“No more secrets.” She kissed his neck. “Do you promise you’ll stay with me tonight? I want you to hold me.”
“Tonight, and forever.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Over the course of the following three days, Grace nursed Brother Anselm back to health, until he was finally well enough to walk to his quarters in the chapel with Devlin’s assistance. Maribeth skipped ahead of them, kicking stones along the gravel path and enjoying the crisp air.
“It feels good to be home again,” Brother Anselm said when they arrived at last and he crumpled onto his favorite chair by the fire.
Grace shared a sly glance with Devlin and grinned. Since when had Brother Anselm started to think of the chapel within Devil’s Cove Manor as home? The notion warmed her heart and gave her hope that her mentor would agree to stay on full-time. Who else would conduct Sunday mass? Though preferring the path of a monk, Brother Anselm had been ordained as a young man and could easily serve as their priest should he wish it.
Maribeth plopped into the chair opposite Brother Anselm and placed a board of draughts on the table between them. “Shall we play a game, Brother? You were the victor last time, and I deserve another chance to win.”
“Very well,” he said with a grin. “But you’ll have to beat me outright. I won’t lose just to spare your feelings.”
As the two set up the board and bantered back and forth, Devlin wrapped his arms around Grace from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder. “I told you he’d be fine. The old man has a will of iron. I’m glad to see him settled back in his quarters.”
She glanced back to place a kiss on his cheek. “So you did. I’m glad to have the whole harrowing experience behind us so our lives can get back to normal.”
“Speaking of which,” Devlin said, taking her hand and pulling her in the direction of the exit. “I have a surprise for you.”
She lifted her eyebrows and slowed her steps. “What kind of a surprise?”
His eyes lit up with laughter. “You’ll see soon enough.”
With a backward glance at Brother Anselm, she hesitated and bit her bottom lip. “I’m not sure we should leave them alone yet.”
The monk lifted his head and waved her away. “We’ll be fine for a while on our own, won’t we, Maribeth?”
“Yes,” the girl said, giggling. “It’s a wonderful surprise. Believe me, you don’t want to dally here anymore.”
Grace narrowed her gaze on Devlin, but he only shrugged and continued to pull her outside, leading her on an unfamiliar path away from the mansion and chapel. She drank in their surroundings, still growing accustomed to seeing everything with such clarity. The grounds of the mansion were breathtaking, and without the threat of Josephine hovering over the estate, Grace could enjoy all of its beauty with unabashed pleasure.
“Where are you taking me?” she finally asked, her curiosity abounding.
He lifted a finger as they rounded a bend, and said, “Wait for it.”
Slightly ahead stood a massive structure with two horses grazing in front of it. As her gaze fell upon a giant black stallion, she knew it must be Zeus. Goodness, but the beast was magnificent. A pure white mare whinnied and stepped away when the stallion sidled too close to her side.
Pressure built in Grace’s chest, and she glanced at Devlin with hope burgeoning in her heart. “Is the mare my surprise?”
He nodded with a broad smile and nudged her forward. “Do you wish to ride her now?”
Turning back, she threw her arms around his neck and laughed as he pulled her into a fierce embrace, whirling her around.
“Oh, yes,” she said, breathless. Striding to the mare’s side, Grace petted the silky white coat and cooed. “Such a pretty girl, you are.” She motioned for Devlin to join her and asked, “Does she have a name?”
“I hope you don’t mind,” he said, running his hand over the pristine mane, “but I named her the moment I laid eyes on her.” A devilish grin split across his face. “Say hello to Aphrodite.”
A trill of laughter bubbled out of Grace’s chest. “Well, it’s no wonder Zeus can’t stay away from her. She’s the goddess of love.”
“As are you,” Devlin whispered, hauling Grace into his embrace.
He leaned down and kissed her thoroughly, only stopping when her belly fluttered and her breathing quickened to a pant. His eyes bore into hers, suddenly serious and intense. “Love wasn’t in the cards for me, or so I thought. You breathed life into my heart again and rescued my soul.”
