Reaching down, he continued to explore the inside of her thighs, reveling in how velvety her skin was there, like the downy softness of rose petals. Moving his hand up, he delicately stroked, with the merest of touches, her womanhood for the first time.
The intimate contact made her cry out in pleasure.
He reveled in the moment, appreciating the awe-inspiring significance of what that touch meant to him. She was his—his wife—his lover.
He paused to kiss her again, deep and hard, with all the love in his heart.
Then he began a sensuous path to guide her to ecstasy for the first time.
Kelly squirmed beside him, gasping, and tightened her grip on his shoulders and arms.
It made his own desire flare, yet again, strong and agonizingly urgent. But his own needs would wait. He made himself focus on the poignant beauty of her body’s awakening to the power and passion of love.
She whimpered and her trembling limbs clung to him. Her body sought something she didn’t yet fully understand.
Soon, though, she would.
Chapter 22
The morning sun gilded the horizon as Kelly strolled down to the creek for water. The bright sunshine caressed her upturned face and a slight breeze brushed kisses on her jaw. Birds chirped and sang from every tree and she thought she heard the bellow of an elk off in the distant hills. The cool air, made clean and crisp by yesterday’s rain, made her pull her shawl tighter.
The stream’s water, no longer as swift as it was last night, hummed peacefully as it flowed by, brushing against rocks and brush. The lovely, colorful hills around her rose gently, inviting her to wander them.
She stopped and closed her eyes for a moment reveling in her beautiful surroundings and her happiness. Her mother had often said joy comes in the early morning. And she did feel pure joy this morning. Her spirit, light, buoyant, and carefree, soared for the first time in years. Her world was perfect. Except that William had left early to see about the prisoner in his jail and arrange for the man’s trial. But she was well used to being alone and he had promised to be back soon.
She opened her eyes and surveyed the picturesque setting, wondering who had named it Whispering Hills. She couldn’t wait to hear the wind speaking to her through these hills. Words whispered soak into your heart so much faster than other words. Perhaps that is why these hills whispered.
Already she loved this place and the palatable feeling of rightness it bestowed. Mostly because of the man who had loved her so completely last night. But also because she now had a home to call her own. And a life of her own. Before she had been a part of her parents’ life and later only a small part of her father’s. But this was her life. Whispering Hills would be the home that held her hopes and dreams.
She also felt far braver here—her dormant inner strength renewed. She sat her bucket down, stretched, and drew in a deep chest-expanding breath of cool air.
As she stood there invigorated a sense of belonging filled her, and it gave her comfort. She decided she would bless Colonel Boone until the end of her days for his generosity. And if she and William ever had children, she would teach them to do the same. Maybe they would even name one of their sons Daniel.
Kelly decided to take a stroll around the place before she got the water. She wandered aimlessly, with no particular purpose except to familiarize herself with her new home. After a few minutes of exploring, she stumbled upon an old forlorn cemetery at the crest of a rise. Two simple stone markers lay flat against the green grass. The names carved in the rocks were covered with grass, leaves, and dirt and difficult to read. She plucked some of the leaves away, revealing only a few of the letters. It didn’t really matter to her who they were, but she promised herself she would take care of the graves. Later, she’d bring a hoe and shears and clean the burial place up.
When she’d left her home, leaving her mother’s grave behind had been perhaps the hardest thing she’d ever done. No one would keep the weeds down or leave her mother flowers on her birthday. She hoped that someday, someone would find it and, like her, care for a stranger’s grave.
After she’d finished her walk about, she filled the bucket and started back toward the cabin. William had taken care of her horse before he left, letting her mare out in the pen to graze, so Kelly decided to start her day with cleaning. She would give the cabin a thorough cleansing and when she finished with the inside, she would start tidying up the outside. There were bits of leaves and branches on the porch and she intended to keep it as clean as the inside of her home. In the spring, she would plant some flowers, mint, and other herbs in front of the porch and perhaps start a garden nearby.
She warmed the coffee William had made before he left and set a Dutch oven in the coals, loaded with plenty of water, beans, some salt, and the wild onion she’d found on her stroll. As she sipped her coffee, she studied the cabin’s interior and decided what to tackle first. Then she started on her chores, her heart content.
After a couple of hours, she took a deep breath. It smelled cleaner and fresher now. She collected a few sprigs and twigs with fall colored leaves and made a bouquet for an old pot she found in the corner. Then she baked some cornbread in the hearth and when it finished baking, she sat it on a brick to cool. The sweet aroma made her stomach growl. William thought he would be able to make it back by noon, so she decided to wait and eat with him.
As she continued her chores, she thought about their lovemaking. The awakening experience had left her reeling. Afterward, he had held her in his arms, stroking her head gently as she slowly recovered.
Her own driving need shocked her to her core and, even now, made her face warm. And the way William was able to answer that need stunned her even more. She didn’t know it was possible to feel those things. He was a masterful lover. She had underestimated everything about being intimate with him. It was so much more than she anticipated. Spectacular even. And she was eager to learn more.
She wondered if William could have gotten her with child. She would know in a couple of weeks, but for now, she set aside the thought.
