A Love Restored

by Goshorn, Kelly;

  Bullseye. How’d she do that? He was embarrassed by his own modest beginnings. Benjamin closed his eyes as he recalled his illiterate parents, their constant struggle to provide for their family, and the taunts from other children about his mother’s appearance and their threadbare clothes. He was ashamed of his upbringing and had assumed Ruth Ann would be as well.

  ~*~

  How would she make him understand?

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, Ruth Ann stepped closer to Benjamin. Her skirts brushed against him. “I know you worry that I’m not strong enough for life in the west, but I think it would be a grand adventure—with the right person.” Shaky fingers glided across his cheek. “I will learn anything I need in order to take care of those I love.”

  “You’d really give up your fine home to live out of a tent and wagon with me most of the year?”

  Unspoken devotion in his honey-colored eyes transfixed her. She managed a nod.

  Benjamin’s gloved fingers trailed the length of her arms before he pulled her close against him. Warm breath lingered against her cheek as smooth lips shadowed her jaw, inching toward her mouth. The heady scent of bay rum and spice disoriented her. An unfamiliar heat rose within, weakening her limbs. She could no longer resist him. He was going to kiss her, and this time, she longed for it.

  Soft musings tickled her ear. The pounding of her heart between her temples made his words indiscernible. A quiet murmur escaped her lips. What had he said?

  Benjamin broke their embrace and stepped back.

  Her half-lidded eyes had trouble focusing. Where had those feather-light kisses gone?

  He cleared his throat. “We should head back. We have popcorn and cranberries to string.”

  Dizzy from his abrupt change of course, she grabbed his arm to steady herself. “But I thought you were going to—”

  A roguish grin crossed his handsome face as he regained surrendered ground between them. “To what?”

  “N-Never mind.” Embarrassed by her own brazenness, she forced her gaze away from him.

  Pulling her close with one arm, his teeth yanked the glove free from the opposite hand. “Are you finally wanting that kiss, Ruthie?”

  She bit her bottom lip, refusing to look his direction.

  A tender palm slid across her face until it rested at the nape of her neck, strong and confident. His husky voice matched the cat-that-had-eaten-the-cream-look in his eyes. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Before she could protest his cheeky remark, his mouth nestled her own. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she succumbed to his gentle kisses. Like delicate butterfly wings against her skin, each one explored her face…her earlobe…her neck. Her knees shimmied like jelly at his touch. A breath hitched in her throat. Without prodding, her arms slid around his neck.

  When Benjamin’s lips returned to capture hers, she matched his passion with her own. For a frenzied moment, she couldn’t kiss him deep enough to squelch the blaze that burned inside her. Just as quickly as the spark had ignited, Ben’s mouth softened against hers then faded away.

  Her pulse raced frantically. James’ kiss had been nothing like this.

  “Ruthie,” he whispered, lips brushing against her temple. “That was worth waiting for.”

  ~*~

  “Whoa there, little miss. You’re putting way too much popcorn in your mouth. We’re supposed to be stringing it for the tree, remember?”

  “I can’t help it, Uncle Benjamin. It’s so good.”

  The Suttons’ parlor fell silent.

  Benjamin quirked a brow. Uncle?

  Like a marionette waiting for the puppeteer’s direction, Sarah’s hands froze, suspended in air above the pine bough where she’d hung the first strand of popcorn and cranberry garland. Eyes wide, Joseph’s pipe dangled from the corner of his mouth. Mrs. Sutton’s needle hovered above the fabric, waiting permission to sew the next stitch. And Ruth Ann had her eyelids pressed closed so firmly, Benjamin thought if she didn’t soon release them, they just might stick. The crunch of popcorn between Chloe’s teeth provided the only evidence of conscious life in the room. What a scene. He shook his head and chuckled.

  Ruth Ann stiffened and cast a sideways glance in his direction. “Benjamin, I never—”

  “That’s all right, Ruthie.” He grinned as he tousled Chloe’s ringlets. “I like the sound of that.”

  Air seemed to rush from every set of lungs in the room as the chatter of the Sutton women resumed.

