“It is? Can’t be. Time travel’s impossible.” Sophie gave her a mischievous smile. “Look at me.” Rayne grumbled, but did as she asked. “Be yourself. You are perfect just the way you were made and you don’t have to be anything other than yourself.”
“I don’t know how to be myself. In my world I can be whoever I want on whatever day, but I’ve never been truly myself. The only person who knows me is Shaye.”
“And Sam.”
Rayne shook her head. “He knows the woman he wants me to be.”
Sophie frowned. “Why is that bad?”
“He talks to me like I’m someone worthy and treats me as though I’m the most important person in the world.”
“To him, you are.” Sophie pulled a nightgown from the drawer and handed it to Rayne.
“Which is stupid.” Rayne pulled the soft cotton over her head. “Because he’ll figure out I’m not perfect and eventually, he’ll resent me.”
“Oh, Rayne. He loves you. He knows you’re not perfect. He loves you just the way you are.”
Rayne sighed. “He can’t really love me, Sophie. It’s too soon. He’ll figure out quickly I’m not really lovable.”
“Where do you get these ideas from?”
“What ideas?”
“These unworthy ideas.” Sophie slid the drawer shut. “Is this bull you’ve been fed, or is it something you tell yourself?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Rayne said in confusion.
Sophie sighed. “Rayne. You are worthy. You’re lovable and loved. Why would you ever think you’re not?”
“I don’t know.” Rayne flopped into one of the chairs. “I guess I’ve always felt this way.”
Sophie sat next to her. “What was your childhood like?”
“I have the typical sob story, really.” Rayne tucked her feet under her bottom. “Dad left when I was little, and Mom and I lived in a trailer park. Mom had a lot of creepy boyfriends, Dad slept with everything that moved. I left when I was seventeen and never went back.”
“Where did you go?”
“Shaye organized for me to stay with her sister in Seattle.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “Did you ever see your parents again?”
Rayne dragged her hands down her face. “Yes. When I made it big.”
“What happened?” Sophie asked gently.
Rayne dropped her head back. “Suddenly, my parents really wanted to be there for me. Now they play the ‘loving’ parentals, and the press points out how lucky I am to have such a devoted family.”
“Wow.”
“They guilted me into money, trips, clothing… you name it. Shaye tried to stop me from giving them anything. She said I needed to guard my heart, or something like that. But I had so much and they had nothing.” Rayne blinked back tears. “I felt I owed them.”
“So your worth is wrapped up in your ability to make money.”
Rayne glanced at her in shock. “I never looked at it that way before.”
Sophie smiled gently. “So, here you are, without a penny to your name, and you no longer feel worthy.”
“I didn’t feel worthy when I was making money either, Sophie,” Rayne pointed out.
“Well, then, we need to work on that.”
“You really do make everything sound so simple.” Rayne shuddered. “It’s frickin’ annoying.”
Sophie laughed. “Sorry. Now, get some sleep. Everything will look better in the morning.”
“You are entirely too chipper, Sophie.”
Sophie nearly choked. “No one has ever accused me of that before.” She hugged Rayne and then made her way to the door. “Hey, Rayne?”
“Yes?”
“Sam’s not the only one who loves you here. Remember that.”
Rayne climbed into bed and tried to sleep. She spent a long time staring at the ceiling until she was able to fall into a fitful sleep. She spent the night dreaming of a blue-eyed devil who drove her to distraction.
* * *
Rayne woke the next morning, feeling a strange sense of peace… and a headache. Despite the pounding in her skull, she couldn’t wait to see Sam and laughed at the realization she’d actually admitted that to herself. She dressed quickly and made her way downstairs. She heard laughter coming from the dining room and walked in to find Jamie and Sophie, along with Clayton and Emma. Emma was bouncing Junior on her knee and trying to make him laugh.
“Good morning.” The men stood and Rayne took a seat. “Where’s Sam?”
“He’s gone.” Jamie poured her a cup of coffee.
