She stepped out of her dress, turned and tossed it across a chair. His most erotic dreams paled at the sight of the vision before him. Silk stockings covered her long, beautiful legs, the corset pushed her breasts higher, like an offering of ripe fruit. She epitomized perfection. He stepped forward and allowed a finger to trail from the pulse point at her neck, down to between the bountiful globes and then across each one. “Turn around and let me unhook this thing.”
Five minutes later, they stood thigh-to-thigh, belly-to-belly, nothing between them but Birdie’s chemise and his drawers, which were growing tighter by the minute. He reached for the pins in her hair and it flowed around her shoulders. Over time, the different colored strands had grown out, leaving it a honey blonde with hints of red—a perfect complement to her creamy complexion and blue eyes.
She ran her hand through the tresses, giving it a semblance of control.
If he didn’t do something to slow himself down, he’d disgrace himself. Voice hoarse, he asked, “Where’s your vanity set? Let me brush it out for you.”
He stood behind her while she sat on the stool before the dressing table. There was something sensual about brushing a woman’s hair, especially when she wore next to nothing, and he could see her reflection in the mirror. The strands glistened with life as he pulled the brush through the long mass. His eyes were drawn to her beautiful skin as it glowed through the thin material of her chemise, the rosy crests of her nipples protruding.
She closed her eyes, and smiled. “Mmm, that feels so good. Will you brush my hair every night?”
“Every night I can.” He laid the brush aside and stroked her shoulders. “Will you always be this open with me with your body?”
“Yes, I promise.”
He stepped back, and removed a small box from his jacket lying across a chair. He handed it to Birdie.
Forehead furrowed, she asked, “What is this?”
“Just a little something to show my love.”
She stood and pulled his head down for a kiss. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary, you know.”
“I know, but it gives me pleasure. Open it.” He’d spent a lot of time in the jewelry stores when he had some free minutes in town. The gift had to be perfect. He hoped he’d gotten it right.
She opened the box and gasped. “Oh my, God. Tad, where did you find it?”
“At one of the jewelry stores in town.”
She lifted it from the box, turned it over and studied it carefully. “This is my brooch…the one I lost in the river. Do you think it’s possible someone found my brooch and sold it to a jeweler?”
“No, Birdie. Yours is lost.” He picked it up and turned it over. “Look, here is the jeweler’s mark on the back. It’s too new to be the one you had on.” Had she ever described her missing brooch to him? No, she hadn’t. “Plus, I didn’t know what yours looked like.”
She perused it again, turning and examining it from every angle. “You’re right…on both counts.” Her eyes rounded. She tapped the pin. “I’m almost positive this is the same pin I wore, only now its new, but was old in the future.” She shivered. “Talk about a déjà vu moment.”
“If you don’t like it, I can take it back.”
“Don’t like it?” She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. “I love it! It’s part of our future history to be passed down for generations to come.”
Tad liked the sound of that. Perhaps Nathan could give it to his wife someday, or perhaps their first daughter could inherit it, keeping it purely in Birdie’s line. He took her hand. “Come, let’s go to bed.”
Birdie sat on the bed, rolling a stocking down her leg. While Tad turned down the lamps she admired his body—his broad shoulders, taut abs and buttocks. His body rivaled a male model’s on the cover of a romance novel, but hard work sculpted Tad’s, not weights and machines in a gym. Her skin tingled at the anticipation of his touch. Her throat clogged with emotion, she swallowed the urge to cry. At long last they’d be one. Tad was a beautiful gift to her heart. She’d never imagined she’d love a man like she loved Tad. She ached to touch him and learn the texture and taste of his skin. The long drawers could not hide his desire behind the buttoned front and she longed for him to strip them off.
“Here, let me do that.” She lay back and held her leg up for him. His eyes watched hers as he slowly rolled the stocking down, stroking her leg with his long fingers as he did so. Her flesh jumped at each touch. When he tossed the stocking aside, he kissed the sensitive spot behind her knee before moving to the other leg. By the time he’d finished with her opposite leg, she was shaking with need. She sat up, grabbed the waist of his drawers and pulled him toward her.
