In His Arms: Blemished Brides Book 3

by Peggy L Henderson

  Cade’s words registered fully. Levi was more than smitten. He was in love. The connection he’d felt with Grace had been instant, from the moment he’d seen her sprawled out on the ground in the street of Elk Lodge. That’s why she’d remained in his thoughts even after he’d left town. They shared a common past. What would it take to get her to see that they could have a future together?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Grace squinted into the darkness, beyond the glow of light coming from inside the house. She’d caught a glimpse of Levi talking to Cade by one of the corral fences just a short time ago. Where was he now? No doubt he’d gone in search of some solitude.

  She’d barely seen him after his return to inform Laura’s friend about the birth. He’d been gone a day longer than she’d expected, and the fleeting thought had crossed her mind that he’d simply left and gone back to his solitary cabin in the mountains.

  When he’d arrived right at suppertime tonight, he’d quickly left the house again after he’d finished eating. The way Rose and Andy had greeted him had put a smile on her face. She’d hoped for a quiet moment to welcome him back, but all she’d managed to tell him was to eat his supper.

  Grace smiled up at the stars. He’d looked downright uncomfortable in the house. Even though Cade was his friend, the activity of two young boys wiggling around and carrying on a lively conversation at the table, and a baby crying in the background had, no doubt, driven him to seek some peace and quiet outside.

  Looking after Laura, the baby, and the rest of the household over the last three days had been exhausting, even with the help of Rose, and Laura’s friend, Sally. It had taken her mind off Levi, for the most part, but during the few moments of quiet times, she’d thought of little else. She hadn’t even been able to talk to him since coming off the mountain and to this farm, and she owed him an apology. The last thing she’d really said to him was that she’d thought he’d tricked her by bringing them to the Kincaid farm.

  Laura and her husband, Cade, had been friendly and more than appreciative for her help. Cade hadn’t asked about Rose and Andy, although there was no doubt that he knew who they were. If he planned to turn them in, she’d be gone before he had a chance to alert the authorities. Grace had clung to Levi’s words that he wouldn’t have brought them here if he thought there was any danger.

  She breathed in deeply. This was such a peaceful place, and Rose and Andy seemed to be right at home. Andy had found a new friend in Jonah Kincaid. The boys were of similar age, and had gotten along right from the start. Rose doted on Laura’s baby daughter. When Rose had told the woman that she was an orphan, and had come west on a train to find a new home, Laura had looked at her with true concern.

  Laura had taken a genuine interest in their plight, and had assured Grace that she’d do whatever she could to help her keep Rose. The fear that Harlan Randall might still get his hands on Rose was never far from her thoughts, but she hadn’t spoken of him to the Kincaids.

  She’d never mentioned Randall’s name to Levi, either. He only knew that someone had been paying couples along the train routes to adopt young girls for the purposes of forcing them to work in a bordello in Denver.

  Grace glanced into the darkness beyond the house. Had the last few days given Levi a chance to think about her, too? She’d missed seeing him, and missed his presence. Despite what she’d led him to think, he made her feel safe, and she trusted him.

  Grace chuckled softly.

  It’s more than that. You’re more than sweet on him.

  She was in love with Levi. The thought had startled her when she’d found time to close her eyes for a few moments in the early hours before dawn. Even exhausted, she hadn’t been able to fall asleep. Images of Cade and Laura, and the way they looked at each other with pure love in their eyes, mixed together with images of Levi, and the way he’d looked at her.

  Grace’s chest tightened, and her stomach fluttered. There was no doubt that she was in love with him. The quiet, serious, tender man who lived alone and away from people in the mountains had touched her heart like no one ever could. He’d alluded to marriage, as inconceivable as the notion seemed for a man like him. Had the last few days given him enough time to change his mind, and decide he wanted to remain alone?

  Movement near the barn brought her head around in that direction, and she squinted into the darkness. Someone stood just beyond the light coming from the house. Her heart jumped in her chest. How long had Levi stood there, watching her?

