How could she respond? Did love announce itself or was it something that one would automatically recognize? In truth, she had no idea what it should feel like. For days now, the same thoughts had repeated over and again. Did she love her husband?
“Take your clothes off, Emma. I need you on full display for me.” His murmured words sent shivers through every part of her and Emma lifted up and quickly unbuttoned her dress. The rest of the clothing followed as Patrick watched, his darkened gaze following her every move.
By the huge bulge, he was aroused and yet he didn’t undress. Other than the opening of his long-sleeved shirt, his body was totally covered.
It was strange how erotic and beautiful she felt to be fully nude before him.
“Sit on the sofa,” Patrick said, motioning to the piece of furniture. “I want to see you.”
Emma leaned back on the sofa waiting for him to join her. Patrick’s lips curved as his eyes traced over her, leaving a trail of heat over her skin.
When he lowered to his knees, Emma waited curiously to see what he’d do.
“Part your legs.”
Trembling slightly, she did as he asked. “What are you doing?”
This time, his lips curved into a full smile. “I am going to devour you fully. I want to taste when you come undone.”
Not understanding, Emma could only look as he pressed a kiss to her lower belly and then trailed his tongue down the center to her sex.
“Oh!” She started to close her legs, but didn’t want to squash his head. “Patrick...”
The first lick made her eyes cross. The second made her legs fall open and the third, fourth and fifth had her bucking up into his mouth.
Continuing the delicious assault, Patrick held her legs wide and took his fill. The way his tongue flicked over her core had her crying out. Within minutes, Emma lost control and came with so much force, she screamed out Patrick’s name along with several other words that would make her blush at church the following Sunday.
Trembling with need, she could only gawk as Patrick stripped in front of the fire. She had come to enjoy making love during the day when she could see every inch of him. His body was perfection in her opinion. The hard curves and muscles that bunched with his every move were a beautiful sight.
His manhood jutted from his body, swollen and dark as he walked toward her. “Will you take me in your mouth, Emma?”
Without question, she nodded. “Yes.” The breathless word made him smile.
Emma lowered to her knees and opened her mouth obediently. “Suck on it, but don’t bite,” Patrick instructed.
His manhood was silky and hard at the same time. The saltiness of his skin combined with his grunts of pleasure made Emma want to please him more. He watched her intently while sliding in and out of her mouth. Emma grasped his shaft with her right hand and he nodded, letting her know it was pleasant.
Before long, his thrusts became too much and Emma gagged when he shoved to her throat. Finally, she had to push back on his hips. Although erotically pleasing, she feared choking.
Patrick didn’t seem to mind. He lifted her from the floor and guided her back to the sofa where he positioned her leaning forward at the waist.
His hand sliding over her bottom and in between the folds of her sex made her legs wobble. She turned to look at him over her shoulder. “Patrick, take me. I want you.”
Finally, he nudged at her entrance. Then holding her hips, Patrick thrust in fully. “Take all of me.”
He held her hips with both hands pulling out before sinking back in. “I can’t be gentle, Emma. I will try.”
The lovemaking was like none before. It was as if by telling her how he felt, something became unleashed within them both and Patrick took her without stopping, pausing only to help her to lay on her back so that he could continue.
Patrick found his release, his body stiffening and he shuddered as she tightened her legs around his waist.
Within a few moments, he was hard again.
Emma lost count of how many times she found her release. It seemed each time she floated down, he took her back to new heights.
Finally, Patrick moaned loudly in her ear as his entire body shook with his second release.
He stilled. “Smoke...I think it’s burning.”
Emma forced her heavy eyelids to open. “What?”
“Supper...” Patrick said and pulled out.
“Oh no!” Emma jumped up and ran to the stove. When she opened the oven, smoke and flames lashed out.
“Here, I got it.” Patrick had grabbed a thick cloth and took hold of the pan. Emma opened the back door and he ran out with the blazing food.
Smoke billowed out and Emma turned to see what could be done when she heard laughter.