“You’re teasing me, Tad.”
He grinned. “You don’t like it?” He stretched out over her, holding his weight off her with his hands and knees.
Like it? She loved it. She slapped his chest. “You know I do, but that’s enough. I want more—to feel you against me.”
“Ah, sweetheart, I love you so.” He touched his lips to hers, nipped and sampled until she threw her arms around his neck and opened her mouth to him. Their tongues twined and explored. Oh, the man could kiss. He didn’t smother her with his lips, but coaxed hers to do his will and want more.
They broke apart, gasping for air. “I’m glad you’re a greedy woman, sweetheart, because I’m a greedy man, and I’ll never get enough of you.”
“Thank God for that.” She sat up and slipped the chemise over her head, wiggled out of her lacy drawers and tossed both garments to the end of the bed.
Tad straddled her and looked his fill. “You are beautiful, Birdie.”
“So are you, Tad.” She ran her hands up his chest loving the twitching of his muscles at her touch. He ran his hands down her sides, stopping to fondle and kiss each breast before moving to her hips. His lips teased her navel and his tongue trailed across and around the indention.
She squirmed beneath him. “Tad, enough.” She reached up, unbuttoned his underwear and pushed it down to his knees. Using his feet, he shoved it off onto the floor. He settled between her thighs. “I don’t want to rush you, sweetheart.”
“You’re not, I promise.” She pulled his head down and captured his lips. As he slid inside her, she wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him deeper.
“Birdie, love, too fast. I want to make it last.”
“No, now!" she gasped. "It can last… next time.” They moved together, straining to get closer until pleasure built inside Birdie and exploded. “Tad, I love you!” Her legs tightened around him as her body quivered in rush after rush of pleasure.
He dropped his head to her shoulder and groaned, “Oh, God,” as his body jerked in completion. She closed her eyes, and lazily stroked his back while their breathing returned to normal.
He rolled to his back, taking her with him. She sighed with contentment as his hands smoothed up and down her spine and shoulders. She raised her head, laced her fingers together and propped her chin on top of them. Their gazes met and she smiled. “I don’t think we’ll ever have problems in the bedroom.” One arm wrapped around her waist, his other hand moved to hold her head as he rolled her to her back and settled between her legs.
“Thank you, God.” He nuzzled her neck. “How lucky can a man get?”
She giggled, draped her legs around his waist and squeezed. “I’d say pretty darn lucky.”
* * *
Birdie slapped Tad’s hands away from her breasts as he pretended to help tie her corset. “Stop it. We’ll never get to church on time.”
He bent and nuzzled her neck, his breath tickled her flesh as he whispered, “We don’t have to attend services this morning. I’m sure everyone would understand.” He turned her to face him. “Let’s stay in. I want to spend the day with you.”
She curled her arms around his neck and sighed deeply. “Me, too, Tad, but this is the morning we introduce Nathan to the community.” His body stiffened. She knew all too well his app
rehension and fear that their neighbors wouldn’t accept his child, would label him a bastard. All Birdie could say is they’d better never call him names or shun him in her presence. Dressing her up in fancy clothes might make folks think her a lady, but hurt her new family and the gloves would come off.
Arms on her shoulders, he held her from him. “You are right, my love.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “We’ll have all afternoon to ourselves.” Olivia and Bethany would be taking the baby and his nurse home after church to give Tad and Birdie some time alone.
Birdie, with Nathan in her arms, and Tad followed Olivia and Bethany down the aisle to their family pew. Gasps and titters of conversation followed them, but Birdie ignored them and smiled at the baby’s soft coos. Tad stepped aside to let Sarah and then Birdie file in before joining them on the maroon colored cushioned seats. Bethany remained standing, her arms crossed over her small bosom, her eyes shooting daggers. Birdie stifled a chuckle. No doubt about it, Nathan’s aunt would be a fierce protector.
