“No you don’t,” Mr. Rawlins said, tightening his grip on her arm to ensure she didn’t run. “I have a large congregation. I will replace anything you leave behind.”
“But…but….” Sophia couldn’t think of any more excuses.
Mr. Rawlins let go of her wrist and pushed her toward the horse. “Mount up,” he ordered. “We’re leaving now. The sooner we get married, the better.”
Sophia’s heart plummeted. The better for him.
Being coupled to that brute for the rest of her life would be worse than death.
Chapter Fourteen
Lucas stopped by the livery on his way into town. An old friend he encountered there welcomed him back with a hearty handshake and readily agreed to lend Lucas and his friend each a horse for a few hours.
It would be much more romantic to ride up to the house and sweep Sophia off her feet than it would be to stand at her door like a weary and ragged traveler.
“You going to meet your woman looking like that?” John asked, the question coming with a playful undertone.
Lucas examined his dirty uniform. She’d already seen him at his worst. At least he wasn’t bleeding this time.
“You can go around back and wash up a bit,” the livery owner offered.
“Thank you. I think I will.” Lucas dunked his head into the pan of water and scrubbed his face and hair with the lye soap and a rag. Being clean from the neck up would have to do.
Dripping, he toweled off with a piece of burlap while John washed. He tapped his foot and eyed the brown stallion he’d ride up to the horse farm.
“Will you hurry up?” Lucas urged.
“Can’t wait to see her, huh?” John said, and laughed. “I don’t plan on getting tied down any time soon.”
“That’s fine for you,” Lucas said. “But I’ve wanted to marry her for several months now. I can’t wait much longer or I’ll bust.”
“All right. All right.” John took the piece of burlap from Lucas and dried off. The two men mounted. Riding a little ahead of John, he led the way to his home.
No one came running out of the house to meet him as he had expected. Sophia hadn’t been standing near the window. Well, she’d enjoy this surprise. He dismounted in front of the house and John took the reins. Lucas skipped the first step, jumping right on to the top of the porch. He pounded on the door. No answer.
Mounting again, he rode out to the pasture, to the small cabin Cole and Mason shared. He knocked on the door. Again, no answer.
That didn’t seem right. “Cole? Mason?” Lucas shouted.
His voice echoed through the silence. Lucas checked the barn. No horses. Likely that meant Cole and Mason were both riding off somewhere. Why?
“What are you going to do?” John asked.
“They are all probably with my folks,” Lucas said, trying to sound casual and unconcerned.
Something didn’t sit right with him though. If Cole and Mason wanted to visit his parents, they’d walk there. It wasn’t very far. And they very seldom both went into town at the same time. They’d know he wouldn’t approve of them leaving Sophia alone for long.
“Or they could all be in town,” John offered.
Lucas shook his head. “No. We probably would have seen them. I would have recognized their horses at the least.”
“Oh.”
Lucas mounted again and tilted his head toward his parents’ house. “Come on. I was going to introduce you to my mother and father anyway. You know my father is quite the horseman.”
Lucas dismounted and tied his horse to the hitching post. Cole or Mason’s mounts were not in the yard. They could be in the barn but not likely. The hairs on his arms stood on end.
“John,” Lucas said, and then swallowed. “If you don’t mind, would you wait here for a few minutes?”
John nodded. “Of course,” he said, staying in the saddle. “A man needs a private moment with his folks.”
Lucas struggled to breathe. He forced one foot in front of the other afraid of what he’d find. After only one knock, the door opened.
His mother stood there, looking older than he remembered, her eyes red and puffy as if she’d been crying.
“I thought I’d get a better reception when I got home,” Lucas said, trying to lighten the mood.
“Oh, son!” his mother said, throwing her arms around him. “It’s terrible, just terrible.”
“What is?”
“Sophia. Someone took Sophia,” she said urgent, breathless. “Your father, Mason, and Cole are out looking for her.”
His lung valves snapped shut and he felt the air slowly draining from his body. “How did you know she was taken? Did they see her?”
