In His Arms: Blemished Brides Book 3

by Peggy L Henderson

  He was her husband. Her wedding night would be different than her other encounters with men. She’d already come to this conclusion while enduring Sally’s primping throughout the day, when she’d let her mind wander. That didn’t stop the butterflies from fluttering in her belly at the idea that Levi was taking her somewhere special.

  “Surprise?” she managed to say past the lump in her throat.

  “Wait here.” Levi kissed the top of her head, and released her. He handed her the crutch, then headed for the barn. Not five minutes later, he returned with his saddled gelding.

  Grace studied him as he came closer. Her insides warmed, and her heart rate increased. Levi led his horse toward her, his stride confident and at ease. It’s what set him apart from other men. He didn’t walk with a swagger, or with an air about him that he had something to prove. He was his own man, made his own way in life, and didn’t care what others might think.

  His worn buckskin britches hugged his thighs, the fringes swaying with his steps. The tan shirt he wore was one she’d recently mended. Her lips twitched, and a rush of love spread through her like warm rays of the summer sun. Sally’s mouth had dropped when Grace had told her that Levi didn’t own a dress shirt, much less trousers. Laura and Katherine had giggled at Sally’s outburst that a man just didn’t get married in dirty leather britches.

  Grace had told her that this wedding was already uncomfortable for Levi, and she could never expect him to wear clothes he didn’t fancy, just for this occasion. Watching him stride toward her, she wouldn’t want him in suits or stiff jackets. He was rugged and handsome, and his choice of clothes suited him.

  “Where are you taking me, Levi?” she asked when he stopped a few feet in front of her.

  Levi’s brows rose. “Do you trust me?” Despite the golden hour, there was a distinct twinkle in his eyes when he tossed the challenging question at her.

  “With my life,” Grace uttered. She stared straight into his eyes, and his face sobered. He took a step closer, and his hand cupped the side of her face.

  “I’ll never give you reason to doubt me,” he murmured.

  Grace placed her hand over his. “I know.”

  His smile returned after his eyes locked on hers for several quiet seconds. “Then let’s get away from all the noise, Mrs. Colter.”

  “What about Rose, and Andy?” Grace stuttered. Her pulse quickened, despite all the talking she did in her head that she had nothing to worry about. “And I need to change out of this dress.”

  Levi reached for her hand, and tugged her closer to the horse.

  “Andy and Rose are staying here. I’ve already talked to them, and Cade and Laura. They know where we’re going. And your dress looks just fine.”

  Before she could protest any further, Levi lifted her into the saddle, and swung up behind her. He nudged the gelding from the yard. His warm breath against her neck sent tingles down Grace’s spine.

  “Shouldn’t we at least say goodbye?”

  “No one will think less of us for not saying goodbye.” Levi chuckled. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were nervous,” he whispered against the back of her neck, and tightened his arm around her waist. The slight trembling of his hand belied the confidence in his voice. He might now show it, but he was as nervous as she.

  Grace clamped her lips together. She’d been with too many men, but didn’t know the first thing about loving a man. To the best of her knowledge, Levi had never spent the night with a woman.

  A sudden thought eased her worries, and she relaxed against his back. Levi had never been with a woman, and she’d never been with a man she loved. Her customers had all been nameless strangers, whose faces she couldn’t recall. She may have been with dozens of men, but none of them had owned her heart, and she’d done her best to drive those awful memories from her mind.

  “Why would I be nervous?” she asked, then quickly added, “I can’t believe you have a surprise for me.”

  “Been working on it all week. I hope you like it.”

  What could Levi have possibly been working on to give to her as a wedding gift?

  “I don’t have a gift for you,” she whispered.

  She gazed off into the distance. She couldn’t even give her husband the gift of an untouched bride. She squeezed her eyes shut.

  Levi’s lips brushed against her neck. “You’re all the gift I need, Grace,” he said in a low tone. “You’ve made me realize what I’ve been missing in my life, and that it’s time to let go of the past. I promise I’ll be a good husband, and provide for you.”

