“That’s so frightening.” Hope tugged her hand. “Here, stand up and let me check your dress.”
Unable to believe the woman in the mirror could be her, Alice swirled around. She felt like a fairy princess. And this was soon to be her castle with her very own prince.
Hope clasped Alice’s hands in hers and gave them a squeeze. “You’re the prettiest woman in the county, if not the state.”
Alice shook her head. “Not any county you’re in, but reckon I’m surprised as can be. I never dreamed I could turn out this well. I don’t want to embarrass Zach or his family.”
“Let’s go show him. People will start arriving soon.”
Hope had shown Alice how to walk, reminding her of lessons Mama had given her so many years ago. If only Mama could see her now, she’d be so proud. So, even, would Pa.
Alice didn’t remember her real father, so she didn’t know how he’d feel. Was he somewhere in heaven and sorry he wasn’t here so Zach could ask him for her hand?
Zach looked up as they descended the stairs. Alice saw admiration in his eyes, and more. She almost stumbled. Could that be true love shining from his eyes? He stepped forward and helped her the last few steps, then tucked her fingers on his arm to escort her into the room.
“Isn’t the house decked out fine?” Alice gazed around the room at the decorations they’d arranged earlier in the day. Early spring rains had brought buds on the trees and bushes. A few early wildflowers had poked up their heads.
Boughs of forsythia and bridal wreath from Hope’s garden stood in vases around the rooms. Hope had also furnished the fancy linen, punchbowl, and cups for the dining room table where refreshments would be served. Plates of food filled the table and more waited in the kitchen.
In the main parlor, furniture had been moved to the edges to allow room for mingling. Too many guests were expected to allow dancing, and the blustery weather was too uncertain to set up a dance floor outside. At least rain from a couple of days ago had stopped.
Zach placed his hand over hers. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
“You cleaned up real well yourself.” Alice gripped his arm harder. “Oh, Zach, I’m nervous as can be. What if folks don’t like me? I hope I don’t fall or do something stupid to shame you.”
“You could never embarrass me, Alice. All I want now is for you to be happy.” He escorted her toward the foyer.
“Don’t think I could be any happier without floating away like Seth’s kite on a windy day.”
“Speaking of our son, where is he?”
Alice giggled nervously. “The aunts wouldn’t let him put on his new clothes until people begin to arrive. He and Harry are in his room playing with his tin soldiers.”
“Buggies are coming.” Micah announced as he came inside the front door.
“Reckon Seth’ll be down any minute then. He wants to see if any kids his age show up.” Alice fair shook with nerves, but pulled herself together. If Zach stayed beside her, she could face all these people.
“Here’s where you two stand.” Maggie pointed to a spot near the dining room. “We have to guide people from here to the food, then into the big parlor.”
Zach kissed his aunt. “Alice and I will do our part. Thanks for all you and Lizzie are doing.”
Maggie laid one hand on Alice’s shoulder and the other on Zach’s arm, and Alice saw moisture gather in Maggie’s eyes. “You two are the loveliest couple since Hope and Micah. I allow as how this is the handsomest family in Texas.”
Voices reached them as people arrived and called greetings to one another. Alice feared her quaking stomach might rebel and she’d throw up or pass out.
Zach patted her hand and whispered, “Everything will be all right.”
Immediately, calm settled over her. She closed her eyes and replied, “I’m sure glad you’re beside me.” No truer words were ever spoken. The thought of him being beside her forever lifted her heart and calmed her jittery nerves.
Seth pounded down the stairs wearing a frown. “Lizzie said Harry’s got to stay in my room so no one trips over him.”
Alice smoothed his cowlick. “Reckon it’ll be awful crowded. Wouldn’t do for someone to step on poor Harry, would it?”
“Don’t want nothing bad to happen to Harry.” Seth stopped. “Gosh, Mama, you look prettier than I ever seen you.”
“Thank you, Seth. You’re quite handsome. Don’t we make a nice family?”
Lizzie came up to them. “Seth, if folk have coats, you take them into the small parlor. Be sure and lay them neatly over the sofa.”