“No. But Cole said he heard a woman scream and a man’s voice. When he returned to the farm she was gone, but all her belongings were still there. She didn’t leave a note.”
“That’s not much to go on.”
“They didn’t know which direction to look so Cole, Mason, and your father split up.”
“Weren’t there tracks to follow?”
His mother shrugged. “They haven’t returned to tell me anything.”
“When was this? How long has Sophia been gone?”
“Since yesterday afternoon.”
“That’s only about a day. Has she had any contact with her father?”
“I think she wrote him a while ago. She told him about the wedding.”
Lucas clenched his teeth to prevent cursing in front of her. “That explains it then. I can catch up with them.”
“Catch up with them? You know who it was? Know where they’re heading?”
“I hope so. But I don’t want you staying here by yourself,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Get down here, John,” he said, motioning to his friend “I’d like you to meet my mother. Mother, this is my friend John.”
Mrs. Grady smiled through her tears. “I can see you two served together. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Ma’am,” John said, nodding to her, and then he eyed Lucas. “I heard what your mother said. I’m going with you.”
“No,” Lucas said firmly. “I need you to stay with my mother.”
John looked at Mrs. Grady and then back at him. “All right. If that is what you want.”
“Come inside and eat something before you take off, Lucas. I know you have a lot of hard riding ahead of you.”
“I don’t have much time to eat. I need to find Sophia.”
“I know, I know,” his mother said, putting a hand on his shoulder blade and guiding him into the house. “It won’t take long to eat a cold plate. You’re welcome to join us, John.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” John said. “I am powerful hungry.”
After a cold roast beef sandwich and a cup of coffee, Lucas mounted his borrowed horse. He’d exchanged his musket for his father’s extra pistol, now ready for a shootout if need be. Both his mother and John stood on the porch to see him off. John would take care of her, and if the men couldn’t pick up Sophia’s tracks, they would return home soon.
“Do you need anything else?” his mother asked.
He shook his head and patted his bulging saddlebag full of provisions. “I just need to find Sophia.”
“I know. I’ve been praying. Praying Sophia is well. Bring her back, son.”
Lucas ran his tongue across the bottom of his teeth. “I’ll bring her back if it is the last thing I do.” His strong voice did not betray his anxiety and fear.
“John, will you go into town and explain why I can’t return Mr. Reardon’s horse just yet.”
“Of course, Lucas. Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”
“This is something I need to do on my own.”
Lucas spurred his horse and tore down the road, his insides squeezing together and threatening to cut off his air. If her papa came after her, he’d drag her back to Clark Springs. He had to catch up with them before they got to Georgia, before he hurt her.
***
; Sophia sat on the ground up against a tree, her ankles bound. She glared at Mr. Rawlins, not daring to speak a word out of turn. Being gagged once had been enough.
Mr. Rawlins added another log to the fire. “Better start supper,” he said.
She drew a deep breath, the evening air cool against her face. “Yes, sir,” she said, standing, then hobbled over to get the provisions off the horse. She shouldn’t have tried to escape a few days ago. Now he wouldn’t let her roam free until they were in Clark Springs and she was trapped. Forever.
Sophia pulled out the sacks of flour and salt. “I’ll start the rolls.” Living with Papa, she’d grown good at cooking with meager ingredients. Rolls without eggs and milk were relatively easy and tasted quite good. Especially with a pot of chicory coffee.
Hoof beats. She held her breath and strained to listen. If they were going to have company for supper, Mr. Rawlins would have to untie her ankles. It would look very suspicious otherwise, right?
Deciding it was best to keep silent, Sophia squatted by the fire and measured the flour to pour into the bowl. Focusing on her work, she tried to ignore the sound of the horse and rider getting closer.
Whoever the traveler was, surely he wouldn’t be able to resist her plea for help. Biting her lip, she waited for the perfect time. Adrenaline crawled up and down her legs, eager to run, which was impossible with her feet bound.