  He studied Ruth Ann as Lily lay sleeping against her chest. This was what he wanted—a home and children, and with this woman. He loved her. It was clear to him now. Why hadn’t he told her? Because there was no going back from telling a woman you love her, that’s why.

  What had she told him earlier? I will learn anything I need in order to take care of those I love. He thunked his head. Those I love. She’d hinted at her feelings for him and he’d missed it. He was slower than the Virginia Creeper heading up Leesburg Mountain.

  Ruth Ann shifted Lily from her shoulder to her lap, the child’s head rested in the bend of her arm. “Her thumb had slipped from her lips. I think she’ll sleep all night now.”

  Joseph bent and gathered his slumbering daughter in his arms.

  Benjamin glanced at Ruth Ann. Her gaze darted away. A lovely shade of pink adorned her cheeks.

  She stood and smoothed her skirts. “I’ll get dessert.”

  Sarah reached for her daughter’s hand. “Chloe, give Mimi and Aunt Ruth Ann kisses good night.”

  “What about Uncle Benjamin?

  “Him, too.”

  Benjamin nudged Chloe from his lap then pecked her on the cheek. “’Night.”

  Mrs. Sutton positioned her wooden embroidery hoop in her lap. “Benjamin, would you mind helping Ruth Ann? I hate to ask that of you, but I just don’t seem to have the energy tonight.”

  “My pleasure, ma’am.”

  Benjamin peeked over the top of the swinging doors. The smell of roasted duck still lingered in the kitchen. Ruth Ann sat with her back to him, her dark tresses dangling past her shoulders. A hot prickle crept across his shoulders, picking up intensity as it swept down his arms and legs. What would it be like to lose his fingers in her mass of wavy locks?

  ~*~

  Ruth Ann lurched forward at the whoosh of the door, hairpins lodged between her teeth. “Bem, I widm’t hear you.” She hastily wrapped curls against the nape of her neck.

  He steadied her frenzied hands then removed the pins from her lips. “Let me see.”

  She reached for one of the clips he held. “I-I shouldn’t.”

  He stretched his arm above his head then leaned forward and whispered, “Not ’til you let me see.”

  His husky voice made her pulse skitter. She managed a faint shake of her head. “Mama’s in the next—” A gentle finger silenced her. She needed to flee from the kitchen—from his smoldering gaze, but her lead feet wouldn’t budge.

  Benjamin’s hand grazed hers as his lips brushed her cheek. “Please, Ruthie.”

  Her double-crossing hand fell to her side. Uncontrollable curls flowed in every direction.

  Benjamin’s eyes grew wider than Catoctin Creek when the winter snow melted.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

  He gently touched the twisted, wavy mass of dark locks that tumbled well past her shoulders. “Your hair is so curly. It’s—”

  “Unruly.”

  Benjamin shook his head. “Breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s slightly quirky and untamable. It suits you.”

  Struggling not to squirm, she avoided his longing gaze.

  Benjamin took a seat and tugged her to follow.

  Her heart thundered. She couldn’t. If she sat on his lap, he’d have to put his arms around her round middle, feel her less than tiny form on his legs.

  “Come sit with me. I have something I want to tell you.”

  He pulled her hand again. The pounding inside her chest ech
oed in her head, making it difficult to think. She needed to find a way to stall him.

  Strong hands encompassed her waist. She cringed as they lowered her to his lap.

  He wrapped a curl around his finger. “You’ve never looked lovelier than you do right now.”

  She should spring from his lap before he changed his mind, but she couldn’t move. His amber eyes held such love, such promise. What remained of her resistance vanished. He had broken through all the defenses she’d constructed around her heart and in this moment, she allowed herself to believe he found her attractive, that he desired her—fuller curves and all.

  His thumb caressed her cheek. “I love you, Ruthie.”

  ~*~

  Benjamin studied her, determined to lock this image of her away in his memory.

  “I love you, too, Ben Coulter. With all my heart.”

  Moisture glistened in her eyes as she cradled his cheek in her palm, her thumb gliding over his skin. Trembling fingers traced the line of his jaw then the cleft of his chin. Why would she cry? He thought telling her how he felt would make her happy. He’d never understand women.

  She kissed his forehead. “We should grab the coffee and dessert and return to the parlor.”

