Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Liberty saw uncertainty and pain in his glorious eyes. She took his hand and laced her fingers through it. "How could you not know that I loved you even as a child, Judah? I lost my heart to you the first night I met you." Tears now flowed, unchecked, down her face. "I love you so much, how could you not know?" She pressed her cheek to his, then raised her head to stare into his eyes. "My dearest, dearest love, you asked me what I want you to be. Never be anything other than what you are. You are everything a man should be. You have been kind and patient with me. You have slain all my dragons. You are the man I fell in love with on a summer night, so long ago."

  His arms went around her like two iron bands, and he buried his face in her fragrant hair. "I cannot believe that you return my love, Liberty. I don't deserve to have you love me, but I am damned glad you do," he said, some of his arrogance returning.

  She raised her face to his. "You are mine, Judah Slaughter. You always have been mine." As she tossed her golden mane, her eyes danced with happiness. "Although, I didn't know it until a few moments ago," she added.

  "Minx," he said, moving onto the bed and pulling her into his arms. "I have something else to tell you. I think it will explain why you fainted —and why my mother has been so protective of your health."

  "Am I ill?"

  Judah smiled, and his whole face lit up with happiness. "The doctor says I am going to be a father, and that makes me extremely happy."

  Liberty stared at him in disbelief, while her hand stole down to cover his, where it rested on her flat stomach. "Is the doctor sure?"

  "Yes."

  Laughter escaped her lips. "I cannot believe it. Me, a mother—and you ... a father," she said in awe. "Oh, Judah, how can I stand all the joy you have brought to my life?"

  "You deserve every happiness, my little one. I want to cherish you and fill your life with joy."

  Her brow furrowed. "This is a strange marriage we have, Judah. I always thought it was the woman who told the man she was going to have his baby."

  He held her tightly against him. "There is nothing ordinary about us, Liberty. Ours is a rare and beautiful love." He chuckled. "Since I have known you, you have had me in a spin and right in the palm of your hand."

  Her eyes were bright with tears. "Just think, Judah, we are going to have a baby."

  "Yes, my dearest heart. Just wait until Philippe hears the good news. He will be happy for us."

  "Where is Philippe?"

  "He sailed to Europe with a load of sugar cane."

  "Why did you not sail with the Winged Victory?"

  "Philippe is her captain now. My grandfather is happy that I have decided to settle down and raise crops and children."

  Liberty tossed her pillow in the air and moved onto his lap. "I like the part about raising children."

  Judah stared into blue eyes that were alive with love. "The doctor said if we were very careful I could make love to you."

  Liberty sighed as her husband's lips settled on hers, in a kiss that started softly and sweetly, but soon became passionate, so passionate it made the blood race through her body. As Judah drew her to him, his hands moved up her neck to cup her face.

  "My mind is on fire," he murmured in her ear. "Perhaps we will both stay in bed today."

  "Judah, we have come a long way to find the happiness that could have been ours from that first meeting."

  He tangled his hands in her hair and brought her lips close to his, so that his warm breath touched her skin. "Our lives and dreams have been magically spun on a silvery sea of moon tide."

  Epilogue

  It was a crisp sunny afternoon, awash with brilliant fall colors. Judah approached the house, noticing that a buggy was drawn up to the front door. He smiled to himself, for he knew his grandfather had been inviting friends and neighbors to Bend of the River so he could show off his new great-grandson.

  On entering the house, Judah walked past the salon, where his mother and grandfather were entertaining their guests. He went through the study, and out onto the back veranda. The now familiar voices of the matronly gossips, Madame Dancy and Madame Pessac, reached Judah's ears as he went down the five steps that took him into the garden.

  "What a fortunate child," Madame Dancy observed, staring at the golden-haired baby. "Just think, he will be heir not only of Bend of the River and Briar Oaks, but I hear Monsieur Slaughter owns a huge plantation in Martinique."

  "Yes, and I believe this is by far the handsomest baby I have seen in a long time," her friend said.

  "Naturally. How could the child be anything else with Liberty as his mother?"

  "Well, his father is handsome," Madame Pessac stated.

  "I can remember a time when you thought Judah Slaughter was uncivilized," her friend reminded her.

  "And so did you," Madame Pessac snapped.

  "I was wrong, and I admit it. Like everyone else, I now know that Sebastian and Bandera had us all fooled. Imagine them conspiring to discredit Monsieur Slaughter."

  Judah smiled as the matrons' conversation drifted out to him. It seemed he had finally been accepted by the creme de la crème.

  Gustave made his way to the cradle and stared down at the sleeping child. "Your grandson has done you proud, Gustave," Madame Dancy said. "We were just remarking on how beautiful this child is."

  Gustave's voice softened with pride. "I will have to agree with you. My great-grandson is an exceptional child."

  Gabrielle moved forward, and tucked the satin coverlet across her grandson's legs. She smiled at her father, and linked her arm through his. "A child brings such joy to a home. I hope Judah and Liberty fill this house with children," she said happily.

  Gustave's eyes sparkled. "I wouldn't mind a girl or two," he offered generously. "But I insist on more great-grandsons to carry on the . . . the . . ."

  Gabrielle laughed warmly. "To carry on the Slaughter name, Papa?"

  Gustave nodded his head, and a rare smile thinned his lips. "Slaughter is a respectable American name." With one last glance at his great-grandson, he crossed the room. "I'll leave you ladies to watch over the child. It is time for my treatment."

  Madame Dancy looked at Gabrielle. "What treatment is your father referring to?"

  "Do you know Zippora?" Gabrielle asked.

  "Yes, she's the witch isn't she."

  Gabrielle laughed in amusement. "I do not believe she is a witch, but she has certainly improved my father's health. She lives here on Bend of the River, you know. Liberty insisted that Judah build a house down by the river for Zippora and her grandson."

  "Do you really believe that Zippora has improved your father's health?" Madame Pessac asked with wide-eyed interest.

  "My father swears by her cures."

  "I believe I will pay a call on her before I leave. I have had this misery in my back. Perhaps she can do something for me."

  "You will have to wait your turn," Gabrielle said, lifting the baby in her arms, and kissing his soft cheek. "You see, Zippora has become very popular, and many of our friends seek her cure."

  Judah felt contentment wash over him. Now that he had a son, he realized why his grandfather had such a deep love for the land. Land was everlasting, something he could pass on to his child.

  Judah's eyes moved over the garden until he saw Liberty. His heart was filled with love for his golden-haired wife as he walked toward her.

  Liberty moved down the garden path feeling the warm sun on her face. When she saw Judah coming toward her, her footsteps quickened. His turquoise eyes spoke to her of love, and her heart raced within her.

  Judah enfolded Liberty in his arms, and as she clung to him, warmth filled his heart for Liberty's sweetness filled his whole being.

  Between the two of them, there was no need for words as they walked, arm in arm, toward the house. The sun shone down on their world, and there was eternal love and contentment in their hearts.

  mance)