“I hope this bliss continues. My body delights in this contentment we share now.” She now knew happiness she thought had evaded her. Perhaps happiness was possible for long periods. She’d learn soon enough.
“What about what we shared earlier?” His long fingers traced around her breasts.
She savored his touch. Being near him like this created a sense of security she knew might disappear tomorrow. “Och, ja. That especially. Your lip kisses and lovemaking make me happy all over. From my head to my toes.”
“We’ll have a good life, Rena. Our children will also.”
She knew he would take care of her. But what of his kin? “I am afraid your family will resent the way we were married. I want them to like me, for I know they are very important to you.” He mentioned Pearl most often, but she knew he respected and loved all his family.
“Honey, they’ll love you. And you’ll love them. They’ll be excited we married. And our kids will love having family to play with.”
She heard the click of an opening door. From the lamp she’d left burning in the children’s room, she made out Drew’s shape in the connecting doorway.
“Lottie threw up on Susie.”
“Oh, no.” She started to rise and remembered she wore nothing. She tugged the sheet up.
Storm muttered, “Crap.” He hopped out of bed. “I’ll go with Drew while you get your wrapper.” He pulled on his trousers.
When he closed the door behind him, she hurried out of bed and donned her nightgown and wrapper.
She opened the door and rushed to the bed. “Is she worse?”
“Lottie appears much better, but Susie’s pretty upset.” He pulled Lottie’s soaked gown over her head.
Susie removed her own soiled clothes. “She shouldn’t have urped on me. I wasn’t doing nothing to her.”
Rena helped clean Susie. Only her gown was spoiled, so she hadn’t suffered. “She did not do it on purpose. Have you never thrown up?”
Susie glowered at her sister. “Not on her.”
Lottie stood on the mattress wearing nothing. “Mama, want Mama.” She reached toward Rena.
Drew put his hands on his hips. “Her name’s Rena. She’s not our real Mama.”
The small girl glared at her brother. “Is now.”
Susie still wore her pruny face. “If you can call her Mama, then I’m gonna call her Mama too.” She crossed her arms. “Rena’s my new Mama.”
Drew frowned and sat on the chair. “I been thinkin’ about it. Reckon I can call you Mama and Papa?”
Storm looked up and smiled while he whipped off the soiled sheet. “I’d like that, Drew. I wouldn’t want you to forget your real parents, but I would like to be your papa now.”
Her heart filled near bursting. “And I want to be your mama. We’re a family now. We belong with one another.”
They soon had the girls in clean garments.
Storm folded back the quilt. “You’ll have to do without sheets until morning. Climb in and go back to sleep.”
Drew crawled into bed, still scowling. “I wish I didn’t have to sleep with these girls. They’re all the time fussing and causing problems.”
“When we get to the ranch, you can have your own bedroom. Then you won’t have to listen to them.”
The boy’s face broke into a smile. “You mean it? Can I have a dog, too?”
“Sure. For now, go to sleep.”
Drew plopped onto the pillow and closed his eyes.
Susie sat up with her arms crossed. “How come he gets a dog and I don’t?”
Rena asked, “Do you want your own dog? Can’t you share?”
“I want a cat. I’ll name her Kitty.” Susie stuck out her jaw in what Rena already recognized as her stubborn look.
Storm gently pressed her shoulders against the pillow. “All right. I have cats, and you can choose one for your own. Lottie too.”
Susie clapped her hands. “Yay! We get cats.”
“Dogs are better than cats.” Drew snuggled into his head cushion.
“Enough.” Storm tucked the quilt around them. “If you want pets, you had better all three get to sleep right now.”
Rena and he walked back to their room and closed the door. “I don’t think I realized being parents required constant attention. They can’t be left alone, can they?”
“They’ll be fine until morning.”
They shared a look and both broke into laughter.
He hugged her. “Oh, poor Susie was so indignant.”