  He held her firmly. “Just a bit longer.”

  “Ben, Mama will—”

  He quieted her protests with his lips. She made a vain attempt to push him away before relenting to the will of his mouth. Gentle kisses charted a slow, deliberate path along her cheek. He nibbled her ear then nudged the high collar of her shirtwaist down. A soft murmur escaped her, before she angled her head granting him unfettered access. He paused briefly and grinned then continued his tender assault on her neck, savoring every morsel of her soft skin.

  Benjamin’s gaze drifted upward as another gentle sigh passed between her parted lips. Her eyes remained closed, a delicate smile adorning her face.

  She was beautiful, and she was his.

  His hands froze in place. She wasn’t his yet.

  Her eyes flickered open.

  Benjamin deposited one last, chaste kiss on her sweet lips then gently nudged her from his lap.

  He stood and combed his fingers through her glorious curls. “How about I take my best girl out to supper next Saturday night at the Hampton Hotel?”

  She grinned. “Really?”

  He nodded. “And wear that beautiful dress you wore when I first called on you.”

  She stretched to place a kiss on his cheek. “Are we celebrating anything special?”

  He pulled her into a light embrace. “I hope so.”

  15

  The candles clipped to the tree in Charlotte’s parlor flickered near the source of Benjamin’s amusement. He chuckled as Ruth Ann vigorously sang off-key.

  “Four colley birds, three French hens, two turtledoves…”

  He remembered her rendition of “The Merry, Merry Month of May,” curls flowing then a splash. What a sight she’d been—and still was. Despite what Artie Johnson said about her figure, she was by far the prettiest woman in the room.

  Nate Hamilton brought Ruth Ann a cup of mulled cider. “Well done.” His eyes flitted around the circle, before landing on Benjamin. “Who’s next?”

  Lost in his reminiscences, he’d forgotten about the game. Hands up, begging for mercy, he declined. “I know next to nothing about parlor games.”

  Nate slapped his shoulder. “Perhaps, but you’re a smart fellow, and you’ve seen us go around once.” He leaned into Benjamin’s ear. “Besides, the ladies like this game. In the even rounds, when they make a mistake, you can demand a sweet—either candy or a kiss, your choice. It’s likely Ruth Ann will err for your benefit.”

  He agreed and followed Nate to the front of the parlor. “We have our next leader. Benjamin will pick up the tempo. Remember ladies, the stakes are high. If you make a mistake, Benjamin can have his choice of sweet.”

  The fair-haired woman in the corner flashed him a smile, brazenly holding his gaze. Benjamin looked away but felt her stare follow him. Ruth Ann had introduced them earlier. Rose Martin was her name. She had come with Elias but seemed to be saving her smiles for Benjamin.

  He ran his finger along the inside of his shirt collar. “After I lead in, we’ll begin with—” Had the woman batted her eyes at him? Benjamin shook his head then glanced at Ruth Ann. Had he imagined it? He cleared his throat and started again. “After I lead in, we’ll begin with Charlotte and go around the circle in Maggie’s direction.”

  “On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…”

  Several rounds later, Rose stood to sing. “Seven swans a swimming, six ducks a laying, five golden—”

  Benjamin held up his hand. “Hold up there, Miss Martin. It’s six geese a laying.”

  “Oh my, you’re right.” Her lashes fluttered like a flag waving in the breeze. She covered her mouth with one hand. “I don’t know how I could have made that mistake.”

  Ruth Ann shifted in her seat, lips pursed.

  Elias’s voice strained through clenched teeth. “Keep your mind on the song, Rose. It’s the same line you’ve already sung twice, dear.” He reached into his jacket and retrieved a peppermint stick and handed it to Benjamin. “This should take care of her debt, Coulter.”

  “Much obliged.” Benjamin broke the peppermint stick in half and popped one piece in his mouth.

  Charlotte moved to the center of the room. “Let’s take a break from Memories and Forfeits. Perhaps we can coax Maggie into playing carols while we enjoy the refreshments.”

  He stood and motioned toward the dining room. “Would you like a mince pie and cider, Ruth Ann?”

  She nodded and extended her cup toward him. “Only cider, please. Thank you.”

