Page 20 of Redeeming the Outlaw
Before he could continue, Esther placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. "I don't want to hear it right now," she said softly, pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss. The kiss was filled with longing and tenderness.Was it possible to fall in love with someone after only a few days?
“I just want you to hold me.”
“Of course. I love the feel of you in my arms.”
She dozed until she heard someone call his name softly through the canvas. As Whit pulled away, a shiver ran down her spine, intensifying the weight of the unanswered questions engulfing her in the dark.
For now, Esther found solace in the small moments of connection and clung to the hope perhaps God had not yet fully revealed His plan.
“Lord,” she prayed, “please guide me on this path and show me the way forward. Help me trust in Your plan and find solace in Your love.”
With a heavy sigh, Esther pulled her paletot up to cover her, the coarse fabric offering little comfort against the chill of the night. Turning on her side she folded her hands under her cheek to use as a pillow. It didn’t take long for her fingers to get cold, so she slid her hand under Whit’s blanket. He didn’t need it right now. Her fingers brushed against something hidden in the folds.
Drawing out a small book, she recognized it asBlack Bess, the story Mrs. Arden had loaned her. She had forgotten all about it. How silly she was reading about adventures of outlaws, highwaymen, and young ladies who wanted more from their lives. Tears welled in her eyes as she clutched the book to her chest, the weight of her unspoken dreams pressing down upon her like a leaden shroud.
“Lord,” she whispered through her tears, “please grant me the strength to face whatever lies ahead. Please help me find my way home.”
She woke up as an icy breeze filled the tent, and Whit crawled on the bedroll next to her.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said softly.
“It’s all right. I was lightly sleeping.” She heard Whit chuckle in the dark. “What?”
“I think everyone in the camp heard you snore.”
Giggling, she rolled slightly to look over her shoulder at him. “I do not snore.”
“Uh-huh. Roll back over.”
Esther turned to face the tent wall, snuggling closer. Shefelt Whit put his arm around her in a protective gesture. He did nothing more than keep her warm and protected. His nose rubbed her hair, and he inhaled deeply.
“I missed you today, sweetheart,” he murmured. Exhaustion was thick in his voice.
She listened to his breathing slow down, and she knew he was asleep. Tucking her hand around his, she placed a soft kiss against his fingers.
“I missed you too, Whit,” she whispered in the dark. “Not only today, but every day.” She closed her eyes, savoring this rare moment of closeness before he would inevitably be gone again in the morning.
Chapter Six
Whit slowly opened his eyes to the sight of Esther snuggled against him, her chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. A surge of warmth flooded his heart as he realized how much he cared for her. The way her hair cascaded across the bedroll and the gentle sounds she made while sleeping, made him imagine a lifetime of waking up next to her.
As he pictured their future together, he could see himself surrounded by his close-knit family, gathering around a large table for meals and celebrations. He couldn’t help but wonder if Esther shared the same vision. Growing up in a tumultuous household, he never thought about having children of his own. Seeing Esther’s kind and nurturing nature, he knew she would make a wonderful mother. He made a vow to himself to break the cycle of neglect and be the loving and present father his ownwasn’t.
Four.
He’d like to have four children if they all looked like the woman lying next to him.
He still hadn’t found what the Richards gang was after. They had resorted to stealing livestock and chickens to keep the men fed, but they had yet to uphold their notorious reputation. Except for one thing - kidnapping Esther. They hadn’t physically harmed her, only scaring her and making her work for them. As much as it pained him to admit it, they were almost treating her like a member of their ragtag family.
Esther’s eyelids slowly fluttered open, revealing her large hazel eyes, which always seemed to captivate Whit. He felt a swell of tenderness in his chest as he watched her wake up. He knew now he was falling for her.
As she stirred, she stretched her arms over her head.
“Morning,” she murmured, a sleepy smile forming on her lips.
“Morning,” Whit replied softly, brushing his lips against hers. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did. I feel protected when you are next to me. Will you be leaving again today?” she asked softly, her lips barely touching his.