Damn Mr. Rawlins! Damn him to hell. And damn Papa, too.
Lucas had survived a war to be with her. She’d find a way to get back to him—kill Mr. Rawlins in his sleep if she had to. Her heart pounded in her chest and she kneaded the dough with more force than necessary.
“May I sit and rest a spell?” a man’s voice asked. “I’ve been traveling a fair piece today.”
Mr. Rawlins stood and walked over to greet him. “Of course. And you’re welcome to a cup of coffee.”
“Thank you. Is she your daughter?”
Sophia’s head snapped up. The voice was familiar. Hope flared. He had a full beard, but that didn’t hide his identity from her. Lucas!
After inhaling sharply, she was afraid to exhale. Lucas wore a gun belt, the handle of a pistol sticking out of his right holster.
“No,” Mr. Rawlins said. “She’s my wife.”
Lucas’s eyebrows slanted and he bared his teeth. “No, she’s not. And if she is, I’m sure I can have the sham annulled.”
“Sham?” Mr. Rawlins asked.
“You’re a fraud not a preacher.” Lucas drew his pistol and pointed it at Mr. Rawlins. “You kidnapped my fiancée,” he snarled. “I think we have a score to settle.”
Oh, God. Would he shoot Mr. Rawlins? The fiery gleam in his eyes told her he might be angry enough to pull the trigger.
She wanted to be married to a soldier, not a man capable of cold-blooded murder.
“Lucas, don’t,” she pleaded, leaving her dough and struggling to walk toward him.
“Stay there,” he growled.
Mr. Rawlins held his arms out. “As you can see I’m not armed.”
“You think after all the Yankees I killed, one more body will bother me?” Lucas taunted.
Mr. Rawlins blanched.
“Lucas, put the pistol down,” Sophia said. “Please.”
Lucas eyed her and his face softened. He opened the chamber of his gun, emptied it and then put the pistol back in the holster. Both of his hands folded into fists and he glared at the fake preacher. “I don’t need a gun to take care of you.”
He advanced toward Mr. Rawlins. “How bad do you want her?”
Lucas wanted to kill, Mr. Rawlins. The bastard deserved to die, but Sophia looked well. For her sake he’d spare the man’s life. Taking long strides he advanced toward the preacher.
The reverend was larger built than Sophia’s father; likely would put up more of a fight. The challenge would seem small compared to the battles he’d survived. He hadn’t fought the Yankees to lose her again.
Lucas swung at Mr. Rawlins and the man dodged his punch, moving sideways. Lucas swung again and this time connected with the man’s jaw. The crack gave him immense satisfaction.
Mr. Rawlins punched him hard, propelling him backward. The two men exchanged blows, locking horns like two bucks fighting over a doe. Mr. Rawlins hit him in the gut and Lucas groaned, air escaping his lungs.
Sophia screamed.
Lucas straightened and swung at Mr. Rawlins again, hitting him with a left and then a right. The man landed on his backside and Lucas took advantage, pouncing on top of him and pounding his face. When the reverend quit struggling, Lucas grabbed him by his shirt collar, yanked his head up, and punched him again. Blood oozed out of the man’s nose.
“Lucas,” Sophia said, touching his shoulder. “Stop. That’s enough.”
Reluctantly, Lucas let the man go. Eyeing him closely, he was happy when the man didn’t move.
His chest ached from the relentless pounding of his heart. He panted, his lungs attempting to run a race with his pulse. Kneeling, he untied the rope binding Sophia’s legs and then she threw her arms around him. It felt good to hold her tight, their bodies pressed together.
“I love you, Sophia.”
“I love you, too.”
Lucas kissed her lips and her cheek, and then rained kisses all the way down her neck. Now that she was in his arms, he never wanted to let her go.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Sophia said.
Lucas squeezed her tighter. “I missed you more.” His hands trailed from her waist lower.
His growing cock pressed against her and she moaned. “Yes, Lucas. I want you.”