“Looks like I came at a bad time, Son.”
Finn Langley was outside. He was laughing and pointing at Patrick before turning his back to avoid looking at Emma who stood at the door stunned with her mouth open.
“Ahhhh!” she screamed and ran to the bedroom.
Patrick appeared at the door moments later. He had put on pants and his shirt was unbuttoned. “Pa came to ask us to supper with them. I accepted.”
“I can’t. No. I’m too embarrassed.”
When he chuckled, she glared at him. “This is mortifying! How can you laugh at a time like this? I can’t imagine facing your father ever again.”
He came to the bed and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry, Emma. It’s natural for a husband and wife to have relations. Pa said he didn’t see you.”
“But he knows.”
“Of course, so does everyone who knows we’re married.” He nuzzled her neck. “Come on, sweetheart. Comb your hair and do something about those swollen lips before we get there.”
“Patrick!” Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “You are incorrigible.”
Despite avoiding her father-in-law’s gaze the entire time, Emma enjoyed dinner. Maureen was an excellent cook. Throughout the meal, Emma asked advice on how to make the dishes herself.
When the meal was over, Emma followed Maureen into the kitchen. “Thank you for the invitation. I burned dinner today.”
Her mother-in-law chuckled. “So I heard.”
Emma’s face burned at her slip and she hurried back to the table to get more dishes. Unable to avoid it, she returned and began to wash the dishes while her mother-in-law cleaned up.
“I am happy to know you and Patrick are well suited,” Maureen said through chuckles. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s natural for a young couple to enjoy private time together.”
Unable to help it, Emma laughed. “I can’t believe how long Patrick stood outside talking without a stitch of clothing on.”
They giggled, only to halt when Patrick walked in. “What’s so funny?” He walked up and kissed his mother’s jaw. “Dinner was delicious. Thank you.”
The entire ride to visit the Milligans, Emma couldn’t stop babbling. She went over different scenarios of how to ask them if she could possibly be their daughter. There seemed to be no easy way to bring the conversation about since Mrs. Milligan had never once told her about a second daughter.
“What should I ask first?” Emma wrung her hands. “Should I tell her your mother mentioned it?”
“Dear, you should tell Mrs. Milligan how you found out. Then tell her my mother told you about their daughter.”
“Oh my goodness, I think I’m feeling lightheaded.” Emma covered her face with both hands.
The wagon stopped and Emma looked up. “Why did you stop?”
“Listen to me,” Patrick said, taking her shoulders. “There’s a strong possibility you are not the girl who was taken. Don’t get your hopes up too much. If you are, we’ll celebrate. However, if you are not, things will remain the same. You are still a wonderful wife to me.”
She leaned against his chest. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Let’s not find out too soon,”
Patrick said, chuckling. “Now, are you ready?”
Although she nodded, her stomach cramped with nerves. “Yes.”
“Why, I do declare,” Mrs. Milligan cried out with a face-spitting smile. “I was just telling Donovan how much I miss seeing you.” She rushed from the front door to where Patrick helped Emma down from the wagon. “Young lady, don’t you stay away so long again.”
The women hugged and Patrick could sense Emma was on the verge of tears. He distracted Mrs. Milligan.
“My mother sends her love. And she told me to ask you for the squash casserole recipe you promised her.”
Mrs. Milligan covered her mouth with one hand. “Oh dear, I did promise her that, didn’t I? Come on inside. I’ll write it down right away so I don’t forget.”
They were bustled inside and Emma froze at the door. Sitting in the parlor was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to both Emma and Mrs. Milligan.
“I’m so happy that you get to meet my daughter, Jane.” Mrs. Milligan went to the woman who smiled brightly. “Jane, this is Emma, who I told you so much about.”
Jane embraced Emma, whose face became flushed. “I’m so glad you live closer so Mother doesn't have to be so lonely. I hate that my husband’s work took us so far away that I can only visit three or four times a year.”
