Seeds of Love: Prequel to Lily in Bloom

by Tammy Andresen

  Fumbling around, she found a candle and lit it, casting a soft glow. She took a breath and then sat on the bed. There was a wardrobe against the far wall. She walked the path back and forth to it. If someone came she would blow out the candle and hide in the large piece.

  Regina heard the sails unfurl and felt the boat begin its journey out to sea. Her own body jumped with anticipation. She removed the hat and pulled out her hair. She unplaited the mass, shaking it out around her shoulders. She took a deep breath and stripped off her clothing, folding it neatly in a pile. Then she slipped beneath the covers.

  It felt like an eternity passed but she finally heard footsteps in the hall. She blew out the candle and lay silently in the bed. It took several minutes but finally the steps neared the door and she heard it creak open and then softly close.

  It hadn’t occurred to her until that very minute that it could be someone other than James. The flint struck and the candle was relit. Regina felt a rush of relief as his profile came into view. She lay there for a moment just looking at him. She would never tire of his features. She had no idea if she should alert him of her presence. What if she frightened him?

  As if he could sense her thoughts, his head turned towards the bed. His eyes found hers and grew wide at the sight of her. She had the covers pulled just over her breasts but her shoulders and arms were bare.

  “Regina?” he breathed out in a ragged whisper.

  “Hello,” she gave him a glowing smile.

  “But your father, he…”

  “This isn’t about him. I don’t want to wait. I want you to kiss me.”

  “I should take you back,” he started even as his eyes roamed all over her.

  “It’s too late. Now he will never trust me again. I’ve made my choice.” Regina reached out her arms to him. He looked at her for the briefest second and then he moved towards the bed in one motion.

  His arms pressed on either side of the mattress, pinning the covers on both sides of her. His lips came down on hers in a fierce, yet gentle kiss. She lifted her chin, to meet him and he slanted her lips open, teasing her tongue with his.

  Sensation shot through her body as she let out a gasp and wound her arms around his neck. He gathered her closer, lifting her off the mattress.

  His lips left hers and began to pepper kisses all over her face and down her neck. Tiny bursts of sensation travelled through her body as his lips blazed a trail down her chest. When he took a nipple in his mouth, she moaned and pressed closer.

  “Regina, we should stop but I simply…” he said and for a moment Regina feared he would stop. He set her back down on the mattress but her protest died on her lips as he shrugged off his shirt and then gathered her in his arms again.

  His lips found hers again as he gently pulled the covers down her body. His hands touched her shoulders then slid over her breasts, teasing them until she felt faint. Then his fingertips brushed down her abdomen until they settled in the soft juncture of curls.

  The gentle touch of his fingertips made her moan again and arch in desire as waves of pleasure rippled throughout her entire body. “Ooohh,” she breathed.

  He smiled against her lips but his fingers continued their ministrations until Regina was sure she would explode from the pleasure.

  James stopped and Regina groaned in protest. He gave a small chuckle. “Not to worry, my love.” Then he stood and stripped off his pants.

  Regina’s eyes widened at the sight of him naked. A sudden flutter of nerves filled her chest. “I…I’m…I’ve…” she tried to speak but failed.

  He climbed into the bed next to her, gathering her in his arms. The feel of his skin against her own sent delicious shivers along her skin. His lips gently kissed hers. “You are mine now, Regina. Don’t be afraid.”

  “I’m not. I’m ready.” She meant it. She wanted to be his in every sense of the word.

  She wound her arms around his neck and he rolled her onto her back, settling between her legs. Slowly he pushed her folds open and then thrust inside her with one quick motion.

  Pain burst through her lower regions and she gave a whimper. James gathered her closer, kissing her face. “I am so sorry, my love.” He stayed stock still but Regina could feel his body taut as a bow waiting to release an arrow.

  She took a few deep breaths, “I am all right.” She kissed his lips.

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  She nodded and he began to move slowly inside of her. The pain subsided and a deep pleasure replaced it. She moaned as she held him closer.

  “Regina,” he groaned out as she gasped in aching need.

  “Don’t stop,” she pulled him even closer, meeting each thrust. The pleasure continued to build inside of her until Regina felt she might burst from the joy of it. Finally, they both fell over the edge.

  Regina lay panting in James’ arms. He gathered her tightly to him. “I love you, Regina Lafayette.”

  She snuggled her face into the crook of his neck. She had never felt closer to another human being. “And I love you, James Carter.” She giggled. “The only question is when do I become Regina Carter? You do plan to make an honest woman of me don’t you?”

  He chuckled. “Your father is certain to hunt me down either way but I best marry you so that he doesn’t murder me. I think we can have the captain take care of that tomorrow.”

  “Oh, how wonderful! Marrying on the Four Winds is a perfect idea.” She kissed his nose, his cheeks, and his chin.

  “And then, my love, we will never have to be apart again.”

  She exhaled, sinking into his arms. That sounded heavenly.

  SEEDS OF LOVE

  CHAPTER NINE

  The wedding was everything she could have hoped for. She looked into James’ eyes in the evening sun, feeling like the luckiest woman who had ever lived.