Suddenly drowsy, she decided to lay down and rest her eyes for a few moments. But her exhausted body and the warmth of their bed soon lured her into a deep, dragon-free sleep.
A wet tongue was licking her face. William?
Kelly’s eyes flew open. The face of the cutest puppy she had ever seen stared back at her, its eyes equally wide. With its puppy paws balanced precariously on the curves of her chest, the fat little ball of fur started wagging a fluffy tail and moved toward her neck.
When he licked her chin, she giggled and sat up. The long-haired golden puppy tumbled into her lap and curled into a tight ball. She glanced around, but there was no sign of William.
“Where did you come from little one?” She stroked the pup’s downy back several times and then picked it up. A male. A boy with huge feet and an even bigger belly. And long velvety ears that flopped down on either side of his warm brown eyes.
William burst through the door, his arms full of more supplies and packages. A huge grin covered his face. “How do you like our new boy?”
“He’s completely adorable!” she exclaimed, standing up. “Is he mine?”
“Indeed.”
“I’ve never owned a dog. Oh William, how can I ever thank you!”
He chuckled. “I can think of some ways. Come see what else I got you.”
Holding the puppy, she hurried over to the table now laden with all manner of items. She gave William a big kiss before examining the bounty. There was a new wool blanket, a block of cheese, a pound of sugar, an apron, candles, some paper and ink, a pretty blue shawl, and a few books.
“Books, you got me books!” She opened each one reverently and then gave him a peck for each one.
“I remembered how worn your tomes were back at your cabin. They were falling apart and you had to leave the books behind. I wanted to replace them for you,” William explained.
“I read each of the three more times than I c
an count,” she said.
“The shopkeeper promised me they were all good stories. And he said that one, The Art of Cookery, contained some excellent recipes and as well as perfumery guidance. Take a look at the page where I put the ribbon.”
Kelly opened the book to the ribboned page and read,
Sweet Scented Bags to Lay with Linen
Eight ounces of damask rose leaves, eight ounces of coriander seeds, eight ounces of sweet orrisroot, eight ounces of calamus aromaticus, one ounce of mace, one ounce of cinnamon, half an ounce of cloves, four drachms of musk-powder, two drachms of white loaf sugar, three ounces of lavender flowers and some of Rhodium wood. Beat them well together and make them in small silk bags. A mortar, pestle, and a grater are essential for creating a strong scent. Place the mixture in an eight by eight-inch square piece of cloth and tie together with a ribbon.
That will be fun to try someday, she thought. This cabin could use a little sweeter scent. “How thoughtful. Thank you once again, William.”
“It is my great pleasure to bring you joy.”
“Being with you is my greatest joy.”
“And I you. But I have to hurry back to town. I need to finish questioning Helms and interview the witnesses to the shooting at the blacksmith’s, and then later today, I have to meet up with Sam and Bear at our old campsite. I need to retrieve all my things and my law books before the two of them leave to return to Cumberland Falls. Not that anyone is likely to steal my humble possessions, but I wouldn’t want to risk someone stealing my law books.”
“I hate to see Sam and Bear leave,” Kelly said. “It’s reassuring to have both of them around.”
“Indeed, but it’s time they got back to the others. I’m sure Sam misses Catherine. After all, they are newlyweds.”
“I think he would miss her terribly even after they’d been married for fifty years,” she said.
“Sam told me something interesting at the swearing-in ceremony.”
“What?” she asked, her curiosity growing.
“It seems Catherine is an extremely wealthy woman.”
“Truly?”
“Not only that, her family is English nobility. And her late husband had a verified claim to ten thousand acres surrounding Cumberland Falls. That’s about fifteen square miles. Now she owns it. Or rather, she and Sam own it. She insisted that they share everything.”
Kelly felt her eyes widen and her mouth drop. She blew out a breath. “She never let any of us know.”
“She wanted Sam to marry her for love, not her wealth, so she kept it a secret from all of us, even him. She didn’t tell Sam until a few days into their honeymoon.”
“I’m astounded. She always seemed elegant, almost regal, but never would I have guessed she was noble. She’s so kind and humble.” She stroked the pup’s head as she talked.
“Well, she is definitely noble. She even has a large estate in England that produces a substantial income each year,” William explained.
“That explains her fine clothing and all her pretty things. And why she could buy Jane and me those gowns and undergarments to wear to her wedding. She was always so generous with all of us.”
“Yes. She even gave a nice chunk of land to Stephen and Jane, so they won’t have to worry about filing a claim, which could take many months. Stephen has already nearly completed their new home. In fact, by now, it’s probably finished.”
“That’s wonderful news. Their new baby will have a new home. Can we go visit?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course, perhaps in the springtime. But for now, I need to attend to my duties here.”
“Please say goodbye to Sam and Bear, and to my father, for me. I said my farewell to Papa after our wedding dinner, but I’d like you to tell him that I’ll miss him. Now that I have paper and ink, perhaps I should write him a note you can take with you. I’ll encourage him to stay strong and sober.”
“Splendid idea. Don’t let me leave without it.”