“Yes, ma’am, I will.” But he didn’t look happy with his duty.
Micah opened the door and invited people inside. A steady stream of people kept Alice and Zach in place for thirty minutes. As arrivals slowed, they moved around the guests, talking with various groups. Alice kept a firm grip on Zach’s arm, afraid if she let him go she’d trip and make a fool of herself. Mostly she feared waking up to discover all this had been a dream.
Seth met children and wove in and out, finally taking his new friends upstairs to see Harry. Zach led Alice from group to group, stopping to exchange news and friendly conversation. She recognized the women who’d come to quilt and spoke to each.
Judge and Mrs. Henderson smiled and welcomed her to the area. She remembered how she’d feared the Judge before she met him. Now she saw he was crusty on the outside, but a kind man.
“Say, Zach. That matter we discussed is taken care of. The papers are ready when you want to pick them up.”
“Thanks, Judge Henderson.” Zach squeezed Alice’s hand.
John and Teresa stood beside the Judge and Mrs. Henderson.
Teresa said, “Sorry I couldn’t come to the quilting. I’m better evenings than mornings.”
Zach commented briefly and guided Alice to the next couple.
Dressed in Spanish fashions, Sofia and Jorge Montoya made an elegant pair. Black lace trimmed her wine silk dress, and jeweled combs anchored her black bun. Garnets graced her throat and ears. Jorge’s dark clothing was suitable for a refined Spanish don.
“We are so happy for Señor Zach, Señorita.” Jorge said as he sketched a brief bow. “He deserves a beautiful and kind woman, as our niece reported you to be.”
Sofia extended her hand. “I am sorry I had to miss the sewing. Hope told me all about the day.” She leaned forward and kissed Alice’s cheek. “Welcome to our extended family. You will be happy here, I think.”
Alice cradled Sofia’s hand gently in hers. “I am very happy. Thank you for coming and for welcoming me.”
Their tall, handsome son Eduardo’s black velvet jacket and black serge trousers were in the same style as his father’s. Silver buttons decorated the short jacket’s front and four buttons extended from his sleeve cuff upward. His black boots shone with a high polish.
“Ah, Miss Price, my pleasure to meet you.” He cocked an eyebrow at Zach. “No wonder you have been hiding Miss Price away, you cad.”
Zach punched Eduardo playfully on the shoulder. “Find your own woman. Alice is spoken for.”
Eduardo took her hand and planted a kiss there. “Such a tragedy he found you first, Miss Price. My heart is desolate.” He placed a hand on his heart and his dark eyes danced mischievously.
Alice laughed at his teasing.
“Ha, as if you had a chance, Montoya.” Zach guided her to the next group.
“Never reckoned one man could have so many friends as you do.” Alice gazed up at Zach. “I can tell by the way they look and speak to you they carry a great deal of respect for you and the Stone family.”
“Hope so. Course, we only invited friends, but lots more people are here than we invited. Word gets around and everyone turns out for a social.”
Alice met some of his friends from the Rangers, neighboring ranchers, and townspeople from Radford Crossing. Even the Russell Springs stage station man, Mr. Gunter, and his tired-looking wife Maisie attended.
/> Zach leaned near Alice and confided, “Mrs. Gunter looks nicer than I ever saw her.”
“Poor lady, she looks ready to drop.” Alice’s head fairly whirled from all the new names and faces.
Hope, Micah, and little Andrew planned to stay the night. So did Hope’s Montoya relatives. Two of Zach’s friends from the Texas Rangers planned to sleep in the bunkhouse. Three families from further away were camping nearby in wagons or tents.
By the time the party wound down and guests dispersed to bedrooms, campsites, or bunkhouse, Alice was exhausted. Lizzie and Maggie had sent Mrs. Hammonds home hours earlier. As Alice cleared away the last of the plates and cups, Aunt Lizzie took off her apron and hung it on the hook behind the door.
“Maggie and I are frazzled, and I’m sure you are too, dear. Let’s leave these for tomorrow and slip up to bed.”