“And Drew sounded like an adult.” She mimicked his tone, “’Those girls are always fussing and causing problems.’ Now he hates sharing a bed with his sisters. Someday, he will have other thoughts about sleeping with other girls.”
“We’re thoroughly indoctrinated into parenthood. Lost kid, throwing up, and now we’re Mama and Papa.”
“Och, I had trouble not laughing at them. But I love that they want to call us Mama and Papa. That is truly a wonderful thing, is it not?”
“Sure is. But enough about them.” Storm untied her wrapper. “Now, where were we?”
She smoothed her hands across his expansive chest. “I think you were going to sleep.”
“I don’t think so.” His lips covered hers before he pulled her gown over her head. “I hope you’re not too sleepy, Mrs. Kincaid. I plan to entertain you for a considerable part of our night.”
He lifted her onto the mattress before he kicked off his britches and climbed beside her. “You are a beautiful woman, more beautiful than any other in the world.”
“Do not think you have to use flattery to have your way with me. I know my faults and how I look. I want to have my way with you.” She trailed kisses across his muscular chest. “I’m glad you don’t have a furry chest.”
“Because of the Cherokee blood. We seldom have as much body hair as most European men.”
“Good. Who wants to kiss a pelt?” She laved his nipples as he had hers.
Gently, he rolled her to her back. “I want to taste all of you.” He kissed her neck, but this time with little nips. Not painful, just teasing her senses.
She pulled his head to her breast. Ah, he suckled her rigid peak. Had her desire swollen her bust? He lifted the other breast in his hand, his thumb gently flicking the tip.
But then he slid his hand to the juncture of her legs and inserted his finger. As he suckled, he thrust his finger in and out. Och, her breath came faster.
Her desire climbed, her head thrashed from side to side. She lost all control of her body. Glowing, racing upward, she climbed a mountain of pleasure. When she reached the summit, she exhaled and arched her body in shuddering release.
She collapsed against the mattress.
Storm took control and raised himself over her. He spread her legs and she wrapped them around his hips. He thrust into her with hard strokes. He’d taken time earlier. Now his own need drove him to claim his own liberation, to speed toward his climax.
Faster, harder, he thrust inside her velvet folds. When he discharged his seed, he fell against her. He wanted to weep with joy and sorrow, but he could not.
He brushed a kiss on his wife’s forehead. “I’m sorry if I was rough. Suddenly, I needed you desperately.”
“I needed you as much. It is good we share this passion for one another, is it not?”
“Very good. I’m a lucky man.”
This should be a night she’d remember forever. The likelihood of him being unharmed tomorrow was nil. The desperados they were going against would rather kill than not. He had to convince her to remain with the children.
He cuddled her in an embrace. Cradled her as if he would never let her go. He wanted to remain here with her forever, for time to stand still.
Time wouldn’t.
He was not so naïve as to believe himself invincible. Yes, he was good with his guns. So were the men he would attempt to capture. Charlie Wilson had escaped justice once and would probably prefer death to recapture. Ute would never
be taken alive. Even Pig Vann would put up a hard fight. And who was the fourth man?
The killers knew they would be sentenced to death if they were arrested and tried. He only hoped the three hadn’t been joined by more men. Were unknown accomplices watching his movements?
But he wouldn’t tell her tonight. After a lifetime of deprivation and sacrifice, she deserved this night of pleasure. Tonight, he would insure she knew he cherished her, valued her needs as much as his. He loved this woman. While he questioned how something so wonderful could happen so fast, he knew his heart. Knew how it felt around her. Knew how it melted at her touch. Knew if anything happened to her he’d die.
Tomorrow, he would reason with her. But could he convince her to choose safety?
Chapter Nineteen
Storm and Rena had just finished dressing the children when a rap sounded at the door.
Storm motioned them back and stood beside the door. “Who is it?”
“Mrs. Wood, the minister’s wife.”