  When the ceremony was over, they stood at the rail and watched the waves in the setting sun. Just as it was about to get dark, land could be seen on the horizon. The boat cut towards the shore and Regina gasped as the pristine beach came into view. Up on a cliff stood a proud two-story house, surrounded by forest. “There it is,” he pointed.

  Regina held her breath, “It is everything I ever dreamed of.” She gave him a glowing smile.

  “Since the moment I met you, I knew you were perfect for me.”

  “That is so strange, I felt the same.”

  “Let’s go home.”

  As the boat docked, James swung her into his arms, carrying her up a long winding trail to the house.

  She barely noticed as he kissed her all the way up the path.

  He swung open the front door and four staff members stood at attention. “Hello, sir,” the housekeeper greeted him cheerfully. Her glance flitted across Regina, surprise lighting her eyes.

  “Mrs. Randal, may I introduce Mrs. Carter.” He beamed, looking down at her and winking.

  The housekeeper paused for just a moment and then gave them a smile. Relief washed through Regina. “Pleased to meet you, would you be liking some dinner?”

  “Bring something up to our room later. Leave it outside the door.” Then James swept her up the large staircase.

  Before Regina had even looked at her surroundings, James laid her down in a soft bed. His lips found hers.

  “What will the staff think?” she gasped as his lips came down on her clothed breast. He began tearing away at her clothing.

  “They’ll think we are newlyweds who need some privacy. Now, it is time to officially make you Mrs. Carter.”

  Regina lost herself in his arms that night. Without the fear or pain, it was magical. They climaxed together and Regina floated down in his arms. She had never been happier.

  Snuggled close to him, she drifted off into the best sleep of her life. A knock at the door roused her.

  “Go away,” James called.

  “But sir, someone is here to see you.”

  “Tell them to go away.”

  “But sir, he says he wants his da
ughter back.”

  Regina sat bolt upright. She hadn’t pictured her father chasing her. She looked at James, his mouth was set in a grim line.

  “I’ll be right down.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “No, stay here. It is my duty to fix this—”

  “Posh, I ran away. I stowed in your ship. This is my doing. I’ll not be left out anymore.”

  James gave her a smile. “That’s my girl. I’ll help you dress.”

  Within ten minutes, they were heading back down the stairs. This time Regina had time to look around. The house was beautiful but it lacked the finish she could give it to truly make it special.

  Her father lounged in a chair in the front sitting room. He looked surprisingly casual.

  “Papa?”

  “What I want to know, Regina, is did you run away or did he steal you?”

  “It was my choice. He didn’t have anything to do with it.”

  “That I find hard to believe. Did he turn his ship around and deliver you right back to my door? I don’t think so.”

  “You’re correct there, sir—”

  “Tom, call me Tom.” Her father’s voice was smooth and calm.

  “Tom, I have married your daughter.”

  “Excellent. You will get a small portion of my business since I know you don’t want to take it over. You will have exclusive rights to build our ships of course. Regina also has an inheritance from her mother that includes a piece of land on the Boston Harbor.”

  Regina looked at James. This was not what she had expected. “Papa?”

  “Regina, you are my daughter. I couldn’t just give you what you wanted. You had to learn to take it. You will appreciate it so much more for having made the choice yourself. Now James, do you accept the terms?”

  “I do not need a dowry. I will take care of Regina myself.”

  “I know, son. Put it away for your children then.”

  James gave a nod and the two men shook hands. “Now, if I may encroach upon your hospitality, I am famished.”

  Regina shook her head. In all her imaginings, she would have never expected this but he was right. Being married to James was all the more sweet for having made the choice and fought for the man she loved.

  SEEDS OF LOVE

  EPILOGUE

  Regina lay in bed, panting. When would James come? Another contraction tightened her body, leaving her breathless. She had done this before, of course. James Jr. and little Tom were now with their nanny waiting for the birth of their newest sibling.

  Regina and James had been married for eight blissful years. Regina thanked the stars every day that she had met James.

  She was no longer the woman who had first fallen on the docks. These days she laughed louder and told people when she disagreed with them. James’ love had allowed her to open up in ways she never imagined she would. And right now, she was irritated with her husband. He would know it.

  He had promised to be here for the birth of their child. He was making a quick trip to Boston and then he promised to come right back. But a storm had blown in and he hadn’t returned.

  Another contraction ripped through Regina and she cried out. She was worried and angry all in the same moment.

  The door burst open and James looked at her lying in the bed. “I’m not too late,” he panted.

  “You’re late and you frightened me half—aahhhh!” Another contraction left her breathless.

  “I am so sorry, my love. Please forgive me.” He knelt beside the bed, holding her hand. He kissed it over and over.

  “It won’t be long now, you should go.” The doctor nodded towards the door.

  “I’ll stay.” James pushed the hair back from Regina’s brow. She gave him a small smile as the urge to push took over.

  James held her tight as a baby girl entered the world.

  The doctor wrapped her in blankets and handed her to her mother. James snuggled them both to his chest. “A girl. By all the saints, it’s a girl. What should we call her?”