She caressed his cheek and smiled when he nuzzled her palm. “A soul worth saving.”
Aphrodite bumped her nose against Grace’s back, and she swung around, laughing. “Come, my love. I believe my horse is in need of exercise.”
Devlin walked backward in the direction of the stable and crooked his finger. “Follow me. I have another surprise.”
She trotted after him, and he turned to run into the stable, rounding the first corner before she even made it to the massive doors marking the entrance. When she stepped over the threshold, he stood, waiting with a stack of clothing in one hand and a pair of leather riding boots in the other.
“Are those riding pants?” she asked with a squeal of delight.
He grinned and nodded. “Made especially for you, madam, along with a shirt, vest, and jacket. I wager you’ll be more comfortable riding astride this way. Do you like them?”
“No,” she said, striding to stand before him. His lips turned down, and she grinned. “I love them!” Taking the bundle of clothes from his hold, she skipped to one of the open stalls and closed the door behind her. She peeked over the edge and winked. “Go saddle the horses while I change.”
He sauntered in her direction with a wicked smile tugging on his lips. “The stable lads can saddle the horses. I’d rather help you.”
Lifting the latch to the stable door, he slipped inside and stalked toward her.
Heat flared in her cheeks, and she gripped the clothing tightly to her chest as she stumbled backward. “Shhhh … You can’t help me undress out here. What will everyone think?”
“I don’t give a damn what they think,” he said, and with two long strides he was upon her.
His lips began to nuzzle her neck as his fingers moved swiftly down the back of her gown, unbuttoning the fastenings with practiced ease. Her head fell back, allowing him better access, and she melted more and more with every stroke of his hot tongue on her flesh, forgetting altogether about her protest. Seconds later he peeled the top of her dress down and cupped her ample breasts in his hands. Her nipples puckered into tight little buds, and he squeezed them between his fingers. A soft moan escaped her lips, and she pushed her hips into his, relishing the feel of his hard shaft rubbing against her.
“See, my sweet?” he said with a groan, dipping down to draw one nipple into his mouth. He plied it with his tongue, twirling and sucking until he elicited a guttural sigh from her. “Your body does not protest against my idea. Let me love you quick and hard.”
His tantalizing words sparked a flame in her belly, and she nodded, threading her fingers through his golden tresses and dragging his mouth to hers for a scorching kiss. He fumbled with his breeches, unleashing his manhood, and then ripped away the bottom of her chemise with a grin.
“Slip the top of your gown back on,” he said, assisting her. “It’s chilly and I wouldn’t want you to catch cold.”
Lifting her, he instructed her to wrap her legs around his waist as he leaned her back against the wall and placed the tip of his swollen shaft at the apex of her thighs. Her eyes connected with his, and she was filled with a burning need to have him thrusting inside of her.
“Hold on tight, love,” he rasped and then plunged inside her wet channel.
The sensations building within her entire body were exquisite, and she forgot to feel self-conscious as she lost herself in his lovemaking. With every thrust of his shaft, she soared higher and higher, until waves of pleasure cascaded over her
. His mouth covered hers, capturing her rapturous cries while he spent himself.
Resting her head against the wall of the stable, she closed her eyes and let out a ragged breath. “Oh, my.”
He chuckled against her throat and placed a chaste kiss on her heated flesh. “I believe I can convince you to make love in the stables again. What say you?”
“You’re incorrigible,” she said, slapping him on the shoulder.
“You’re delectable,” he countered, pulling out of her heat and adjusting his manhood in his breeches.
She changed quickly into the clothes he had procured for her and slipped on the leather riding boots. The sturdy woolen pants kept her warm against the chilly air. As they made their way back outside to mount their horses, her stomach trembled and flipped.
“I’ve never ridden a horse alone,” she admitted aloud, glancing at her fiancé with concern etched around her eyes.
He patted Aphrodite on the neck and motioned for Grace to place her foot in his hands to mount. “Then we’ll take it slow. I’m sure you’re a quick study.”