He grinned. Those were the words he’d fought so long to hear. “As soon as we get married, honey.”
Chapter Fifteen
Lucas tied the unconscious reverend to his saddle and, holding the reins to his horse, led him back to Franklin.
“We can get married now, Sophia,” Lucas said in a husky voice, colored with need.
Sophia’s attention went from the reverend to Lucas and then back to the reverend. She wanted to make him suffer a little more. “Would your mother be disappointed if I changed our wedding plans?”
“Changed how?”
Eyeing the reverend, a slightly evil idea formed in her mind. It was perfect. Now if she could just get Lucas and the Gradys to agree….
As a little girl, Sophia hadn’t dreamed of getting married in a jail, but she couldn’t resist. It was payback. Mr. Rawlins sat on the bed in his cell, watching them, desperation burning in his eyes. His pleas and cries for her to stop and consider her actions had gone unheeded.
He’d finally given up. Or maybe his hoarse voice gave out. She felt the blunt force of his hatred and despise, burrowing into her backside. Holding Lucas’s hands she knew Mr. Rawlins could no longer hurt her.
And she was about to become Mrs. Grady.
She tilted her head back and gazed up at Lucas, reciting her vows in a shaky voice.
Lucas was everything she wanted in a man—her hero, her soldier, her husband.
The preacher pronounced them man and wife and Lucas’s lips locked with hers. Their physical connection sparked a fire in her core. Lucas pulled back in the nick of time, a second before she was overwhelmed by her desire.
“Are you ready for cake, Mrs. Grady?” Lucas asked.
“Yes,” Sophia said. “Cake and a lifetime with you.”
The lust mixed with love in Lucas’s eyes told her he was looking forward to each day with her. His every smile, every touch, made her feel cherished.
His eyes sparkled almost as if they were misty. “It is time to meet the crowd,” he said, and then laughed.
“I think I can stand it.” He took her by the arm and led her through the open door.
“I love you, Lucas,” she whispered. Although not a knight in shining armor, he did his best to treat her like a princess.
After the lavish reception his mother planned, they’d return to the ranch where he’d carry her over the thre
shold and into their bedroom.
***
Lucas drank in the image of his bride splayed on his bed, waiting for him. Sophia looked very seductive wearing nothing but her nightgown. Her smile lifted the remaining heaviness off his chest. She’d forgiven him and married him. It was natural to exercise his conjugal rights.
His new bride looked more relaxed than he felt. How much did she know about sex? Her mother had died years ago; she might not know much. He’d take it slow, explain what he was doing.
Shedding his shirt, he lay next to her, threading his fingers through her dark brown tresses. Kissing her cheek, merely a chaste touch, he trailed a path to her lips. When their lips touched, she was ready and she kissed him back, silently telling him she wanted more.
Spurred on by her approval, he reached over and stroked her arm. Her nightgown had short sleeves, giving him plenty of skin to caress. She closed her eyes, a flush rising into her cheeks. Did she not like his touch?
He stopped stroking her arm. “Sophia,” he whispered, “please look at me.”
Her forehead crinkled and she looked a little confused. “Is something wrong?”
“I was just about to ask you the same thing. Why did you close your eyes?”
Her laugh banished his tension and worry. “I’m savoring the moment. I’ve been waiting months to feel your touch again.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He wouldn’t deny his own desire any longer. “I know you’re nervous, and I’m going to be very gentle.”
God, he didn’t want to hurt her. She’d already had so much pain in her life. I’ll make up for the unavoidable discomfort. The second time we make love will be blissful.
He turned on his side and she did, too, facing each other. “You’re beautiful, Sophia,” he said in a deep voice.
Her hands worked around to his back, holding him. “You’re strong.”
“Raising horses isn’t easy work and neither is soldiering.”
A frown flickered on her lips when he said soldier and then disappeared.
He yearned to claim her mouth with more than his lips. Tracing the seam of her mouth with his tongue, he teased her and she finally opened her mouth for him.
Soldier in Her Lap Page 12