do with it now that you were gone. I told them I was savin’ it for ya. You were sure to be back at least for a visit before too long, right?

  I guess I’d better say good-bye for now. Still got chores to do, and Schoolmaster Robinson gave me a two hundred word essay to write, and it wasn’t cause I pulled a prank or anythin’. I don’t break my promises.

  Well, I wish you were here. It’s going to be a long summer without ya.

  Love,

  Ridge

  P.S. By the way, if you were here . . . I’d steal back that kiss.

  Georgiana read the letter two more times before putting it back in the envelope. Taking the pins from her hair, she ran her fingers through it to smooth it out. Then she took the ribbon and tied her hair back as she had done as a child for church or rare occasions. Satisfied, she laid the letters beside her and leaned her head back against the tree trunk, closing her eyes. An unexpected smile suddenly lit her face. He had written!

  Still exhausted from her ordeal, it wasn’t long before she had accidentally fallen asleep.

  ◁ ◊ ▷

  Ridge watched as Georgiana ducked under the branches of the old oak. Sneaking up quietly, he’d hung the letters, tied with her ribbon, to a branch and then snuck away before being caught. He was standing outside the bank talking to Mr. Wallace when Georgiana’s mother hurried up to him, a worried expression on her face.

  “Have you seen Georgiana, Mr. Carson? She went over to Doctor Hansen’s place but he hasn’t seen her. He was out and has only just returned. I can’t imagine where she has gone off too. What if—” Her mother sounded worried.

  “I’m sure she’s fine, Mrs. McLaughlin,” Ridge interrupted. Excusing himself from Mr. Wallace, he took her arm and guided her across the street to where Jimmy waited by the wagon. “I think I know where she is,” he admitted. “Why don’t you go home, ma’am, with Jimmy here, and I’ll go find Georgiana and bring her home myself.” Ridge gave her a mischievous grin and winked.

  All worries left her face immediately and were replaced by a satisfied expression.

  “You found the letters then?” She smiled knowingly.

  “Yes, and I’m sure by now she’s found mine.” Mrs. McLaughlin looked confused a moment, but Ridge nodded in the direction of the oak tree, and a look of enlightenment crossed her face.

  “Well then, Mr. Carson, I’ll leave her in your good hands. I should be getting home to start supper anyway. Don’t want Angus to try anything drastic in the kitchen if he gets too desperate. That man can destroy a kitchen in no time at all, which wouldn’t be so bad if what he cooked was edible.” She laughed and reached over, laying her hand on his arm. “She loves you, Ridge. Don’t let her deny it.” Then she let go and walked over to Jimmy, who helped her up onto the wagon.

  Ridge turned and looked back to the old oak. She’d been there quite a while, so he headed in that direction. He stopped only long enough to take a deep breath before he moved the branches aside and ducked underneath their cover.

  ◁ ◊ ▷

  Georgiana opened her eyes, awakened by the sound of crunching leaves. The first thing she saw was a pair of boots. Her eyes followed them up until she was looking directly into Ridge’s face.

  “Hello, Mr. Carson.” She couldn’t keep the smile from her face.

  “Miss McLaughlin.” He politely tipped the brim of his hat.

  “I must have fallen asleep.” As she spoke, he reached his hands toward her to help her up. When their hands met, she felt the familiar warmth surge through her. “Thank you,” she said, feeling a slight blush tinge her cheeks.

  He didn’t respond, just stared at her. Letting go of one of her hands, he reached over and plucked a leaf from off her head that must have fallen as she slept. Self-consciously, Georgiana reached her free hand up to smooth her hair and realized she was still wearing it down, tied back with the ribbon. Embarrassed at how she must appear, she raised her hand again to remove it. Ridge reached out and stayed her hand.

  “Leave it . . . please.” He smiled so endearingly that she let her hand drop to her side.

  Her cheeks warmed again, and her heart began beating madly. She stared into his eyes only for a moment until her gaze fell to his lips. Would she ever be able to stop imagining those lips pressed against her own? Her heart sped up even more. He won’t need to steal a kiss today, she thought, for she would give him her kiss gladly, if he still wanted it.

  Finally, she found the courage to look into his eyes. He was going to kiss her. She could tell by his expression. What was he waiting for? Impatiently, she moistened her lips. She wanted nothing more than his kiss, and the silence and the waiting were driving her crazy.

  “I . . . I found your letters,” she said nervously, breaking the silence. “Thank you. You know I didn’t—”

  “I know,” he said before she could finish and placed his arms around her waist.

  “Because I never would have . . .”

  “It’s okay, Georgie . . . I know.” He leaned her back against the tree and leaned his own body against hers.

  “I just can’t believe my aunt would . . .”

  “Georgiana?” Leaning forward, he whispered her name into her ear, and slowly trailed his lips down the length of her cheek and neck, hovering just above her skin. His breath was warm, and the sensation caused an intense delirium to pass through her.