  Grace leaned on her crutch, and hobbled down the porch steps. The sounds of crickets and frogs seemed to grow louder with each step she took into the darkness. Levi walked toward her, a silent shadow that should scare her rather than make her want to move closer. Weeks ago, the thought of leaving the safety of a populated house to meet a man in the dark would have sent fear through her. Instead, she hobbled faster.

  “You’re hiding from everyone,” she said, a smile on her face when she was close enough to reach out to him and touch him. She stopped. So did he.

  “It got too crowded in the house,” he murmured. “What about you, Grace?”

  “What about me?” She tilted her head, and squinted to try and make out his features. His eyes were on her. It was more of a feeling. The faint light prevented her from really seeing him.

  “What are you doing out here, alone? Wouldn’t it be safer for you inside, rather than out here with me?”

  Grace raked her teeth along her lower lip. She deserved that remark. She adjusted her crutch, and straightened.

  “I didn’t get the chance to apologize for the way I acted the other day. I had no cause to accuse you of misleading us, and I want to say that I’m sorry.”

  Levi took a small step closer. The scent of rawhide, and pine, that conjured images of the cabin high in the mountains, drifted to her nose. Familiar smells, ones that promised safety, and perhaps even love.

  “I apologize if I’ve done anything to make you feel as if you can’t trust me, Grace.” There was a pained note to his voice.

  Her hand reached out to him in the dark. She touched his arm, the tension in him evident in his hard and taut muscles.

  “It’s all I’ve known, Levi,” she whispered. “All my life, I was used by men. Trusting anyone has become nearly impossible.”

  Levi placed his hand over hers. He guided it away from his arm, and wrapped it between both his calloused palms. His thumbs moved slowly along the sensitive skin of her wrist. A slight shudder passed through her at the sensation of his simple touch, so tender and unexpected. Her reaction to him left her nearly breathless.

  “Grace, I understand about old habits, and being set in your ways.” His voice had dropped to a low murmur. “I was nine years old when my sister was placed with a family, and I was separated from her. I ran away shortly after, trying to find her. I ended up nearly dead, until Buck Thornton found me and took care of me until I regained my strength.”

  Grace took a hesitant step forward, closing the gap between them to mere inches.

  “What happened?” she whispered, eager to hear more about him.

  “I left, against Buck’s advice. I was consumed with finding Maggie. When I finally did, it was too late. She died of the fever, they told me. I said my goodbyes to her at her grave site.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Grace let go of her crutch, reaching for Levi’s face with her other hand. The wooden stick fell to the ground with a quiet thud. She balanced on her good leg, and strained her eyes to look up into Levi’s face. His attention was on her, gazing down at her.

  “I came back to the mountains, and swore I’d never leave. I never wanted to experience losing someone I loved again, so I hid in the high country, away from people. I became good with my knife. I focused my attention on honing that skill, while I let the guilt of Maggie dyin’ tear me apart. Buck was the only family I needed. When he died, I was more convinced than ever that I’d be better off alone and spare myself the pain of ever losing anyone again.”


  Grace moved her fingers along the contours of his stubbly cheek, and leaned closer.

  “I suppose we’re both just two lonely people, with deep fears,” she offered quietly. The thought that Levi was afraid of anything was inconceivable. Talking about his past must have been as difficult, if not more so, than if she talked about the things that scared her. It also left a sinking sensation in her heart. His words meant that he wasn’t willing to get close to anyone. Was she? The question was unnecessary. She inhaled a deep breath, his scent giving her comfort.

  “I’ve never allowed myself to get close to anyone. I have the same fears of getting hurt as you,” she whispered.

  “You have a right to be afraid and mistrustful, Grace,” he mumbled. “I can’t imagine all you’ve been through, and I admire and respect you for your courage.”

  He gripped her hand almost painfully in one of his, letting go with the other. He stepped back slightly, and straightened. He laughed, and ran his now free hand across his face, then settled it over hers, which still rested against his cheek.