Olivia tugged on her daughter’s skirt and hissed, “Sit down, child. You’ll make things worse.” Bethany flashed one last glare, twisted around, and flopped onto the pew.
Birdie noticed Tad’s shoulder’s shake and she pinched his underarm. “Don’t encourage her.”
He placed his arm around her shoulders and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “My little sister is becoming as feisty as her sister-in-law.”
Nathan chose that moment to fuss. Tad lifted him from Birdie’s arms and placed him on his shoulder. He softly patted his back. Soon they were rewarded with a healthy burp. Birdie grinned as the people behind them chuckled. Maybe this wouldn’t be as difficult as they believed.
The organ boomed to life, with Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow. The pastor stood and raised his hands for everyone to stand and sing. Voices, rising to reach the rafters, set goose bumps alive on Birdies arms. This hymn always touched her heart. Her Aunt Patty would be proud to see her standing in church today. Birdie hadn’t attended regularly during her adulthood—not intentionally, but because her work hours often made it impossible.
“What a beautiful day it is. Welcome all and especially to our newest family, Tad and Birdie Lockhart and their child Nathan. We’ll be christening Nathan here in a few moments and I hope you’ll be praying for this young fella whose natural mother is dying of lung cancer. What a blessing that he’s been welcomed by the Lockharts.”
Murmurings of sympathy, “poor little tyke”, and others of disapproval, “who is his father?” flashed around the room. Birdie had no doubt, by suppertime the disgruntled folks would ferret out every juicy detail. She hoped they’d leave Lucy alone. She didn’t need the negative attention.
Pastor Thomas waved them forward. Tad carried Nathan and with a hand at her back, directed Birdie to the rail. Olivia and Bethany took up position, one on each side of them. Thomas took Nathan from Tad. The baby studied the person now holding him and for a second, Birdie feared he would howl in discontent, but he blinked and tried to eat his fist. “Tad and Birdie, how is this child named?”
Tad’s arm tightened around her waist. “He is Nathan Thaddeus Lockhart.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Some racket in the hallway outside their room disturbed Tad’s sleep. He snuggled Birdie closer enjoying her warmth and scent. He’d almost dozed when pounding jolted him again. Someone was knocking on the sitting room door. Had something happened at home? Now on his feet, he grabbed his robe from the bedside chair and stumbled in the dark through the parlor to the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s Hank, Tad. Have a message for you.”
Tad threw the door open and Hank handed him an envelope.
“Your mother wanted me to wait until you’d read the note.”
A stone weight settled in his belly. Oh, Lord, what had happened? Please let Nathan be all right. “Sure, come on in.” Tad found the switch on the lamp and a soft glow infused the room. He sat in the stuffed chair by the dainty table and read the missive. It was from Dr. Franks at Waco City Hospital. Lucy had passed away earlier this morning. He inserted the paper back in the envelope and slapped it against his knee. “I assume you know what’s in the message.”
“Yes. Your mother filled me in before I left. She had me bring the surrey and my horse.”
Tad nodded. Yes, she’d want to make sure Hank came prepared. Sitting here wouldn’t get anything done. “Hank, will you go downstairs and ask the kitchen to send up breakfast and coffee for three?”
“Yes, sir, boss.”
Birdie appeared in the bedroom doorway, her sheer gown revealing her luscious assets. She shoved her hair up and away from her face. “What’s going on?”
He wanted nothing more than to take his wife back to bed and avoid the responsibilities he faced—laying Lucy to rest, but he’d made a promise and he didn’t break them. “Lucy passed away this morning.”
“Oh no!” She moved forward and sat in his lap. With her arms curled around his neck, she laid her head atop his. “I’m so sorry, Tad. You cared about her at one time, and losing a friend is never easy.” Her hands soothed his neck and shoulders and he lowered his head to give her better access.