  “Lillian,” Regina said simply.

  “I like that. My Lily.”

  “Was the storm terrible?”

  “It wasn’t good, Regina.”

  “We’ve made our life on the ocean, and if tomorrow were my last day, I would feel complete having you in my life and in my heart. I love you, James. But we have to take measures to ensure our children’s future.”

  “We have an inheritance set aside for each of them.” He held her closer, squeezing her shoulders.

  “We can’t just give it to them, though. They have to fight for it, love for it. I didn’t know it but that was a gift my father was giving to me. We should give it to them. Don’t you think?”

  He nodded. “I agree. Either way, we will make sure to teach James, Tom, and Lily what it means to fight for love.”

  “I love you, James Carter.” She turned her face up to his and he peppered her with kisses.

  “And I you, my darling Regina.”

  EXCERPT: LILIES IN BLOOM BOOK 2

  LILY IN BLOOM

  April 1854

  “This color would look lovely on you, darling. It is the perfect shade of blue for your eyes.” The dressmaker gushed over a bolt of lovely fabric as she held it up under Lillian Carter’s chin.

  Lily smiled weakly and looked over at her brother, James. She knew that they couldn’t afford custom dresses and that is why she hadn’t wanted to come to the dress shop at all but her brother had insisted. He wanted her to have new clothes for the upcoming spring season in Boston.

  “That’s perfect, we’ll take it.” James said with a stubborn set to his jaw.

  “You look like you just swallowed sour milk,” Lily said to her brother with a laugh. James scowled more deeply and gave his sister a hard look. Undeterred, she stopped laughing but continued to smile. “We don’t need to buy dresses James. I am sure I can make do with what I have. I can always rework them to be more in fashion.”

  “Absolutely not. With Tom’s wedding happening this season you’ll need clothes for all the events we’ll be attending. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to be introduced to perspective suitors.” James’ face remained set.

  Lily’s smile slipped from her face but she said nothing and James did not notice because his wife had emerged from the dressing room. Elise stood before them in a beautiful pink evening dress. She pirouetted and then stepped in front of the mirror.

  “What do you think?” Elise asked with a smile. Her dark hair and eyes were set off beautifully by the fabric, which came off the shoulder and hugged her supple curves.

  “You look beautiful.” Lily said, with a smile, to her sister-in-law.

  James moved closer to inspect his wife and the two shared a look that made Lily turn away with a slight blush on her face. Her brother and Elise had fallen madly in love six years ago and had been married for the past five. They seemed just as passionate about each other now as they had then. Lily hoped for the opportunity to find that for herself someday but her time was running out.

  “Miss Carter, why don’t you step into the dressing room, I have some dresses made up in that blue silk.” The dressmaker discreetly led Lily out of sight of the couple.

  As Lily emerged from the dressing room a few minutes later, in a fitted gown with a low neckline currently in fashion, she was glad that James had taken her to buy new dresses. Her current wardrobe had been purchased four years ago when she was fifteen and was far too girlish for a woman almost twenty.

  “Lily, it is positively gorgeous! My god, when did you become so stunning!” Elise gushed as she saw the figure Lily posed in the mirror.

  Lily looked at her reflection and was taken aback by what she saw. The women in the shop had piled her honey colored hair on top of her head and let a few tendrils fall around her face. The natural curls complimented her high cheek bones and full lips. The color of the dress accentuated the shade of her eyes and made their exotic slant even more noticeable. The dress hu
gged her curves and made her waist appear non-existent compared to her hips and bosom. She felt like she was seeing herself for the first time.

  James positively scowled and turned to his wife. “I have changed my mind. We’re not buying these for Lily, men will be crawling over themselves…”

  “Too late.” Elise cut him off. “This gorgeous creature is about to be unleashed on Boston society. God help them all!”

  Their purchasing done, the Carter’s left the dress shop to return to their Commonwealth Avenue home. James stepped away to retrieve their carriage while Elise and Lily waited.

  Lily took a deep breath of the fresh spring air and looked around. The dressmaker had a dress that fit her almost perfectly and had allowed her to wear it out of the shop. It felt wonderful to be in new clothing. A nearby dogwood was putting out its blooms. By the beginning of May large flowers would cover the tree. It would be wonderful to see greenery again after a long cold winter in Maine. It was wonderful to be in Boston with all the promise a new season held. Could it possibly hold romance for her? Lily was so caught up that she did not notice the two boys or the ball that were heading straight for her.

  “Toby, look out!” A deep voice pulled her out of her reverie but not in time. A boy of four or five came barreling into her, causing her to lose her balance. As she tried to right herself, she took a step back. Unfortunately, Elise had set down the hat boxes there and she tripped, tumbling to the ground. She felt her head bang an iron fence behind her and pain shot through her body. She saw stars but somehow maintained consciousness.

  “Toby! What did I tell you about running when you’re not looking.” She heard a sharp male voice.

  “I was looking. I was looking at the ball.” The little boy responded. If her head hadn't been swimming, she would have laughed.