“Gone?” Rayne tried not to panic. “Gone where?”
“He didn’t say.”
“His parents live close by, Rayne. It’s possible he went to see them.” Sophie patted her hand. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
“Oh,” Rayne said quietly.
“Eat something now and then we’ll take a walk.” Sophie smiled. “I’ll show you the house.”
“Okay.” Rayne grabbed a plate.
“Mr. Madden? A missive has arrived for you,” Daniel, the butler said. He handed Clayton the note and then left the room.
Clayton groaned quietly and slapped the note onto the table.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.
“The Johnsons are causing problems at the prison. With Sam out of commission for a while, we need to get back to the city.”
“But we just got here,” Emma whined.
Clayton smiled. “I know that, sweet, but we must go.”
“Fine. I’ll go pack.” Emma rose to her feet and handed Junior to Sophie.
“Excuse us.” Clayton stood and followed his wife out of the room.
Rayne stared at her plate and focused on eating. It wasn’t easy. Her stomach was upset and her head pounded. She just wanted to spend the day in her room crying. Her emotions were irrational and she knew that, but she was angry that Sam hadn’t left her a note or told her last night that he was leaving.
Sophie reached over and tapped her arm. “Rayne?”
“Hm?”
“Are you okay?”
Rayne glanced up and realized they were alone. “I didn’t notice Jamie leave.”
“A little while ago.” Sophie squeezed her hand. “You’re distracted today.”
Before Rayne could respond, Richard walked into the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Sam asked me to give you this, Miss Green, and I have been otherwise engaged this morning. Forgive the tardiness.”
He handed her a note and Rayne fingered the paper.
“Why don’t you go into the library to read that, Rayne. I’ll come find you in a bit,” Sophie suggested.
Rayne made her way down to the library and closed the door. She sat in a chair in front of the hearth and opened the letter.
Angel, I’m sorry I have to leave without seeing you. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Sam
Rayne frowned. That’s it? A little more information would have been appreciated.
She sighed and leaned her head against the high-backed chair. She had to get herself under control. Only weak people fell in love this quickly.
“Rayne?” Sophie knocked on the open door. “What did Sam have to say?”
Rayne stood and handed her the note.
Sophie smiled. “It must have been important. How about we go for a walk?”
Rayne nodded. “Sounds great.”
“I have to visit Samson. I’ll grab some treats and we’ll go.”
“I’ll help.”
They collected apples and carrots and then made their way out to the barn. Sophie let out a quiet whistle and Samson whinnied as he stuck his head out of his stall.
“Hello, beautiful boy,” Sophie crooned.
She handed him an apple and stroked his neck as she showered attention on him. She opened the stall and Rayne gasped when Sophie walked through the barn and out to the open pen, Samson following without any kind of halter or lead.
Sophie let him into the small arena and he started t
o buck and kick, letting some energy out. Sophie groaned as he folded his front legs and went down. “He’s going to roll in the mud. Crap!” Sophie shook her head as Samson folded his large body to the ground and started to roll around.
Rayne giggled. “He kind of looks like a big cat.”
Sophie laughed. “I know. He loves to do this to me. It means I have to spend more time with him. Of course, now we won’t have a chance to see the house until later. Sorry about that. At least the mud is somewhat dry. It won’t be too difficult to brush him down.”
“Won’t the grooms do that?”
Sophie shook her head. “Samson won’t let them near him. Except Topper. But, Topper’s not here at present, so it’s left to me. Jamie’s having some alone time with Junior, so he can’t help. But, you’re here and this will be a good time for you to learn about horses.”
Rayne held her hands up in protest. “I’m more comfortable around Harleys.”
“You’ll do great.”
“But he’s so big, Sophie.”
Sophie grinned. “Yes, but he’s as gentle as a lamb.”
Rayne crossed her arms. “If he kicks me, then you have to serve me until I’m no longer in pain.”
“Deal.” Sophie laughed and turned back to Samson. “Come on, Sammy. Time to get groomed. I’ll take you out for a ride after lunch.”