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you going to be quiet so I can kiss you?”

  Instantly her body thrilled. “Uh . . . huh.”

  “Good, because I want this to be a kiss you’ll remember.”

  “I remember all your kisses, Ridge, even the one I stole.” Her heart fluttered dangerously as he gave his crooked smile.

  “Not like you’ll remember this one,” he promised, his voice already husky.

  He kissed her then, first soft and slow, then, as if his lips were starved for her, he kissed her with a hunger and a passion she’d never dreamt of. Her heart beat madly in her chest. Her knees felt weak from sheer pleasure and longing. She returned his kiss with as much passion as his own, which caused his kiss to deepen further. Reaching up, she lost her fingers in the softness of his hair and he drew her even closer. Never before had she known such bliss. Never had she imagined such a kiss.

  Forcibly, he drew his lips from hers.

  “Georgiana Anne McLaughlin?” He was breathing hard with restrained passion.

  “Hmm?”

  “Will you marry me?”

  “Uh . . . huh.”

  “Soon?”

  “Today, if you like.” She laid her head against his chest. His heart was pounding nearly as madly as her own.

  “I think I can give ya at
least a week to get ready. Don’t want your mother to be angry with me. You’re her only daughter, ya know.”

  “Okay . . . one week then.” She looked up into his face, ready to be kissed again.

  “If you really need more time, I guess I could wait two. After all, I have waited years already.” He smiled down at her.

  “Ridge?” She removed her hands from around his neck and placed them on his cheeks.

  “No longer than two, ’cause I don’t think—”

  “Ridge?” She leaned in close to his face.

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you going to be quiet and kiss me?”

  “Uh . . . huh.” He smiled.

  “Because we’re standing under the kissing tree, you know . . .” Her heart sped up even more as he leaned in closer, a breath away. “And I’m sure this old giant has witnessed a lot of kisses.”

  “Well, then.” The look he gave her made her knees almost buckle this time. “Let’s give him one to remember.”

  Before his kiss could find her, she spoke once more.

  “I love you, Ridge Carson . . . ever I have loved you.”

  “And I love you, Georgiana McLaughlin. More than words . . .” His lips moved closer, “Or kisses . . .” He paused, hovering, his sweet breath mingling with her own. “Can say.”

  Finally, his lips were hers.

  Epilogue

  The paint brush froze in Georgiana’s hand as she paused to watch her son Michael teasing the little Carter girl, Maggie. At eight years old, he was so much like his father, the same wavy brown hair and brown eyes and the same sprinkle of freckles dotting his nose. Like his father too, he was born with the same predisposition to tease, as well as being known to pull a prank or two.

  Looking around her, she quietly observed the families gathered at the Easter Day Picnic. Mrs. Whitaker was talking animatedly to an attentive group of women, no doubt sharing the local “news.” She only stopped long enough to scowl when a group of raucous young men, two of them being Georgiana’s brothers William and Aden, ran through the center of their huddle.

  Suddenly, an old woman waddled by on the arm of Doc Hansen. Could that be old Mrs. Wickers, her former babysitter? How can she possibly still be alive? Georgiana thought incredulously. Still shaking her head in disbelief, she looked around again.

  Jimmy and his wife, Millie, were sitting with his sister Lizzie and her husband, Reverend Stevens. She watched for a moment as he wrestled with one of his young boys. Millie stared up at him adoringly.

  About three years ago, Jonas and Jeremiah had finally found and married two sisters willing to put up with them. Both women sat alone, tending small babes as the twins scoured the refreshment tables in search of food.

  Next she looked over to where Dawson and Samantha sat under the shade tree. Dawson bounced their newest son, Nathaniel, on his knee while Samantha washed cherry pie from her daughter’s face. She’d missed her friend dearly since she’d married Dawson and moved to live in New York, but at least they both came out once a year to visit. She was grateful they had remained close and stayed in touch.

  For a moment she thought about her mother and grandfather so far away. She had received a letter only yesterday and was so pleased they were having a pleasant time. They had been gone two months already, and she didn’t expect them back for at least another month. Her mother had plenty of funds now to travel with since her half of the inheritance had been restored. Indeed, this was their second trip to Ireland.

  Aunt Cecelia had not even put up a fight. In fact, Aunt Cecelia deeded the house to her mother, even though the will stated it was to be hers, and left New York. No one knew where she’d gone or where she had settled, but after about a year, Mother received a letter. Much to their surprise, the return address was from Sacramento, California. Not one of them could believe it until the second letter came six months later with a wedding invitation. It seemed Georgiana’s aunt had fallen in love with a retired Spanish general who had a very large family, and who most ardently returned her affections. Mother had forgiven Aunt Cecelia long before and had traveled out west, accompanied by her father-in-law, of course, to the wedding. Granddad had plenty of time on his hands since he had retired and given the ranch to her and Ridge as a wedding present, although Ridge insisted on compensating him for at least some of its value.