Alice hesitated. “But there’s such a mess to face before breakfast.”
“Never you mind.” Maggie tugged her from the kitchen. “We’ll make do with leftovers tomorrow. Right now, it’s off to bed for everyone.”
“The party was nicer than I ever dreamed, but I am fair worn out. Reckon I wouldn’t mind my bed.” She peered around. “I wonder where Zach got off to?”
“Dear, he’s out jawing with his Ranger friends. Joel decided to stay the night out there, too. We’ll leave a lamp on in the kitchen for when Zach comes in later.”
They extinguished the other lamps as they climbed the stairs. Alice hugged each aunt and quietly thanked each woman again.
Lizzie spoke quietly, “I’d better undo your dress for you, dear.” She unfastened Alice’s buttons and corset.
“Good night.” Alice whispered before stepping into her room and softly closing the door.
Quickly, she slipped out of her finery and put it away before she pulled on her nightgown. She wished she had a wrapper, but she’d always dressed as soon as she rose each day. She started to slip into bed, and stopped. Had they left the back door unbarred for Zach when he came from the bunkhouse?
She’d better check to be certain. Her lamp was extinguished, but by now Alice knew the house well enough to slip down the back stairs. She pulled a shawl around her shoulders and opened her door. She stepped into the hall and closed the door quietly. When she turned, she bumped into Zach’s hard body.
He held his boots by one hand and a candle in the other. “Alice?” he whispered.
Conscious of the thin fabric she wore, she tugged the shawl around her. “I wasn’t sure the bar was off the back door. A man shouldn’t be locked out of his own home.”
He raised the candle toward her face. She saw his eyes assess her thin gown, her long hair loose around her shoulders and her bare feet. His eyes darkened and her breath caught in her throat.
Never taking his gaze from hers, he blew out the candle. Only moonlight lit the dark hallway. Zach cradled her against his hard chest, leaned down, and captured her lips in a kiss that sent her head spinning. She leaned in to him, eager for his caresses.
In her heart, Alice loved Zach, and yearned for his touch in an insane way that made her head whirl and jumbled her senses.
When he broke the kiss, he whispered, “Please. Come to my bed?”
Chapter Twenty Eight
She nodded consent against his chest. He guided her down the dark hall to his room. Inside, he shut the door quietly behind them and set his boots on the floor.
Cradling her again he kissed her softly. “Alice, I’ve needed you so long. Are you afraid of me?”
She slid her arms around his neck. “N-No, I’ve longed for you, wondered how we’d be together.”
“Then will you trust me to love you tonight?”
“Yes, please. That’s what I want. Am I wicked to wish for you before we’re wed?”
“No, you’re good and kind and sweet. I hope you’re as in love with me as I am with you.”
He loved her? She’d hoped he would come to but feared she asked too much. “How could I not love you? You’re even greater than any man I’ve ever dreamed.”
He whipped back the cover then picked her up and set her on his bed. After lighting the lamp, he shucked out of his shirt. His broad chest muscles rippled as he unbuttoned his pants.
Laying aside her shawl, she unfastened her gown and pulled it over her head. Goodness, she acted a brazen hussy. Would he think her too forward?
“That’s my girl.”
Cheered by his answer, she said, “I’ve heard rough talk from my stepbrothers, but I don't know exactly how this coming together really works.”
"Let’s start with this and we’ll ease into the rest.” He pulled her to him and kissed her gently then his heated embrace transformed into a fervent assault. She slid her hands lightly up his strong arms to his powerful shoulders. Her heart raced faster than any horse imaginable. Her body grew warm, soft, and hungry for something she didn’t recognize.
No man had ever before touched her like Zach and this new experience made her curious, scared, and awkward. Yet she expelled those feelings when she realized lying with the man she planned to marry made all the difference in the world. Rigid as a newly cut board, Alice waited while her body tingled.
His mouth guided hers. Teasing, coaxing, his mouth sucked her bottom lip, nipped at it. Her arms slid around his neck and she leaned into him. He ran his tongue across her lips and broke the kiss. Looking into her eyes, he smiled. Raw hunger swam in his beautiful blue-gray eyes.