Samson shook himself off and made his way to the gate. Sophie opened it and he followed her back to the stall. They put a halter on him and secured it to the barn wall. They spent the next hour brushing him down and Rayne was surprised how much she enjoyed it. Samson was a magnificent animal and wholly devoted to Sophie. At one point, Sophie started to walk away from him and he grabbed her skirt with his teeth. Sophie tried to growl at him, but couldn’t stop herself from laughing.
“What’s he doing?” Rayne frowned.
“I don’t know. He just started this a month or so ago. He’s figured out that if he grabs at my skirts, he won’t hurt me, but I also can’t go anywhere.”
“You make him sound almost human.”
“He’s certainly smarter than anyone gives him credit for.” Sophie grabbed Samson’s muzzle and kissed it, effectively disengaging him from her skirts and then walked down the aisle way of the barn. Samson whinnied and threw his head up.
“Oh stop, you big baby!” Sophie called.
“He’s rather like a dog, isn’t he?”
Sophie grabbed a different brush and pounded it against the wall to get the dust off it. “Most definitely. Jamie’s convinced that if he could climb into my lap, he would. In fact, he’s become my watchdog, and a really good one. He’s saved my life and gotten me out of a couple of sticky situations.”
“Do tell.”
Sophie made her way back to Samson and ran the brush down his neck. “Emma and I were kidnapped by men attempting to get information from Clayton about Lincoln’s movements and Samson followed us to the house where they were keeping us.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. He stood at the back window and waited for Jamie to come.”
Rayne gasped. “No way.”
Sophie fed Samson a sugar cube she took from her pocket. “There was one time when Jamie and I got into an argument and made the mistake of hashing it out in the carriage house. Jamie was really pissed and Sammy poked his head out of the stall and bit him. He still has the scar.”
“Shut the front door.”
Sophie giggled. “We were both so shocked. I didn’t know if I should scold or praise Samson. But, he’s my baby and I adore him, so I secretly praised him.” She held out a carrot.
Rayne laughed as Sophie stroked his face. “He is a really sweet horse.”
“See? Told ya.” Sophie finished brushing him down and then unhooked him to lead him into his stall. “Let’s head back to the house. I’m getting a little hungry.”
“You should have shared with Samson.”
Sophie laughed. “Oh, you’re funny.”
“Well, now that you’ve mentioned food, my stomach’s growling.”
Sophie made sure the stall was secure and nodded. “Let’s go.”
AS THE GIRLS walked back to the house just before lunch, Emma waved from the back porch. “Rayne! You have a message.”
Rayne rushed to her side and Emma handed her a note.
Angel, I can’t return for a few days. My father has been injured. Stay with Sophie and I’ll collect you as soon as I can. Please don’t leave. Sam.
Rayne’s heart dropped.
“What’s wrong?” Sophie laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Something’s wrong with Sam’s dad. He’s not going to be back for a while.”
Sophie frowned. “That’s terrible. He’s super-close with his family, I think. He must be worried sick.”
Rayne started to pace. “Can I go to him?”
“It will mean you having to get on the train and then more than an hour in a buggy from Camden Station. Are you up to it?”
Rayne nodded. “Yes. Definitely.”
“Okay. It will probably have to wait until tomorrow… we need to sort out train fare and I need to find out if Jamie can take you. He’ll probably want to see the family again.”
Rayne raised an eyebrow. “He knows them?”
“Sort of.” Sophie led her into the house. “Sam’s sister was the one who found Jamie when he got shot.”
“Shot?”
Sophie nodded. “Yes… he was shot as he fell through the portal. He landed on the Powells’ land and they took care of him.”
Rayne drew air in through her teeth. “Wow.”
“I’m forever grateful.” Sophie removed her gloves and slipped them into her skirt pocket. “If Jamie can’t take you, we’ll find someone else. Maybe you should ride from the train station. It’s faster than a buggy.”