After instructing her on the basics, they set off at a walk in the direction of the beach. Sunshine beat down on them, and the crisp air filled her lungs. She could hardly believe that her life had changed so much in the course of a few months.
“Have you decided what you’ll do about your name and title?” she asked while keeping her eyes fixed on the path in front of them.
He shrugged. “What would you have me do?”
A grin popped to her lips, and she said, “That’s simple. What will make you happy?”
Staring off into the distance where the ocean crashed against the sandy beach, he considered her words for quite some time before answering.
“I’d like to keep the title for our son,” he said, smiling. “You will give me a son one day, won’t you?”
She nodded. “God willing. It’s a lovely gesture. Dominick it is, then.”
“And would you care to be called Grace or Eveline?” he asked, regarding her closely.
She’d been attempting to answer that question over the course of the last several days, but it was difficult to decide. Eveline was her birth name, bestowed lovingly by her mother in remembrance of a dear friend who’d died at a young age. Hearing her mother and father call her Eveline once again had been like the sweet song of a nightingale. And yet she associated so many happy memories with the name Grace and her time spent in the company of Brother Anselm. Dominick had saved Eveline, but Grace had saved Devlin. So in the end she couldn’t choose between the two and, instead, left her decision to follow that of her fiancé.
“If you have embraced Dominick, then I shall embrace Eveline.”
“I like that,” he said.
With a click of his heels against Zeus’s belly, he led them down a path to the beach, where they stood side-by-side, gazing out upon the calm ocean. Ships bobbed on the waves in the harbor, and Eveline shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand to gain a better view.
“Which one is The Savior?” she asked, secretly guessing it to be the largest ship of the lot. It would have to be grand to be worthy of such a legendary pirate as the Devil.
“That one,” he said, pointing to the ship anchored farthest from the dock. The very one she’d guessed.
“It’s a beauty,” she said, glancing at Dominick. “And how did it come to be named The Savior?”
A sly smile crept over his lips, and she swore a blush of color infused his cheeks. “I couldn’t very well name my ship Eveline,” he said, clearing his throat. “So, instead, I named it in remembrance of you. When life seemed bleak, you were my savior, all the way to the end.” His eyes watered as he held his hand out, clasping hers firmly within his.
She held on tight and nodded. “As you were mine.”
Epilogue
Three months later …
Eveline paced in front of the parlor hearth with nerves masquerading as butterflies in her belly. She’d never been so nervous in her life. Clasping her gloved hands together, she ignored the sheen of sweat covering her palms and resisted the urge to run her hands over the white satin of her wedding gown. In her agitated state, she bumped headlong into Dominick. The familiar scent of her fiancé greeted her, and his hands settled on her bare shoulders, massaging away her fears.
“Relax, my love,” Dominick whispered. “He’ll say yes. What father wouldn’t leap at the opportunity to walk his beloved daughter down the chapel aisle and give her away? There’s no doubt the man loved you.”
She nodded and thanked God for the thousandth time for bringing Dominick back into her life. He filled her days with happiness and her nights with passion, neither of which she’d ever dreamed would belong to her forever. But most of all, he loved her for who she was and supported the exploration of her talents as a medium.
When she’d proposed inviting her parents to the wedding, it never crossed her mind to impose on Marcus Deveraux to walk her down the aisle. But with Dominick’s gentle coaxing and loving encouragement, she’d agreed to try.
“He can’t love me as much as I love you,” Eveline said, cradling her beloved’s face. “You’re a good man.”
He rubbed his cheek in her hand, and the corner of his upturned lips tickled her palm. “I wasn’t always good and might have remained damned forever if not for you. But in the end, it was easier to pardon my mother than I’d imagined. I’ll admit it helped that karma wasn’t so forgiving. She’s living in her own personal hell since the carriage accident.”
Eveline scrunched her nose. “Horrible, isn’t it? Being confined to her bedroom—unable to bear for people to see the prominent scar lining the entire length of her cheek. For a woman who adored her place in society, I can’t imagine a worse fate.”