  She turned slightly to look him in the eye. There was no doubt in her mind that he would be a good husband.

  “And I promise to be a good wife to you. You’ve given me more than I could ever dream.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and she smiled at him. The love that shone from his eyes brought an ache to her chest.

  Stars twinkled in the darkening sky by the time Levi pulled his horse to a stop in front of a small cabin nestled along a slow-flowing creek close to the foothills. An outbuilding, most likely a small barn, stood a short distance away. Levi dismounted his horse, and led the gelding to the porch.

  “Where are we?” Grace asked, staring down at him, although he was barely visible in the dark.

  “Your new home,” Levi said, and reached for her. Grace fell into his arms, as he lifted her from the saddle. He handed her the crutch. “Stay right here. I’ll just put up the horse, and be right back.”

  Grace’s mouth opened, her mind reeling with questions, but she closed it again when Levi completely disappeared from view. Crickets chirped loudly, and the trickle of the water sent a calm, peaceful feeling through her. If only there was more light, so she could see her surroundings. Her new home?

  Grace squealed in surprise when strong arms lifted her off the ground several minutes later. The subtle scent of rawhide and pine reached her nose, and she relaxed against Levi’s chest. He strode up the porch steps, and leaned against the front door.

  “Welcome home, Mrs. Colter,” he said as he carried her into the room.

  Grace wrapped her arms around his neck, and strained her eyes to see, without much luck.

  “Levi Colter, since when have you been so good at charming a woman?” Grace pressed her lips against his cheek. His actions were so uncharacteristic of the man she’d come to know.

  Levi chuckled softly. “I was given advice by Cade and Trace. Ethan Mallory offered some sage words to me, too. He ought to know a little about keeping a wife happy. Sally seems like the type of woman who is difficult to please.”

  Grace laughed. “She’s got strong opinions, but she’s very sweet. What sort of advice did you get from them?” The idea that Levi had been tutored in what he should do and how he should act as a husband seemed almost comical. Her heart fluttered that he’d apparently asked for advice.

  Instead of answering, Levi set her on her feet. He kept one arm around her waist until she held her crutch securely under her arm. He stepped away, and moments later the room illuminated in a soft yellow glow. A lamp sat on the table in the center of the room. He looked up, and their eyes met. He moved to the hearth, and a warm blaze quickly flickered in the fireplace.

  Grace stared from him to her surroundings. It was a simple cabin. The hearth and fireplace took up half the back wall. The table had four chairs around it, which looked almost new. The table had been recently refinished, by the looks of it. Grace stepped up to the counter that held a washbasin with a water pump.

  Poles the diameter of her crutch ran horizontally along the counter, as well as around the walls throughout the room. Grace slid her hand along the smooth wood. The supports were at a perfect height where she could hold on and move around without having to use her crutch. Her eyes stung, and she blinked, too stunned to speak.

  “You’ll see everything better in daylight,” Levi said from behind her.

  Grace turned to face him. He stood in the center of the room, his hopeful, expect
ant eyes on her.

  “You did all this? For me?” she whispered.

  He nodded, a faint smile on his face.

  “I hope you like it.” He pointed to a chest of drawers in the corner of the room, opposite the bed. “It still needs a little work, but I ran out of time.”

  Grace’s eyes grew large. She hobbled to the piece of furniture, inhaling the scent of freshly honed pine. Her fingers slid along the wood grain, marveling at the intricately carved floral patterns in each drawer. The top was smooth as glass.

  Grace spun around. Levi stood right behind her. “Levi,” she muttered. “It’s absolutely beautiful.” She swiped a hasty hand along the moisture running down her cheeks, then fell into his arms. Levi pulled her into a tight embrace, and she sobbed against his chest.

  He stiffened. “What’s wrong?”

  Grace lifted her head, and stared up into the worried face of the man she didn’t deserve.

