Love Inspired Historical July 2015 Box Set: The Marriage AgreementCowgirl for KeepsThe Lawman's RedemptionCaptive on the High Seas
Page 93
Loving her was easy. He only prayed he was worthy of her love.
“That I will do, brother.” Nicolaus handed his cup to his brother. “Asher, may all go well with your travels. I hope to hear good news from you soon.”
Nicolaus pushed away from the tree and strode toward Ada and the children. She threw her head back and laughed at something Galen had said. He was content with his new family, especially with Ada at his side. Her face radiated with such joy and by the smiles of all the people around the terrace he’d say her laughter was infectious.
“Ada.” He grabbed hold of her hand. He itched to sweep her into his arms and carry her away from the festivities. “Will you walk with me a moment?”
She stretched onto her toes and kissed his cheek. The softness of her lips pressed against his flesh weakened his knees. “Of course, Nicolaus. Where is it you’d like to walk?”
Away from here, from prying eyes so he could kiss his bride with all the passion thrumming through his blood. “Come and you will see.”
He guided her to a path behind his parents’ home. For several long moments they walked in silence. The pulse of her palm beat against his, sending waves of delight to his heart. How had he become so fortunate as to have a bride such as her? They reached the stone stairs, and he gave in and swept her into his arms. Hers snaked around his neck as her head leaned against his shoulder. He carried her up the steps leading to the top of the mountain and reluctantly set her on her feet.
He kissed her forehead, her eyes and the tip of her nose before he sought out her lips. She melded against him, her body fitting perfectly against him as if God had made her just for him. Pulling away, he gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Ada, my heart.”
“And I you, Nicolaus.”
One corner of his mouth slid upward and he spun her around so she could see the magnificent beauty of his home. Their home. Her sharp inhale told him she agreed. He snaked his arms around her middle and pulled her against his chest. Her hands settled over his. “Are you truly happy, Ada?”
She tilted her head to look at him. “Of course, why do you ask?”
“I never officially freed you and…” Words clung to his tongue. The deed was done. They were married and he didn’t think he could ever let her go, but he knew how much she did not want to become her mother.
She turned in his arms. One palm rested on his cheek, the other over his heart. “Nicolaus, I have no fear of suffering as my mother did. She loved my father without his love in return. I love you, and I have no doubt that you love me. That you will love me for the rest of our lives.”
He covered her hand on his cheek with his and then threaded their fingers together. He kissed the back of her hand. “That I will, Ada. That I will.”
Dropping her hand, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight. His lips captured hers. The squeal of the birds, the wind through the trees, the waves pushing against the shore below all disappeared. The only sound he was aware of was the beating of their hearts.
*
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed reading Nicolaus and Ada’s story as much as I did writing it. It was inspired by the Bible story of Joseph and his brothers as well as my love for ancient history and my intrigue with pirates from all eras.
Writing a story set on the ancient Mediterranean had its challenges where research was concerned. Given that details from this time period varied, much of the story, as well as many of the details, were created from my overactive imagination. I will say that Nicolaus’s ship was fashioned after several different Greek ships, including the trireme as well as the Greek merchant ship. However, I did take some creative license with his ship in order to accommodate Ada and the children.
If you do not know the Lord, or if there is something hindering your relationship with God, remember Psalms 145:18, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
I look forward to hearing from you. You can send mail to me in care of Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, New York 10279. You can also find me at authorchristinarich.com and threefoldstrand.com.
Many blessings,
Christina
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ISBN-13: 9781460384985
Captive on the High Seas
Copyright © 2015 by Christina Rich
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.
Four new titles are available every month.
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ISBN-13: 9781460392461
Copyright © 2015 Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
The Marriage Agreement
Copyright © 2015 by Renee Halverson
Cowgirl for Keeps
Copyright © 2015 by Louise M. Gouge
The Lawman’s Redemption
Copyright © 2015 by Danica Favorite
Captive on the High Seas
Copyright © 2015 by Christina Rich
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
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This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
® and ™ are trademarks of the publisher. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
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