“Yes. We can’t get married.” She stood and started to pace the floor. “I still want to go home.”
“We’re definitely not in agreement then, Angel.” He grinned. “Because we are going to get married.”
Rayne bit her lip. “But that would mean I’d be stuck here and I really want to go home.”
“So your only objection to marrying me is because you want to go home?”
Rayne wagged a finger at him. “Don’t you dare turn my words around on me.”
Sam chuckled. “You said them.”
She crossed her arms. “Sam.”
“Would it be so terrible to stay here?” he asked her quietly.
Rayne started to pace again. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself here. My whole world is in the future.”
He stood and took her hand in an effort to calm her pacing. Pulling her back to the sofa, he kissed her palm. “Why don’t we cross that bridge if and when we come to it?”
“Because I don’t want to fall in love with you and then have to make a choice.”
Sam grinned. “You’re already in love with me and I won’t make you choose.”
Rayne narrowed her eyes. “Oh, really? You’re just going to let me leave?”
“I never said that, Angel. I just said I wouldn’t make you choose.”
“You’re speaking in circles.”
Sam chuckled. “If you have an opportunity to go home, I know you’ll make the right choice.”
“You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”
“I love you, Rayne. Why would I make it easy for you to leave me?” He smiled and cupped her face.
“Evil, Sam. Evil.” She melted into his kiss until she heard someone clearing their throat from the doorway.
Jamie grinned. “Sorry to interrupt. But guests will be arriving shortly.”
“Thank you, Jamie,” Sam said as he gave Rayne a reprieve. He made his way to Jamie and shook his hand. “Nice to see you again.”
“You, too, Sam. Are you getting a little bit of your own medicine this time around?”
“It would appear so,” he said with a laugh.
“Andrew will be thrilled.”
Sam grinned. “I’ll bet.”
“I’ll see you when the guests arrive. I’m going to check on Sophie.” Jamie left the couple alone.
“What did he mean by that?” Rayne asked.
“Hm?”
“When he asked if you were getting a dose of your own medicine.”
“I conspired with Gwen to help her get Andrew back.”
Rayne narrowed her eyes. “How did you do that?”
Sam shrugged. “I played the loving man in order to shake him up a bit.”
“How loving?” Rayne asked through clenched teeth.
“Kissing of the hand, nothing more.”
Rayne crossed her arms. “You expect me to believe that?”
“You can ask Gwen, if you like.” He closed the distance between them. “Actually, you could even ask Jamie. He was present through the whole thing. It worked like a charm, and she and Andrew are now married.”
She held her arm out to him. “Show me how you kissed her hand.”
“Why don’t I show you how I didn’t?” he suggested and pulled her hand to his lips.
He placed a lingering kiss in the center of her palm, sending a chill down her spine—again. Then he pulled the tender inside of her wrist to his mouth, causing her to sigh.
She tried to pull away, but he held her tight. “Okay, you’ve made your point,” she said with a breathless whisper.
“I haven’t even begun to make it, Angel, but I’ll show you more later.” He leaned down and gave her another quick kiss before leading her over to the sofa and pulling her down next to him.
“I should change into something more appropriate, don’t you think?” Rayne asked.
Sam shook his head. “You look beautiful.”
She let him link his fingers with hers as she looked up at him. “Where’s Crow?”
“Tracking again. We probably won’t see him for a few weeks.” He swept a lock of hair from her forehead. “How did you know he was Creek?”
“Shaye. She’s involved with the Muskogee people in the future. She even speaks some Creek, so she taught me a few things.” Rayne leaned against him. “I miss her.”
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he kissed her temple and whispered, “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
Before she could wallow any further, Christine walked into the parlor with a man who looked eerily familiar. Rayne gasped. “Paxton… Stephen Paxton?”
Stephen nodded. “Yes?”
Sam narrowed his eyes. “You know each other?”
Rayne smiled. “Sort of. His brother’s married to Shaye’s sister.”
Stephen cocked his head. “You know my brother?”
“In the future?” Sam asked, lowering his voice to a near whisper.
“Yes… to both. I stayed with Peter and Ava during a difficult period in my life. You’d already disappeared. They had pictures of you everywhere.
“I can’t believe it!” Stephen ran his hands through his hair. “How is my family?”
“They’re great, Stephen. Pete and Ava have three kids now and live in Seattle. It was a blow for them when you left, especially only married a few months, but they’re good now.”
More guests arrived, and it became difficult to have an in-depth conversation in the crowded room, so they agreed to meet up later and talk. Sam stole Rayne away to introduce her to a few other people. Once the introductions were made, Rayne had no more time to think about Shaye and home, as dinner was served shortly after the rest of the guests arrived.
The evening was lively and the food was delicious. Rayne was floored at the warmth of the group and how quickly she felt accepted into the fold. Sam was in his element, and she enjoyed seeing his humorous side.
He was quick-witted and highly intelligent, able to keep up a conversation on every topic. He laughed easily and she could see the love and respect his friends felt for him. Once again, she was reminded of Shaye and how much she missed her.