He opened the door. “Nice of you to come, ma’am. Please come in. Afraid we haven’t had breakfast yet.”
“Good. I wanted to be here today before anyone had a chance to see you with the children.” She leaned near him and lowered her voice. “I understand there’s some danger involved?”
“Yes, we don’t want the men we’re after to learn we have our children with us.”
She glided over to the kids. “I’m Mrs. Wood. I hope you’re ready to have fun today.”
Drew brightened. “I like having fun.”
“Me, too.” Susie hopped from one foot to the other. “What are we gonna do that’s fun?”
“It’s a surprise. You’ll have to come home with me to find out.”
“Want Mama.” Lottie ran to Rena and grabbed her legs.
Rena’s chest tightened in a strange new, raw love. The idea of being needed glazed her heart with worry and concern. She knelt in front of the girl.
“This is important, Lottie. Today you must be very good for Mrs. Wood. Papa and I have an errand that is only for adults. But when we are through, we will have a grand adventure and ride the train to Papa’s ranch. Won’t that be exciting?”
Drew ran over. “You mean it? We’re gonna ride a real train?”
Storm chuckled at the boy’s excitement. “That’s right. Mama and I decided last night the faster train journey would be better than riding horses. The horses can ride the train too.”
“But now, you go with Mrs. Wood. We will come for you as soon as we can.” Rena stood and took Lottie’s hand and placed it in Mrs. Wood’s.
Nothing about parenthood had been this difficult. Would she be alive to become a real mother to this child who needed her? Had she not become as desperate for Lottie’s love as this child was for hers? Was her desire for revenge still so desperate she could run the risk of depriving these children of the future they deserved?
She almost faltered, but she owed Abram first. He had saved her when she would have died time after time. Only his care and tutoring had given her hope. These killers stole that from Abram. She had no choice but to make the evil men pay for their sins. Her memories were interrupted by Mrs. Wells.
“Don’t worry. I’ve raised four of my own and have grandchildren. We’ll have a fine time. You rest easy about the children and do whatever you must.” The minister’s wife extended her free arm and gestured to Drew and Susie. “Come along now. I have a big breakfast planned for you, with lots of good things to eat.”
Drew headed for the door. “Oh boy, I’m sure hungry.”
“Stay with me,” the kindly woman called. “Shall we show them where to go, Lottie?”
Lottie pouted, and glared over her shoulder, but she let Mrs. Wood lead her away with her brother and sister.
Storm stood at the open doorway until the kids disappeared down the stairs. He closed the door and came to stand in front of Rena.
She wrung her hands. “I must do this, Storm, but I feel I’m abandoning them. Do you think parents always feel guilty when they are parted from their children?”
“Guess we’ll find out. Now we’d better get our breakfast.”
“Will Bill join us?”
“By now he’s already eaten and back in his room. He’s a sharpshooter and he’ll be up on the roof when the money is delivered to the bank across the street.”
Rena looked up at him. “What about us?”
“Let’s go down and eat. We have plenty of time before we need to be in place. I’d like to spend some time in our room. I have some things to talk over with you.”
She put her hands on her hips, her face resolute. “You can’t talk me into waiting here, Storm. I vowed for Abram and plan to be by your side.”
He exhaled in frustration. “I figured, but there are other things we have to plan. First, let’s eat.” He offered his arm. He recognized he was in for a tough fight and odds were he wouldn’t win. He hoped to talk his wife into playing it safe, just this once.
Better luck changing night into day.
With questions in her eyes, she laid her fingers on his arm and he escorted her to the hotel dining room. Food odors sent his stomach rumbling. No point letting hunger cause carelessness.
His gaze roamed, taking in the area. Every shadowy corner, every person in sight. He wanted to assure they made it to the bank showdown as planned, not a surprise confrontation here in the hotel.
Rena and he made their way to a table at the far corner of the dining room. From his seat he had a view of the windows and doors. He ordered a large breakfast, wondering if this was his last meal. Fear ruled his head today. Thoughts banged around in his skull like a copper penny in a tin can.