  “I love you,” she breathed, and reached her hand up to touch his cheek. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me.”

  Levi’s eyes roamed her face, the uncertainty leaving his features. “I’m still learning how to treat you right, Grace, and how to say things. Don’t ever hesitate to tell me if I’m doing something wrong.”

  His calloused fingers slid along her cheek, behind her ear, and he drew her head toward him. When his lips brushed against hers, Grace wound her arms around his neck, and pressed closer.

  “We’ll learn together,” she murmured against his mouth, then touched her lips to his.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Butterflies churned in her belly. Levi’s tender kisses were no longer enough. Grace parted her lips to intensify the kiss. He hesitated only slightly before he deepened the kiss on his own. His arms wrapped tightly around her, bringing her even closer along the solid length of him. Grace’s body hummed from head to toe. Breathing became difficult all of a sudden, and she gasped for air when they pulled apart. Levi’s chest heaved rapidly.

  “Grace, I’ve never—”

  She pressed her fingers to his lips, and smiled up at him. “Neither have I,” she whispered.

  His forehead scrunched in obvious confusion.

  “Not with someone who mattered, and who I love,” she added. She sucked in a deep breath. Her voice cracked when she spoke. “I’m sorry that I’m damaged, and . . . soiled.”

  Levi stared at her, his eyes drifting slowly along her face. Grace’s chest tightened, and she couldn’t force enough air into her lungs. The intensity of his gaze on her, as if he tried to etch her features into his mind, held her spellbound. He cupped her face between his hands, and drew her head up. Dipping toward her, he kissed her again.

  “You’re not soiled. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His thumb caressed her cheek, as if to emphasize his words. “And as you said, we’ll learn together.”

  Levi brushed away the tears that rolled down her cheek, and he leaned in for another kiss. Grace braced her arms against his chest, sure that her insides would melt from his tender words. How could she have ever doubted and mistrusted him?

  His lips curved in a slow grin, and he chuckled. “You want to know what I think?”

  Grace locked her eyes with his, and simply nodded. Her insides heated. His smile accentuated his handsome features. He reached for her hand, and held it over the strong beating of his heart, then leaned in closer to whisper, “Feel that?”

  She nodded again.

  “I think you’re as nervous as I am, and I’m just glad one of us knows a little more about this than the other.”

  Grace smiled at his teasing whisper. With a few simple words, he’d put her worries to rest, and given her the courage she needed. Her fingers slid along the material of his shirt, working the buttons free until she could slip her hand inside and touch his warm skin. Levi sucked in a quick breath when her fingers grazed along the contours of his chest.

  She slid the shirt over his shoulders and down his back, her fingers following the fabric, touching and exploring the solid muscles along his arms. She closed her eyes, honing her senses to the touch of her fingertips.

  Her heart pounded in her chest. Grace had never touched a man this way before. She’d never wanted to, even when it was demanded of her. She’d learned to force her mind elsewhere during those encounters, and become completely detached. Now, the rugged scent of Levi’s skin, the feel of his taut muscles beneath her fingers, and his uneven breathing, made her eager to explore and learn all about him.

  Levi gripped her wrists when her hands returned to his chest and traveled lower along the planes of his stomach. His breathing increased, and he stared into her eyes.

  “I love you, Grace,” he said. “I never thought I’d say those words to anyone.”

  “Nor I.” She smiled at him, and took a step back, holding onto his arm for support. His shirt fluttered to the ground, and Grace admired her husband. She couldn’t hold back a giggle.

  “Am I that funny to look at?” Levi asked. His brows rose in equal amusement.

  She shook her head. “You’re a beautiful man to look at,” she whispered. “I saw you in only your britches the first night at your cabin, remember?” Her smile widened. “The look on your face when you realized that I thought you wanted to take me to your bed as payment for eating your food.”

  The look on his face was much different this time. Rather than annoyance, his eyes shimmered with unspoken desire. There was no doubt that he wanted to take her to his bed this time.