"Open your lips for me as you did before.”
She obeyed and he renewed the invasion of her mouth. His tongue thrust between her teeth, tasting and probing. Tentatively, she followed his lead. Unable to suppress them, low moans whispered through the air.
She didn’t care who made the sounds, only that they spiraled desire into a burning need. Tenderly, he guided her to lie beside him. His hands sought her hips and pulled her into his arousal. Rocking against her pelvis, he rubbed himself against her.
As their two naked bodies touched for the first time, a strange new sensation sent an unimaginable quiver from her breasts to the triangle between her legs. A place now moist and hot...and ready. His wet mouth against her throat stole her breath and shoved common sense out the window. She had never experienced anything like this before. Even in her wildest thoughts, her mind had never ventured to this magical place.
Then his warm, bare body pressed even more firmly against hers and a smoldering fire brewed deep in her belly. The curly hair on his chest rubbed against her nipples and she nearly came off the bed.
His lips moved to her cheek then trailed to her neck. When he was near her ear he whispered, "Can you feel what you do to me?"
"Yes.” She nodded slightly and held him close. “I remember when we first shared the bedroll in the cave and you told me to stop wiggling. You were warm and hard then.”
He chuckled. “I remember that too. I like to have exploded with need for you then, but I didn’t think you knew. Should have known you couldn’t help but feel me pressed into your back. Did I frighten you?”
“You’d been a gentlemen and I trusted you as much as I trusted anyone.”
“Do you trust me now?”
“With my life. As I’ve never trusted anyone before. Would I be here in your bed if I didn’t?”
"Do you want me to stop?”
She shook her head. "No. I love your kisses. It makes my toes tingle and my woman parts all warm and...well, I don’t even know how to describe the sensations you create."
He tasted of whiskey he must have shared with his friends, and of sweetness and strength. "There's more.”
"I know. I'm not afraid of you, at least, not very much.” She burrowed against his chest. "It's all new and, well, I’m as awkward as a new calf.”
He took her soft face in his hands. "If I frighten you, will you tell me?”
"Yes.” She closed her eyes and leaned against him.
His kiss ignited the fire he’d already kindled. "More. Now.” As she sought h
is lips, she thrust her pelvis against his hard arousal.
When his mouth found her peaked nipple, she gasped. Could anything be more wonderful? Her fingers raked through his hair as she held him to her breast.
He moved to the other mound and held the first in his hand. A moan escaped her lips and her breath came in quickening rasps. Arching her back to give him better access to her breasts, she gasped for air and clung to his broad shoulders. When he broke away, she almost cried with disappointment.
He leaned on his elbow to let his eyes feast on her body. He caressed her hair, her shoulders, and her arms. "You are even more beautiful than I imagined.”
"Thank you.” She gasped.
She looked at his manhood and panicked. He was large as a club. Instinctively, she scooted away from him.
He rolled against her and nuzzled her neck. "Don't worry. Everything will fit together."
"That's what Hope said, but it seems unbelievable.”
He kissed her, and she opened her mouth with no urging. Her hands slid up his muscled chest to stroke his broad shoulders. When his callused hand rubbed against her thigh, shimmers of heat skimmed across her body.
With new sensations swirling through her body, she buried her nose in his neck and drew in his earthy scent. Man, whiskey, need. She needed him too.
His hand slid between them to touch the nub of her desire as his mouth possessed her breast. She groaned with pleasure and thrashed against the pillow. The essence of femininity and masculinity blended together with an exotic aroma that heightened her excitement.
He slid his finger into her and raised his head. “Ah, wet heat. You’re ready for me.”
“Ready? Zach, I’m on fire.”
He parted her legs with his own and slid a little ways into her. “Trust me. I’ll hurt you at first, then it will be okay.”
“I want you inside me.”
“I know you do, but let me take my time.”
While he entered her slowly, patiently, she put her legs around his waist and pulled him closer to that place in her that called out to his touch.
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 2 Page 17