“Rayne?”
“Hm?” she said sleepily.
“Angel?”
She sat up, her arms over her chest, and glanced toward the door. “Sam, out,” she whispered.
“I have my eyes closed.”
She tried not to giggle as he took a peek through his fingers and then promptly shut his eyes again.
“What are you doing in here?”
“You didn’t answer when I knocked,” he said. “I was concerned.”
She must have fallen asleep.
“Oh.” Rayne sighed. “Well, I’m fine. Get out.”
He pulled the door closed and she climbed out of the tub. Wrapping her robe around herself, she cleaned her teeth and smoothed the lotion that Amelia gave her over her face.
Once she felt human again, she opened her door and smiled to find Sam waiting outside. “You can come in now.”
“Why aren’t you dressed?”
Rayne snorted. “I am fully robed.”
“Rayne.”
“Didn’t you just see me in the tub?”
“I didn’t actually see anything. I kept my eyes closed.”
“Prude.” Rayne smirked and pulled her robe closed closer to her neck. “Better?”
Sam nodded. “How do you feel?” he asked as he walked into the room.
“Really good, actually. Amelia suggested I join everyone for dinner, so I think I will.”
Sam frowned. “Are you certain you’re up to that?”
She placed her hands flat on his chest and nodded. “Yes. Now, kiss me.”
Sam chuckled and did as she asked. She slipped her hands up his chest and wove them behind his neck. The kiss intensified and she unbuttoned his shirt and slipped her hands inside.
“What are you doing?” He stilled her hands.
“What do you mean, what am I doing? I feel great… and so do you.”
He shook his head. “We can’t do this, Angel.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He chuckled. “You know exactly what I mean.”
“It’s not like I was suggesting we take this to another level in your parents’ home.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Even if we weren’t in my parents’ home, we wouldn’t be ‘taking this to another level’… and I can only guess what that means.”
She pulled herself away from him and dropped her arms. “What? Why not?”
“We aren’t married, Angel.”
“It’s not like I’m a virgin, Sam.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Sam kissed her palm. “We’ll have plenty of time when we’re married.”
She pulled her hand from his. “Is that code for you don’t find me attractive?”
“Of course not.”
“Well, you can’t actually expect me to believe you haven’t done this before,” she said incredulously.
“No…” He smiled down at her and stroked her cheek. “However, it hasn’t been for a very long time.”
“What? Really? Why not?”
He kissed her nose. “Obviously, I was waiting for you.”
“And here I am.”
“As beautiful as you are, and as much as I’m looking forward to exploring every part of you, it won’t happen until our wedding night.”
Rayne stepped away from him. “That is antiquated and pretty stupid, if you ask me.”
“I’m not having this argument with you.” He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes.
“It shouldn’t be an argument! Do you know how many people would kill to have a night with me?” She settled her hands on her hips. “You have the rare opportunity to see Rayne Green without clothes.”
“Rayne.”
“What?” She raised her hands in surrender. “Forget it. It’s fine. You don’t want me. Doesn’t matter… a lot of men do.”
Sam crossed his arms. “I have no desire in hearing about the other men who want you.”
“Truth hurts, buddy.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll find someone else who wants me more.”
“Do not push me on this.”
“Why?” Rayne snorted. “What do you care? You have just admitted you don’t want me.”
“Whether you choose to believe it or not, I love you and when we get married, we can revisit this conversation… with or without clothing.”
Rayne snorted. “What if we don’t get married?”
Sam laughed. “Oh, we will get married.”
“Not that you’ve asked,” she grumbled under her breath.
He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss, effectively distracting her. “I’m going to find my sister to help you dress.”
She kissed him again and decided she wasn’t going down without a fight. She ran a hand back inside his shirt and dragged a nail over one of his nipples. Smiling when she heard him groan and felt his nipple harden, she looked up at him in challenge. “Think about that while you stay chaste.”
“Who’s evil now, Angel?” he asked with a grimace.
* * *
Amelia walked in carrying a deep-green velvet gown and matching slippers. “I have everything here for you, Rayne.” She laid out the garments on the bed.
Rayne ran her hands over the exquisite fabric. “Amelia, I can’t borrow this. It’s too beautiful. You’ll want to wear it won’t you?”
Amelia gave her a mischievous glance. “Why would I want to wear your gown, Rayne?”
“My gown?”
Amelia nodded. “Yes. Sam had a few commissioned while you have been sick.”
Rayne frowned. “Why would he do that?”
“When my brother makes a decision, he does not waiver.”
Rayne glanced at the dress again. “He didn’t really ‘commission’ dresses for me, did he?”
Amelia nodded. “Yes, he really did, Rayne.”
“How would he know my size?”
“Apparently, he arranged for Mrs. Butler to give your measurements to the dressmaker. Several items were delivered yesterday, including this gown and undergarments. There are six others hanging in your wardrobe.”
Rayne walked to the armoire and opened the doors, running her fingers over the varied fabrics. “When did you put these here?”