  “You scared the hell out of me.” His lips widened in a grin, and he reached up to caress her cheek. “You still scare the hell out of me.”

  Warmth spread from her chest to her limbs, and Grace gripped his arm tighter for a fraction of a second. The smile left her face, and she stared up into his midnight blue eyes. Then she let go, placing most of her weight on her good leg. “I’m sorry for ever thinking badly of you.”

  “Grace, we can wait if you don’t want –”

  Grace placed a finger against his lips to quiet him. She did want this. “You’re my husband, Levi. You’re the first man I’ve ever wanted to be with.”

  She smiled, her heart pounding up into her throat. Yes, she did want this. The words played over and over in her mind. It would be different with him. The look of love in his eyes told her so.

  Grace guided his hands to the buttons on her dress. His eyes roamed over her face, while his fingers remained still. She undid the first two buttons, exposing her neck. Her trembling hands guided his to the next button. She inhaled a deep, calming breath.

  Levi undressed her slowly, his eyes following the movement of his fingers, until all the buttons were undone, and he parted the bodice. Grace kept her eyes on her husband, who stood before her, looking at her, almost in awe. Grace slipped her arms through the sleeves of her dress, until the material fell to the ground. A slight shiver passed through her, even though the room was warm. Reaching for Levi’s arm again to steady herself, she stepped out of her petticoat until she stood in front of him in only her chemise.

  Wood crackled in the hearth, the fire casting dancing shadows on the walls. Levi reached for her, and wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting her. He leaned forward and kissed her. Slowly. Tenderly. Grace brought her hands up to explore his skin some more. His warmth seeped through the fabric of her chemise, causing her own skin to tingle where their bodies touched. Her fingers slid along his back and to his waist, and up his chest. A low groan escaped his lips.

  Levi mimicked her actions, his hands slowly sliding the thin material of her chemise along her waist, sending ripples of desire through her. Grace reached for the strings that held the chemise together, and tugged until the garment slipped down her shoulders. It bunched around her waist where Levi’s hands still rested. His grip tightened, as if he was holding onto her for support.

  His eyes darkened as his gaze poured over her. Grace lifted his hands away, and the chemise fluttered to the ground. She hes
itated, and looked up at him, just before she brought his palm against her breast. Levi swallowed visibly. Love, wonder, and desire filled his gaze. He stood immobile for a moment, then his thumb began to explore. Grace closed her eyes. She leaned into his touch, gripping his arms to stand upright.

  She swayed slightly, and Levi’s supporting arm instantly wrapped around her, holding her up. His other hand still covered her breast, but he’d pulled her up against him so their bodies touched, skin to skin. Grace slipped her hand between them, and fumbled with the leather ties at his waist that held up his britches. Her pulse quickened.

  Levi’s stomach tightened, and he sucked in a quick breath of air. When his britches slid down his legs, he stepped out of them, and at the same time, scooped Grace into his arms and carried her the few steps to the bunk.

  She wound her arms around his neck when he placed her on the mattress and leaned over her.

  “Grace,” he rasped. “I want to do this right.” The words came as if he was searching for what to say. His eyes took in everything about her, touching her to her very soul.

  Her lips parted in a smile. “Me, too,” she murmured. “This is new to me, too, remember?”

  She locked her hands behind his neck, drawing him down to her. Levi brought his mouth to her lips, just as his body covered hers.

  “I’ve waited for you all my life,” he muttered against her neck.

  Grace squeezed her eyes shut for a second, letting the tears spill over and run down her cheeks. Love-filled eyes met hers when she looked up into her husband’s face. She reached for him, joining with him not only physically, but in every way possible.

  “And I never imagined there’d be someone like you,” she whispered.

  Slowly, they found their rhythm. Levi mumbled words of love to her, while his hands explored and touched. He kissed her lips, her cheeks, her neck, and down her shoulders and breasts, while his body moved in deliberate motion against hers.