  “You’ve made me think differently about all that’s been going through my head,” he said, his tone serious.

  “I have?” Her voice quivered. He was about to tell her he hadn’t meant his proposal that she should stay with him. Her heart sank.

  “Yeah,” he said. His fingers wrapped around her hand, drawing it away from his face. “All these years, I wanted to spare myself the pain of losing anyone again. I stayed away from people. And then, you came along and landed at my feet.” He chuckled again. “I thought about you after I left town that day. I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

  Grace swallowed. A painful lump had formed in her throat. “You did?” Her words barely left her mouth.

  “When you were lying there, in the street, and looked at me, I was drawn to you. If I ain’t mistaken, you had a spark in your eye, too.”

  Grace nodded. Levi voiced the thoughts that had raced through her own mind.

  “Then, a few days later, you showed up at my cabin,” he continued. “I didn’t know what to think at the time.” He closed the gap between them, holding tightly to both her hands. “But I know now. I don’t want to lose another person I care about.”

  “You said that already.” Grace stiffened.

  He laughed nervously. “No, I mean something different this time. I'm saying I care about you, Grace. I . . . I’m in love with you. It happened so quick, I still don't know how to tell you proper. All I know is that I'd rather die than see you get hurt.” He gripped her hands. “I want to protect you, and take care of you.” His voice had dropped to a low whisper. “As your husband.”

  Grace’s insides flooded with sudden warmth that left her arms and legs weak and tingling. She wobbled, then flinched when she set weight on her crippled leg. Levi’s reaction was instant. He released her hands and snaked his arms around her, drawing her up along his solid body, steadying her.

  “I’ve got you,” he murmured.

  Grace clung to his shoulders to take the weight off her legs.

  “Yes, you do,” she replied, voiceless. Levi would hold her up when she couldn’t stand on her own. In his arms, she would always be safe and supported. Tears flowed down her cheeks. She inhaled another deep breath, his familiar scent making her weak all over again.

  “I’m damaged goods,” she blurted. “In more ways than being a cripple, and I don’t know if I can give you what you need, Levi.”

  His arms tightened around her. His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her back. Not one of fear or revulsion, but a pleasurable feeling that gave her strength.

  “All I need is for you to trust me,” he muttered into her hair. “I’ll prove to you that I’m not like those other men who’ve hurt you.”

  Grace laughed softly against his shoulder. She raised her head, squinting to see his face. “There’s nothing you need to prove, Levi. You’re the best, most caring man I’ve ever met, and the first man I’ve come to trust.”

  His arms tightened around her even more. She lowered her gaze, then looked up at him again, sucking in a quick breath. “And, you’re the first man I’ve ever let myself care for, and . . . love.”

  Levi sucked in an audible breath of air. “Grace,” he whispered. Her name on his lips, spoken with such tenderness, sent another round of warm ripples through her. She leaned toward him, hesitating only slightly, but he eased his arms away from around her waist. Grace’s forehead wrinkled with confusion. Why did he pull away?

  “Last time, you kissed me,” he said. “This time, I want to learn how to do this proper.”

  Grace tilted her head up. Her impulsive kiss after he rescued her from the mountain lion brought back a flood of tender emotions. He’d been so hesitant then, almost stunned and unsure of what she’d done. A sudden thought made her blink, and she stared up at him. Levi had never kissed a woman before.

  The idea had barely sunk in, when Levi’s lips touched hers, hesitant and slow. She stood still, waiting for him to continue. He inhaled, wrapped one arm around her waist and tugged her up against him. His other hand caressed the side of her face, his thumb grazing slowly along the contours of her jaw.

  He adjusted his lips over her mouth, and deepened the kiss, slowly exploring with a reverence that brought tears to her eyes. Grace responded by parting her lips beneath his, waiting for him to lead the way. His heart beat strong and fast against her palm, which she held against his chest, and matched the tempo of her own. When he eased back, it was too soon.