“This morning.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t notice.”
Amelia giggled. “You were asleep and Sam didn’t want to make a fuss.”
“These are entirely too generous.”
Amelia added a log to the fire. “I’ll let you have that conversation with him.”
Rayne sighed and closed the wardrobe doors. “Did he tell you he’s leaving in the morning?”
“Yes, he did, but please don’t fret. We’ll take exceptional care of you.” Amelia sat on the edge of the bed.
“You have so much going on right now with taking care of your father.”
Amelia shrugged. “Why would that matter?”
“I guess I feel a little guilty that you have to take care of me as well.”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “I won’t comment about such an absurd statement. Now, come and get dressed.”
Rayne finished dressing and then the girls made their way downstairs. Rayne noticed Sam waiting in the foyer and her heart fluttered as he beamed up at her as she descended the stairs before him. He held his hand out to her. “You’re beautiful, Angel.”
“Thank you for the gown, Sam. It’s gorgeous,” she whispered as he kissed her fingers. “And the other ones that we’ll discuss further.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Why will we discuss them further?”
“Because they are too much.”
“Not possible.”
“You’ll spoil me,” she whispered.
Before he could comment, they reached the parlor and then they were ushered into the dining room. They were seated in family order, with Sam at the opposite end of the table from Rayne. She was grateful she at least got to sit next to Amelia, but she was still nervous she’d do or say the wrong thing.
At one point, Ray
ne reached for the salt and knocked it across the tablecloth. “Oh, my God, I’m so sorry.”
She heard a quiet hiss, but glanced up to see nothing out of the ordinary. Amelia righted the salt container and Sam gave her an encouraging smile.
The rest of dinner was tense. Rayne got the impression Sam’s mother didn’t particularly approve of her, but she didn’t do anything overtly rude. Rayne would catch a scowl or frown, but as soon as Sam would turn, his mother’s face would return to a pleasantry Rayne knew she didn’t feel. Once dinner concluded, Sam led Rayne into the small library at the back of the house. Rayne walked the perimeter and ran her fingers down the spines of the many books. “What a cozy room.”
All four walls were covered with bookshelves and the fireplace burned bright in the middle of the shelving. Sam lit three of the lamps and then led Rayne to one of the chairs by the fireplace. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.
“You’ll get us in trouble if your mother walks in here,” she warned.
Sam chuckled. “I can manage my mother. How do you feel?”
“Better. It’s nice to be out of bed.”
She rested her head on Sam’s shoulder and he stroked her back. “Was it too much?”
“Not at all.” She yawned. “Other than your mother.”
“What about my mother?”
“I just get the impression she doesn’t like me very much.” Rayne yawned again.
“Ignore her, Angel.”
“You’re going to leave me here for two days, Sam. How can I ignore her?”
Sam rubbed her arm. “Don’t give it any further thought, sweetheart. Now, let’s get you to bed.” She shook her head. “No?”
“No, I like it in here.”
Slipping her hand inside Sam’s shirt with a sigh, Rayne sank further into his embrace. He stroked her back and within minutes he heard the evenness of her breathing and knew she was asleep. He continued to hold her and relished the feeling of her tiny body in his arms. His sister came in to check on them an hour later and smiled in concern.
“This may have been too much for her,” she observed.
“She refused to go to bed.” Sam grinned.
“How long has she been asleep?”
“Almost an hour.”
Amelia grinned back at him. “I always wondered who would win your heart.”
“Do you approve, Meely?”
Amelia nodded. “She’s the perfect match for you. I believe you’ll have to work to keep her, however.”
Sam chuckled, which made Rayne stir. “I pity the man who falls in love with you, little sister.”
“As do I,” Amelia joked in a whisper. “Carry her upstairs and I’ll undress her.”
Sam nodded and stood with Rayne in his arms. He followed his sister up the stairs and gently laid Rayne on the bed. As he kissed her gently, she sighed and rolled onto her side.
“I love you, Sam,” she whispered in her sleep.
Sam smiled as he left her room and went to his own. He fell asleep quickly, dreaming of his Angel.
* * *
Amelia woke Rayne the next morning earlier than Rayne would have liked. “I feel as though I could sleep forever.”
Amelia frowned. “You should probably rest today.”
“Did Sam leave?”
“Two hours ago,” Amelia said. “He didn’t want to wake you, but he did leave you a note. It’s on the night table.”
Rayne grabbed the envelope and ripped it open.
Good morning, Angel. I’m sorry I couldn’t say good-bye. I miss you already. Please stay well. I love you. Sam
Rayne smiled and then flopped back onto the pillows. She snuggled further under the covers and slept.
* * *
Over the next two days, Rayne obsessed about what to do. Should she stay? Should she go home? She analyzed her life in the future, and if she was being honest, she knew it was beginning to lose interest for her. How much money and fame could one person have, anyway? Staying in the past, however, presented new challenges that she didn’t know if she was equipped to deal with.