“My husband, Patrick,” Emma motioned to him. Patrick fought for something to say as he nodded to the woman. “Nice to meet you.”
“Be a dear and get some tea,” Mrs. Milligan said and then looked to Patrick. “Donovan and Jane’s husband, Gerald, are in the stables. They are looking at the horses Gerald brought.”
The words were music to Patrick’s ears. This could be the contact he needed to get horses and grow his dream of a horse ranch.
“If you ladies will excuse me.” He left the house and hurried to the stables.
Donovan Milligan waved him over upon seeing him. Patrick had unhitched his horse and guided the animal to a corral where the men stood talking.
In the enclosure were two beautiful horses, a breed he’d never seen. Patrick barely made it through introductions to Gerard before he started peppering the man with questions.
Gerald looked to his father-in-law and then grinned at Patrick. “Seems you fell out of the sky as an answer to my prayers. My father-in-law was just telling me he’s too old to get into the horse business.”
“I have land and I’m looking to branch out from cattle to horses.” Patrick couldn’t believe his luck. If Gerald Jenkins would be willing to work with him, it could be the perfect arrangement to begin breeding the beautiful horses.
“They are Appaloosas, a gentle, but fast and reliable breed of horse. With their distinctive spotted coat, it will help to keep them from being stolen.”
Patrick followed Gerald into the corral and approached one of the beautiful mares. The horse was a beauty, its white coat covered in brown spots that matched its tail and mane.
“Appaloosa.” Patrick said the breed name slowly. “She’s a beauty.”
“Indeed, she is,” Donovan called out from outside the corral. “You two will make good money off those horses.”
Chapter 10
Emma sipped her tea, barely able to keep her hands from shaking. Jane turned out to be quite the chatterbox, going from one subject to the next. It didn’t bother Emma at all as she was learning a great deal about the town where Jane lived.
The entire time, Emma waited for an opening. A mention of a missing daughter or sister, but neither brought it up. It made her wonder if they didn’t miss the girl, or if it was too painful a memory.
“Let’s start supper,” Mrs. Milligan said with a bright smile. “We’re having chicken and dumplings, Emma. You and Patrick must stay.”
Jane took Emma’s hand. “Have you tried Mama’s dumplings yet?”
“No. I have not,” Emma replied with a smile. “By how your face brightened at the mention of it, I bet they are good.”
It was cute the way Mrs. Milligan blushed. “I have already taught Jane how to make them. How about I teach you as well, Emma?”
The conversation remained light as they rolled out the dough and Mrs. Milligan instructed Emma on how to slide it. Chicken boiled in a large pot as they chopped a small mountain of carrots. Emma was enjoying herself so much she almost forgot her main purpose for being there.
“I’ll see about fetching water,” Jane announced and went to the back door to get a pail.
Mrs. Milligan turned to Emma. “She’s such a joy. I miss her so.”
“I can understand,” Emma said. “I’ve already grown to care for her. She is so friendly and nice to me.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Milligan hugged Emma while trying to keep her hands from touching her. “I know she is also enjoying your company, dear.”
It was the perfect moment. Emma’s mouth dried up as she formed the question. “You only had one child then? Just Jane?”
Mrs. Milligan sighed, her shoulders lifting and lowering as she looked out the window. “No, I have a second daughter.”
“You do?”
“Yes, her name is Beth. She is one year younger than Jane. So about twenty-one now.”
Emma didn’t move, her entire body frozen. “Wh-where is she?”
It was a moment before the woman replied. “She was taken from us seventeen years ago on the eve of her fifth birthday.”
“Oh.” Emma paused. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
Slowly, Mrs. Milligan’s lips curved upward. “You know, I like to think of Beth during happy moments like this. I pray she is also happy right now.”
There was a sound behind them as Jane returned with the water. “Who are you referring to Mama?”
“I am telling Emma about Beth.” Mrs. Milligan picked up a large spoon and dipped it into the pot. “Time to add the carrots.”