  “I don’t think you need to learn anything when it comes to kissing, Mr. Colter,” she rasped, drawing in several quick breaths. “You’re a natural at it.”

  His lips widened in a slow grin. “I think I’ll need plenty more practice to hone my skills.” He brought his hands up to cup her face, and claimed her lips again. Grace melted against him, her fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt, and she clung to his shoulders.

  “Don’t leave, Grace,” he breathed against her mouth. “Don’t run anymore. Marry me, and let me take care of you.”

  Grace wound her arms around his neck, and leaned into him. Their eyes locked on each other. Grace offered a soft smile.

  “I think, Levi Colter, I’d like that very much.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Levi pulled his horse to a stop in front of the small farmhouse. Chickens cackled in the yard, and a dog came charging from the back of the house, barking loudly. His horse shied, but Levi patted the gelding’s neck to calm the animal. The dog remained a safe distance away, but kept up its incessant barking.

  Hogs squealed from a pen near a small barn. A slight breeze carried the pungent odor of pigs to his nose. The barn door squeaked on its hinges. One strong gust of wind, and the entire structure might crumple to the ground, by the looks of it.

  Levi fingered the handle of the knife at his hip. He slowly pulled his right leg over the back of the saddle, and dismounted. His foot had barely touched ground, when the front door of the house opened slightly, and the barrel of a rifle poked out from within.

  Levi moved his hands away from his sides, to show he didn’t have a gun in his hand.

  “Is this the Perkins Farm?” he called loudly. “I need to speak to Mr. or Mrs. Perkins.”

  The rifle barrel moved slightly, then the door creaked open a little wider.

  “Who’s askin’?” A man’s gruff voice came from inside the house. “If you’re here to take back the money that other fella gave us, we . . . we ain’t got it no more. We kept our end of the bargain.”

  Levi’s forehead wrinkled.

  “I’m not here about money. I just want to ask some questions.” He led his horse to the porch post, and looped the reins around it. He stepped away from the animal, still holding his hands and arms away from his sides. It was probably a foolish thing to do. He had no idea who he was dealing with. The farmer might just be crazy enough to shoot him.

  His eyes roamed from the front door to the rest
of the house. Several boards needed to be replaced, and there was a crack in the only window. Shingles were missing from the roof. Had he come to the wrong place? This wasn’t the sort of farm he’d envisioned belonging to someone who could afford to put up a large sum of reward money for a runaway orphan. Grace’s story was beginning to add up. If these folks had been hired to adopt Rose and then hand her over to some man in Denver, no doubt he had been the one to put up the reward.

  The door opened wider, and the man stepped out, holding his rifle in front of him. A plain-looking woman stood in the shadows behind him, a fearful look in her eyes.

  Levi didn’t move. The weight of his knife at his hip was reassuring. The farmer stepped down the porch, clutching his weapon. The barrel looked old and dirty, as if it hadn’t been cleaned or used in a long time.

  “What sort of questions?” the man asked. His wife remained just inside the front door, clutching at her apron.

  “Did you go into town some weeks ago, with the intent to adopt a young girl named Rose Jennings from the orphan train that came through Elk Lodge?”

  The man’s face lit up. He lowered his weapon.

  “Me an’ the missus been wantin’ to get a girl. We was all set to take her home, when we was told she’d run off or been kidnapped.”

  He turned to look over his shoulder. The woman stepped from the house to the end of the porch.

  “Did you find her?” she asked.

  Levi glanced from the farmer to the woman. His gaze lingered on her. The look in her eyes remained suspicious and distant.

  “Why were you so set on adopting Rose Jennings?” Levi asked, rather than answer the woman. “You could have chosen a different child after she disappeared, rather than put up a large reward for her return.” He glanced around the farm again. “Doesn’t look like you have that kind of money to begin with.”

  “That ain’t none of your business, mister,” the farmer said, and nudged his rifle toward Levi’s chest. “Did you find the girl?” His voice grew adamant.