Page 75 of His Perfect Bride
So even though she’d wanted to stay awake during the last leg of their journey and enjoy her time in the saddle with Jackson, she’d fallen asleep only minutes into their ride and had slept the whole way—had it been one hour, maybe two?
Whatever the case, she was sore from the long journey but couldn’t think of anyplace else she’d rather be than in the saddle with Jackson. His strong arms surrounded her and were cradling her against his chest. His legs boxed her in too, and one hand rested flat against her stomach.
As her mind roused to the fuller awareness of just how close she was sitting to him and the intimacy of his hold, a warm thrill spread through her abdomen. She was his wife, and they could kiss and hold each other as much as they wanted, couldn’t they?
“We have arrived in Lytton,” he whispered against her ear.
Just his whisper and the brush of his lips sent more warmth spilling through her. She tilted her head to an angle that would allow him more access. As she did so, his lips touched her neck again, as though he was taking full advantage of her offering.
This time his kiss wasn’t so gentle. It was hot and demanding and hard. She wanted to shift in the saddle, wrap her arms around him, and mesh her mouth with his.
But he ended the kiss before they could get carried away, which was a good thing since the sounds of town life filtered through her senses: fiddle music and laughter, the rattling of a passing wagon, the thudding of horse hooves, a woman’s distant voice in a heated argument.
Her eyes opened now to find the darkness of night surrounding them, but not as encompassing as it had been on the trail. Not with the light radiating from windows from the structures all along the main street and especially from the lights in the windows of a large and elaborate building in front of their horses. The sign hanging from the post at the base of wooden steps read: The Globe.
“It’s a new hotel, the best in town.” Jackson straightened as he surveyed the rest of the main thoroughfare. Except for a couple other buildings made of clapboard like the Globe, most were constructed of logs. “I know the owner, and I’ll ask him for the best room.”
A flush bloomed inside Sage. She knew exactly what Jackson wanted with the best room, and she wanted it too. But she couldn’t…not tonight.
“Jackson,” she started, her whisper containing a hint of her embarrassment at having to bring up the topic at all.
“Am I moving too fast?” His voice held genuine concern.
She appreciated his consideration, that he’d even ask that.
“We can wait,” he said softly.
His words proved all over again what a kind man he really was and just how much he loved her. In addition, his words only fanned her own love for him…and her desire. But she also didn’t want to have any regrets, especially about Augusta.
Sage brushed her hand over Jackson’s, loving the tautness of each finger splayed over her stomach. “I am worried about what Augusta will think of my marriage to you.”
“She will rejoice in it.”
“Do you think so?”
Jackson hesitated.
It was a moment too long. “You’re worried about her reaction too?”
Jackson was silent, staring straight ahead at the hotel.
At the livery next to the hotel, Pastor Abe had already dismounted and was in the process of speaking with a young man, probably making arrangements to board their horses. No doubt the reverend would be on his way tomorrow to his next destination while she and Jackson continued the search in Lytton for Augusta or for another clue.
“Be honest with me, Jackson.” She brushed a hand over his cheek, loving the fact that she could do so whenever she wanted now. “Should we get Augusta’s blessing first?”
He was silent for a few more seconds, then he spoke gruffly as he began to dismount. “I have your love. That is all the blessing I need.”
“I know Willow will give us her blessing.”
“We shall visit her again just as soon as we return.”
“I would love that.”
“And I shall pay the passage for the rest of your family to immigrate. No arguing with me about it. I shan’t be swayed.”
Without waiting for her response, he lifted her out of the saddle but didn’t set her down and instead cradled her against his chest. As he did so, he bent in and let his lips touch hers in a short but passionate kiss. “I love you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you too.”