Never before had he felt genuine deep-seated fear. Always before he’d managed to hang on the fringes, never allowing it to take hold. Today was different.
He was different. Life was different. If the wrong bullet found its mark, everything would be different.
He ran a hand across his face, wishing he could wipe away his apprehension. Too many times he’d had premonitions of bad events that proved true. The prickles along his spine did nothing to help him think optimistically.
“You are too worried.” She straightened and rested her hands on the wooden table top. “I have changed my mind. We should get our children and go to your home immediately. Let the sheriff take care of these men.”
He laid a hand on hers. “You don’t really feel that way. What about your dowry and your mother’s locket?”
A strained smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Why do I need a dowry? I have a husband already. I-I have my Muti’s memory. That is enough for me.”
The waitress brought their food and slapped it on the table with a flourish.
When they were alone again, he cut a bite of his steak. “You can go to the minister’s home and wait with the children. It’s not too late to change your mind.”
She laid her fork down and raised her chin. “I stay with my husband. Either we go together or stay together.”
Shaking his head, he swallowed. “Don’t put this burden on me, Rena. I have a job to do. You understand that. I took an oath when I accepted this badge. I am duty bound to arrest those men.”
Anger suffused her face and she stabbed her eggs. “Or die trying?”
He met her gaze. “If that’s what it takes. But I assure you I’ll do my best to live through this. I plan to grow old with you by my side.”
Stiffened shoulders slumped. “Always you know the words to get around my anger.” She took a deep breath and released it in a whoosh. “All right, we will get these men and recover my money and jewelry. Then we will go to your home.”
“Not only mine. Our home. You will love it there. No more scrimping and saving, Rena.” He leaned toward her. “I’m not wealthy, not like the other Kincaids. But I have all the money we need. Enough to assure you have an easier life, lots of family and friends, and a home you can be proud of and enjoy.”
“Family is
important. A home is important.” She toyed with her roasted potatoes. “I would enjoy having friends and lots of family, for I have been lonely all my life.”
He knew that admission cost her pride. He reached over and squeezed her hand, then released it to cut another bite of steak. “My family is large and loud and loving. They’ll overwhelm you at first, but they will love and support you. You won’t be alone ever again.” He hoped he’d be by her side.
After they had eaten, they returned to their room until time to rendezvous with the sheriff.
While she changed into her britches, he brought the ladder back chair from the second room into theirs. He arranged both seats near the windows so they had a view of the bank across the street. Scooting a small a table nearby, he thought they could rest their arms on it if they wished.
A puzzled look crossed her face as she tucked in her shirt and ambled toward him. “What have you planned?”
“We can watch from here while I discuss some things with you.” He gestured to one of the chairs and sat in the other.
Her ivory skin paled even more. “You are scaring me. What is going on?”
He pulled a piece of paper from his shirt. “I’ve made a will leaving you everything if I’m killed.”
She pressed her fingers to his lips. “Do not say this. Do not even think it.”
He took her hands and cradled them in his. “I don’t plan on anything bad happening to me. We have children now, and we have to think of their future.”
She shook her head stubbornly. “I won’t think of us not being together.”
“When we were in Seymour, I wired my family that we had married and had three orphans we planned to adopt. I asked that if I died, you and the kids be welcomed and taken care of.”
Tears and renewed strength shone from her blue eyes. “Please, be confident this will work out as we wish. Plan to live. Do not consider anything else. It is bad luck.”
“You think because Abram planned as he did it brought bad luck, but it didn’t. He was wise to make preparations. A man of his age knew he would soon die, Rena. Abram used common sense as well as his intelligence.”
She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes. “Always he talked of when he was gone. Of preparing for the time I was alone. Of hiding our money from those around us, as if he knew he would be robbed.”
Most Unsuitable Courtship Page 15