The only thing she knew for sure was that she was hopelessly in love with Samuel Powell, and she didn’t think she could live without him.
* * *
Sam returned three days later. Arriving just after lunch, he made his way to the parlor and paused in the doorway. He smiled as he watched his sister attempting to give Rayne a dance lesson.
“Crap,” Rayne said as she stepped on Amelia’s toe. “I’m so sorry, Amelia.”
Amelia grinned. “No, it’s fine. I don’t really need that foot.”
Rayne dropped her hands. “I’ll never learn this, you know. I appreciate the attempt, but it’s not working. Even with all the dancing I’ve done, the waltz has just always been out of my realm of expertise.”
“The problem, Angel, is that you need a man to teach you.”
“Sam!” Rayne squealed and made a run for him. Catching her in his arms, he lifted her off her feet and squeezed her tight. Rayne kissed his neck and sighed. “You told me two days! It’s been three.”
He chuckled as he set her down. “I’m sorry. The situation was worse than we originally thought.”
He hugged his sister, who filled him in on how his father was doing and then left the couple alone.
Rayne took his hand and pulled him to the sofa. “Why was the situation worse?” she asked.
Sam linked his fingers with hers and kissed her hand. “We have a few prisoners who are causing problems. One of them attacked a guard and hurt him quite severely. The guard, Benjamin Somers, is young and inexperienced, and the prisoner used that to his advantage.”
“That’s terrible. Where’s the guard now?”
“Recuperating at home.”
“What now?”
Sam squeezed his eyes shut. “I must go back tomorrow.”
“What? No! You can’t leave me again.”
“I won’t. I’ll take you with me, if you’re up to it. Gwen and Andrew are in D.C. and Gwen has offered for you to stay with them.”
“You saw Gwen?” she asked carefully.
“I did.” He kissed her palm.
“Alone?” Rayne asked.
Sam glanced at her and grinned. “I did see her alone. She was bathing.”
“Sam!”
He chuckled as he pulled her across his lap and kissed her breathless. “Andrew assisted with the prisoner. I was invited to join them for lunch.”
She bit her lip. “Just lunch?”
“Well, one small kiss, but she stopped me before Andrew caught us,” he whispered.
She growled and tried to push away from him.
He held fast. “You make it too easy for me, Angel.” He kissed her again.
“Again with the kissing.”
“You don’t enjoy the kissing?” He nuzzled her neck.
“The problem is that I enjoy the kissing too much.”
As she kissed him again, she slid her hand down his chest and rested it on his stomach. She intensified the kiss and then moved her hand lower and ran her hand over the front of his breeches. She almost laughed out loud when Sam nearly jumped from the couch. She had to grip his shoulders so she wouldn’t fall off his lap.
“Rayne!”
“Serves you right.” She giggled as she cupped his face.
Sam groaned and took several deep breaths as Rayne slid off his lap and onto the cushion next to him. After a few minutes, he reached into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
“You do?”
He pulled a small box out and opened it. Inside was the most exquisite engagement ring she had ever seen. A large center cut round diamond and intricate filigree on the band. “Baby, it’s beautiful.”
“Will you marry me?”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh, you’re proposing to me now?”
Sam smiled. “I suppose I deserve that. Yes. I am proposing. I love you more than life, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes and no. It was my grandmother’s.” He ran his thumb over the diamond. “I had it sized in D.C.”
“How did you know what size?”
“I have my ways.” He pulled a small piece of ribbon from his shirt pocket.
“What is that?”
“I tied it around your finger while you were sick. It’s the same size as my pinky finger, so I was confident the sizing would be perfect.”
“Oh, Sam!” She burst into tears.
Sam lifted her chin and wiped her cheek with his thumb. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re not supposed to be this wonderful.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m supposed to be going home.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going anywhere unless I'm coming with you.”
“I suppose I can’t now, can I?” Rayne stared at the ring. “Shouldn’t your sister have this?”
“Our maternal grandmother has one that will be given to her.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
Sam cupped her cheek. “I love you. You deserve everything wonderful in this world and I can only hope and pray I’ll make you as happy as you make me.” He kissed her and then stood and set her gently on her feet. “Now, no more of this nonsense.” He handed her a handkerchief.
“Okay.” She blew her nose. “I do have one request.”
“Yes?”
“Can we please elope?”
Sam laughed. “I thought you might like a big wedding.”
Rayne wrinkled her nose. “Whatever gave you that idea?”
He frowned. “Don’t all ladies?”
She shook her head. “Not this one. I’d be happy with your family and a justice of the peace.”
“Hm.”
“Hm, what?”
Sam grinned. “We could get married tomorrow morning if you really want to.”
“Seriously?”
He nodded. “Yes. Our minister could marry us, provided he’s available.”
“You have your own minister?”
“We have been members of the church where he has been minister since I was a young boy. He could marry us here.” Sam chuckled. “I’ll send a missive shortly.”
The Bride Star Page 14