He groaned. “If you keep that up I’ll fall asleep in this chair.” Yes, he’d cared about her. Though they’d entered the relationship with no strings, no promises, he couldn’t help feeling guilty. She’d been at a disadvantage. Though he didn’t believe she needed his money, he saw now that he’d salved his conscience by buying her gifts and paying many of her bills. After finding her in such dire conditions last month, it was evident she’d needed more than she’d let on.
He patted Birdie’s hip. “Better run put on a robe. Hank is ordering breakfast for us and he’ll be back any moment.”
An hour later, fed and dressed, Tad helped Birdie into the surrey. Hank mounted his horse. “Tell Mother we’ll be there around noon or shortly after.” Hank touched his hat and spurred his mount up Franklin toward home.
Dr. Franks waited for them when they arrived at the hospital. Birdie stood close to his side, her arm around his waist, as they viewed the body. Her presence was a comfort, one he’d not realized he needed until this moment. The doctor had called the funeral home and two men with a stretcher waited in the hall to take possession of Lucy’s remains.
Since death didn’t occur on a schedule, Tad supposed funeral homes kept odd hours. The director was expecting them when they arrived and they soon had Lucy’s graveside service planned and set for the following morning at First Street Cemetery. They visited the parsonage and Reverend Thomas agreed to conduct the ceremony. Their last stop was the florists. He selected red and white roses with carnations for a casket spray. Lucy would have enjoyed the vibrant colors.
Only a handful of people, other than family, attended. Most were curiosity seekers though Nathan and Birdie both were pleased to see Detective Ethan and the Hellmans. Nathan howled through the entire service. The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm, but he seemed to sense the somberness of the occasion and didn’t like it. He finally settled into contentedness when they were on the road home.
Poor little tyke. He’d been ripped from his mother’s arms, first by her declining health and then her impending death. Though they’d brought him home and tried to restore stability in his life, he felt the undercurrents of change. In time he would feel secure.
Sarah passed Nathan up to Birdie. She cuddled him on her lap. He watched the horse’s tail swish back and forth. Throat clogged with love, Tad smiled at his son and cupped his downy head with his palm. Nathan turned toward Tad, his big blue eyes filled with innocence and wonder. I promise you, little man, I’ll keep you safe.
* * *
Birdie lay curled on her side in the feather bed, her head propped up on one hand as she gazed down at her son. Nathan kicked and cooed. He’d recently discovered his toes and spent time carefully examining them. Birdie reached over and tickled one of his feet. His chuckle was delightful. She
smacked her lips and brought the appendage to her mouth. “Yum, yum, delicious! Nathan’s toes are yummy!” He squealed and reached for a handful of her hair.
“Hey, you two, what’s going on in here?” Tad strode through the door and sat down on the bed at Nathan’s feet. Nathan swung his arms and kicked his feet anxious for Tad to pick him up. He lifted the baby over his head. “Hey, pint-sized man, you trying to steal my woman? That requires a little torture from daddy.” Tad made blowing noises with his lips against Nathan’s bare belly. It was a game they played often and Nathan loved every minute.
Birdie giggled at their antics while she quickly dressed. Maybelle would have breakfast ready and Birdie needed to get to town as John Samuelson’s trial began today and she didn’t want to miss getting a seat in the courtroom. She didn’t expect the trial to last very long. The evidence against the man was cut and dried. Of course, the defense attorney could come up with some surprise and likely false, exculpatory information, but she couldn’t imagine what.
When she entered the dining room, Nathan sat in his high chair stuffing scrambled eggs in his mouth with his hands. Very little made it to his stomach. Though he was still breast-fed, Nathan, at only five months, loved table food, and the family enjoyed having him join them at breakfast. “Sorry I’m late.” She bent to kiss Nathan’s head and straightened him in the chair. He’d only been sitting up a couple of weeks and needed more strength in his back. “We spent too long playing this morning.”
“Never be sorry for playing with your child, dear,” said Olivia. “We could hear all the noise and I assure you I enjoyed it almost as much as you.”
Bethany sat up a little straighter. “Yes, and today is my turn to baby sit. We’re going to sit under the big oak beside the house and play on a quilt before he has to take his morning nap.”
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