“Precisely,” Dominick said, his mood jovial. “Should you sustain such injuries, no one would care, because your beauty is soul deep, though I daresay you outshine every fairy-tale princess today. You look ravishing.”
Eveline ran her hands over his hair, down the back of his neck, and across his broad shoulders, trailing along his arms until their fingers intertwined. In a charcoal-gray jacket and white waistcoat, her fiancé was a fine specimen of man. “So do you.”
He chuckled and pecked her on the lips. “You still see with your hands.”
“Old habits,” she said, smiling.
The parlor door opened, and the room filled with idle chatter. Tingles shot up Eveline’s arms. She peered around the room, drinking in the sight of all those she loved, especially Maribeth’s sweet face lined with golden ringlets and with eyes as dark-green as the pine forest. It was the young girl’s special day as well, and she’d dressed for the occasion. A large white satin ribbon tied at the top of her waist set off her pale yellow dress, covered in tiny embroidered daisies. She rivaled the sun.
Eveline turned her gaze to Brother Anselm and almost lost her fight with the hot tears gathering and threatening to burn a path down her cheeks. Even after weeks of staring at him, she was touched to find him exactly as she’d always envisioned him: a big teddy bear of a man with a rounded belly in his brown monk’s robes, matching chocolate-brown eyes full of love as they peered from behind bushy white eyebrows, and a beautiful shiny bald head.
“Let’s begin,” Maribeth said, clapping her hands and breaking through Eveline’s musings. “My very first attempt at communicating with spirits. Do you think I have the necessary skills, Eveline?”
Unable to hold back her mirth at the child’s barely contained excitement, Eveline held out her hand to the girl and grinned. “Yes, I believe you do. But above all, you must believe it as well. Come, have a seat. I will stand by your side. I don’t wish to wrinkle my gown. Abigail took extra care in ironing the dress to perfection, and I wouldn’t want her to be cross with me.”
Maribeth plopped into a chair, and Eveline reached out her other hand, inviting Brother Anselm to take it. His large paw enveloped hers, and he squeezed.
“Is everyon
e ready?” Brother Anselm asked. “There can be no interruptions once we begin. Clear your minds, and let in the light. Maribeth will reach out to Beatrice Mitchell and Marcus Deveraux. If all goes well, then I will lead the way to the chapel followed by Dominick, Victor, Hatchet, and Maribeth. Eveline will bring up the rear with her mother and father. Understood?”
His inquiry was met with a resounding “yes” from all corners of the room. Brother Anselm released her hand and began praying, offering his thanks to God for the glorious day and the opportunity to share in celebrating the union of His beloved children, Eveline and Dominick.
Filling her lungs with the renewing breath of life offered by her Maker, Eveline cleared her mind to let the white, pristine light of God drift over her like a misty fog, increasing in thickness and wrapping her in a cloud of purity. She embraced the love of God, and within moments all her prayers were answered. Tears blurred her vision, but she blinked them back, refusing to cry lest she miss a single moment of God’s wedding gift.
Maribeth gasped and tightened her grip around Eveline’s hand. “Oh my, can you see them too?” she whispered.
Eveline nodded.
“Hello,” Maribeth said, breaking the silence. “You’re Eveline’s mama and papa.” She stood and offered a very proper curtsey. “I’m happy to make your acquaintance.”
Beatrice smiled and curtseyed, too. “And I’m happy to meet you as well. I’ve enjoyed your company beside the piano many times. I feel as if we’re old friends. You’re a very special little girl. Few mediums are capable of conjuring visions as powerful as this one. And on your first try. Quite impressive.”
A beaming smile lit the girl’s face, and she glanced up at Eveline.
“She’s right,” Eveline said. “You’re special. But I always knew it in my heart.”
Eveline licked her lips and lifted her head, meeting the penetrating gaze of her father. It was a strange and wondrous experience staring into a face so much like her own.
Devil’s Cove (Tortured Souls) Page 29