He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “It’s just thunder.”
“I-I know.”
“What’s wrong?” His brows furrowed together trying to figure out what had her so scared.
Her voice muffled against his chest. Did she say she was scared? He tried to make out what she’d said with no success. He rubbed a hand up and down her back trying his best to soothe her.
“Scared of storms.”
“Why?”
She shook her head. White women sure were odd at times. He didn’t understand why she was afraid of thunder. The rain didn’t both her, so this had him scratching his head to figure out. He relaxed with her in his arms, continuing to rub her back. The grip she had on his chest lessened as the moments passed. Thunder cracked in the background. When it did resound, she jumped again.
“Always have been.”
He hugged her close. She’d grown up without a ma or pa, someone to tell her it was okay when it stormed. The reassurance a child needed in times when scary sounds happened. He closed his eyes, listening to the rumble and the rain hitting the tent. It always calmed him. His heart broke for the little girl she’d been. If she needed him to hold her forever until she felt safe, he would.
“You’re safe.”
Those words snapped her out of the daze she’d been in and she shot up with a horrified look on her face. “I’m sorry.”
“What for?”
“I shouldn’t have jumped in your arms like I did.”
He shrugged. “Do I look offended?”
“No, but.”
“But what?”
Her hair fanned around her face and bosom. It was breathtaking. He smoothed his hands through the locks. Soft. If he wasn’t careful, she might pull him under her spell. He didn’t miss the sharp breath she took when he touched her or the way her eyes heated with each touch of his hand.
“It’s not proper.”
If she said this word one more time, he might kiss her until she got it out of her vocabulary. She still thought they were strangers. No. Far from it. She’d nursed him back, touched his chest, and been at his side. He knew when she became worried or the way she pulled her bottom lip in when she wanted to say something but was afraid to. The way her chest rose when he glanced at her. Her cheeks burned red.
“Why is that?” Obadiah rose on his elbow, tilting her head closer to his. He grazed his thumb over her bottom lip, her mouth parting from the motion.
“W-we’re.”
“Married.”
She nodded. He wasn’t holding back anymore. They’d danced around their status for a month now. He cared for her more than anyone else ever. Love, maybe. He didn’t know for sure, but he sure didn’t want to lose her or have her think he didn’t find her attractive. Something cracked between them today when she found the drawing he’d done of her.
He kissed her lips with all he had in him. Thankful she opened to him. Her hands pressed against his chest. His hands in her hair. The sweet taste of cherries on her lips. Every time they kissed that is what he tasted. She’d ruin the fruit for the rest of his life because each time he ate one he’d remember kissing her.
Esther moaned leaning into his chest more. He kissed his way down her neck. The small gasps coming from her made him smile against her neck. “I can’t get enough of your taste.”
“Obadiah,” his name coming out breathy.
Pulling back to look at her. Her lips were swollen from his kiss, head thrown back with her eyes closed. Bliss. The peaceful look on her face. Her mind not thinking for once and he’d give anything to keep her this way. Let their bodies talk.
“Yes.”
“I-I’ve never.”
He smiled, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I know. I’ll be gentle.
“You make me feel safe for the first time.”
Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her on the lips again. He’d do everything in his power to always make her feel safe with him. To never be unworthy of her love or to upset her. He laid her under him ready to seal their marriage and his devotion to her for life.
Chapter Nine
Esther didn’t want to move from the warmth of her husband’s arms. The sun started to sink in the sky, casting a beautiful pink and purple. She moved from his arms, their fingers lingering until the last moment. A smile on her face. Bliss. Is this what love felt like? If it was, she didn’t want it to end. This short time together that she wouldn’t take back for anything.
“Hurry back,” Obadiah called after her. His heated eyes on her. He’d not made a move to start the fire yet. The others in camp worked on their fires.
“I’ll try.” They’d fallen into a rhythm when they made camp at night. He’d start working on the fire as she went to find the smaller limbs. He kept the bigger logs in a bag transporting them to each place they went.
It wouldn’t be much longer and the expedition would be over. Esther was more than ready to get back to town and see where they’d live. See Ruth. She hoped she had been treated well and that her friend got along with her husband. Last night her husband told her about his brother acquiring a baby out of the blue. Ruth always wanted to be a Ma, so she’d enjoy every moment of her new life.
Her gentleness came in handy with the motherly role. If she was being truthful with herself, her heart had begun aching for a little one as well. Maybe seeing her