Rayne was staring into her wine glass when she felt Sam’s hand on her leg. She looked up at him and saw his concern. She forced a smile and took a deep breath.
“What’s amiss, Angel?”
“Nothing. I’m fine,” she said quickly and sat up a little straighter.
He patted her knee and didn’t comment.
DINNER CONCLUDED, AND the men and women separated, as was the custom. Sam stopped Rayne before he moved into the library and pulled her into an alcove in the hallway. “Are you all right?”
Rayne nodded. “Yes, fine. I just miss Shaye and had a moment as I watched your friends around the table.”
Sam stroked her cheek and smiled gently. “They’re your friends as well, Angel.”
“They’re just not Shaye.”
“They could be if you gave them a chance.”
“No one will be Shaye,” she ground out through gritted teeth.
“All right. I’ll stop trying to convince you.”
“You learn quickly.” She shot him a defiant look over her shoulder as she made her way to the parlor and was rewarded with his chuckle. As she arrived in the foyer she ran into Charity, who was pacing the floor.
“Charity? Are you okay?”
Charity paused. “Yes. Sorry. Jamie went to find Richard since he didn’t make it for dinner.”
“Oh.” Rayne lowered her voice. “Do you know if there’s a ladies’ room, or should I go to my own?”
“Your room would be the most private.” Charity smiled. “I need a moment as well, actually. I’ll walk upstairs with you.”
“Thanks.”
The girls started up the stairs just as the front door opened. A tall man with sandy-blond hair and a full beard followed Jamie through the door.
“Richard!” Charity rushed toward him.
“Char? What are you doing here?”
Despite his obvious shock, Richard caught her firmly as she threw herself into his arms.
“Where have you been?” Charity accused. “We were expecting you for dinner.”
His deep-set brown eyes crinkled as he grinned. “We have a mare ready to drop a foal.”
“That’s not normal for this time of year.”
Richard nodded. “You’re right, it’s not. What are you doing here, sweetheart?”
“And the beard?” she asked as she rubbed his cheek.
Richard chuckled. “Why shave when, without you, there’s no one here to kiss?”
She giggled and kissed him quickly. “Good answer.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to answer my question?”
“I missed you.”
“Did you come with Emma?”
“We’ll talk later.” Charity looked at Rayne quickly and then tried to change the subject. “I need to show Rayne to her room. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be down shortly.”
Richard squeezed her hand. “I’d like to go home and clean up, sweetheart, but I’ll return quickly.”
Charity raised her finger and waggled it. “You have fifteen minutes.”
Richard laughed and kissed her again. “I’ve missed you.”
“I have missed you also.” She patted his chest. “Hurry back, please.”
“I will.”
Charity led Rayne up the stairs as Richard dashed out the front door.
“What will he say when he finds out you came alone?” Rayne asked as she followed Charity down the hall.
“I’m not going to say a thing. He’ll have forgotten all about it by the time he gets back. Especially once I get him kissing me.”
Rayne smiled and walked into her bedroom. She took the time she needed to freshen up and then let herself back into the hallway. Charity joined her to walk downstairs. The front door opened just as they stepped into the foyer. Richard entered, cleanly shaven and smiling.
Charity gave a squeal and clapped. “That’s much better. Although, I love you regardless of what you look like, but this is definitely better.”
Richard chuckled and kissed her hand.
“Richard, this is Rayne Green.”
Rayne shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you as well, Miss Green. Did you travel with Charity and Emma?”
Charity let out a little choking sound and Rayne stuttered, “Um—”
Richard growled. “Charity?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
Richard faced Charity. “You didn’t travel with Emma and Rayne, did you?”
Charity dropped her head. “Not technically, no.”
“Did you travel with someone else?”
She nodded. “Of course I did.”
“Who?” he asked, obviously suspicious.
“The other passengers.”
“Excuse us, Miss Green.” He pulled Charity out the front door.
Before it closed, he started to yell and she gave it right back. Rayne didn’t quite know what to do. Sam rushed into the foyer. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“Richard just found out Charity traveled here alone,” Rayne whispered.
“Ah. All right. Come with me.” He held his hand out to her. “We’ve combined in the parlor.”
“I was kind of enjoying the show.”
Sam smirked at her. “If you don’t come with me, I’ll have to steal you away and lock you in the library with me.”
She cocked her head. “That has its merits.”
“Don’t tempt me, Angel.”
Rayne grunted, but took his hand and let him lead her into the parlor.
“Rayne!” Emma called as she walked in the door. “Come and sing with Sophie.”
“Yes! Please. Save me.” Sophie motioned for her to join her.
Rayne chuckled and looked at Sam. He raised her hand to his lips. “I’d love to hear it.”
Rayne made her way over to the pianoforte. “What do you want to sing?”
“What can you play?” Sophie frowned. “I don’t know any of your songs, I’m afraid.”
“No problem.” Rayne sat behind the piano. “How about ‘Lights’?”