The puppy started licking her fingers. “Are you hungry boy?”
“Of course he’s hungry. He’s a puppy,” William said.
“What will I feed him?”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” William confessed. “Do I smell cornbread? What’s in the Dutch oven?”
“I made beans and cornbread,” she said, proud of herself.
“I can tell coming home to you every day is going to be delightful in so many ways,” he said, and tugged her to him, hugging her. “For now, he’ll just eat what we eat. When I get a chance, I’ll buy some game from Lucky McGintey.”
“How is the sweet old fellow?”
“His aim is still true. He brought a packhorse loaded with meat into town earlier today.”
“What do you think we should call this little boy?” Kelly asked, continuing to pet the pup.
“He’s yours so I’ll leave that up to you.”
“How about Riley?”
“Riley Wyllie. I like the sound of that,” William answered and kissed her. He leaned down to kiss the pup too, but Riley licked him on the nose.
She brought a hand up to stifle her giggles.
“He can’t hold his licker,” William said with a wide smile. “We’ll have to keep him away from the pub.” He threw back his head and chuckled richly.
His jest made her laugh as well. “Here, you take him for a minute and I’ll serve us up some food.”
“I’d better clear our table off. Let’s just set him down for a while,” William suggested. “He’s going to need something to chew on. All puppies like to chew on things.”
“I noticed an old leather strap by the smokehouse.”
“Were you out exploring today?”
“Yes, I found two graves on the rise behind us.”
“Probably two of the many relatives Boone lost while settling Kentucky,” William said.
“It made me think of my mother’s grave. I feel bad that I’ve left her behind.”
“We all leave love ones behind eventually. While I never met your mother, I’m sure she would want you to do what was best for you. I have no doubt she’d understand,” William said. “She’s not there anyway. She’s with the angels in heaven.”
“Of course, you’re right. I’ll start thinking of her as being there instead of back home in Virginia.”
“Kelly, when you went walking, did you take the pistol I left for you with you?”
“No, I didn’t,” she confessed. “I forgot. I set out to just get some water, but couldn’t resist looking around for a while before I got started with my cleaning.”
“The place does look remarkably better. But promise me you will always keep that pistol handy. I’ll buy you a rifle too and a good long knife. And keep my axe inside with you too. Once Riley gets to be the big fellow he promises to be by those feet, he can alert you to danger. But until then, you’ll have to be especially careful.”
“I promise,” she said.
He took her hand and led her to their bed. “Now it’s time to thank you properly for all your hard work.”
“But it’s the middle of the day!”
“Indeed.”
Chapter 23
The weeks flew by and her days at the cabin seemed to Kelly more like a pleasant dream than anything else she could compare them to. Her puppy grew like a spring weed, each day getting taller and heavier until finally, she could no longer easily carry him in her arms. By the season’s first frost last week, he could even bark and growl like a grown-up dog. She grew more attached to Riley by the day and thought of him as her child. An exceedingly hairy child, his thick coat was a light golden color, much like William’s hair. Her constant companion, she sometimes felt like she had two shadows.
But he wasn’t her child. Her first child now grew inside of her. When she’d missed her monthly flow for the second month, she knew for a certainty. And joy filled her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She placed a hand on her belly wondering if their child would be a tall boy like Will
iam or a little girl with blonde hair like hers. She wanted to make a special dinner for William tonight and then tell him her wonderful news. After studying her new cookbook while she drank her morning coffee, she decided to make bread, a soup, sliced smoked ham with a mustard sauce, fried potatoes with garlic, and maybe William’s favorite custard for dessert.
It was frosty again this morning. Crystals on every tree and shrub glittered in the first rays of the sun and bespangled every object in their yard. Interlocking ice crystals hung from the branches and leaves of trees and painted the grass blades white. Although she had never heard the term, William had called it a hoar frost and said it wouldn’t last long.
With her new blue shawl tied tightly around her and her warmest socks and clothing on, she milked the cow and started gathering eggs. Just as she had done back at her old cabin, she had named her egg chickens after the first few books of the Old Testament. “Good morning Genesis! And how are you Exodus?” Leviticus, a soft chestnut in color, was her favorite chicken. Fuzzy feathers surrounded her head, like untidy hair, giving her an unsettling, but amusing appearance. She did not name the chickens she raised solely for their meat.
Finished with the cow and eggs, she made her regular morning trip to the creek, with Riley trailing beside her, his tail wagging enthusiastically. All of a sudden, Riley stopped, his tail frozen in mid wag. His eyes focused intently on something; his lifted nose pointed toward the forest. She peered into the woods trying to determine if it was a deer or perhaps a reckless rabbit that made its presence known. It was not unusual for Riley to take notice of other animals in his area, but he rarely barked. Or growled. But he did now. A low throaty rumble tumbled down his chest. The sound made the hairs on her neck stand up.
She slipped her hand into the deep sturdy pocket she’d sewn onto her apron to hold her pistol and gripped the handle. The feel of it in her hand was reassuring. Filling her bucket with her other hand, and keeping one eye on the tree line, she watched Riley. His guard was definitely up. “What is it, boy?”
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