Jane picked up the bowl of carrots and Emma followed her to the pot. “I remember Beth. She was so cute and sassy. Wasn’t she, Mama?”
“Yes, she was a feisty, little thing.”
“Did...does she have any distinguishing birthmarks or anything that would help you recognize her if you were ever to see her again?” It was as if her heart was about to beat out of her chest as she waited for one of them to reply. Of all the things, the large, heart-shaped, red mark on her left shoulder would be memorable.
“She was blonde, but I’m sure her hair has darkened,” Mrs. Milligan said.
“Oh Mama.” Jane laughed. “Hair color is not a birthmark.”
Mrs. Milligan frowned. “No, I suppose it’s not. She did have that red mark. “On her shoulder. I am not sure if it went away. But it’s not something we could see since it would be covered by her clothes.”
“Ah yes, it covered most of her shoulder and on to her back. Not sure what caused it...”
As if in a tunnel, darkness encircled Emma and the voices became faint, the conversation barely audible over the drumming in her ears. The sound of blood rushing was like a waterfall cascading and she grabbed for a chair in order not to lose her balance as the room tilted this way and that.
Thankfully, she was able to collapse onto a chair. There was so much she wanted to say. This was not the time to faint. Was it possible? No, she’d obviously misheard. Her mind played tricks because she wanted so dearly to belong to this wonderful family.
“Emma?” Two blurry faces swam in front of her and Emma tried to blink them away.
“I-I’m fine.” Her voice echoed, sounding faint. “I can’t...”
“You can’t what, dear?” Mrs. Milligan’s voice was clearer this time. “Jane, be a dear and get her some water.”
They helped her swallow water and Mrs. Milligan lowered to a chair next to her. The woman tapped her hand and smiled. “Are you in the family way, dear?”
“What?” The question snapped Emma back to alertness. “No. I don’t believe so.”
Jane peered down at her. “You lost all color in your face. It’s beginning to come back now. I tho
ught you were about to faint.”
“Please sit down.” Emma told them. “I have something to show you. Please don’t say anything until you see it.”
Her eyes widened as she and Mrs. Milligan exchanged worried looks.
“What is it, dear girl? You’re making me nervous. Are you injured?”
“Mama, she said not to say anything,” Jane scolded and Emma couldn’t help by smile.
Ever so slowly she unbuttoned her blouse. “I am not injured.” Her throat dry, she swallowed and slid the left side of the clothing down off her shoulder. “I have this birthmark. I just found out my parents were not actually kin to me.”
Mrs. Milligan screamed and Jane’s mouth fell open. Emma hurriedly closed her blouse as she spotted the men running toward the house.
“Dear God!” Mrs. Milligan rushed to Emma, tears pouring down her face as she hugged her so tightly that Emma could barely breathe. She, too, was crying as she hugged the woman back.
Jane was also crying. “Could it be? Do you think you’re Beth? Our Beth?”
“I don’t know,” Emma said between tears. “The woman informed me just days ago my real name is Beth.”
The door burst open, Mr. Milligan the first one through. “What happened? Beatrice, are you hurt? Jane?”
Patrick cleared his throat. “I do believe there is news you will want to hear, Mr. Milligan.”
Mrs. Milligan rushed to her husband and took his hand. She tugged him to where Emma stood frozen. “Show him, Emma dear.”
Instead of just her fingers, her entire body shook as she once again slid the left side of her blouse down, exposing the large, red birthmark.
“Dear God.” Pastor Milligan studied her face for a long moment. “Why did I not see it before? Look at her nose, Beatrice. It’s just like Jane’s and yours. Her eye color matches mine.”
Jane cried out and hugged Emma tightly. “I’ve been praying for you to come home for so long. I thought God wasn’t listening. He timed it perfectly when I was here.”
Again, the woman began to cry. Emma couldn’t look away from her father as tears slid down his cheeks wetting the front of his shirt. “Come here, girl.”
Patrick's Proposal (The Langley Legacy Book 2) Page 8