“Journey?” Sophie whispered.
“Yes.”
“I don’t know if that would be a good idea,” Sophie argued. “I’d hate to steal it from the future.”
Rayne bit her lip. “Who here would ever repeat it?”
Sophie glanced around the room. “You’re right. Plus, I love that song.”
“Me too.” Rayne sat at the piano bench. “Ready?”
Sophie nodded and Rayne began to play. The group went silent as the girls slid into perfect harmony. The song ended, but they held the last note out a cappella and everyone started to clap, Emma the loudest.
“That was unreal! Do another! Please?” she begged.
Sophie laughed and turned to Rayne. “Up for it?”
“Yes, definitely.”
“Okay, I want Jamie to join us,” Sophie whispered. “Do you know any other Journey?”
Rayne nodded. “I do.”
Sophie waved to her husband. “Jamie, come join us, please.”
He raised an eyebrow at her but went and stood beside her. Rayne began to play and Jamie opened the song. Sophie came in on the second verse and then Rayne followed on the chorus.
Rayne couldn’t remember a time when she’d had as much fun singing. She had always enjoyed being on stage, but this was different somehow. This was fulfilling. She realized that being onstage was no longer something she did just for her. Her passion had been turned into something for others. It wasn’t just for her anymore. It was for the people who relied on her for work, the label that expected her to sell more and more units each year, and her fans, who ultimately were why she was so successful.
The song ended and Rayne suddenly felt like she might explode. She smiled tightly, excused herself, and walked quickly from the room. She needed air. She stepped out onto the porch and gripped the railing.
What am I doing here?
Her mind was in turmoil with all of the questions running through it. She jumped when she felt the warmth of a jacket being placed over her shoulders and strong arms wrapping around her waist.
“Are you all right?” Sam whispered in her ear. Rayne nodded. He turned her around and gently wiped a tear away with his thumb. “What’s amiss, Angel?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve always thought my life at home was everything I ever wanted.”
“And now?”
Rayne bit her lip. “Now I think it might have been lacking somehow.”
“How so?”
She dropped her head and tried to explain. “I started singing because I loved it, but it’s changed. Being in there, singing with Sophie… it’s different.”
He smiled gently and swept her hair from her forehead. “How so?”
“Sometimes I feel like I have to sing. I still love it, but it’s an obligation, too. If I stop, a lot of people will be affected.” She burst into tears. “I don’t know what to do now, Sam. I can’t live here. I don’t know how.”
“Angel, you’re doing very well, so far.” He pulled her close and stroked her back as she cried into his chest.
She laid her head on his shoulder. “What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to marry me.”
“No. I’m not,” she said with a hiccup.
“You’re not?” He raised her chin and smiled down at her.
“Nope.”
“Well, then what are you going to do?”
Rayne shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“It’s all right.” He rubbed her back. “We’ll sort this out. You don’t have to marry me.”
“I don’t?” She pulled away from him and looked at his face.
“No, you don’t. I love you, Rayne. I’m not going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
She nodded. “Good.”
“I don’t want to go back inside.”
“Why not?”
Rayne wrinkled her nose. “Because we haven’t spent any time together.”
Sam chuckled. “I didn’t realize I’d been neglecting you, Angel.”
“You have been,” she grumbled. “It’s very rude of you.” He leaned down and kissed her. Rayne sighed as she wrapped her arms around his waist and intensified the kiss. Breaking the kiss, she laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. “For a nineteenth-century man, you are really, really good at that.”
He kissed the crown of her head. “It’s cold out here. Let’s go back inside and join everyone.”
Rayne shook her head. “I’m exhausted. I think I’m just going to go to bed, okay?”
Sam nodded. “I’ll let Sophie know.”
He led her back inside and she handed him his jacket. “Thanks for the jacket.”
“Sleep well, Angel.”
Rayne gave him a little wave before making her way up the stairs and to her bedroom. A few minutes later, a knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”
Sophie peeked her head inside. “Hi.”
Rayne turned from the bureau. “Hi.”
Sophie stepped inside and closed the door. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. It’s just been a really weird day.” Rayne sighed.
“I’ll help you with your corset while you tell me why.”
Rayne filled her in on her conversation with Sam. Sophie didn’t comment, which made Rayne talk even more. She couldn’t stop, and by the time her corset was strewn on the floor, she was in tears. “What should I do? I can’t live here.”
“You can’t?”
Rayne turned to face her. “No. I don’t know how.”
“You seem to be fitting in perfectly so far.”
“That’s what Sam said, but I suck at this, Sophie.”
Sophie picked up a few of the discarded garments and folded them neatly. “At what?”
“Everything.”
Sophie pursed her lips. “Oh, everything. I didn’t realize.”
“I know how to be a rock star. It’s all about me in my world. I can do that. I don’t know how to be a proper lady.”
Sophie chuckled. “Who said you have to be a proper lady?”
“It’s the eighteen-hundreds, Sophie.”
The Bride Star Page 11