  He patted her shoulder. “Stay here and enjoy your friends, I’ll be back in a moment.”

  Ben placed two mince pies on the plate for himself. Spying some date cookies, he put a couple on the plate. Perhaps a different sweet could tempt her. He reached for the ladle resting against the side of the punch bowl. Dainty heels clicked on the wooden floor behind him.

  “Would you be kind enough to pour me a cup of wassail, Mr. Coulter?”

  Miss Martin’s southern accent drizzled from her lips, slow and sweet, like molasses slathered on cornbread. Funny, he hadn’t noticed that in the parlor.

  Benjamin set his plate on the table. He’d be polite and pour her a drink, but that was it. He’d caught her both staring and smiling in his direction earlier. Perhaps he should be flattered, but he didn’t want to give this young woman the wrong impression or embarrass Ruth Ann in front of her friends. “All right.”

  She smiled. “Thank you. Ruth Ann is a lucky woman to have a beau as attentive to her as you are.”

  Elias’s voice rose over the group. “You can’t be serious.”

  Benjamin craned his neck. “Who was he speaking to?”

  Sighing, she glanced over her shoulder. “He appears interested in everyone else here tonight, except me.”

  If that was true, Elias was a fool. With blonde hair, blue eyes, and skin the color of fresh cream, she was reminiscent of the porcelain doll in Turner’s window. Any number of men, would line up to spend an evening with a woman like her. “Nonsense. He quickly paid your debt with a peppermint stick, remember?”

  “Yes, but it should’ve been my choice…”

  Elias’s thundering voice pulled Benjamin’s attention to the parlor for a second time. “You can’t really believe that nonsense, Ruth Ann. Why must you constantly swim upstream?”

  His six-foot frame towered over her. She stood toe to toe with him, chin lifted high in a show of will that Benjamin recognized all too well.

  “Excuse me, Miss Martin.” He shoved the drink in her hand, its contents perilously close to erupting over the cup’s edge.

  “They need a good education, Elias. Teaching Negroes the trades will encourage their independence from white land owners who want to force them into tenant labor.”

/>   Elias thrust his index finger in her direction. “I don’t understand you anymore. You keep talking like that, and you’ll have no friends left in this town.”

  Nate grasped his brother’s arm. “Calm down, Elias. Charlotte and the ladies went to a lot of trouble to make this a nice evening for all of us, and you’re being a pig-headed fool.”

  Elias wrenched his arm free, his jaw clenched as tight as his fists. “Stay out of this, little brother.”

  Benjamin approached the verbal sparring match as Ruth Ann’s hands bolted to her hips. Slipping his arm in front of her, he gently nudged her backward, placing himself between the two. “What’s the problem here?”

  “The problem is women like her who don’t know their place. You’d be best to keep your woman under control.”

  Her strained voice called over his shoulder. “Under con—”

  With a slight shake of his head, Ruth Ann stopped short. “I don’t need to control Ruth Ann. She’s a bright young woman, entitled to her own opinions.”

  “No respectable white woman teaches darkies to read. It isn’t proper, and you know it, Coulter.”

  “All this talk of being proper—since when is it proper for a gentleman to raise his voice to a lady?”

  Ruth Ann entwined her fingers with Benjamin’s, and he responded with a gentle squeeze of her hand.

  “Get our things, Rose. We’re leaving.” Elias focused his stony, green gaze on Ruth Ann. “You may want to rethink your position. Some people in this town don’t like what you’re doing. And if you persist, it might cost you more than just Thornton’s hand.”

  ~*~

  Ruth Ann’s free hand flew to her mouth in a failed attempt to stifle a gasp. Elias had been her friend since childhood. How could he speak to her so?

  Benjamin stepped forward, his nose mere inches from Elias. The two men locked eyes. Even though Benjamin had three inches on him, Elias didn’t seem deterred. Her pulse skipped erratically through her veins making it difficult to breathe. Were they going to come to blows?

  “I don’t cotton to people threatening Ruth Ann.”

  Rose handed Elias his hat. He plopped it on his head and shoved his arms in his coat sleeves. “Then take it as a friendly suggestion.”