Morgan's Rescue

by Lindsay McKenna

With a sigh, Culver turned and led her toward their hut. The elders nodded, the group breaking up and heading to their homes for the evening meal. As the helicopter took off, the noise echoed against the slopes above the village. At the door to their hut, Culver turned and watched the dark green aircraft lift into the sky, hazy now as the sun rode low on the horizon. Pilar’s arm went around his waist, and she leaned on him.

  “Major Houston is a good man. I don’t understand why a woman hasn’t fallen in love with him yet.”

  Culver chuckled. “Sweetheart, Houston is a professional soldier.”

  “You are a mercenary. What is the difference?”

  “Was,” he corrected as he led her into the hut. Someone had left a vase filled with colorful wild orchids in the main room. The soft dusk light filtered through the windows, and Culver seated himself on one of the wooden chairs. Pilar took a seat on the straw mat at his feet and began to prepare the evening meal.

  An incredible peace blanketed Culver. He had everything, he realized humbly as Pilar leaned against his knee. Her legs were crossed beneath her skirt, her bare feet hidden by the material. As he looked around the simple hut, he realized he was the richest man on earth. He’d seen the envy in Houston’s eyes—for the man didn’t have a good woman to love and accept him. Culver had recognized that look of longing, and it made him feel damned lucky.

  Reaching down, he caressed Pilar’s hair. “Rane will be here soon. Grandmother Aurelia said she would bring her home at dusk, if you’re worried.”

  Pilar looked up and smiled tenderly at him. She tied off one long, thick braid with a scrap of red yarn. “I am not worried, mi querido.” She caught and captured his hand. Guiding it down to her belly, she placed her two hands over his one large one. “Do you wish for another child?” she whispered, holding his burning gaze.

  Culver gently ran his hand across her belly. “Sweetheart, I want all the kids we can support. And I’ll love every one as much as I love you.” He sighed and sat up again, looking toward the opened door. In the distance he could see Grandmother Aurelia and Rane, hand in hand, coming across the clearing, each carrying a sack filled with what he was sure were many varieties of herbs. “I hope we have two more beautiful daughters exactly like Rane and a couple of strong, healthy sons to round out the family.” He shifted his gaze back to Pilar, thinking how radiant and exotic she looked in that moment as she sat next to his legs, her hands still pressing against her belly. “What do you want?” he whispered thickly.

  “Just you—and our love that never died,” she said softly, tears in her eyes. “Our babies, no matter how many, will always be babies of love… .”

  Gently, Culver leaned down and touched her mouth with his. Her lips were swollen from the power of his earlier kisses, so he was tender with her. “I’ll love you, Pilar, forever… .”

  *