“Either way.” Rayne held the note to her chest. “Thank you.”
“We should get Stephen,” Sophie suggested. “If Mr. Powell needs medical attention, he would be able to help.”
“Is there a reason Jamie couldn’t take me?”
“There’s a battle that he’ll need to organize the men for.”
“Oh?” Rayne’s eyes widened in suspicion. “How do you know?”
“I know a lot about the war,” Sophie whispered.
“How much is a lot?”
Sophie pursed her lips. “Battles mostly. I’m a little obsessed with this part of history.”
“Weirdo.”
“Agreed. Most people tune out during history; I couldn’t seem to get enough.” Sophie laughed. “Let’s have some lunch and then we’ll find out who can take you.”
Jamie agreed to take Rayne without hesitation. His men were already deployed and he wasn’t called up for this battle. He sent one of the soldiers to speak to Stephen about accompanying them, and Rayne was forced to wait. By the time Stephen sent a message back that he would in fact join them and that he would procure tickets for the next day’s noon train, Rayne thought she might jump out of her skin.
Her sleep that night was fitful at best, and she woke up tired and worried she’d done the wrong thing. Maybe Sam wouldn’t want her there interfering with family business.
* * *
Night was falling and Sam was losing hope. His father had sustained a nasty break when he was thrown from his horse and it wasn’t healing. His sister tried her best to comfort their mother but wasn’t having much success.
In the midst of the tragedy, Rayne consumed his thoughts. He missed her beyond reason, but he needed to be with his family and he prayed she would still be around when this was over.
“Sam?”
“Hm?” He looked up at his sister.
“What’s wrong?” she asked and then added, “Other than the issue at hand, obviously.”
“Just the issue at hand, Meely.”
Their housekeeper, Della, chose that moment to enter the parlor. “Mr. Powell, you have visitors.”
Sam rose to his feet. “Visitors?�
��
“Yes, a doctor, suh.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow at her brother, but Sam shrugged. He followed Della into the foyer and his heart stopped. “Rayne?”
“Hi.” She smiled up at him. “I brought Stephen.”
Sam forced his feet forward. “I see that. What are you doing here, Angel?”
Rayne bit her lip. “You didn’t say what was wrong with your dad, but I thought Stephen might be able to help.”
Samuel glanced at the men. “Would you excuse us for a minute, please?” He guided Rayne into his mother’s parlor off the foyer and closed the door.
Rayne frowned. “What are you doing?”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and melted into him. He broke the kiss and stroked her face. “You came.”
She nodded. “I thought your father might need a doctor.”
Sam chuckled. “What are you really doing here?”
Rayne sighed. “I missed you. And I truly did think Stephen could help.”
“Thank you.” He narrowed his eyes. “You look a little pale, are you feeling all right?”
“Just a headache.”
He kissed her palm. “Come and meet my family.”
Rayne shook her head. “What if they don’t like me?”
“They will love you.” He took her hand and pulled her into the foyer. His mother’s face was aglow with tenderness as she spoke with Jamie.
“It is so wonderful to see you again, Lieutenant Ford.”
Jamie smiled. “Thank you, ma’am. It’s wonderful to see you again.”
“It’s Captain now, Mama,” Sam said.
Mrs. Powell smiled. “Congratulations.”
Jamie nodded. “Thank you. May I introduce Dr. Stephen Paxton?”
“Welcome to our home.” Mrs. Powell turned to her son and her gaze raked over Rayne.
Before she could say anything, however, Sam pulled Rayne in front of him. “Mama, I’d like to introduce Miss Rayne Green.”
Introductions were completed and Rayne was exceedingly relieved when Stephen redirected the focus to something other than her. “Ma’am, I understand your husband has an injury?”
Mrs. Powell nodded. “Yes, he broke his leg and it’s not healing. Our doctors in town have been unsuccessful in setting it correctly.”
Stephen smiled in sympathy. “May I have a look?”
The Bride Star Page 12