  In her letter from Ireland, Mother mentioned that while visiting, Grandfather proudly became a great uncle once again. On their first trip, they learned that Brody, who had returned to Ireland so long ago, had remarried. Her grandfather, much to his great delight, had lots of nieces and nephews as well as even more great-nieces and great-nephews. He wasn’t so alone in the world after all. Georgiana was pleased she had a passel of Irish cousins she hoped one day to meet. She was also grateful her grandfather and his brother had been reunited.

  There was something else her mother had written though that made Georgiana especially delighted. Mother subtly alluded to the fact that she might be bringing someone back with her. Her mother had been corresponding with an Irish gentleman, secretly, since her first visit to Ireland. Georgiana hoped her mother had finally found someone to love again.

  Most of all, Georgiana just couldn’t wait for her mother to return. She placed her hand affectionately on her abdomen. She would be needing her before too long.

  Her eyes were drawn to where Ridge stood pushing their daughters, six-year-old Shannon and three-year-old Angela, on the swings. As she watched, he glanced up, caught her staring, and waved. She waved back. Smiling, he whispered into Shannon’s ear, and she hopped off the swing as he helped Angela down. Shannon took a hold of her sister’s hand, and both she and Angela ran over to where Dawson and Samantha sat.

  Her heart sped up as Ridge began walking her way. He still had such an effect on her, and when he took her hand and drew her close, she had to fight the goose bumps threatening to break out all over her body. Leaning forward, he whispered into her ear.

  “Are you thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?” He smiled his crooked smile, and her heart fluttered.

  “Well, that depends. What are you thinking?” She smiled back up at him.

  “Well, I was thinkin’ it was about time we visited an old friend.”

  “Old friend?” she questioned.

  “Yeah, you know, make sure he remembers us.”

  A knowing grin spread across her face as she anticipated what he was inferring. He beamed back.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms, careful not to upset her easel and paints, and walked up the street toward the old oak. Ducking under its branches, he walked up to its trunk and set her down. Instantly she wrapped her arms around his neck and began playing with his hair. Sliding his arms around her, he pulled her close.

  “I was wondering, Mrs. Carson, if I try to steal a kiss, will you slap me or give it freely?”

  “Well, Mr. Carson, me dear, I suppose that depends on just what sort of kiss ye were thinkin’ of stealin’ from me now.” She winked at him as she spoke in a feigned Irish brogue.

  “Oh, it’s that way, now is it? There are conditions.” The corner of his mouth turned up slightly. “What if I were to steal a peck, like this?”

  He leaned forward and quickly kissed her lips.

  “Well then, me thinks I would hardly have time to make me choice because ’twould be over too soon.”

  He got a devilish look in his eyes.

  “What if I tease you a little first before I kissed you?”

  This time he slowly and tenderly brushed his lips along her skin, from her ear, down her neck, finally coming to her mouth, hovering above it briefly before finally taking her lips for his own. After a moment, he pulled back and looked into her eyes again. She waited until her heartbeat calmed before answering.

  “Well, now,” she began, “it’s hard to say. Though such a kiss as that might make me forget me very own name,” she admitted freely.

  He smiled
deliciously before he spoke again.

  “What if I then take your lips in a madly driven kiss that told tale of how much I want you for my own?”

  Her heart began to beat dangerously wild as his lips found hers in a moist, driven kiss of pure passion. It was a masterful kiss that made her limbs tremble. She was entirely undone, and when he broke the seal of their lips, it took several seconds in order to catch her breath before she could speak.

  “After that, me dear husband, I could do nothin’ but love ye in return, for with that kiss ye own me, body and soul, forever.”

  Smiling blissfully, she looked deep into his eyes. She was happy and could want for nothing else in this life than the man who stood before her, gazing affectionately back. She could not believe she ever doubted that he loved her as much as she loved him. His next words echoed her very thoughts.

  “I love you, Mrs. Georgiana Anne Carson, so much that I never want ya to doubt it.” A twinkle lit his eyes. “That’s why I’ll be kissin’ you again, a combination of all three kisses, just so ya know for sure.”

  “I have been known to be a ‘doubting Thomas’ at times, so ye just make sure ye convince me good, then I’ll never be doubtin’ your intentions toward me again.”

  “You’ll know,” he promised emphatically.

  Once again he kissed her, and she melted in his arms.

  About the Author

  Prudence Bice has loved writing her entire life. Born in Orange County, California, as one of eleven children, she always felt drawn to stories that spoke to and kindled her romantic heart. Having overcome tragedy in her own life, the inspiration for her first novel was sparked by her desire to ignite true romantics everywhere with a wholesome, feel-good story about the power of love in rising above the pain and suffering from loss.